Atop the High Platform (2)

"Such lofty ambitions, Patriarch Murong."

The speaker was the only female patriarch among the Eight Families, Su Wanqing of the Su Family. She looked barely twenty, with exquisite features, skin fairer than snow, and phoenix eyes that sparkled with irresistible charm whenever her gaze shifted.

Today, she wore a floor-length orange gown shaded like flowing sunset clouds. Spirit butterflies were embroidered across it in warm golden thread as fine as hair, and tiny, warm-colored crystals studded the hem, scattering diamond-like glimmers with her slightest movement. On the rather somber floating platform, she looked especially radiant and vibrant.

Covering her lips with her sleeve, she chuckled, undisguised mockery dancing in her eyes. "Your great aspirations are admirable, Patriarch Murong. However..."

She drew out the word, her lovely eyes curving into crescents. "The plain fact is that, for nearly a thousand years, it has been Undying Flame that has used flesh and blood to keep demonic energy trapped within the seal and safeguard the Nine Domains' peace. Not your Murong Family."

She paused, fluttering her long lashes. The corners of her eyes lifted as she regarded Murong Xu with an inquisitiveness both innocent and sly, her voice growing lighter. "I happened to hear my disciples chatting earlier. Apparently, Undying Flame's chief disciple has come to observe the ceremony too. What a rare opportunity, Patriarch Murong!"

She leaned forward slightly, looking every inch the helpful adviser. "Why not head over to the guest quarters right now and find that distinguished disciple of Undying Flame? You could have a proper, sincere, face-to-face 'discussion.' Tell him that, in gratitude for Undying Flame's thousand years of hard work, your Murong Family is willing to devote its entire strength to easing their burden and taking on the great responsibility of guarding the Heavenly Demon Abyss."

"Then we