Reborn as a Demonic Tree

Tiberius, who originally hailed from the Celestial Empire, stood before a window overlooking Nightshade City. While the capital city of the Tainted Cloud Sect was nothing compared to the cities back home, a storm like no other thundered over the landscape, sending rain trails running down the window and blanketing the land in a cold fog. Large man-made airships loomed just below the clouds, some simply floating while others dipped down to dock with the surface.

"How are the evacuations proceeding?" Tiberius asked those seated behind him without turning around.

"We have been allocated the most airships out of the five cities in the Tainted Cloud Sect, but there is no possible way for us to transport every mortal who has forked over the Yinxi Coins for a ticket to the new lands."

Tiberius closed his eyes to try and calm the rage that brewed in his chest. "And why is that, Sage Advisor?"

"With all due respect, Celestial Warden, it's the same issue we discussed before. This aggressive storm prevents the usage of smaller airships as the turbulent winds—"

"Excuses!" Tiberius roared as he punched the window before him, causing it to crack but not break as the silver light of defensive formations activating danced across its surface. "Those mortals put their trust in us to get them and their families out of here alive. Do I make myself clear?"

"But this duty should fall to the ruling noble families, not us."

"It seems you have forgotten that the ruling family was annihilated by the Ashfallen Sect not too long ago." Tiberius glared over his shoulder at the Sage Advisor, making the old man shrink into his chair. "So the duty falls to us. Now, be honest, it's not that this storm prevents smaller ships. The wind cultivators don't believe it is worth their Qi to protect a smaller ship that can carry fewer people. Right?"

The Sage Advisor gulped before slowly nodding, "I believe that is the reason." His voice was small and timid—truly pathetic.