Immediately afterward, a disciple called out a report:
"Elder Feng Buting of the Sword Branch of Azure Radiance Manor requests an audience!"
Feng Buting?
The four people in the hall exchanged glances, understanding dawning in their eyes.
The Sword Branch elder was notorious for his fiery temper.
He must have heard what had happened during the Demonic Turmoil in Guangwu and come to confront them with a bellyful of anger.
"Show Elder Feng in."
Xu Zhouling raised a hand and gave the order.
Moments later, boots thudded closer, and a burly figure strode into the council hall.
The newcomer wore fitted black clothes, with a plain iron sword at his waist and an ink-dark tassel hanging half a foot from its hilt. His hair and beard were half white as frost, his keen eyes held a hidden edge, and he moved with the sharpness peculiar to sword cultivators.
He was the chief elder of Azure Radiance Manor's Sword Branch!
Feng Buting!
"Sect Master Xu, Court Masters."
Feng Buting cupped his hands. His voice rang like a great bell as he said,
"I've taken the liberty of coming uninvited. Sorry for the disturbance."
"Think nothing of it, Elder Feng."
Xu Zhouling rose and returned the greeting, then gestured for him to sit.
"It's rare for you to visit Crimson Radiance Island. What brings you here?"
Feng Buting made no ceremony of it. He swept aside his robe and sat down boldly, getting straight to the point.
"I won't beat around the bush."
"First, I've come to ask about that business in Guangwu Prefecture. The Baleful Yin Sect invaded in force, and the other three South Township sects rushed to their aid overnight, fighting through mountains of blades and seas of blood. Why was Azure Radiance Manor alone not informed?"
His brows