"It is strange that Elder Ku Teng, who used to be quite formidable but never could contend with Vice Sect Leader Yu Lie, is now going to become the Vice Sect Leader."

A diner was perplexed and voiced his doubt.

"Martial artists' cultivation is full of unknowns and opportunities. Perhaps one chance encounter is enough to make him soar to the sky."

A middle-aged diner in a white robe mused.

"So, Elder Ku Teng is indeed a person of great opportunity!"

The diners lamented collectively. Opportunities aren't something ordinary martial artists can obtain. Opportunities often come with crises—for an ordinary martial artist, an opportunity might not make them fly to the sky but instead stain the ground with blood.

"I heard that in two days, the Wood Profound Sect will hold the succession ceremony. I wonder if any of you plan to go?"

The middle-aged diner in the white robe asked brightly and lightly.

"A Vice Sect Leader succession, naturally we should go and see!"

"Yes, I want to see Elder Ku Teng's grace."

"I also want to see!"

...

Two days passed quickly. Chu Ming was in closed-door cultivation in the small courtyard. At this moment, his cultivation had reached a critical breakthrough point.

Buzz!

Crack!

The top-grade Spirit Stone in Chu Ming's hand suddenly shattered from the middle, and its Spiritual Power turned into a rolling river, merging into Chu Ming's Sea of Spiritual Power. The sound of flowing water resonated in Chu Ming's ears.

Chu Ming's heart was calm like still water. The Pure Essence Sword Qi Technique was operating at its peak, as if the Spiritual Power within a thousand meters had been swept by a dragon's breath, all converging into the small courtyard, floating in the air.

Gradually, the dense Spiritual Power turned into spiritual rain, dripping down on the ground. In the small courtyard, plants grew at a visible speed—a scene full of vitality.

Boom!

A loud bang sounded from the sky, crisp and rapid like lightning cutting through the sky.

Swoosh!

Chu Ming's Sea of Spiritual Power rapidly expanded. In an instant, it expanded more than double its original size. The Spiritual Power within a thousand meters was like a whale absorbing water, turning into a pattern of spiritual rain merging into Chu Ming's body.

In an instant, Chu Ming's momentum surged violently, as if a sleeping dragon gradually awakening. The storm gradually subsided. Chu Ming could easily feel the flow of Spiritual Power in the air. Everything between heaven and earth was within his heart.

"Phew, finally broke through to the Second Layer of the Realm of Transcendence."

Chu Ming slowly exhaled, instantly turning into a slight whirlwind swirling in the air. Opening his eyes, two beams of light shot through the void, like dazzling lightning darting around.

The Second Layer of the Realm of Transcendence increased Chu Ming's combat power by at least thirty percent. Now, even using Ku Teng's identity and without relying on the Six-armed Asura, he could easily defeat Yu Lie.

Knock knock knock!

Just as Chu Ming wanted to consolidate his cultivation further, a knock sounded.

"Elder, Vice Sect Leader Yu asked you to attend the succession ceremony!"

When Chu Ming opened the door, a Combat Steward looked at Chu Ming cautiously, eyes filled with fear. They had all witnessed the earth-shattering battle that day. The fierce man before them could suppress Yu Lie easily.

"I know!"

Chu Ming nodded slightly, closed the door, and followed the Combat Steward toward the main hall of the Wood Profound Sect. As the leading force on Mukong Island, almost all forces on the island attended the Vice Sect Leader's succession ceremony.

When Chu Ming arrived at the Wood Profound Sect's main hall, it was already packed with people, most of whom were in the Realm of Transcendence. Those in the Guiyuan Realm didn't even have the qualification to enter.

"Elder Ku Teng is here!"

The Combat Steward couldn't help but shout out loud, instantly quieting the hall. The gazes of many strong figures fell on Chu Ming, full of surprise and fear.

"Greetings, Vice Sect Leader!"

"Greetings, Vice Sect Leader!"

When Situ Lei and the Second Elder saw the dry and thin figure of Chu Ming, their complexion trembled as if mice saw a cat. Both harbored grudges against Chu Ming and feared he might strike and kill them. If not for the presence of many people, they would have long knelt and begged for mercy.

"Elder Ku Teng is not the Vice Sect Leader yet, but both Grand Elder and Second Elder addressed him as such. Vice Sect Leader Yu doesn't even bother to manage them."

Patriarch Dong Qianhai shook his head. The Dong Family on Mukong Island was a significant force and a vassal of the Wood Profound Sect, and Dong Qianhai wasn't weak, with cultivation reaching the Seventh Layer of the Realm of Transcendence.

Though Dong Qianhai's voice wasn't loud, none present were weak; his words fell into their ears without a hitch. Situ Lei and the Second Elder's faces stiffened, while their eyes brimmed with endless ridicule. They glanced at Yu Lie, who trembled slightly before recovering.

Yu Lie secretly cursed Dong Qianhai to death. To manage Ku Teng? That would be seeking death. His injuries weren't fully healed yet. To recover completely, he needed at least half a month more.

"Elder Ku Teng is here, please take this seat."

Just as Chu Ming walked beside Yu Lie, Yu Lie immediately stood up with a face full of smiles, giving the head seat to Chu Ming. This action astonished everyone present. Yu Lie had been the Vice Sect Leader for many years, with deep influence in the Wood Profound Sect. Generally speaking, even if Elder Ku Teng became the Vice Sect Leader, his status would be slightly lower than Yu Lie's. But reality showed otherwise.

"Since the time has come, let's begin!"

Chu Ming said indifferently. The succession ceremony was just a formality. He didn't want to waste too much time on it.

"Alright!"

Yu Lie nodded cautiously, then turned to face the dense crowd in the hall, regaining his stern and majestic demeanor.

"Vice Sect Leader Lin Tong died a month ago while practicing; it's a great loss to our sect. The fall of a strong person inevitably weakens our sect's power!"

Speaking about Lin Tong's death, Yu Lie's face was full of sorrow. Then he changed his tone.

"However, fortunately, we have Elder Ku Teng. Elder Ku Teng's cultivation technique is unparalleled, and his combat power is comparable to mine. Today, carrying the Sect Leader's Order, I appoint Ku Teng as the Vice Sect Leader to manage the Wood Profound Sect. Under my leadership, the Holy Sect will surely flourish and be famous worldwide."

Yu Lie's words were impassioned and motivating, which inevitably moved everyone present and filled their hearts with excitement.

At this moment, Chu Ming's gaze suddenly fixed on a certain spot in space, a hint of light flashing in his eyes.

"A bunch of worthless fools dare to call themselves the Holy Sect!"

A bright and arrogant voice came from a certain spot in space. Immediately, a tall figure in green walked out from the space, with a proud look, sweeping across everyone.

The newcomer was a young man carrying a blue longsword, his eyes calm as water, looking at the crowd in the hall with disdain.