Chapter 936: Yielding Softly

In the golden‑and‑jade‑splendid main hall, several Elders of the Immortal Alliance—normally lofty and revered—now wore varied expressions, exchanging veiled glances. The hall was unusually quiet, so still it was frightening, and one could even hear the faint sound of the steaming spiritual tea's vapor drifting away; the vapor seemed to mirror the complex emotions of those present.

At last, an Elder clad in a purple robe broke the silence. His voice was low and hoarse, as if laden with endless meaning. His fingertips lightly brushed the rim of his tea cup, as if pondering something important.

"All of you, have you ever heard of the Mysterious Sky Sect?" the purple‑robed Elder began slowly, his gaze sweeping over the others.

"Hmph, more than just heard?" another Elder with white beard snorted, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes.

He raised his voice slightly, clearly very interested, "Lin Qingli's methods are ruthless to the extreme; even the old fox Dong Feng fell into her trap. Do you think… she is merely a lowly chief of the Demon Extermination Office?"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill. Lin Qingli's name was thunderously known throughout the Immortal Alliance, yet her true power and background remained a mystery. The white‑bearded Elder's appraisal deepened their wariness of her.

"Who is behind her… exactly?" someone whispered, fearing others might hear.

"Who knows?" the purple‑robed Elder squinted thoughtfully, "But whoever can let her act so brazenly, even stripping the Alliance of its face, must be… someone 'above'." He gestured vaguely at the ceiling, the implication obvious.

The others fell silent, each silently calculating. Lin Qingli's deep background gave them extra hesitation when dealing with her.

Moreover, that so‑called "above" filled them with awe, daring them not to touch it lightly.

"What should we do now?" one asked, worry etched on his face, brows knit tightly.

"What else can we do?" another sighed helplessly, shaking his head, "She's managed to undermine so many sects without a trace; such tactics, unless one has eyes and hands that reach the heavens, who could achieve them?"

His words struck like a heavy hammer, pounding the hearts of the gathered, silencing them.

At that moment, someone recalled something and said, "Didn't you see the Inspector's recent outburst, so angry he almost tore down his own palace?"

The group nodded, recalling the Inspector's usual arrogance, now reduced to a pitiful rage, and felt a grim sort of schadenfreude.

Just then, several Elders coincidentally "ran into" Lin Qingli's residence. They exchanged a glance, each seeing a barely perceptible cunning in the other's eyes, then, without a word, let a faint smile appear.

"Ah, Elder Li, you're here too?" the purple‑robed Elder said cheerfully, bowing, though his sleeve secretly clenched a storage ring, as if it concealed something important.

"Heh, just passing by," Elder Li chuckled dryly, holding a brocade box that faintly radiated a strong Spiritual Material aura, clearly a priceless treasure.

Lin Qingli sat at the head seat, her expression calm as an iceberg, making it hard to read her true thoughts. Her fingertips tapped the armrest rhythmically, a half‑smile as she regarded the formerly arrogant Elders before her.

"It's rare to see so many Elders gathered today," she said evenly, though beneath the calm surface a hidden current tightened everyone's hearts.

"Chief, you flatter us!" the purple‑robed Elder beamed, rushing forward, both hands respectfully offering a storage ring, flattery spilling, "I heard you've been overworking for human affairs lately; I have prepared some Spiritual Material, hoping it may aid your health and nurture you."

Lin Qingli's lips curled faintly, a half‑smile, yet she did not reach for the ring, merely casting a light glance.

Seeing this, the purple‑robed Elder's forehead broke into fine beads of sweat. He hurriedly added, "Chief, this storage ring contains not ordinary Spiritual Material but a 'Nine‑turn Concentrating Spirit Pill'! This pill is extremely rare, forged from many rare spiritual herbs; after consumption it steadies the spirit, which is of great benefit to a warrior like you who constantly battles human‑race demons. Please accept it graciously!"

Hearing "Nine‑turn Concentrating Spirit Pill," Lin Qingli's eyes flashed a strange hue, a half‑smile as she said, "Oh? That's a hard‑to‑find treasure."

The purple‑robed Elder, seeing her interest, relaxed slightly and said with a forced grin, "Indeed, Chief, I labored greatly to obtain this pill! You rid the human race of demon troubles, your merits are immense; a single pill cannot compare to your achievements."

At that moment, the Elders standing outside the door, not yet entered, began whispering among themselves.

"Tsk, that old fox, even brings out the Nine‑turn Concentrating Spirit Pill!" a white‑bearded Elder muttered resentfully, grinding his teeth, while subconsciously feeling the thousand‑year Spiritual Ginseng in his sleeve, regretting his own lack of generosity.

"What do you know?" another sneered, voice dripping with contempt and mockery, "The one behind Lin Qingli must even make the Inspector wary; if you don't pledge loyalty now, when will you?"

His words thundered like a flash of lightning, silencing the previously noisy scene into dead silence. Everyone stared at each other, daring not to speak, each silently clutching their treasured items.

Lin Qingli stood still, her beautiful eyes as calm as a deep pool, without a ripple. A faint smile curled her lips as she watched the crowd, seemingly already knowing their reactions.

Lin Qingli calmly accepted all the gifts, moving with elegance and composure. Her expression remained indifferent, as if the precious presents were trivial to her.

After receiving the gifts, Lin Qingli rose slowly; her figure was tall and upright, like a blossoming white lotus. Her gaze was frosty, cold and imposing, sweeping every person present.

"I have recorded the Elders' intentions, Chief," Lin Qingli's voice was clear and pleasant, yet carried an undeniable pressure, "but…"

She paused briefly; everyone's throats tightened, fearing what she might say.

"If anyone pretends to obey while betraying in secret, I won't mind checking further," Lin Qingli said evenly, the threat unmistakable.

The crowd's hearts jolted; they quickly bowed, shouting in unison, "Chief, we understand! We have no second thoughts!"