Everyone watched in stunned silence, wondering what could have caused Bai Jin to slap Wang Ba across the face. Although Bai Jin was the sect master and Wang Ba a mere elder, the two had worked closely together ever since Bai Jin had assumed leadership of the Heavenly Origin Sect.0

Wang Ba stood frozen, his hand clutching his reddened cheek as tears welled up and rolled down his face. For a dignified elder like him, being slapped in public was a humiliation of the highest order.0

"S-Sect Master…you…you slapped me?!" Wang Ba stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief. He was at a loss, unable to comprehend what mistake had earned him such a harsh punishment. After all, the other elders had also examined the spiritual arrays and ghost runes. So why was the blame falling solely on him?0

Bai Jin had a hint of regret flashing across his eyes. The slap was delivered in a moment of rage without any forethought.0

"Elder Wang, don't take it to heart. The sect master only acted in a fit of anger," the other two elders stepped forward to comfort Wang Ba. After all, an internal conflict would be disastrous at this moment.0

However, the Heavenly Origin Sect was no longer the united force it once appeared to be. Liu Wuxie had successfully sown discord among its ranks during...0