The Gods' Decree 183 Blood Oath

Taf rubbed his chin while May to his side also contemplated the meaning of it all. she then inquired about this new revelation,

"I'm guessing there isn't an age limit. Yet, this does bring to mind some foreseeable problems if we were to accept this offer, it pertains to disciples and also fellow elders."

There the grand elder was still composed as ever while she listened to May's cares. Noting by Taf's reaction he too agreed with her sentiments.

"The handling of your fellow elders, if you choose to join, will be a minor inconvenience. For the time being your true identities will remain a secret.

We are all human and are emotional even if we try to hide it. sometimes change is not easily accepted and two new arrivals will have some feeling threatened." 

She responded as though this was the usual custom and with some underlined meaning in her words continued,

"So basically, I would be lying if i were to say you will be fondly accepted into the fold. However this I will leave to you both, sometimes acceptance is earned not given.

Now in regards to the disciples, as with your fellow elders, this fact can't be known. In their eyes, you both will remain as you were.

Only the three squads from Starlight City can be informed having already witnessed the events. You do understanding the reasoning, right?"

The two remained quiet for a bit before Taf's voice was heard,

"Well, it goes without saying our existence would only be demoralizing to them. This also protects the sect from outsiders knowing of our presence.

I'm guessing a gag too has been placed on Starlight City and the events that had unfolded."

"I knew you were an intelligent fellow, this is indeed the case. You might be wondering how can one person keep the identities of two beings.

As elders, I would suggest the wearing of a mask, this isn't an uncommon occurrence."

Having thought of the two's concerns beforehand a solution was given in which their identities would remain unknown.

"Before our stance is known, what does this new promotion entail?" Taf uttered.

He wouldn't willingly accept this post without being properly informed of what it encompassed.

From what Taf knew of sects their methods were strict in order to maintain unbridled loyalty. The means at their disposal have led to growth and prosperity for thousands of years.

Their anxieties were discerned by those old eyes of the grand elder who seemingly saw the funny side.

"Worried are you child?"

She questioned with a bit of laughter in her voice. Taf who hadn't seen the funny side apparently responded,

"Knowledge is power and a man who claims wisdom without it is similar to an hourglass without sand claiming it has a knack for time.

We're like birds and quite frankly enjoy our freedom untethered by the world. How could we possibly sign our lives away as such." 

"Hmm, fair enough. Our old custom dictated whenever an elder joins they are initiated through strict blood oath.

This oath is between the heavens and the individual, whereby through the wording of the oath the sect becomes the subject of concern.

However, as a matter of good faith, your blood oaths will be altered to the bare minimum. Which is harboring no ill-will to the sect?"

The grand elder once more tried to ease the concerns of the two. With them only having taking an oath of that magnitude it can be said they were free to move as they pleased.

Thinking of the reason as to why the sect was so lax it all came down to one thing. They knew based upon their potential any excessive blood oath would only push them away from the sect.

"....and the benefits?" May questioned noting they were not disclosed.

"Remunerations, Arts, Training, and prospects of growth within the sect."

The grand elder responded as she took a sip of tea which a servant had previously brought. She then continued...

"Your duties are outlined within these space rings."

As the grand elder spoke two space rings were summoned before May and Taf. From there appearance, they seemed of a higher quality than the ones the two had gained a few weeks prior.

"I guess it goes without saying you have gained our services, grand elder."

Taf having discarded the space ring stood up before stretching. Evidently he was preparing to take his leave. Seemingly the grand elder didn't mind as with a smile she replied,

"This is good news for all parties involved I think. Usually, this blood oath is conducted before all your fellow elders.

However, before leaving its probably best that we conduct the blood oath now, due to the special circumstances. Are there any objections?"

This was unexpected yet when they thought about the reasoning behind the grand elder's decision it all made perfect sense.

If they were to conduct the blood oath before the other elders there would be suspicions. Why would two unknown elders be given such privileges and leeway? 

They looked at each other before a nod was given by Taf. The blood oath was quite an easy ceremony that only took a few minutes.

After the igniting of their qi which was followed by the pricking of the index finger, an oath was made to the heavens.

There was no flashing of lights from the skies or anything signify an oath was made but when their words were spoken it was as though there was a law in place that could never be broken.

Taf had always questioned why the sect was so comfortable in all elders knowing of his affinities.

Now he had his confirmation as with this in place who would dare go against the wishes of the sect. From his understanding, it would be similar to tearing one's arms off if they were to renege upon the oath.

This was true deterrence, though he wondered if this was the bare minimum how ruthless were the other terms?

With the completion of the blood oath, Taf looked upon the old woman. Ever since Starlight City, there has been one question to which he truly sought some answers.

"Is something on your mind?" She inquired seeing his expression... 

"Grand Elder, I'm sure your investigations were thorough at Starlight City. Have the sources behind those purple hands been found?" 

Surely the sect had delved deeper into the matter. While his knowledge base might be shallow, it can be said there might have been multiple clues he missed with his novice eyes.

"Yes, the identities were revealed."

The grand elder suddenly paused as she looked at the two who had not yet fully understood the world they had entered. 

The timing of those fiends having emerged could not be worse. However, in some sense, this might be the ideal condition under which to rear geniuses of their caliber. 

The perfect sword is ascertained through the collection of materials that are all pristine in quality. However, only through a worthy blacksmith who has perfected his smelting and bonding techniques can its true potential be known. 

Can the heavens perhaps be this blacksmith and this upcoming tribulation its smelting process? As the constant thoughts ran through her mind the grand elder realization she had truly aged.

It seemed time had mellowed her somewhat as she worried about the faith of these two as though they were her kin. Maybe it was the thought of having two with such potential not seeing it through to fruition.

 "It seems the culprit behind the act were devils." She ended by saying..

"Devils huh?!" 

Taf's interest began to peak. Noting his excitement the grand elder tried to somewhat squash those budding desires of his.

"However let this not be a concern to you both for the time being. Focus on steadily growing in strength so much so that you can tackle any obstacle that may come your way. "

She calmly uttered but this by no means would dissuade Taf's intrigue in the matter. To his side, May tugged him knowing the elder did not want to further the conversation. With a smile she politely uttered,

"Once more we would like to thank you for your hospitality, grand elder. The time has truly passed swiftly that being the case we'll take our leave. Please forgive us."

"Grand Elder is truly impersonal, you can refer to me as old Perth. If you have any concerns I am always available."

Still seated the grand elder watched as the two boarded Hammerhead who too had gorged himself full with beast meat having regained control over its body.

"Then old Perth you will be seeing a lot of me," Taf replied as Hammerhead disembarked the balcony before souring through the air...

To be continued...

Unedited version... I might need to revisit this to see if it make as much sense as I think it did. Lol

Chapter end