Water Marsh Sect.
A certain quiet side courtyard.
Sandalwood incense slowly rose from the bronze burner, twisting into a pale thread in the gloom.
A six-tusked White Elephant lay crouched beside a meditation cushion.
With every breath from its trunk dragging along the floor, frosty white mist billowed out, spreading across the ground and shrouding the entire room in a faint chill.
The White Elephant's entire body resembled warm, lustrous jade, yet if a Painting Realm cultivator were present, they would surely sense the terrifying aura lying dormant within that demonic body.
Seated cross-legged upon the cushion was a gray-robed monk.
A string of plump, rounded bodhi beads hung from his hand. Though his face was plainly ordinary as his eyes rested half-closed, he somehow inspired an unspoken, imposing awe.
Water Marsh High Person stood below, bowing his head as he reported, "Venerable One."
"Today, our Water Marsh Sect opened its gates. The people of Great Marsh Township have all entered the net, and the Rogue Cultivators from every quarter have been properly settled."
At those words.
The gray-robed monk did not raise his eyelids. His thumb rolled over a bodhi bead, and a crisp click echoed through the silent chamber.
"You have worked hard."
Water Marsh High Person drew a deep breath, his expression turning utterly ingratiating. "To serve the Buddhist Sect and ease Your Venerable's burdens is the good fortune of the Water Marsh Sect."
"It is only..."
As he spoke.
He hesitated for quite some time before finally lowering his voice.
"It is only that the last few Thousand-Rain Grand Rites caused rather too great a stir. Though the local City Gods have been taken care of, there is no guarantee word has not leaked out. I fear that this time... the Heavenly Court may already have