125 Side Story: Promotion (1/2)
He Xingping returned to Beast God City long after the immortals. He wasn't able to see their reactions and he wished he could have been there at that moment. From the rumor grapevine, He Zicheng and Qu Shen almost started fighting again in the city but were stopped by their subordinates. The damage to the top of the mountain was severe. The entire city and its citizens were in shock from the attack.
The news of this brazen attack quickly spread across the subcontinent and Beast God Sanctum lost a massive amount of face. The two lords tried to track down Mei Qiaofeng but she had retreated deep into human territory. Once her sob story of avenging her master emerged, there was nothing they could do. The sect also put out a ten million gold bounty on the mysterious fat and ugly old immortal that helped raid the city. Hundreds if not thousands matching the description were dragged up by the immortals of the sect, bounty hunters, and mercenaries and their ultimate fates were unknown but probably tragic. But the citizens of the city didn't care, they simply wanted revenge, for the attack and for the people they had lost.
The sect also lost a hundred years of cumulative wealth and resources. While the most valuable treasures were stored away in spatial bags, this was still a super sect and that money and material was needed to run a sect with so many members. Immediately after the attack, all disciples were recalled across the lands and a massive effort began to replenish the losses. He Xingping was among the elders that were soon called back to the Lion castle, this time for a meeting with the lord himself.
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Chen Wentian, as He Xingping, arrived at the top of Beast God City. He finally set eyes on Lion castle and saw that reconstruction was well under way. The Eagle faction, to his chagrin, had shamelessly taken over the empty Snake castle that had been left untouched. This was probably what the two lords had almost fought over.
He entered the castle and was escorted to the newly construction great hall and was surprised to see the lord and all three immortals there. Soon as he arrived, three other elders also came in and he could guess where this was going.
”Greetings Lion Lord! Greetings immortals!” They said as they bowed.
”Rise…” He Zicheng said tiredly, ”Sigh… this attack on our sect by Mei Qiaofeng was devastating, four executive elders lost their lives, as I'm sure you've heard. These positions must be filled. Each of you have shown great skills and loyalty and have made great contributions. Thus, you four have been selected for promotion.”
”Thank you, lord!” They bowed again.
He Zicheng called up each of them one by one and spoke to them briefly about their new position.
Chen Wentian went up when it was his turn. Once close to the immortals, he noticed that Ji Tiangu was looking at him fiery eyes. He ignored it and bowed to He Zicheng. ”Lord, please advise me.”
”Mmm, He Xingping. I've watched you for a long time. Your talent was never great but you are diligent and hardworking. The hunt for the comet lynx was a failure but He Xinghan told me you performed your duty well. As you know, Ji Yeming died during the attack so you will assume that position as executive elder, effective immediately.”
”Yes, my lord!”
”Good, executive elder is fundamentally different from the lower ranks. Being one gives you access to some of the sect's most important secrets. Thus, you need swear by this spiritual oath.” He Zicheng said and handed him a slip of paper.