Representative

"Rose Elder, you flatter me."

Gilan held his hat in one hand and his staff behind his back in the other, then gave a slight bow.

"I merely stood upon the shoulders of giants, and so could see farther. Whatever minor accomplishments I have achieved today are thanks to my teacher's meticulous guidance, as well as the inspiration and direction provided by the occult works of great figures."

"Mr. Blood Owl is truly humble."

Rose Elder chuckled softly and shook her head with a sigh.

"It seems you learned not only knowledge from Pala, but also the virtues possessed by a knight."

Behind the plaster mask of an elderly man, her jade-green eyes, weathered by time and filled with wisdom, were full of appreciation.

"Very good, very good."

After a brief silence, the lady looked around.

It was nearing eight o'clock. Most of the members of the Midnight Rose secret cult had arrived, numbering roughly fifty or sixty.

Most of those present were fourth-tier, Abundance-class Long-Lived Ones, with a smaller number at fifth-tier Splendor. As for sixth-tier Strength-class members, Rose Elder was the only one.

"Everyone, I apologize for interrupting your cultivation or research."

The lady raised her voice slightly.

"But this matter is unlike any before it. I had no choice but to gather everyone here for discussion."

As she spoke, she swept her sleeve.

"Let us sit and talk."

Whoosh—

A fierce gust of wind rose.

Everyone stepped back in tacit understanding.

In the center of the clearing, a complex purple-black alchemical array appeared out of thin air. Immediately afterward, a white marble round table over ten meters in diameter was forged on the spot.

A corresponding number of high-backed chairs appeared around it as well.

The gathered members took their seats one after another.

"The White Sage