Chapter 4076: A High Elder Of The Vault Division

Under ordinary circumstances, Daoist Bone Ruler could summon almost anyone below the rank of Peak Head for questioning, provided the investigation fell within his jurisdiction.

There were exceptions involving certain highly restricted assignments, but those exceptions were subject to specific regulations. And merely claiming that someone was on a special mission was insufficient.

Daoist Bone Ruler stepped forward. "What mission is Elder Taegong undertaking?"

The Vault Division elder turned toward him. "Law Division Head, the matter is somewhat sensitive."

"Then state its rank and classification." Daoist Bone Ruler demanded.

The elder stiffened.

Daoist Bone Ruler continued, "If Elder Taegong is engaged in an assignment that prevents him from responding to a lawful summons, there should be an appropriate record authorizing that restriction."

The elder’s forehead began to glisten with sweat. "That is..."

"Who issued the assignment?" Daoist Bone Ruler demanded. "When was it authorized? And under whose authority is Elder Taegong currently operating?"

The questions came one after another and with each one, the Vault Division elder looked increasingly flustered. He glanced toward the other elders, hoping that someone would intervene. Unfortunately, his companions seemed equally reluctant to answer.

Zhenyu watched the exchange with amusement. ’Bone boy is finally putting his authority to good use.’

Lin Mu had expected Daoist Bone Ruler to question the excuse.

After all, the Law Division Head was responsible for enforcing the sect’s regulations, and he was unlikely to accept such a vague explanation. The Vault Division elders had apparently underestimated how thoroughly he would examine their claims.

One of the elders finally spoke. "Law Division Head, perhaps we should discuss this matter privately."

Daoist Bone Ruler’s eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"The assignment concerns restricted materials."

"Then provide the appropriate classification."

The elder fell silent.

High Elder Shatter Peak snorted. "What’s wrong? Did you forget that too?"

The Wild Peak disciples laughed and now the Vault Division elders looked thoroughly embarrassed. Just as the situation was becoming increasingly uncomfortable, the doors of the central administrative building opened.

A figure emerged from within.

He was an elderly man with neatly combed gray hair and a short, well-maintained beard. His face was covered in fine wrinkles, and his posture was slightly stooped, giving him the appearance of an ordinary grandfather who might spend his afternoons tending a garden.

His expression was calm and approachable. If someone encountered him outside the Heavenly Stream Guardian Sect, they might easily mistake him for a harmless old scholar. However, the robes he wore immediately revealed his true status.

He was a High Elder of the Vault Division and the moment he appeared, the surrounding elders visibly relaxed.

Several hurriedly cupped their fists. "High Elder!"

The guards also lowered their heads respectfully. The old man acknowledged them with a small nod before looking toward Daoist Bone Ruler.

"Allow me to answer that, Law Division Head." His voice was gentle and measured, carrying none of the agitation displayed by the other elders.

Daoist Bone Ruler turned toward him. "High Elder."

The old man cupped his fists. "Please forgive the confusion. Our elders were attempting to follow the confidentiality procedures associated with Elder Taegong’s assignment, and they were uncertain how much information could be disclosed under the present circumstances."

He paused briefly. "As the senior official currently overseeing this facility, I shall take responsibility for providing the necessary explanation."

Daoist Bone Ruler nodded. "Very well. I’m listening."

The High Elder smiled politely. "Some time ago, the Vault Division received a collection of artifacts requiring specialized containment. Several of these objects possess unusual cursed properties, and their arrival necessitated an immediate examination by our experts."

Lin Mu’s attention sharpened. ’Cursed artifacts?’

The High Elder continued, "Preliminary inspections revealed that the objects carried lingering influences capable of interfering with ordinary sealing formations. As such, we established a specialized research assignment to determine suitable methods of containment."

Zhenyu stroked his beard thoughtfully.

The High Elder looked toward him. "Elder Taegong possesses considerable experience in the examination and preservation of unusual artifacts. For that reason, he was assigned to assist with developing the necessary sealing methods."

Daoist Bone Ruler frowned. "And this prevents him from responding to a summons?"

The High Elder nodded respectfully. "Under ordinary circumstances, Elder Taegong would naturally be expected to cooperate with the Law Division. However, the current assignment involves several delicate procedures that require continuous supervision."

He continued in the same calm tone. "Certain cursed artifacts can react unpredictably when their containment process is interrupted. In some cases, even a brief disturbance may cause the accumulated influences to destabilize, potentially endangering the personnel involved."

The Vault Division elders listened quietly as the explanation was considerably more convincing than their earlier attempts.

The High Elder continued, "Elder Taegong is presently engaged in examining the interaction between these cursed influences and the sealing formations prepared for their containment. His work requires uninterrupted concentration, and we have temporarily restricted outside contact with the personnel involved."

Daoist Bone Ruler’s expression remained serious. "What is the classification of this assignment?"

"Restricted containment research," the High Elder answered smoothly. "The materials have been placed under a provisional high-security designation pending the completion of their initial examination."

"And who authorized the assignment?"

"The authorization was issued through the Vault Division’s internal administrative authority, in accordance with our established procedures for handling newly acquired hazardous artifacts." The High Elder paused.

"The relevant records are available for inspection by an appropriately authorized representative of the Law Division. I would be pleased to arrange access to them." His answer was delivered with impeccable courtesy.

He had acknowledged Daoist Bone Ruler’s authority, provided a plausible explanation for Taegong’s absence, and offered a means of verifying the assignment. At the same time, he had carefully avoided promising that Taegong would be produced immediately.

The High Elder turned toward Zhenyu. "Senior Mengli Zhenyu, I understand that the Wild Peak wishes to question Elder Taegong concerning a serious matter. Please be assured that the Vault Division has no intention of obstructing a legitimate investigation."

Zhenyu smiled faintly. "How reassuring."

The High Elder continued, "However, the safety of our personnel and the preservation of dangerous materials must also be considered. If the current containment procedures are interrupted without proper preparation, the consequences could extend beyond Elder Taegong himself."

He cupped his fists once more. "I therefore respectfully request that Senior permit us to complete the present stage of the sealing research. Once the artifacts have been secured and the immediate danger has passed, we shall arrange for Elder Taegong to respond to the Law Division’s summons."