Chapter 396: I Am Not Targeting Anyone

Chapter 396: I’m Not Targeting Anyone

Yin Qingmei’s celebration, besides inviting young Foundation Establishment cultivators like Chen Mobai from within the sect, also saw many true disciples receive invitations and attend the event.

Because the Divine Wood Sect had separated from the Five Elements Sect less than a century ago, its hierarchical structure was still relatively simple.

Two Ancestors oversaw the Three Great Halls. The other meritorious Foundation Establishment cultivators who founded the sect controlled the Twelve Divisions respectively. Below them were young Foundation Establishment cultivators like Hong He and Chen Mobai, who had achieved Foundation Establishment after the Divine Wood Sect was established.

Yue Zutao served as a dividing line. He was considered a sect genius who had experienced both the Five Elements Sect and Divine Wood Sect eras, and he was also the first Chief Disciple who had led the Divine Wood Sect for ten years.

After Yue Zutao came people like Fu Xingzhou. However, during that decade, no invincible figures like Hong He or Chen Mobai emerged who could dominate an entire era.

Fu Xingzhou even failed his first attempt at Foundation Establishment using a Foundation Establishment Pill. Ancestor Fu had to swallow his pride and procure another one for him in Yin Qingmei’s name, barely allowing him to achieve Foundation Establishment.

The period of Fu Xingzhou's generation was considered a low point for the Divine Wood Sect. After all, at that time, a ceasefire had just been reached with the Five Elements Sect. Cultivators within the four controlled states instinctively distrusted the Divine Wood Sect, and many cultivation families were still dedicated to the Five Elements Sect, with most preferring to take a long detour to send their geniuses there.

Fortunately, Meng Hong, who was the sect leader at the time, discovered this problem and immediately lifted the restrictions on recruiting disciples.

Even rogue cultivators with existing skills, as long as they could prove they hadn't committed major crimes against principles, such as ambushing and killing Divine Wood Sect disciples, all other offenses were overlooked, and they were first admitted into the sect.

As a result, geniuses like Hong He, E Yun, and Mu Yuan, who were no less talented than Yue Zutao, emerged.

Among them, Hong He was even hailed as the strongest genius since the Divine Wood Sect's establishment and was almost considered destined to form a Golden Core.

It was originally thought that Hong He already possessed the strongest talent. Who knew that a few years later, Yin Qingmei, a Heavenly Spirit Root, was recruited.

A Heavenly Spirit Root, barring accidents, is almost guaranteed to form a Golden Core.

The good fortune didn't stop there. During the last Disciple Selection Ceremony, the sect unexpectedly recruited Chen Mobai, an unparalleled sword genius, from Yun Kingdom.

While his spirit root talent was merely decent compared to Hong He and others, his astonishing talent in the path of the sword made everyone in the Divine Wood Sect see a second Mo Douguang.

Even Ancestor Zhou and others who knew Chen Mobai's "true" sword dao realm secretly believed that Chen Mobai's sword talent was even three points greater than Mo Douguang's.

Among the older generation of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Divine Wood Sect, only a handful, three or four, had hopes of forming a Golden Core.

However, young cultivators like Chen Mobai, who had just achieved Foundation Establishment, almost all showed signs of being able to form a Golden Core.

In the Eastern Wilderness, Golden Core cultivators were akin to heaven!

Therefore, many older cultivators with ordinary potential, under the subtle hints of the two Ancestors, began to relinquish the powers they held to make way for the advancement of young Foundation Establishment cultivators like Chen Mobai.

If Yue Zutao's cultivation hadn't been restricted by the Longevity Tree Fruit, he would probably be at least one of the inspectors of the Twelve Divisions by now.

Hong He, Zhou Wangshen, E Yun, and others were assigned positions as guardians of three states after achieving Foundation Establishment. After ten years of service, they would be able to take over one of the sect's Twelve Divisions.

After Chu Zuoshu, the future sect leader would be chosen from among the three: Hong He, Zhou Wangshen, and E Yun. This had been a consensus reached throughout the Divine Wood Sect a long time ago.

However, who could have known that an even more monstrous Chen Mobai would emerge?

Moreover, Yu Lian and Mu Yuan, who came after Chen Mobai, also seemed to have this potential.

The emergence of these geniuses both surprised and delighted the two Ancestors, who also began to experience the dilemma of choosing a successor.

However, there was no rush regarding this matter. After all, even Zhou Shengqing, the oldest, still had two hundred years of lifespan remaining, and Fu Zongjue was still in his prime. They could easily wait for a hundred years to see who was truly the most talented.

The two Ancestors had long lifespans, so they could afford to wait.

However, some older Foundation Establishment cultivators below them couldn't wait any longer. Consequently, many veteran Foundation Establishment cultivators within the sect had already begun to place their silent bets.

Among them, Hong He, as Ancestor Fu's disciple, possessed exceptional talent and was favored by most.

Competing with Hong He was Zhou Wangshen, a descendant of Ancestor Zhou.

E Yun, within the sect, was the choice of those who didn't want to pick sides between the two Ancestors and simply sought peaceful cultivation. This group was also quite numerous.

Today's celebration for Yin Qingmei also served as a stage for the Punishing Evil Hall lineage to promote Hong He.

However, there would always be those who would challenge them.

"Senior Brother Hong He, I heard you've broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage while guarding Rain Kingdom. Congratulations!"

After Yin Qingmei appeared and finished speaking, one of the Qi Condensation true disciples suddenly stood up. He approached Hong He, his face full of admiration, and raised a toast to him.

"It's just a small matter, nothing worth mentioning."

Hong He smiled faintly and, giving face, drained his cup.

As expected, the atmosphere in the hall immediately became lively upon his words. Many true disciples had not even achieved Foundation Establishment yet, and hearing that Hong He had broken through again, they couldn't help but show shock on their faces.

"I heard that Senior Brother Zhou also broke through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage long ago. It seems the sect's future will be in the hands of Senior Brother Hong He and Senior Brother Zhou Wangshen."

At this moment, another true disciple spoke up. He was one of Zhou Wangshen's people.

"I was able to break through with the help of external resources. Compared to Senior Brother Hong He, there's still a bit of a gap."

Unexpectedly, Zhou Wangshen became humble. He openly admitted to being inferior to Hong He, which made those who knew his personality show strange expressions.

"In that case, Senior Brother E Yun is falling behind. Among the three who were once equally famous, he's the only one who hasn't broken through yet."

Finally, the other person who was arranged spoke up.

As soon as these words were uttered, Yuan Chizhi, who was beside E Yun, changed his expression. He looked coldly at the speaker.

However, that person was Wu Zeyang, one of the newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators who had entered the Divine Tree Secret Realm with Chen Mobai. Facing Yuan Chizhi's gaze, he merely smiled faintly and lowered his head.

It was well known that Wu Zeyang was one of Zhou Wangshen's people. Under the public gaze, Yuan Chizhi found it difficult to argue with him, as what he said was true.

Were they going to kick E Yun out first?

At this point, everyone in the hall understood the implication. It seemed that the factions of Hong He and Zhou Wangshen had reached an unspoken agreement on this matter without prior communication.

"In terms of cultivation, I am indeed inferior to my two senior brothers."

E Yun had no choice. Arguing at this point would only make him appear petty, so he simply admitted his inferiority.

However, after today, the position of sect leader would likely be out of his reach, unless Meng Hong successfully formed a Golden Core and was willing to support him.

As soon as E Yun said this, many neutral disciples immediately thought less of him. At least in their minds, the three who were once equally famous now had a clear difference in standing.

"I, however, believe that if one is to lead the sect, cultivation level is not the most important thing. What matters is whether one can bring a better future to the entire sect."

At this moment, someone in the main hall spoke up, directly challenging both factions.

Wu Zeyang frowned, wanting to see who was so stubborn.

Then.

He saw Chen Mobai.

Oh, it's him!

Wu Zeyang pretended not to hear. He glanced at Zhou Wangshen beside him and then lowered his head.

Since Wu Zeyang remained silent, Zhou Wangshen had to step in himself. He articulated the Eastern Wilderness's most fundamental survival philosophy.

These words caused most people present to nod in agreement.

Even Hong He felt that it was indeed the case.

"I understand what Senior Brother Zhou means," Chen Mobai said. "However, as long as there are higher-level powers present, the sect leader's actual cultivation level is not that important."

"To give a simple example, as long as the two Ancestors are still here," Chen Mobai continued, "even if Sect Leader Chu were merely a Foundation Establishment beginner now, he would still receive the grandest reception when visiting other major sects in the Eastern Wilderness."

"In the Eastern Wilderness, the respect shown to our Divine Wood Sect Leader is mostly due to our sect having two Golden Core cultivators."

"Do you think what I'm saying makes sense?"

As soon as Chen Mobai said this, many people showed expressions of sudden realization, realizing that it was indeed the case.

Although Chu Zuoshu's own peak Foundation Establishment cultivation was indeed very powerful, the reason he received such respect was because Zhou Shengqing and Fu Zongjue stood behind him.

Thinking this way, the sect leader's cultivation level indeed seemed less important.

"However, if the sect leader is also the one with the highest cultivation, our sect's prestige will be even greater," Zhou Wangshen said with a frown. He still had reservations about Chen Mobai's words, believing that cultivation should still be paramount.

"What do you think, Senior Brother Hong?" Chen Mobai asked, turning to Hong He. The latter shook his head and said something very simple.

"The sect leader also represents one of the sect's faces. If their cultivation is low, it might become a laughingstock among other major sects in the Eastern Wilderness."

This was support for Zhou Wangshen.

Unexpectedly, today's celebration for Yin Qingmei had turned into a scene targeting E Yun. Chen Mobai couldn't help but shake his head regretfully.

It seemed he had no choice but to act!

"If you insist on judging the sect leader by cultivation level," Chen Mobai declared, "it's not that I look down on any of you here, but truthfully, none of you here are likely my match!"

As he spoke, Chen Mobai also released his hidden aura. He used the Pure Yang Scroll to simulate a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation with the Scarlet Flame Sword Art, demonstrating that he was qualified to say those words.

But as soon as he said this, everyone's gaze fell upon Hong He and Zhou Wangshen.

No one else present could possibly be Chen Mobai's opponent.

After all, his battle record was too frightening.

"Junior Brother Chen is known as the Divine Wood Sect's top sword cultivator, and his prominent achievements on the Thunder Kingdom battlefield are something I've heard about," Zhou Wangshen said. His tone suggested eagerness to try. He seemed very confident in his Longevity Dao Body and actually wanted to test moves with Chen Mobai.

"You're not his match. Let me do it instead," Hong He suddenly interjected.

"I insist on trying," Zhou Wangshen declared. He stood up and confidently walked to the center of the great hall. There was already a combat stage there, which the host of the celebration used for martial displays.

It was also a normal use for guests to spar with each other.

Although Chen Mobai's reputation was great, Zhou Wangshen felt that with his perfected Longevity Dao Body, he could achieve the same feats as Chen Mobai if he were in the same position and faced the same opponents at the Shake Mountain Peak.

"Since that's the case, I'll make a fool of myself," Chen Mobai said. Although he could defeat an opponent in one move, to give face to Ancestor Zhou behind Zhou Wangshen, he respectfully stepped onto the stage. Then, with his right hand's five fingers spread, a brilliant blue lightning pillar slowly condensed into a head-sized thunderball in his palm. He then slammed it heavily into the chest of the fully armored Zhou Wangshen.

Amidst sizzling sounds, Zhou Wangshen's Longevity Qi Armor burst open. He was thrown back more than ten steps, almost knocked off the stage by the thunderball.

"Third-tier lightning spell!" Zhou Wangshen spoke with a strained voice. He looked behind him; he was just one step away from falling off the stage.

But as someone involved, he knew that he hadn't blocked it himself; rather, the other party had held back.

"Senior Brother Hong, please."

After Chen Mobai defeated Zhou Wangshen in one move, he extended his hand to invite Hong He.

"Your Longevity Dao Body is only superficially cultivated," Hong He said. As he stepped onto the stage, he looked with disappointment at the dejected Zhou Wangshen walking off. He had thought Zhou Wangshen would be an opponent who could pressure him for the next hundred years, but he was so weak that he felt a bit unhappy.

But it didn't matter.

After all, he had another goal to spur himself on.

Hong He was someone who liked to put pressure on himself. He found that as long as someone was chasing him, his cultivation and breakthrough speed would greatly increase. That's why he liked the Divine Wood Sect.

Because it had E Yun and Zhou Wangshen.

And in the future, there would be Yin Qingmei, a Heavenly Spirit Root, and Chen Mobai, an unparalleled sword genius.

However, Chen Mobai's rapid progress was a bit beyond Hong He's expectations.

Now, it needed to be corrected promptly!

Although Hong He liked having pressure, this pressure was merely that of being pursued, not pursuing others himself.

He couldn't let the primary and secondary roles be reversed.

Thinking this way, Hong He's squinted eyes opened. His pair of dark blue pupils made Chen Mobai slightly surprised.

Hong He cultivated the Azure Waves Art, a very common water-attribute cultivation technique in the Divine Wood Sect, whose spells were even inferior in power to the Black Water Art.

Yet, Hong He relied on this cultivation technique to dominate an era in the Divine Wood Sect.

Since the two were fellow sect members sparring, neither used magic artifacts nor talismans. They purely engaged in combat using the spells they had cultivated.

Hong He extended the five fingers of his right hand and struck out with an empty palm towards Chen Mobai.

A transparent palm, covering half the great hall, materialized out of thin air. It seemed to be condensed from water waves, surging and rolling, and descended heavily, carrying the might of sweeping away lingering clouds.

Although Chen Mobai was extremely confident in himself, he would not underestimate any opponent. After Hong He unleashed the Azure Waves Art, he also decided to use his full power.

He opened his mouth and spat out a cyan-colored sword pellet.

With a whoosh!

A streak of light suddenly appeared, like a breathtaking glimpse that peeled open the seamless blend of sea and sky. It paused the raging storms and crashing waves that lashed the shore, and in an instant, transformed the scene into a tranquil sunset with calm waters.

Only the wisps of evening clouds, stretching and receding above the calm sea, sketched out a beautiful and peaceful picture.

Hong He only felt a burning and stinging sensation in his outstretched right hand. He stared blankly at the back of his right hand, where a small blood hole had been pierced through his palm.

Through the blood hole in his palm, he saw Chen Mobai opposite him, opening his mouth and swallowing the cyan-colored sword pellet.

"Azure Flame Sword Fiend!?" Hong He asked in disbelief.

"Oh, you didn't know I've cultivated a sword fiend?" Chen Mobai replied. "I was wondering why you two dared to challenge me!"