Daily life of a cultivation judge

After his brief silent prayer and apology, Yang Qing straightened his robes out of a force of habit, completely ignoring the fact that he was wearing a saint-grade treasure.

What were the odds that a robe of such a caliber would have creases on it?

But it didn't matter, straightening of the robes was a long-standing tradition that has been observed for eons and eons, who was he to break away from such a well-respected tradition?

After he felt his robes were straightened enough, and his demeanor and air were suited to the moment, he decided to get along with it. He had decided he was going to keep it brief and to the point and as for the rough nature of what he was going to say, he decided to go with what he had trained himself to do over the years, especially to survive a mighty foe, like the Order.

"Bootlicking it is," Yang Qing murmured to himself as his gaze fell on the crowd.

"As many of you know, I didn't come from a well-off family, the results I have today would have not been possible had it not been for the intervention of the Order.

I wouldn't be the person I am today, had the Order not opened its doors to me and for that, I Yang Qing, I'm deeply grateful to have received a kindness and a grace that I did not deserve.

You clothed me, educated me, gave me a purpose I did not know I needed, I have had seniors who have constantly pushed me to be the best…" Yang Qing paused here as his gaze fell on old fiend Lei Weiyuan who had the same austere look he always had on, except for one thing, a light smile appeared briefly and disappeared just as fast. 

….

As this was going on, Yang Qing's mother, grandfather, and other elders of the Yang Clan were throwing death glares at him.

"Mai'er, you raised a fine son, alright. He really knows how to speak up for his family."

"Yang Fen you have failed as a grandfather, you old coot. Look at what your grandson is saying, making everyone think we raised him in some cave with no clothes, all his life,"

"At least I have a grandson up there, where's yours?" Yang Fen not willing to be outdone, threw a few of his words at the mocking elders.

"Wunlai, don't you dare move!" said Mai Ha to an early forties man seated next to her and Yang Gen. 

He had a bookish aura to him, and a matching build too. He was slender and tall, and bore a facial similarity to both Yang Qing and Yang Gen.  He was Yang Qing's and Yang Gen's father, Yang Wunlai.

Yang Wunlai sensing his wife's faint murderous intent, quickly sat down, with a sheepish smile on his face. This was the first time in a few years he had been close proximity to his father, and Yang Qing's grandfather, Yang Fen.

He had half a mind to miss the ceremony, but he knew he would suffer a far worse fate from his wife, than whatever he was afraid his father would do to him. But even if he agreed to come, he was still unnerved the whole time, especially after he was informed about his father's research with the reversion pill. He was dead set on avoiding his father for the rest of his life, or breakthrough to the palace realm soon.

"I'm sorry brother," Yang Gen whispered in an apologetic smile when he saw Yang Qing's mildly embarrassed look when his gaze fell on his family creating a ruckus. His grandfather was already pulling beards with the other elders, and his father looked like he was about to be elbow locked by his mother.

….

"Can't they let me have a peaceful day for once, without creating a scene," Yang Qing thought as he saw the whole fiasco.

He decided to continue with his speech and pretend he didn't notice anything.

"I'm still young and immature and know despite my result no matter how glamorous they seem, there is still a lot to learn and I hope my seniors will continue to lend a hand and guide me on how to be a proper judge of the Order…," 

When he reached this point, his gaze conveniently fell on Hou Dehui, the inner domain court judge with star-shaped irises and five pupils on each eye. His gaze then immediately switched over to where Lin Guiren one of the founders of the Golden Bamboo Pavilion had sat. His hint couldn't have been louder.

Senior I leave the Golden Bamboo Pavilion to you. Your handsome junior needs your help

"I know being an outer palace court judge will not be easy and will come with its challenges and demands, but I will endeavor to commit myself wholly to ensuring the precepts of the Order and its guiding principles are observed.

To those who have come today, I am humbled and deeply thankful for your presence today, I will not forget it.

I wish you all good tidings in the days, months, and years to come, and may the Order see you through your darkest of times.

Thank you all," Yang Qing said as he performed a ninety-degree bow.

He remained in that position for almost ten breaths and then raised his head. 

Immediately he did so, a gentle voice sounded,

"Yang Qing's promotion; acknowledged, approved, and commended. All the best, young one.

Little Ye, I leave the care of our friends to you. Su Liqiu will also be in attendance in my place. Well then, I'm off, take care,"

Everything within the area from the people to the sky, the ground, and even the spiritual qi seemed to vibrate with excitement the moment the voice appeared and went back to normal the moment it disappeared.

"The president is the president," Yang Qing thought to himself in admiration as he observed the impact just a voice left on the crowd.

The president of the Order, the leading figure in the whole organization but very few people have ever seen him. Only his gender was known, but everything else including his name was shrouded in mystery. Yang Qing at times wondered if there was a reason to it, or if it was purely a calculated move to create an unfathomable figure so steeped in mystery to keep the numerous organizations within the Southern Continent at bay.