บท 52: Elder Zhou
At the sect meeting, most of the core elders had already arrived and were seated along a long table. The grand elders sat next to the sect leader, while the rest took their seats according to their factions.
"Ah, Elder Zhou! We were just talking about you," greeted one of the core elders as I entered.
"Greetings to the sect leader. I apologize for being late," I replied with a slight bow to Sect Leader Jin Jinjing, whom I had known for more than a millennium.
"Not at all, you're just on time," Sect Leader Jinjing said kindly, gesturing for me to take a seat.
"He~y," Then, my 'teacher', who appeared to be no older than 13 or 14 years of age despite being over a thousand times older, called out to me, "Disciple come here!"
'As usual, he has no consideration for others,' I thought to myself as I settled into the seat next to my teacher. Age was an obsolete concept for him as a Dao realm expert, and even this body I saw before me was nothing more than a clone – albeit an exceptionally special one. His true self existed 'outside'.
I had known him for more than a millennium. Back then, he was at the peak of the immortal step. Shortly after our meeting, he had reached the 'Dao Realm'. While I had come to understand him a lot more over the years, yet even now, I cannot figure out what lies beneath that smile of his.
"Hm? Disciple, what are you thinking about right now?" my teacher asked with his usual cheerful yet slightly creepy smile.
"I was just thinking about how lacking in tact you are, Teacher," I replied bluntly.
Upon hearing my response, Grand Elder Ling, who was sitting to the left of my teacher, slammed the table. His body seemed as sturdy as the mountains, and his casual slam caused the table, made from crystals grown on the Abyssal Lotus Turtle's back, to shake and even bend slightly.
"Pfft... Elder Huang! Your disciple never fails to amaze me, haha!" one elder exclaimed.
"Haha, that's right! He never leaves me unamused, haha~" another elder chimed in.
Both of the grand elders burst into laughter, while the rest of the assembly looked at them with tired expressions, clearly accustomed to the antics of these troublemakers in the sect.
"You two... we're in the presence of the sect leader..." The masked Grand Elder Tang finally interrupted the jovial exchange.
...
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...
The meeting continued, with the elders discussing various subjects such as accommodations for new disciples and disciplinary actions against certain individuals. Finally, the time came for elders to bring up their own discussions with the sect leader and the grand elders.
Amid the murmurs of the elders, I raised my hand, and all eyes turned towards me. It was only natural, given my reputation as the Iron Blooded Elder, known for his ruthlessness against traitors and threats to the sect.
One of the elders muttered, her eyes sharp and attentive, "Have any new opposing forces appeared?"
Another responded, "None that I know of."
"Hmm... perhaps some 'rats'?" Some elders continued their discussions while others cast wary glances in my direction. Still, I remained unfazed by their reactions.
"Speak up, Elder Zhou," Sect Leader Jinjing granted me permission to address the assembly.
"I would like to request permission to leave the sect for a Dao pilgrimage," I announced. All eyes shifted from me to my teacher, who simply smiled, indicating he had no prior knowledge of this.
"Hmm... Elder Zhou, you have made significant contributions to the sect, and for that reason, I won't oppose your decision. However, I do request that you share your reasons with everyone," Sect Leader Jinjing swiftly intervened, preventing potential arguments or discussions from arising.
"Yes..." With a calm demeanor, I elaborated, "I've encountered a significant obstacle in my cultivation. I can feel my progress being hindered, and I believe that embarking on a Dao pilgrimage will help me deepen my understanding of the Dao."
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"Sect Leader," after the majority of the elders had left the meeting hall, Elder Zhou approached her.
"Elder Zhou?" Sect Leader Jinjing responded with a hint of curiosity in her gaze.
Elder Zhou then brought out a spatial ring and handed it over to the sect leader. "These documents contain information from my recent investigation. You'll find details about some of the individuals causing trouble within the sect."
Upon hearing this, Jinjing's brows furrowed. "Now you're shifting your responsibilities onto me..."
"That work was never mine to begin with, it was the sect leader who assigned it to me," Elder Zhou responded matter-of-factly.
Jin Jinjing let out an exasperated sigh. "You..." She narrowed her eyes, directing a stern glare at Elder Zhou before relenting. "Fine... Just take care of yourself, okay?"
Elder Zhou nodded in acknowledgment, "Yes." A slight, barely noticeable smile appeared on his face
Jin Jinjing felt content looking at this rare sight, 'This is the Sixth one this year, isn't it? quite an improvement from before...'
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