"Temple Master, Temple Master Shan requests an audience."
In the Metal Temple, a stone couch stood at the very back of the cave chamber, draped with a white tiger pelt. Tie Pofeng sat upon it as someone announced the visitor.
Tie Pofeng looked like a tall, burly man in his prime, with thick brows, a broad face, close-cropped hair, and a ferocious countenance.
At the announcement, the two walnut-sized silver balls in his hand stopped turning. He raised a brow.
"Shan Xingwei?"
"Yes."
The man outside answered respectfully.
Tie Pofeng snorted coldly.
"What, has he come to persuade me to nominate him as Mountain Lord?"
Rumors had been flying lately, and Tie Pofeng had naturally heard them. He thought he understood now. When they first seized the Earth Temple, that old monkey had given away all the benefits-so this was what he had been waiting for!
He had even traced the source of the rumors. The Water Temple's Second Elder had spoken first, and then the other elders of the Water and Wood Temples, afraid of falling behind, had responded one after another. The Fire Temple's people had naturally fanned the flames, until the clamor filled the air.
The Metal Temple and Earth Temple had yet to respond, and people had already begun gossiping. Temple Master Shan had been so righteous and generous, and the Metal Temple had reaped enormous benefits, yet it still wanted to compete with him for the position of Mountain Lord. What wolfish hearts and dogish lungs!
"He's nothing but a fur-covered beast. Master was already showing boundless mercy by letting him become a temple master, and now he's setting his sights on the Mountain Lord's seat? How could I agree?"
Tie Pofeng cursed loudly. The messenger beside him did not dare breathe heavily.
"Enough. Invite