In the thatched cottage, Shadowblade, Layman Pureheart, and Old Man Withered Wood each harbored their own thoughts as they clashed in secret.
Meanwhile, the council hall of Eastern Splendor Stronghold presented an entirely different scene.
He Pingtian stood in the hall, his expression grave.
Poison Granny and One-Eyed Maniac sat on either side, their respectful expressions tinged with unease.
They had only just submitted to Eastern Splendor Stronghold. Before they could figure out how to deal with its young yet formidable chief, or even catch their breath, He Pingtian had stopped them.
"One moment, you two."
He Pingtian looked at them and said gravely, "There are a few things I'd like to discuss with you."
Poison Granny and One-Eyed Maniac exchanged a glance and hurriedly said, "Please, Grandmaster He."
He Pingtian nodded, his gaze sweeping over their faces.
"You've both spent years in the Crouching Dragon Mountains. In your opinion, how much of a storm will Blood Wolf Ancestor's death cause?"
Poison Granny pondered for a moment before saying slowly, "Blood Wolf had some weight in the Crouching Dragon Mountains, but not all that much. If it were just his death, people would talk for a while at most. As long as Eastern Splendor Stronghold doesn't rush to expand, the storm will soon pass."
"After all, nobody truly cares about a dead man."
"The real trouble... is the Dragon Soul!"
After saying this, Poison Granny seemed worried she had angered Li Yun. She glanced at him with particular caution. Only when she saw that his expression remained as still as an ancient well, with no sign that he blamed her, did she breathe a sigh of relief.
One-Eyed Maniac chimed in, his voice booming. "Chief... rumors of a Dragon Soul in the Crouching Dragon Mountains have been around for ages.