Several months later, inside a great hall hidden amid the clouds and mist on Xuanji Peak of the Condensed Jade Sect.
Soundproofing formations covered all four walls, shutting out every disturbance and clamor from the outside world.
Xuanji True Lord sat solemnly in the chief seat. A register lay open on the jade desk before him, densely packed with cultivators' names.
Grand Elder Wan Hun stood quietly to one side, his eyes lowered, holding a cup of clear tea as though savoring its fragrance;
Yuji True Person, meanwhile, looked anxious, unable to sit or stand at ease;
Chi Xuntian stood beside the desk, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the register, his thoughts difficult to fathom.
"Sect Master."
At last, Yuji True Person could no longer restrain himself and spoke. Though he deliberately lowered his voice, he could not conceal his urgency.
"The Shushan Sword Sect is pressing us hard. It is time to submit the list of four thousand cultivators. I have looked over the register Grand Elder Wan Hun drew up. It is filled with the elite of every island, but..."
He paused briefly, his tone suddenly growing weightier. "Senior Brother, why is Qing Chen's name missing?
"And those trusted retainers of his-Xin Bairen, Xu Jiuling, Gao Yuliang, and the like-why not send them to serve in the army, so they can do their part for the sect!"
At this, Grand Elder Wan Hun set down his teacup, his expression somewhat helpless, as though he had long anticipated Yuji True Person's words.
"There is something you do not know, Elder Yuji. As deputy sect master, Qing Chen holds no ordinary position. How could we casually transfer him into the military? Besides, those trusted retainers of his..."
"Hmph, why should he be unsuitable for transfer?"
Yuji True Person interrupted Grand