~~In A Small Meeting Hall~~
Yang Kai was seated in the Palace Master's chair, with Hua Qing Si standing towards the left and front of him. I was seated in a chair placed just off to the right and slightly forward of Yang Kai's. The reason my seat had been moved was due to the nature of this particular meeting. Out in front of the three of us stood the Elder in question. He faced us with an odd amount of determination.
First off, the resources he stole weren't all that expensive. Especially when considering that he was an Elder of High Heaven Palace. The fact he went through the trouble of stealing, risking his actions to be found, is intriguing in its own right. Hence why I wanted to be the one to determine the punishment.
"Elder Dan reports to the Palace Master." Elder Dan said, cupping his hands and bowing. He looked around the room and noticed that there were no other available chairs. "So, this is not a good thing to be called here this time." He thought.
"Good, Elder Dan, do you know why I've summoned you here this time?" Yang Kai asked, with an imposing glare.
"I might have an idea. But I would like to ask the Palace Master to let me explain the matter first, before passing judgment." Elder Dan said, without shaking.
"Oh? Explain it then. I'm curious. What drove you to steal from my High Heaven Palace's treasures?" Yang Kai said, narrowing his eyes. "Don't leave anything out." He added.
"Yes, It's like this... My son and my father were killed in the last war. All I have left is my great grandson. Even his mother wasn't sparred. She had been ill for some time and succumbed to the embrace of death. However, my grandson, however, can't cultivate. And I fear there will be no match for him in this world. But buying those resources would have made the disciples think I was opening my doors again. And could be seen as going against my words. I couldn't do such a thing, but I also couldn't leave my grandson in such a state..." Elder Dan explained.
"I see, that's enough explanation Elder Dan. Instead of continuing, answer me this, Are you averse to your Grandson not being able to cultivate? Or are you averse to the idea of the bloodline dying out?" I asked. "Be careful about the answer you choose. Only one is possible now that your grandson is above the age of 20." I added.
"Palace Master? Is this young man?" Elder Dan asked.
"He is my son. And he is also a Great Emperor of Star Boundary. You should answer his questions. I have left the decision of this matter up to him. So show him some respect. To some extent one could get in trouble if they don't show a greater respect to him than myself. Consider yourself warned." Yang Kai said quickly.
"Forgive me, I meant no disrespect to the Young Palace Master." Elder Dan rushed to respond.
"No matter, I'll consider it a small blunder and let it become nothing. I'd prefer an answer now, instead of an apology anyways." I said, raising my hand, as if to wave the affront off.
"Since my grandson is already past the age to cultivate, I'd like him to at least continue the bloodline. That would be the best result this one could hope for." Elder Dan answered. "This Young Palace is quite different from other Young Masters. I can hardly believe it. The air around him is calm and yet domineering at the same time. What am I thinking, it's rude to even compare." He thought, accidentally shaking his head.
"I see, since this is the case. I'll hand out your punishment. First, you'll pay back the price of things you took, either in open heaven pills or lesser forms of payment, but the sum must be returned. Second, I am ordering you to go and draft a plan to incentivize the Disciples to travel to a new city, Night-Love City. There is a place there that will help even your son find a partner. Come up with a system that will not hinder the disciples' growth, nor the Palace's activities. And third, you will work to establish a school to accept children and help develop their abilities." I said, handing out the verdict.
"This one humbly accepts the Young Palace Master's merciful judgment." Elder Dan said. "I do have one question though. Might I be so bold to ask, if a school is established then wouldn't that increase the load on our resources? Should we not only take in disciples with a great deal of potential?" He asked.
"There won't be a need to worry about things like that. If resources are a problem, that's something for this prince to solve. But if it will help ease your worries, I already have a few plans on how to deal with that issue. In short the Cave Heaven Paradises are going to be in for a big surprise later when I make that proposition. But we have about 10 years before that becomes a topic of worry. I only need you to focus on your responsibilities." I explained, in a slightly irritated tone.
"I see, forgive me for having asked a question I have no need to know the answer for. It was irreverent of me." Elder Dan said, cupping his hands bowing, to show his resolve of apology.
"Good, you may go. Don't forget today's discussion. And remember, how good my Son is." Yang Kai said, with a proud smirk on his face.
"Understood, Palace Master, this Dan will take his leave. And thanks the Palace Master and Young Palace Master for being magnanimous and merciful." Elder Dan said, bowing deeply and leaving the room.
"That was great work, Young Palace Master. Who would have thought you'd get someone to work on a plan like that so quickly. A merciful judgment was a good idea." Hua Qing Si expressed her admiration.
"It wasn't too hard. I went into this knowing the history of Star Boundary. A merciful judgment was bound to come about. But for a thing like theft, it's best to put on a small show. He won't dare to steal again." I explained.