84 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

The Wei family, showing remarkable sincerity and willingness to spend, has offered a bounty including seven territories rich in spiritual veins and over twenty hospitable to mortal life for clans aiding in the contest. Those failing to secure a territory won't leave empty-handed, receiving generous compensation. This demonstrates the lengths the Wei family is willing to go. Qi Xiu and Bai Muhuan reached Shandu Mountain, where the number of participants was starkly fewer compared to the Black River Pavilion fight. The previous event was chaotic, with varying levels of skill, and even all eleven members of the Chu Qin Sect participated, adding a mix of confusion and entertainment. However, this time, each family could only send one representative for the prize—a hereditary territory, encouraging participation of the strongest cultivators. Even some longstanding elders were competing, reflecting the fierce intensity of the contest. "Just pass two rounds, and the territory you desire will be yours," a secret transmission voice whispered in Qi Xiu's ear. Although it sounded like Yu Denuo, it was actually Chu Duo in disguise, his demeanor completely transformed from his former cautious and subservient self. Despite his aged appearance, his aura subtly overshadowed Qi Xiu, and his gaze was cold and penetrating. "How can I achieve this goal?" Qi Xiu cautiously inquired, unsure of what intentions Chu Duo had. "Have her carry these two items. Don’t worry, I guarantee your success," Chu Duo casually handed over a small wooden box. Qi Xiu opened it to find a green runic talisman on beast hide, much larger than the average book. It was densely covered with runes, seemingly alive as it fluttered within its wooden prison. Surprisingly hefty, it was denser than gold or iron. Alongside it was a precious apricot-yellow flag of unknown rank, but evidently invaluable. "Display these items, and most will wisely retreat. The talisman is exceptionally precious. Use it only if necessary. Otherwise, I’d suffer a significant loss," Chu Duo cautioned, emphasizing the talisman’s importance. Qi Xiu entrusted the items to an unsuspecting Bai Muhuan while Chu Duo relayed usage instructions to her. Although Bai Muhuan's eyes lit up with understanding, she remained astute and refrained from questioning Yu Denuo’s possession of such treasures or his sudden mastery of secret transmissions. Wei Tong did not appear, with the competition overseen by Wei Xuan. After some formal appreciation for each sect’s assistance, he announced the start of the contest. Two drawn names of Foundation Establishment cultivators soon engaged in a fierce duel on stage. These bouts were far more intense and brutal, given the stakes—the survival of one's sect. Although Wei Xuan intervened at critical moments, dismemberments and serious injuries were frequent, rivaling the bloodiness of the Shandu Mountain battle. When Bai Muhuan’s turn came, she faced a full-stage Qi Condensation cultivator, considered fortunate by some standards. Her opponent, seeing she was from Chu Qin Sect, felt confident. However, as Bai Muhuan unfurled the apricot-yellow flag, a protective glow enveloped her, shocking her opponent. Despite relentless efforts, he couldn’t shake her defense and had to concede, causing amazement among the audience, who began to speculate about the flag's origins and re-evaluate the Chu Qin Sect’s prowess. Afterward, with a blush of satisfaction on her cheeks, Bai Muhuan descended the stage, relishing the envious gazes, something she never imagined, as her opponent was dispatched effortlessly. Her next draw was less favorable: a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Chu Duo, borrowing Qi Xiu's body to shield from Wei Xuan’s eyes, seemed to secretly communicate with someone, prompting her next opponent's sudden change in demeanor. Qi Xiu surmised Chu Duo’s intentions. Surely enough, when Bai Muhuan faced off again, she dutifully deployed the apricot-yellow flag and then launched the talisman. It transformed into a silver sword, exuding a terrifying pressure akin to a Golden Core cultivator’s might. Her opponent exaggeratedly cried out, "Talisman treasure?!" and, overwhelmed with shock, hastily forfeited the match, leaving Bai Muhuan stunned on stage. The spectators were abuzz, debating the talisman treasure's unmatched power. Despite being a weaker strike of a Golden Core, it wasn’t necessarily unbeatable for mid-stage Foundation cultivators, prompting derision at the opponent’s cowardice. Undeterred by ridicule, the opponent appeared unconcerned about territories that others would risk everything for. It was clear to Qi Xiu that either intimidation or bribery led to such acquiescence, suspecting Chu Duo's more likely penchant for threats contributed. Bai Muhuan returned to the ground, dazed by how effortlessly the contest progressed, as if stepping through a dream. “We achieved our goal? Chu Qin Sect has its territory now?” she asked, elatedly bounding with girlish exuberance. “Cough...” Chu Duo signaled to Qi Xiu, who retrieved the flag and talisman from Bai Muhuan to return them to him. “Why don’t we continue…” Bai Muhuan began, still exhilarated, but halted as she noted Qi Xiu's reverent demeanor towards the odd Yu Denuo. Sensing the situation, she wisely quieted. "Enough. It's sufficient that we secured a territory. We shouldn't covet more...” Satisfied with their gain, Qi Xiu was grateful regardless of Chu Duo's methods. With their new homeland, Chu Qin settlers no longer relied on lodging from Wang Guan. “The third round: Bai Muhuan of the Chu Qin Sect, bye!” Wei Xuan announced, declaring Bai Muhuan inexplicably fortunate, skipping an entire round. A mid-stage Qi Condensation female cultivator won a spiritually rich territory, astounding everyone present. Even Chu Duo momentarily faltered at the twist of fate before casting a scrutinizing glance at Wei Xuan, who seemed oblivious to his presence. “This… spirit vein. We can claim a land with a spirit vein?” Qi Xiu wondered, his rush of fortune-induced elation subsiding, cautiously seeking Chu Duo’s decision. “Claim it! Why should we not? If offered, we shall accept!” Chu Duo replied, diverting his attention back from Wei Xuan, frowning slightly but resolute in his declaration.