At the highest point of Yang Capital's city domain stood a towering spire that pierced the heavens. Here floated a massive metal sphere in midair, surrounded by blazing spiritual flames that seemed as though they would never die out.
Legend had it that this was the first Creation Sunstar lit by the Hao Clan, symbolizing how the Hao Clan had risen by lifting the sun and would forever dwell high above the heavens. Naturally, it had long undergone certain modifications. This one alone could provide sufficient spiritual power for all the Creations in Yang Capital, representing the Hao Clan's present mastery of Creation techniques.
Within the circular platform around the tower, more than a dozen elderly men in golden robes were discussing something. They were the principal power holders of the Council of Elders.
The Council of Elders actually numbered as many as a hundred members, who maintained an internal rotation system. While the Hao Sovereign was still active, they were responsible for offering counsel to him, assisting in governance, and chiefly safeguarding the interests of their clan.
Members of the Council of Elders were selected from among those in the Hao Clan with high prestige or profound learning. Every elder who joined the Council of Elders was granted land, population, and a Creation Factory of his own during his tenure.
In theory, every elder served for life. Yet every ten years, there was an internal assessment, and those who failed were removed. However, newly appointed elders were almost always chosen from the families that made up the Council of Elders. Occasionally, fresh blood was brought in as well, to keep the body from becoming stagnant.
When the Council of Elders was first established within the Hao Clan, it functioned fairly well, after all, since it protected the interests of