Though the four elders held high positions and wielded great power, they knew better than to provoke the Wind Messenger. Still, curiosity gnawed at them. The Wind Messenger had always kept to the shadows, so elusive that no one ever knew where he might appear. Why had he suddenly revealed himself?
Though suspicious, they welcomed him with the utmost warmth. After a round of pleasantries, they practically lifted Gao Wenhe and his companions into the heavens with their flattery.
While they were exchanging greetings, several more people hurried over. They were the Deputy Lord and several other members of the Elder Council.
The crowd broke into another round of formal greetings.
The Deputy Lord in the purple robe especially drew attention. He was the first man beneath the Prefect, the heir apparent of Huaixi, and rarely showed his face.
His appearance this time naturally caused a stir.
After Elder Kong introduced the Deputy Lord and the others to Gao Wenhe, the dignified Deputy Lord apologized profusely, explaining that the Prefect had traveled elsewhere and was not at home, so he could not receive the heavenly envoys. He asked them to forgive the oversight.
Gao Wenhe said, "We came here on official business. There's no need to meet your Prefect. Since the Deputy Lord and all the elders have gathered here, I'll make my announcement now."
At his words, everyone's heart tightened. The Wind Messenger might not seem to wield much authority, but he was a spy with ears everywhere.
More frightening still, he could report directly to the highest echelons of the Holy Court. A matter no bigger than a sesame seed could reach the top, then come crashing down like a shower of meteorites.
Wind Messengers had always gathered their intelligence and reported it silently. Today, however, this Wind