Gu Ling issued a cold harrumph, and although it wasn’t loud, the entire hall seemed to fall into an eternal icy abyss. 

A thin film of sweat dotted Lin Shen’s forehead.

“I also heard that the outer sect disciples have been spreading rumors that Huang Xiaolong got second place because he cheated.” Gu Ling added.

Sweat began to trickle down Lin Shen’s forehead. He naturally knew of the rumors being spread outside, for it was something he allowed.

The hall became so silent one could hear a needle fall on the ground.

After a few minutes of heavy silence, Gu Ling spoke again, “Take out your allowance for this month, it shall be given to Huang Xiaolong as compensation. The same goes for Huang Xiaoming, Jiang Yan, and the other Elders related to this matter.” Gu Ling made a deliberate paused before asking, “Do you have any complaints?”

“This...