Reborn as a Demonic Tree

”Interesting, because thatʼs not what I have been told,” Grand Elder Valandor said as he stood from his seat and summoned a black scroll. On the backside was a red lotus. The symbol of the Nightrose family. Grand Elder Valandor cleared his throat and read the scrollʼs contents.

”As per the old laws made between the founding families of the Blood Lotus Sect, a war between the top families that foster rare Qi affinities is forbidden. However, the need for a war may arise. Therefore, in these unfortunate circumstances, a few conditions must be fulfilled for a war to be approved by the Patriarch. First, there must be a just reason for the war provided and approved by the disciplinary committee. Second, the accused party will be given up to three months to refute or negotiate the accusations. Once this three-month period is over, the war can begin. However, it will be stopped if the instigator of the war surrenders themselves to the offended party. Third and finally, the winning family must donate half of the acquired land and resources to the Nightrose family.”

Grand Elder Valandor closed the scroll and stowed it away.

Dante gulped, ”I donʼt see how I am involved here?”

”According to the report submitted by Demetrios Skyrend a week ago, you were listed as the main contributor to the death of two scions of House Skyrend: Kassandra and Theron.”

”Nonsense,” Dante snapped back, ”I watched from afar as they were both killed by a powerful void cultivator—” He suddenly choked as he felt his throat being squeezed.

”Do not speak unless spoken to, scion.” Grand Elder Valandor said coldly, ”Do I make myself clear?”

Dante nodded as best he could without his neck snapping from the pressure and fell to his knees, gasping as he felt the invisible hand around his neck disappear.

”I will admit we reviewed their claims and found them lacking in weight to start a full-on war,” Grand Elder Valandor smiled, but it wasnʼt a kind one, ”However, just a few hours ago, we received a report of mass destruction and death to the Skyrend family, caused by a surprise attack from a void affinity beast on Thunderhold Peak. You must agree that two attacks involving the void element and the death of only Skyrend family members in the same week is highly suspicious...”

”A void beast?!” A person shouted, and everyone turned confusedly to a woman with long green hair chained to a chair.

”This is?” Grand Elder Valandor asked.

”Elenor Evergreen, a raging lunatic from a lower family that came here a while ago.” Grand Elder Voidmind sighed, ”You can ignore her.”

”I am not insane!” Elenor screamed, ”You are talking about a demon with a claw the size of a hallway, right? I saw it months ago! It crushed and killed the Winterwrath Grand Elder before my very eyes! I tried to report it to the Nightrose family, but I was laughed at.”

”Interesting... but thatʼs not why I am here,” Grand Elder Valandor turned back to face Dante, ”I came here for one reason. The disciplinary committee has agreed to the Skyrend familyʼs accusations and request for war, and they listed Dante Voidmind as this warʼs primary instigator.”

”No! Wait... this must be some kind of mistake,” Dante blurted out.

”You have three months. Refute their claims successfully, or turn yourself into the Skyrend family, and the war can be prevented,” Grand Elder Valandor said calmly, ”I will now leave so you may discuss this with the Elders of your family.”

Grand Elder Valandor casually ripped apart space and vanished.

”Father!” Dante threw himself to the floor and pleaded, ”Just give me a chance. I can fix this—”

His Father raised three fingers, ”You have been a great disappointment and led to great losses for our family. But in honor of the blood running through your veins and my deep love for your mother, I will give you three months, Dante. On the day before these three months are over, I will drag you to the Skyrendʼs front gate myself to prevent this war. Do I make myself clear?”

Dante couldnʼt believe how cold his Father had become after a single failure and strangely felt something within his heart break, ”Yes, Father. I understand. I will not let you down again.”

His Father didnʼt even react to his declaration and stood up to leave the main hall alongside all the other Elders, leaving Dante on his knees alone in the empty hall.