Chapter 46: Attending the Meeting
Both Liu Chuanxiong and Gu Zhong looked solemn because they knew how ugly things could turn in an Elders’ Adjudication Meeting.
“Thinking of escaping? Ling Xiao, you’ll be murdered right this instant if you dare to run away! I’d advise you to follow our order obediently to avoid getting hurt!”
Like a sheep in a wolf’s clothing, Lu Lishan who was cowardly at heart only pretended to be fierce as she yelled at Ling Xiao. Although she was backed by the Grand Supreme Elder Lin Shan, she contemplated the possibility that Ling Xiao would be driven to desperate actions when cornered.
“Don’t you worry! Elders’ Adjudication Meeting, huh? I’ve heard so much about it and would really like to broaden my horizons. Let’s see what they’re going to do about me!”
Ling Xiao smiled faintly. He did not seem particularly concerned about it.
Qi Yuanhua and Lu Lishan dared not say any more arrogant claptrap after Ling Xiao expressed his willingness to cooperate. With that, they led the way towards the top of Mount Longevity in silence.
“Let’s all go, too. When the time comes, we can mobilize the mass disciples to petition for the Saint’s safety!”
Liu Chuanxiong strengthened his stand. Both Gu Zhong and Wang Han also nodded in agreement.
Ling Xiao remained calm as he headed towards the peak of Mount Longevity.
The Elders’ Adjudication Meeting was held in Longevity Palace, which was perched on the top of the mountain. Numerous Elders were already present and they were all waiting for Ling Xiao’s arrival.
Along the way, many disciples started to gossip about Ling Xiao the moment they saw him, but peoples’ opinions about his actions differed.
This extraordinary Saint had done so many amazing things in such a short period of time, hence it was only natural that many disciples were envious or furious at him. However, Ling Xiao the Saint had also become a spiritual idol in the hearts of some low-level disciples.
Some of them also secretly regarded Ling Xiao as the hope for the rise of Longevity Sect.
Ling Xiao, who had only acquired the cultivation base of True Qi Boundary, had slaughtered Lin Haoyu who was at the ninth tier Spiritualization Boundary. This kind of marvelous talent had surprised everyone.
Not to mention, Lin Haoyu was an arrogant and despotic man that loved to tyrannize other ordinary disciples as a pastime. So some people considered Ling Xiao’s killing of Lin Haoyu as an act to remove the thorn in their flesh.
However, once people were reminded of Lin Haoyu’s grandfather — the Grand Supreme Elder Lin Shan, who was also known as the strongest master of Longevity Sect, sympathy and pity were revealed in their eyes.
No matter what, this was a world that favored the strongest.
Only the strongest had a right to speak; only the strongest had the authority to set rules.
Or perhaps, one could even say that the strongest was the rule.
Seeing as this recently discovered rising star was about to fall from the sky, a feeling of sorrow grew even in the hearts of those jealous disciples.
Ling Xiao’s footsteps were gentle but powerful as he marched along the mountain path and towards the top. Sunlight seeped through the floating clouds and fell on him, revealing the man’s handsome, calm face.
When Ling Xiao finally reached the top of Mount Longevity, a sea of clouds was spread across the summit and Longevity Square was already crowded with people.
Upon noticing Ling Xiao’s arrival, many disciples had their eyes on him as they too parted to make way for him.
At the end of Longevity Square revealed the simple and unsophisticated palace that was the Longevity Palace.
Since the gate to the palace was wide open, Ling Xiao entered the Longevity Palace.
Dozens of powerful figures were already sat in the Longevity Hall. The powerful life forces emitted by these strong figures intertwined in the hall, forming a unique atmosphere in the room that would make people kneel unconsciously as soon as they entered.
On the seat of honor sat a handsome middle-aged man in a fluttering white shirt. This man whose eyes twinkled with brilliance, like the bright stars, was indeed the Sect Leader of Longevity Sect — Nangong Xuan.
The seats on the two lower rows were filled by Elders of Longevity Sect. A burly old man took the head of the seats on the left side. He had a head full of grey hair and a pair of dignified eyes. He exuded a domineering manner that was not inferior to that of Nangong Xuan, but a hint of subtle murderous intent flashed in his eyes the moment he noticed Ling Xiao.
With just a quick glance, Ling Xiao was certain that the old man was indeed Grand Supreme Elder Lin Shan.
On his opposite side sat another old man of divine demeanor with a white beard and white hair. His gaze that landed on Ling Xiao was filled with concern and worry. This man was the Great Elder.
Nangong Qing was standing right behind the Great Elder, and her pair of beautiful eyes fell on Ling Xiao since the moment he entered the palace.
Besides, Ling Xiao also saw Law Enforcement Elder Deng Tiande sitting on the seat directly below the Great Elder while Deng Yalin was standing right behind him.
An anxious feeling washed over Nangong Qing and Deng Yalin when Ling Xiao appeared.
As for the rest of the Elders who were sitting patiently on their seats, Ling Xiao did not have the slightest idea of their identities, but he guessed that they were all at least of Dragon Tiger Boundary cultivation.
Everyone in the room examined Ling Xiao with interrogating eyes as soon as he entered.
Under the scrutiny of so many Elders, any other ordinary disciple would have been on their knees by now.
However, Ling Xiao remained his composure. He then glanced around the room with his usual indifferent gaze.
“Grand Supreme Elder and Sect Leader, the offender Ling Xiao is here!”
Qi Yuanhua and Lu Lishan knelt on their knees as soon as they set foot into the palace and reported their arrival.
“Alright, both of you may leave now!”
Lin Shan rose to his feet and waved his hand. His eyes suddenly widened for a second as they settled on the injuries on Qi Yuanhua’s body, but he soon collected himself.
He eventually put on a commanding look and fixed a deathly stare onto Ling Xiao.
“Ling Xiao, do you plead guilty?”
As if the Elder’s voice was thunder, the sound buzzed in many disciples’ ears and drained the color off their faces.
The loud yell of Lin Shan contained a hint of mental coercion that came from the Grandmaster Boundary. If it was an ordinary disciple, they would have been so terrified that they would kneel down on their knees in shock.
He had initially wanted to show Ling Xiao his overbearing strength. He wanted to first deter Ling Xiao mentally before moving on to convict him of the crime.
However, he was disappointed. Ling Xiao’s eyes remained calm when he spoke, as if he was not affected by the old man at all. “Oh? I’m not quite sure which crime I have committed?”
Numerous Elders nodded slightly when they witnessed that Ling Xiao had kept his composure albeit being threatened by the Grand Supreme Elder. They had obviously discovered Ling Xiao’s extraordinary disposition.
At the same time, they also noticed that Ling Xiao’s cultivation base was only of fourth tier True Qi Boundary. With this mere strength, he was able to murder Lin Haoyu who was ten small boundaries more advanced than him. Perhaps, with his demonic talents, he could actually lead the Longevity Sect towards an outstanding future.
However, it was such a shame…
That he had offended the Grand Supreme Elder Lin Shan!
Although many Elders secretly felt sorry for him, not one among them dared to stand up against Lin Shan. The thought of the punishment that they would have to deal with was enough to send shivers down their spines.
There was a high chance that this demonic disciple would crumble in today’s Elders’ Adjudication Meeting.
What did the Elders’ Adjudication Meeting entail? If a person who did not commit a crime could be skinned alive, not to mention Ling Xiao who had actually taken Lin Haoyu’s life.
Taking the life of a peer disciple of the same sect was the absolute taboo of Longevity Sect.
“As matters stand, do you still plead innocent?”
Lin Shan yelled in an intimidating manner, “You’re a disciple of the Longevity Sect but you show no respect to your superiors and seniors. Not performing kowtow to your superiors when you enter Longevity Palace shows that you’re disloyal and treacherous!”
Lin Shan took one step forward and immediately, a permeating dignity pressed onto Ling Xiao as his explosive voice rang in the air like a clap of thunder.