Outside the hall, two streaks of Rainbow Light descended, revealing two cultivators.
The one in front wore sumptuous robes and had a stern face, his dignity radiating naturally. Behind him followed a cultivator in cloud-patterned robes, holding a jade register with a solemn expression.
Xi Hong and Chu Mo exchanged a glance, then immediately rose to greet them outside.
"Thank you for making the long journey, senior brothers," Xi Hong said with a smile, cupping his hands. "I am Xi Hong, and this is Junior Brother Youxuan."
"It was no trouble. We were merely fulfilling our duties."
The richly dressed cultivator returned the salute, his voice level. "I am Mingxin, and this is Junior Brother Shenxin. At True Lord Yuanyi's command, we have come from the General Affairs Hall to verify matters concerning the auxiliary defense of the Water Mansions."
True Person Shenxin, dressed in cloud-patterned robes, merely nodded slightly, his expression no less solemn.
The four entered the Council Hall and took their seats as hosts and guests. True Person Mingxin dispensed with pleasantries, taking the jade register and opening it. "According to our preliminary inspection, the Panbo and Chen Ke Water Mansions suffered severe damage. Only two breeding flood dragons remain in the Jiao-Rearing Pool; all the others perished. Under sect regulations, auxiliary defense disciples Xi Hong and Youxuan failed in their defensive duties, causing substantial losses to sect property..."
He spoke slowly, listing each point in turn, plainly taking the stance that everything would be handled strictly by the book.
Xi Hong listened without losing a trace of his smile. When Mingxin paused, he suddenly gave a light cough and rose. "You are entirely right, Senior Brother Mingxin. My junior brother and I did indeed neglect our duties."
As he spoke, two unremarkable Storage Bags slipped quietly