B2 - Chapter 7: Elder From the Inner Court

B2 - Chapter 7: Elder From the Inner Court

There wasn’t much of a wait needed before the Inner Court Elder arrived. Still, it was long enough to realize that he needed to question whatever Zheng Tao told him if it wasn’t also confirmed by a manual.

That mainly included information about the sect. It was not too much of a headache, but enough to add another reason Zheng Tao would die a painful death.

“Bow,” Elder Meng ordered.

William glimpsed someone rapidly flying toward them before he followed Elder Meng in a bow.

It wasn't something the newcomer appreciated.

“This isn’t the time for formalities. Rise,” a gravely voice thundered.

[Name: ? | Level: ?]

He did so and flinched when he was met with a piercing gaze. The Inner Court Elder was clad in robes that seemed to be just below the Grand Elder’s in impressiveness, but unlike the unfairly pretty man that was the Grand Elder, this one seemed weathered by life. Like he had seen far too much to smile casually, and that was only backed up by the scars and marks that appeared to be a leftover from old battles.

Out of everyone William had the pleasure of meeting, the Inner Court Elder was the only one that looked like a veteran warrior.

“Meng Hui, report.”

“Yes, Elder Zhongli!” Elder Meng said with a quick bow, “Two trespassers were found. One was killed by Disciple Wei, and one is alive but in a critical state. Disciple Wei has claimed that an Outer Court disciple named Zheng Tao has defected from the sect while also attempting, but failing, to steal some Soul Lotuses.”

“Steal?” Elder Zhongli hummed, eyes meeting William’s, “I suppose it was you he planned to make use of. Elder Yu informed us about your increased level of access.”

“Yes, Elder Zhongli,” Elder Meng said, almost gleefully, “Elder Yu has to answer for the danger she invited by doing this.”

Elder Zhongli’s answering glare was so harsh that even though William was not the target, he had to stop himself from cowering in fear when it felt like a sharp sword was threatening to split him in half.

“So this is why you didn’t bring Disciple Wei and his attendant back to safety behind the sect walls. You put your petty internal competition over the good of the sect.”

Elder Meng paled as he tried to stammer out excuses, but was stopped with another harsh glare.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.

“I will deal with you later, Meng Hui,” Elder Zhongli’s glare lessened when he turned to look at William, “Do you have anything to add?”

This would have been a great time to bring up the group that Zheng Tao defected to used people as cultivation tools, but as much as he wanted to put Elder Meng in a worse standing with someone who was obviously feared, he still had to consider the fact that the man was an Elder.

As much as William didn’t like him, and his feelings were screaming for him to forget about common sense, he and Elder Meng might cross paths in the sect again. There was no need to make any enemies when it wasn’t necessary. At least, not so obviously.

He was aware of Mei Lingxi stiffening in shock beside him. She likely hadn’t believed his claim of them using people, and he could understand that. It was hard to believe if one hadn’t witnessed it happen.

“Soul-absorption techniques,” Elder Zhongli spat, “I never thought they would be seen inside the Empire’s borders again.”

“It’s not too surprising,” the Grand Elder commented with a frown, “With the Kingdoms testing the borders, the Empire can’t focus the same attention on rooting out the savages.”

“This is the thanks the Kingdoms give for letting them be independent. We should have extinguished them when it was an option,” Elder Zhongli snarled before meeting William’s gaze, “And you, why did you not tell me this before? Do I seem untrustworthy to you?”

He was glad to take the additional opportunity to point this ire toward Elder Meng.

“Not at all, Elder Zhongli,” William shook his head empathically, “I mentioned it to Elder Meng, but he brushed it off. I wasn’t sure if that meant I should keep it quiet.”

“Is that so?” Elder Zhongli glowered before disappearing.

“Quite a little troublemaker, aren’t you?” The Grand Elder chuckled, “Even I feel sorry for Meng Hui.”

He winced, not having expected to be called out so directly. At least the Grand Elder didn’t seem to mind.

“Leaving that aside, I have one last question for you, Disciple Wei. Elder Zhongli informed me that you were someone they targeted for your ability to access a Soul Lotus. Do you think they had another motive?”

“Yes,” William confirmed immediately, “Zheng Tao mentioned that he wanted to use my potential to grow his own.”

“I see. But there was no other reason?”

After he nodded, the Grand Elder seemed to be more relaxed.

“Good! This means they weren’t targeting you specifically. Those savages have always had a shortage of alchemists, and with the traitor joining them, they will do everything to raise his cultivation, even if it’s to sacrifice one with far greater talent in combat.”

“Is that why those two Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators were sacrificed?” William asked.

“That’s one of the reasons,” the Grand Elder nodded, “The other is that those two likely reached the end of their cultivation paths. Their talent is poor, so they were relegated to sacrificial pawns.”

He almost felt sorry for them, but he only felt pity for humans. Not the demonic filth that the men chose to be. Being left to die was their own fault.

“That’s all I needed from you, Disciple Wei,” the Grand Elder said brightly, “I could return you to your dwelling, but how about a tour of the Inner Court instead?”

William’s eyes lit up as he nodded eagerly.

The Grand Elder laughed and said, “Follow. I’ll show you the true Jade Healing Sect!”