Chapter 521: Most Disciplined

Chen Mobai had always been a man who remembered both kindness and grievances. Back when he was still cultivating Qi, if E Yun hadn't stepped in to eliminate the Nanshan Bandits, Chen Mobai might not have joined the Divine Wood Sect as easily. After joining the sect, E Yun continued to look after him, and Chen Mobai deeply cherished these acts of kindness. When both were at the Foundation Establishment stage, their duties guarding different countries limited how much they could assist each other. Now that Chen Mobai had achieved Golden Core, he felt he could finally repay E Yun's kindness.

"If you wish to become the Sect Master, I will dedicate all my efforts to helping you."

Upon hearing Chen Mobai's words, E Yun felt an unprecedented wave of emotion surge from within him. In the treacherous Eastern Desolation, encountering someone as loyal and righteous as Chen Mobai made E Yun feel truly fortunate in his lifetime.

Chen Mobai said, "I've already spoken with Honghe. He aspires to a higher cultivation realm and doesn't wish to become Sect Master, as it would take up valuable cultivation time before he hits a bottleneck." As the Divine Wood Sect's recognized genius, second only to Chen Mobai in talent, Honghe's sole ambition was to achieve Golden Core. Therefore, when Chen Mobai asked, he clearly stated his intentions.

Chen Mobai continued, "However, Zhou Wangshen is different. He is determined to claim the Sect Master position. With Senior Brother Zhou's prestige involved, there's not much I can say."

Upon hearing this, E Yun's expression subtly brightened. "So," he mused, "I only have one opponent."

Chen Mobai, however, shook his head. "While Honghe himself has no interest in the Sect Master position, as Senior Brother Fu's direct disciple, the members of the Hall of Punishment will rally behind him to compete for the role, and he won't be able to refuse them." Honghe's ability to cultivate to such a high realm was largely due to the considerable assistance from the Hall of Punishment, in addition to his own exceptional talent. Even if Honghe didn't wish it, these individuals would push him to contend for the Sect Master position for their own benefit.

The current situation was now clear. The Divine Wood Hall, Hall of Punishment, and Hall of Benevolence each backed a candidate, aiming to install their preferred individual as Sect Master after Chu Zuoshu's abdication. Although Chen Mobai, as a Golden Core cultivator, now wielded immense authority, he still had to consider Zhou Shengqing and Fu Zongjue, who were in secluded cultivation. While Chen Mobai was confident that a firm stance from him could certainly elevate E Yun to the Sect Master position, doing so would create internal fissures, potentially even triggering a rebellious mentality among radical elements of the other two factions. This could become a trigger for internal strife, especially if external conflicts were to turn unfavorable.

"Among the three, your chances of success are the lowest, while Honghe's are the highest. However, Zhou Wangshen has accumulated numerous battle merits over the past decade, making him the most decorated Foundation Establishment cultivator in the sect. With the formidable support of the Divine Wood Hall and the Zhou family, he is a strong contender against Honghe."

In comparison, E Yun's years spent guarding Yun Country and parts of the Yunmengze markets, while increasing the sect's spiritual stone resources from those areas, truly seemed insignificant next to Honghe and Zhou Wangshen's achievements.

"I actually realized this point earlier," E Yun admitted, "and even applied to be deployed to the front lines, but unfortunately, I never received an order from the sect." As E Yun spoke, his expression grew gloomy. The Divine Wood Sect's three most recent wars had not conscripted him, nor had they called upon Honghe. The reason for this was easily discernible. The Zhou family had undoubtedly interfered, pushing their conscription priority to the very bottom. At that time, however, both Honghe and E Yun were merely at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. Their presence on such battlefields would not have decisively impacted the outcome. Therefore, the Divine Wood Sect's higher-ups, including Chu Zuoshu, simply feigned ignorance of the Zhou family's arrangement.

"Acting within the rules, I cannot fault them for anything," Chen Mobai stated. "For this Divine Wood Sect Master election, I will only assist you within the sect's established regulations. I will not break any rules for your sake; the repercussions would be too severe." Chen Mobai never forgot his ambition: to gradually improve the Eastern Desolation by applying the rules of an immortal sect, thereby transforming it into a minor immortal realm. The core of an immortal sect lay in its strict legal framework.

E Yun asked, "Then how am I to compete against these two Senior Brothers?"

Chen Mobai replied, "I've racked my brain, but I can't devise a way to elevate you to their standing in such a short time." Hearing Chen Mobai's words, E Yun couldn't help but give a bitter laugh, believing his hopes were dashed.

"Therefore, I've decided to help you delay this for another twenty years. If twenty years isn't enough, then sixty, or even a hundred years, until your cultivation and merits can stand on par with, or even surpass, Honghe and Zhou Wangshen."

Just as E Yun, a look of regret on his face, raised his wine cup, preparing to drown his sorrows, Chen Mobai's words made him pause, his eyes widening in surprise. What did he mean by that?

The Zhou family. The Zhou family, despite its consistently low profile, was the undisputed foremost family within the Divine Wood Sect, being Zhou Shengqing's lineage. In addition to the family boasting five Foundation Establishment cultivators of its own, at least half of the Foundation Establishment cultivators across the Three Halls and Twelve Departments had received favors from either Zhou Shengqing or the Zhou family. These individuals, in turn, expanded their network, forming intricate connections that virtually encompassed the entire Divine Wood Sect. Considering that the Divine Wood Sect's two most recent Sect Masters, Meng Hong and Chu Zuoshu, were both disciples of Zhou Shengqing, one could easily gauge the profound depth of the Zhou family's power. For this very reason, Zhou Wangshen had always been brimming with confidence about becoming the Divine Wood Sect Master. What if Honghe's cultivation was higher? His contributions to the sect were negligible, incomparable to Zhou Wangshen, who had risked life and limb in Yan Country.

Although the news of Chu Zuoshu's impending abdication was sudden, the Zhou family swiftly devised a series of plans for Zhou Wangshen to contend for the Sect Master position. The sole variable in their plan was the Golden Core Ancestors. Given Zhou Shengqing's secluded cultivation, if Fu Zongjue and Chen Mobai withheld their approval, it would be difficult for Zhou Wangshen to legitimately assume the Sect Master role, even with the unanimous support of the Three Halls and Twelve Departments.

"Will Patriarch Fu personally intervene on behalf of his disciple?" Zhou Junzhi, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Zhou family, asked with a hint of worry.

"No," replied the Great Elder, "as long as we act within bounds and win the election fairly, Patriarch Fu will not compromise his reputation for Honghe." While Golden Core cultivators wield immense power within the sect, the Divine Wood Sect possesses three Golden Cores. Fu Zongjue cannot command absolute authority. Given the prevailing circumstances, he would certainly not compromise his standing for the sake of a mere Sect Master position. Zhou Junxian, the Great Elder of the Zhou family, understood Fu Zongjue perfectly. The two had once been equally renowned; however, Zhou Junxian had unfortunately failed his Golden Core tribulation and was left crippled, while Fu Zongjue successfully ascended. They shared a close camaraderie, and his analysis of Fu Zongjue received unanimous approval.

"What about Patriarch Chen?" The Zhou family knew little about the Divine Wood Sect's newly ascended Golden Core Ancestor. Although they had heard of his reputation as an unparalleled sword dao genius, they had assumed he would only achieve Golden Core after Chu Zuoshu. They believed they had ample time to foster a good relationship with him. To their surprise, in just over two decades, before the Zhou family's Foundation Establishment cultivators had even focused their attention on Chen Mobai, he had unexpectedly achieved Golden Core cultivation while away. It was far too rapid!

"When I was in Yan Country," Zhou Wangshen interjected, "I accompanied Patriarch Chen through life-and-death situations multiple times, so I have some understanding of his character. Patriarch Chen values rules above all else. During military maneuvers, anyone violating his commands faced immediate execution. Therefore, as long as we adhere to the rules, he might even support my bid for Sect Master." Zhou Wangshen, the youngest Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Zhou family and now their only direct descendant showing Golden Core potential, spoke with authority second only to the Great Elder.

"If that is indeed the case, then it is for the best." The other Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Zhou family all nodded in agreement, convinced that Zhou Wangshen's ascension to Sect Master was now assured.

The day of the Sect Assembly soon arrived. By the Sect Master's decree, all Foundation Establishment cultivators residing in Giant Wood Ridge, excluding those in secluded death cultivation, were summoned, in addition to the higher-ups of the Three Halls and Twelve Departments. A total of forty-two Foundation Establishment cultivators sat solemnly and respectfully behind their respective tables, awaiting the proceedings.

Once Chu Zuoshu, the Sect Master, completed his bows towards the three Longevity Trees, everyone rose and joined him in a unified shout: "We welcome the Ancestors' arrival!" Two vast spiritual lights erupted from two of the Longevity Trees, swiftly streaking skyward from a distance, then descending directly above the Divine Wood Hall before piercing straight into its interior. As the spiritual light faded, a majestic young man and a refined youth emerged. It was none other than Fu Zongjue and Chen Mobai!

"We pay our respects, Ancestors!"

As the forty-two Foundation Establishment cultivators offered their deep bows, Chen Mobai gestured for Fu Zongjue to take the lead. The latter, without ceremony, then instructed Chu Zuoshu to commence the day's Sect Assembly.

"The sect's war with Yan Country has depleted our spiritual stone treasury; all departmental budgets must be reduced..."

"The Alchemy Department is preparing to refine Foundation Establishment Pills for monster beasts, which requires purchasing numerous auxiliary ingredients from various families across the Eastern Desolation. If our budget is cut, these pills cannot be refined. Cut other departments' budgets, but not the Alchemy Department's..."

"For the past two decades, our Spiritual Plant Department has responded to Patriarch Chen's call to reclaim barren land and cultivate spirit rice. Currently, our workforce is insufficient to manage the medicinal and spiritual fields. We urgently need a large sum of spiritual stones to hire sect disciples to tend to the spiritual plants. If our budget is reduced, it would undoubtedly disrupt Patriarch Chen's vital spirit rice initiative, which is unacceptable..."

"The Puppet Department is currently repairing Patriarch Fu's Purple Sun Puppet..."

"The Spirit Beast Department..."

"The Body Tempering Department..."

As the Sect Assembly commenced, Luo Xue'er, the Vice Hall Master of the Hall of Benevolence and keeper of the sect's spiritual stone treasury, was the first to speak. As she had reported to Chen Mobai the previous night, she proposed an internal austerity plan. However, as soon as she finished, nearly every department voiced strong opposition. Their reasons invariably cited either the greater good of the sect or involved the two Ancestors present. The clear implication was that their budgets were not to be touched.

"I implore the two Ancestors to understand," Luo Xue'er continued, "the sect's treasury of spiritual stones is sufficient for only half a year's expenditures. It will likely take three and a half years of deficit spending before we can recover through commerce and mining to achieve financial balance." Normally, a proposal unanimously opposed by all departments would simply be rejected. However, Luo Xue'er persistently brought the matter directly before the two Golden Core Ancestors. To curb the power of the Three Halls and Twelve Departments, rejected proposals could indeed be brought to the Ancestors' attention. Yet, no one in the Divine Wood Sect's history had ever dared to do so. Everyone tacitly agreed to handle matters without bothering the Golden Core Ancestors. Luo Xue'er's action now clearly indicated that the Hall of Benevolence's spiritual stone reserves were genuinely exhausted, leaving her with no other recourse.

"Within the sect, apart from spiritual stones, what other resources are in abundance?" Chen Mobai, seated to the upper right, posed the question.

Luo Xue'er replied, "Thanks to Patriarch Chen's grand spirit rice initiative, our warehouses are now overflowing with various types of spirit rice."

Chen Mobai stated, "Add a rule to the sect's regulations: those who choose to receive spirit rice in lieu of their annual spiritual stone salary shall receive an additional one-tenth as compensation." This proposal immediately received unanimous approval from everyone present.

Chu Zuoshu, having received a subtle signal from Chen Mobai, then, in his capacity as Sect Master, set an example by declaring his decision to forgo his entire annual salary to help the sect weather the crisis. The moment he spoke, those below glared at him; if looks could kill, Chu Zuoshu would surely have been riddled with holes.

"This disciple is also willing to forgo this year's spiritual stones," a voice declared. It was Zhou Wangshen who spoke next. Following him, the Zhou family's Foundation Establishment cultivators eagerly chimed in, stating that not just one year, but three years of forgoings would be acceptable. The remaining Foundation Establishment cultivators finally realized why they had been summoned. At this point, however, they could only reluctantly express their agreement. After this round of declarations, only six of the forty-two Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Divine Wood Hall remained unmoved, feigning deafness.

Chen Mobai and Fu Zongjue exchanged glances, then nodded. "All of you junior nephews have risked life and limb for the sect," Chen Mobai stated. "How can we ask you to incur further expenses? Let's issue IOUs for the spiritual stones for now; you may redeem them once the sect has recovered." At these words, the expressions of the six silent Foundation Establishment cultivators subtly shifted. But before they could even formulate a rebuttal, Chu Zuoshu brought up the matter of his resignation as Sect Master.

"This disciple wishes to attempt Golden Core formation; I request the two Ancestors' permission," he stated. This had been the reason for the resignation of the two previous Divine Wood Sect Masters, and it was precisely why Foundation Establishment cultivators aspiring to Golden Core often sought the position of Sect Master.

"Granted!" Fu Zongjue nodded his assent.

"Reporting to the two Ancestors," Chu Zuoshu declared, "after my resignation, the sect cannot be left without a master for even a single day. Zhou Wangshen, guardian of Xiao Country, is young and accomplished, with remarkable merits, and is fit to succeed me as Sect Master!" As Zhou Shengqing's disciple, Chu Zuoshu ultimately intended to repay his debt to the Zhou family by nominating Zhou Wangshen for the Sect Master position. The moment he finished speaking, over half of the numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Divine Wood Hall, including the Zhou family and the Alchemy Department, declared their support for Zhou Wangshen.

Witnessing this, Quan Shanlin, the Vice Hall Master of the Hall of Punishment, who had initially intended to nominate Honghe to compete against Zhou Wangshen, couldn't help but sigh, sensing that the momentum had shifted decisively.

"Junior Nephew Zhou is, after all, still somewhat young," Chen Mobai interjected. "I believe there is someone better suited to become Sect Master given the sect's current circumstances." Suddenly, Chen Mobai spoke. Fu Zongjue, hearing this from the side, subtly changed expression, contemplating whether to intervene and stop Chen Mobai from pushing forcefully. However, Chen Mobai had already risen and walked toward the Sect Master's seat.