508 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 508: The Next Successor In the tranquil chamber at Chu Yunfeng of the Qiyun Mountains, three individuals sat facing each other in deep discussion: Chu Shentong, Chu Hongshang, and Qi Xiu. A series of significant events — from the incident at the Bi Lake Secret Realm to the decisive moves of Lu Yunzi — had left the Chu family and their allies both dizzy and aware of underlying threats. "Namgong Mu's obsession with the war to seize control of the Fengshui region isn't just about rescuing Namgong Zhi; it's crucial to find He Yu," Chu Hongshang said, her bright eyes filled with concern as she looked at Qi Xiu. "And if he can compel you to use Destiny Casting once, there's no doubt he'll force you again." Qi Xiu took it differently, as the recent plot seemed similar to a past incident where an unidentified hand had instigated a grand scheme amongst demonic cultivators, accelerating the conflicts at the Small Demon Abyss. The one who discards their scruples gains an advantage. Regardless of who is behind this manipulation, their goals were largely met — forcing Lu Yunzi, the crucial head of Qiyun, to publicly announce support for the Fengshui region's war, abandoning any course in the Small Demon Abyss led by the Gui Ancient sect. Even if a transformational presence was to appear now, it would be hard to change the course of events. "I've thought it through. If Namgong Mu forces me to use Destiny Casting again, I'd rather take my own life. The road to the Great Dao may be cut off, but I'd rather gamble every bit of my remaining 200-year lifespan for a chance at survival," Qi Xiu said with resolute determination. Hearing his words, Chu Hongshang's heart ached, and she asked, "But what if Namgong Mu threatens the lives of hundreds within the Chu family, or even the thousands within the Chu-Qin alliance?" "In that case, there's nothing I can do. You can escape from the monk but not the temple. I can't alter such powerful intentions of a transformational figure. I'd have no choice but to be used..." With everything considered, both Chu Hongshang and Chu Shentong sighed in shared understanding, deciding not to persuade him further. "Now, onto the matter of Black Wind Valley and these 'Black Hands.'" Chu Shentong shifted the topic, gazing at Chu Hongshang and Qi Xiu, "Despite their tight encirclement by formidable foes, it's now known that various sects and clans have members secretly working for the 'Black Hands,' serving even as assassins. Among them are those from the righteous path who remain tight-lipped about their affiliations, often using closed-door cultivation as an excuse for their actions..." This implicitly hinted at issues concerning Chu Wuying, but with his whereabouts unknown, it was impossible to investigate further. "Sigh, I've watched Wuying grow up. Had he remained under my close watch, he would never have gone astray." Reflecting on the past, signs were clear — his growing bloodthirst and accidental slips during trials. Qi Xiu's grievances seemed to link back to the Chu family's problems. "Are you blaming me? Had he not learned to be so hotheaded and confrontational from you at Baishan, he wouldn't be in this situation!" Chu Hongshang snapped, not expecting Qi Xiu's accusations, feeling that her earlier concern had gone unappreciated. Her eyes flared with anger. "You sent me to Baishan," Qi Xiu retorted, frustrated over the unexpected path of Chu Wuying, his cherished disciple. He wasn't backing down from Chu Hongshang's glare. "Alright, alright." Chu Shentong intervened, rubbing his forehead, "Both of you sound like squabbling children. Let's just hope Wuying isn't caught by the Tianli sect, or things will become troublesome. And we don't even know if he's involved in the Bi Lake affair; we shouldn't protect him blindly..." "Impossible!" Qi Xiu and Chu Hongshang spoke synchronously, "I know him. He'd never commit such heinous acts." Word for word, unwavering, the two exchanged a sharp glance, before turning away like quarreling couples refusing to meet each other's gaze. "And then there's the matter of Tu Ziru." Since learning of Lu Yunzi's plans, Chu Shentong had been in low spirits, reluctant to entertain others, and directed his thoughts towards it, "Tu Ziru is still held at the Enforcement Peak, while the missing Wan Xuan is wanted by all clans. Though a known figure in the Bai mountain, like yourself, how did you fail to see his true nature?" Questioning himself, Qi Xiu closed his eyes, recalling his interactions with Wan Xuan — every detail. A fleeting moment in which Wan Xuan betrayed some genuine emotion, a mix of longing and isolation, stood out. Qi Xiu replayed the scene, perhaps sensing it was Wan Xuan's only truthful display when he joked about hiring him as a guest cultivator, to which Wan Xuan replied, "You didn't mention it sooner." It was laced with feelings of lost opportunities. "Wan Xuan might have joined later, coerced or enticed," Qi Xiu suggested, possibly due to Yao Qing's 'Hundred Knowledge Scholar' suppressing Wan Xuan's 'All-Knowledge.' With thoughts colliding, Qi Xiu added, "Trying to draw me into the Bi Lake Secret Realm could be due to his grudge over losing his financial path — or following explicit orders from the 'Black Hand.' If 'The Master' is behind this, it aligns with their opposition against our support for the Gui Ancient sect." Given the circumstances, assessing the likelihoods seemed necessary. If 'The Master' orchestrated the situation during the relocation of the Long family, it's plausible they lead the support for their conquest, which isn't good news. "What's bad luck cannot be avoided." Amidst the conversation, Chu Shentong's voice resonated with a sense of resignation. In the face of Namgong Mu, the Black Hands, and 'The Master,' he felt outmatched. But atop these pressing matters, another major concern loomed, "The Jiang family migrated south, taking part of the old Lian Shui territory; the Lian Shui Sect relocated north to occupy the Lan family's mountain gate. This Lan family might eventually merge into the Qiyun Mountains, gaining the vacated Jiang Yun peak, each trio finding their place." "The head of the Lan family is Lan Li, of Earth Peak Yuan stage mid-tier and potentially a future head of Qiyun, slightly younger than Hongshang. If he reaches late Yuan stage before Master Lu Yunzi's demise, he'd be a strong candidate." "Lu Yunzi's maneuvering to forge ties with the Lu family is clear; the next leader's seat likely won't slip from Lan Li's grasp!" When Chu Shentong spoke, both he and Chu Hongshang looked distressed, confusing Qi Xiu, who asked, "What does the next leader have to do with us?" "Because our family has supported another candidate from the same Earth Peak, Cai Yuan," Chu Hongshang replied. Qi Xiu was left speechless. The Chu family's support of Chu Zhen once failing, and soon backing another wrong horse, possibly facing thousands of years under a suppressive ruling — how could one play at this? "Is it too late to switch allegiance?" he asked, still hoping. Chu Hongshang shook her head, "Our ancestor, Chu Zhen, made this decision before passing. We are too deeply entangled to recede." Simultaneously, she sighed along with Chu Shentong. "Heh." Qi Xiu muttered inwardly, yet on the surface, he chuckled, "Cai Yuan isn't a favorable name; if he became the leader, he'd be renamed 'Vegetable Garden' — not a choice I'd make." "Nonsense." Amused, Chu Hongshang's laughter dissipated some tension encasing the quiet chamber. "Besides, why haven't I heard of this Lan Li or Cai Yuan? Shouldn’t a Qiyun leader be influential, with extensive networks?" Qi Xiu further questioned. "Typically, Qiyun leaders hail from the Earth Peak, and usually from humble origins with minimal background. Ancestor Chu Zhen and Lu Yun himself were such examples. Lan Li and Cai Yuan are no different; their families aren't influential, and responsibilities at Earth Peak are considerable, compelling them to stay low-profile until their secured positions. Our family only gained prominence when Ancestor Chu Zhen advanced to late Yuan stage. Look at Lan Li, their base isn't even within the Qiyun boundary and lacks a tier-four spiritual ground. They often refrain from forming alliances or commenting on matters to prevent factions — this is common for you not to hear their names," explained Chu Shentong, methodically clarifying their backgrounds, leaving Qi Xiu with insight yet withheld any hints on their ties. "So, the personal connection between Cai Yuan and the late Chu Zhen leaves Shuangchu unable to retreat. Could the baby theft be connected to this?" Qi Xiu buried the doubt, keeping it within. Meanwhile, Jianfeng had been brought to Tianyin Mountain to meet Chu Qin's Enforcer, Fa Yin. "Back again? What's the accusation this time?" Fa Yin inquired, unperturbed by Jianfeng's arrival while entertaining guests. "Dabbling in the illicit human trade, though it didn't succeed," Jianfeng straightforwardly answered, being familiar with Qi Xiu's strict orders. "Alright, mining duty for a year. You know the rest," Fa Yin briefly dismissed him. Mining duty here didn't mean actual digging but involved delivering supplies to laboring creatures, maintaining rigorous respect, rigorous routines, and unwavering focus—deviating meant facing Fa Yin’s discipline. “Understood.” Jianfeng accepted his task, dragging his injured self out. Only after he left did Fa Yin turn back to his guest and smile, "The punishment is light, Brother Qingfen. One could say such offenses are insignificant compared to those in Baishan; I've nearly grown accustomed to their antics." The visitor was a middle-aged monk, sporting short hair and clad in a traveler's robe with a large pouch slung over his shoulder. His face bore the marks of a long journey. "I've truly witnessed the viciousness of Baishan's cultivators during this visit." From his pouch, he retrieved two iron boxes, items originating from the Bi Lake Secret Realm. "I intended to see the Chu Qin Sect Leader, but he happens to be away. This matter cannot be delayed, nor trusted to anyone else, so here I am, seeking you." Opening the iron boxes, Qingfen revealed relics left behind by Qi Bingyan, containing the sights and revelations from Bi Lake, including a portrait of the deceased Black Hand's Jindan cultivator dubbed 'Number Eight.' "This is serious business!" Fa Yin remarked, recognizing the gravity of the situation. "Indeed," Qingfen confessed, "I bought these from the Hei River Market, initially moved by greed to gamble my luck, never expecting such findings." "I'll leave one with you for the Chu Qin Sect Leader and take the other back to the Discipline Hall at Nanlin Temple." His tone was resolute. "Your righteousness is commendable, Brother," Fa Yin bowed, acknowledging his prudence. "Travel safely." Watching as Qingfen soared away, Fa Yin carefully stored the iron box. After arranging the disciplinary affairs of Tianyin Temple, he hastened to Mount Siguo, waiting steadfastly outside the sect leader's residence for Qi Xiu's return. (To be continued)