Chapter 478: Chapter 137: The Battle for Sect Leader

"In the past, every time we discussed the details of the Immortal Ascension Ceremony, it was the Sect Leader who participated."

"But since the battle at Celestial Ridge Mountain, the Sect Leader has been in closed-door cultivation. I’d like to discuss with you all who should go this time."

Tantai Mingyue said to the group.

The four of them shook their heads simultaneously. At this moment, the Zhenyang Sect is looked down upon by the world. If they go, they will inevitably be ridiculed a bit.

This unpleasant task could naturally only fall upon the Deputy Sect Leader.

Tantai Mingyue sighed helplessly, realizing that this arduous task could only fall on her shoulders.

Jian Yue suddenly asked, "Junior Martial Uncle Tantai, the Sect Leader has been in closed-door cultivation for a long time. Now that such a big incident has happened in the sect, do you know when he might emerge?"

The other three simultaneously looked at Tantai Mingyue.

The Zhenyang Sect’s Sect Leader, Chen Qingmo, was injured by Xia Qinglian at Celestial Ridge Mountain and has been in closed-door cultivation since; it’s been almost a year now.

Tantai Mingyue shook her head, "Before the Sect Leader went into closed-door cultivation, he instructed that he would come out once he succeeded and should not be disturbed by anything during that period."

The group was helpless, discussed for a while, and then left one by one.

Wei Shouyuan controlled his sword to fly away from Danxia Peak, and moments later, the flying sword turned and landed on a remote small peak.

Soon, another ray of light descended; Shi Shuhong arrived, riding his sword, and Wei Shouyuan chuckled: 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Senior Brother Shi, what instructions do you have?"

Shi Shuhong smiled, "Junior Brother Wei, the Sect Leader has been in closed-door cultivation for so long without any sign, don’t you think it’s strange?"

Wei Shouyuan frowned, spoke coldly, "You mean... the Sect Leader has already passed away?"

Shi Shuhong’s smile was indifferent, "You also know how badly the Sect Leader was injured by that... person’s Li Fire Profound Ice at that time. I’m afraid Tantai Mingyue has long known the Sect Leader is dead and has been hiding it to keep her position as Deputy Sect Leader."

Wei Shouyuan sneered, "Isn’t it easy to expose her? Just go and check at Tanglian Peak where the Sect Leader is in closed-door cultivation, no?"

Shi Shuhong said lightly, "If Chen Qingmo is indeed dead, Junior Brother Wei, who do you think is most qualified to take the position of Sect Leader?"

Wei Shouyuan’s gaze sharpened as he looked at Shi Shuhong.

Shi Shuhong also looked at him, their gazes collided in the air, faintly accompanied by the sound of wind and thunder.

After a moment, the two laughed heartily, cupped hands as a farewell, and two rays of light flew up, heading towards Heaven-Reaching Peak and Divinity Transformation Peak respectively.

Shi Shuhong returned to Divinity Transformation Peak, his expression stern.

"Wei Shouyuan also wants to compete with me for the position of Sect Leader. Humph, we are both at the Eighth Layer of Nascent Soul; Tantai Mingyue and Leng Jing are at the Seventh Layer of Nascent Soul; Ye Xiyue is severely injured and hard to recover. If I can break through to the Divinity Transformation Realm, even if Chen Qingmo is not dead, the position of Sect Leader will certainly be mine!"

"What’s most important now is to acquire Ye Xiyue’s Top-grade Spirit Root, only then will there be a chance to break through to Divinity Transformation."

"But..."

Shi Shuhong couldn’t help but furrow his eyebrows tightly.

Previously, Ye Xiyue was quite close to Zheng Shengmo. Shi Shuhong initially thought he had no chance, but now that Zheng Shengmo is dead, it rekindled his hope of acquiring Ye Xiyue’s Top-grade Spirit Root.

Who would have thought another person, He Zhiqiu, would suddenly appear!

Compared to Zheng Shengmo, He Zhiqiu is young and handsome, naturally much more attractive to a woman like Ye Xiyue.

If I don’t act soon, I’m afraid a junior might seize the opportunity first!

No, no matter what, I must acquire Ye Xiyue’s Top-grade Spirit Root.

First, I need to determine what kind of relationship Ye Xiyue and He Zhiqiu have.

Thinking of this, Shi Shuhong summoned a disciple at his side and instructed him:

"Go call He Zhiqiu."

...

Heaven-Reaching Peak.

Peak Master Hall.

Wei Shouyuan sat cross-legged, eyes closed in cultivation. Momentarily, he suddenly opened his eyes, his expression cold and stern.

"Zheng Shengmo is dead. Apart from Chen Qingmo, whose life or death is unknown, Shi Shuhong and I have the highest cultivation in the Zhenyang Sect. Whoever obtains Ye Xiyue’s Top-grade Spirit Root first will have the hope of breaking through to Divinity Transformation!"

"Hehe, it’s been over three hundred years since Hongzhou Continent has seen someone reach the Divinity Transformation Realm."

"Niece Ye, the future of the Zhenyang Sect relies on your Top-grade Spirit Root."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wei Shouyuan had already left the Peak Master Hall, transforming into a ray of light. Under the cover of night, he flew straight towards the peak of Xiyue Peak.

...

Divinity Transformation Peak.

Cyan Stone Peak, where the steward disciples reside.

Qin Gengyun had just been brought to a courtyard designated for steward disciples by Chen Danfeng.

In this recent beast tide disturbance, Zhenyang Sect lost quite a few steward disciples, so several courtyards opened up on Cyan Stone Peak. The one Qin Gengyun moved into was large, with flowers and plants growing.

However, Qin Gengyun had no interest in enjoying the flowers and plants. At this moment, he was hiding in the house, talking to Qiu Zhihe using a Sound Transmission Talisman.

"Wife, don’t misunderstand; I have no interest in those women at all."

"Hmph."

"Wife, are you coming to see me tonight?"

"No."

"I see, just now a few senior sisters invited me to cultivate with them, so I’ll go find them later."

"I’ll come to see you in one incense stick of time."

"Hehe, great!"

Qin Gengyun was flirting with his wife when Chen Danfeng’s voice sounded outside:

"Junior Brother He, the Peak Master wants to see you."

Qin Gengyun responded and sent a message to Qiu Zhihe: "Wife, Shi Shuhong wants to see me."

On the other end, Qiu Zhihe’s voice soon came through: "Husband, if Shi Shuhong asks about your relationship with Ye Xiyue, here’s how you should answer..."

Divinity Transformation Peak, Peak Master Hall.

Qin Gengyun saluted Shi Shuhong, "Greetings, Peak Master."

Shi Shuhong smiled and stepped forward, patting him on the shoulder, "Zhiqiu, I’ve heard from Cheng Yue that you have considerable talent in the path of Body Cultivation. This time you’ve brought honor to Divinity Transformation Peak, I’m very pleased! In the future, if you need any cultivation resources, just ask!"

"Thank you, Peak Master."

Shi Shuhong chuckled, inviting Qin Gengyun to sit down, engaging in some small talk. He suddenly asked:

"Zhiqiu, when you went out with Peak Master Ye this time, it seems you both got along quite well?"

Qin Gengyun nodded, "Senior Sister Ye took great care of us. I have great respect for her."

Shi Shuhong’s eyes flickered, "I heard it was Ye Xiyue who recommended you to join the sect. Did you know each other beforehand?"

Qin Gengyun replied, "Yes, I’ve admired the Zhenyang Sect since I was young. When I met Senior Sister that day, she said I had remarkable talent and brought me to Zhenyang Mountain. I’m very grateful to her."

Shi Shuhong looked down at the tea cup on the table, his voice changing slightly:

"Peak Master Ye has unparalleled talent and has seen countless prodigies, yet she has never brought anyone back before. Why only you... Zhiqiu, I view you as a candidate for the future Peak Master. You mustn’t disappoint me."

Qin Gengyun instantly showed a look of gratitude, quickly rising to say, "Thank you, Peak Master! Actually... the reason Senior Sister was willing to bring me into Zhenyang Sect is because I know someone she wants."

"Someone Ye Xiyue wants? Who?"

Shi Shuhong inquired.

Qin Gengyun hesitated for a moment, seemingly struggling, and finally said, "It’s a female cultivator with an innate Top-grade Spirit Root. Senior Sister admires her talent and wants to take her as a disciple, but she doesn’t want to cultivate. Senior Sister wanted me to persuade her, so she agreed to bring me into the Zhenyang Sect."

"What? Innate Top-grade Spirit Root?"

Shi Shuhong’s eyes lit up, suppressing his inner excitement, he asked urgently:

"Where is this Top-grade Spirit Root, and why can only you persuade her?"

Qin Gengyun hesitated, Shi Shuhong said, "Zhiqiu, I promise you, you will be the future Peak Master of Divinity Transformation Peak!"

Qin Gengyun was overjoyed, finally lowering his voice to say, "Reporting to Peak Master, this female cultivator is in the land of South Demon, Cyan Lotus Mountain. She is my... concubine."