Fang Qianyuan had abandoned the frontline positions!
This decision had effectively stopped the situation from deteriorating, preserving his people and allowing them to retreat safely, but it had also sparked a controversy of no small consequence in the rear.
Ascension Academy, Elders' Council, Council Hall.
Inside the hall, with its gleaming windows and spotless furnishings, several distinguished Spirit Tamers in purple robes and ornate crowns sat on either side. Yu Shixian occupied the seat of honor, with several figures resembling staff advisors and elders beside him.
Smoke curled from a crane-shaped bronze incense burner. Amid the faint scent of sandalwood, some lowered their eyes, some clasped their hands within their sleeves, and some sat ramrod straight, their expressions varied.
These were all sitting members of the Elders' Council, empowered to advise and vote on major sect affairs. What they were discussing now was precisely Fang Qianyuan's abandonment of the frontline positions.
"...That is what happened. What do you all think?"
Yu Shixian finished reading the report from the front and posed his question, only to be met with silence.
Only after a while did an elderly man with graying hair slowly speak. "Elder Fang is still too young, impulsive and willful in his actions. To abandon the frontline positions just like that-though it was no grave mistake, it cannot be indulged either. We should send him a letter of reprimand."
Someone said with a smile, "Grand Elder Bu, you are mistaken. Not only did Elder Fang do nothing wrong, he actually rendered a service. Why should we send him a letter of reprimand?"
The old man's expression grew stern. "What service?"
"Preserving the soldiers and civilians is naturally a service."
"Hmph, not necessarily. Are you saying that endlessly losing cities and territory also counts as preserving the soldiers and civilians?"