News that Heavenly Melody Sect had seized control of the East Domain quickly reached the ears of the Military Council elders.
They were both shocked and furious, as this already threatened the Military Council's dominance.
So, the nine elders gathered once again to discuss how to respond.
Elder Chu spoke first: "This trend cannot be allowed to continue. We must severely punish Heavenly Melody Sect. Otherwise, if other Domains follow suit, where will that leave our Military Council?"
At these words, the elders' expressions turned especially grim.
Especially Elder Nian, whose face looked particularly dark. After all, this matter was closely tied to him. Still, he was senior and well-connected, so everyone deliberately overlooked it. Of course, some elders wanted to make an issue of it, but after some thought, they realized it wouldn't affect Elder Nian much.
"That's right, we must punish them severely! I suggest we send an army to attack Heavenly Melody Sect and uproot them completely—a warning to others!" Elder Huangpu proposed. He was the newest elder, but his temper was notoriously volatile.
"That's not wise."
Elder Burke said in a deep voice, "If we really wipe out Heavenly Melody Sect, it will surely provoke the resentment of sects across the world. I suggest we first send an envoy to Heavenly Melody Sect, ordering them to disband the East Domain Martial Alliance. If they comply, we can let bygones be bygones."
"So we're just going to let Heavenly Melody Sect off the hook? What about the Military Council's authority?" Elder Chu retorted with a cold laugh. She had always been at odds with Elder Burke.
Elder Zhang wanted to set Raymond Lei up, but Elder Burke wouldn't allow it—Raymond was now his disciple, and if he couldn't protect his own people, who would ever follow him again?
So he spoke up slowly, "I don't agree with that choice. Raymond Lei is new to the Directorate and hasn't even settled into his main duties yet—he's not suited for extra assignments. The Deputy Director, Victor Zhang, is a better fit. Why not send him instead?"
Hearing Burke's nomination, Elder Zhang's eyes flashed with anger—Victor Zhang was his own disciple.
He replied coldly, "I don't agree."
"I also don't support Victor Zhang for envoy. Raymond Lei is much more suitable!" Elder Chu chimed in immediately.
"Are there any other candidates?" Elder Nian asked the council.
For a long moment, no one spoke. Elder Nian finally made the call: "Since that's the case, let's put Raymond Lei and Victor Zhang up for vote. Everyone, raise your hand for the one you support as envoy to Heavenly Melody Sect! Those in favor of Raymond Lei, raise your hand!"
Elder Zhang was the first to raise his hand, followed closely by Elder Chu, and then Elder Huangpu.
Three votes out of nine instantly went to Raymond Lei, making Elder Burke feel a growing sense of unease.
"I agree as well!"
Elder Li slowly raised his hand.
Four votes now—if one more person agreed, Raymond Lei would be forced to take the envoy post.
"I support Raymond Lei as well!" Elder Nian raised his hand.
At that, Elder Burke's face darkened.
Meanwhile, Elder Chu and Elder Zhang both wore faintly triumphant smiles.
After the council meeting ended, Elder Burke invited Raymond Lei to his residence.
"Greetings, Elder Burke." Raymond Lei bowed respectfully.
"Lei, are you settling in at the Overseer Directorate?" Elder Burke asked with a smile.
"It's going alright," Raymond Lei replied cautiously.
"Good. I have a task for you," Elder Burke said.
"Please instruct me, Elder Burke!"
Elder Burke's expression turned solemn. "The council has decided to send you as envoy to Heavenly Melody Sect. Your mission is to deliver our ultimatum: they must dissolve the East Domain Martial Alliance."
Raymond Lei's heart sank.
He hesitated, then asked, "If Heavenly Melody Sect refuses, what should I do?"
"Just convey the council's message. Don't provoke them, and don't make promises you can't keep. If they refuse, report back immediately and leave the rest to us," Elder Burke instructed.
"Elder Zhang proposed you for the envoy post," Elder Burke added.
He knew that this mission was fraught with danger—and that Elder Zhang and Elder Chu were only too happy to see him thrown into the fire.
Elder Burke's eyes flashed with annoyance. "You got the Director post over his disciple—he sees you as a thorn in his side. I argued for you, but in the end, Elder Nian also voted for you. So, you have no choice but to make this trip to Heavenly Melody Sect!"
It wasn't a good job, but he couldn't refuse. So Raymond Lei could only grit his teeth and accept: "Please rest assured, Elder Burke. I will do my best to fulfill this mission."
But what troubled him most was that his own wife was also from Heavenly Melody Sect. If the Military Council decided to settle accounts with Heavenly Melody, his wife might resent him for the rest of her life.
After leaving Elder Burke's residence, Raymond Lei was still deeply troubled.
He still couldn't shake off the anxiety, and didn't even know how to face his wife at home.
After some thought, he decided not to tell his wife about it for now—to spare her from worrying.
But just as he got home, he found there were guests in the house.
When he saw the faces of the two guests clearly, shock flashed in his eyes, but then he showed an expression of resignation—as if he had expected this all along.
Elder Zhang proposed you for the envoy post," Elder Burke added.
He knew that this mission was fraught with danger—and that Elder Zhang and Elder Chu were only too happy to see him thrown into the fire.
Elder Burke's eyes flashed with annoyance. "You got the Director post over his disciple—he sees you as a thorn in his side. I argued for you, but in the end, Elder Nian also voted for you. So, you have no choice but to make this trip to Heavenly Melody Sect!"
It wasn't a good job, but he couldn't refuse. So Raymond Lei could only grit his teeth and accept: "Please rest assured, Elder Burke. I will do my best to fulfill this mission."
But what troubled him most was that his own wife was also from Heavenly Melody Sect. If the Military Council decided to settle accounts with Heavenly Melody, his wife might resent him for the rest of her life.
After leaving Elder Burke's residence, Raymond Lei was still deeply troubled.
He still couldn't shake off the anxiety, and didn't even know how to face his wife at home.
After some thought, he decided not to tell his wife about it for now—to spare her from worrying.
But just as he got home, he found there were guests in the house.
When he saw the faces of the two guests clearly, shock flashed in his eyes, but then he showed an expression of resignation—as if he had expected this all along.