A New Authority
“How about we just make it policy to kill every Celestial Star Sect snake we run into?” Xiaoshuai suggested, ticked off.
“I won’t show mercy when it’s time to kill him. Killing him now won’t miraculously empower these cultivators with courage, though.”
“It lets me blow of some steam, at least,” responded Xiaoshuai, shadow boxing.
Mu Yu pressed his hand on Xiaoshuai’s shoulder. “You’re right. I’ll think about it. Right now, though, I need to think about how to take responsibility for dragging this city into this mess if the elemental demons are here solely for me.”
He Jinglong opined, “You must have faith in the Ascension Realm adept. We need their leadership. I’m sure other sects’ reinforcements will arrive if we can hold off for another two days.”
Tian Ziming protested, “When will those reinforcements arrive? Have you sent a messenger already?”
“… I have already notified other city lords. Reinforcements will be here in a matter of time.”
“Don’t tell me you’re delusional. Nobody was ready for yesterday’s surprise attack – not to mention they sealed the exits almost immediately. Can you explain how you managed to get a message out under those circumstances?”
“Tian Ziming, please mind your manners! Other city lords must’ve noticed the situation given how much of a fiasco it is!”
“I believe everyone is entitled to know the truth, and it is necessary information to ensure the correct decision is made. Seeing as news cannot be delivered to others, we must do what we can to protect ourselves. We only have three days. Everyone agrees with apprehending the individual because it’s our only hope. You cannot prioritise your own feelings over that of the masses!”
“What gives you the right to tell me how to run my city? Does nobody here have a spine?!”
“Swim with the current to survive. We have no means of winning against them. We must live to fight another day. Sacrificing one life to save all of the lives in the city is what’s important.”
“What gives you the idea that the elemental demons will keep their promise? Point out one incident where that ever happened!”
“How do you know there aren’t exceptions? I believe they are likely to spare us.”
“Don’t forget that you’re human. Humans don’t concede to elemental demons. How will we defeat them if we turn on our ace?”
“Your injury must be negatively affecting your mind. We need a lord who can save the city, not a block of wood that clings to ideals. I now suspect you are colluding with those demons. I don’t support you as this city’s lord!”
“I believe Elder Tian is a better leader as he is an elder of Celestial Star Sect!” voiced a cultivator, galvanising the others to sing his tune.
The Body Synthesis Realm cultivators went up to confront He Jinglong, completely unlike the way they gripped their tails between their legs last night before the enemy.
“Lord He, we kindly suggest you take a rest to recover, and let Tian Ziming take the reins as he is the most advanced cultivator after you.”
“Apologies, Lord He. This is all for the sake of the city,” jibed Tian Ziming.
“Is this a mutiny?!” brayed He Jinglong, wounds opening up again.
Tian Ziming stomped forward. “Hand over your city lord seal!”
“You should oblige with the people’s wishes, Lord He,” opined Leng Rufeng.
“We do not wish to hurt you,” added Zhuang Hong.
He Jinglong shook his head in frustration and disappointment as he presented the hand-sized square seal. The golden formation seal’s appearance shook the city’s barrier gently. He trained his gaze on the statue of Feng Haochen, bemoaning, “Your actions disgrace and disappoint True God and our predecessors!”
“True God would’ve wanted us to save all of the cultivators here,” argued Tian Ziming, snidely snatching the seal.
As He Jinglong returned to his estate’s staircase, he started wobbling. Luckily, Mu Yu caught his fall and urged, “Watch your feet, Elder.”
He Jinglong looked up at Mu Yu and sighed. He Jinglong had won over Mu Yu’s admiration. Mu Yu did not slay Tian Ziming on the spot as it would lead to others hating He Jinglong.
“Do you have family, Elder?”
“No. My wife passed away long ago. My two sons died at the hands of elemental demons when they went on a recon mission in the mountains.”
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