Chapter 2468: Chapter 93: On Merit and Virtue

Kou Xuejiao’s words left everyone astonished.

Even Chen Pu had not expected that there would be a change in the leadership position of the Blood River Sect.

As Yu Xiaochen had mentioned, after Huo Shiji’s death, who else could take on this great responsibility in the entire Blood River Sect, besides Peng Chongjian, the True Man of the Mugu Academy? 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Peng Chongjian slightly frowned. He always had a genteel demeanor, and now, severely injured, he appeared even more delicate. He merely looked at Kou Xuejiao and said, "If Sect Master Huo left any last wishes, we should naturally adhere to them. However, how come I didn’t know that Sect Master Huo had expectations regarding the next Sect Master’s selection?"

"Sect Master Huo has spoken about this many times. How could you not know, Senior Brother?" Kou Xuejiao said slowly, "Senior Brother, you may have forgotten."

Peng Chongjian weakly smiled, "Who?"

At this moment, Kou Xuejiao turned around and spoke to Ruan Qin, "What I’m about to say is also related to your country."

Facing Si Yu’an’s suddenly turned gaze, Ruan Qin shrugged helplessly, "What exactly does Protector Kou want to say? I have no idea."

Even Si Yu’an was somewhat skeptical, and Chen Pu’s expression also changed slightly.

The Qi Country eradicated the Summer Country and now dominates the southern borders. It’s impossible for them not to have any thoughts about the surrounding countries. The aspirations of the Nanxia Governor’s Mansion, especially towards the Liang Country, are not to be underestimated.

But could it be that Qi Country, after having Marquis Wu’an, Jiang Wang, press the younger generation of the Sword Pavilion and force the Sword Pavilion into concession, also has arrangements within the Blood River Sect, to the extent of meddling in the position of the Sect Master of the Blood River Sect?

This ability to lay out intricate plans across the world, isn’t it a bit too terrifying?

Chen Pu, moved by Huo Shiji’s death, harbored protective intentions towards the Blood River Sect. Of course, the stability and independence of the Blood River Sect are also crucial for the Twilight Drum Academy.

In terms of emotion, principle, interest, and duty, all considerations forbid retreat. At this moment, his expression still seemed gentle, yet in his heart, he was ready to confront Qi Country face-to-face.

He couldn’t help but wonder if this death of True Monarch Xuehe, Huo Shiji, was somehow related to Qi Country.

Xu Mingsong was also a senior figure in the Blood River Sect, having fought countless years in the Evil Sea. Why would he suddenly do something so foolish? Ke Weihe Yan Dao is a reasonable explanation, but could there be other possibilities?

The one ruling Qi Country now is, after all, Jiang Shu, who achieved a hegemony in the Eastern Region, and toppled the mighty Emperor Xia Xiang. He is an exceptional emperor!

Chen Pu had to ponder.

I remember when Emperor Xia Xiang personally went to the Cliff of Celestial Punishment and debated with the Heavenly Palace Master, the number one Legalist of the era, Han Shentu, leaving behind the seven Chapters of "The Debate of Legalism," which people still talk about to this day.

What people don’t know is that Emperor Xia Xiang also went to Book Mountain to debate scripture, but because this debate was not public, it remained unknown to the world.

People in the Southern Territory are all too aware of Emperor Xia Xiang’s strength, which makes them even warier of the Qi Emperor, who defeated Emperor Xia Xiang.

Yu Xiaochen couldn’t help asking, "Who exactly is it? I have no impression whatsoever. Could it be that Sect Master Huo only spoke to you about it during his lifetime?"

Kou Xuejiao didn’t mind his junior nephew’s rudeness and simply looked back at Peng Chongjian, saying in a calm voice, "The person from Linzi of Qi Country, the present Marquis Champion—Zhongxuan Zun!"

Peng Chongjian’s brows knitted tighter.

Kou Xuejiao continued, "Sect Master Huo often expressed during his lifetime that he wanted to take Zhongxuan Zun as a disciple and pass on his legacy to him. He believed that Zhongxuan Zun was flawless and possessed the character to ’bear the world,’ enabling him to inherit the glory of the Blood River Sect to the greatest extent... Senior Brother, do you have no recollection of this?"

Peng Chongjian’s brow gradually relaxed, "Of course, I remember. The Sect Master also said, ’If Zhongxuan Zun can succeed to the sect’s leadership, I would have no regrets in death.’ He indeed said such words."

Kou Xuejiao said, "It’s excellent that Senior Brother remembers."

"However," Peng Chongjian said calmly, "Has Junior Sister forgotten? Zhongxuan Zun has long since refused the Sect Master and is currently not a disciple of our Blood River Sect."

"Sect Master Huo also mentioned that he was willing to give Zhongxuan Zun more time to consider. We must acknowledge this. When it comes to the next Sect Master’s selection, this is the only expectation Sect Master Huo had. If he didn’t mention anything about this in his last moments in the Evil Sea, it must be his last wish." Kou Xuejiao said earnestly, "I respect his last wishes."

"The Sect Master is no longer here, how can he accept a disciple?"

"We can accept a disciple on behalf of the Sect Master and perform the full rites."

"Why would he, doing just fine as Marquis Champion, agree to come to our Blood River Sect?"

"Today is different from the past. Sect Master Huo’s last wish was for him to take over the sect. I believe he will think it through."

Peng Chongjian fell silent.

Jiang Wang was stunned!

He really hadn’t anticipated such a development.

No matter how declining the Blood River Sect may be, it is still one of the major sects in the world. Even if the Sect Master died in battle and the elders were captured, there are still at least four True Men present, which is a formidable force anywhere.

This sect, which bears the responsibility of suppressing the Saint Water, has deep roots accumulated over the long years, not to be underestimated.

Now, are they saying that Zhongxuan Zun, without doing anything, has the chance to take over all this?

It inevitably gives one a sense that borders on the absurd.

Next to him, Ruan Qin didn’t think as simply as Jiang Wang, but he also couldn’t hide his surprise. He speculated that perhaps this was an internal discord within the Blood River Sect, spearheaded by Kou Xuejiao’s faction, trying to find a powerful backing after Huo Shiji’s death... but that didn’t make much sense, didn’t Chen Pu express his intention to protect the Blood River Sect?

Or could it be that the actions of the Nanxia Governor’s Mansion to reclaim Jin’an Prefecture made the Blood River Sect, having lost Huo Shiji, realize the danger, and thus decide to align with Qi Country in advance?