Hearing the loud clattering sound, those in the inner reception room immediately came out to see what had caused such a noise.
Lin Xiaoyan was the first one to come out, and his face went as pale as a ghost when he saw Jiang Yichen standing there, looking down at a pile of broken shards of what used to be the ghost Raven's statue.
"Wuying's statue!" Yan Ruyi exclaimed with a shrill cry when she came out of the reception. "It was one of our family's precious heirlooms."
"I just wanted to take a look at it." Jiang Yichen offered a feeble excuse. "But why would a supposed precious heirloom be this fragile?" He bemused aloud.
"You brat!" Lin Xiaoyan yelled, startling almost everyone that was present, including Jiang Yichen, but Jiang Yichen quickly recovered and gave a carefree shrug as a response.
"We need to talk. Come here." Lin Xiaoyan angrily marched towards Jiang Yichen.
Jiang Yichen dodged Lin Xiaoyan's approach, darting away with a mocking grin plastered on his face, taunting Lin Xiaoyan as he retreated.
"Yichen!" Lin Xiaoyan called out, while continuing to chase him, but the younger man paid no heed to him and continued to avoid him, playfully skipping away.
"Gather all the pieces." Yan Ruyi ordered, "I'll have to put them back together."
"Yes, my lady." Her maidservants said in unison and began picking up the pieces.
Shortly after, Mingyu came into the the training hall, and was met with the sight of the maidens from the Yan family tidying up the floor which was littered with ceramic shards.
Mingyu's gaze travelled around, in search of Jiang Yichen, but his eyes landed on Lin Xiaowei who also happened to be looking his way.
A wide grin appeared on Lin Xiaowei's face, and he left their guest, running to Mingyu's side in excitement to deliver the gist.
"Jeez." He exclaimed once he reached Mingyu. "This is the work of your young master." he said, pointing towards the the busy ladies.
So that is how he saved me? By breaking the statue? Mingyu wondered.
"Gosh, that kid." Lin Xiaowei continued, like he were referring a naughty five-year old kid. "Last year, he broke off his engagement with the Yan family. This time, he broke their precious heirloom. Who knows what he is going to break next."
"Engagement?" Mingyu asked.
"Yes." Lin Xiaowei nodded. "He, and Yan Ruyi were supposed to be wedded, but he called off the wedding."
Lin Xiaowei let out an exaggerated sigh. "He has gotten kicked out twelve times, by twelve different masters. He has broken off a wedding, and now, an heirloom. What a disaster." He said, and faced Mingyu, reaching out to pat his head. "What are you going to do about him?"
Mingyu dodged Lin Xiaowei's hand, almost glaring at Lin Xiaowei in the process. "Where is he now?"
"He made the leader run after him for a while." Lin Xiaowei answered. "But he has been caught, and I don't think the leader will let him off with just a simple warning. He would have to face a severe punishment this time."
"How severe?" Mingyu found himself asking, his voice laced with worry.
Lin Xiaowei took Mingyu to the grounds outside of the Training center, where a number of people had gathered.
Jiang Yichen was kneeling on the cold ground, and behind him stood two men, each holding a rod.
The authorities of Jiinxing stood atop of the stairs leading to the back entrance of the Training halls, looking down at the unrepentant youngster.
Lin Xiaowei led Mingyu to the side, where Feng Zhenyu was standing, and the three of them watched how things unfolded from the sidelines.
"I sent you to the Shao sect, and you were kicked out in less than six months!" Lin Xiaoyan yelled at the top of his voice. "What reason do you even have for coming here tonight?"
Jiang Yichen's answer was quick, that it seemed as though he had already practiced his response beforehand.
"I heard you were troubled by the news of me being kicked out once again, so I came with the intention to apologize."
"Is this how you apologize!" Lin Xiaoyan's voice thundered, and he stepped forward, only to clutch at his chest in exasperation in the next moment, coughing a little.
Wen Ting immediately went to his side, intending to aid him, but Lin Xiaoyan slightly raised his hand, silently telling him he was okay, while his gaze continued to bore into Jiang Yichen's figure.
"Why then, did you break the statue?" He questioned.
"I was fascinated by it, and just wanted to take a look at it, but it slipped out of my hands." Jiang Yichen lied without batting an eye, and in an accusatory tone, said, "This wouldn't have happened if you had broken my seal, and taught me how to perform spells."
"Jiang Yichen!" Lin Xiaoyan yelled Jiang Yichen's name for the umpteenth time that night.
That was the moment that Wen Ting chose to deliver a message about something he had found out, to Lin Xiaoyan. "Jiang Yichen also tampered with the Lingsi chamber's secret lock. It is damaged and no longer works."
Jiang Yichen's face turned as pale as a ghost on hearing Wen Ting's words. You snitch! He almost said aloud, but managed to hold himself back.
"He must have done that on purpose." Master Zhang sneered in displeasure. "What a rebellious youngster."
"I won't let it slide this time around." Lin Xiaoyan said, his anger heightened by the new information he just received. "Until I say otherwise, I forbid Jiang Yichen from moving or talking." After issuing the order, he then pointed a finger at Jiang Yichen. "Repent."
Huffing indignantly, Lin Xiaoyan then turned around and left, followed by the other authorities, leaving Jiang Yichen, the guards that were watching him, and the few onlookers, behind.
Mingyu's gaze was fixed on Jiang Yichen's side profile, and he let out a sigh in relief of Jiang Yichen's punishment not being as severe as he had expected.
Feng Zhenyu heard Mingyu's sigh, and took it has him being worried for his dear young master. With a slight hesitation in his voice, he said, "Do not worry. The leader won't punish him for too long."
Mingyu faced Feng Zhenyu, and he nodded as he gave a tight-lipped smile.
"But it's very cold tonight." Lin Xiaowei butted in. "The last time he was punished all night long, he fell severely ill. I'm afraid for him as he might fall ill this time as well, especially since his spiritual core, which is supposed to protect him, is sealed."
"Then remove the seal that has been placed on him." Mingyu deadpanned.
"He desperately wants it." Mingyu continued to speak with his gaze darting between Feng Zhenyu and Lin Xiaowei. "You both are his friends, aren't you?"
Lin Xiaowei gave Feng Zhenyu a look of helplessness, not knowing how to respond to that.
Feng Zhenyu took it upon himself to explain. "We are too weak to do that. Besides, no one in Jinxing…" he paused briefly to correct his statement. "No one in Huayang is allowed to do that."
Mingyu looked away from the two young masters and returned his gaze to Jiang Yichen. "This punishment must be nothing to him, then." He muttered to himself, not minding that they could hear him. "After all, he has been punished throughout his lifetime already."
Mingyu sighed once more, and at that moment, he came to a decision.