"Hmmm, a Divine Purple Pangolin. I haven't seen one of these since my youth." the Resource Hall Elder mused out loud, while he effortlessly picked up the dead beast to examine its worth.

'At least at Overlord Realm, late stage.' Pef's inner memories pointed in warning at the Elder's cultivation. It seemed the Icefire Sect did have some hidden powerhouses in their midst.

"Four claws will be reserved for my use. Perhaps some scales as well, if the Sect has any decent soul smiths." Pef demanded as he met eyes with the respectable Elder.

The man exchanged a glance with the Sky Herald, then nodded. "As you say, little Holy Son. Now you better hurry, the Sect Master is very anxious to meet you." he answered while he handed over a jade plate with some arcane formation inscribed on it.

Pef just carelessly folded it into his storage ring, then held a hand out to be raised onto his favorite shoulder.

In a minute, the group made their way into the Inner Court, where a large gathering has formed, most of them discussing the events of day. It wasn't every day a Sect Elder was chopped to death, and never by a young child barely in the Core Realm.

This time, no more fingers pointed at the group, people somewhat more cautious of being perceived as insulting by the new Holy Son.

Inner Court disciples even bowed politely towards them, hands clasped in front.

Here and there, polite nods from Core Disciples and various Elders also happened, though most people were still expecting a smackdown from the Sect Master.

Just before they entered the Elder Hall, a Ceremony Elder arrived with several clean Sect robes, and instructed them how to wear them and even a few points on ceremony.

"Kowtow thrice when you enter the hall, and don't look Sect Master in the eyes. Especially you, Holy Son!" the Ceremony Elder warned Pef with a glare.

Pef just shrugged and patted the Sky Herald on the head. "Fly me, fly guy" he ordered in a soft voice.

With a grunt, the man lifted in the air and entered the Hall in mid-air, carrying the Holy Son with some effort.

His mother and grandpa remained behind, as they weren't yet called in.

Half way into the hall, the Sky Herald landed in visible pain and knelt to the floor, while Pef descended gracefully as if this was his intention all along.

His senses and memories shouted in warning at the figure seated on the ice throne in front. 'Monarch Realm. Dangerous!'

"At least you're decently strong, Sect Master. I worried all the way here if I made a mistake and joined a weak sect." Pef spoke as he advanced further, walking slowly on his little legs.

"... Brave. Is your Skill enough to kill someone of my realm?" the man asked while his wise eyes measured the child in front intently. A Sound shield covered the two of them, keeping the conversation private.

Pef stopped a few meters in front on the throne and sat down on his butt, then held out his hand to retrieve a blade of grass from his ring. " Nothing is omnipotent, Sect Master. With this blade of grass...I can kill an Emperor Realm cultivator. Especially if I have surprise on my side, and I don't miss."

The Monarch Realm Master nodded in agreement. "Good enough, for your small age. What of later?"

Pef took out a simple steel sword from his ring and flashed a tiny bit of sword qi though it, making the weapon glow white for a moment. "With a weapon in hand, I can probably strike down Overlords, maybe even Sovereigns. Hadn't had to try that, not yet." he answered calmly then stored the sword back in the ring.

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The Sect Master raised a curious eyebrow, and tilted his head as if consulting with someone. "I can arrange a test someday. We have some powerful prisoners in our dungeon."

Pef shrugged unconcerned then smiled angelically. "Striking is the easy part of this skill. There is also the tribulation after. Not just lightning, but also pain. I'd want to avoid that part, at least until I grow up a bit."

"So I've heard. A bolt of white lightning fell from the Heavens, strong enough to frighten my Punishment Elders. You blocked it with a Beast paw, now deposited in the Resource Hall."

the Sect Master murmured as if in deep contemplation.

"Like I said. I'm not too keen to experience such suffering with my young body." Pef answered with a calm voice.

"Alright. It's not like I would force a child to fight my battles, unless in dire straights. And about that, the Xia Clan will not be happy..." the Monarch realm cultivator continued in a colder voice.

Pef nodded seriously. "It worries me that such a Great Clan has degraded so low, up to robbing travelers in the open. Their scion will remain under my supervision until I consider him re-educated. His Clan will be made to pay for the transgression, and the cost of raising their Young Master in our Sect." the boy announced in a grave voice.

The Sect Master blinked for a moment, then smiled back at his new wonder Holy Son. Responsibility was something less often seen among the new generations.

"Yes, I see. The boy will be given in your care then. And you will also deal with his father, when he comes knocking. Now, for the more pleasant parts. How was your journey from the Snowflake Sect, Holy Son?" the sect Master asked in a friendlier tone.

Pef smiled and took out a worn out ring, looking like faded silver. "I've found you a worthy gift, Sect Master. See if you like it." the boy explained as he flicked over the old ring.

The old man grabbed the metal ring and examined it curious, testing a dozen tricks until simply trying to apply pure force and found it did nothing. "Oh? I think this may be adamantium. I saw something like this once, back in my old days."

Pef took out a similar ring and flicked it in mid-air. "A weapon made of this would not only be indestructible, it would kill Monarchs and even Saints. Something like a long wire or needle, maybe."

All the sudden, the Sect Master became serious as his eyes turned into deep points. "Keep this secret, boy. Sects have been flattened before for this sort of things." he warned Pef as he moved just beside the boy.

"The fly guy will stay by my side from now on. I'll try to heal him." Pef answered softly while pointing backwards at the kneeling Sky Herald.

"It would be good if you could, Holy Son. Songtie has suffered a lot for the Sect, but the Alchemy Hall has never found something to cure him." the Sect Master allowed in a gentler voice as he measured the Sky Realm Adept with kinder eyes.

"Good. I'll take over the courtyard of the fat guy in the Outer Sect, and see about the disciples cultivation and integrity." Pef announced as he began walking away, with tiny steps.

The Sect Master frowned for a second, then shrugged. It wasn't like the Outer Sect had much importance anyways. The boy could have his fun bossing other kids around, until he grew older. But next decade, his Sect could have a real powerhouse in the Nine Continents Tournament.