After the Court Executors had completed their formal salutations, they raised their heads to see Chief Executor Zhuang give them a slight nod. He then turned around and departed step by step with the boy attendant carrying the ruler at his side, his figure gradually fading like ink wash into the surging sea of clouds.
As they watched his figure slowly vanish, the Court Executors felt a sense of loss.
Those great powers of the Upper Layer rarely intervened directly in worldly affairs anymore. Now that he had become an Executor, they feared there would be few chances to see him again. After so many years of having him preside over the overall situation, his departure from office today left them somewhat unaccustomed.
However, Chen Yu had also been a Court Executor seated in the position of Deputy Chief Executor for quite some time. Whether in seniority and cultivation, the battles he had commanded, or his prestige among the cultivators, no one present could surpass him. It was only natural for him to succeed to the position of Chief Executor, and everyone had long been prepared for it. They quickly composed themselves and, amid the chime of the stone bells, returned to their seats.
Chen Yu had by then settled into the Chief Executor's seat. In a deep voice, he said, "With Fellow Daoist Zhuang's departure, there is now a vacant Court Executor position that must be filled. Do any of you have recommendations?"
Zhong Tingzhi raised his head, picked up the jade mallet on his desk, and struck it once. He then rose and made a cupped-hand salute. "Chief Executor, fellow Court Executors, Zhong recommends two people: Deng Jing, guardian of Jade Capital, and Yu Rang, Profound Chief of Binyun Upper Continent. Whether in cultivation and achievements or in