The Steward Demonic Emperor

Writer: StarReader

Proofreader: Silavin

“I am only agreeing to this because there’s no alternative. Strong emotions are too volatile and hard to grasp, even more so to instill into another.” Kunpeng gave his opinion on the matter.

Sea Ao said, “Then we have no tto lose. In case you don’t know, I am Heaven Sealing Sea Ao. Those who wish to learn more of the power behind the Heaven-Sealing Sword are welcto joinand Sword Child. The rest of you will go with Old Dragon and Kunpeng.”

“If I may.” A shy and young voice hesitantly spoke above the chatter as the meeting cto a close, though hardly anyone paid it any attention. And why would they? Anything important had already been mentioned in the meeting. It was its whole purpose, after all – to discuss matters of utmost significance to the clan. For anyone to draw attention now, of all times, meant the topic was either casual or treated negligible enough for the middle or lower management to handle.

The voice, however, would not be denied. “Excuse me!” The sudden snap of his voice finally drew the attention of everyone present as they made their way for the doors and eager to finally have a plan in tackling the biggest threat in existence, a Sovereign.

Their gazes looked back in reflex, open annoyance from the girls, curiosity by others, and calculative eyes by the three minds and leader.

“What is so important yet equally insignificant for you to pick this particular moment to speak up?” Luo Yunhai demanded.

“Well, it’s been buggingfor a while now and as everyone is present and in a better mood in weeks, I would like to ask young Miss Luo and the other missus a question.” Kui Gang flinched from the sudden undivided attention of the highest ruling power in the Scared Domain, but he was quick to redress his anxiety.

“Yes?” Luo Yunchang signaled for him to go on.

“How is it that master managed to attract so many women of incredible position and character to his side, despite his heart only set on just one? I’m certain that there’s no shortage of eminent figures in the Luo Alliance, even the Luo Clan, so how is it that all of you are willing to stay by his side for centuries now? No matter how incredible one is, any love that might be born at first would tapper off in the endless river of time.” Kui Gang grew more spirited as he spoke, like he was seeking the answer to life’s meaning.

The many, now powerful, top disciples of the ex-mortal domains’ four lands’ clans now turned sect leaders nodded, along with the new generation of the former houses that set up the ground for the Luo Alliance of today. It included Luo Sifan and her two lackeys,  Long Jianshan and Xie Nianyang.

The elders stuck around despite knowing this matter was between the youths. They were curious to see the depths of Zhuo Fan’s charisma, which brought so many different people to his side, not limited to only the opposing sex.

The world had its seasonal and aged renowned leaders throughout the ages. Sraised empires, others conquering them, but like any leader, or faction they lead, it never enjoyed constant growth as the Luo Clan did under the guidance of its steward, Zhuo Fan. Maybe it was true what they say, ‘avoiding the seat made one most suited for it’, since one would be aware of what the seat entails, the good and the bad. Then again, sdo it out of ignorance, comfort, or pure disregard for commitment.

“Integrity, for starters.” Luo Yunchang declared with pride and worship in her eyes.

“Are you sure we’re talking about the sperson, Miss Luo? I think I speak for everyone here when I say there’s not a more cunning, deceitful, sketchy, infuriating, obnoxious, stubborn, vile…” Kui Gang’s exhaustive and quite apt description of his master earned a resounding nod from majority present. A disciple was rarely found to discredit their master. They would normally hold him in too much respect. This was the case as well, for Kui Gang admired Zhuo Fan. After all, it was a fact his master used all these ‘skills’ to rise above everyone else.

The only ones sour were the girls, of course.

“… heinous…” The poor kid didn’t know when to quit.

“Enough!” Luo Yunchang snapped at him, cutting his tirade short. “By integrity I mean a man that stands by his principles and never breaks them. A man that has purpose and direction no matter how many stands in his way. Who among you can say the same?” Her sharp gaze turned upon the younger generation, critical and disapproving.

“You’d still be killing each other over scraps of resources in the mortal domain if it weren’t for him. Stabbing each other in the back.” Lei Yuting added.

“Most of you bent the knee to catch the tailwind of his success in hope of achieving yours, while those still standing tall are here to glimpse upon the new world he could bring about.” Shangguan Qingyan said.

“I’m sure that if it weren’t for Zhuo Fan and his integrity…” The word cut deep into sof the youths, making them stumble.

“Determination…” More faltered under the verbal assault.

“And sheer will…” Now, none could meet Luo Yunchang’s eyes.

“We would be settling for second-best, if you or even us would’ve been around to meet.” The last remark cut them to the quick, making their heart bleed as if it was cut to pieces, or maybe just their egos.

In one fell swoop, she had managed to crush the self-respect of every young genius present, perhaps even traumatized them.

“Now that we’ve established why there’s no one out there quite like Zhuo Fan, can we all return to getting him up and saving the world and you along with it?” Toube Lian’er spoke with the conviction of a commander’s daughter, making her old man proud. [All’s fair in love and war.]

The elders and leadership walked out happy. After all, they had their chance at romance before Zhuo Fan calong, with seven finding their significant other because of Zhuo Fan.

As for the prominent youths of today, the shuffled out of the room with empty eyes and slumped shoulders.