Chapter 1403: The Three Posts
Chapter 1403: The Three Posts
The day of the Golden Tower Council deliberations had finally arrived.According to the Holy Xuan’s original plan, the Golden Tower Council consisted of only 36 Omniscient Sages, along with the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Masters. However, many changes have occurred since then.
For example, there were now Virtuous Great Sages who were promoted from senior Omniscient Sages. These Great Sages could also attend Golden Tower Council meetings and had voting rights, bringing the actual number beyond 36.
Additionally, the nominal role of the Grand Master Consort gradually became a real office, assuming the role of a Deputy Grand Master, stepping in when the Grand Master was unable to preside. This unwritten rule was inherited from the Holy Xuan’s wife. Thus, at the highest level, there were actually five figures—the Grand Master flanked by the Grand Master Consort and three Deputy Grand Masters.
Of course, there were exceptions. There might not be five top figures if the Grand Master Consort also held the role of Deputy Grand Master or if the Grand Master had no partner.
Legally speaking, all Virtuous Great Sages and Omniscient Sages shared equal political status, forming the highest authority of the Daoist Order.
In theory, all major decisions required a vote by the Golden Tower Council. However, in practice, these officials held important posts and could not abandon their responsibilities to attend meetings in the Jade Capital.
As such, the Golden Tower Council deliberations were split into different tiers. Large meetings required the participation of all 36 Omniscient Sages, save for special exemptions. This included electing the small-meeting council members and electing the Grand Master. It was akin to a shareholder’s meeting.
Small meetings functioned like a board of directors’ meetings. Its members were elected in a large meeting. They handled daily affairs and exercised authority on behalf of the Golden Tower Council.
In reality, the small meeting became the true highest authority. The members often ranged from 9 to 12, typically chosen from those present in Jade Capital. The Nine Hall Masters held a strong advantage, which was why they ranked above Mansion Masters in the hierarchy.