"Of course, we have absolute faith in the High Priest. These are merely rumors from outside, but too many people are spreading them, and they seem to have already taken them as fact. Supposedly, they originated among Heavenfall Island's various hegemonic powers, which makes them highly credible!"
As Cloudsplitter spoke, everyone present watched Xiao Ying nervously, waiting to see his reaction.
Silver Wing and Six Tails were especially anxious. One was Fang's elder sister, who had depended on him as he had depended on her; the other was his fiancée, chosen personally by the old priest, the Soul Devourer King, with the betrothal gifts already delivered. If the Sky-Supporting High Priest before them was not Fang, what were they to do?
Unfortunately, even after Cloudsplitter finished, Xiao Ying's expression remained unchanged, as though they were discussing not him, but some inconsequential bit of gossip.
Ten breaths...
Twenty breaths...
Silence filled the air. No one spoke; they merely watched Xiao Ying quietly.
Xiao Ying shook his head and asked with a seemingly unconcerned smile, "What if it's true? What if it isn't? Does it make any difference?"
"..."
Everyone's expression stiffened. Some opened their mouths, but ultimately could not say anything, repeatedly asking themselves whether the rumors being true or false made any difference.
When no one spoke, Xiao Ying instead grew solemn and said earnestly, "As long as you acknowledge me as your High Priest, and I fulfill that role adequately, then I am your High Priest. There is no difference. If you do not acknowledge me as your High Priest, I will not force you!"
After a pause, he looked at the Blood Xuan Witch King, Jin Yan Witch King, and Eight Separation Witch King and asked, "According to Barbarian Tribe custom, the High Priest is elected by the