512 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 512: Preparations Before Departure Despite Wei Tang's reluctance, it was futile now. The head of the Wei family, half pleading and half coercing, forced her to agree to the marriage. Yu Zicheng, having fulfilled his mission, returned satisfied with the troublesome Xiong family. On the way back on the manta transport, they reveled in drinking and brazenly mocked the Wei family for their sycophantic turnaround. It had been years since they had indulged in such blatant revelry and disdain. With Fa Yin absent, they behaved like wild horses, untamed and jubilant all the way. Only upon reaching the outside of the Siguo Mountain did Yu Zicheng consume a sobriety pill and use a cleansing charm to tidy up his appearance, reverting to his usual composed and dignified demeanor as he walked inside. At the main hall atop the cliff, he found two dejected Qi-training disciples kneeling as they were sternly reprimanded by Nangong Yanran. Eavesdropping, Yu picked up that it was merely business matters, silently cursing his luck that today's management lead seemed to be in a foul mood, jeopardizing his chance to earn merit. When it was his turn to report on his mission, Nangong Yanran's face darkened, “What's the use!? I'm tirelessly managing affairs to solve problems for the sect, yet none appreciate it, and I don't even get a word of thanks!” Though she was clearly venting frustrations, Yu Zicheng couldn't figure out whom exactly she was criticizing. Confused, he decided to stick to getting his task done and inquired, “What about Wei Tang and Jianfeng's marriage?” “Don’t even mention it!” Nangong Yanran grew even angrier, slapping the armrest, “The groom ran away! How is she supposed to get married!?” It turned out that after Fa Yin left, Zhan Jianfeng, under some influence, secretly went to the City of Artifacts to join the Jiang family in opening up new territories at Fengshui. “That fool, leaving a good life behind to risk his life for others!” Yu Zicheng felt helpless, “Now that he’s gone, what about the Wei family?” “You should ask the old master!” Nangong Yanran replied testily. Having no other choice, Yu placed a report at the entrance of the sect leader’s abode, detailing the events. Sect Leader Qi Xiu, usually in deep seclusion, would typically take time to address these matters. Based on experience, Yu intended to leave shortly after, but unexpectedly, Qi Xiu's voice transmission reached him, and the door to the abode opened slightly. He quickly composed himself, checked his appearance once more, bowed deeply, and entered. He saw Qi Xiu sitting cross-legged, smiling at him. Gu Tan Shishu was also present, seated with eyes closed. Yu knelt down immediately, paying his respects, and felt a gentle force lift him up, “No need for such formalities. Your Yu family has deep ties with us. Back when I was at the second stage of Qi training, your ancestor Yu De’nuo was already an advanced practitioner. Despite the fledgling state of Chu Qin then, he joined us, benefitting me greatly. It was a blessing for both Chu Qin and myself. Recall such gratitude, and as descendants, ensure you hold to that earnestness in your practice and duties.” Hearing their Golden Core stage sect leader refer to an advanced Qi trainer as “expert” amused Yu Zicheng slightly. He knew of his ancestor's deeds but felt a unique pride hearing Qi Xiu mention them. After engaging in some pleasantries, Yu brought up the matter of Zhan Jianfeng, seeking guidance. “It was my idea for Jianfeng to go to Fengshui.” To Yu’s surprise, Qi Xiu said, “His character was taking a wrong turn; I thought he might as well gain some worldly experience there, see how many cultivators with better talent and fate strive relentlessly for their future, see how they face constant mortal dangers, and see whether his attitude holds without my protection.” Hearing this, Yu’s heart sank, realizing it might be a veiled warning for him. In a hurry, he admitted his mistakes while kneeling again, “It was Senior Sister Nangong who asked for a method to embarrass the Wei family. I enlisted some friends to make a scene and teach them a lesson. I, I promise not to do it again.” Without hesitation, he exposed Nangong Yanran and others entirely. “Nevertheless, this Wei Tang must get married.” Qi Xiu was indifferent to his confession and continued, “I've already spoken with the Chu family of Southern Chu. They have a recently advanced genius named Chu Yuanqian—a paragon of both character and appearance. Arrange for Wei Tang to marry him. Meanwhile, have the Wei family move to Southern Chu with their daughter, freeing up their mountain gate for my other plans.” Yu Zicheng was taken aback, thinking the sect leader intended to act benevolently, yet the implications lightly suggested seizing the Wei family’s mountain gate. But he promptly assured, “Wei family’s ascent through daughter’s marriage truly stabilizes them as Southern Chu members. I’ll see to it...” After Yu Zicheng left, Gu Tan finally opened his eyes, puzzled, “What’s the intent behind this, Sect Master?” “Even with marriage, the Wei family might bear resentment, and they’ve contributed nothing to Chu Qin. That third-order mountain gate is overly conspicuous. I plan to give it to the Bai Sha guild,” Qi Xiu explained. “Oh?” Gu Tan quickly grasped, “With Qibing Yan and Galdron’s generation gone, resolving Xiong Fourteen’s faction will allow the Chu Qin Alliance to re-form as the Chu Qin Sect! The Wei family’s far-flung mountain gate will help relocate the Bai Sha guild, minimizing resistance…” Seeing Gu Tan’s delight, Qi Xiu shook his head, “If that were the case, why would I set you as the Chu Qin Alliance's mundane affairs leader, incurring Yanran’s displeasure?” “No merger?” Gu Tan was confounded, “From the intelligence post-Baishan civil war, big alliances perceive internal unrest and are integrating. The Huanjian Alliance forming Huanjian Sect is certain, and the Dan Alliance plans to unify as the Green Dan Sect. Other actions are underway, and even the inexperienced Bi Hu Sect at Yuanshui is not idle. This would be perfect timing for us, and without merging, granting Shanuo that mountain gate might invite ridicule.” “Shanuo is to assist me with a significant task, and this is a preemptive reward.” Qi Xiu deliberately avoided disclosing specifics, shifting the conversation, “My journey to Qi Southern is not as perceived; significant danger lurks. Prior to departure, I’ll confide bluntly—you are my chosen successor should I fall.” “What!?” Gu Tan was shocked, kneeling hastily, “I was but a fallen wandering cultivator, and back then…” “You’re a clever individual.” Qi Xiu interrupted Gu Tan’s protestations, “No need for needless words.” Qi Xiu helped Gu Tan up and began pacing, “Should the Nangong family openly support Yanran, all bets are off. Even if not, they wouldn’t idly watch the Chu family defend you. Alas! I had ensured Wu Ying’s protection for you, but now, with him missing, I'm left to this resort.” “I’m moving the Bai Sha guild to illustrate alliance integration tendencies. As I head to Qi Southern, Yanran, serving as mundane affairs leader of Chu Qin Sect, will press for a merger to eclipse you—the alliance’s mundane affairs head. This will cause struggles among the vassal families, who you can win over. Additionally, utilize initial family tensions with Yanran to your advantage; your competence must surely glimpse these opportunities.” “With the Beast Control Sect’s Wei family heading south, the Sven family fell. My rise, essentially, means the Chu family extends south, with vanishing smaller forces countless. As the Jiangs move south, and though Lianshui Sect retreated intact, Bi Hu Sect’s naïve master’s end won’t fare well. Who knows if the Nangong family might someday resolve to move south?” “Your mission is to eliminate all obstacles, preserving Chu Qin’s legacy. I risk future sect splintering, bear potential enmity from long-standing disciples like Changfeng, fearing our sect might someday be devoured by South Palace entirely...” Qi Xiu disclosed all hidden truths to Gu Tan, imparting everything from the Shuangchus, Baishan, hidden elemental exercises, Luo Yun’s influences on Jiang lineage, succession strife within Qi Yun Sect, the ebb and flow between Gu Change and Gu Confucianism, and much more. Yet, regarding unmentionable secrets—like the infant thief, Qin Weiyu, Zhao Yao’s existence, Nan Gongmu’s pursuit of Puppet Art from He Yushou, and Beiding Mountain’s ghostly transmission array—Qi Xiu chose to bury them deep within. Finally, he entrusted a whole set of texts to Gu Tan, “This is Shanuo’s cultivation method after his foundation. Should he reach that stage, only this can govern him.” This intimate dialogue marked Qi Xiu’s arrangements before his journey, his true entrusted mission. Three days later, as Doron reported another visit from Nangong family envoys urging him, Qi Xiu prepared for departure. The Chu Qin Alliance believed he was headed to Qi Southern’s advanced cave dwelling for cultivation; the farewell was lighthearted, “Take care, sect master elder.” Only Gu Tan, tearful eyes fixed on her departing figure, said goodbye with teary earnestness, a sight that drew puzzled gazes from fellow disciples. Qi Xiu did not turn back, only waved his hand as a gesture of farewell. (To be continued)