"Have they all been killed?" Qian Xunji asked indifferently, his gaze still fixed on the moon overhead. He didn't turn around.
"They have."
Gui Mei lowered his head and replied respectfully:
"Tang Zhen sent out a total of thirty-six teams, one hundred and eight people in all."
"Thirty-six were disciples of the Clear Sky Sect, and seventy-two were disciples of the Speed Clan."
"My men and I have wiped them all out."
"Mm." Qian Xunji nodded slightly. "Was the job done cleanly?"
"Cleanly."
Gui Mei continued:
"We burned their corpses, crushed their bones, and scattered their ashes. We didn't leave behind a single strand of hair."
"And on our way back, we took special care to clean up the scene, ensuring not a trace was left behind."
"Nicely done."
After hearing the news, Qian Xunji was in a rather good mood, and even his tone grew a little lighter.
"I'll make sure you're credited for this."
He turned around, his gaze settling on Gui Mei. His voice took on a more solemn note.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll go to the Holy Maiden and work for her, helping her become the next Pope."
"Remember!" Qian Xunji's voice grew heavier. "Whatever she tells you to do, you do it."
"She's your new master."
"Gui Mei understands!"
Gui Mei hurriedly cupped his hands and replied in a loud, respectful voice:
"I'll make the preparations at once!"
With that, he slowly rose, stepped back twice, then turned and left.
His black robes snapped in the night wind. His footsteps gradually faded into the distance, disappearing into the darkness.
The area before Pope Hall fell silent again.
Qian Xunji turned around and gazed up at the moon once more.
Moonlight fell across his profile, leaving his expression half-bright and half-shadowed.
After a long while, he murmured