"Demon Leader, such a significant decision should be made collectively by the elders. How can you decide this on your own?" The elders began to voice their objections.
While the demon leader held the highest decision-making power, if all the elders opposed a decision, it could be overturned. Even if not all opposed, a majority would require the decision to be deferred for further discussion.
Though the demon leader had the power of veto, it did not mean he could act unilaterally.
The leader's promise to Gongsun Yajiu was seen as unilateral. With more than two-thirds of the elders opposing it, his decision should not pass.
However, the demon leader sternly declared, "Silence! This is the will of the Guardians!"
"The Guardians?" The elders were shocked, their faces pale with disbelief.
The Guardians, the demon saints, represented the clan's essence, faith, and supreme authority. They rarely involved themselves in clan decisions, but when they did, their word was law.
If the Guardians had made this decision, it meant they had chosen Gongsun Yajiu as the future leader of the demon clan, leaving no room for other contenders.
Realizing this, the elders sighed deeply, their resistance fading.
Behind the elders, the previously confident young prodigies now showed expressions of deep resentment. However, their frustration was futile. With the Guardians' support, Gongsun Yajiu was destined to become the leader, and they could only serve as foils.
Outside the hall, Gongsun Bo, initially anxious, now felt a surge of excitement. If Gongsun Yajiu became the Grand Holy Maiden, their tribe would achieve unparalleled glory. Yet, he was still nervous, fearing she might make a foolish decision.
"Daughter, please don't do anything foolish!" he silently prayed.
Any sensible demon would know what to choose. It was just a human; killing him meant nothing compared to the future of the demon clan leader.
However, Gongsun Yajiu made a decision that left every demon baffled.
"Honorable Demon Leader, I... cannot do it!" Gongsun Yajiu's fingers turned white from clenching. This decision was immensely difficult for her.
All her efforts had been aimed at becoming the future leader of the demon clan. She had risked her life infiltrating the dragon clan's secret realm for this goal. She was on the brink of success, only to push it away herself.
Did she regret this decision? Certainly. But if asked if she would choose differently, she would still make the same choice.
Her words left the elders dumbfounded, doubting their hearing.
Was there really a demon who would give up becoming the leader for a nearly dead human?
The young prodigies, previously resigned to their fate, saw a new glimmer of hope.
Outside, Gongsun Bo stomped in frustration, nearly storming into the hall to reprimand his daughter for her foolish choice.
The demon leader's expression turned contemplative, looking at the nearly lifeless Xiao Fan beside Gongsun Yajiu. He sensed that Xiao Fan's meridians were shattered, his qi sea broken, and his mind lost. He was as good as dead.
Yet, Gongsun Yajiu refused to kill him, giving up her chance to become the future leader. It was incomprehensible.
Soon, the leader heard the Guardians' voices again. He spoke, "Holy Maiden Gongsun, I ask you once more. If you kill this human beside you, proving you have no ties with the humans, you will be named the Grand Holy Maiden."
"Otherwise, you will be stripped of your Holy Maiden status."
"Think carefully before you answer. Do not disappoint me and the Guardians."
The leader's tone was grave. Normally, Gongsun Yajiu would not have a second chance. However, due to her significant contributions in defeating the dragon clan, the Guardians granted her another opportunity.
If she failed to seize it, no one could save her.
All eyes were on Gongsun Yajiu. Her decision would not only affect her future but also the entire demon clan's direction.
Gongsun Yajiu felt immense pressure. She knew the elders and young prodigies awaited her downfall. Outside, her father, Gongsun Bo, was nearly desperate to intervene.
After a long, silent gaze at the vacant-eyed Xiao Fan, she looked up with a determined expression.
"Thank you, Demon Leader and Guardians, for your consideration. But my choice remains unchanged."
"Very well. I respect your choice. From this moment, you are stripped of your Holy Maiden status as punishment!" The demon leader's face showed deep disappointment. He had valued Gongsun Yajiu, seeing her as similar to himself, rising from a small tribe without any backing through sheer will and courage.
But she had let him down, sacrificing a bright future for a mere human.
After announcing the decision, he left in frustration.
The elders showed pleased smiles, while the young prodigies behind them looked at Gongsun Yajiu with disdain.
Foolish, utterly foolish!
Gongsun Yajiu was the most foolish demon they had ever seen.
Yet, they were delighted by her folly. With her out of the way, they had one less competitor. Some couldn't hide their triumphant smiles.
Despite their scorn, no one thought to harm Xiao Fan. They still feared Gongsun Yajiu might make a comeback. As long as she remained tied to the human, she would never rise again.
Thus, they avoided such a foolish move.