"Since the sect leader has decided to keep Jiang Jue, I'll share my own opinion as well."
After a moment of silence, Elder Jin shifted slightly, placing his hands on the table and speaking in a deep voice.
"Old Jin, it's been so many years, yet you still speak so politely."
Poison looked at Elder Jin, waved his hand dismissively, and said casually.
As the elder second only to Poison in the Main Sect, Jin Peng's temperament was extremely steady. Every decision he made was careful, calculating three steps ahead, and he was utterly loyal to the sect. Poison valued his counsel greatly.
It was a kind of balancing force for Poison's impulsive personality.
"First, I think we need to fully understand Jiang Jue's background. Is he truly just an ordinary student, as the Tianhun Empire investigation claims?"
Elder Jin glanced around the room before looking at Poison.
"Old Jin, you know the capabilities of the Tianhun Empire."
"In terms of intelligence, they've practically never been wrong. Over the years, they've helped our Main Sect recruit talented individuals as well."
Poison frowned slightly and spoke slowly.
"I know that, but this time we must be extra cautious. No mistakes can be allowed."
Elder Jin shook his head, eyes deep, and spoke in a low voice.
He understood perfectly: Poison brought Jiang Jue to the Main Sect to nurture him carefully. In fact, with Jiang Jue's dual Martial Souls and exceptional attributes, Poison might very well see him as the next sect leader.
If that's the case, no level of caution is too much.
"Sect Leader, Jiang Jue is now twelve, not a toddler. His mind is mature. Some matters should be clarified sooner rather than later."
Poison listened to Elder Jin's words, nodding slightly. He tapped his fingers on the table, his expression calm, hiding his thoughts.
"In fact, Jiang Jue's character is pretty good, at least from my perspective."
At that moment, among the two rows of standing attendees, Langya, dressed in a purple robe, spoke softly.
As a Soul Master, he could attend the meeting just like Yu Tao—only standing.
"Oh? What do you mean?"
Elder Jin raised his eyebrows, intrigued. This time, Jiang Jue had been discovered by Langya and Yu Tao, so there might be useful information.
"Here's the situation, Elder Jin. I watched the entire competition. During the last two team matches at the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Academy, Jiang Jue turned the tide multiple times. On several occasions, when his teammates were in mortal danger, he acted in time to save them."
"A person like this is at least someone with strong teamwork and a sense of responsibility."
"In other words, a kind-hearted individual."
"I see…"
Elder Jin paused thoughtfully, then asked Yu Tao, who stood opposite him,
"Little Tao, what do you think?"
"I agree with my second brother."
Yu Tao scratched his head and chuckled. Most of the competition, he had been asleep, so this kind of question was hard for him.
"…Hmph. Asking was pointless; you can't expect a rock to bloom."
"Old Jin, there's no rush. The person is already in our hands; they won't run away."
"Affection and trust can be built slowly."
"When trust is solid, things naturally fall into place."
Poison waved his hand and said loudly, noticing Elder Jin's furrowed brow.
In his view, there was no need for so much complication. Plenty of resources could be given to Jiang Jue—Soul Bones, Soul Rings, a full Dragon set—ensuring he feels a sense of belonging.
It's like drinking together before negotiating; once the drinks flow, things settle naturally.
If trust is lacking, simply give more! The Main Sect is never short on resources!
"At this point, we must follow the sect leader's decision."
Elder Jin's brow relaxed. He understood Poison's resolve and said no more. He was merely assisting; the real decision rested with the sect leader.
Still, Elder Jin resolved internally to carefully observe Jiang Jue. After all, he was responsible for the Main Sect.
"Second brother! I have a plan to win Jiang Jue's loyalty!"
At some point, Yu Tao had quietly moved behind Langya, speaking in a low voice.
"You have a plan? Tell me."
Langya, thinking his brother had finally come up with a clever idea, asked.
"We could find Jiang Jue a wife, then…"
"Ah! Don't say it! Really, don't say it!"
Yu Tao, seeing that his older brother agreed with his idea, became excited, ready to share the full plan.
"My point is… don't say it!"
"Put away your little scheme."
Langya blocked Yu Tao's mouth and rolled his eyes. Once again, he had misjudged him.
"Big head controlled by little head…"
Yu Tao had a particular obsession with marriage.
Although his voice was soft, all the attendees were high-level Soul Masters, easily hearing him, and they laughed.
However, a glint of insight appeared in Poison's eyes. Just yesterday, the Tianhun Empire's princess, also possessing dual Martial Souls, had planned to come train at the Main Sect.
"I think their ages are about the same."
Poison considered this and had an excellent idea.
"Vina, Jiang Jue—both have dual Martial Souls and extraordinary talent. Their descendants will inherit great aptitude. Generation after generation, endless potential… The future of our Main Sect is bright!"
Just as Poison's excitement grew, a voice interrupted.
"Sect Leader, may I ask a question? I'm not sure if I should."
A muscular man with bronze skin hesitated before speaking.
"It's you, Little Arm. Speak freely."
Poison was in a good mood and nodded.
Upon hearing the name, the man's expression darkened. His Martial Soul was his own arms. Poison never liked using names, so he had become known as Little Arm. He was also an elder of the Main Sect, with cultivation at level ninety-three, titled Dragon Arm Soul Master.
"I wonder… will Jiang Jue's arrival cause conflict with Ao Tian?"
The others exchanged looks—some thoughtful, some concerned, some showing satisfaction.
The Ao Tian mentioned was the former young sect leader, possessing the Skin Martial Soul, among the top tier of Main Sect Soul Masters. But compared to Jiang Jue, he was far behind. Now, his position seemed uncertain.
"Hmph! In the Main Sect, capable people deserve their positions. Don't bring nonsense here."
"Strength is the true measure. If your skills are lacking, train harder."
"I won't allow filth to appear in our harmonious sect!"
Poison's icy gaze swept the room, and he gave a cold snort. Though he did not speak explicitly, everyone understood his meaning.
"Exactly. If you're weak, train harder!"
Yu Tao stood behind Elder Jin, hands raised slightly.
(End of Chapter)