Chapter 2835: Is It a Coincidence?

Fragrance wafted through the air as a woman wearing a low-cut dress strutted over. All of the men present couldn’t help but be drawn to the way her hips moved rhythmically along with her footsteps.

There was no need for introductions; she was the Conglomerate’s Fifth Elder Lilith. Indeed, the first thought that appeared in anyone’s head upon seeing her was of bed.

She walked to Zu An’s side and gently tidied his clothes. “What a dashing one you are. I can see how you won the fancy of so many ladies.”

Her voice was coy like that of a young lady. Her touch was so light that it induced goosebumps all over Zu An’s body.

Chu Chuyan was displeased.

How can she walk right up and touch him?

But since Lilith was speaking up for Zu An, she held herself back from blowing up.

“You’re very beautiful as well, madam.” Zu An quickly recovered and returned the compliment.

“Call me big sister. I’m still single,” Lilith replied coyly, rolling her eyes.

Zu An was speechless. He'd learned that Lilith had many boy toys from Isabella. It was hard to associate her with the word ‘single’.

Lilith turned to the Second Elder and said with teary eyes, “Second brother, you can’t impose your principles on others. There aren’t many people who can fulfill such a virtuous stance when it comes to romance. Since the two people in question are fine with it, there’s no need for us to point fingers at them.”

The plump Fourth Elder chuckled. “What do you think, fifth sister? Should we let this fellow participate in our Order Ceremony?”

Lilith averted her gaze in disgust. Her choice of lovers consisted of either beautiful men or brawny hunks. She wasn't into pigs. “I don’t have any qualms with this dashing lad.”

“Let’s hold a vote then,” First Elder Oberon proposed. A huge red ‘X’ appeared above his head.

This was how the Conglomerate’s Round Table Council made decisions. Whenever they reached an impasse, they held a vote to decide on the course of action.

Without any hesitation, Oberon cast an ‘object’ vote.

The second ‘X’ soon appeared, as Second Elder Hermes also cast an ‘object’ vote.

Third Elder Aragorn hesitated for a moment, but faced with his daughter’s pleading eyes, he cast an ‘approve’ vote.

Fourth Elder Mastema looked around with an innocent smile. A green tick soon appeared above his head. He had also cast an ‘approve’ vote.

Fifth Elder Lilith cast a bewitching glance at Zu An. Needless to say, she cast an ‘approve’ vote as well.

Sixth Elder Naraka had been present all along, but being the gloomy man he was, hardly anyone noticed his presence before this vote was held. He cast an ‘object’ vote.

It was 3v3. The tiebreaker fell on Seventh Elder Viktor.

𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Isabella looked nervous. Viktor was an impartial man who staunchly followed his principles, never bending to anyone. To her surprise, however, Viktor cast an ‘approve’ vote.

Oberon’s face darkened. He could use his authority as the First Elder to veto the motion, but such abuse of power could fracture the relations among the seven elders. Unless absolutely necessary, he was reluctant to resort to this move.

“The majority approves of him participating in the Order Ceremony. We shall follow the result of the vote,” First Elder Oberon calmly declared. His voice was no longer as stiff as before.

Isabella’s eyes twinkled in happiness. The Order Ceremony was just a symbolic ritual, but participating in this major event would still help to build Zu An’s credentials.

Big brother Zu will benefit from participating in this, and that will make it easier for us to...

Meanwhile, Zu An was nowhere near as relaxed. He hadn’t forgotten that he had come here under the Deity of Memory’s order.

Is the major event related to the Order Ceremony? An event that catches a universal deity’s attention is anything but normal. I have to remain vigilant.

He was also surprised that so many elders had spoken up against the First Elder on his behalf, considering how he was only acquainted with Aragorn before this.

The Universal Conglomerate isn’t as peaceful as it looks.

When he learned that Zu An would be joining the Order Ceremony, Adrian’s expression darkened.

Just then, he heard his father’s voice. “Your life has been too easy so far. It’s not a bad thing for you to face some setbacks.”

Adrian’s face reddened in shame. “Yes, I’ll learn from this lesson.”

“Don’t take it to heart. There’ll be chances for you to exact vengeance in the Order Ceremony.”

Adrian was rendered speechless.

You’re asking me not to take it to heart while telling me to exact vengeance?

It was also then that First Elder Oberon turned to Adrian and calmly said, “You should stand up where you have stumbled. When your father finally drags that orderless fellow under Order’s radiance, your heart will become impeccable once more.”

Adrian hesitantly asked, “But he’s a Memory envoy...”

“In the Order ceremony, everything is bathed in Order’s radiance. Not even other universal deities can peer into it.”

Adrian was overjoyed to hear that. “Yes! May Order’s radiance envelop the Myriad Worlds!”

Meanwhile, Isabella dragged Zu An up to Aragorn.

“Pleased to meet you, uncle.” Zu An bowed. Chu Chuyan greeted Aragorn with a nod, though she couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable.

“I hope you don’t blame me for settling you in another manor,” Aragorn said.

“I know that you have your considerations.” Zu An didn’t mind it.

He was probably also trying to probe the stances of the other elders before deciding on his next move. Or maybe he thought that Adrian was a more suitable candidate. Regardless, it doesn’t matter.

All that matters to me is Isabella’s attitude.

“It’s good that you’re mature. Isabella is still much too young and childish. I can rest at ease entrusting her to your care.”

“Daddy~” Isabella complained coyly.

Aragorn looked at his daughter dotingly before turning to Zu An. “You must prepare yourself. We’ll be holding the Order Ceremony very soon. Miss Chu, you should join us as well.”

Zu An took the opportunity to ask, “May I know what the Order Ceremony entails?”

Aragorn explained, “To showcase Order’s radiance to the Myriad Worlds, every century we pick a world that has descended into chaos, restore order to it, and offer it as tribute to the great Deity of Order.

“This happens to be the tenth century, so we’ll be holding it at a larger scale. Other elders will participate in the event, and we have invited important figures from all over the Myriad Worlds to join us as well.”

Zu An asked, “Are we entering with our bodies? Will it be dangerous?”

“Yes, we will be entering with our bodies, but we will take the identities of people who exist in that world. It’s quite similar to the Deity of Death’s trial. As Memory’s envoy, you only have to record the events that unfold in the ceremony. I don’t think you’ll face any danger.

“Besides, the seven elders, including me, will be participating as well. Unless a universal deity descends, we should be able to overcome any danger.”

How many flags are you planning to raise?

Zu An thought.

“Right. You should familiarize yourself with the world first. Everyone attending the Order Ceremony will be entering the world tomorrow morning. It is a cliched story about a feudal dynasty that is being invaded by enemies while facing uprising from its people.” Aragorn whipped out something resembling a tablet and handed it over.

An introduction video played on the tablet.

The subtlest look crept onto Zu An’s face as he watched the introduction video.

Isn’t this the chaos that unfolded in the final years of the Ming Dynasty... How is it coincidentally another world I’m familiar with?