After hearing the answer she wanted, Call of Winter did not prolong this meeting for much longer.
"We will call for you again when needed. Please be ready at any given time."
"I understand. I will then see you soon, Seniors."
Sun was dismissed from the study room. Shade of Autumn spared him a bow to send him off.
Shutting the door behind him, Shade of Autumn then turned to her Seniors.
"Brother Spring, Sister Winter, are you satisfied with this outcome?"
Warrior of Spring merely leans back into his seat.
"I can sense that he is suitable for becoming Summer's Heir, but we can only be sure when he meets little Summer. Otherwise, I have high hopes for him; I would not mind inviting him into our Veiled Forest Settlement."
Call of Winter leaned herself onto the table, hands raised in front of her face.
"I, too, am pleased with this outcome. His ambitions are apparent and righteous; I suppose it won't be too hard to keep him by our side. However, we will have to educate him about all of Herald of Summer's achievements."
There was a tone of caution in her voice.
"Say, how close was Sun towards the other Cultivators?"
"He was not very close. In fact, besides this other Cultivator, Dawn, I believe he mostly kept to himself. Sister Autumn, what are your opinions on him?"
"Yes, Sister, were you close with him?"
Questioned by both Warrior of Spring and Call of Winter, Shade of Autumn stiffened as she recalled her memories.
She had very little connection with Sun, besides slapping him to the ground and sending him to his presumed death.
"Uh. No. I was not very close with him... at all. But there are a few Cultivators and mortal Warriors who seemed fond of him. Actually, the reason for their fondness is because of his healing abilities."
"He is a Medical Expert? I was under the impression that he was solely a Warrior."
"Yes, I believe he focuses more on his battle strength than the prospects of his healing Dao Arts."
"I see..."
'Then that only means that his desperation is even greater than previously thought.'
"Seniors, what will we do now?"
"Hmm..."
Warrior of Spring leaned forward as he explained their current situation.
"With the efforts of Corpse Mountain Settlement's Lord, we have collated the majority of the crops from the surrounding tilled fields. Other resources, such as the corpses of the myriad of beasts from the tides, and the Settlement's own wealth, are also being collated and prepared for travel."
"There is also the notice we sent to Silver Extreme of Union Settlement. Should there be no problems, he should also throw his hand into the situation, opting to gather the other subsidiary Mortal Settlements of Union Settlement."
"Our focus now should be on preparing enough manpower to escort an entire Settlement's worth of people. Not only transportation, but also defending the people in the case of an ambush by Demonic forces, or otherwise."
It was a simple plan. There was not much to consider, and there wasn't an abundance of time that could be spared.
Call of Winter picked up after Warrior of Spring, further explaining their next steps.
"I will accompany the people until the previous site of Union Settlement, which is where a meeting will be held between the Settlement Lords of each Settlement, should everything go as planned."
"So far, Silver Extreme should only know that Corpse Mountain is retreating to Union Settlement's mountain. Even if he does realise our intentions, they are not exactly distasteful; it is in everyone's best interests to unite, especially without their backer, Immortal Union."
"Brother Spring will remain behind to discuss the matters with the other Settlement Lords. I will return to Veiled Forest Settlement with Sun. Would you like to come along, Sister Autumn?"
"...?"
Shade of Autumn hesitated before giving a gentle nod.
"If Sun does become Herald of Summer... then will you continue to use him, even after your intended purpose for him is fulfilled?"
Thinking about Shade of Autumn's concern, Call of Winter sat up from her relaxed posture and rested her back against the chair.
"Hmm... I don't suppose there will be much else for him to do for us. As long as he upholds this secret between us, and plays the role of the previous Herald of Summer, then he will be free to do as he pleases."
"I see. That is good to hear."
"Worry not, I'm not so cruel as to torture the poor boy. He is simply the best means we have to achieve our goal."
"Then, when that time comes, you will also allow him to ascend?"
That last voice came from Warrior of Spring, who was concerned about Sun following the same steps they had taken.
"Of course, Sister Autumn will become the first to surmount the Second Breakthrough Point. However, finding the resources necessary for Sun to break through as well will take some time."
"I understand... Then I have no other concerns about Sun. Sister Autumn, how is your progress towards refining your Divine Eye?"
"It is coming along well. I suppose that I will have fully refined my Divine Eye in a few dozen nights and finally step into the Third Foundation of Cultivation."
"That is good to hear. Is there anything else you need help with?"
"No. I am fine."
"I see. I am glad to hear that you have no concerns. Continue to cultivate as per usual."
Suddenly, there was a quiet knock on the door of the study room.
"Lord Winter, Lord Spring, are you two free at this moment? The Settlement Lord requests an audience with one of you."
Warrior of Spring stood up from his chair.
"I will go. If you have no other matters of concern, Sister Autumn, then we will not keep you here any longer either."
"Yes, I understand."
"Sister Winter, I will return in due time. We will continue discussing our plans later."
Call of Winter spared a faint smile and a nod as the other two left the room.