Chapter 292: The Elders' Response.

  With Jing's late arrival and everyone's nerves still strung from Wan Qing's revenge, people couldn't help but cheer at the sight of the sect's Little Monster arriving. In their heads, only more entertainment could be found now and right after such an exciting event. The name Heaven's Angels firmly submitted itself into the hearts of all the disciples in the Golden Serpent Sect despite only being known for a week or so! Whether it was an Outer Court disciple, Inner Court disciple, or an elder, everyone would look forward to seeing the future accomplishments of the group and those from it.

  For the elders, they were particularly interested in seeing just how this group would take the world by storm once they were let loose. There were very few groups and factions within the Evergreen continent that would be able to contend with their sect's Heaven's Angels once they grew in cultivation and age. If their talent and power continued at the rate it was now, they would surely become unstoppable. The higher-ranked elders felt it was such a shame that their faction was only formed recently.

  The Meeting of Great Talents was happening soon and many of the elders doubted most of the members of Heaven's Angels would be able to grow in such a significant amount of time to even be recommended as a participant in the meeting. If the meeting was in the next 5 years, any of the members in Heaven's Angels would be instantly chosen to participate but now? There just wasn't enough time without resorting to drastic means. Drastic means that could potentially sever their strength for the future. Golden Serpent Sect wasn't in such a terrible position that they lacked talents to resort to such things. Regardless, many of the elders felt pride at the group of strange talented youths that somehow escaped their notice. They felt that with them, the future of the Golden Serpent Sect would be bright no matter what. And to ensure that, they would make sure to protect these golden eggs no matter the cost.

  The Supreme Commander would've threatened everyone to not lay a hand on those children but he didn't find it necessary. Especially with his positive relationship with Little Monster being known within the higher echelons in the sect. So, that young lass that was formerly a lad sent to the Punishment Hall, of course, she was going to be punished for openly defying the elders in front of everyone. It would look severe and deserved for not giving the elders the respect they deserved but away from the eyes of others, she'd be treated well and not that harsh at all. He'd already sent his trusted men to deal with her.

  So, without a single word to express his wishes, all the elders instinctively understood to not lay a hand on these children unless they wanted to court an early unnatural death. Perhaps this was the first time in history that an entire faction born from their sect would be treated in such a way. Great Heavens, Righteous Demons, Mountain Crushers, Heavenly Collectors, Reaping Warriors, Slaughtering Serpents... Sure many of these factions had their fair share of prodigies and geniuses among their groups but there was a very noticeable difference between all of them and Heaven's Angels.

  Every member of Heaven's Angel was a monster in some kind of aspect. Every member of the other factions didn't hold up to that same measure. Elders with a discerning eye intended to find out exactly why that was. The Supreme Commander specifically wanted to find out if only monsters were allowed in Heaven's Angels or did Jing somehow have the means to turn those around her into monsters? It would be interesting to see just which one it was.

  If it was the latter, the Golden Serpent Sect had no need to worry about anything for the next few hundred thousand years! Perhaps even longer if the Little Monster is talented enough to become a true immortal and breakthrough the final cultivation barrier. Their name would forever be etched in the annals of history and what greater pride is there for someone in a sect to know that their sect would be known throughout history positively?! The Supreme Commander smiled fondly as he looked at the young brown girl sitting on stage as if she was his most precious daughter and treasure. This was not ignored by the elders watching on the side.

"If your skin wasn't a different color, I'd think she was your own flesh and blood with the way you're looking, Commander." Head Elder Mo grinned.

"Heh, did I really look like that?" Supreme Commander showed no embarrassment at having this being pointed out. She was truly a special girl.

"If I wasn't so sure about the type of women you liked, I'd be hard-pressed to say you were in love with her." Elder Mo loudly laughed.

"Elder Mo, please show some respect for the Supreme Commander." Head Elder Chang warned with a steely glare.

"Get that stick out of your ass first and maybe I'd listen to ya'." Elder Mo glanced at the lanky old man daring him to do anything.

"Need I remind you-" Elder Chang's words of admonishment were interrupted before he could finish.

"Boys. We are not alone. Please be aware of your respected positions." Head Elder Ru looked at the two the same way one would look at two arguing brats.

"Heh. Heh." Elder Mo smirked in Elder Chang's direction and he knew it grated on the nerves of the old bag of bones.

  Jinhai, the Supreme Commander of the Golden Serpent Sect, gently smiled as he looked at the three. He could still remember long ago when they used to be his cute little disciples that couldn't help but attract trouble no matter what. Talented, arrogant, and incredibly skilled in their chosen fields. The world was their's to explore and reign through unshackled. They caused multiple events and even on some occasions started multiple wars but, in the end, it still looked like they still were no different from how they were back then. And that put a smile on Jinhai's face. Knowing that one's students grew up healthy, strong, and mostly unchanged would bring a smile to any master's face.

"The Grand Tournament is a time for celebration as well as for getting to know our disciples better. Feel free to enjoy the festive atmosphere, the disciples certainly are, why shouldn't we?" Jinhai told those who were listening in.

"Wise words by the Supreme Commander as usual!"

"It's a good thing I was having as much fun as I could already..."

"Wait, so we're not supposed to look scary and search for disciples?"

"You can still look for disciples but now we can have some fun while we're at it."

"Oh good. I really wanted to try one of those delicious-looking pastries but held myself back."

  The elders began to loosen up after hearing the words of the Supreme Commander. No longer did they need to play the role of respected, powerful, and wise elders anymore. They could just be themselves and enjoy their time here just like the disciples were. And since everyone else was doing it, it would be foolish not to do the same if one wanted to survive in this political game. Even Head Elder Chang could be seen ordering one of the mortal servants to bring him a plate full of those cakes from earlier despite the unhappy look on his face.

  All in time for the Little Monster's match back. While it looked like the Little Monster herself wouldn't be directly participating in the fight, it would still be interesting to see the potential of the spirit beast she raises. A spirit beast raised as a pet was an accessory to one's own strength. If the combination of the cultivator's martial arts and the innate strength of the spirit beast were one, it greatly boosted the strength of that cultivator. They've seen a little of the Little Monster's combat potential but it didn't seem like that cohesiveness between pet and martial artist mattered all that much since the Little Monster was a highly skilled spellmaster. All she needed to do was support the creature with talismans and truthfully, that would be enough for most opponents. Provided she wasn't attacked by surprise or facing up against a highly superior opponent.

  Jinhai knew the little bird was capable of seeing, sensing, and controlling souls. However, he wasn't sure how many others were capable of catching on as well besides the small portion of cultivators in their sect that dabbled in ghostly arts. As an Earthly Immortal, he had no problem seeing those from beyond the grave if he put his mind to it. Which was why it was such a huge surprise to him to see two spirits hovering over the Little Monster's teammates. How, why, when, what was immediately thrown out of his head. Of course, someone as freakish as her would manage to take advantage of the second portion of the Grand Tournament. It should be said, how didn't he expect such a thing to occur when the little girl helped HIM breakthrough.

"Heart-Snatching Sword Immortal and Ocean Shattering Sword Fiend... To think you two died in the Endless Plains of Yin." Jinhai muttered as the match began.