Several followers then stepped forward and led them out of the great hall.
When they stepped onto the flat plaza outside, they found that the protectors who had left earlier had all dispersed. Only Incense Master Wei remained where he was, waiting for them with a smile.
By now, Incense Master Wei's earlier arrogance had vanished, replaced by an eager, welcoming smile.
His attitude toward the twenty protectors emerging from the hall was worlds apart from before.
Earlier, he had still stood somewhat on his status, maintaining the air of a superior. Now, however, he strode forward with a smile as though greeting dear friends he had not seen in years:
"Ah, protectors, congratulations, congratulations!
"To be singled out by the sect leader like that-you will all become the pillars holding up our sect, the beams spanning its seas!
"If I'm not mistaken, you had the good fortune to hear the Holy Maiden's Immortal Voice?"
After saying this, he raised his gaze and carefully studied their expressions.
Some of the more straightforward ones, who could not hide anything, immediately wore expressions that said, "How did you know?"
At this, Incense Master Wei's smile grew even brighter, and he spoke with greater warmth:
"Anyone who hears the Holy Maiden's Immortal Voice is guaranteed at least an incense master's position! We'll all be serving the sect together from now on. For the sake of the little bond we share through my bringing you into the sect, I hope you'll look out for me in our future dealings here!"
Although the Holy Maiden's Immortal Voice had made these protectors utterly loyal to Divine Path Heaven, it had not erased their personalities or humanity.
After all, Incense Master Wei was a middle-ranking leader in the sect and wielded real power. These protectors had only