Return of the King, Dominating the City-Chapter 1611 - 1505: Elder Council

The Elder Council is an independent institution within the Green Dragon Sect, overseeing and assisting both the sect’s disciples and the Sect Leader.

The elders are selected from the most outstanding disciples of the current generation. For instance, the current seven elders are notable figures among the previous generation’s disciples. The elders serve for life, and only when an elder passes away will a replacement be chosen from other seniors or an outstanding disciple from the next generation. Of course, there are also those qualified to enter the Elder House but unwilling to take the position.

The Elder Council also has its own independent courtyard, which is the largest besides the Sect Leader’s main house. It is the primary supervisory body and has an enforcement team that only obeys the orders of the elders. This force is very powerful and is not at the Sect Leader’s command, so the Elder Council holds significant authority, allowing it to confidently stand against the Sect Leader if necessary.

The old man walked ahead with an indifferent expression, Shadow followed expressionlessly, and Song Yun glanced behind them. He thought the two in front were too cool, so he mimicked them by putting on a stern face. The three of them entered the Elder House’s main gate with this chilly demeanor, startling the two members of the enforcement team who came to greet them, making them stumble over their words.

Once inside the courtyard and into the main house, the seven elders of the Elder Council sat in a row on rosewood chairs in the main hall. With white hair and long robes, their faces were solemn, exuding a commanding presence. The scene was quite peculiar; an outsider might think a movie was being filmed, but members of the sect knew it was time for the Elder Council to make a significant decision. Regular matters did not require all seven elders to be present.

Without waiting for an invitation, the old man sat down on a chair reserved for subordinates of the elders. As the Great Elder, he had the privilege to sit. As for Song Yun, Shadow, and the enforcement team members watching the drama from afar, they had no choice but to remain standing.

"You ingrate, kneel now," shouted the elder who sat on the second chair, an old man with one empty sleeve, glaring at Song Yun with eyes that seemed to shoot fire, as if he was ready to devour Song Yun. He was the elder whose arm was forcibly cut off by Song Yun.

"Kneel? The etiquette in our sect is to bow to elders. Where’s the rule that requires kneeling?" Song Yun retorted with a smile and gave a casual bow to the old men.

"You are a criminal, naturally you should kneel," the Supreme Elder said, slapping the table.

"What crime has he committed?" The old man glanced at Song Yun and asked indifferently.

"What crime has he committed? Yaksha, you are being too partial as the Great Elder. How can this bias convince other disciples? Let’s resolve this ingrate’s matter first, and then we will review your position as Great Elder. According to the sect’s rules, the elders will vote on your position as Great Elder. You have two votes, and if the votes in favor of you are fewer than those against, you will be removed. We will nominate a new Great Elder."

The Supreme Elder slapped the table as he spoke, his once pale face turning purple with anger. Being influenced by what he had seen and heard, previous elders were revered by all and respected by the Sect Leader. But during his batch, the Green Dragon Sect was less involved in internal affairs, thus placing power in the hands of the old man. This old man never paid them any attention, always with an icy deadpan face, only bothering to acknowledge them when he was in a good mood, and completely ignoring them when he wasn’t. To make matters worse, he had taken in a rogue disciple who was even more arrogant. Even as a child, he pointed at their faces, calling them "a bunch of useless wastes." And his antics only worsened over time. Just the other night, he and that Shadow sneaked off to assassinate the Second Elder, and when thwarted, they fiercely retaliated, outright cutting off an elder’s arm. Such a master and disciple duo cannot be tolerated; an uncontrollable pawn must be abandoned.

"I only know that my disciple returned from a long journey and was framed when visiting an elder. I’m not here for your deliberation. I’m here to demand justice for my disciple," the old man said with an impassive expression, ignoring the Supreme Elder’s words.

"Framed? Yaksha, speak clearly. Your good disciple and that Shadow snuck into my courtyard carrying weapons, killing two of my night watch disciples. Was that a visit to me? Is this how one pays a visit? The world is vast, but truly there’s nothing more ridiculous," the Second Elder sitting beside the Supreme Elder pointed at the old man and rebuked.

"That’s precisely what puzzles me. Maybe someone used the ruse of self-injury? Sacrificed two inconsequential disciples, then pinned it on my disciple. Why did you lead the elders to confront Song Yun as soon as he visited you? According to my knowledge, it was already past one o’clock in the morning at that time, wasn’t it? How come you hadn’t rested by then? The elders are known to sleep early, so why were you all conveniently ’present’ that night? There are so many suspicious points," the old man replied in his usual leisurely manner, looking unaffected. The elders were so furious, their beards bristled and eyes bulged. But Song Yun was overjoyed inside. This old man always acted like a noble, almighty person, yet when he showed such shamelessness, few could contend with it. Haha, look at the Supreme Elder’s face, wrinkled like sun-dried orange peel. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"Old man, are you blatantly defending Song Yun?" the Supreme Elder said, smiling with anger, his murky eyes burning as he stared at the old man.

"Not defending, just not wanting those close to me to suffer grievances. One was seriously injured, the other nearly lost his life. How can I, as the Great Elder, protect this wide sect if I cannot even protect my own disciple?" The old man didn’t even glance at the Supreme Elder, his eyes fixed on an "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" painting on the wall, as if speaking to the painting. This dismissive attitude further enraged those elders who held themselves in high regard.

"It seems things must change. We should prioritize the matters at hand. I propose we first review Yaksha’s position as the Green Dragon Sect’s Great Elder, and have everyone vote on whether he remains qualified for the position. What does everyone think?" The Supreme Elder stood up with a loud shout and said.

"I second this motion."

"I also second it."

"Agree to the review at this time."

"I agree as well."

The Supreme Elder glanced approvingly at the others, then looked at the old man with a cold smile and said, "Alright, the motion is passed. Now, the entire Green Dragon Sect’s Elder Council will review the Great Elder. Those in favor of him remaining as Great Elder, please raise your hand."

No one raised their hand, not even the old man himself, discarding his two votes.

The Supreme Elder glanced skeptically at the old man and continued the review, "Those opposed to Yaksha continuing as Great Elder, please raise your hand."

"I strongly oppose," the Third Elder raised his only left hand first.

"I oppose."

"Oppose."

"He is unqualified to continue."

After everyone expressed their stance, the Supreme Elder felt elated inside but kept a solemn face. He loudly announced, "The review results are in. Zero votes in favor of Yaksha continuing as Great Elder; five against the old man remaining as Great Elder. Two elders abstained, and Yaksha abandoned his two veto votes. I now announce the review result: the Green Dragon Sect’s Great Elder position is revoked. The position of Great Elder will be newly appointed by the elders."