In the Council Hall, the various factions discussed arrangements for Gu Qinghan and the others.
The crowned man said, "Their sudden appearance in Soul Calming Village is bound to draw many curious eyes. That will cause them some trouble in their lives here."
An Elder asked, "So what does the King have in mind?"
Gu Qinghan and the others all turned to look.
—So this crowned man was the King of Soul Calming Village.
The King said, "Let them join the Kingdom Guard. The identities of the Guard's members are all kept secret, and with them by my side, no one will dare deliberately investigate their backgrounds."
The military officers fell silent.
The Elders pondered.
Most people in the hall remained silent. Only a few scattered voices agreed, saying, "The King is right."
An unspoken awkwardness hung in the air.
The King looked around at everyone and smiled. "Since no one has any objections—"
"No, that would be inappropriate."
The Four Pillars Water God cut him off.
Everyone seemed to come alive at once and said in unison, "We await the divine one's decree."
The King also bowed slightly. "I was not thorough in my considerations. I beg the divine one's forgiveness."
The Four Pillars Water God did not even glance at the King. She went straight on, "Since the Apostle brought them here, we should hold a grand ceremony and let everyone know they are among us."
An Elder from the Council of Elders stepped forward, knelt on one knee before the Water God, and saluted. "We will obey the divine one's decree. Then what scale of celebration should we hold? After all, we have never before welcomed people from the outside."
"That is indeed a problem. Speak freely."
After saying this, the Water God smiled again. "It is