Behind Harlan stood Berthold, who had long been expelled from the sect. At this moment, Berthold was dressed in a black brocade robe, wearing a crown. His eyes were deep and his face bore an expression of arrogance.
Even though he had been expelled from the sect, even in the presence of these elders, Berthold remained expressionless.
“Mr. Garrido, now that you hold the reins of power and have welcomed back Mr. Berthold, anyone who disobeys should be directly imprisoned. As for Mr. Moreau, lock him up for thirty years,” suggested a slender elder, flattering Harlan.
“Exactly, now the entire Violet Flame Sect follows your orders. Even if Mr. Barclay and the rest are unhappy, they wouldn’t dare to do anything. Are they bold enough to rebel?” echoed another elder.
After hearing this, Harlan didn’t utter a word. Instead, his gaze shifted toward the last elder. The man was portly, and his eyes were slightly closed.
“Mr. Thibaud, do you have any opinions?” Harlan inquired.
Winston slowly opened his eyes and said, “As long as the Divine Flame Seal is not in our hands, your position remains unstable. Although Mr. Ortiz retired due to illness, he still has a daughter. If the Divine Flame Seal falls into Juliet’s hands, I fear there won’t be many in the Violet Flame Sect who will obey you, Mr. Garrido. Moreover, after Mr. Berthold was expelled from the clan, you’ve now brought him back. Naturally, this will lead to some resentment among many. This pent-up resentment is bound to erupt at some point.”
Winston’s words silenced everyone.
Harlan’s expression grew serious. He knew well how he had obtained his position as the sect leader.
He had secretly poisoned Gael, causing bouts of madness, which led to his forced retirement.
Although Harlan now held the position of sect leader, it was only as an acting sect leader. He had not truly secured his position.
To solidify his position as the sect leader, he needed the Divine Flame Seal to command the Violet Flame Sect.
The Divine Flame Seal was akin to the signet ring-only by possessing it could one be the rightful ruler.
“Gael placed the Divine Flame Seal on Divine Flame Mountain years ago, likely to prevent anyone from coveting the position of the sect leader.”
Harlan sighed and continued, “Now that he often lapses into madness, there’s no way to open Divine Flame Mountain. How can we retrieve the Divine Flame Seal?”
“Mr. Garrido, Mr. Cunningham can use an array disk to open Divine Flame Mountain, but that fellow is stubborn and unyielding, unlikely to cooperate with us,” said the slender elder.
“No need to plead with Mr. Cunningham. As long as Mr. Garrido convenes a meeting of the elders and all elders agree to open Divine Flame Mountain, Mr. Cunningham will have no choice but to comply. Does he dare defy sect rules?” suggested another elder.
“Easier said than done. How could Mr. Barclay and the others agree? They’re probably thinking of ways to get Juliet into power,” retorted the slender elder.
“Enough, stop arguing. We’ll discuss the elders’ resolution in a few days. But regarding my son Berthold’s return to the sect, you all must unanimously agree.”
Harlan knocked on the table as he spoke. “As for others who oppose, I’ll pretend not to see them. There’s no room for negotiation on this matter.”
“Dad, I’m returning to the sect only to help you secure your position. I have no intention of staying in the sect. The outside world is far more exciting. And this time, I must deal with Juliet. It was because of her that I was expelled from the sect. Once Juliet becomes mine, no one in the Violet Flame Sect will threaten you,” Berthold said, a slight smile playing on his lips and his eyes narrowing.
“Mr. Berthold, please don’t be impulsive. I heard that Juliet has been in seclusion to cultivate continuously. She is likely a Ninth Level Tribulator now,” the slender elder hurriedly advised Berthold.
