However, since the Sect Master had already announced it openly, he wasn’t foolish enough to oppose it!

Even if he were to oppose it, it would have to be done in private. Falling out with the Sect Master was not a wise choice! Moreover, he currently had his sights on acquiring Gold Silk Wood and some Body Refinement cultivation techniques. He still needed the Sect Master for those.

"Since the matter of appointing the assistant elder is settled, let’s proceed with the selection of disciples. Elder Ye, please come over here!" The Sect Master gestured to Ye Luo.

Ye Luo had no choice but to step forward. This time, he was rightfully standing in front of the old woman.

Although the old woman’s gaze remained grim, she ultimately said nothing. After all, he was the Sect Master’s personally appointed assistant elder, which placed him above her in rank, regardless of strength.

Next came the selection of the disciples.

These disciples weren’t foolish. They chose elders primarily for cultivation resources. As for elder guidance, if an elder was in a good mood, it might be possible to receive a bit of guidance. However, with so many disciples, if an elder were to guide each one individually, where would the elder find time? To think otherwise would be pure fantasy!

Of course, following a powerful elder provided many advantages over a less skilled one.

The most crucial advantage was the cultivation resources. Don’t be fooled by the Sect Master’s claim of resource equity; it’s simply impossible. Even if the Sect managed to allocate resources equally, would the weaker elders dare to demand it?

Absolutely not! There wasn’t that much harmony among the elders. Even within the same sect, there were countless examples of elders clashing over cultivation resources.

Therefore, the final outcome was always resource allocation based on rank, something the Sect Master merely turned a blind eye to. This had always been the case in past allocations, and apart from Ye Luo, there would be no special exceptions this time either.

However, the unexpected presence of Ye Luo was enough to change many things! At least in terms of resources, Ye Luo was sure to take a larger share! And these resources would have to be deducted from other elders.

But this was not something the disciples needed to worry about. They were concerned with which elder to follow to secure more cultivation resources.

After a bit of comparison, Ye Luo was undoubtedly the best choice!

As a result, many disciples moved towards Ye Luo.

And soon enough, more than half of them were gathered!

The other elders were dumbfounded! So that’s how it’s done!

In the past, having more disciples wasn’t necessarily a good thing, considering the resources had been the same. More disciples meant each would receive less, right?

But this time, the Sect Master explicitly stated that every disciple’s resources were the same!

In other words, the disciples had one share of resources, and the resources on the elder’s side would be redistributed.

Under these circumstances, having more disciples actually became an advantage.

However, Ye Luo lacked no resources! As for the disciples, he only had to bring Nuonuo over, and everything would be settled.

So, the previous contention with the old woman held no significant meaning and was more of a clash of pride.

"Good, it seems that the assistant elder is indeed popular. In that case, I will personally allocate some resources to the assistant elder, and I will also grant him use of the Spirit Pool for a period of time!" announced the Sect Master.

Upon hearing this, everyone was in an uproar!

Even the elders were too shocked for words, and even the Grand Elder looked at the Sect Master in disbelief!

The Spirit Pool was one of Zi Wei Sect’s treasured assets! Over the years, it was primarily reserved for the Sect Master, and even the Sect Master could only enter three times a year. Only those who made great contributions to the sect might be granted exceptional access.

But now! The Sect Master was suggesting opening it to Ye Luo. How could that be possible?

After all, Ye Luo was merely a visiting elder, having joined the sect only days ago. If one were to be strict about it, he wasn’t even a proper member of Zi Wei Sect!

Such a move would surely dishearten the sect members!

More importantly, it would demoralize the elders, since the Sect Master also mentioned allowing Ye Luo and his chosen disciples to enter the Spirit Pool together.

Thus, upon hearing these words, other disciples rushed towards Ye Luo without hesitation.

Now, even if Ye Luo wanted to drive them away, they wouldn’t leave!

After all, compared to the Spirit Pool, no amount of cultivation resources could sway these disciples anymore.

The effects of the Spirit Pool couldn’t be matched by cultivation resources and had unique benefits for cultivators, especially body cultivators!

"Sect Master, this is absolutely not acceptable! The Spirit Pool is vital to our Zi Wei Sect’s survival, and opening it to so many could take years for its essence to recover!" the old woman quickly argued.

The other elders voiced their agreement as well.

"Oh? Isn’t this moment critical for Zi Wei Sect’s survival? As far as I know, the current territorial dispute is extremely fierce. Many sects have allied with overseas and inland forces, and I’ve heard that the Dragon Clan, Myriad Beasts Sect, and even the Returner Alliance have gotten involved. This is no longer just an issue for our South Territory, and our Zi Wei Sect hasn’t allied with any faction, putting us at a great disadvantage!" the Sect Master calmly stated.

In truth, these were facts the elders couldn’t possibly be unaware of.

"Therefore, I have decided to open the Spirit Pool this time. It is widely known that the Spirit Pool has the greatest effect on the younger generation, whereas those over a hundred years old have bodies that have largely solidified, reducing the pool’s effectiveness. That’s why I made this decision. As for the other elders, I will naturally compensate them with additional resources!"

Yet, deep down, the other elders felt resentful!

Even if the pool had less effect on them, it still had some effect! Of course, they also understood that from the sect’s perspective, letting them in was impossible.

After all, they absorbed more of the pool’s essence but saw no significant benefit, which was a waste in another form.

Nonetheless, if they couldn’t enter, they hoped at least their disciples would be allowed! Otherwise, why would any disciple follow them in cultivation!

Indeed, as the Sect Master finished speaking, disciples who had initially chosen other elders immediately changed their minds!

After all, this was still in the disciple selection phase, and they had every right to change their minds!

Furthermore, the Sect Master hadn’t specified the number of disciples allowed into the Spirit Pool, nor had he defined how many disciples Ye Luo could accept.

Very soon, a dense crowd of sect disciples gathered in front of Ye Luo.