The next day, a thoroughly baffling rumor suddenly began circulating through the sect.
Yet the Grand Elder, the very person at the center of the rumor, was the last to hear about it.
He was sitting in the middle of the main hall, "enjoying" Hong Ling's biting sarcasm.
"Some people really are something. Their backside hasn't even warmed the elder's seat yet, and already they have their eye on the Enforcement Hall."
The Grand Elder frowned. "If you can't speak properly, shut your mouth. Who are those barbed remarks aimed at?"
Hong Ling scoffed. "Oh? I've barely said anything, and you're already telling me to shut up? Then I can only assume you've decided the shoe fits."
The Grand Elder drew a deep breath, then slowly released it, steadying himself.
"Dao Lord Hong Ling, though we've never gotten along, I would still ask you to know when to stop here in Heavenly Origin Hall."
"You want me to stop? Who do you think you are? After doing something so shameless, you expect everyone else to let sleeping dogs lie? Why? Because you're pretty?"
The veins at the Grand Elder's temples were already threatening to bulge. "Dao Lord Hong Ling, if you have something to say, why not say it outright? What's the point of beating around the bush?"
Looking at his still "innocent" face, Hong Ling couldn't help rolling her eyes. "Since you put it that way, I won't hold back."
"Speak freely," the Grand Elder said coldly.
Just then, Ning Hai came out as well and took the last seat.
"We haven't even begun discussing business, and you're already putting on a lively show. Still, since the Grand Elder has asked you to speak, tell us what happened."
The Grand Elder glanced at Ning Hai, strongly suspecting that he