Nobody had expected that the relatively mild mannered Lin Mu would have some fierce words to say today.
Every one other than Jing Luo had the same surprised expression. Jing Luo on the other hand, had a straight expression, as if he was fine with it all.
"Truer words have never been spoken." Jing Luo chimed in.
"What is the meaning of this disrespect!" Elder Wenyan said in an elevated voice.
"Patriarch Hua, is this the thing you brought us here for?" Elder Peizhi said in an antagonistic tone.
"See… this is exactly what I'm talking about." Lin Mu said out loud. "The sects think only they are right, and everyone else is wrong!"
"What do you know? Our Long Cloud sect has rich history and has been a prominent power for thousands of years. Even if you might have some background, it cannot be compared to our sect, or the other top ten sects for that matter." Elder Peizhi stated.
"Humph, what background! Elder Peizhi you are too genial." Elder Boqin said and pointed to the open scroll.
"We know very well what kind of a background he has. See this, his parents are nothing. A mortal father that was barely at the Seventh stage of the body tempering realm and an orphan mother that doesn't even have a family name.
This is the lowest of low. You have no standing other than some random master you have." Elder Boqin said crudely.
"ELDER!" Hua Langya shouted at this point, his face a mix of anxious and concern. "Watch you words. Do not say things like that!"
Some of the elders felt like Hua Langya was being a bit more fearful that he should have been, which made them confused. But Elder Pigu knew exactly why and had the same expression.
"ENOUGH!" Patriarch Hua thundered.
He then looked at Lin Mu in an apologetic manner before speaking, "seems like I failed you this time, junior Lin Mu. We were clearly not prepared for this."
Everyone looked at Lin Mu, wanting to know what his response would be, but only saw a still expression on his face as if not even the falling sky would shake him.
~Sigh~
"If this is how the Long Cloud sect truly is… then we have no need for an alliance." Lin Mu said firmly.
"Senior Lin Mu! Please think it through!" the other elders quickly said.
A strange silence descended in the hall and no one spoke for a minute; everyone simply stared at each other, not knowing what to do. The limbo was very uncomfortable for two people in the hall, Elder Hua Langya and Elder Pigu.
Those two were as if scared for their lives and wanted nothing more for this to end.
"Patriarch, please do something. We cannot let this go on. Brother Lin Mu, he… he cannot be disrespected like this." Hua Langya sent a transmission.
The patriarch was a bit surprise upon receiving the message like this.
"I understand that, but why are you so anxious? I've never seen you like this." The replied.
"You don't understand. They insulted brother Lin Mu's background… that… that… I cannot tell you like this. Just trust me on this; if this goes unresolved nothing good will come out of it." Hua Langya stated.
Patriarch Hua's brows furrowed and knew that there was more to it than he knew. While he wanted to understand why Hua Langya had said this, he trusted his junior brother and agreed for now.
"Elders, we should not leave things at a sour stage like this. Even if you are doubtful about it all, you have to admit that there have been very strange situations lately. If anything, the Long Cloud sect must know of the Kushao ruins and the beasts that rose from it." Patriarch Hua tried to persuade.
"What has the ruins got to do with anything?" Elder Boqin questioned.
~DENG~
"I'll explain it!" At this moment, another voice interrupted as the door at the side opened with a bang.
In walked in a man who seemed a little weak and his complexion was pale. It was evident that he was not well and had possibly suffered from injuries.
"Elder Liqiang!" the other elders recognized.
~step~step~step~
"Why are you all acting like this when we have the best evidence of it all!" He said out loud.
"BRING IN THAT WOMAN!" He shouted with venom in his voice.
The people were a bit confused, but then they saw an injured woman being brought in. She was in a very bad condition and had injuries all over her body.
"What is the meaning of this?" Elder Wenyan asked.
"Who is this mortal woman?" Elder Peizhi questioned.
To everyone in the hall, Ku Waowen just seemed like a commoner and had no spirit Qi fluctuations coming from her. Her vitality was rather weak too and felt like a candle flame in the storm that could go out at any time.
"Ku Waowen," Lin Mu spoke lightly and looked at the foe he had fought just a few days ago.
The old woman weakly lifted her head and looked towards the man who had just said her name. But upon seeing it, her weak face turned horrified.
"NOOO!! NOOO!! GET AWAY FROM ME! DON'T COME CLOSE!" Ku Waowen shouted with new found strength.
She clawed at the disciples that were holding her, but they only increased their grip on her instead.
"Shut up!" Elder Weimin who had also appeared, said fierily.
Ku Waowen held her mouth forcefully, even though the fear in her eyes had not disappeared yet.
"I think you will be more than convinced after you hear what she has to say." Elder Liqiang said.
The three elders of the Long Cloud sect seemed confused, but showed some willingness in knowing more.
Elder Weimin looked at Ku Waowen and yelled, "SPEAK WOMAN! SAY EVERYTHING YOU HAVE TOLD US TILL NOW!"
The old woman anxiously looked around but only met the cold gaze of Lin Mu.
"I… I'll speak." She said fearfully.
