Daoist Gao and Daoist Feng looked upward after the river of luminous qi unfurled. There were still eleven people there, seemingly unchanged from last time. Daoist Chao even nodded to them, which steadied their hearts somewhat, and they returned the gesture.
Once everyone had taken their seats, the presiding Daoist at the upper end of the river of luminous qi rose as usual and began the proceedings.
Since no conclusion had been reached on the matter last time, it clearly would not be allowed to pass so easily now. The moment the presiding Daoist spoke, Court Administrator Chong was again the first to strike his chime and rise, declaring that rules must be established to restrain the turbid cultivators. He made it clear that he would not rest until a result had been reached.
The presiding Daoist nodded. This time, rather than asking everyone, he looked at Daoist Feng and Daoist Gao. "The two of you opposed this proposal last time. What do you think of it now?"
Gao and Feng once again felt a deep sense that something was amiss. But since the Chief Administrator had addressed them directly, they could not refuse to state their position.
Daoist Feng pondered for a moment. No matter what, since they had spoken out against it before, they could not shrink back now. He declared loudly, "We still believe this proposal should not be established."
The presiding Daoist nodded without further question, then turned to the others. "What are the views of the various Court Administrators?"
The five true cultivators naturally held the same views as before. One after another, they struck the jade chimes before them in approval. Court Administrators Chen and Wei likewise maintained their previous positions.
Gao and Feng could not help turning their eyes toward Court Administrator Chao.