"Brother Zhou, we truly apologize. Across Qingzhou's three hundred sixty-five regions, our Dongshan Association is, in the eyes of those above, nothing more than an insignificant chess piece. How could we possibly be qualified to contact them?"
"Although we have already sent word upward regarding Brother Zhou's matter, there has still been no response. It seems those above do not quite believe it."
Within the council hall, the confucian-robed man wearing a tall crown seated at the head sighed and complained bitterly to Zhou Zhengbin before him.
"Indeed. Although the death of that old dog Li Zhengbang, the Inspector and Pacification Commissioner of Dongshan Region, counts as an earth-shattering event to us cultivators of Dongshan Region, to those Important Figures standing at the summit, it amounts to no more than this."
"I heard that those above seem to be making some major move lately. That makes us even less noticeable."
Several middle-aged and elderly cultivators of varying appearances at the side also chimed in.
"Alas, if that is the case, there is nothing to be done."
"But regardless, I must thank you all for your help. Zhengbin offers you his thanks."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhengbin also sighed. He bent at the waist and cupped his hands to the group in salute, voicing his gratitude.
"I ask that you all keep a close watch. If there is any news, please notify Zhou. Zhou thanks you all in advance."
"Brother Zhou, why be so polite? It is merely a lift of the hand."
"Exactly. Back then, when that old dog Li Zhengbang chased us until we could neither flee to heaven nor escape into the earth, it was Brother Zhou who aided us in secret. How could we forget such kindness?"
After a round of pleasantries,
Zhou Zhengbin left the great