Clad in flowing robes of white and silver, embroidered with patterns of clouds and soaring cranes, he radiated nobility and serene grace. His smile was gentle, his presence warm — an aura that inspired respect not through fear, but admiration.
Even outer and inner disciples instinctively bowed in his presence, drawn by the dignity he naturally carried.
At his waist hung a silver core disciple token and a simple, sheathed sword — unadorned, yet emanating a silent promise of sharpness. His long black hair was tied into a high ponytail, fastened with a jade hairpin shaped like a rising sun — a symbol of youthful brilliance and honor.
Stepping forward, he knelt and spoke with calm composure:
"Reporting to the elders — I've conducted a thorough investigation of the northern region of the Crimson Soul Marsh. We discovered remnants of the Frost Viper Clan, the Ember Bone Tribe, and other non-human races."
"They've been captured and assigned to labor at the Dark Silver Crystal Mine. As of now, there are no signs of cultivation activity among them."
The Crimson Soul Marsh was a forbidden ground, a place even seasoned cultivators hesitated to enter.
Shrouded in red mist, the swamp was home to blooming crimson lotuses and eerie, flickering ghost lights. Its atmosphere was known to corrupt the soul and dull spiritual senses. Many soul cultivators had entered, never to return — their souls lost forever within its depths.
Only those with exceptional concealment and investigative techniques dared to explore its treacherous terrain.
As for the Dark Silver Crystal Mine, it was a crucial resource site — the crystals harvested there essential for crafting sigils and relics, especially valuable to cultivators of the Dark and Shadow doctrines.
"Hmm… very good," said First Elder Zhan as the corners of his lips curled into a satisfied smile. "If there are no active cultivators among the non-human remnants, our worries lessen."
In this world, other races exist alongside humanity. Though they lack the refined wisdom of mankind, their intelligence far surpasses that of beasts.
They walk upright, speak in languages similar to humans, yet their customs, instincts, and nature differ greatly. Though humanoid in form, they are considered sub-human species — born of spirit and blood, but not fully man.
Long ago, humans and non-human races coexisted as equals. But humanity was the minority, vastly outnumbered by the many powerful non-human tribes. Emboldened by their numbers, the non-humans formed an unspoken alliance to suppress mankind.
But everything changed when powerful human cultivators began to rise.
The balance shifted.
Humanity, once scattered and oppressed, united under sects and empires. They struck back — scattering the non-human races and forcing many into hiding. Those who remained were captured, enslaved, and stripped of their freedom.
In a twisted act of revenge, some non-human clans began to mimic human society. They even captured human cultivators, enslaving them in retaliation.
Just a few months ago, mortals from villages belonging to the Radiant Sky Sect's outer region were abducted.
In response, an elder led a team of senior disciples to retaliate. The enemy fled into the Crimson Soul Marsh, and the abductions ceased — at least, outwardly.
This recent investigation was launched to confirm whether the threat had truly passed.
"Even if they dare attack, what could they possibly achieve?" sneered the Second Elder, his voice filled with killing intent. "We could crush them in a single sweep."
"Exactly," another elder said coldly. "Sharing the same air with such lowly species is already an insult to us humans."
"Hahaha! Their ancestors failed back then — and now they remember their place. If they dare rise against the Seven Major Sects, their end will be extinction."
Several elders nodded grimly in agreement, echoing the Second Elder's ruthlessness.
Suddenly, First Elder Zhan chuckled softly, breaking the tension.
"Elder Lu seems especially spirited today," he said in a light tone, though his eyes gleamed with veiled sharpness. "In that case, how about appointing Elder Lu as the new head of the Security Council?"
The pavilion fell into heavy silence.
The elders exchanged glances, but none dared to speak. Elder Zhan's calm smile was far more terrifying than any rage. All of them knew — this man, in his prime, had single-handedly wiped out entire sects. Though he no longer fought openly, his strength was still a shadow that loomed over them all.
Lu Tianhao's brow twitched slightly. He forced a smile, though rage simmered beneath his skin.
"Hehehe… Elder Zhan Taixan jests," he said. "Someone like me is hardly worthy. The head of the Security Council should be strong and prestigious. In terms of strength, no one surpasses you."
Elder Zhan narrowed his eyes, feigning contemplation.
"Hmm... Then let's put it to a vote," he said with mock sincerity. "All in favor of Elder Lu leading the Security Council, raise your hands."
He calmly raised his own hand — and one by one, every elder followed.
"I support the First Elder's suggestion."
"The Second Elder's wisdom and experience make him perfect for the role."
"There's truly no one more suitable than Elder Lu."
A chorus of hollow praise echoed across the pavilion. The decision was made. No one dared oppose Zhan Taixan.
'You cunning old foxes… damn all of you,' Lu Tianhao cursed silently, maintaining a courteous smile.
"Now then, what's the next report?"
Lin Xianwun, still kneeling, hesitated briefly before speaking.
"The Black Lotus Pavilion has discovered a new mine of Black Jade Marrow Ore."
The moment the words left his mouth, the elders' expressions darkened. A heavy silence settled over them.
"How? Didn't they already discover one just a decade ago?"
"If not for this investigation, how long would they have kept this hidden from us?"
"Damn it, this is already the sixteenth resource point they've uncovered within their territory!"
"Heaven truly favors them… For centuries, the Black Lotus Pavilion was in decline, and now they're rising again?"
Elder Zhan sighed with genuine regret.
"Too bad. The Black Lotus Pavilion borders our Radiant Sky Sect. Our original plan was to strike when they were weak and absorb them — gaining their territory and resources to strengthen ourselves. But now... that opportunity has slipped away. We'll have to be vigilant. They're no longer prey."
Lin Xianwun remained kneeling.
Zhan Taixan noticed and frowned. "Is there anything else?"
He narrowed his eyes, sensing there was still bad news lingering.
Lin Xianwun swallowed hard under the mounting pressure, but finally continued:
"There's a rumor spreading… A young boy named Xiao Zhenhai awakened Heavenly Vein aptitude during the Awakening Ceremony at the Azure Thunder Pavilion."
"WHAT?"
Zhan Taixan — normally composed and serene — nearly leapt from his seat. The other elders stood as well, their faces full of disbelief and alarm.
"How is this possible?"
"Heavenly Vein? Are you absolutely certain?"
"To think those Azure Thunder Pavilion scum would be blessed with such heaven-defying fortune!"
"Who is this boy? Give us everything you know!"
The elders' voices rang out in rapid succession, their tones a mix of fury, worry, and disbelief.
Lin Xianwun had feared this exact outcome — the shock was too great to ignore.
Now, under the crushing weight of their questions, he stood frozen in place, uncertain of how to respond.
'What should I do…?'