The Fifth Team was the team he would be joining, and the last one to be formed. That was because he had arrived last; it had nothing to do with any ranking of strength.
When he entered the courtyard where these cultivators had gathered, and more than a dozen gazes turned toward him, he distinctly sensed their rejection and malice.
He understood perfectly well that this was not because the two factions were already as incompatible as fire and water, but because cultivators were inherently averse to this kind of oversight.
No one was happy to be distrusted, yet that was precisely what he was about to do: judge everything with a scrutinizing eye.
It was no different within the Quanzhen Sect. The Central Army Prefecture likewise had little affection for lackeys like them.
Lin Zhengyuan was one of the two Golden Core Upper Cultivators overseeing this operation for the Baishen Sect, and the man who had brought him here.
He gathered everyone together and announced Hou Niao's identity expressionlessly.
"Wang Shouzhong of Shanmen, judicial commissioner of Jincheng, will also serve as the Fifth Team's observer for this operation. He will record your performance, achievements, and failings during the operation, and has the authority to intervene in your conduct under specific circumstances.
"This is the decision of the Baishen Sect's Elder Council. Everyone must obey unconditionally."
Lin Zhengyuan's address offered little of merit. It neither inspired anyone nor clarified rewards and punishments; he spoke in generalities, taking an entirely businesslike attitude.
To Hou Niao, this was a very unsuccessful introduction that added another obstacle to his fitting in. He did not know whether this was simply Lin Zhengyuan's nature, or whether even Lin himself resented oversight from another sect.
The others straggled over to offer their greetings. They were reasonably