Chapter 457: I Choose the Third Option

The mission concluded swiftly. After Zuo Meng reported his promotion task, the remaining procedures fell outside the Plump Disciple’s authority. True decisions required approval from the tribe’s higher-ups. Privileges demanded corresponding obligations first. From the tribe’s viewpoint, Zuo Meng had barely fulfilled any duties, making his sudden elevation bound to stir dissatisfaction.

Interests dictated everything.

Where people gathered, interests followed. The tribal hierarchy resembled a pyramid—positions dwindled near the peak. Zuo Meng’s application immediately drew attention from those above.

“Elder Zuo? From Beast Control Department?”

An old man glanced at the bald elder beside him—the actual Core Elder overseeing Beast Control Department, a Thousand Mountain Realm expert.

“Likely my junior’s disciple. Somewhat talented.” The bald elder frowned. Though leading Beast Control Department, he’d never heard this name before—as if the man had materialized from thin air!

“Planning to endorse him?”

“Don’t be absurd!”

The bald elder snorted dismissively.

“The application’s here. Let’s decide.”

The tribe leader cut through the chatter, refocusing the discussion.

Promoting a Thousand Mountain Realm elder wasn’t trivial for the tribe.

“Deny the promotion! His contribution task is laughable,” declared the Law Enforcement Elder first.

“I concur. Zero contributions! Why equal status?” another elder protested.

“Most importantly, our power structure’s saturated. Who’ll surrender authority if he ascends?”

Silence fell.

No blood ties, no privileges.

“Block his advancement. Wants Core Elder status? Make him earn contributions first.”

“Better yet, deploy him against border demons…”

The elders debated fiercely, unanimously rejecting Zuo Meng’s promotion. Their rules governed this system.

“But he’s Thousand Mountain Realm. Don’t antagonize completely. Offer two choices—let Foreign Affairs Elder handle this.” The tribe leader’s decree ended discussions.

Beast Control Peak.

Zuo Meng’s Closed Door Meditation sanctuary received an unexpected visitor.

“Elder Zuo’s dedication to seclusion is admirable. Your name remained unheard all these years.” The stranger smiled outside Zuo Meng’s cave, glancing around as its owner emerged.

“You are…?”

Zuo Meng gauged the visitor’s aura.

Thousand Mountain Realm!

Undoubtedly a Core Elder.

“The tribe’s decision regarding your application.” The elder extended a Token.

Zuo Meng grasped its contents instantly.

“Additional requirements beyond my task?”

Narrowing his eyes, Zuo Meng recognized the envoy’s purpose—the higher-ups’ collective rejection of an outsider. All had climbed through established channels. Why should he leapfrog without paying the price?

“Rules bind us all. Insufficient contributions prevent promotion, even with favoritism. No credibility.” The elder feigned helplessness—a performance that might’ve fooled a true recluse.

But Zuo Meng’s existence spanned forgotten epochs. Eternal life had stripped such theatrics of meaning.

“Ultimately, strength rules.”

Thousand Mountain Realm held power, yet couldn’t defy systems—especially when the old man invoked regulations set by the Totem Tribe, which boasted Endless Realm experts and beyond. This hierarchy crushed all tribes underfoot.

“Two special missions: complete either to legitimize your promotion.”

First: Three centuries teaching tribal disciples—wasting prime cultivation years.

Second: Retrieve treasures from an Endless Realm+ tomb in distant lands—clearly a trap to eliminate him.

“I’ll consider it.”

Zuo Meng dismissed the elder.

“Decide quickly before options expire.” The elder left two Tokens, displeased by the noncommittal response.

Zuo Meng wouldn’t dance to their tune. The real world’s logic remained unclear—that mysterious door hid complexities beyond surface appearances. Until mastering everything, caution prevailed.

“Can’t overturn the board? Then play the game.”

Zuo Meng flung both Tokens aside.

Two paths?

He chose the third.