Chapter 10: The Heir

On the eleventh afternoon, the Sect Master called a meeting in the Hall of Beasts.

The tenth pill had gone down the night before without trouble, and Lei Juehan's chest was nearly clean.

Zhiyi sat at the end of the long table, because the Sect Master had asked for "the physician."

She had never been called that in her life.

Juehan sat across from her in full dark blue robes and iron shoulder plates.

Under the table, his boot rested against hers.

Qi Wanli cleared his throat.

"War God," he said. "Tomorrow noon is the Autumn Beast Review. The whole sect will gather in the Great Courtyard."

"I know."

"Ten nights from now the lightning falls. It is my duty to ask what happens to the beasts if it takes you."

The room went quiet.

"The war god has always named an heir before a tribulation," said Qi Wanli. "I would like you to name one."

"Sect Master," said Kuang Shiyuan, smoothly.

He had been sitting at the Sect Master's right with his hands folded, the picture of concern.

"If I may. My nephew has trained three tigers from cubs."

"He is twenty-two, brave, and strong in the old style. I offer him to the sect."

A young man with a heavy jaw stood up at the back and bowed.

Zhiyi had seen him in the Hundred Herbs Hall.

He was the one who carried Kuang's tray.

"I name no one," said Lei Juehan.

"War God..."

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