CHAPTER 556: CHAPTER 518: PASSING THE POSITION

In the secret realm, there is no concept of sunrise or sunset; the only way to tell time is through treasures like the ’Flowing Light Mirror’ and the ’Twelve Zodiac Incense’.

Early the next morning, when the Flowing Light Realm simulated sunlight, the bell of Wenda Peak rang in the secret realm.

The bell of Wenda Peak is connected to the bell of Gourd Peak. When the Dao Bell of Wenda Peak rings, not only does the Imperial Bell in the temple of Gourd Peak start to resonate, but bells from other peaks also start to sound in succession.

Tian Lin awoke from his meditation, just as Daoist Aunt Mei hurriedly entered from outside.

Daoist Aunt Mei spoke, "The Dao Bell of Wenda Sect, as far as I know, does not ring lightly unless something significant occurs. Could there be a major change in the secret realm as Zhai Xingzi returns to the sect?"

"Since the Dao Bell has rung, all True Disciples and elders are obliged to gather at Wenda Peak. Let us first go to the peak and ask Elder Xue what exactly has happened in the sect."

At this time, Yu’er had already brought a Daoist robe for Tian Lin to change into. Soon Tian Lin and Daoist Aunt Mei joined forces and reached the peak.

Elder Xue was not meditating in the temple at this moment; he was holding his ghost baby great-granddaughter in his arms.

Upon seeing Tian Lin and Daoist Aunt Mei appear, he handed his great-granddaughter to a maid beside him and stood up, saying, "Zhai Xingzi has returned, so the sect has rung the Dao Bell to summon everyone."

Initially thinking something had happened in the sect, Daoist Aunt Mei was already prepared for a fight. Who would have thought, the sect was untroubled, but it required everyone to welcome Zhai Xingzi–

Daoist Aunt Mei was a bit angry, she bluntly said:

"Zhai Xingzi returns as he wishes, why must everyone go to greet him? He is not yet the Sect Master of Wenda Sect, yet he demands such grand fanfare? In short, he returns as he returns, I won’t trouble him, but I certainly won’t go greet him either."

Elder Xue knew Daoist Aunt Mei had old grievances with Zhai Xingzi, but although he understood her thoughts, he still said:

"The Tang Family is eager to find fault with you. Now that the Dao Bell has rung, if you break the rules and refuse to gather, wouldn’t that provide the Tang Family with ammunition against you?

This time going to Wenda Peak, just consider it as going to watch a show."

Daoist Aunt Mei was silent for a moment, ultimately she did not refuse Elder Xue’s kind suggestion.

The distance from Wenda Peak to Gourd Peak is not short, but with Elder Xue’s cultivation, he did not need a Flying Boat to take the two and a Daoist Child, reaching Wenda Peak in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

At this time, the bell of Wenda Peak was still ringing, and by the time Tian Lin and others reached Wenda Hall, some elders had already arrived.

In addition, disciples were continuously heading towards Wenda Peak.

Upon entering Wenda Hall, everyone immediately saw Daoist Mistress Qingfeng along with Zhai Xingzi beside her.

After being apart from Zhai Xingzi for years, Tian Lin found that Zhai Xingzi was still wearing the Daoist robe he wore atop Immortal Sinking Pond.

Though years had passed, Zhai Xingzi still had the appearance of a youth, with not a trace of time left upon him.

Daoist Aunt Mei did not move, but Tian Lin and the Daoist Child stepped forward to greet Zhai Xingzi.

Zhai Xingzi looked at the Daoist Child and said, "Junior Brother Xu, your cultivation is loosening, it seems you’re soon to enter the early stage of the Nascent Soul. How about it, do you have the confidence to break through? Do you want Senior Brother’s help?"

The Daoist Child, not daring to accept Zhai Xingzi’s favor, shook his head and laughed, "I appreciate Senior Brother’s kindness. If I really can’t break through my cultivation, I’ll have to trouble Senior Brother then."

Zhai Xingzi then looked at Tian Lin: "Back at Immortal Sinking Pond when I met Junior Brother, I predicted you were not a mere pool fish. Sure enough, in just a few years, you’ve now become a True Disciple—

How about it, is there any difficulty in your cultivation, do you need Senior Brother’s help?"

Tian Lin smiled and said, "I appreciate Senior Brother’s kindness, but at the moment, I have no difficulties in need of Senior Brother’s assistance, so I won’t trouble Senior Brother."

At this time, other True Disciples also came forward to meet Zhai Xingzi.

Zhai Xingzi would politely converse with each person he met, inquiring if they needed any help.

Unfortunately, everyone knew of Zhai Xingzi’s methods of cultivation, so when he was courteous to them, they were doubly courteous back to him.

But when Zhai Xingzi asked if they needed help, they would quickly shake their heads, not daring to owe him the slightest favor.

Thus, after rounds of courtesies, merely exchanging pleasantries took up an hour.

Seeing no one willing to accept his favors, Zhai Xingzi sighed and suddenly looked over at Tang Chujie in the distance: "Senior Brother Tang, I see you also have signs of breakthrough in your cultivation, do you need some pointers from me?"

Tang Chujie was among the few, like Daoist Aunt Mei, who hadn’t greeted Zhai Xingzi.

Upon hearing Zhai Xingzi’s offer, he replied crossly, "I fear if I take your guidance, I’ll end up like Daoist Mistress Qingfeng, becoming your servant."

Daoist Mistress Qingfeng, who had been silent, couldn’t help but step forward at this: "What’s wrong with being my master’s servant? We practice cultivation and seek longevity just the same."

Daoist Mistress Qingfeng was a Loose Cultivator, but now she was in the Nascent Soul Realm, and with Zhai Xingzi backing her, she had no fear of Wenda Sect’s Tang Family members.

"There are different ways to seek longevity—unlike you, seeking longevity by being a slave to others, Tang would not do so."

Tang Chujie’s arrogance provoked Daoist Mistress Qingfeng’s fury. Just as she was about to draw her sword, the Sect Master, who had been silent, spoke up:

"Noise and brawling are forbidden in the hall."

Having said this, the Sect Master asked the Great Elder, "Are all present now?"

The Great Elder replied, "Tang Zhi from Quyun Peak and his disciple Ju Yunhai have yet to arrive."

The Sect Master nodded: "Quyun Peak is quite a distance from here, Tang Zhi may still take some time to arrive. Rather than waiting here for him, it’s better to start the meeting."

Having said this, the Sect Master looked at all elders and disciples present, "The reason for summoning everyone today is to discuss the matter of replacing the Great Elder in our sect."

At these words, everyone turned their gaze towards the Great Elder.

The Great Elder of Wenda Sect had always been held by the patriarch of the Zhuang Family, and the position of Great Elder ensured the Zhuang Family’s status in Wenda Sect.

But now the Sect Master wanted the Great Elder to step down and be replaced–

Everyone then looked to Zhai Xingzi, wanting to see Zhai Xingzi’s reaction.

Unfortunately, Zhai Xingzi maintained his smile throughout, as if the matter of his own patriarch being ousted from the Great Elder position had nothing to do with him.

"Replacing the Great Elder? If Senior Brother Zhuang is not the Great Elder, then who will be?"

Elder Xue frowned, looking at the Sect Master and asking.

The Sect Master replied from the side, "The Great Elder has agreed to pass the position to Zhai Xingzi. From now on, the Great Elder of our sect will be Zhai Xingzi."

These words came as an unexpected result to those present.

Everyone originally thought that Zhai Xingzi, upon returning to the sect, would strive for the position of Sect Master.

But who would have thought he had not taken action against the Tang Family, instead targeting his own patriarch’s position, ousting him from his place.

"Zhai Xingzi, though young, has sufficient cultivation and strength to sit in the position of Great Elder."

Elder Xue said, "Therefore, if Zhai Xingzi becomes the Great Elder, I have no objections."

The others also nodded, considering this arrangement to be the best.

Firstly, Zhai Xingzi took the position, he took it from his own family’s spot, which did not affect other families.

Secondly, with Zhai Xingzi becoming Great Elder, it was improbable for him to vie for the Sect Master position in the near term.

This way, the sect also avoided the danger of internal strife over vying for top positions.

It can be said, this arrangement is currently the optimal solution to maintain sect unity.

"Good, since no one has any objections, then let us conduct the Great Elder handover ceremony in front of the patriarch."