The Regional Council chambers were more austere than Lin Feng had anticipated. No elaborate decorations or displays of power—just a functional space designed for deliberation, with twelve elevated seats arranged in a semicircle facing a central presentation area. The architecture itself communicated values: transparency, equality among Council members, focus on substance over spectacle.
Lin Feng entered with Qingxue at his side, both wearing formal robes that marked their positions without excessive ornamentation. Patriarch Bingfeng, Patriarch Cloud Heaven, and Sect Leader Ming had already arrived, taking positions in the observation gallery. Grand Elder Bingxin sat among a group of elder witnesses, her presence both reassuring and intimidating.
On the opposite side, Iron Peak's delegation prepared their presentation. Elder Zhao, who'd led their negotiations for the Central Valley framework, looked uncomfortable. Beside him, a cultivator Lin Feng didn't recognize—likely the elder council member who'd pushed for this complaint—wore an expression of calculated confidence.
The twelve Council members entered in order of seniority, taking their seats with practiced formality. Lin Feng recognized several from his research. Council Leader Shen, an ancient cultivator whose Cloud Transformation cultivation and reputation for fairness made him broadly respected. Elder Wu, known for conservative interpretations of protocol. Sect Master Jiang, younger and more progressive. Each face carried weight of decision they'd be making.
"This hearing addresses complaint lodged by Iron Peak Sect regarding territorial coordination arrangements in Central Valley," Council Leader Shen announced, his voice carrying clear authority without needing volume. "Elder Zhao, you may present Iron Peak's position."
Elder Zhao stood, and Lin Feng immediately sensed his reluctance. This wasn't someone eager to attack Hollow Peak—this was someone executing duty despite personal reservations.
"Honored Council members," Elder Zhao began, his tone carefully neutral. "Iron Peak Sect participated in good faith negotiations establishing coordination framework for Central Valley, a contested territory with historical claims from multiple sects. The framework proposed assigning neutral enforcer role to Hollow Peak Sect, pending its formal establishment."
He paused, organizing his next point.
"Our concern, which we bring respectfully to this Council, is that Hollow Peak Sect has not yet achieved formal recognition. Granting coordination authority to an unfounded organization sets precedent that could undermine established protocols for territorial dispute resolution. We request the Council evaluate whether this arrangement is appropriate, and if not, what alternative framework might better serve all parties involved."
The presentation was measured, almost apologetic. Lin Feng recognized political maneuvering—Elder Zhao was fulfilling obligation to present complaint while minimizing antagonism.
"Elder Zhao," Council Leader Shen said, "you negotiated this framework personally. Why did Iron Peak agree to terms you're now challenging?"
"Our initial assessment was that Hollow Peak's pending establishment provided sufficient legitimacy," Elder Zhao said carefully. "Upon further consideration by our elder council, concerns emerged about precedent-setting implications."
"So your sect agreed, benefited from initial cooperation, then decided to challenge the arrangement after the fact?" Sect Master Jiang asked, her tone skeptical.
"We brought concerns to proper channels rather than unilaterally withdrawing," Elder Zhao responded. "We're seeking Council guidance on appropriate resolution, not demanding specific outcome."
That was tactically interesting. Iron Peak was presenting themselves as uncertain petitioners rather than aggressive challengers. It made their complaint seem more reasonable, less like political attack.
The unknown cultivator beside Elder Zhao—identified as Elder Feng—spoke next, and his approach was different entirely.
"With respect, Council Leader, the core issue isn't Iron Peak's agreement or reconsideration. The core issue is whether Lin Feng, a cultivator who advanced from servant to Divine Domain Level Eight in less than two years through unprecedented and unconventional methods, should be trusted with significant coordination authority affecting multiple established sects."
There it was—the personal attack delivered more bluntly than Elder Zhao's procedural concerns.
"Lin Feng's rapid advancement raises legitimate questions about stability and judgment," Elder Feng continued. "Cultivation that progresses this quickly typically indicates either dangerous recklessness or unstable foundation. Granting such an individual authority over contested territory risks consequences far beyond this specific dispute."
Several Council members' expressions shifted—some toward concern, others toward skepticism about the framing. Lin Feng forced himself to remain calm, analyzing the rhetoric rather than reacting emotionally.
"Are you suggesting Lin Feng's advancement was illegitimate?" Elder Wu asked, his conservative reputation apparently creating sympathy for procedural irregularity concerns.
"I'm suggesting it was unprecedented in ways that merit careful scrutiny before granting significant authority," Elder Feng said. "We're not questioning his technical capabilities. We're questioning whether someone with this developmental pattern can be trusted with responsibility affecting multiple sects' interests."
"You've presented your concerns," Council Leader Shen said. "Lin Feng, you may respond."
Lin Feng stood, feeling Qingxue's support through their bond like steady foundation beneath uncertain footing. He'd prepared extensively for this moment, but now that it arrived, the weight of actual stakes pressed differently than anticipated.
"Honored Council members," he began, keeping his voice level and respectful. "I appreciate the opportunity to address both the procedural concerns about coordination framework and the personal questions about my cultivation advancement."
He activated a formation displaying documentation—the evidence he'd spent days organizing.
"First, regarding precedent for unfounded sects holding provisional authority during establishment periods. Research shows three historical cases where similar arrangements occurred. Two succeeded and transitioned to full recognition. One failed due to internal collapse, not Council prohibition. Precedent exists, though it's uncommon."
He let that information settle before continuing.
"Second, regarding why this specific situation merits deviation from typical protocols. Central Valley has been contested territory for decades. Traditional approaches—either exclusive control or unstable informal arrangements—have consistently failed to resolve competing claims. The coordination framework represents genuine innovation: three sects with historical disputes agreeing to cooperation enforced by neutral party. This isn't circumventing protocols for convenience. This is addressing situation traditional protocols cannot resolve effectively."
"All three sects agreed voluntarily," Lin Feng continued, making direct eye contact with Elder Zhao, who nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "Jade River, Iron Peak, and Wind Song participated in extensive negotiations—documented in materials I've provided—addressing concerns, refining terms, ensuring mutual benefit. Iron Peak's current complaint, after accepting initial benefits of coordination, raises questions about whether procedural concerns are genuine or whether other motivations are operative."
That landed with visible impact. Several Council members glanced toward Iron Peak's delegation with expressions suggesting skepticism about their timing.
"Now I'll address the personal credibility questions," Lin Feng said, shifting to more vulnerable territory. "Elder Feng is correct that my advancement was unprecedented. Servant to Divine Domain Level Eight in less than two years is extraordinary by any measure. His concern that this might indicate instability or recklessness is understandable."
He paused, letting that acknowledgment register.
"But rapid advancement through perfect meridians and systematic preparation is fundamentally different from rapid advancement through reckless risk-taking. I'd like to present evidence of the preparation underlying my major achievements."
The formation shifted to display tournament documentation, breakthrough records, mission reports—all the evidence Qingxue had helped compile.
"Tournament victories at Celestial Dawn came after intensive training with established masters. Breakthrough to Divine Domain Level Eight succeeded because I spent fifty days preparing under Grand Elder Bingxin's guidance and survived twelve hours of consolidation through methodical crisis response protocols. Pocket dimension infiltration for Azure Sky succeeded because I coordinated with their intelligence specialists and planned extensively before engagement."
"Every advancement has documentation showing systematic preparation, not impulsive gambling with cultivation foundation. The speed was unusual because I had perfect meridians—one in a billion genetic advantage—and access to ancient void cultivation inheritance. Those circumstances are exceptional, but my approach to leveraging them has been careful and measured."
Lin Feng deactivated the formation, standing without visual aids.
"Elder Feng suggested my servant origin might indicate questionable background or character. I understand that concern too. But I'd frame it differently—fourteen years working invisibly without recognition, maintaining hope of cultivation advancement even when it seemed impossible, persisting through circumstances that would have broken most people. That's not suspicious background. That's demonstrated persistence and determination under adversity."
He took a breath, centering himself for the conclusion.
"I'm asking the Council to evaluate me based on actual evidence rather than assumptions about what unprecedented advancement might indicate. Look at my achievements, examine the preparation underlying them, consider testimony from respected cultivators who've observed me directly. Then decide whether I'm someone who can be trusted with coordination authority, or whether concerns about instability outweigh demonstrated capability."
The silence after he finished felt heavy with evaluation.
"Grand Elder Bingxin," Council Leader Shen said, "you've been identified as witness. What's your assessment of Lin Feng's character and cultivation stability?"
Grand Elder Bingxin rose with the unhurried grace of someone who'd lived centuries and earned absolute confidence in her own judgment.
"I've supervised thousands of disciples over my lifetime," she said, her voice carrying crystalline clarity. "I've observed every pattern of advancement—careful, reckless, stable, unstable, earned, unearned. Lin Feng's progression is unusual, but it is emphatically not unstable. His void cultivation foundation is remarkably solid. His consciousness division capabilities exceed what I've seen in cultivators twice his level. His judgment under pressure is sophisticated beyond his years."
She paused, making eye contact with each Council member in turn.
"The servant origin concerns me not at all. If anything, it demonstrates resilience and adaptability that formal sect training often fails to cultivate. His rapid advancement concerns me not at all, because I've examined the work underlying it and found systematic preparation rather than desperate gambles. What concerns me is that this Council might allow political maneuvering to override objective assessment of demonstrated capability."
The rebuke was gentle but unmistakable. Several Council members shifted uncomfortably.
"Elder Feng," Sect Master Jiang said, "do you have evidence of actual instability or questionable judgment? Not theoretical concerns about rapid advancement, but concrete instances of problematic behavior?"
Elder Feng hesitated, and Lin Feng recognized the tactical weakness in their position—they had rhetoric but not evidence.
"We believe the pattern itself is concerning enough to merit caution," Elder Feng said finally.
"Pattern without evidence is speculation," Sect Master Jiang countered. "Grand Elder Bingxin's testimony carries substantial weight, as does documentation of systematic preparation. Unless you can present actual problems rather than theoretical ones, I'm inclined to dismiss credibility concerns."
"The procedural question remains," Elder Wu interjected, his conservative instincts asserting themselves. "Regardless of Lin Feng's personal capabilities, granting coordination authority to unfounded sects is irregular."
"But not unprecedented," another Council member noted. "And the circumstances are unique enough to justify adaptation."
"The question is whether we prioritize rigid protocol adherence over practical problem-solving," a third member added. "Central Valley disputes have been destabilizing influence for decades. If this framework actually creates stable cooperation, dismissing it for procedural irregularity seems counterproductive."
The Council members began deliberating among themselves, their discussion intense but not openly hostile. Lin Feng watched the dynamics carefully, trying to assess which direction consensus was forming.
Patriarch Cloud Heaven caught his eye from the observation gallery, offering slight nod of encouragement. Patriarch Bingfeng's expression was harder to read, but not disapproving. Sect Leader Ming looked cautiously optimistic.
"We'll take brief recess for private deliberation," Council Leader Shen announced. "All parties will be recalled when we've reached decision."
The Council members departed through a side entrance, leaving Lin Feng and others waiting in suspended tension.
"You did well," Qingxue said quietly, her hand finding his. "Your arguments were clear, evidence was compelling, and you handled vulnerability authentically without seeming weak."
"Grand Elder Bingxin's testimony was crucial," Lin Feng said, glancing toward where the elder cultivator sat with serene patience. "Without her credibility supporting mine, this would be much more uncertain."
"That's why cultivation emphasizes building relationships and earning respect," Grand Elder Bingxin said, having approached silently. "Capability alone is never sufficient. You need people who've observed your character willing to vouch for you when credibility is challenged. You've cultivated those relationships well, Lin Feng."
"Thank you," he said, the gratitude sincere and profound. "For the testimony and for the teaching that made this testimony possible."
"Thank me by continuing to demonstrate worthy judgment," she replied. "If this ruling goes in your favor, you'll have significant responsibility. Don't waste it."
The waiting stretched longer than Lin Feng had anticipated. Twenty minutes, then thirty, then forty. The extended deliberation could indicate disagreement among Council members, or simply thorough evaluation of complex issues.
Finally, Council members returned, taking their seats with expressions that remained professionally neutral.
"We've reached decision," Council Leader Shen announced. "Eight members voting in favor, three opposed, one abstaining. The coordination framework will stand with modifications."
Lin Feng felt relief surge through him, tempered immediately by recognition of "modifications"—victory wasn't complete.
"First modification," Council Leader Shen continued. "Hollow Peak must achieve formal recognition within six months or coordination authority automatically expires. This addresses procedural concerns while acknowledging unique circumstances."
That was reasonable. Hollow Peak's founding was already planned within that timeframe.
"Second modification: Iron Peak Sect receives expanded representation in coordination oversight, ensuring their interests are protected and complaints are addressed through framework rather than requiring external appeals."
Also reasonable. It gave Iron Peak stake in success rather than incentive to undermine arrangement.
"Third modification: Lin Feng will submit quarterly progress reports to this Council for first two years of Hollow Peak's operation, providing transparency about sect development and coordination framework effectiveness."
Lin Feng absorbed that requirement. Additional oversight and reporting obligations, but not unreasonable given unprecedented nature of the arrangement.
"Fourth modification: Independent audit after one year to assess whether coordination framework is functioning as intended. Council reserves authority to modify or dissolve arrangement if audit reveals significant problems."
"These modifications reflect our assessment that innovation deserves support when circumstances warrant, but also requires accountability to ensure innovation serves legitimate purposes rather than enabling problematic behavior," Council Leader Shen explained. "Lin Feng, do you accept these terms?"
"I accept," Lin Feng said without hesitation. "The modifications are fair and appropriate."
"Iron Peak Sect, do you accept these terms?"
Elder Zhao conferred briefly with Elder Feng, whose expression showed dissatisfaction but not outright rejection.
"We accept," Elder Zhao said finally.
"Then this matter is resolved," Council Leader Shen declared. "The coordination framework stands with implemented modifications. All parties are expected to operate in good faith toward successful cooperation. This hearing is concluded."
The formal atmosphere immediately relaxed, Council members departing while participants gathered in small conversations. Lin Feng felt exhaustion crash over him—seven days of preparation, hours of intense presentation, and finally resolution that preserved Hollow Peak's foundation while adding accountability requirements.
"Congratulations," Patriarch Cloud Heaven said, approaching with genuine warmth. "You handled that masterfully. The personal vulnerability was particularly effective—several Council members commented during recess that your authenticity was compelling."
"The modifications are acceptable?" Lin Feng asked, seeking confirmation his interpretation was correct.
"More than acceptable—they're strategically valuable," Sect Leader Ming said, joining them. "Six-month timeline is already your plan. Expanded Iron Peak oversight gives them stake in success rather than incentive to subvert. Quarterly reports provide transparency that builds credibility. Independent audit ensures Council remains engaged rather than forgetting about coordination framework. You gained legitimacy while accepting reasonable oversight."
"Silver Moon's proxy challenge failed," Patriarch Bingfeng added with satisfaction. "They attempted to undermine Hollow Peak's foundation through Iron Peak's complaint, and instead you emerged with Council validation and increased credibility. That's significant victory."
Lin Feng recognized the truth in their assessments, but he also felt the weight of new obligations. Quarterly reports, independent audits, heightened scrutiny—all reasonable, all manageable, but also additional demands on already constrained time and attention.
"Come," Qingxue said gently. "We should return to Hollow Peak and inform the disciples. They've been waiting for news."
The return journey felt different from the anxious flight that morning. Not triumphant—Lin Feng was too aware of modifications and ongoing obligations for simple triumph—but relieved and cautiously optimistic.
"You're already worrying about quarterly reports," Qingxue observed through their bond.
"I'm recognizing that we won the immediate challenge but created ongoing accountability requirements," Lin Feng corrected. "That's different than worry."
"It's the beginning of worry," Qingxue said. "You're thinking about how to integrate quarterly reporting into existing obligations, wondering if independent audit will identify problems, calculating how expanded Iron Peak oversight affects operational flexibility."
"All legitimate concerns."
"All concerns that can be addressed when they become immediate rather than consuming your attention right now," Qingxue countered. "You prepared extensively for this hearing, performed exceptionally under pressure, and achieved outcome that preserves everything we've been building. Accept that victory before moving to next challenge."
Lin Feng recognized she was right. His tactical mind naturally projected toward future complications, but sometimes it was valuable to simply acknowledge present success.
"You're correct," he admitted. "I did well today. We did well—your support and perspective adjustments were crucial to effective presentation."
"Much better," Qingxue approved. "Now, how do you want to inform the disciples?"
"Straightforwardly," Lin Feng decided. "We won with modifications. Explain what those modifications are and what they mean for Hollow Peak's operations. Let them celebrate the victory while understanding the ongoing obligations."
They arrived at the dimensional headquarters to find disciples gathered in informal clusters, anxiety evident in their body language. Sun Wei noticed Lin Feng and Qingxue's arrival immediately, and within moments the entire cohort had assembled.
"We won," Lin Feng announced without preamble. "Eight votes in favor, three opposed, one abstaining. The coordination framework stands."
The relief was palpable—several disciples visibly relaxing, others breaking into smiles, a few exchanging quiet congratulations.
"But the victory came with modifications," Lin Feng continued, explaining the four requirements Council had imposed. "Six-month timeline for formal founding, expanded Iron Peak oversight, quarterly progress reports, independent audit after one year. These are reasonable accountability measures that we'll integrate into our operations."
"Does this mean we're safe?" one of the younger disciples asked. "No more challenges to our legitimacy?"
"It means this specific challenge has been resolved," Lin Feng said honestly. "But sect founding always involves navigating political complexity. There will be other challenges—different types, different sources. What this victory demonstrates is that systematic preparation, clear arguments, and genuine capability can overcome political maneuvering when we execute effectively."
"The Council validated your commitment," Qingxue added. "All twenty-six of you invested months of training based on faith in Hollow Peak's potential. Today that faith was justified through formal recognition, even if it came with oversight requirements."
"Tomorrow, training resumes normal schedule," Lin Feng said. "Sun Wei, Liu Mei, Wang Feng, Li Chen—you did excellent work coordinating operations this week. Thank you for making my absence manageable."
"We're honored to have been trusted," Sun Wei said, speaking for all four senior disciples.
After dismissing the cohort to celebration and rest, Lin Feng retreated to his private chamber where Scholar Feng's translation materials still waited. Seven days away from the ancient fragments, and returning to them now felt like reconnecting with different dimension of cultivation—scholarly pursuit rather than political maneuvering.
Qingxue found him an hour later, already absorbed in translation work.
"You're supposed to be resting," she observed.
"This is restful," Lin Feng said, and meant it. "After days of political preparation and rhetorical strategy, returning to textual analysis and philosophical reconstruction feels meditative."
"Then I'll leave you to your meditation," Qingxue said. "But remember that translation can wait. Recovery cannot."
After she departed, Lin Feng continued working through fragments, finding comfort in the ancient cultivators' theoretical approach to void essence. They'd been searching for fundamental truth rather than practical power, pursuing understanding for its own sake rather than instrumental advantage.
There was something valuable in that pursuit—reminder that cultivation encompassed more than advancement through realms and accumulation of authority. Sometimes cultivation was simply the joy of discovery, the satisfaction of understanding something previously mysterious, the connection with knowledge across centuries.
Lin Feng allowed himself to rest in that quieter dimension of cultivation practice, letting the stress of the hearing dissipate through engagement with ancient wisdom.
The challenge had been faced. The victory had been earned. Now, the work continued—not driven by crisis, but by patient commitment to building something worth building.
That felt right.
That felt sustainable.
That felt like the path forward.