83 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Seeing Zhao Liangde's seat conspicuously empty, Qi Xiu and his companions felt as though they were sitting on pins and needles. As soon as the ceremony concluded, they hurriedly took their leave, unwilling to linger a moment longer. "Where is Master Qi heading off to in such haste?" A voice, unmistakably familiar, echoed from behind, nearly causing Qi Xiu to lose control of his flying vessel and tumble downwards. Turning around, he saw that it was none other than Chu Duo. Hastily, Qi Xiu managed a sheepish grin, "Ancestor, you jest. How could I dare claim such a title as Master?" Over the years, Chu Duo had often transported infants from Black River Peak to his own domain, and had grown quite familiar with Qi Xiu, who had cooperated fully. As a result, Chu Duo no longer treated him with the same coldness as before. "Heh, why are you flying alone over Baishan and not with Zhao Liangde? Come aboard, where are you headed?" Chu Duo seemed to be in exceptionally good spirits that day. He invited Qi Xiu onto his flying sword and ascended swiftly. Under the outer winds, they traveled at speeds over a hundred times faster than the Wind Array Spirit Vessel. Qi Xiu knew that Chu Duo had probably come to Baishan for a secretive matter, so he dared not ask further. He thought to himself that surely the task of keeping an eye on Zhao Liangde was over now that Zhao had lost all power. He then recounted Zhao Liangde’s ordeal at the Shandu Mountain ceremony in full detail. "...And that's about it. Zhao Liangde left first. I was planning to head to the Artifact City to catch a beast-ship back to Black River Peak." Upon finishing his recount, Qi Xiu discreetly observed Chu Duo's expression. Chu Duo seemed unsurprised and sneered, "Who would have thought that old man Wei Tong, not content with dressing others for the wedding feast, would toss aside Zhao Liangde like a used chamber pot after all those years. It seems he's set his sights firmly on relying on Wei Xuan to care for his descendants." Seeing that Qi Xiu didn’t quite follow, Chu Duo proceeded to unfold the secrets of the Wei family. It turned out that Wei Tong, the elder ancestor of the Wei family, had a Nascent Soul backer in the inner circle of the Beast Taming Sect. He had been promised support to establish his own sect. However, just as things were about to finalize, his Nascent Soul ally was killed in a duel, leaving these plans in disarray. The main sect then dispatched a new Golden Core cultivator to manage the Beast Taming Sect’s southern branch. Wei Tong found himself abandoned on both fronts. In desperation, he sought help from a distant relative, that middle-aged Golden Core cultivator who was also addressed as Ancestor Wei during the ceremony, named Wei Xuan. Wei Xuan was struggling to maintain a small sect far in the north, living under harsh conditions. Inspired by their mutual need, Wei Tong used the influence of the Beast Taming Sect to gather supporters and claim the territory of the Shandu sect. In return, Wei Xuan moved his entire sect to Baishan, merging it with Wei Tong’s influence. Although Wei Xuan contributed only in name, he stood to inherit all benefits once Wei Tong’s time ran out. Truly, what Chu Duo said about Wei Tong dressing others for the wedding was no exaggeration. "I see now..." Qi Xiu finally pieced together the intricate connection, understanding why Wei Tong was not concerned about lacking the qualifications for establishing a sect. Wei Xuan already had one, and if not within three generations, such mergers between sects were not overseen by the Grand Zhou Academy. As for ruthlessly kicking Zhao Liangde aside, Wei Tong feared no moral blemish, as subsequent control would belong to Wei Xuan, someone with no connection to Zhao Liangde. "So... Ancestor, about my task of following Zhao Liangde?" Chu Duo cast him a glance, "You think I don't understand your thoughts? Don't expect to escape this task. I've had you shadow Zhao Liangde to observe the Wei family's movements. Since Wei Tong hasn't reneged on the land promised to Zhao Liangde, simply choose a plot near the Wei family. This way, you won't even need Zhao Liangde as a stepping stone." Inwardly, Qi Xiu lamented his plight. Zhao Liangde, at the very least, was a man of his word, whereas Wei Tong—judging by today's actions—lacked all scruples. Who knows what tricks he might pull in the future? With the Chu Clan’s present manpower reduced to just eleven members, another battle like that in Nameless Valley where they lost a couple would be a severe blow. "Ancestor, you may not be aware, but Wei Tong plans to host a tournament to distribute his benefits based on ranking. Our Chu Qimen lacks the strength to compete with others’ Foundation Establishment cultivators. How can we simply claim a piece of land?" "Oh?" Upon hearing this, Chu Duo paused, then laughed, "That's not difficult. When the time comes, just participate in the competition, and I'll assist you in secret, ensuring you secure a piece of land, and not a bad one at that. Consider it a reward for loyally serving the Chu family." "Then... I can only thank Ancestor in advance." Qi Xiu hesitated, wanting to decline, but seeing Chu Duo’s expression darken, he ultimately complied. "That's more like it. Remember, the Chu family has never shortchanged you. You've already reached the fifth level of Qi Refinement, haven't you?" Chu Duo reverted to his hawkish demeanor, speaking unhurriedly, "Once you pass the fifth level, the 'Linglong Pagoda' will no longer be effective. Whether you can secure other dual-fate resources thereafter will depend on your performance..." With those words, Black River Peak came into view. Dropping Qi Xiu off, Chu Duo vanished without a trace. "'Linglong Pagoda' won’t be effective? What does that mean? Does this imply my path to advancement will remain arduous?" Standing there dumbfounded, Qi Xiu replayed Chu Duo’s words over and over. Chu Huixin’s 'Heart-Clarifying and Nature-Seeing Art' stated that the dual-fate resources must match both the original natal fate and the substitute natal fate to bridge and aid in cultivation effectively. Could it be as Chu Duo said, that after the fifth level, the 'Linglong Pagoda' would indeed lose its efficacy? Is it perhaps just an intimidation tactic? "No! Chu Duo is a Golden Core cultivator; he wouldn’t waste time on aimless threats. This situation must be genuine, and he holds control over the dual-fate resources I’ll need past the fifth level. Thus, I fear there’s no escaping his grasp!" Though the conclusion was bleak, Qi Xiu had little choice. Chu Duo now enticed him with benefits, which was a rather mild approach considering the fact that Qi Xiu knew enormous secrets about the Southern Chu Sect. Any defiance would mean certain destruction of his whole clan. There wasn’t much to debate; he knew he simply had to comply. Resolving his thoughts, Qi Xiu gathered his clan members and announced their participation in Wei Tong’s tournament to vie for a territory. "Another tournament?" Zhan Yuan’s face fell, while Bai Muhan, seated beside him, stifled a laugh. She often teased Zhan Yuan about the infamous Black River Market tournament, and it seemed this shadow would haunt Zhan Yuan for life. "Each group can only send one representative; who should go?" Zhang Shishi spoke, but his eyes shifted between Yu Denuo and He Yu, indicating his intent for one of them to represent them. "He Yu is better than me, let him go." Yu Denuo knew his strengths and weaknesses. With only a date-seed nail artifact, he had a single heavy strike in him, and was otherwise awkward in battle. Competing with Foundation Establishment cultivators meant certain defeat. "Miss Bai, would you like to participate?" Qi Xiu turned to Bai Muhan. Her performance in the nameless valley had been outstanding, and she had a commendable character. Given her merits, Qi Xiu also considered enlisting her father's help. If Chu Duo’s assistance indeed ensured a good outcome, and Bai Muhan excelled, he might plead with Chu Duo to release Bai Xiaosheng. This could result in securing a Foundation Establishment cultivator, thus boosting Chu Qimen’s strength significantly. With Bai Xiaosheng only holding a guest position, there’d be no fear of him overtaking their authority. This way, they’d gain both territory and talent in one move. "Me? Am I suitable?" Bai Muhan widened her eyes, glancing at Qi Xiu while Zhang Shishi and the others were equally puzzled. Seeing her interest, Qi Xiu knew he had a chance. Yet, he couldn’t disclose Chu Duo’s interference, so he fabricated a rationale that considering they had little hope, it was better to send someone unfamiliar, as the odds might be more favorable. Given that they’d hardly pinned any hope on winning, even if she lost, it wouldn’t be shameful since it was a woman competing. Bai Muhan considered for a moment and agreed. Her nature was quite vivacious, and having barely endured her father’s crisis, she was eager to seize opportunities. Participating in such a grand event was truly alluring.