36 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

As the sun rose and the moon set, time flew by like a fleeting horse, and before anyone realized it, another month had passed. They say a day in the mountains feels like a thousand years in the world, yet within the Chu Qin Sect, there was no such peace or leisure to enjoy. Everyone was so busy, they wished they could make each day count as two. Even the twelve-year-old Qin Weiyu was no exception, and Qi Xiu's footsteps nearly spanned the entire Black River territory. The boar-fish can move freely below several meters of marsh, so natural marsh pools surrounded by hard ground on all sides are ideal breeding grounds. Unfortunately, Qi Xiu searched for an entire month without finding such a place, and had to settle for three locations surrounded by mountains on three sides, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, unable to decide on one. Although somewhat anxious inside, Qi Xiu wouldn't show it today, as it marked a significant day for everyone in the Chu Qin Sect. It was the day the Mountain-Protecting Grand Formation was officially activated, coinciding with the construction of new quarters. "Please, Senior Brother Sect Leader." Standing before the array core of the "Broad Virtuous Golden Light Grand Formation," Zhang Shishi gestured respectfully to Qi Xiu, who was holding the sect leader's token. Qi Xiu nodded slightly. The control of the grand formation had already been bound to the sect leader's token via secret methods. He softly recited the spell to activate it, while the disciples circled around, chanting prayers in unison. With a resonant 'hum,' the entire Chu Qin Peak trembled once. The yellow light erupted brilliantly from the array core, as the peaceful and harmonious force of virtue was suddenly pushed outward aggressively by the metallic aura, quickly filling the entire space. From the sect leader's inner chamber, where the array core was placed, to each formation eye at the foot of Black River Peak, the virtuous golden light gradually grew rich and diffuse. Half an incense stick later, as each array disk began to operate, the yellow auspicious glow connected into a whole, pushing out the age-old black grime from Black River Peak from the inside out. Following Qi Xiu, the group stepped outside the hall and witnessed streaks of yellow auspicious energy slowly descending from the peak, thoroughly cleansing the remaining black fog. The entire mountaintop seemed bathed in golden sunset light, with the weathered stone walls of the small monastery appearing as if freshly painted with gold, shining brilliantly. Even the air carried a scent that encouraged sincerity and the pursuit of the Dao. At this moment, Black River Peak had become a true sanctuary for cultivators, seemingly shielded by the "Broad Virtuous Golden Light Grand Formation" from the outside world's chaos and corruption, greed, and deceit, where the true path could only be sought here. "It's only now that this place truly feels like our home!" Zhang Shishi exclaimed, turning to see He Yu and others nodding in agreement with his statement. A month of painstaking formation work had thinned everyone considerably, including the young Qin Weiyu, who was still growing. In the old Chu Qin Sect, who would work so tirelessly for the sect? His gaze shifted to Qi Xiu, who was constantly busy from dawn to dusk and had also grown noticeably thinner. Once of average build, he now appeared gaunt, and his short stature made him look even smaller. Upon closer observation, a few strands of white hair had already appeared early on his head, making him look like a fifty-year-old man from behind. "He's only thirty, in his prime!" Zhang Shishi's nose tingled with emotion, recalling his initial reluctance to raise the "cattail boar-fish" and feeling a deep sense of shame. With the formation completed on the ground, a transparent light shield formed, gradually expanding, pushing out the black mist, stench, and even the clouds in the sky, before stabilizing. The strands of yellow auspicious energy ascended, condensing into clusters of yellow clouds that would remain indefinitely, hovering over Black River Peak, guarding this land. Once the formation was stable, Qi Xiu began to adjust the defensive strength on the sect leader's token. To conserve spirit stones, it couldn't always operate in high-consumption mode. It only needed to withstand an external enemy for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, enough for those inside to react. Effects like forbidding flight were omitted to avoid offending wandering cultivators passing overhead and inadvertently causing trouble. Only one person gazed at the formidable array with mixed feelings—happy for the sect's growing foundation but also slightly envious of Zhang Shishi's accomplishments. This person was Zhan Yuan, responsible for the construction affairs. Although Zhang Shishi was acknowledged by Qi Xiu as the sect's heir, Zhan Yuan harbored doubts. Living and working together for three months only made these feelings clearer. Zhang Shishi wasn't ill-intentioned and was genuine in his interactions, but he was somewhat stubborn when dealing with others, aside from opposing Qi Xiu. He focused solely on work, ignoring the need for balance, leaving everyone exhausted. Moreover, as an inner disciple for so long, Zhang Shishi was clueless about daily affairs. More importantly, Zhang Shishi differed from Qi Xiu, who treated everyone equally, a trait warmly received by Zhan Yuan and other bottom-tier cultivators. In contrast, Zhang Shishi, while seemingly fair, secretly favored He Yu by subtly assigning her lighter tasks, allowing her more time for cultivation. Although it went unnoticed by Qi Xiu, those living, eating, and working side-by-side saw through it, leading to considerable private grumbling among the likes of Pan Rong. "Should I find a chance to inform the sect leader of this, or confront Zhang Shishi directly to clarify everything?" Zhan Yuan was indecisive, watching the formation stabilize before stepping forward to report, “Senior Brother Sect Leader, the construction preparations are ready. Shall we commence now?” “Good, very good.” Qi Xiu's eyes curved into a crescent with joy, as the expensive items purchased from Qi Nan City each served their purpose, bringing him great happiness. With the formation complete, the buildings would soon follow. The dao robes, equipped with wind-shielding symbols, made navigating the black mist much easier. The “Ten Directions Storage Bags” as bribes secured future business avenues. The purchased spiritual treasures and books were well received by the disciples. The entire sect was thriving, his greatest source of delight. Zhan Yuan took out a talisman and approached the prepared construction site, chanting incantations to summon the second-level "Builder Golem Talisman." The talisman flew from his hand, transforming into a beam of yellow light that sank into the ground. The earth trembled slightly as a humanoid figure materialized, composed entirely of earthen spiritual energy. The "Builder Golem" stood around twenty feet high, with indistinct facial features and limbs. Zhan Yuan conjured spells that urged it to work. The humanoid roared with a semblance of spirit, then rolled up the prepared building materials, throwing itself into construction. Zhan Yuan continued summoning several more large and small golems, turning Black River Peak into a whirlwind of dust and flying wood chips, bustling with activity. "Cough, cough." After watching with interest for a while, everyone finally couldn't stand the airborne dust, retreating together into the main hall. (To be continued)