It was three quarters past the start of Chen Hour, in the Council Hall at the Headquarters Altar on Star-Magnetic Peak.
Though repairs had been made, scorch marks left by spell bombardments still scarred the hall's walls, but it had now been swept clean. Both sides of the long Green Jade Table were filled with people. On the left, headed by Nangong Wan, Lu Yun, and Zhou Tong, sat representatives of Heavenly South's native righteous sects, including the Covering Moon Sect, Giant Sword Sect, Yellow Maple Valley, and Seven Mysteries Sect, along with Han Li's old followers: Wu Jiuzhi, Tu Xiaoyi, Black Bear, Bamboo Viper, Shi Mang, and others. The right side was somewhat emptier, but everyone seated there possessed a deep, steady aura. They were core formation late stage stewards and Guest Elders whom the Star Palace had stationed in Heavenly South.
Han Li sat upright in the seat of honor, dressed in azure robes, his bearing calm and imposing. The Magnetic Essence Griffin had not entered. Instead, he had shrunk his body and stood motionless as a statue on the flying eaves outside the Council Hall, dark-gold divine markings flickering in the morning light as he silently radiated intimidation.
"Everyone," Han Li began, sweeping his gaze over those present and getting straight to the point, "Elder Shaking Light has departed for the Chaotic Star Sea with the Grand Elder's remnant soul. Our immediate task is to stabilize Heavenly South, consolidate our strength, and guard against a demonic counterattack before reinforcements arrive and the Grand Elder recovers. The orders issued last night treated the symptoms. What we discuss today must address the root and provide a long-term plan."
Silence filled the hall as everyone waited attentively.
"Our first priority is to 'secure our core.'" Han Li curled one finger.