CHAPTER 61: CHAPTER 60: SHOCKING! YOUNG MASTER OF NORTH WILDERNESS UNEXPECTEDLY TAKES UP...

The stone hall, illuminated by the firelight, hosted rows of neatly arranged fire basins ablaze with roaring flames.

Wu Wang casually sat on a stone bench in the corner, intending to be inconspicuous, but before him stood layer upon layer of silhouettes.

Truly, had it not been for Miao Cuijiao suddenly speaking up and asking him to stop an hour ago, he might have taken advantage of the crowd’s distraction and walked out of the then-sealed Mountain Protection Array!

Of course, seeing the situation now, had he left, there was a very high chance he would have been captured and brought back.

"What’s going on? Why has the Sect Master suddenly instructed us to protect Wu Wangzi? And even passed the position of Sect Master to him?"

"Could it be that someone controlled the Sect Master’s spiritual mind in his dying moment?"

"Impossible. The Sect Master had already stepped into the Transcendent Realm. Although his Divine Soul was destroyed, his realm remained, and we all felt it at the time—it truly was the Sect Master’s last resurgence, the final effort he made to utter those words."

"Could it be that the Sect Master, in that mysterious realm, saw something we cannot?"

"Grand Elder, please say something, Grand Elder!"

Gazes from around the room converged on the few figures standing before Wu Wang, falling on the Grand Elder dressed in blood-red clothes, his hair also blood-red.

The Grand Elder sighed, stood with his hands behind his back, and remained silent for a long time.

Although I really want to say, "I was actually tricked by the current Human Emperor," reason tells me I must hide any unusual aspects about myself, otherwise, I could attract fatal trouble.

It’s undeniable; my father-in-law really posed me a tricky problem.

Can the Yan Emperor’s command gather the lingering Divine Thoughts of the Human race’s masters at their time of death?

I dare not carefully ponder this right now. I only faintly feel that something has been added to the Yan Emperor’s command, making it more vibrant than before.

"Grand Elder!"

A middle-aged man dressed in hempen robes asked in a low voice, "We can’t disregard the Sect Master’s command, can we?"

The Demonic Cultivators chimed in:

"But why would the Sect Master..."

"Wu Wangzi seems to have just arrived here a few months ago and hasn’t joined any discipline within our sect before."

"This seems inappropriate."

"Ah," the Grand Elder finally spoke. "In my view, although the Sect Master’s command must be respected, it must be followed with reason and within bounds."

Wu Wang’s eyes brightened, and he truly breathed a sigh of relief.

As expected of the Grand Elder; he really understands reason!

A brawny man carrying a long spear clamored, "Grand Elder, what are you talking about? I don’t understand!"

"Simply put, the Sect Master’s command must be reasonable," the Grand Elder turned around and said sternly. "If it is not, we should remind the Sect Master and offer counsel. Now that the Sect Master is no longer with us, I shall temporarily assume the responsibilities of the sect!"

He’s responsible!

Wu Wang looked at the Grand Elder with eyes full of respect.

This is indeed a very reasonable elder who speaks sensibly and convincingly—the Human Domain needs such talent. If I get the chance later, I should certainly recommend the Grand Elder to my prospective father-in-law!

Hearing the Grand Elder’s words, the high-ranking members of the Annihilation Sect indeed relaxed, for they couldn’t ease their minds if a stranger unfamiliar to them became their Sect Master.

Unexpectedly, the Grand Elder’s tone suddenly changed, and he declared loudly, "But my fellow cultivators! In my opinion, the instructions the Sect Master gave before his demise are not unreasonable. I support the Sect Master’s decision!"

As he spoke, the Grand Elder took out a scroll from his sleeve.

"This was written by Wu Wangzi: the ’Eight Strategies for the Sect’s Development’! The Elders may take a look, but attendants must not browse carelessly; this is our sect’s core plan for the future. The Sect Master handed the position to Wu Wangzi after thorough consideration and certainly weighed his options. Furthermore, the Sect Master definitely saw something in that mystical state that led to such a decision! I fully support Wu Wangzi as our sect’s new Sect Master!"

...

Twenty or thirty Elders huddled together to read the scroll, quietly discussing among themselves.

The rest looked at each other in confusion, unsure of what to do, though some began to look at Wu Wang more thoughtfully.

Wu Wang immediately turned to Mao Aowu, his eyes revealing a hint of urgency.

Mao Aowu gave Wu Wang a reassuring look, as if to say, ’Brother, I understand you.’

"Everyone!"

Mao Aowu suddenly turned around and declared firmly, "What we should discuss now is arranging the funeral and erecting a monument for the Sect Master!"

"Indeed."

Wu Wang promptly stood up and went along, saying, "Everyone is in deep sorrow. We should first properly handle the Sect Master’s remains, and other matters require discussion among us all."

Mao Aowu continued, "Then, we can hold the ceremony for the new Sect Master’s succession! On behalf of the Sky Annihilation lineage, I support the new Sect Master!"

Wu Wang didn’t get a chance to speak.

The Grand Elder stated, "I, representing the Lin Feng lineage, support the new Sect Master."

Elder Miao snorted softly at the side. "I haven’t determined victory or defeat with the new Sect Master, so naturally, I’m not quite convinced by him. But since these were the dying wishes of the old Sect Master, does anyone object?"

The crowd simultaneously shook their heads, but none dared to glance at Miao Cuijiao hiding in a corner.

Wu Wang clenched his fist slightly.

Freedom, indeed, must be fought for by oneself.

"Don’t you all think this is too much of a farce? Placing a Sect Master’s position in the hands of me, a mere Condensation Establishment Realm cultivator—can this really be done?"

Wu Wang stepped forward half a pace, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

I cannot utter a single word of disdain for the Demonic Sect at this moment, for that would likely get me beaten, and I might even be beaten half to death.

He said, "I know you all respect the old Sect Master, but this matter is of great importance... It is too crucial! It may even affect the lifeline of our Sect, affect the Sect’s future, the environment for everyone’s cultivation, and even our bodies, families, and very lives! I will say a few words that you may not want to hear. Do you understand me? Do you know where I come from? Do you know who my mentor is? None of you know. We are not familiar with each other; we are like strangers. For a stranger to suddenly stand above me and give me orders—I cannot accept that. Putting oneself in others’ shoes, how can you all tolerate a young and inexperienced cultivator like me, a mere youth in his twenties without even a Golden Core, to become your Sect Master? If this gets out, what would become of your reputation?"

The Demonic Sect members all showed a moment of contemplation, and a few had unconsciously started nodding.

Wu Wang said, "Your Sect has an abundance of talents and numerous experts, such as Brother Mao who is so handsome and valiant, holding a position in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, and the Grand Elder who is so far-sighted and always considers the Sect’s interests. Of course, there is also Elder Miao, with her widely-known beautiful name and high reputation in the Human Domain. They would be ten thousand times better than me to become Sect Master!"

The Grand Elder suddenly sighed, "Do you all see that? What kind of breadth of mind does our Sect Master possess?"

The members of the Demonic Sect nodded vigorously.

Wu Wang’s fists tightened once more!

Miao Cuijiao, arms crossed, walked out from the corner. Now dressed in a plain white silk dress and barefoot, she appeared quite stunning.

"I was originally a candidate for Sect Master."

Wu Wang immediately said, "Then it couldn’t be more appropriate for Elder Miao to become Sect Master."

Miao Cuijiao narrowed her eyes and smiled lightly, raising an eyebrow at Wu Wang and running her tongue slightly over her lips. "But I think, being the wife of the Sect Master might be more interesting."

All the Demonic Cultivators simultaneously took a half step back.

Wu Wang sighed, "I’m not familiar with everyone, how can I..."

Miao Cuijiao chuckled. "In the mundane world, there are many men and women who marry on their parents’ orders, not knowing what the other looks like until the bridal veil is lifted. Get on the boat first, then pay the money; become Sect Master first, then we can get to know each other slowly. What’s the harm?"

"The Technique Teaching Hall supports the new Sect Master!"

A few Elders who had discussed the Dao with Wu Wang stood up. "We feel that Wu Wangzi is fully capable of taking on the role of Sect Master! His a few words of guidance to us have already led to many realizations!"

"Yes! Having a young person as Sect Master brings energy, and with the Grand Elder and all other Elders holding the line, we are reassured."

"I have no objections!"

"I, too, think we should abide by the old Sect Master’s commands."

"We should not delay; let’s confirm the new Sect Master now. We will keep it private for now, and when the Sect Master becomes an Immortal, we can then invite heroes far and wide."

"Greetings to the Sect Master!"

"Greetings to the Sect... Where did the Sect Master go?"

Everyone was cheerfully speaking one after another, ready to pay respects, but Wu Wang’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

A woman shouted, "At the hall entrance!"

At the entrance of the hall.

Wu Wang, who was stealthily tiptoeing away, glanced back at the crowd in the grand hall. Suddenly, with a WHOOSH, he darted out.

"Seize the Sect Master! Cough, I mean, hurry and invite the Sect Master back!"

The Demonic Sect’s experts thunderously acknowledged the order, streaks of flowing light flickered as they immediately sealed off the entire valley.

***

Ah, what a headache.

In the stone house, Wu Wang sprawled on the wooden bed, his arms spread out to form a large cross.

How did things end up like this? Sect Master of the Demonic Sect, and a Demonic Sect with a respectable number of experts at that. Am I really going to cultivate here from now on? It isn’t actually that bad a place.

The old Sect Master discovered the existence of the Yan Emperor’s command and wanted to use the position of Sect Master to have all the experts of this Demonic Sect protect me. I’m quite moved by this. There are actually reasons for this; a cause and effect. The primary cause is that the successor to the Human Emperor has yet to appear. Before predecessor Shen Nong found a way to extend his lifespan, this had already caused numerous problems in the Human Domain. An expert at the old Sect Master’s level should understand the crisis facing the Human Domain. So, after sensing the Yan Emperor’s command, perhaps even after his own Divine Thought merged into the Yan Emperor’s command, the old Sect Master mistakenly thought I was the new Human Emperor and, in his excitement, caused this whole scene. People aren’t looking at how strong or impressive I, Wu Wang, am; they’re purely looking at the Yan Emperor’s command.

After careful thought, this is actually the main reason I’m unwilling to become the Sect Master in such a muddled way.

Being a disciple in an Immortal Sect versus being the Sect Master of a Demonic Sect... obviously, the latter is more appealing.

Thinking it over carefully, when Jingwei turns eighteen, it wouldn’t be excessive for me to go and propose. Eighteen years... if I strive to reach the Nascent Soul Realm in that time, it wouldn’t be excessive either. Seek out those old seniors after becoming an Immortal? That would be excessive!

Wu Wang sat up, his Spiritual Sense detected three figures approaching on clouds from the direction of the main hall. He had already decided to have a proper confrontation with these three people.

Wu Wang was considering this when he got up to open the door. Then, a thought struck him, and he lay down again.

Could it be that these Elders intend to create a puppet Sect Master?

Wu Wang looked at the storage magic treasure within his own Storage magic treasure. The Shen Nong Immortal Cauldron, given by the old predecessor, could easily become the basis of a story.

THUMP. THUMP-THUMP.

Great, they’ve now learned to knock on the door.

Wu Wang feigned a weak state. "The door is open."

CREAK—

The wooden door was pushed open, and the three influential figures of the Demonic Sect entered one after another; naturally, they were the Grand Elder, Elder Miao, and Mao Aowu.

Wu Wang glanced at them from the bed.

Elder Miao covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, her eyes conveying a myriad of charms as she elegantly approached. "Is the Sect Master all prepared? Your servant shall certainly exert some effort."

"Elder, show some dignity!"

Wu Wang immediately flipped over and leaped up.

Elder Miao laughed coquettishly a few times and sat down beside the bed, speaking to Wu Wang with a smile, "If you wish for me to not harbor designs on you, just feel at ease being our Sect Master."

"What exactly is it that you three want?"

Wu Wang said sternly, "Though I am only at the Condensation Establishment Realm, I refuse to be coerced or plotted against! Even a common man will fight to the death when pushed too far. If you Elders forcefully go against my will, I will not hesitate to fight!"

Mao Aowu coughed weakly a couple of times and hurriedly said, "Wise brother... Sect Master, don’t misunderstand, we have no such intentions."

"Sect Master," the Grand Elder sighed, "the moment I thought about it, I knew you were worried about this."

"I am all ears."

"Actually, our Great Demon Sect is a confluence of three Demonic Sects."

The Grand Elder stroked his blood-red long hair and spoke slowly, "Initially, each Sect was simply a group of like-minded individuals who came together to open a sect and accept disciples. The profound techniques of the Human Domain actually originated from the generals during Emperor Fuxi’s era, derived by Emperor Fuxi himself who extrapolated the River Diagram and the Luo Book. They mainly focus on the Five Elements techniques, as well as many other profound and mysterious methods. Now in our Sect, the main techniques are the Sky Annihilation Scripture, the Wind Blood Killing Secret, and the Dark Desire Bewitching Skill, but there are dozens of other minor and major mystical techniques. In other words, the Sect is like a school where everyone gathers to learn skills. Those with ambition may rush to the frontier. Those who do not wish to risk their lives and shed blood in battle can travel the Human Domain or continue practicing within the Sect. Either way, they contribute to the Human Domain or serve as a reserve force. The Sect is like a big family, where everyone practices their cultivation freely..."

Wu Wang said, "Grand Elder, I truly have no desire for the position of Sect Master."

"But Sect Master," the Grand Elder’s eyes held a trace of emotion as he suddenly gave a Daoist salute.

"What do you mean by this, Grand Elder?" Wu Wang stepped aside. "Is this not another form of coercion towards me?"

The Grand Elder spoke firmly, "It is by no means coercion, my young friend. I absolutely acknowledge your capability in managing the Sect! I sincerely ask you to stay and make it bigger and stronger!"

"Sect Master, no, wise brother!"

Mao Aowu also bowed with a Daoist salute and said loudly, "I’m a straightforward man and don’t understand these superfluous things. Just stay here for three years, only three years! If you don’t want to be Sect Master, I’ll stand up and ask you for the position, and send you away myself so that no one will trouble you. The Immortal Sects are no different from ours, just have more rules and are fussy and pretentious. The only difference is that we all cultivate different paths, but haven’t you said it before? A white cat, a black cat, a spotted cat—aren’t they all cats?"

Elder Miao raised her hand and gathered her hair, the charm displayed as her fingers slid through her silky locks certainly turned heads.

She said, "Tell me, what conditions would make you willing to be Sect Leader for three years? Whatever can be fulfilled, I will fulfill for you."

Wu Wang frowned slightly and pondered with his hands behind his back for a moment.

"Give me an attic and some methods for crafting magic treasures. I will stay in your esteemed Sect for three years, but please tend to the Sect’s affairs yourselves, as I will not take charge of anything."

He paused in his speech and gave a Daoist salute, saying, "It is not that I am arrogant or dismissive of others; my aspiration is not to be the Sect Master, nor to reach the Immortal Realm."

Having said that, Wu Wang took out a storage Bracelet from his Storage magic treasure and wrapped it in mana to hand it over to Mao Aowu.

He said, "I will take care of all my expenses here."

"Wise brother, aren’t you being too formal?"

Mao Aowu was visibly conflicted, but the Grand Elder by his side gestured for him to accept the Bracelet for now.

At present, keeping Wu Wang was their only pursuit.

The three influential Elders didn’t linger much; they each gave their respects to Wu Wang and then turned to leave the stone cottage, already starting to select a tranquil place for Wu Wang’s quiet cultivation.

Wu Wang stood with his arms folded, contemplating for a while before bursting into a self-deprecating laugh.

Could it be that when I go to ask predecessor Shen Nong for his daughter’s hand, the presence of three thousand great demons behind me and hundreds of Heavenly Immortal Realm old demons in the sky will make predecessor Shen Nong feel compelled to agree to the marriage? Just kidding.

Outside the wooden house, Mao Aowu suddenly yelped and quickly covered his mouth.

The Grand Elder by his side curiously asked, "What’s wrong?"

"Grand Elder, look! Is this—this—this a lot of treasure ores!"

"Hmm? What’s the fuss? The Sect Master is only in the Condensation Establishment Realm. How much ore could he have... This is Blazing Feather Ore? With such high purity? This! Quick, count it! How many Spirit Stones can we get from this!"

Elder Miao tilted her head to the side, puzzled. "Is our Sect really that poor?"

Mao Aowu gritted his teeth. "Do you think everyone’s like you, able to go out for a stroll and receive several carts of gifts? Half of my salary from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion goes to support the cultivation of our Sect’s disciples!"

"The three of you?"

Wu Wang popped his head out of the doorway. "With a Demonic Sect as big as yours, don’t you have any industries to earn Spirit Stones?"

"We can’t just go out and rob," Mao Aowu spread his hands. "On regular days, we only craft some magic treasures or concoct pills in exchange for some Spirit Stones. We don’t have any ore veins near our base; it’s normal to live a tough life."

The Grand Elder calmly said, "Of the Sect Master’s eight strategies, I actually have only a vague understanding of the seventh strategy as well."

...

No wonder the Four Seas Pavilion is so important to the Human Domain. Its former Pavilion Master became so arrogant he even dared to talk back to the Human Emperor. Huh? If I act a bit like a spendthrift, couldn’t I get out of this sooner? Helping them with a little business and my own ’profligacy’ don’t conflict. The help I give them can be considered repaying the old Sect Master’s kind intentions.

With that thought, a faint smile appeared on Wu Wang’s lips.

"Don’t know how to earn Spirit Stones? I’ll teach you."