Dual Cultivation System: The Villainous Servant’s Rise

Chapter 226: Elder Sha Zui! Sis, Are You Kidding Me?

“Before we officially begin the vote, why don’t you all first express your opinions and views on Han Lie?”

“Let’s proceed in order of the Elder seats. Elder Sha Zui, you go first.”

Grand Elder Chi Lian’s gaze fell upon the woman seated to her right—the Second Seat of the Elder Council, Elder Sha Zui.

The Elder Chi Lian addressed was a fairy-like figure dressed in a simple, pure white gauze dress. Her temperament was serene and tranquil, her hands resting demurely on the table with an air of elegance and obedience.

Her hair, smooth as a waterfall of black silk, framed an exquisite, dewy face that made her look like a gentle, well-behaved girl next door.

If Chi Lian hadn’t introduced her, Han Lie never would have associated such a terrifying name—Sha Zui, meaning “Killing Sin”—with her.

“Eh… M-me first?”

Being singled out by Grand Elder Chi Lian, Elder Sha Zui seemed a bit surprised, her expression fluttering with mild astonishment.

Although her tone carried a hint of surprise, her voice was ethereal and melodious. It was a heavenly sound, soft and clear, that made Han Lie feel as if his very soul were being cleansed just by listening to it.

Then, she raised her eyes slightly.

Her pupils, a deep purplish-black that harbored a strange, eerie aura, locked onto Han Lie standing beside Chi Lian.

Elder Sha Zui gave Han Lie a cursory look up and down before speaking in a slow, unhurried drawl. “I watched the duel between Little Brother Han Lie and Hall Master Black Sha as well.”

“If I had to summarize it in one word, it would be… ‘Stunning’.”

“Perhaps your raw cultivation base hasn’t quite reached the standard typically required for the Elder Council, but… your actual combat power barely scrapes the threshold.”

“Seniority can be accumulated over time. As for contributions… with Little Brother Han Lie’s strength, making contributions to the Sect shouldn’t be difficult, right? Hmm…”

“Sister Chi Lian, that is all I have to say.”

Chi Lian smiled meaningfully and signaled to the next person. “Very well. Next.”

…

One by one, the Elders expressed their views.

Much like Elder Sha Zui, their opinions were variations on a theme. While affirming Han Lie’s excellence, they didn’t forget to maintain a degree of reservation, keeping their stances flexible enough to sway either way depending on the wind.

Han Lie finally understood.

To survive in the Elder Council, one had to master the art of worldly wisdom and politics. Or rather, they all had to watch Grand Elder Chi Lian’s face to know which way the wind blew.

After the Eighth Seat Elder finished speaking, the corners of Chi Lian’s vermilion lips curled into an inscrutable arc.

She didn’t offer any supplementary comments but cut straight to the chase. “Hmm. Since everyone has expressed their views, let us officially begin the vote.”

“Excluding myself, there are seven of you. Therefore, four votes constitute a majority. This will decide whether Han Lie ascends directly to the Elder Council or waits to accumulate more experience.”

“Those in favor of Han Lie directly ascending to the Elder Council, please raise your hand.”

“Those who believe Han Lie needs to accumulate seniority and contributions for a later promotion, please remain still.”

As Grand Elder Chi Lian’s voice faded, the Elders looked at one another in awkward silence.

You look at me, I look at you. No one knew whether to raise their hand or not.

This was because Chi Lian had been completely opaque about her own attitude toward Han Lie today. They were forced to guess the Grand Elder’s mind.

“I agree with Little Brother Han Lie directly ascending.”

Breaking the brief silence, the Second Seat, Elder Sha Zui, was the first to raise her hand. She offered her reasoning calmly. “Little Brother Han Lie is young and promising. While there have been cases in the Heavenly Void Sect’s history of Servant Disciples rising up, someone like him—who cultivated from a Servant Disciple all the way to the Nascent Soul Stage—is truly a first.”

“Given his aptitude and comprehension, I believe it is better to let him ascend immediately.”

“This way, he won’t have to worry about resources, and his path of cultivation will undoubtedly be smoother.”

With Elder Sha Zui casting the first stone, the dam broke.

Soon, the Fourth Seat Elder raised his hand. “Ahem. This Senior believes Elder Sha Zui speaks reason.”

“People always say one needs setbacks to grow. However, since Young Friend Han Lie started as a Servant Disciple, the hardships he endured in his youth are likely things we will never experience in our lifetimes.”

“There is no need to force him to eat unnecessary bitterness. Correct?”

“Therefore, This Senior also agrees.”

“This concubine agrees as well.”

In no time, the remaining Elders raised their hands one after another, unanimously agreeing to Han Lie’s direct induction into the Elder Council.

Impressive!

Witnessing this scene, Han Lie couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

This single moment offered a glimpse into just how exaggerated Grand Elder Chi Lian’s dominance over the Council truly was.

“Hehehe…”

Chi Lian let out a bewitching laugh. “Since the vote is unanimous, I hereby officially announce that, effective immediately, Han Lie shall shed his identity as a disciple of the Servant Department and become the Ninth Seat of the Elder Council.”

“Welcome, welcome!”

Clap, clap, clap.

The seven Elders broke into enthusiastic applause, welcoming Han Lie into their ranks.

Han Lie immediately cupped his hands and bowed, speaking with feigned trepidation and respect. “Thank you, Grand Elder, and thank you, Seniors, for your trust and favor. I humbly ask for your guidance in the future.”

After the applause gradually subsided, Chi Lian gestured for Han Lie to take the final seat at the conference table.

Her gaze locked onto him, and a sly smile played on her lips. “From a Servant Disciple to ascending to the Elder Council overnight… you must have many thoughts and feelings swirling in your heart right now.”

“Why don’t you share what is on your mind with us?”

“………”

Han Lie was instantly rendered speechless.

Sis? Are you kidding me?

It felt exactly like joining a new company, only for the boss to put him on the spot during the morning meeting: “Hey everyone, look at the new guy! Why don’t you give a speech about your feelings?”

However, since Grand Elder Chi Lian had spoken, he had no choice.

Han Lie stood up helplessly, his gaze sweeping over the Elders present. “Well… I am very honored to become a member of the Elder Council today.”

“Ten years ago, I never imagined that my precarious life, walking on thin ice, could reach this point. Looking back, it feels like a dream.”

“I am new here and will have to rely on all you Seniors for guidance. If I stumble or err in my duties, I hope you will treat me with patience and understanding.”

“Thank you, Grand Elder. Thank you, Seniors.”

Another round of applause filled the room.

“Hehe, very well said,” Chi Lian praised lightly.

“With that, today’s full Elder Council meeting concludes with perfection. So… let us adjourn. I will not disturb your personal time any longer.”

Just before the Elders could disperse, Chi Lian added, “Han Lie, you stay. You have just joined the Council; there are some necessary procedures and handovers we need to complete.”