“So what does Shidi suggest?” the short-bearded elder finally asked.
The elder in the cyan robe smiled. “It is very simple. Since the Python Toad is already dead, we will consider it a success. To the outside, we will downplay the death of Hou Qing and the rest of them while saying the boy was the first to complete a Duty Talisman mission among the new recruits. This way, when people see that someone like him was able to complete our mission, they’ll all come to us and we at the Duty Talisman Hall will get much more well-deserved respect from people.”
The short-bearded elder listened while thoughtfully nodding.
One thing the cyan-robed elder did not mention was the fact that more disciples coming to the hall for missions meant their grey income[1] would also grow. This was something all three elders were well aware of; there was no need to say it out in the open.
“The sect has its rules. Is this really appropriate?” The awe-inspiring elder hesitated, as he was honest and frank.
