72 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Zhao Liangde, dressed in all black, paced back and forth in the Bao Yuan Hall, displaying an impatient demeanor. This was his first visit to the Black River Peak, yet he paid no mind to the surroundings, dismissing everyone except for Qi Xiu. "Does the promise you made back then still hold?" He immediately addressed the matter Qi Xiu most dreaded, not even pausing for small talk. Years ago, Qi Xiu had disclosed his entire conversation with Zhao Liangde to Chu Duo, who explicitly instructed Qi Xiu to continue following Zhao Liangde without any room for choice. Now, Qi Xiu assumed a bold stance, responding firmly, "Of course, though my Chu Qin Sect's strength may be lacking, I have never been one to break my word." "Good! Very good!" Zhao Liangde, devoid of the poise he once held while leisurely seated in the hall, receiving genuflections from cultivators, enthusiastically slapped his thigh, expressing his delight. "Indeed, in-laws are reliable. I won't waste any more words. When the time comes, your Chu Qin Sect will provide ten people, and benefits will not be lacking! We'll make our move within ten days; don't go anywhere, just wait for my message!" With that said, he turned and left in a hurry. "Wait!" Although Qi Xiu had no choice, he couldn't let him leave without any explanation. Bowing slightly, he pleaded, "Senior Zhao, could you please clarify a bit more?" "Oh, there's nothing much to be clear about. I can't reveal who we're fighting against just yet. Just wait for me to escort you. As long as you can provide ten people, and help me with this battle, great rewards await you! Does your Black River not have a place for mortals as well? Don't you desire a land of clear mountains and abundant resources? Once this is done, I promise you'll have your wish." Zhao Liangde hastily walked out the door, mounting a pure-colored black eagle, his impatience evident. Qi Xiu disregarded the difference in their statuses and hurriedly chased after him, grabbing his sleeve. "At least assure me that we won't be striking against those who've been kind to Chu Qin." Zhao Liangde chuckled, "Kind to Chu Qin? Do I look like I'd go to war with the South Chu Sect or the Qi Yun Sect? Rest assured, there's no kindness there, and perhaps even some dispute. It's not particularly dangerous either—I wouldn't harm my in-laws. If not for you, I must think about my family's future generations! You're mainly there to boost morale with flags and cheers; I'm not at the point of relying on your combat skills." Without waiting for Qi Xiu's further attempt to speak, he spurred the black eagle on and took to the skies. With the confrontation set to occur within ten days, Qi Xiu had little time to prepare. Counting the yet-to-be-inducted Bai Muhan and five-year-old Li Tan, there were only thirteen in total, and deploying ten meant nearly emptying the house. The next day, without regard for Zhang Shishi's newfound marital bliss, all were summoned to the Chu Qin Temple for a meeting. Yu Denuo looked pale, his lips trembling with fear, "How did it come to this, where we must fight for our lives?" Zhan Yuan wore an equally reluctant expression, "Risking our lives for someone like Zhao Liangde is not worth it!" Zhang Shishi, unable to bear their attitudes, retorted immediately, "Since Senior Brother Sect Leader has already promised this, there's no point in disputing it further." Qi Xiu waved a large hand, his voice low and resolute, "Indeed! There is no more debating whether to go or not. I suggest, Shishi, since you just took a concubine and should stay with Li Tan, ensure the sect is tended to in my absence.” Having just experienced the pleasures of marital intimacy, Zhang Shishi was tempted by Qi Xiu's suggestion but ultimately refused, "My Earth Shield is highly effective for frontal defenses. I can't hide at home at a time like this; my presence will keep everyone safer. Let He Yu stay back; his future is bright, nothing should happen to him." "I'll go too. It might even be an opportunity to learn something; Gu Ji's essence took a blow last time on the stage and hasn't fully recovered, he should stay back," offered He Yu, having recently gained an opportunity to cross the second threshold of Qi training and developed a powerful innate talent, he welcomed the challenge. “I won’t stay behind,” Gu Ji refused as well. Everyone was unwilling to be left behind. Though Yu Denuo hesitated, as the highest-ranking cultivator and an outsider, refusing would likely not sit well with the sect in the future, so he too decided against staying. "Stop bickering, we can all go—what’s the difference of one more or one less?" suggested Huang He, and everyone agreed. But Qi Xiu shook his head vigorously. Should any mishap occur, the Chu Qin Sect would be left defunct, a scenario he could not permit. “Let me say something.” Bai Muhan, who had been coldly observing the bickering men, finally stepped in. “Zhan Yuan, you should oversee the market, with a fellow cultivator at the second level of Qi training to guard the sect alongside Li Tan. I’ll go.” Zhan Yuan protested, "What's the sense in having one's wife fight in their place while they stay at home?" His retort turned Bai Muhan's cheeks rosy, given they were not yet officially wed. Blushing slightly, she pinched Zhan Yuan discreetly and continued, “If it’s seriously a life-or-death fight, we should go all out like lions against hares. Those with higher cultivation should obviously go. I'm at the fifth Qi level, which is higher than Zhan Yuan's; his strengths lie elsewhere, why take him?” Her words left Zhan Yuan red-faced, stammering disagreements, unable to accept his fiancée revealing his embarrassing past performance in front of everyone. But Qi Xiu nodded at her reasoning. “If it’s a battle, indeed we can’t hold back. Being the daughter of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Bai Muhan brings a broader perspective.” He concluded, “Bai Muhan will accompany, Zhan Yuan will oversee the market...,” his gaze fell over Qin Weiyu. Though diligent, Qin Weiyu was useless in combat, and if anything were to happen, beyond Zhang Shishi he favored Zhan Yuan to succeed as sect leader, leaving Qin behind would potentially be a risk. “Yujing, Li Tan stays to guard the sect; the rest will go.” Even as Zhan Yuan continued arguing, Qi Xiu stood firm, closing the matter. Zhan Yuan turned his efforts to leveraging his commercial prowess, liquidating unneeded items for charms and talismans, bolstering their preparedness for the coming skirmish. Unlike the last competition, this time it was truly a life-and-death struggle, though they knew not who their enemy was. Everyone mobilized, striving to prepare thoroughly for what lay ahead. "This is a first-rank formation, the 'False Four Symbols Illusory Array.' Though average, it sets up easily—just position the five array disks correctly, and it activates, proving useful for group battles," instructed Zhan Yuan, passing the setup components to Zhang Shishi, who thanked him sincerely. Now was the time to put aside any past grievances. Ten days later, the Silver-backed Saddle-ray sent by Zhao Liangde descended slowly. It was time to set forth.