Chapter 79: A Pack of Old Dogs
Chapter 79: A Pack of Old Dogs
Qian Luoying was a bit dumbfounded, wondering what was going on.
Silly Sister genuinely wanted to help Ling Yi, while also carrying a touch of self-redemption in her heart.
The explosion of grudges and disputes in such a short time far exceeded her previous understanding and ability to handle.
As a cultivator, she had selfish desires, but those selfish desires were built upon her single-minded pursuit of the Dao. She had never imagined something like today happening.
Even though Lian Ziqing brought it upon himself, even though Lian Ziqing was heartless towards her, she still did not want to see such a thing occur.
At the same time, she also understood that if others managed to learn Ling Yi’s method, then Ling Yi’s advantage against the Heaven’s Gate Sect would completely vanish, and his situation would become exceedingly dangerous!
She truly wasn’t being a traitor, but Ling Yi had taught her!
The Cultivation World was a place that valued lineage and teaching.
Imparting the way, teaching skills, and resolving doubts—that made a true master!
In this matter, she alone owed Ling Yi, not the other way around.
And she had already experienced and seen through the integrity of these Elders; they were truly capable of anything.
So, this method could only be learned by her!
Only she would not harm Ling Yi. After going through such a change, forget Ling Yi not trusting these people, even she herself could no longer trust them.
But she had never thought about becoming any Sect Leader!
Simple as she was, she understood the principle that “if virtue does not match the position, disaster will follow.”
In the Cultivation World, the Heaven’s Gate Sect wasn’t considered a major sect, but it also wasn’t a small family with only a few dozen or hundred members.
Given her age and cultivation level, becoming an Elder wasn’t really an issue.
After all, she didn’t handle affairs; the Elder title had always been more like an honor, a recognition and motivation from the Sect for a talented disciple.
So being a Sect Elder, even a member of the Council of Elders, held no pressure for her. But the Sect Leader… the burden was too heavy!
She didn’t need anyone to say it; Qian Luoying knew very well herself that she couldn’t do it.
Never mind other things, just playing mind games… she couldn’t manage that!
If she became Sect Leader, she’d probably be completely sidelined within two days.
Especially these severely injured Elders. It seemed they were pushing her into the Sect Leader position out of worry and fear.
But what about after this matter was over?
Then it wouldn’t be worry and fear, but deception and trickery, right?
Being simple and straightforward didn’t mean she was so foolish as to lack self-awareness…
Having thought this through, Qian Luoying looked at the crowd—
“I refuse. Serving as Sect Leader requires seniority and capability, both of which I lack. I will remain as an Elder. For the Sect Leader, please choose someone more suitable.”
The Enchantress laughed in Ling Yi’s mind: “Can’t tell this Silly Sister of yours finally had a moment of clarity.”
“Didn’t you earlier seem to want her to become Sect Leader?” Ling Yi couldn’t help but retort.
“Yes, so what? Whether the Heaven’s Gate Sect lives or dies, what’s it to me?” the Enchantress countered.
“…”
Seeing Qian Luoying firmly refuse, Feng Bubian felt a surge of wild joy in his heart.
Though he clearly knew that as long as Qian Luoying mastered the method to control the Formation Array, no one would dare provoke her whether she became Sect Leader or not.
But so what?
A Monarch in the secular world also had no martial power, yet they still stood high above, with plenty willing to serve them?
Ruling by force ultimately leads to being ruled; ruling by wisdom is the true way!
In time, with Qian Luoying’s temperament, she would quickly return to her previous state of not concerning herself with worldly affairs.
Then they could just enshrine her on a high pedestal and let her do whatever she wanted!
Feng Bubian was confident he could handle all of this.
At that point, wouldn’t the entire Sect be under his control?
However, this matter still required someone else’s help; he couldn’t speak up again!
Thinking this, Feng Bubian’s eyes swept through the crowd, looking for someone who could speak up.
After operating within the Heaven’s Gate Sect for so many years, he had quite a few trusted disciples under him.
Sure enough, as his glance swept over, a clever fellow immediately stepped forward and said, “I think Elder Qian makes a good point. The leader of a Sect is not a joking matter, especially for a Sect as large as our Heaven’s Gate Sect. The position of Sect Leader represents far more than just authority; more importantly… it’s a responsibility!”
Once someone started, others quickly joined in—
“True. Elder Qian’s character is beyond doubt, but she ultimately lacks experience. Now that Elder Qian shows such understanding and righteousness, we admire her.”
“I think the position of Sect Leader is of great importance. We should study it carefully and not decide rashly!”
Several of Feng Bubian’s trusted subordinates came forward one after another, each speaking reasonably, which quickly drew agreement from many.
Earlier, no one dared speak up, mostly because they were frightened by today’s events!
Now that Qian Luoying herself didn’t want to be Sect Leader, and others stepped up to echo that, many who originally didn’t want to see her become Sect Leader also began to voice their opinions.
The several severely injured Elders, who had just taken medicine served by their disciples and regained a bit of spirit and strength, felt a surge of anger in their hearts.
This time it was directed at Feng Bubian, though they also held some resentment towards Qian Luoying.
They naturally knew Feng Bubian’s wolfish ambition and his long-held desire for the Sect Leader position. But Qian Luoying actually refusing outright was still somewhat unexpected.
These old things truly had no good intentions!
What Feng Bubian could see clearly, they naturally saw clearly as well.
Pushing Qian Luoying into the position of Sect Master, making her the Sect Leader—with her temperament, would she seriously manage for even a single day? That was overestimating her!
It would be far too easy to deceive her!
They didn’t expect this woman to actually refuse?
The position of Sect Leader, the master of a Sect… she didn’t covet it at all?
At this moment, Qian Luoying looked at the withered old man and said, “Great Uncle Master, you see, everyone feels the same way. So, the method—I will learn it. But the Sect Leader position… Luoying is ashamed to admit her inadequacy. Recognizing my own limited talent, shallow learning, and insufficient capability, I truly am unfit for such a great responsibility.”
The withered old man couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. This girl was clever; she wanted to be a retired emperor who didn’t handle affairs!
Fine. Since he had long withdrawn from the Sect’s management, why interfere so much?
As long as the Sect wasn’t at risk of annihilation, the rest… let them be!
Better to go back into seclusion and sleep!
Wouldn’t living a few more years be nice?
Thinking this, the withered old man spoke, “Since that’s the case, you can discuss it among yourselves. We old folks won’t participate anymore.”
Having said that, he left the scene directly with another senior figure.
Once the two senior figures left, the atmosphere on the scene immediately became somewhat delicate—
Qian Luoying herself didn’t want to be Sect Leader, Feng Bubian desperately wanted to be Sect Leader, and the several severely injured Elders particularly did not want Feng Bubian to ascend…
Feng Bubian’s face was calm, but inside, anger churned. Looking at those severely injured Elders, the thought of finishing them off crossed his mind several times deep down.
But no, if he really did that, even if Qian Luoying and Ling Yi didn’t intervene, the senior figures who just left would come out to stop him.
Then, he would truly have no chance at all.
If only he could get Qian Luoying… or Ling Yi beside her, to support him now, how good would that be?
But that was not realistic. If he wanted to rise, he had to rely on himself!
At that moment, one of Feng Bubian’s disciples spoke loudly, “As the saying goes, ‘a country cannot be without a ruler for a single day,’ and a sect cannot be without a leader either. Now that Sect Leader Lian has passed away, we should naturally elect a new Sect Leader today.”
A severely injured Elder said calmly, “This is not a matter to be taken lightly. Someone of your status should not interrupt.”
Another severely injured Elder nodded. “That’s right. Since Elder Qian is unwilling, we can discuss it slowly. There’s no need to rush.”
Feng Bubian’s side spoke loudly, “What’s wrong with my status? Everyone has a right to speak on sect matters. Why can’t I make a suggestion? Although I am not an Elder, I am a sect steward! I am loyal to the sect! The sect has suffered a major blow. Naturally, we need to quickly select someone with both virtue and talent, capable of leading the sect out of this predicament. It cannot be decided by a few Elders saying ‘no’ after just a few words!”
He looked around and asked, “Don’t you all agree?”
At that moment, large numbers of Heaven’s Gate Sect disciples had gathered across the mountains. Feng Bubian’s followers were scattered among the crowd, and they now loudly echoed in agreement—
“That’s right! Sect matters are everyone’s responsibility. Everyone should participate!”
“I suggest a vote!”
“I also suggest a vote! Everyone in the entire sect who is a Core Disciple or above should have the right to vote!”
“Exactly! As Core Disciples of the sect, we should naturally have this right!”
“I think it should be this way in the future too! A Sect Leader should be elected, not appointed!”
“Well said!”
Ling Yi quietly stood there, watching the commotion. Jiang Yuntong and Mo Yunwu huddled behind him and Qian Luoying, cautiously watching the drama unfold.
The two of them had just thought their master was about to become the Sect Leader and were quite excited. However, the situation had changed abruptly, and their master was actually unwilling…
To say they weren’t disappointed would be a lie, but they both understood that their master must have her own considerations about such matters.
Qian Luoying let out a soft sigh and glanced at Ling Yi, whispering, “See? Even if I became the Sect Leader, I wouldn’t have the ability to control this situation…”
Ling Yi smiled. “Sister, your talents and abilities lie elsewhere. Since you’ve embarked on the path of cultivation, improving your cultivation level is the most important thing.”
Qian Luoying nodded. “You’re right. After this incident, I’ve come to see many things clearly. I think my cultivation… should improve quickly now. It’s just a pity…”
A trace of regret showed in her eyes. “I’ve already sworn not to leave the sect. Otherwise, once my strength improves, I could help you seek revenge.”
Ling Yi shook his head. “Sister, just focus on your cultivation in peace. I will handle my own affairs. By the way, while we have this chance, I’ll teach you the method to control the Formation Array. Also, there’s the second half of the Cultivation Method…”
“The second half… I don’t think I can learn it now,” Qian Luoying said softly, glancing at Ling Yi with some hesitation.
Ling Yi was about to say something when the Enchantress scolded in his mind, “You fool! She hopes you’ll come visit her often! If you teach her everything at once, will you still come later?”
Ling Yi: “…”
The Enchantress lectured him in exasperation. “She can’t leave, but can’t you come here? Honestly… useless!”
Scolded again.
Ling Yi looked at Qian Luoying and said, “Alright then. I’ll teach you the second half of the Cultivation Method the next time I come.”
A smile appeared on Qian Luoying’s face, and she nodded gently. “Alright.”
The Enchantress snorted triumphantly. “See?”
Afterward, Ling Yi transmitted the method to control the Formation Array to Qian Luoying, including how to form the hand seals, all through mental transmission, imparting it to her in one go.
This was much simpler than the previous Five Qi Cultivation Method. Given Qian Luoying’s current level, mastering it wasn’t difficult.
So she learned it quickly. Well, very quickly.
At this time, the contest between Feng Bubian’s faction and the faction of the severely injured Elders also reached a fever pitch.
Neither side would yield.
It seemed Feng Bubian’s side held a slight advantage.
His group of trusted disciples had very cleverly united the sect’s Core Disciples!
In the past, the selection of a Heaven’s Gate Sect Leader usually followed this process—
The previous Sect Leader would carefully train two or three disciples as potential successors. Then, from these two or three candidates, the most outstanding (or most obedient) one would be chosen.
They would start from the lowest-level minor steward position and be gradually promoted to steward, then sect Elder.
Reaching the position of sect Elder meant they were part of the sect’s upper echelon, but they were still one step away.
Entering the Council of Elders!
For a sect the size of Heaven’s Gate Sect, the number of sect Elders usually ranged from twenty to thirty.
However, the number of Council of Elders members, since ancient times, almost never exceeded ten.
Most of the time, it was eight or nine. In some eras, there might have been only five or six.
To become the Sect Leader, one first had to enter the Council of Elders.
At that point, if the reigning Sect Master wanted to pass on the position, they could make a nomination.
After the nomination, the Council of Elders would hold a vote.
Once passed, it would be expanded to the level of all sect Elders for another vote.
Actually, at the level of the sect Elders, it was mostly a formality, just to show it wasn’t a one-person decision.
Basically, no one would jump out to oppose it. It wouldn’t affect the outcome anyway, so why do something offensive that would make others hold a grudge and seek revenge later?
Therefore, in choosing a Heaven’s Gate Sect Leader, even those mid-level leaders who were stewards had no right to participate, let alone the Core Disciples. They had absolutely no say.
Lian Ziqing had not trained a successor all these years.
He was in his prime, and it wasn’t likely he would break through soon. He sat firmly in the Sect Leader’s seat and had never even thought about training a successor.
Otherwise, if he couldn’t break through to a higher realm later and the successor he trained had already risen, it would be somewhat awkward.
It might even lead to a falling out!
Such things had happened before in Heaven’s Gate Sect’s history.
So, anyone who didn’t want to step down from the Sect Leader position anytime soon wouldn’t train a successor so early.
And precisely because of this, Feng Bubian was given a perfect opportunity!
He, Qian Luoying, and those severely injured Elders were all members of the Council of Elders. The new Sect Leader could only be chosen from among them.
Now that Qian Luoying had clearly refused, and the other Council of Elders members, though Lian Ziqing’s trusted aides, were not trained as successors, so even if they weren’t injured, they had almost no chance of becoming Sect Leader.
And now they were barely holding on… Besides him, who else was qualified to succeed?
Especially since he had taken a risk this time, hinting to a few trusted followers to unite those Core Disciples.
Feng Bubian also knew this matter carried some risk. If mishandled, it could shake the very foundation of Heaven’s Gate Sect’s thousand-year tradition.
But if he didn’t win the support of these people, those old fogies would never give him any opportunity!
At this time, Qian Luoying, her two disciples, and Ling Yi were sitting together on a large rock. Qian Luoying was explaining to Ling Yi the process of selecting a Heaven’s Gate Sect Leader.
After hearing it, Ling Yi glanced at Feng Bubian’s side. “It seems his chances are the greatest.”
Qian Luoying said, “He has always had this ambition. But I don’t really care about it.”
Ling Yi smiled. “It’s good that sister isn’t becoming the Sect Leader. Otherwise, I’d feel embarrassed later.”
Qian Luoying looked at Ling Yi with some confusion, not quite understanding what he meant. Ling Yi just smiled and said nothing more.
Over there, after arguing for a long time, the several severely injured Elders finally gave in.
If they didn’t back down, not only would their own bodies be unable to hold on, but even the Core Disciples in their faction might start to resent them.
They were ultimately forced to agree that all members of the sect who were Core Disciples or above would jointly elect the new Sect Leader.
However, these Elders were no pushovers either. Seeing things had come to this, they decided to push things further, pouring fuel on the fire.
“Since everyone wishes to use this method to select the new Sect Leader, I think we might as well make this method the standard for electing Sect Leaders in the future!”
“That’s right. Electing the virtuous and capable requires more people to participate.”
“Makes sense. Look at the secular world; they are always undergoing various reforms, so they keep progressing. Our sect shouldn’t stubbornly cling to one rule either. We need to change!”
Feng Bubian’s eyes darkened. Although he seemed to have won the first move, the counterattack from those old fogies that followed made him furious and helpless. He couldn’t help but curse them in his heart again—
A pack of old dogs!