"Sect Master, it’s absolutely forbidden. The Ancestor Hall is only accessible to past Sect Masters of our Xuantian Sect. Ye Xuan, a new disciple, even if you appoint him as the Deputy Sect Master, still has no right to enter the Ancestor Hall."
"Yes, indeed. The Ancestor Hall is the core of our Xuantian Sect. How could we simply allow a disciple who’s been with us for less than a year to enter?"
Many Elders showed a change of expression and immediately began to object sternly.
In their view, giving Ye Xuan the position of Deputy Sect Master was already a great honor. Allowing him into the Ancestor Hall was something they could not accept.
Ye Xuan was just a new disciple. How could he disregard the rules and procedures and be given such a significant benefit that ordinary people couldn’t even touch?
The Ancestor Hall— even they, as Elders, weren’t qualified to enter. How could Ye Xuan, a mere newcomer, have this privilege?
"The Sect is on the brink of extinction, and you still care about such trivial matters? If the Sect were to be destroyed, who among you would bear this responsibility? I am still the Sect Master of the Xuantian Sect, and my words should still count."
Being obstructed by the Elders time and time again, Qin Tian’s face showed a hint of anger. Those obstinate old fools were truly short-sighted. It was a time for drastic measures, and they were still concerned with outdated rules.
Upon hearing these words, the opposing Elders finally stopped speaking. None of them wanted to bear the responsibility of the Sect’s demise and be branded as eternal sinners.
"Ye Xuan, our Xuantian Sect is a great faction with a thousand years of inheritance and profound depths. The Ancestor Hall is where generations of supreme powerhouses sat in meditation, and it holds benefits beyond your imagination. So, what’s your answer now?"
At this moment, Qin Tian was also looking at Ye Xuan, waiting for his reply.
"Fine, since the Sect Master has such trust in me, I’ll give it a try. But no matter the outcome, I won’t take responsibility."
Ye Xuan nodded in agreement. He didn’t truly have any attachment to the Xuantian Sect; what moved him was the mention of the Ancestor Hall. He was a person who valued tangible benefits and wouldn’t take such a great risk of becoming Deputy Sect Master without a real advantage.
"Of course. If things don’t work out, it’ll simply be the fate of the Xuantian Sect; no one else is to blame." Qin Tian sighed. He was somewhat desperate and, although he valued Ye Xuan highly, his understanding of the latter was limited. In many ways, this was a gamble.
Ye Xuan nodded, not saying much more. He wouldn’t fight to the death for the Xuantian Sect, but he wasn’t irresponsible either. If he were to become the Deputy Sect Master, he wouldn’t be able to casually abandon the Xuantian Sect.
On the other hand, the Xuantian Sect belonged to the likes of Xue Lingzi and others, hence it was his Sect as well. Ye Xuan didn’t want to see the Xuantian Sect fall into difficulties and would lend a hand if he could.
"Great Elder, you and Ye Xuan will handle the Sect’s affairs for a while."
Qin Tian, still recovering from his injuries which wouldn’t heal soon, had to entrust the Sect’s affairs to the Great Elder and Ye Xuan.
"Then, Sect Master, take care and rest well."
The Great Elder couldn’t help but give a wry smile. Qin Tian was asking him to assist Ye Xuan in managing the Sect, which was no easy task. In the current situation, it was doubtful whether Ye Xuan could command respect given his experience and strength. Many might not openly challenge him, but would feel discontent deep down.
This matter was indeed troublesome.
At this moment, the central plaza had already gathered a dense crowd of people. However, the previously lively atmosphere had turned somewhat gloomy and oppressive. There was a subtle formation of two opposing camps, the minority and the majority, and although the tension had not escalated to an open confrontation, it was clearly unamicable.
The selection for the Deputy Sect Master hadn’t started yet, but representatives from Daluo Heavenly Palace and Holy Demon Cave Heaven had arrived with ill-intent. As a result, the Deputy Sect Master selection was temporarily suspended.
In the camp with fewer people, leading them were two middle-aged men. One wore a white robe and had a carefree, jovial demeanor, while the other, in a black robe, wore a mask adorned with fierce beast patterns, his aura somewhat chilling. These two men were the leaders of the Daluo Heavenly Palace and Holy Demon Cave Heaven, Sima Yan and Wuchang.
"What are these two leaders doing at our Xuantian Sect, and by the looks of it, their intentions don’t seem to be simple," said Fei Yue with some surprise as she watched the arrival of this group.
Xue Lingzi was also carefully observing these newcomers. "From these two, I can sense a faint killing intent. Considering the recent news about the Sect Master’s severe injury, could this incident be related to these two Sects?"
"Are you suggesting that they’ve come to stir trouble today?" Fei Yue asked, her eyes twitching.
"With so few people, they’re likely just probing us, and we might be in trouble,"
Xue Lingzi frowned, knowing far more than Fei Yue. The Sect’s backing, a powerful Seventh Grade Sect in the Central Domain, had recently suffered a catastrophic blow and could be said to have fallen. This was undeniably disastrous news for the Xuantian Sect. Without a strong supporter in the Spirit Martial Continent, their security was at risk.
"These fools still seem unaware of the calamity looming over them, still fixing upon these trivial games."
On the Daluo Heavenly Palace’s side, standing behind Sima Yan was Yun Xiao Saint, who looked at the once bustling place with a chilly smile, a mocking expression forming on his lips.
"Don’t speak too soon. The Xuantian Sect still has two Half-Saint Level Supreme Elders, which are not to be underestimated. Even though they’re preoccupied with internal troubles at the moment, their power should not be taken lightly. Our main purpose here is to test the reality of the Xuantian Sect."
Sima Yan’s face bore a faint smile, but a hidden flash of coldness quickly passed through his eyes.
"Attacking the Xuantian Sect in union is just a matter of time. Having lost their patronage, the Xuantian Sect no longer qualifies to be the dominator of the Yunlan Domain. We have the support of a Seventh Grade Sect, Emperor Xi Sect, behind us. Destroying the Xuantian Sect would be as easy as lifting a finger," said Wuchang with a detached look in his eyes.
Even if they annihilated the Xuantian Sect and divided up its territory, a large portion of the resources they would gain would still have to be handed over to the Emperor Xi Sect.
Their main purpose of this visit was to check on Qin Tian, to see if he was dead or alive and, if alive, in what state.
"The Great Elder has arrived!"
Just then, a stir went through the crowd of the Xuantian Sect. Following that, two figures started walking slowly from behind the crowd.