Deliberations, Part Two

Li Xiao silently committed this information to memory, gaining a clearer understanding of the Three Origins Sect's internal power structure.

If he wanted to truly control the Three Origins Sect, strength alone would not be enough. Becoming Sect Master was a necessary step.

Candidate Saint Son, Saint Son, Peak Master, Sect Master...

Each step seemed distant, but with enough strength and careful planning, reaching the end of that path might not be impossible.

He set those thoughts aside, turned his attention back to the head of the hall, and listened closely to what the Sect Master had to say next.

The Sect Master swept a grave gaze over everyone in the hall. Only when the discussion gradually died down did he speak:

"The first reason I have summoned you here today is Emperor Zhou's attempt to defy heaven and change his fate by extending his life.

"You should all know something of this by now.

"Speak freely. What do you make of it?"

No sooner had he finished than an elder rose and cupped his hands.

"Sect Master, Peak Masters, fellow members of the Sect.

"The world is in chaos. The Military Governors wage endless war, while Emperor Zhou has grown so foolish that he would sacrifice his own people in blood. He has lost his mind.

"The Three Origins Sect and the Zhou Kingdom have long been at daggers drawn. If he is courting his own destruction, how can we stand by and watch?

"Now is our chance. We must not let it slip away!"

Many elders immediately voiced their agreement.

The conflict between the Three Origins Sect and the Zhou Kingdom went back a long way. Each had long been a thorn in the other's flesh.

Emperor Zhou was old, yet he had named no crown prince. His