Southern Pole Star Palace.
In days past, whenever the seven stars of the Southern Dipper and the seven stars of the Big Dipper gathered here, it usually meant some Star Lord's mount had given birth, or the spirit fruits in some immortal realm had ripened.
Everyone would sit together, divide up the fruit, drink some tea, and observe the social courtesies of the Heavenly Court's immortals.
Today was different.
All fourteen armchairs were occupied. Not a single person had taken leave.
The Immortal Tea on the table had long since gone cold. None of the immortals drank it; they were all watching Lian Zhen Star air grievances.
"Everyone." A gaze swept over the two rows of colleagues, each as silent as a stoppered gourd, while that little mouth poured out complaints. "Chen Qingquan is reaching far too long an arm! We all know what sort of foundation the Military Affairs Government Office has. And now, under the banner of the Great Heavenly Venerable's campaign to rectify conduct discipline, he's picking meat right out of our Lunar Mansions Government Office's mouth!"
"Cede five cities today, ten cities tomorrow!"
"If we keep ceding ground like this, what good will come of it in the long run? If this goes on, will there be any place left for our Constellations Faction in the Heavenly Court? We might as well take down this star palace's plaque and send it to his Military Affairs Government Office to use as a stepping stone!"
Every word was true, but every word was also bound to offend someone.
Once those words were spoken,
the stars remained silent.
Greedy Wolf Star Lord lowered his head, studying the patterns on his teacup with great care.
Army Breaker Star Lord closed his eyes, looking as though he had fallen asleep.
It