Meanwhile, the Sea Dream Temple's leaders welcomed Konrad's return with bared arms. For the first time in their eons of history, the elders united not to slay an enemy, but one bearing the same mantle. Konrad hadn't even taken three steps into the Core Zone, that the five Mara elders encircled him, all rippling with terrifying killing intent.
"Rudra, at first we believed you could be a talent worth nurturing. But soon you revealed yourself as a source of wanton depravity that not only clouded Rati's vision but threatens to ruin our cracked foundation. For the sake of the Sea Dream Temple, even if we risk execution, we have no other choice but to destroy you.
However, if you surrender the Moon Refining Palace slaves, destroy your cultivation and leave this sect, we can give you a way out."
The former Law Enforcing Elder declared with the backing of the other five. None of them was dupe. Just like the sect's treasury was now that Rudra's property, those slaves obtained from the auction would become his personal force. With the status of High Elder, control of the sect's resources, and a new, controlled force that rivaled the Sea Dream Temple in its heydays, it didn't take a genius to realize that in the future, the Sea Dream Temple would become his plaything.
By the time Daksha's wounds healed, it might be too late. None yearned for such an outcome. And although the five had given up on their human lineage to become devas, it didn't mean they would just follow the wind. The Sea Dream Temple wasn't just Daksha's. It was the result of all their hard work, sweat and blood!
Never could they allow it to fall into the hands of that junior! Alas, little did they know that as they raised their God-Artifacts and offered an ultimatum, Konrad, who saw through their minds, inwardly sneered.
"Suicidal fleas."
Konrad scoffed, and stretched out his right index, causing formless Truth Laws to assail the five's minds. Feeling the irresistible might of those Truth Laws, the five's eyes widened in disbelief.
"You…are not…how…"
The former Law Enforcement Elder stammered before the words died in his throat, and in synch, the five elders dropped on their knees.
"I can indeed no longer allow you to hinder my business. Since you won't behave, let me help you."
Echoing Konrad's words, the five kowtowed toward him, with none of their defiant selves remaining.
"Greetings, master!"
They said in tandem, and their voices teemed with a reverence they'd never showed to even Daksha. At that time, in swirling magenta haze, Rati appeared on the scene. And as she swept the prostrated elders, she couldn't help but sigh.
"It's not like they weren't getting on your nerves."
Konrad began with a disarming smile while motioning for the five elders to rise from the ground. But hearing this, Rati shook her head in exasperation.
"That's not the point. Although they were quite persistent, their opposition made this whole masquerade believable. Now that they've turned into your puppets, it won't be long before Kama questions your existence. Surya follows, and trouble knocks on our doorsteps. I would not be surprised if he already began investigating you."
Rati heaved a long sigh that only brightened Konrad's smile.
"Our doorsteps, huh? Good that you know where you stand. But don't worry, they being my puppets simply ensures I determine how they oppose me. As for your husband, when his life is in jeopardy, I'm afraid he won't have the time to find anything useful."
Konrad replied before walking past the kowtowing elders. Like trained soldiers, they stood up and returned to their temples. But as he reached her, Rati's face contorted into a frown.
"You can't harm him."
Rati declared in a firm, uncompromising stance. But before that defense, Konrad merely chuckled.
"Me? Oh no. You will be the one doing the harming."
Konrad replied and leaned in.
"In about one week, announce Daksha's death, and watch a beautiful play ensue. I'm sure you will like it. What to do is entirely up to you."
Konrad whispered in Rati's left ear before moving past her.
"In the meantime, announce my promotion, and tell the entire Celestial World, that Rudra, the Sea Dream Temple's High Elder, takes ownership of the second mountain to establish his sect:
The Myriad Dreams Valley."
Konrad instructed before vanishing alongside his ladies. Elders establishing their own branches was a common matter. Kama and Rati aside, all possessed based on a celestial mountain owned by the Sea Dream Temple. Though she'd long since realized sect establishment was one of Konrad's goals, she still couldn't figure out his plot. Not that it mattered. Right now, his previous words held more weight.
"Would he dare?"
Rati wondered while referring to Kama. Her lips curved into a smile, and she closed her eyes.
"Of course, why would he not."
She whispered before vanishing in a gust of magenta haze. The grand declaration of Rudra's creation as High Elder followed, alarming all disciples throughout the Sea Dream Temple. If before they believed his quick rise a result of innate talent, they now couldn't help but believe in the circulating rumors of an illicit affair between the Acting Temple Lord and the new elder.
"Who could imagine that even the magnificent Rati could fall for a honey trap. How disgraceful."
Some disgruntled male disciples whispered, feeling sorry for Kama who now felt the green on his head becoming glossier. Still, he didn't lose his composure, stifled the rage to plan his counterattack. According to his estimations, Daksha wouldn't survive the next week. At that time, he could coordinate with his brother to suppress all within the Sea Dream Temple. Even if that Rudra was a Legendary God in disguise, before Surya, he couldn't raise any storm!
But little did he expect Rati to follow with a personal announcement of that Rudra's new sect!
"In his capacity as Sea Dream Elder, Rudra shall, in two weeks, establish his sect on the second celestial mountain. All are welcome to attend as guests or potential disciples. The Myriad Dreams Valley welcomes all talents regardless of race and background."
This time, the announcement echoed throughout the Celestial World, inviting all to attend the inauguration ceremony!
