Chapter 74: List Changes

Driven by deliberate efforts, news quickly spread that Bian Weiying was the first to sign up for the conference.

Like a stone dropped into calm waters, this caused a ripple effect across Wukang Mountain, where discussions grew fervent, largely filled with overwhelming praise for Bian Weiying. The greater the perceived danger of the conference, the more laudatory the praise heaped upon Bian Weiying. Similar sentiments resonated throughout the Disciplinary Court. Pang Tiansheng, in particular, couldn't stop praising "Junior Sister Bian," meticulously recounting Bian Weiying's glorious achievements from her childhood onwards.

Upon hearing that Bian Weiying would be attending the conference, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang were unsure whether to rejoice. While the conference was still half a month away, Bian Weiying had given them only three days to comply, and her participation certainly wouldn't hinder her plans to act against them. However, Shi Chun remained unafraid. At worst, he believed, having no desires would make him invincible.

No sooner had Bian Weiying's registration been announced than dozens of young talents swiftly followed suit, signing up for the conference.

In the administrative office, Bian Jixiong, reviewing the latest registration list, smiled. "With someone leading the way," he mused, "the outcome is indeed different."

Standing before the desk, Xia Fuli quipped, "Does the Sect Leader truly not know, or are you merely feigning ignorance? There are quite a few young disciples within the sect who harbor affections for Weiying. For many of them, this presents an excellent opportunity to be in close proximity to her, to brave the storm together."

Bian Jixiong simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying, as he set down the list. "Once the three-day deadline has passed," he instructed, "select four individuals with good combat skills and sharp reflexes to accompany Weiying to the conference. Safety remains paramount."

These words unequivocally positioned Bian Weiying as the team leader, a role for which she was undoubtedly qualified. Her intellect, cultivation prowess, and extensive experience—having previously governed Linkang City with its vast population—made leading a small group seem trivial by comparison.

Xia Fuli nodded. "Indeed, that's precisely how it should be."

While the official registration deadline was still pending, Bian Weiying's three-day ultimatum to Shi Chun had already expired.

As Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang carried water into the courtyard, they immediately spotted Bian Weiying waiting by the water vat. Once the water sloshed into the vat, all three remained rooted before it, silent, awaiting a move.

Ultimately, it was Bian Weiying who broke the silence. "So, you have no intention of explaining yourselves?" she asked.

Shi Chun sighed. "I truly don't know what to explain. You may report your judgment to the sect; I am at your mercy, whether you choose to kill or flay me." At this juncture, he felt he had no other recourse. The worst outcome would be reverting to his previous life on the run; with nothing to lose, he would be unyielding and simply leave. He doubted the demonic sects would refuse to take them in. In any case, he was not about to easily reveal the secret of his right eye.

Wu Jinliang nodded in agreement. "We can't just fabricate nonsense for your sake. Shi Chun genuinely likes Xiang Lan'er; he simply doesn't feel that way about you, and forcing it is pointless."

Bian Weiying's cold gaze swept across their faces, lingering on each in turn. She detected their brazen self-assurance. Though she initially intended to test their resolve, she decided to exercise patience for now, unwilling to create further complications while the conference attendees were still being finalized. Yet, she wouldn't make things easy for them. She sneered, "You've arrived at a most opportune moment. We need a large quantity of water today. Fetch all the water you owe me from the past two days, in addition to today's quota. Not a single drop less than what's due. Now, go!"

Both Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang were left speechless. The goodwill they had been shown had instantly morphed into ill will. There was little they could say, for such matters offered no room for reason, and arguing with this woman was futile. It was merely carrying water, so they would carry it. With a display of defiant resolve, the two shouldered their carrying poles and departed.

Pang Tiansheng soon noticed something amiss. Those two irritating wretches hadn't returned earlier than usual. A quick inquiry revealed they were ceaselessly hauling water to Bian Weiying's quarters. He immediately went to inquire with Junior Sister Bian about the situation and, upon learning that her punishment of the duo had commenced, he was absolutely delighted.

The conference registration deadline arrived in the blink of an eye, with over a hundred disciples having signed up. The sect's high-ranking elders convened as scheduled and ultimately finalized a list of five participants.

In front of everyone, Yin Huixin remained silent. However, upon returning to her private residence, she erupted in an argument with Bian Jixiong regarding their daughter's inclusion on the list.

Bian Jixiong retorted, "Didn't you consent to her registering?"

Yin Huixin replied, "I did not consent. I told her Elder Ke was handling this matter and that she should consult both you and him."

Bian Jixiong rejoined, "Then perhaps you should clarify the exact circumstances with her before you come to argue with me."

Yin Huixin, her voice edged with emotion, exclaimed, "Don't use our daughter's wishes as a shield! You're only sending her to the conference to uphold your authority as Sect Leader and to provide a convenient explanation to everyone, from top to bottom!"

Bian Jixiong, somewhat incensed, leaned closer and whispered, "Why did Wei Bian die? Was it truly Weiying's primary responsibility? On the night the incident occurred, who sent someone down the mountain to secretly deliver a message to Weiying? Let me assure you, I know far more than you imagine. If you can persuade her to withdraw, I will personally revise the proposed list!" With a dismissive wave of his hand, he turned and departed.

Yin Huixin's chest heaved rapidly as she stood rooted to the spot, her formerly rosy complexion now a mask of distress.

What further infuriated Bian Jixiong occurred two days later.

Inside the Council Hall, before all present, Bian Jixiong nearly flung a receipt received from the Domain Prefecture directly at Elder Ke's face. "Tell me," he demanded, addressing the assembled group, "explain to everyone what exactly is going on with this submitted list of conference participants!"

Elder Ke responded with an impassive face.

Others quickly retrieved the receipt to examine it. Upon seeing its contents, one by one, they were utterly stunned, including Yin Huixin.

"Bian Weiying, Gan Tangyu, Xiang Lan'er, Shi Chun, Wu Jinliang, this…" Elder Feng, reciting the names, and Elder Cui, standing beside him, exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes wide with utter incredulity. Indeed, every high-ranking elder of Wukang Mountain recognized the individuals on that list.

Elder Yi fixed his gaze on Elder Ke. "Elder Ke," he questioned, "this is not the list we deliberated and agreed upon. What happened? Who altered the list?"

Elder Ke replied unhurriedly, "I did."

Once again, the assembled elders were stunned, speechless with disbelief.

Bian Jixiong, however, was not entirely surprised. Only his Senior Brother Ke possessed the audacity to concoct such an outrageous list. Nevertheless, he was visibly enraged, pointing an accusing finger at Elder Ke's nose as he snapped, "Who authorized you to unilaterally alter a sect resolution?"

"That was merely secondary." Elder Yi Huachun inquired, "Are you unaware that three of these individuals are not disciples of our Wukang Mountain? The rules for this conference stipulate that only disciples from each respective sect may participate. Are you truly oblivious to the fact that your action constitutes a violation?"

Elder Ke stated, "As for those three, I simply registered them under the pretense of being Wukang Mountain disciples."

Elder Feng, pointing at the list, interjected, "No, the critical issue is that these three are not our Wukang Mountain disciples. Falsely reporting them would be a clear deception. If someone later seizes upon this as leverage, it will cause immense trouble, not just with the Domain Prefecture, but also because these are conference rules established by the Royal Court itself."

Elder Ke countered, "That's simple. There's still time to admit them into Wukang Mountain. As for Xiang Lan'er, my stance remains unchanged: I still oppose this woman's entry into our sect. However, since you all insist that I comply, very well. I shall offer her an opportunity to join Wukang Mountain. If she is willing to become a Wukang Mountain disciple, then so be it. If not, do you truly believe there's any need for such a woman to remain on our mountain? Didn't she claim undying devotion to Weikang? I, for one, intend to see if her affections are genuine or merely feigned."

Once more, the elders were left speechless, realizing that the underlying issue was still Xiang Lan'er's past as a courtesan. Indeed, regarding Xiang Lan'er's previous situation, everyone had reluctantly agreed out of deference to the old Sect Leader, yet Elder Ke, the Head Elder, had been the sole voice of firm opposition. The matter was ultimately dropped due to the principle of majority rule. No one had anticipated that he would seize this very opportunity to create such an issue. Yet, one had to admit, his reasoning was compelling. If someone desired to join Wukang Mountain, here was an immediate opportunity to become a disciple. Would they accept it or not? Upon hearing this proposed method, some elders tacitly approved it in their hearts.

Bian Jixiong's face, however, turned a grim shade of black.

Nonetheless, Elder Feng tapped the list once more. "Alright then," he pressed, "what about Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang?"

Elder Ke explained, "Knowing the inherent dangers, yet still sending our disciples to risk their lives, is not the conduct befitting us as masters. It is our bounden duty to minimize harm to our disciples. As for those two wastes who emerged from prison and have been strutting around Wukang Mountain, I've long found them an eyesore. Having them fill these spots is perfectly fitting. In short, we offer them an opportunity to become Wukang Mountain disciples. If they agree to participate in the conference, fine. If not, we simply eliminate them. Whether a deceased individual was a Wukang Mountain disciple or not will be our discretion. We can report an unfortunate accident to the Domain Prefecture. Who would dare to question if two individuals perished in an unforeseen mishap? The list can simply be revised. Our sect's disciples, upon seeing the updated list, will naturally understand their masters' intentions and will not object; rather, they might even commend us. In essence, this provides a satisfactory explanation for everyone, from the highest ranks to the lowest, with no adverse consequences."

A hush fell over the hall. The expressions on the other elders' faces visibly softened, for truly, there appeared to be no discernible flaw in his reasoning. Moreover, it conveniently disposed of those few irksome individuals who were, frankly, an unpleasant presence on the mountain.

Yet Bian Jixiong remained incandescent with rage. "This is a sect resolution!" he thundered. "Is it something you can unilaterally alter on your own whim? Why did you not consult with us before making such a decision?"

Elder Ke calmly stated, "If it means preserving the lives of a few more disciples, I am willing to face any consequence!"

"You…" Bian Jixiong, pointing an indignant finger, was too choked with fury to utter another word.

Xia Fuli and Yin Huixin's gazes instinctively met. Both understood perfectly well that this had entirely disrupted the Sect Leader's clandestine calculations.

For now, at least, the matter was settled.

After the assembly dispersed, Xia Fuli found himself walking alongside Elder Ke, lowering his voice to say, "Elder Ke, you truly are audacious. I merely commented, in jest, that those few individuals were bothersome, yet you actually took it upon yourself to 'deal' with them. You absolutely cannot attribute this suggestion to me. I was simply making a joke; let's not have the Sect Leader direct his displeasure my way."

Elder Ke maintained his usual stern expression. "Rest assured," he said, "this old man always takes full responsibility for his own actions and will never shift blame onto others."

Xia Fuli offered a dry chuckle.

In the sect's forbidden grounds, Bian Jixiong pushed open the stone gate and knelt behind a white-robed figure who sat meditating cross-legged, proceeding to inform him of the recent events. Once finished, he vented his frustration. "Senior Brother Ke's actions," he grumbled, "are utterly disrespectful to my authority as Sect Leader."

The aged voice responded, "Enough. He is simply that kind of man. Paradoxically, he is the only one who truly holds you in high regard. You should understand this. The sect also requires someone like him. Later, you may punish him as you see fit; he will bear no resentment. As for the list, has the Domain Lord already reviewed it?"

Bian Jixiong sighed. "I specifically inquired, and it has indeed been reviewed."

The aged voice continued, "The Domain Lord won't remember the minor figures on the list, but a review is a review. He is already displeased with our direct dealings with the Royal Court on all matters. Arbitrarily altering and then withdrawing the list, only to ask him to review it a second time specifically for us, is genuinely improper. His perception of us outweighs the reputation of our entire Wukang Mountain. It's merely a matter of three months; it will conclude swiftly. Let's proceed with it as is."