"Master, this just isn't right!"
Everyone from the Doomed Soul Sect, whether disciples or elders, found Morvran's decision utterly unacceptable.
The sect had never had a deputy master before.
Even the most respected elders weren't qualified for such a position.
And to make matters worse, Timothy had now become the first traitor to pledge allegiance to Goddess Sylvia.
"How dare you! Timothy is now favored by Goddess Sylvia,who are you to question that?"
"Goddess Sylvia is a supreme being, far beyond your understanding."
"Timothy being chosen by her is a huge opportunity, and it's bringing our Doomed Soul Sect a whole new path to follow."
"This achievement isn't just about being deputy master. If Timothy were to lead the Doomed Soul Sect, it wouldn't be too much!"
Morvran spoke passionately, looking righteous and gazing into the distance, "It was my fault before, I lost my true self and fell into the Demonic Sect."
"But starting today, under Timothy's leadership, I am determined to reform and lead you all to offer our endless loyalty to Goddess Sylvia!"
"Bro, you really get me, Master Morvran," Timothy laughed, clapping Morvran on the shoulder.
"Ha! As the deputy master, you'll be equal to me, so no more calling me master."
"Alright then, I'll switch it up."
"Brother Morgan~"
"Brother Timothy~"
"Brother Morgan~"
"Brother Timothy~"
And just like that, two men, centuries apart in age, who were just a second ago master and disciple, burst into raucous laughter, scheming together.
The disciples of the Doomed Soul Sect: "..."
Suddenly, it dawned on them that this was probably more like what a Demonic Sect should be...
Having established his position as deputy master, Timothy planned to leave.
But from the crowd, Yvenna hurried forward.
"Brother Timothy, take care on your journey, and make sure to come back and visit me," she said, looking up at him with pitiful, affectionate eyes.
"I made this sachet for you, Brother Timothy. Every herb in it was handpicked by me from the cliffs. Please, take it." Yvenna carefully pulled out a finely made sachet from near her chest, still warm with her body heat and scent.
The craftsmanship of the sachet was exquisite, and the herbs inside were clearly very precious.
A faint aura emanated from it, subtly nourishing anyone close by.
Clearly, Yvenna had put a lot of effort into gathering these herbs and making the sachet.
Timothy waved it off, "Let's not, I might be heading to Sky Sanctuary, but I can come back anytime."
"Brother Timothy, please take it. This sachet isn't just a farewell gift, it represents my feelings too!"
Hearing this, Timothy was even more reluctant: "Let's not."
"Brother Timothy."
"Uh."
"Brother Timothy!"
Yvenna looked like she was on the verge of tears, her eyes misty and her slight frame trembling as if she might start crying at any moment.
Timothy felt a bit helpless,he hadn't really interacted with her much, how had he caught her attention?
Seeing Yvenna looking so pitiful and about to cry, Timothy sighed, checked that the bonding stone wasn't glowing, and finally accepted the sachet.
"Thank you, Brother Timothy!" Immediately, Yvenna's eyes lit up like stars.
She excitedly tried to throw herself into Timothy's arms.
Timothy quickly extended his arm, holding her at bay by the head, and said sternly, "The path of cultivation is long. Remember to focus on your training and not let romantic distractions cloud your future."
'Timothy actually touched my head!'
Feeling the hand that was keeping her at a distance, Yvenna focused all her attention on the top of her head.
Although Timothy's touch wasn't gentle, he had indeed touched her head!
He spoke of not letting romantic feelings interfere with cultivation, but he still touched her head.
This means... Timothy really does have special feelings for me!
Yvenna's eyes sparkled with emotion, and she looked extremely excited. "Don't worry, Brother Timothy, I will definitely work hard to catch up to you!"
"Good, keep it up," Timothy nodded.
The outcome was good, but why did he always feel that this girl was a bit off?
As they ascended into the clouds with Zephyra, below them, Yvenna waved goodbye reluctantly, her tears seemingly mingling with the breeze.
"Is that your girlfriend?" Zephyra asked curiously after they had traveled some distance.
"Of course not, she's just a junior sister who's somewhat close to me," Timothy explained immediately.
Despite Yvenna's longing looks, despite her personally giving him a sachet, despite her nearly throwing herself into his arms.
But he was really innocent!
"Somewhat close?" Zephyra seemed completely unconvinced.
"Let's drop it, I don't really understand these things," Zephyra moved on from the topic.
Before becoming a holy envoy, as one of the Goddess's most capable generals, Zephyra had assassinated countless strong foes with a single dagger.
Anyone who defied Goddess Sylvia was terrified, as they never knew when their head might be effortlessly taken.
Even years later, now that Zephyra had become one of the twelve holy envoys, her formidable reputation still made many tremble.
Dedicated to serving the Goddess, she never understood romantic feelings between men and women.
The clouds slowly drifted as they finally reached Sky Sanctuary.
Outside Sylvia's chamber, Zephyra instructed Timothy, "The Supreme Goddess said you risked your life to enter Sky Sanctuary alone in pursuit of the great path."
"Your ability to earn the Goddess's praise is impressive."
"From today, you will be an outer disciple of Sky Sanctuary."
"After I report to the Supreme Goddess, I will lead you into Sky Sanctuary."
Timothy nodded and stayed put.
Zephyra entered the chamber alone.
Amidst the misty clouds, far from the ethereal figure, Zephyra knelt on one knee with utmost respect: "Supreme Goddess, I have brought Timothy back."
Sylvia nodded in approval, "You've done well. How is the Doomed Soul Sect?"
"The Doomed Soul Sect submitted immediately upon hearing the name of the Supreme Goddess."
"And..."
Having been diligent for many years, Zephyra had finally learned a bit of flattery and decided to give it a try.
"What else? Go on."
Trying flattery for the first time, Zephyra was a bit embarrassed: "Ahem, the Goddess truly has an eye for talent, wise and clever, selecting someone like Timothy who is indeed extraordinary."
"Oh? What do you find extraordinary about him?" Sylvia seemed interested.
Zephyra casually praised a couple of Timothy's qualities and then added, "Moreover, Timothy seems to value relationships highly. I saw him and his girlfriend parting with such affection, it was quite touching."
After saying this, Zephyra couldn't help but smile proudly.
She really knew how to flatter! This indirect way of praising was sure to please the Goddess!
"Oh? You said... girlfriend?"
For some reason, Zephyra suddenly felt a chilling coldness.