The council chamber's atmosphere was more tense than usual as Grim entered for his third formal session with the nine-tailed elders.
Word of his cultivation breakthrough had spread through the court, along with rumors about the spectacular mana explosions that had accompanied his fourth heart formation.
Elder Míngzhì sat rigidly in his chair. The other elders displayed varying degrees of interest and concern, though their expressions remained carefully neutral.
"Lord Ambrose," Húwáng said as Grim took his designated seat, "the council has requested an update on your cultural integration and recent developments."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Grim replied, though he sensed that this session would prove more challenging than previous encounters.
"Before we proceed," Elder Míngzhì interjected, "I believe we must address a matter of importance to our realm's integrity."
