Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 250: Elder Míngzhì

Chapter 250: Elder Míngzhì

The council chamber’s atmosphere was more tense than usual as Grim entered for his third formal session with the nine-tailed elders.

Word of his cultivation breakthrough had spread through the court, along with rumors about the spectacular mana explosions that had accompanied his fourth heart formation.

Elder Míngzhì sat rigidly in his chair. The other elders displayed varying degrees of interest and concern, though their expressions remained carefully neutral.

"Lord Ambrose," Húwáng said as Grim took his designated seat, "the council has requested an update on your cultural integration and recent developments."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Grim replied, though he sensed that this session would prove more challenging than previous encounters.

"Before we proceed," Elder Míngzhì interjected, "I believe we must address a matter of importance to our realm’s integrity."

The formal tone immediately put the chamber on alert. When an elder spoke with such gravity, serious concerns were being raised.

"The floor recognizes Elder Míngzhì," Húwáng said, though his expression suggested he anticipated problems.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Míngzhì replied, rising from his chair with deliberate ceremony. "Honored colleagues, we gather today to discuss not just Lord Ambrose’s progress, but the broader implications of his presence among our people."

Several elders exchanged glances, clearly understanding that Míngzhì was launching a formal challenge.

"For weeks, we have observed Lord Ambrose learning our customs, participating in our ceremonies, and gaining access to knowledge that has traditionally remained within our people," Míngzhì continued. "While his individual conduct has been largely appropriate, I submit that his very presence represents a threat to our cultural purity."

"In what sense?" Elder Zhìhuì asked, his political expertise clearly engaged by the formal nature of the challenge.

"Human influence has a documented history of corrupting traditional practices," Míngzhì replied. "Their emphasis on efficiency over harmony, power over balance, and individual achievement over community welfare invariably leads to the degradation."

"Are you suggesting that Lord Ambrose has attempted to corrupt our traditions?" Elder Cháng inquired.

"I’m suggesting that such corruption is inevitable when foreign elements are integrated into established systems," Míngzhì said firmly. "Lord Ambrose may possess admirable personal qualities, but his fundamental nature remains human, with all the limitations that entails."

Grim felt his temper rising at the dismissal of his character and species, but forced himself to remain calm. Responding emotionally would only prove Míngzhì’s point about human limitations.

"Furthermore," the elder continued, "recent events have demonstrated that Lord Ambrose’s cultivation methods pose direct physical threats to our realm. The mana explosions that occurred during his training session could have caused permanent damage to a sacred location."

"Elder Míngzhì raises valid concerns," Húwáng acknowledged diplomatically. "However, I believe they require more nuanced consideration than his presentation suggests."

"I defer to Your Majesty’s wisdom," Míngzhì replied with a bow that managed to convey respect while maintaining his oppositional stance. "Though I hope such consideration will include the long-term consequences of the precedent we’re establishing."

"What precedent do you believe we’re establishing?" Elder Xuěhuā asked.

"That political convenience justifies compromising our fundamental principles," Míngzhì said bluntly. "Lord Ambrose’s marriage to Princess Ruxi may serve immediate diplomatic purposes, but at the cost of introducing foreign influences that could gradually erode our cultural identity."

"And what would you propose as an alternative?" Húwáng asked, his tone remaining neutral despite the direct challenge to his decision-making.

"A formal evaluation of Lord Ambrose’s suitability that extends beyond personal compatibility or political advantage," Míngzhì replied. "Specifically, a comprehensive assessment of whether human integration into our society serves our people’s best interests."

The proposal carried obvious implications—Míngzhì was essentially calling for a trial that could result in Grim’s expulsion from the realm regardless of his relationship with Ruxi.

"Such an evaluation would require specific criteria and procedures," Elder Míngjìng observed carefully. "What framework do you propose?"

"Traditional measures of cultural compatibility, spiritual harmony, and long-term benefit to our realm," Míngzhì answered. "Lord Ambrose would need to demonstrate not just that he can learn our ways, but that his presence genuinely enhances rather than diminishes our civilization."

"And if he fails to meet these standards?" Elder Qīngfēng asked.

"Then we would respectfully request that he depart our realm and seek alliances more suited to his nature," Míngzhì said with finality.

The chamber fell silent as the full implications of the challenge became clear. Míngzhì wasn’t simply questioning Grim’s worthiness—he was demanding a formal trial that could override Húwáng’s authority and Ruxi’s personal preferences.

"Lord Ambrose," Húwáng said carefully, "you have heard Elder Míngzhì’s concerns and proposals. How do you respond?"

Grim stood slowly, understanding that his answer would significantly affect his future among the fox spirits.

"Elder Míngzhì," he began, addressing the challenger directly, "I appreciate your dedication to preserving your people’s traditions and protecting their interests. Such vigilance is admirable and necessary."

"However," he continued, "I believe your concerns are based on assumptions about human nature that may not apply to individual cases. I’m not here to change fox spirit culture—I’m here to learn from it and, hopefully, to contribute to it in ways that honor your values."

"Pretty words," Míngzhì replied dismissively. "But intentions matter less than results. How do you propose to prove that your integration serves our interests rather than merely your own?"

"By submitting to whatever evaluation process this council deems appropriate," Grim said without hesitation. "I have nothing to hide and everything to gain from demonstrating my commitment to your people’s welfare." NovelFire

The response clearly surprised several elders, including Míngzhì, who had apparently expected either defensive arguments or angry rejection of the challenge.

"You would accept a formal evaluation?" Elder Zhìhuì asked with obvious interest.

"I would welcome it," Grim confirmed. "Though I hope such evaluation would be fair and based on observable evidence rather than predetermined assumptions because I’m a human."

"An interesting position," Elder Cháng observed. "Though it raises questions about what criteria should be applied and who should conduct such evaluation."

"Perhaps," Húwáng interjected, "we should focus on establishing whether formal evaluation is necessary before debating its specific procedures."

"I believe it is necessary," Míngzhì stated firmly. "The stakes are too high to proceed based solely on personal relationships or short-term observations."

"I disagree," Elder Zhìhuì said. "Lord Ambrose has demonstrated genuine respect for our customs. Additional formal evaluation seems redundant."

"The question," Elder Xuěhuā added thoughtfully, "is whether we’re evaluating Lord Ambrose as an individual or as a representative of humans. These are different assessments with different implications."

"Both evaluations are relevant," Míngzhì insisted. "Individual character matters, but so do the broader precedents we establish for future interactions with human civilization."

The debate continued for another hour, with various elders expressing support for different positions. Some backed Míngzhì’s call for formal evaluation, others defended Grim’s demonstrated progress, and several remained neutral pending further discussion.

"This matter requires more consideration than a single session can provide," Húwáng finally announced. "We will reconvene in three days to continue this discussion and determine appropriate procedures."

"Agreed," Míngzhì said with obvious satisfaction. "Though I hope Lord Ambrose understands that his status here is no longer simply a matter of personal preference."

The council session concluded and the elders began to disperse.

"That was well handled," Elder Zhìhuì said quietly as he passed Grim’s chair. "Your willingness to accept evaluation surprised those who expected defiance."

"Thank you," Grim replied. "Though I suspect the real challenges lie ahead."

"Indeed they do," the elder agreed. "But you’ve positioned yourself advantageously for whatever comes next."