Over 500 disciples, under the lead of the Seventh Elder, were riding the Griffins rapidly heading back to Gale Island.
Along the way, the Seventh Elder looked very upset and uneasy because, among over 1,000 Inner Disciples, more than a half of them were killed during the test.
As the Inner Disciples represented the future of Gale Island, the elders had spent countless time and resources on them. A loss of this magnitude was, therefore, unacceptable.
A loss of this magnitude will definitely incur the wrath of the Gale Island owner and the various elders.
Looking at Su Mo, the Seventh Elder found him sitting cross-legged quietly, which further angered him.
After a while, the Seventh Elder calmed down. He thought, "Su Mo will not be able to escape punishment any longer. He will be punished upon our return to Gale Island!"
Although killing was condoned in the Qinghua Rift, it should still be kept within an acceptable range. Su Mo was feeling helpless, for he obviously went beyond that range.
In the end, things would mend. He knew there wasn't any use in worrying, so he sat down and continued to refine his genuine Qi.
Six hours later, the Griffins returned and landed at the Inner Square.
"Elder Meng Han, gather the island owner, elders groups, and all the elders, then head to the Great Hall immediately!"
After instructing the invigilating elder, the Seventh Elder then looked at Su Mo and said coldly, "You're coming to the Great Hall with me!"
Then, he and Su Mo walked towards the Great Hall.
The invigilating elder, Meng Han, smiled coldly from behind Su Mo. "No matter how powerful he is, he's destined to die today."
Then, he flew away.
"Let's witness how Su Mo will be punished by the Sect!"
"Agree! We can also use this chance to retrieve our storage pouches!"
"Su Mo, you won't get away this time!"
A crowd of Inner Disciples smiled coldly and flew to the hall. Every one of them wanted to witness how the Sect would judge Su Mo.
Soon, Su Mo and the Seventh Elder arrived at the Great Hall.
This hall was extremely grand and was also where the board of Gale Island discussed matters of importance. The main seat was placed high above, overlooking the entire area.
There were also tens of fine sandalwood chairs placed on each side below.
For now, the hall remained empty. After arriving with Su Mo, the Seventh Elder, without any expression, took a seat in one of the chairs.
Su Mo did not talk at all, for he knew that whatever he said would be all in vain. The issue now was how to get away from sect's punishment.
After a little while, a shrill sound rose up outside the hall, and two elders arrived together with an incredible aura.
"Seventh Elder, what has happened?"
They stepped into the hall, glanced at Su Mo and then asked the Seventh Elder.
"Sixth Elder and Eighth Elder, wait a minute, please. I'll tell you the full details soon!" said the Seventh Elder.
They nodded and sat down on their respective seats.
Soon, another six elders arrived, namely the Second Elder, the Third Elder, the Fourth Elder, the Fifth Elder, the Ninth Elder, and the Tenth Elder.
They were all part of the elders group, which totaled ten members. As the main administration of Gale Island, the elders group assisted the island owner to govern Gale Island and as such, they enjoyed considerable authority.
As the crowd was waiting, a skinny grey-haired elder in a grey robe arrived at the hall.
"First Elder!"
Upon seeing the skinny elder, the nine other elders greeted him.
This skinny elder was the First Elder of Inner Gate, the leader of the elders group.
The First Elder nodded slightly to acknowledge the crowd and walked towards his chair without saying a word.
Su Mo stood in the Great Hall with his brow furrowed. Now that all the elders had arrived, the situation did not look good.
Many Inner Disciples and inner elders gathered outside the Great Hall, and Meng Han was among them.
After a little while, the crowd heard the heavy sound of footsteps approaching the Great Hall.
Su Mo then turned his head. "Could that be the of Gale Island owner?"
Rumor had it that Gale Island owner had crossed over from the True Spirit Realm to enter the Enlightenment Realm. Su Mo was very curious to see what someone who had entered the Enlightenment Realm looked like.
Then, a tall figure emerged.
This was a handsome young man who carried himself with an aristocratic air. He had a commanding presence, and his eyes were cold and proud, indifferent to all around him.
"Duan Jingtian!"
Seeing him, Su Mo had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Seated elders, the Island owner ordered me to preside over this trial. Would you consent?"
He delivered his request with a bow.
"As the future owner of Gale Island, you hold the same authority as the current owner. I have no objections!" said the First Elder.
"Neither do we!"
The remaining elders all nodded in agreement, regardless of whether they were supporters of Duan Jingtian.
Su Mo's heart sank, for the people he killed were all members of the Sky Alliance. "Now, for Duan Jingtian to preside over the trial? What a farce!"
Duan Jingtian couldn't wait for him to die. How would he grant him a fair trial?
Now that all of the elders were all supportive of Duan Jingtian presiding over the trial, as an ordinary Inner Disciple, Su Mo was not at liberty to object. Especially since he had indeed killed those Sky Alliance members.
"Thanks for the support!"
Seeing this, Duan Jingtian smiled and clasped his fist in salute.
Then, he slowly walked towards the main seat.
He glanced coldly at Su Mo and then looked towards the Seventh Elder, "Seventh Elder, please inform us of the details of this incident!"
The Seventh Elder nodded and proceeded to recount the happenings of the trial test.
"What?"
"How could that be?"
"That's preposterous!"
Upon hearing Seventh Elder's words, the seven other elders were incensed.
Bam!
With a loud slam, the Third Elder smashed the arm of the sandalwood chair next to him into pieces.
"You must be the devil's spawn to be able to kill without batting an eye! There is no doubt that this is the work of the devil. He deserves to die!"
The Third Elder glared daggers at Su Mo, as he lashed out in anger.
"I agree! This trial is just a waste of time. He should be sentenced to death immediately!" added the Tenth Elder coldly.
"I agree!"
"So do I."
The Fifth Elder and the Sixth Elder chimed in.
The rest of elders, including Seventh Elder, remained silent.
Hearing this, Duan Jingtian nodded and said coldly, "Since you have all spoken, Su Mo shall be executed immediately as a warning to others."
His words echoed in the hall.
Just a few words from him meant the death of Su Mo.