Chapter 274: A Padded Cell
Before us stands a young-looking man, appearing just slightly young than myself. Covered in obviously high-quality clothes, it is clear he holds a high position in the sect.
With a subtle smile on his face, he gives a bow to me, and I do the same to him. The best guess I have to his position is that he may be a servant to one of the elders.
Making his position just under mine and above even the inner court members. A near equal to core disciples in this hierarchy.
As the caravan has now stopped, people are looking out of the carriages to view whats happening up front.
Hello Core Disciple Delinion. I am Lao Na, servant of Patriarch Tao. I apologizing for interrupting you and your followers journey to the Halls of Exalted Purity.
The man speaks directly to me, while still acknowledging the others. A courtesy in that reinforces my assumption that he is an elders sect servant. Cautiously respectful, even when technically above others in authority.
Thats the life of a sect servant. As you never know when something may radically change.
He continues.
As you might have already realized, something of great importance has come up which will require the Patriarch to talk with you about. Once you have everything settled with your team here, I can take you straight to him.
As everyone has been listening intently, a large amount of muttering erupts from the group. Mostly on a positive bent, as it would have been clear if I displeased someone of an elder or higher status with a person like me. The acknowledgement of status and apologies to me is showing face and respect.
Meaning that whatever is happening is not a bad thing.
They are presenting it to be that way, at least.
Im sure the Patriarch is simply hedging his bets. Ive done far too many crazy things lately to not have had his attention. He probably doesnt want to cause issues if Im and who may be backing me is important.
So, my job is to focus on that aspect.
Dont give everything away.
With that thought in mind, I look at him with a serious look.
I understand. If you could give me a just a moment, Ill be able to go with you.
He gives a nod before stepping back, giving us metaphorical space.
So instead of going deeper with my scan, I continue following Lao Na, who leads me ever closer to the center of this formation.
As we are walking quite a distance in this cave, the only thing I can think of is why he didnt teleport us closer. Though, with all these formations nearby, Im sure there might be some restrictions.
Either way, we eventually reach a small distance away from the elevated platform.
A rectangular slab sits in front of us and is slightly hovering above the formations. Lao Na carefully steps on it and indicates for me to do the same. As soon as I follow their lead, it lifts in the air and towards the platform.
With the lift shrinking the distance to the platform, I can see a bit more about it.
It honestly is just a large platform, with a square building in the center. Theres a decent amount of floor space between the edges and the building walls, so it gives the impression of there being a use to it.
My temporary companion speaks up at this point to explain the situation.
Core Disciple Delinion, from here we will need you to go into the containment room on this platform. The Patriarch was planning on meeting you there in the first place, but seems to be engaged at the moment.
Why do I feel that a certain master of mine is involved with that?
Probably an attempt to save me from potential impending doom, but definitely prolonging my stay in this terrifying area.
Lao Na continues uninterrupted.
In the meantime, I can serve you tea and other goods while answering questions you may have.
While he says that in a calm and kind sounding manner, I can tell that there is no bridge in his words for other options.
I am staying here. Him providing some courtesies while here is just that, a courtesy.
As we transition from the slab to the platform, we head straight to an open doorway, one which remains open but gives a closed feeling the moment we step through.
Air is traveling through this building, but without a doubt, they locked this area down.
It is at this time, that he invites me to sit at a table sitting in the middle of the room. He brings over some high-quality tea from somewhere in his coat, before taking a seat at the table as well. Theres a slight pause from him before I hear him speak back up.
So. What do you want to know?