Rules?
At the Grand Elder's words, quite a few people frowned. Setting out the rules first was hardly common practice.
After all, most people looking to recruit talent brought them in first, then told them the rules.
Why was the Heavenly Profound Sect doing things backward? Rules first?
"Grand Elder, if you're setting out the rules first, I imagine they're no simple matter?"
"Of course they aren't."
"We established the Elder Council, not the Benevolent Hall. If you join the Elder Council and enjoy the Heavenly Profound Sect's resources while harboring other intentions, we certainly won't keep wasting resources on you."
"So some rules must be laid down first. If you find them acceptable, we'll continue. If not, let's not waste each other's time."
The crowd nodded. That was reasonable enough. If someone passed the selection only to find they could not accept the Heavenly Profound Sect's rules, it really would waste everyone's time.
"Grand Elder, then please tell us the rules."
"Very well. I'll explain them."
The Grand Elder laid out the rules he had discussed with Qi Sect Master beforehand.
The rules were not particularly harsh. They were aimed chiefly at Elder Council members, to prevent them from going through the motions—or not even bothering to show up—while taking the Heavenly Profound Sect's resources and enjoying its benefits for nothing.
Anyone without ulterior motives would accept such rules. Only someone with something to hide would quibble over them.
"The Heavenly Profound Sect certainly has plenty of rules. I wonder how much we'll gain by joining the Elder Council?"
"You can't expect us to work for the Heavenly Profound Sect for nothing, can you?"
Hearing this, Qi Sect Master smiled. "The benefits certainly won't be meager. Besides the basic supply of resources, there'll be extra rewards for completing assignments."