Chapter 768: The High Council's Duty |
Entering the castle, the doors closed behind her. Ming Yue looked back over her shoulder, seeing the closed doors. She stood there idly for a moment before looking forward and walking on.
If seeing the castle from the outside made her feel small, being inside it only enforced that feeling. The vast halls, the high ceilings, everything about it was colossal. It was like a castle made for giants.
She couldn't help but look all around her, staring at the simple but clear designs carves into the stone.
It wasn't until she reached the end of the main hall that she stopped, looking ahead as seven thrones faced her.
Six were filled but one was empty.
And those six thrones were sat on by six hooded figures. Their faces could not be seen but their power was easy to recognize.
Looking at them, she furrowed her brows, deep in thought before saying something.
"You're... you're the High Council, aren't you?" she asked them.
"Heheheh, to think someone would be able to recognize us like this. Interesting, you're quite an interesting individual, Fairy of the Moon", the voices of the High Council responded.
Ming Yue had a surprised look on her face.
"I...I didn't expect to be recognized."
That reply was only met with more chuckling.
"Why not? if you know of the High Council, it would only seem right that we know of you. After all, our Messengers collect information about the world, events that are currently happening, and individuals that are exceptional. As someone who made quite a reputation for yourself, few would not know about you."
"I see."
The woman looked away, feeling somewhat embarrassed. While she usually didn't pay much mind to the names and stories that people talk about her, having to hear about it from an existence like the High Council was strange to hear.
"While we as the High Council have largely kept ourselves isolated from the world, we have our Messengers carry out tasks that must be done. Some of which we're sure you have met before."
Ming Yue looked back at them.
"Right, Di Mu, the Lord of Azure Souls..."
She muttered his name, recalling the times that they had crossed paths.
"Indeed, he is one of the Messengers. Back in Red Lotus Country and again in the Demon Continent, he was the one to tell us about you."
Indeed, Di Mu was a strange man, someone who seemingly cared little for the lives of others and only focused on the objective. It didn't matter the method he used, so long as it gave the result he wanted.
He was the object of fear in Ming Yue's home of Red Lotus, known as the Lord of Azure Souls. This horrible being seemingly took control of souls and used them to do his bidding for the purpose of instilling fear. Such actions were irredeemable but she could do nothing at that time.
Ming Yue was young and weak.
But it was different now and knowing the kind of man Di Mu was, she became wary of the High Council. Perhaps, their intentions were good but to what lengths were they willing to achieve their goals?
"Yes, I remember meeting him", she answered, "He was a terrible man, who terrorized my home."
There was a collective sigh coming from the High Council.
"Indeed, he is the most ruthless of the Messengers but he did what he felt was necessary. While we are their masters, they are not beasts. We don't tie them down with chains and control their every move. For that, we will apologize."
She was slightly taken aback by this, not expecting such an existence to simply do what they just did.
"N-nevermind that, I came because you said you could tell me more about this crack in the Sky."
"Yes, we did say such a thing. However, at your current strength, knowing everything will do you no good. If you were at the Heaven Realm, only then would you have the right to the full answer but for now we can only give you a small part."
"Then, what is that small part? What can you tell me about the crack in the sky?" she asked.
Her gaze was strong as she stood before the six hooded figures, looking at each and every one of their covered faces. She wanted to know or she had to know. For something that could threaten her life, Ming Yue had to learn all she could.
The young cultivator may not have the strength but she could start preparing.
The High Council answered but not without a warning.
"Knowing this information... it will change what you know of reality, of life itself. Do you still wish to know?"
Ming Yue nodded, she wouldn't have come if she didn't want to know.
"So be it, that crack in the sky, you could say that it is a tear in space, a gate of sorts. It is a gate to other worlds."
Her eyes widened in shock.
"What? How is that possible?!" she exclaimed.
"As unbelievable as it may seem, other worlds exist, they're better known as Expanses. Normally, these Expanses cannot touch one another, they merely exist on the same plane. But at certain points, they are allowed to 'mingle' with one another."
A light flashed in her eyes.
"The Calamities", she muttered.
"Indeed, the only times these Expanses will connect with one another will be during the Calamities. And as that very name suggests, each time it happens, death and destruction await. The energy from other worlds will invade into ours, wreaking havoc and chaos. That is why we took it upon ourselves to try and change things, to protect our home. That is our duty as the High Council."
Ending their words on that note, things had grown quiet. However, Ming Yue was deep in thought, recalling something from long ago.
"At the Youth Dragon Tournament all those years ago, DI Mu was there for something. I believe it was the Phoenix Dragon Seal that he wanted. Is this also part of that?" she asked them.
There was a moment of silence before the voices of the High Council answered.
"Yes, Red Lotus Country's Phoenix Dragon Seal, just one of several other Nation Seals that we had entrusted to varying countries to safeguard. They are one of many countermeasures that we've prepared for the Calamity. We had collected them in advance and will deploy them the moment it is deemed necessary. In any case, we've answered your questions and now there's only one more thing left to say."
"What is it?" she asked.
"Do you wish for power?"
This question was simple but for the young cultivator, she found herself divided.
"I would lie if I said I didn't but I only wish to protect what I've gained. I don't want to lose those I cherish."
Giving her answer, she stood there patiently while the High Council considered her words.
"Mmmm, an interesting reply to that inquiry, not quite leaning towards one side, honest and vulnerable."
Suddenly the voices seemed to disassociate with one another, in seconds, the only voice that spoke was that of an old man. It was a stern tone though somewhat tender.
"An acceptable answer for someone like you", the voice added, "In any case, I will give you an opportunity to reach the Heaven Realm."
A slip of paper suddenly materialized before her, floating in the air.
"Should you reach that level, the condition of your body may improve."
Ming Yue looked at the piece of paper, grabbed it and put it away. She cupped her fist and lowered her head.
"I thank the High Council for this!"
"There is no need, at a time like this, nurturing promising individuals is also countermeasure. Now go, we do not have much time on our side."
