Chapter 17: Regressed???
With that, Yu Changming and Huan Lianhua rose and gracefully exited the hall, leaving the core elders behind to handle the follow-up.
The moment the doors closed, light conversation stirred among the remaining elders — murmurs of speculation, strategy, and subtle gossip.
Then, without a word, one of the elders tried to quietly slip away.
"Yu Zimo," Elder Xue Rong called out, narrowing her eyes. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
The elder in question — a man with a scholarly air and neatly tied hair — froze mid-step, then slowly turned around with an awkward smile.
"Ah, nothing. Just... thought I’d go sightseeing," he replied, trying to sound casual.
Xue Rong’s expression didn’t change. "Oh? Since when have you been new to the clan?"
Yu Zimo winced inwardly. "No, haha, I meant, I was just planning to help train my disciples. Yes, for the upcoming competition. Motivation, you know."
A few chuckles rippled across the room.
At that moment, Elder Yu Ying, The First Elder — stood and addressed the group with calm authority.
"Alright, everyone. Let’s organize a preliminary tournament for both the Inner Court and Outer Court disciples."