Chapter 295: Yinxiao Sect

The sect’s Grand Competition concluded with unexpected results. Although Mu Yuan still took first place—his Eternal Youth Scripture provided a deep foundation, and he possessed a Tier 2 Azure Sun Tree Seed and a Tier 2 Dharma Artifact, allowing him to withstand several moves even against a Foundation Establishment cultivator—the second-place finisher was, surprisingly, Yu Lian, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. If Yu Lian hadn't become a true disciple through a challenge, leading to him being targeted by everyone in the later rounds and thus revealing most of his cultivation techniques and trump cards by the time he reached the finals, Mu Yuan might have faced a fierce battle with him. Nevertheless, Yu Lian's achievement of becoming the second true disciple still caused a huge sensation within the Divine Wood Sect.

As the stepping stone for Yu Lian's rise, Luo Yixiu was secretly resented by many true disciples. Had he refused Yu Lian's challenge, the latter would not have been able to register and thus wouldn't have become a true disciple, preventing all these complications.

When the Grand Competition reached its final two rounds, news finally spread among all the true disciples that the Alchemy Department was preparing to refine a batch of Monster Beast Foundation Establishment Pills. Mu Yuan, who had held the top true disciple position for three consecutive years after Chen Mobai, was, of course, undeniably set to receive one pill. Based on Zeng Woyou's success rate three years prior, there would be at least two pills. Yu Lian, ranked second, instantly became the object of jealousy for all true disciples. The two true disciples ranked third and fourth even sought out the heads of their respective departments, hoping to get Yu Lian's achievement this year nullified. They knew this action would make them a laughingstock among other true disciples and even all Qi Cultivation disciples in the sect, but when Foundation Establishment Pills were at stake, reputation was something they could easily cast aside. After all, the excellent example of Chen Mobai was fresh in their minds: three years ago, he suppressed three thousand Qi Cultivation disciples with a single sword, obtained a Monster Beast Foundation Establishment Pill, and ascended to become the sect's youngest Foundation Establishment Elder. As long as Yu Lian was removed, they would have hope of obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill.

When the heads of the Puppet Department and the Artifact Forging Department approached him, Sect Master Meng Hong naturally had to acknowledge their concerns. After learning the full story, he also became curious and ordered his subordinates in the Divination and Transmission departments to investigate Yu Lian's background. This investigation, however, uncovered some unexpected findings. Consequently, on the second day after the Grand Competition, Meng Hong convened the senior members of both the Hall of Merits and the Hall of Punishments. After discussion, he decided to temporarily freeze Yu Lian's second-place true disciple achievement.

When this news reached Chen Mobai, he was somewhat surprised. "Oh, why would the Sect Master do that?"

Chen Mobai was in the Hall of Merits, led by Sun Gaochang to visit Chu Zuoshu. The latter, dressed in luxurious robes and possessing a dignified, square face, appeared, purely by looks, capable of outmatching ten Meng Hongs. It was Chu Zuoshu who informed Chen Mobai about Yu Lian's achievement being frozen.

"He seems to be an orphan from the Silver Radiance Sect," Chu Zuoshu explained. "Although he used a saber as a sword during the Competition, traces of the Silver Radiance Thousand Ultimate Sword Scripture were still discovered by the Divination Department. The Sect Master consulted with me and Deputy Hall Master Quan, and for safety, we decided to freeze his results for now."

"The Silver Radiance Sect?" It was an unfamiliar name to Chen Mobai; he had never heard of it. However, he hadn't bothered to learn about the powers in the Sky River Realm, or even the Eastern Wilderness. He preferred to spend that time cultivating his Pure Yang Dharma Body.

"The Silver Radiance Sect is a lineage of the Myriad Ancient Sect, which was the dominant power in the Eastern Wilderness before the Five Elements Sect. It was, in essence, eradicated by our Seven Great Sects of the Eastern Wilderness," Chu Zuoshu continued. "The Silver Radiance Sect was founded by those Myriad Ancient Sect disciples who pledged allegiance to our Five Elements Sect. Unfortunately, when our Five Elements Sect split, the Silver Radiance Sect made some minor moves and was expelled from their original Cloud Kingdom stronghold by the Fire Lineage Ancestor. However, unexpectedly, after the Silver Radiance Sect moved to the neighboring Snow Kingdom, it rapidly declined. After its three Foundation Establishment cultivators passed away one by one, a group of mysterious cultivators attacked their sect twenty years ago on a certain day, plundering all their inherited techniques and resources from the Myriad Ancient Sect."

Chu Zuoshu was very pleased that Chen Mobai was willing to come to the Hall of Merits. Yue Zutao was also present, helping to make tea. The four Foundation Establishment cultivators sat together, discussing the origins of the Silver Radiance Sect and the Myriad Ancient Sect.

"So, if that's the case, the destruction of the Silver Radiance Sect has nothing to do with our Divine Wood Sect at all," Chen Mobai interjected, somewhat puzzled. The demise of the Silver Radiance Sect, though originating from internal strife within the Five Elements Sect, was ultimately due to its own insufficient strength and the possession of the Myriad Ancient Sect's heritage, making it a case of "possessing a treasure leads to trouble."

"While that's true," Chu Zuoshu countered, "who knows what the descendants of the Silver Radiance Sect might be thinking? If they harbor resentment, giving him a Foundation Establishment Pill would be akin to fostering a potential enemy." Chu Zuoshu's words held some merit, and Sun Gaochang and Yue Zutao both nodded in agreement. Chen Mobai, however, took a sip of his clear tea and remained silent.

"Does Junior Brother Chen have a different opinion?" Chu Zuoshu naturally noticed this and asked.

"A little," Chen Mobai replied. "After all, Yu Lian became a true disciple strictly according to our Divine Wood Sect's laws and regulations. If today his achievement is revoked due to such an unsubstantiated grudge, then in the future, will the sect's higher-ups use the same excuse to strip other true disciples of their Foundation Establishment Pills?" Although Chen Mobai's words were not explicitly clear, everyone present was quick-witted and understood his meaning: This precedent must not be set.

"Actually, I don't have much of an opinion on this matter myself," Chu Zuoshu said, "as I've agreed with the Sect Master to support whatever he wishes to do in these two years. Provided, of course, that he relinquishes the Sect Master position to me after his abdication. However, Quan Shanlin, that fellow, believes it's necessary to eliminate all potential threats in advance. Not only does he want to strip that disciple of his second-place true disciple achievement, but also recruit him into the Hall of Punishments for constant surveillance."

Chen Mobai's presence there indicated he was now one of Chu Zuoshu's trusted inner circle, which allowed Chu Zuoshu to speak so directly. Although Chen Mobai usually paid little attention to matters outside of cultivation, he was aware of Quan Shanlin, the Deputy Hall Master of the Hall of Punishments. Although he held the title of Deputy Hall Master, he was effectively the acting Hall Master, as the titular Hall Masters of the Hall of Punishments (and the Divine Wood Hall) were the two Golden Core Old Ancestors of the Divine Wood Sect. These two naturally wouldn't handle trivial matters on a daily basis. Thus, the Deputy Hall Master of the Divine Wood Hall was Sect Master Meng Hong, while the Deputy Hall Master of the Hall of Punishments was Quan Shanlin, a direct disciple of Old Ancestor Fu and also a master at the late Foundation Establishment stage. Among the Divine Wood Sect's three halls, only the Hall of Merits had a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Chu Zuoshu, as its Hall Master. However, since both he and Meng Hong were disciples of Old Ancestor Zhou, his position as Hall Master was very secure.

"The Sect Master is still kind-hearted," Chu Zuoshu continued. "He only plans to freeze that disciple's results for this year to test him. Four years from now, when the Jade Marrow Golden Ganoderma matures, if he demonstrates true capability, he will still receive a legitimate Foundation Establishment Pill." Chu Zuoshu revealed the resolution they had reached during the discussion among the three halls. He now deferred to Meng Hong in all matters, and since the two of them agreed, Quan Shanlin could do nothing.

"If things are handled this way, even if he doesn't harbor resentment now, he likely will," Chen Mobai sighed. If he had earned an achievement honorably through his own strength, only for it to be frozen due to such circumstances, even the most open-minded person would develop resentment. While the Divine Wood Sect remained powerful, Yu Lian would certainly not dare to show it, but in the event of future unforeseen circumstances, this resentment would likely become a seed, burgeoning into something significant.

"Indeed," Chu Zuoshu conceded after Chen Mobai's reminder. "Since this person could achieve such a stunning feat, becoming the second true disciple on his first attempt, it shows he possesses exceptional spiritual root talent. If he were to achieve Foundation Establishment while harboring resentment, it would become a considerable hidden danger for the sect in the future." Meng Hong's tenure was only for these two years. With Yu Lian's strength, obtaining a legitimate Foundation Establishment Pill four years from now would be an easy matter. However, by then, he would likely harbor resentment because of today's events. At that time, Chu Zuoshu would be the Sect Master. Would he not have to pay for the mistakes Meng Hong made? After all, if Yu Lian truly achieved Foundation Establishment, Chu Zuoshu, as Sect Master, would find himself in a very awkward position. This person would be an elder of the Divine Wood Sect, but potentially disloyal! If he achieved Foundation Establishment, the sect would have to issue thousands of spirit stones annually, provide him with corresponding spiritual veins and duties, and both Yu Lian and the sect would harbor mutual suspicion.

"That Sect Master's decree hasn't been issued yet," Chu Zuoshu said. "I'll go talk to the Sect Master again and see if we can reconsider." Having thought things through, Chu Zuoshu put down his teacup, stood up, and decided to head to the Divine Wood Hall. Chen Mobai was utterly surprised that Chu Zuoshu was such an easily swayed leader who listened to advice, and moreover, acted so impulsively. Realizing this, Chu Zuoshu simply left his guest and departed.

"Junior Brother Chen, have some tea," Yue Zutao offered. Yue Zutao could only take his master's place in entertaining Sun Gaochang and Chen Mobai. After finishing a pot of tea, the two immediately took their leave.

"Senior Brother Yue, it's getting late. I still need to see Senior Brother Yuan off today. I had originally intended to ask the Hall Master if I could represent the Hall of Merits on a trip to investigate the depletion of the spirit stone mine in Lei Kingdom, but it seems I'll have to bring it up another day." In truth, Chen Mobai was inwardly reluctant to go out, which was why he hadn't mentioned it earlier. Now that Chu Zuoshu had gone to the Divine Wood Hall, he would have to bring it up at their next meeting.

"This matter should be easy," Yue Zutao replied, "but it might have to wait until your official position is transferred from the Spirit Plant Department to the Hall of Merits next year." Yue Zutao, being one of the Hall of Merits' inspectors, was very familiar with the procedures involved.

"In that case, I'll have to trouble Senior Brother Yue," Chen Mobai said.

They were at the Hall of Merits' station in Divine Wood City. After leaving, Sun Gaochang returned to the Spirit Plant Department, while Chen Mobai went directly to E Yun's residence. Coincidentally, he encountered the Luo siblings at the entrance.

"Greetings, Martial Uncle Chen." Luo Yixuan elegantly lifted the hem of her palace dress and bowed gracefully to Chen Mobai. In contrast, Luo Yixiu, who was beside her, actually took a step back upon seeing him.

"Mm, let's go in together," Chen Mobai said. Chen Mobai naturally knew why they were there. However, what surprised him was that Luo Yixiu, who had been so spirited, arrogant, and confident after becoming a true disciple in the Grand Competition, had become like this after being defeated by Yu Lian. Luo Yixiu noticed Chen Mobai's gaze but completely avoided eye contact, looking down at the ground. His eyes were hesitant and timid; he seemed to have entirely lost his confidence, as if he had been utterly crushed.

"Martial... Martial Uncle Chen... Grand-uncle Luo's matter... it has nothing to do with me... I returned to the sect last year... The spirit stone mine depletion certainly has nothing to do with me..." Luo Yixiu stammered, his words disjointed, his face slightly fearful, as he rattled off a string of excuses.

It was only then that Chen Mobai understood. It wasn't the defeat by Yu Lian that caused this change, but rather the downfall of his patron, Luo Shupin, who might even be charged with treason against the sect. This immense upheaval had utterly dispirited Luo Yixiu, who had never experienced such a drastic change.

"If your confidence stems from your family or elders, you will never become a truly powerful cultivator in this life," Chen Mobai advised. Although Chen Mobai didn't particularly like Luo Yixiu, he couldn't help but feel a little disturbed seeing a once-proud young man become so dejected and defeated overnight. However, after offering his advice, he saw Luo Yixiu lower his head even further, even shrinking behind Luo Yixuan. Chen Mobai shook his head slightly and walked ahead, entering E Yun's residence.

"Thank you for the warning, Martial Uncle Chen," Luo Yixuan's words came from behind as the siblings followed them in. Luo Yixiu's legs trembled as if he were walking to an execution ground. In the end, Luo Yixuan had to drag him into the courtyard.

"Greetings, three Martial Uncles." E Yun and Yuan Chiye had already set up a table. A jar of wine had been opened. Chen Mobai sat down and sniffed it, recognizing it as his own Tier 2 Jade Bamboo Spirit Wine, though he wasn't sure whose jar it was.

"Sit down," E Yun said. "There are some matters we need to ask you about. Just answer truthfully; the sect will not wrongly accuse you." E Yun pointed to two long, bare tables in the courtyard; they naturally had no wine or dishes on them.

"Yes, Martial Uncle E," Luo Yixuan replied. After Luo Yixuan sat down, Luo Yixiu also forced himself to calm down and sat on the other side. Chen Mobai remained silent throughout, simply drinking wine and eating.

"Alright, we understand the general situation," E Yun said after the questions. "You two siblings should cultivate well within the sect during these days. I will also make a trip to the Cloud Kingdom to speak with your Luo clan's patriarch." After finishing his questions, E Yun nodded and waved his hand, signaling that the two could withdraw.

"Three Martial Uncles," Luo Yixiu blurted out as he rose to leave, having heard E Yun mention going to the Cloud Kingdom and fearing that his last remaining support might be implicated. "I believe Grand-uncle would not commit treason against the sect. And even if he made a small mistake, the crime shouldn't affect my entire Luo clan." Luo Yixuan didn't have time to stop him and inwardly cursed. She could only tug at her brother's sleeve, hoping to lead him away with his head bowed.

"Whether there's guilt, or whether it's a major or minor mistake, is not for you or me to decide," E Yun replied, his brows slightly furrowed and his tone somewhat stern, as expected. "The sect will ascertain the truth."

"Martial Uncle..." Luo Yixiu also sensed that E Yun's expression and tone were off. The courage he had just mustered instantly vanished, and he stood rooted to the spot, stammering and flustered. Luo Yixuan, at this point, dared not make any move, standing in punishment with her brother, awaiting the next words from the Foundation Establishment elder before them.

"Alright, you may withdraw." Just then, Chen Mobai's voice rang out. This seemingly ordinary remark sounded like heavenly music to Luo Yixuan's ears.