The Endless Promise

112. Perfection

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"What I really want to know, is why the Cloaked woman went to such lengths to bring us all here?" Luoyin's words flustered the City Master and the Gatekeeper.

But then, the gatekeeper smiled, getting some sudden idea.

"Hmph. In my thousands of years of living, I haven't met a mortal like you." He said, elegantly drawing strokes.

The statement had the desired effect, as all those present began to whisper.

"Thousands of years living?"

"He's not mortal!"

"I thought it was suspicious that they could overpower us all!"

"Are they Immortals?"

"Were the rumours right? Is Yu Shui City indeed an Immortal City?"

But Sect Leader Xu recalled the recent happenings and gasped.

"Not only immortals live for thousands of years...! These two might be demons!!"

And that only led to louder mutters amongst the Wulin, Sect leaders, dignitaries, and disciples.

Yet the gatekeeper and City master remained calm.

This bothered Luoyin.

It was almost as if they wanted their identities revealed, which made no sense to him...

"Sect Leader Xu, you're certainly wise beyond your years..." Sect Leader Ju was saying. "...but you shouldn't simply make such an outrageous claim! Demons?! Running an entire city?!"

"I'm telling you, it's possible!"

"No it's not!" Another Sect Leader interjected. "It isn't a mere year or two... How did no one notice anything? How have they escaped Sky Realm's detection for thousands of years?!"

"Hmph. What do you know about escaping Sky Realm's detection?" Sect Leader Huo asked. "I'm on Xiaofeng's side (Sect Leader Xu)... These two really could be demons!"

But the Grand Wulin Master sighed. "Recent events, particularly around Yueyan Sect, might have bred some paranoia... Isn't this city too beautiful and peaceful to be run by demons?"

There were several nods, and he continued.

"We all know demons are evil and must consume the blood or essence of others, but for thousands of years, this City has thrived, pulling in willing residents. Peace has reigned and the City is prosperous. What kind of demon would give something so good? What is in it for them?"

"Exactly!" A citizen jumped in. "Don't insult our City Master!"

And then another, "Yes! Everyone here is content! There aren't even beggars!"

And another, "The weather and seasons are beautiful! we're all happy and at peace!"

"Don't come here and be an alarmist!" One final citizen said, and the entire crowd of spectators turned their displeased gazes at Sect Leaders Xu and Huo.

'Is this what they wanted?' Luoyin wasn't sure, and it made him uneasy, especially since this so-called City Master and Gatekeeper remained calmer than ever...

If their aim had been to sow discord, they had somewhat succeeded, as several dignitaries were now eyeing Sect Leader Xu as if he were indeed some paranoid alarmist.

But was that really it?

The disapproving murmurs and mutters were now almost louder than a roar, and Luoyin shook his head and sighed. For now, he could only stand on Sect Leader Xu's side.