Temporary Mechanism Council (2)

The same gray-white soul space, the same sixteen phantom thrones.

Nothing had changed here since Natsume had last attended the Council.

But far fewer people were present.

Only nine elders had arrived in total.

Upper seats: Otsutsuki Xushi, Meishiki, Suishiki, Lieshiki, Ling Shi, Queshi.

Lower seats: Otsutsuki Genshi, Nisshiki (Natsume), Qiongshi.

Alternate seats: none.

Natsume glanced at Elder Otsutsuki Qiongshi, who occupied the fourth lower seat.

Although this fellow had been ambushed and killed by High Priest Yama and him in the Yellow Spring Realm, he had indeed left behind a resurrection contingency and returned to life.

But it was also obvious that

his soul was currently very weak. Even his projection looked quite dim, as though it might collapse at any moment.

He had probably only been resurrected recently and was still extremely frail.

Relying on the High Tower's power, he had barely managed to project a phantom here to attend this Council meeting.

Besides that, the soul states of Meishiki, Suishiki, and Lieshiki were not perfect either.

One could vaguely sense that Jashin's power had not yet been completely purged and was still corroding their souls.

But compared to Qiongshi's condition, they were doing much better.

The problem was probably not serious.

Of course, these people were not the focus.

The one Natsume cared about most was naturally Otsutsuki Xushi, seated in the foremost position!

Because of the indistinct nature of soul projections, Natsume could not make out Xushi's expression or demeanor at all.

But his intuition told him that Xushi seemed to be in quite a good mood?

The Council officially convened.

Xushi first swept his gaze around the room, then smiled faintly.

"Only nine elders are present."

"In just a few days, it seems the losses have been considerable!"

"Go on, then. Tell me what