Inside the sect's blessed land, in the Hall of Affairs of the Civil Administration Court.
As soon as Academy Head Shu Wangsheng arrived, he heard several deacons under his command gathered together, discussing something in private.
"What do you think brought the sect master here in person this time?"
"I don't know either. He said he came to see our Academy Head, but nothing major has happened lately."
"Deputy Academy Head Xiao certainly is eager, rushing up to make conversation like that... How much could there possibly be to report in this shabby Hall of Affairs of ours? He's been in there for over an hour."
"Haven't you heard the rumors that Director Shu is getting too old, and the deputy court master might succeed him? Whatever happens, it can't hurt to make his face familiar."
"The sect master is wise and mighty. Surely he wouldn't promote him just for that?"
"Hard to say. Deputy Academy Head Xiao may be a bit, well, you know, but there isn't another suitable candidate right now..."
Shu Wangsheng was about to listen further when a loud bout of coughing suddenly sounded. Someone behind him said, "Academy Head, you're finally back. The sect master has been waiting for you for over an hour."
Shu Wangsheng nodded and followed the man into the Hall of Affairs. Inside, documents were neatly arranged and registers piled like mountains. Some people sat perfectly upright, while others wrote busily at their desks. Even the mortal servants attending the cultivators were industriously wiping tables, chairs, and vases until everything gleamed.
Hmm, I must be getting old. I'm even hearing things now.
An inexplicable sadness welled up deep within Shu Wangsheng. He sighed, not quite knowing what he was lamenting.
"Sect Master, Director Shu is back."
Outside a small room on