novelzi Chapter 285 Meeting with the Elders.
Chapter 285 Meeting with the Elders.
In the Grand Elder Hall...
The peak chief and the five main elders of Grand Elder Peak were in the midst of a meeting.
Each elder held a cup of tea and a saucer.
They were even seated on ornate wooden chairs fit for royalty.
The only one standing was He Dongmei.
Though Yang Wei had officially made her an elder, and possibly the highest-ranked among them, she preferred to stand behind her Big Brother.
It was clear why... every person in the room exuded such powerful presence that the air practically trembled. He Dongmei had to regulate her breathing; she was still at the 8th level of the Mortal Realm, while the others were Core Formation Daoist masters!
Only Patriarch Bloodflame, a Nascent Soul Daoist master, and Yang Wei with his celestial gold core emitted stronger auras.
Yang Wei intentionally suppressed his full aura, not wanting to reveal the true extent of his inheritance. If he unleashed his Blood Emperor's aura fully, it would kill Spirit Gathering cultivators as effortlessly as stealing sweets from child.
"Alright, let's wrap this up quickly so I can focus on other matters."
Yang Wei reclined in his chair and smiled warmly with closed eyes.
His graceful presence always made the elders feel inadequate. How could he work so diligently yet appear so lively? They had no answer.
"Allow me to begin..." Elder Fragrant Cloud said.
He was a lanky middle-aged man with long grey hair and an extensively long white beard.
He produced a scroll where he had listed the issues he believed needed addressing at Grand Elder Peak.
Just as he was about to read, he paused and looked at Yang Wei, awaiting permission to start.
What a foolish mistake... imagine if I started reading without the Fate Defying Elder's permission.
Fragrant Cloud was doing his best not to sweat.
"Go on..." Yang Wei permitted with a casual wave of his hand.
What's his problem? He looks so tense... is there something on my face?
Their thoughts were worlds apart.
Fragrant Cloud cleared his throat and began.
"We, the elders who have recently joined from various sects, are at odds regarding the allocation of resources such as rare herbs, spirit stones, and weapon materials. Each elder claims their department's needs are greater and more urgent."
Yang Wei yawned. "Easy."
This wasn't the hardest issue he had encountered since becoming peak chief.
"I already had a small resource assessment and prioritization strategy. With the help of Elder Bloodflame and Sweet Mei'er, I transparently evaluated the current stock of resources and the specific needs of each department. Naturally, we'll adopt a merit-based allocation system."
Elder Fragrant Cloud raised an eyebrow. "S-, Sweet... Mei'er?" It was the first time he had heard the name, so he was confused.
Yang Wei pointed back at He Dongmei. "Oh, I meant her."
Still puzzled, Fragrant Cloud looked at the bespectacled girl.
She was already blushing.
Wh-, why did Big Brother have to call me that here?! I feel so embarrassed.
He Dongmei bashfully looked away, her face now red like a tomato.
Fragrant Cloud was left in shock.
What in the name of the Great Su Meirong is happening here? Have the heavens played a cruel trick on me, or is this reality more absurd than a drunken monkey at a tea ceremony?
Elder Spiritwind and Flame Cauldron were waiting outside for Fragrant Cloud. One was holding prayer beads and muttering a mantra, while the other rubbed his big, round stomach hungrily.
"Mmm~ forget about drinks, I feel like having a feast," Flame Cauldron said.
Elder Spiritwind shook his head disappointedly. "You always feel like having a feast, fellow elder. Gluttony is a poison that will only deepen your desire and lead you astray from what one should truly seek... enlightenment."
Flame Cauldron wasn't even listening. He was just hungry.
"Whatever you say, friend."
He licked his lips and massaged his tummy again.
Seeing this, Fragrant Cloud just sighed and walked over to join them.
Sigh~ imagine being stuck with these idiots! I must find a way to cozy up to the Fate Defying Elder... he must favor me too!
The three made their way out together.
━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━
Bloodflame stood before Yang Wei with his head bowed.
Yang Wei raised a hand, signaling him to lift his head.
The elderly man complied and smiled at his grand elder.
"So, what's the problem?" Yang Wei asked.
Patriarch Bloodflame shook his head gently. "No, not at all, Grand Elder." He walked closer to Yang Wei's chair, though he kept a respectful distance, demonstrating his reverence for the elegant man before him. "I simply wanted to congratulate you on becoming the second living Blood Emperor."
Yang Wei was surprised Bloodflame could tell, but he didn't show it. He merely raised an eyebrow. "How could you tell?"
He Dongmei's eyebrows went up a bit. She leaned in towards Yang Wei and said, "Senior Brother, did you really become the Blood Emperor? I thought you only inherited a legacy from him."
Her big brown eyes were wide open, waiting for an answer.
The elderly man didn't want his magnificent grand elder to answer such a question.
"You see, Grand Elder Yang refined a pill strong enough to awaken the dying will of the ancient Blood Emperor, and in doing so, he became the second Blood Emperor by fully inheriting his will and fusing with his source."
He Dongmei tilted her head. "Dying will? Does that mean the true Blood Emperor is dead now?"
Bloodflame shook his head. "No, there is no true Blood Emperor as of now. The moment Grand Elder absorbed his source, the ancient Blood Emperor began to live through him."
He Dongmei smiled, looking very impressed. "I see..."
Yang Wei sighed. "So, what do you want?"
Bloodflame wore the same desperate look he always had when he wanted to shamelessly beg for something.
"W-, well... grand elder, I was..."
"Fine, I'll do it..." Yang Wei cut him short.
He was too tired to watch Bloodflame do this tonight.
He knew he wanted Yang Wei to use his Blood Emperor's power to boost the Blood Demon Clan's cultivation.
Honestly, he'd always had that in mind, so this just made it easier.
"Be here tomorrow at the first light of dawn."
Yang Wei stood up from his chair and stretched his arms.
Bloodflame smiled brightly. "THANK YOU, GRAND ELDER!!"
"Whatever..."