Joseph Cortez slowly turned around.

Everyone gasped in unison the moment they saw his face.

His eyes were swollen and red like walnuts, bulging prominently.

Though he still stood with his hands behind his back, trying to maintain an air of dignity, his swollen, distorted face was almost unrecognizable.

Evelyn Ross was also stunned.

Though disfigured, the face held a faint sense of familiarity.

It looked very much like her master.

No, that couldn't be...

Charles Cortez cried out in shock. "B-big brother? Sect Leader?"

Mrs. Evans was also taken aback, her tone softening unconsciously. "What happened to you...?"

Sect Leader Cortez touched his own face.

Not only were his eyes swollen, but prolonged crying had also caused red rashes to cover his cheeks. His entire face was a dreadful sight.

Sect Leader Cortez cleared his throat softly. "Mrs. Evans, I am indeed unwell. My apologies for the neglect."

Mrs. Evans was momentarily speechless, finding it hard to press about his earlier attitude. She only asked, "What's wrong with your eyes?"

"It's nothing. Just an inflammation."

Joseph Cortez sighed quietly.

Charles Cortez said urgently, "Sect Leader, you must take care of your health! How could you let it get this bad without seeing a doctor? I'll accompany you to the hospital later!"

"Not necessary." Joseph Cortez knew perfectly well his eyes were swollen from crying. A few days of warm compresses would help.

Provided... he stopped crying.

But how was that possible?

Like right now...

Charles Cortez frowned deeply. "How can you be so careless with your health? If I, your second brother, can't make you listen, surely the First Senior Sister can? She's returning in a few days. She'll be worried if she sees you like this... Big brother, why are you crying again?"

Joseph Cortez: "It's fine... sob... My eyes tear up in the wind... They're so swollen I can barely see... Mrs. Evans, please forgive me..."

Mrs. Evans: "..."

She suddenly felt like a villain bullying the weak and sick. Joseph Cortez was this ill. How could she continue demanding accountability?

She pursed her lips and looked at Justin Evans. "What do you think?"

Justin Evans smirked. "Mom, even if we handle this quietly, at least make Grace apologize to me! I need to feel her sincere remorse!"

Mrs. Evans looked at Joseph Cortez. "Sect Leader Cortez, is this request too much?"

Sect Leader Cortez immediately agreed. "Not too much, not too much at all..."

He squinted his swollen eyes, scanning the people present.

His vision was blurry, only making out a few silhouettes. One was Charles Cortez, recognizable by his build.

Another should be that kid Ethan Valentine.

Then the remaining ones must be...

Joseph Cortez looked at Kiki Cortez. "It's you, the Outer Disciple, right? Come here and apologize to Mrs. Evans and Young Master Evans!"

Everyone: "..."

Kiki Cortez laughed. "Uncle Sect Leader, it's me, Kiki!"

"Ah! Kiki!" Sect Leader Cortez then turned his gaze to the figure beside Kiki and paused slightly.

This silhouette... why did it look so much like his little disciple?

Sob...

He must be missing her too much, seeing her in everyone!

Joseph Cortez's tears fell uncontrollably again. He spoke with a sob. "That Outer Disciple, come here and apologize."

Evelyn Ross: "..."

She stepped forward, walking to Mrs. Evans and Justin Evans. She said calmly, "I'm sorry."

Justin Evans sneered. "What did you say? I can't hear you! Speak louder!"

Evelyn Ross blinked. "Justin, are you hard of hearing at such a young age? How pitiful. Should I recommend a doctor?"

Justin Evans: ?

He flew into a rage. "Is this your attitude when apologizing?"

Evelyn Ross's eyes turned cold. Just as she was about to speak, Joseph Cortez cut in first. "Enough. Know your limits. Justin, as a Registered Disciple, losing to an Outer Disciple is shameful. As Sect Leader, I have a duty to teach you. Starting today, practice all the Cortez Sect martial arts once daily at home!"

Justin Evans was stunned. "All Cortez Sect martial arts? Every day? All of them?"

The Cortez family had several sets of fist techniques, plus sword forms and other martial moves. Practicing them all would take the entire day without rest!

Joseph Cortez nodded. "Correct. We can't have rumors spreading again that Cortez Sect's Registered Disciples are all useless."

Justin Evans: "..."

Mrs. Evans snorted coldly. "Sect Leader Cortez, today I've truly witnessed the Cortez Sect's impartial enforcement! Your favoritism is quite obvious!"

"Just a small matter, a very small matter!" Joseph Cortez sighed. "Mrs. Evans, I have no choice. Your son is a Registered Disciple, but Grace is the daughter of the Third Master Valentine. I believe you wouldn't want a real falling out either, would you?"

Mrs. Evans snorted coldly, stood up abruptly, and glared viciously at Evelyn Ross. "Don't think this is over! Watch your step. Don't fall into my hands!"

With that, she left with Justin Evans in a huff.

Joseph Cortez breathed a sigh of relief and looked in Charles Cortez's direction. "Second Brother, my eyes are really uncomfortable today. Can we postpone the disciple acceptance until tomorrow? We should at least give Mrs. Evans some face. We can't immediately reward her with Registered Disciple status right after she leaves, without any additional punishment. Let's wait a day."

Charles Cortez nodded. "Alright, Big Brother. You've worked hard."

"Not hard at all."

Joseph Cortez waved his hand and slowly left with support.

Evelyn Ross watched his retreating figure. The more she looked, the more familiar he seemed. She suddenly looked at Ethan Valentine. "Do you have a photo of the Sect Leader?"

"Yes!"

"Let me see it."

"Okay."

Charles Cortez took out his phone, opened a photo with the Sect Leader, and handed it to Evelyn Ross.