As Ye Jingtang and the Three-Perfection Immortal Elder took their seats, the resplendent hall fell silent, leaving only the faint patter of rain against the sweeping eaves.
Rustle, rustle...
Over forty people had gathered in the hall. Nine sect leaders from the Twelve Gates of Wu Prefecture sat in armchairs, with their respective disciples and trusted followers standing behind them.
Only Third Madam stood behind Ye Jingtang, masked and holding a spear, making his side look rather thinly staffed. His seat was near the front, however. Opposite him was Han Song, leader of the Wushan Sect, while beside him sat Guang Hanlin, the Three-Perfection Immortal Elder.
Although he had this seat because Huang Yulong was absent, he had personally killed Huang Yulong, so by the martial world's rules, he had earned it.
Once everyone was seated, Guan Yujia went to the large chair at the front of the hall and sat down. He gestured for the six personal disciples behind him to serve tea, then declared:
"The night before last, the Black Bureau brought troops to surround Baisu Town. Brother Huang Yulong of the Moon-Bearing Pavilion, Brother Xiao, and over a hundred disciples died tragically at the Imperial Court's hands. Have you all heard?"
"Oh..."
The eight sect leaders present had spent most of the past two days traveling. With Jianyang thrown into the chaos of war, news traveled poorly. Most were only now learning of this, and their expressions changed.
Guan Yujia had opened with this to gauge the various sects' reactions and determine where everyone present stood.
But before the eight sect leaders of Wu Prefecture could respond, Young Master Ye, seated at the head, lightly slapped his armrest and said grimly:
"Those damned officials have gone too far!"
"..."
The hall instantly fell deathly silent. Even Third