Chapter 171: Elder Wuqiong's Intentions

The last Council of Elders was held just three days ago. To hold another one today was something that, barring times of war, would be entirely out of the question. There was no need for everyone to be overly formal; this was merely a small-scale preliminary meeting. Once we have deliberated, another meeting will be convened, though the next one will likely have little to do with most of you.

Elder Wu Jiu offered a rare joke, yet everyone present merely managed a dry laugh. Not a soul dared to respond, even Yun Xi included, so overwhelming was the majesty of the Grand Supreme Elder.

Lin Fan was not surprised by this. In fact, the moment he saw the faces gathered around the table, he had already formed a few hypotheses.

None of them were of advanced age; clearly, they were all rising stars. Figures such as Elder Chu Yunjji and the Master of the Heaven Capital Gate were notably absent.

"All of you should be aware of the reason for this gathering. The news of Lin Fan's return to the sect is hardly a secret to any of you."

Wu Jiu cut straight to the point, directly stating the purpose of the Council of Elders.

"As for the events of the past, there is no need for you to elaborate; I am well aware of right and wrong."

Wu Jiu glanced at Duanmu Ci with a hint of warning, though he chose not to expose him further. He continued, "Now that Lin Fan has returned, the Heaven Capital Gate must provide an answer. I wonder what it is you desire?"

This final remark was addressed to Lin Fan. While Wu Jiu's tone could be described as amiable and approachable, Lin Fan knew better than to be lulled into complacency. The attitude of everyone else in the room toward the elder spoke volumes.

Had it not been for the circumstances, this Elder Wu Jiu surely must have been a ruthless figure in his youth, carving out a formidable reputation before reining it in upon reaching the Void Breaking Realm.

"This disciple has not given it much thought. However, the past must have stemmed from some misunderstanding; since it is already behind us, let it end here. Had it not been for that incident, I likely would not possess my current level of cultivation, so any form of compensation is entirely unnecessary."

Lin Fan smiled, his expression unchanged. He even offered a smile toward Duanmu Ci, looking for all the world as if he had turned over a new leaf. The members of the Divine Court looked on with confusion, though Yun Xi cast a thoughtful glance at Lin Fan.

This was part of Lin Fan's subtle strategy: openly signaling his willingness to bury the hatchet with Duanmu Ci so that others could find no fault with him, while secretly resolving to pursue an irreconcilable feud.

Clearly, Duanmu Ci understood this just as well. Yet not a ripple showed on his face as he returned Lin Fan's smile.

In all likelihood, both shared the identical thought—to strike a fatal blow in the shadows. It was a smile of tacit, shared understanding.

The thoughts harbored by Lin Fan and Duanmu Ci might have successfully deceived everyone else in the hall, but they could not escape Wu Jiu. What winds and waves had the elder not witnessed? The hidden agendas of Lin Fan and Duanmu Ci had long since been transparent to him.

Yet Wu Jiu had no intention of acting as a mediator. Two tigers could not share the same mountain; as long as Lin Fan and Duanmu Ci both remained within the Heaven Capital Gate, the enmity between them was destined to be irreconcilable. Rather than trying to dam the current, it was better to let it flow and let them settle it themselves.

"I am gladdened to hear you take this view. However, the Heaven Capital Gate is not a place devoid of reason; merits are rewarded, and transgressions are punished. Since the fault initially lay with several of us, we shall provide compensation."

Wu Jiu waved a hand, dismissing Lin Fan's previous demurral. He left the specifics of the compensation unstated, suggesting it would be handled privately.

"Very well. Since no one has any objections, let us move to the principal matter. Now that Lin Fan has returned, what position do you deem most suitable for him?"

This time, Wu Jiu addressed the entire assembly, and this was the focal point of everyone's concern.

Even if Lin Fan's position were agreed upon today, it would still require subsequent confirmation. However, the higher-ups would undoubtedly weigh today's conclusion heavily. Under normal circumstances, once a consensus was reached among this group today, Lin Fan's placement would be effectively set in stone, with no room for reversal.

"This is indeed a question worthy of deep reflection. Presently, our Heaven Capital Gate is in the midst of a generational transition. However, having already completed the first phase of this handover, it is hardly appropriate to stir up further turbulence."

Someone spoke up—a young man of some twenty-seven or twenty-eight years. He belonged to the Divine Son Alliance and was not a disciple of the Eight Great Clans.

His intentions were venomous, perfectly aligned with the Divine Son Alliance's strategy for the day: to stall and obstruct Lin Fan's appointment. The Council of Elders had caught them completely off guard, which was why only Wu Jiu was present today, while the two Grand Supreme Elders backing the Divine Son Alliance were absent.

Thus, they intended to drag the matter out until their own Grand Supreme Elder could arrive to contest the question.

"That argument does not hold water. A generational transition is like crossing a river by feeling the stones; while large-scale upheaval is indeed unwise, minor adjustments are entirely feasible. This is the stance of the Divine Court—to proceed with the transition step by step, lest we provoke internal chaos within the Heaven Capital Gate."

Zhuge Tai chose that exact moment to speak. With a cold laugh, he pierced straight through the Divine Son Alliance's intentions and issued a rebuttal.

"One cannot simply look at it that way. We have only just completed a phase of transition and are currently in a period of consolidation. This applies to every sect; gradual progression is the absolute truth, otherwise, we are bound to suffer backlash."

Another voice chimed in. This time it was Jian Yi of the Jian family, one of the Eight Great Clans and an old acquaintance of Lin Fan.

"There is no need for argument. I am well aware of all your underlying thoughts, and in truth, strictly speaking, none of you are entirely in the wrong."

At that moment, Wu Jiu spoke once more, and the previously murmurous hall instantly fell silent.

The members of the Divine Son Alliance exchanged glances, a creeping sense of unease settling over them.

For Wu Jiu to speak thus meant he had already formed his own conclusion. Moreover, Wu Jiu was a known supporter of the Divine Court, which naturally heightened the anxiety of the Divine Son Alliance members.

Duanmu Ci, by contrast, remained entirely serene and detached, as if the matter had nothing to do with him at all.

"Zhuge Tai is correct; Lin Fan is, after all, only a single individual, and assigning him a position is hardly unreasonable. Yet Jian Yi's words also hold truth—we do indeed require a period of consolidation. However, in my view, all your debates are superfluous, for it is entirely possible that Lin Fan will not inherit the position of an ordinary elder."

Wu Jiu spoke with unhurried composure, taking in the expressions of everyone present before continuing, "Ten thousand years ago, our Divine Son Alliance possessed not only Divine Sons and Divine Maidens, but another leading figure of the younger generation—the Holy Son. That was the most glorious era of the Heaven Capital Gate, when our prestige surpassed even that of the Domain Lord's Estate. Later, however, a generational gap occurred, leaving us with only Divine Sons, while Divine Maidens only reappeared a myriad of years later."

A single stone stirred a thousand ripples. Wu Jiu's words were akin to a thunderclap, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

The members of the Divine Son Alliance stared in stunned disbelief, while the faction of the Divine Court was ecstatic.

"I never imagined that, a myriad of years later, our Heaven Capital Gate would still have the opportunity to reclaim the glory of old. Talented youths emerge in an endless stream among the rising generation—this is truly a golden age. Therefore, I believe it is time to restore certain institutions of the past. My proposal is to elevate Lin Fan to the position of Holy Son, making him the third successor of the Heaven Capital Gate, following Duanmu Ci and Yun Xi. Do any of you have objections?"

As he uttered these final words, a terrifying, overwhelming pressure emanated from his person. Wu Jiu swept his gaze across the assembly; though his face remained expressionless, a chill struck the heart of every person present, leaving none daring to meet his gaze.