55 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chuyou Guang’s meddling certainly resulted in some loss of patrons, but with him overseeing the market on behalf of the Wang, Chu, and Zhao families, there was also a positive impact in establishing order and rules. Moreover, Chuyou Guang wasn't foolish; he still had to ensure that Nan Chu Sect benefited from this arrangement. He mandated that all the shops pay significant annual rent, including those under the Chu Qin Sect. As such, he couldn't afford to drive everyone away and thus allowed several slightly stronger sects, like the Instrument Alliance, to remain in the Black River Market. Meanwhile, the Chu Qin Sect adopted a much lower profile at the Black River Market. Unless you were looking to lodge there, you’d hardly notice their presence, which was precisely Qi Xiu's strategy: maintain a low profile, make some minor profits, and focus entirely on inner cultivation. As spring arrived, the seeds carelessly sown last year blossomed into a vibrant array of flowers halfway up Black River Peak, adding a splash of color to the otherwise monotone scenes of the Black River. The mid-mountain flats, tilled by mortal servants, now grew enough vegetables and grains to feed the dozens at Chu Qin Peak, eliminating the need for disciples to transport small quantities of food here and there. Trees planted last year had grown lush, concealing the mountaintop buildings amidst the greenery, only the rooftops of pavilions peeking out. On a chosen auspicious day, Qi Xiu formally announced the entrance ceremony for Yu Denuo. Though the Daoist Chu Qin Sect was traditionally closed off—its official disciples typically born of the territory and cultivated through the sect’s Ascension Ceremony—this time, Qi Xiu wanted neither to appoint a more powerful elder role nor confine Yu Denuo to a guest cultivator position. Thus, Yu Denuo was directly admitted as a formal disciple. The arrangement had long been mutually understood; Qi Xiu extended the offer three times, while Yu Denuo politely declined thrice, acting out a harmonious drama of mutual respect before finally reaching this decision. Early that morning, Yu Denuo donned the sect's signature red robe and, accompanied by Zhan Yuan, began his ascent on foot from the mountain gate to the Yuan Embracing Hall. Qi Xiu, Zhang Shishi, and others awaited him there. Wang Guan, as an honored guest, sat at the front of a temporary canopy meant for attendees. Several itinerant cultivators with slight connections to Yu Denuo or the Chu Qin Sect also joined in the lively affair. Despite being over fifty years old and appearing rather aged, Yu Denuo, who had reached the late Qi Refinement stage, bowed deeply to Qi Xiu, who was in his early thirties and at the second level of Qi Refinement. Such deference was only conceivable because Qi Xiu was the sect leader. After the formalities, Qi Xiu helped Yu Denuo to his feet, spoke a few encouraging words, and led him inside the hall where tablets honoring past sect leaders awaited. Yu Denuo paid his respects again, this time to the previous four masters. At the sight of the tablet for Qin Siyian, the fourth head of the Chu Qin Sect, Qi Xiu was reminded of that rebellious youth. Zhang Shishi had once suggested that since Qin Siyian hadn’t passed away but had indeed caused the sect significant embarrassment, it might be better to dismiss him from memory entirely and let Qi Xiu assume the title of the fourth head. Qi Xiu rejected this. Immigrants from the south had reported that Qin Siyian had settled in Huanghou and taken the name An Siyian. Thus, one could say Qin Siyian was, in a sense, dead, justified in enshrining his name. More importantly, it was Qin Siyian who, in front of many witnesses, bestowed the sect leader’s sigil solely to Qi Xiu. Without it, it'd be hard to justify his title should it ever come into question, something Qi Xiu could never accept—he intended to hold this position till his dying day. The Daoist rituals might not have been as elaborate or binding as Confucian ceremonies, but they were still numerous. Yu Denuo repeated his greetings to each sect member, then stepped out to return them to the guests. Despite his advanced cultivation, he remained humble, observing protocol without a misstep. Having wandered for much of his life, Yu Denuo long sought stability but never found a suitable place until his covert observations painted the Chu Qin Sect as pleasing. Qi Xiu, as a leader, was not forceful, unlikely to be oppressive; judging by his own cultivation, Yu Denuo could maintain a respected status above others. Zhan Yuan had become a confidant, and most crucially, the backing of Nan Chu Sect ensured he would not again become a solitary wanderer. The simple, solemn ceremony didn't last long. Once concluded, a dozen young girls, around twelve or thirteen, dressed as servant girls, swiftly offered tea and seasonal pastries, shifting the atmosphere from solemnity to a more relaxed setting as guests began to chat, sharing intriguing local tales. Naturally, Wang Guan became the focal point of the Qi Refinement cultivators’ flattery. These events had become his recent interest for cultivating good will and acknowledging Qi Xiu’s gesture of giving him assets within the Black River Market. As conversations ebbed and flowed, they eventually circled back to the topic Qi Xiu least wanted to address—the Black River Market. "Hehe, Elder Zhao took a hit. He must hold a grudge against that Chuyou Guang," a younger itinerant cultivator recklessly commented. "Indeed, how could Chuyou Guang be so audacious! Even ignoring Elder Zhao’s standing, who, after all, is an officer of the Beast Controlling Sect—a rank not even other Golden Core cultivators dare disregard," others chimed in agreement. Wang Guan stroked his beard, chuckling, "You all fail to understand. Chuyou Guang claims to be a disciple of Chu Duo, who is on the verge of forming a Nascent Soul and is notorious for his dominating and vengeful nature. Though Zhao Liangde is influential, he'd rather avoid provoking such a threat." "Oh?" The gathered cultivators eagerly leaned in to hear more gossip about Golden Core experts, even capturing Qi Xiu’s interest. Gaining insights into Chu Duo's disposition could prove invaluable for currying future favor with the influential figure wielding life-and-death control over minor sects under Nan Chu Sect's shadow. Wang Guan was surprisingly forthcoming with the information he possessed. Chu Duo, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator rumored to be just a step from the later stage, was expected to form a Nascent Soul given his not-yet-three-hundred-year age. Not only was his cultivation impressive, but he also possessed an innately combative nature, placing him among the top warriors of the Nan Chu Sect. Known for his ruthlessness and volatility, he once wiped out an entire minor sect following a disagreement and excelled in the soul-searching art, leaving enemies risking annihilation by his hand. It is no wonder Zhao Liangde avoided such an adversary. An audible gasp swept through the Qi Refinement cultivators present. "Such brutality!" Qi Xiu recalled the serpentine gaze once fixed upon him, understanding how just that look felt capable of hollowing out one's very soul—an experience still haunting in retrospect. "Moreover, Zhao Liangde himself faces some personal troubles now," Wang Guan continued with evident excitement, even delving into Zhao Liangde's affairs. Zhao Liangde was akin to a deity among Qi Refinement itinerant cultivators around the Black River, sparking further interest and inducing exaggerated flattery toward Wang Guan, his enthusiasm and the flame of secret-sharing bright as ever. With a playfully secretive demeanor, he asked, "Have any of you heard about the two suns in the sky?" Everyone shook their heads, though Qi Xiu recalled overhearing a conversation during a visit to Zhao Liangde that was abruptly halted upon his arrival. That reference resurfaced with Wang Guan's intrigue. Smugness replaced coyness on Wang Guan’s face, resembling a mischievous child, as he elaborated, "A Golden Core ancestor traditionally oversaw the Beast Controlling Sect’s southern territories. Yet two to three years ago, Zhao Liangde’s mentor—the Golden Core elder who managed South Nanjiang’s Beast Controlling Sect for over two centuries—claimed he wished to establish a sect for posterity and prepare his succession, seeking retirement from the sect. An understandable move, so the Beast Controlling Sect dispatched a new Golden Core elder to take over. Unexpectedly, the former decided against leaving. Now, two Golden Core elders preside over South Nanjiang’s Beast Controlling Sect responsibilities across two suns—isn't it intriguing?" "I see!" Revelation dawned on the crowd as wide eyes mirrored comprehension. Wang Guan elaborated, "Though Zhao Liangde could follow or remain, with an outgoing elder who refuses to budge and an incoming elder determined to wield power, the two now contest control. Supporting the outgoing one leaves Zhao Liangde vulnerable if the new one prevails; supporting the newcomer brands Zhao Liangde as a betraying disciple—a traitor, making even his current status uncertain. Consider that before provoking him further; avoid inciting his wrath." “Aren't you the one currently provoking him?” Qi Xiu mentally noted with dry amusement. Enthused by the topic, Wang Guan continued sharing captivation insights long into the evening until even storerooms within the hall transformed into impromptu exchange hubs before the guests finally dispersed. A select group closely bonded with Yu Denuo remained, exchanging cultivation insights alongside the Chu Qin Sect members, effectively extending the entrance ceremony into an informal event of Daoist exchange, concluding only by the next dawn, buzzing with lively discourse.