731: Dispute over leadership

“Loshu…”

“I didn’t expect the revelation in heavenly fortune/destiny to show signs so quickly.”

On Tianji Peak, inside a thatched hut imbued with an elusive Dao, the young man wearing a scholar’s cap had a galaxy swirling in his eyes, within which seemed to be hidden endless profound meanings.

Zhou Tailai mused in his heart.

He had been in seclusion for many years, studying the River Diagram. His sudden emergence this time and the establishment of Tianji Hall in the Clan were not on a whim, but a revelation of destiny he received while comprehending the River Diagram.

For this, he came out of seclusion, established Tianji Hall, and set the peculiar rule of only seeing three people this month.

Firstly, it was to verify the results of his comprehension over the years; simply working behind closed doors was not the right path.

Secondly, it was because of this revelation.

He had thought it would take a long time for any traces to appear.

He didn't expect them to appear so quickly.

Fortunately, Zhou Tailai had studied the profound principles of heavenly fortune/destiny contained within the River Diagram for many years, and was accustomed to the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of heavenly fortune/destiny.

Therefore, he was not particularly surprised.

Below Tianji Peak.

The figure of the Little Child, clad in golden jade robes, descended from the peak, attracting everyone's attention.

However, no strange face-slapping scenarios occurred.

Most of everyone's thoughts were focused on this third spot.

One by one, they eagerly looked towards the two Little Children.

Hoping that the next one would be themselves.

However, among so many Disciples, only one was chosen, which meant that most people were destined to be disappointed.

“The third person…”

As the two solemn-faced Little Children spoke.

A Cultivator of a non-Zhou surname, not particularly young, was overjoyed in his heart, bowed to the four directions, and eagerly passed through the crowd, heading towards the top of the mountain.

“Alas… disperse, disperse…”

With the appearance of this third spot.

One after another, disappointed figures dispersed.

However, they were not completely disheartened.

Tianji Hall opened once a month.

Three people were chosen each time.

The probability, though small, was not zero.

“I really want to go up and see the splendor of Tianji Hall established by Old Ancestor Tailai.”

Just as Zhou Shixi and the Black Small Beast on his shoulder were also preparing to leave.

A distinct sigh reached the ears of the man and the beast.

This sigh indeed garnered everyone's agreement.

They successively looked towards the top of the mountain, enveloped by the Great Formation, their eyes filled with longing.

Only the Black Small Beast squatting on Zhou Shixi’s shoulder and a golden, plump figure within the crowd seemed to want to speak but hesitated.

Chao Xiaoyi looked at the hopeful gazes around her, and in the end, still did not speak to break that illusion.

“That Tianji Hall is just a broken thatched hut, much worse than this Elder’s.”

Chao Xiaoyi transmitted her voice, still unable to resist blurting it out, but her only listener was Zhou Shixi.

“Cough~”

“Old Ancestor Tailai has profound cultivation, can glimpse heavenly fortune/destiny, and obtain heavenly fortune/destiny. His every move must have its intention.”

Zhou Shixi coughed lightly.

He was a Junior and did not have the right to echo such sentiments.

He could only offer a slightly speculative remark.

“I don’t think so.”

“It’s purely laziness.”

Chao Xiaoyi disagreed.

She had watched Zhou Tailai grow up, in a way.

She thought her guess was correct.

“Let’s go, Tianji Peak is about to be sealed off.”

Zhou Shixi couldn’t answer; he was watched as he grew up, so he couldn’t understand so much, and could only change the subject.

The man and the beast departed.

Among the crowd.

A golden figure parted ways with his companions.

He walked towards a spiritual peak, constantly rubbing a stone carved with intricate patterns in his hand.

This was given to him by Old Ancestor Tailai earlier.

Even though he had seen countless treasures since childhood, he had never seen the material of this stone treasure.

“As expected of Ancestor Lai.”

Zhou Huiyang studied it for a while, couldn't draw a conclusion, and couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

Ancestor Lai's deeds were too extraordinary.

All the Clan Disciples had heard about them.

The treasure he bestowed today, just casually, was made of spiritual material he had never seen before.

He was one of the young proprietors of Treasure Gathering Tower in the Chaotic Sea.

His knowledge was incredibly vast.

Even comparable to some Golden Core True Person and even Nascent Soul True Lord.

Zhou Huiyang praised, his figure slowly leaving the vicinity of Tianji Peak.

On Luoming Peak, in the southwest of Gui Zhou Island.

Zhou Huiyang skillfully arrived at the mountainside.

On Luoming Peak, there were Immortal Caves opened up, and most of the Clan members living there were of the 'Ze' generation.

Zhou Huiyang had not yet reached adulthood and did not have the qualification to open an Immortal Cave on Gui Zhou Island, so he lived with his parents.

He arrived outside an elegant yet noble courtyard, protected by a Formation.

Zhou Huiyang's figure easily stepped into the Great Formation.

“Father, Mother, I’m back…”

Zhou Huiyang excitedly pushed open the courtyard door.

Inside the courtyard, however, there were more than two figures.

“Grandfather?”

Zhou Huiyang's words trailed off, but then suddenly changed.

He looked at the third person under the pavilion in the large courtyard.

It was a middle-aged man, dressed in a dark purple long robe, with a dignified and noble demeanor.

“Huiyang, come quickly.”

The dark purple middle-aged figure chuckled, beckoning to the somewhat surprised Zhou Huiyang.

Zhou Huiyang's face broke into a clear smile, and he happily trotted over.

Upon entering the pavilion, he bowed respectfully to the dark purple middle-aged man and the young Cultivators seated on either side.

“Grandfather, why do you have time to visit your grandson today?”

After completing the greeting, Zhou Huiyang's eyes darted around, and he swiftly moved to the side of the dark purple figure seated in the main position.

He picked up the teacup from the table and handed it to the middle-aged man.

“Hehe…”

“It’s fine to tell you.”

“In twenty years, Ju Ling Merchant Guild will be choosing its next Guild Master.”

This middle-aged man in the dark purple robe was the Lord of Jubao Pavilion, a branch established by Ju Ling Merchant Guild in the Chaotic Sea.

The Lord of Jubao Pavilion did not elaborate further.

However, Zhou Huiyang, having been immersed in it since childhood, understood quite a bit.

“Grandfather wants to become the next Guild Master?”

Zhou Huiyang's plump little face was full of thought.

“Of course.”

“Your grandfather, I, am one of the Merchant Guild’s heirs. My coming here and establishing this Treasure Gathering Tower was originally one of the Merchant Guild’s trials for choosing the next Guild Master.”

“However, becoming the Guild Master is not that simple; relying solely on one’s own strength is not enough.”

The Lord of Jubao Pavilion nodded, he did not shy away from anything.

Zhou Huiyang was thoughtful, glancing at his parents.

So, he still needs to invite external help… but Father’s influence might not be enough… Zhou Huiyang thought to himself, not daring to say it out loud.

The Lord of Jubao Pavilion glanced at Zhou Huiyang, as if seeing through what Zhou Huiyang was thinking.

Enough influence is good, but if not, it doesn't matter.

Being able to come here, meet Patriarch Zhou, and discuss in detail with him, had already exceeded his expectations.

His lineage was not strong within Ju Ling Merchant Guild, and he originally had no intention of vying for the position of Guild Master.

It was only later, when his young daughter and Zhou Jiaze, of the 'Ze' generation, became Dao Companions, that he rekindled his ambition.

In the Chaotic Sea, the Qingyang Zhou Clan, although perhaps not as famous as those old Holy Lands.

Its strength, however, was extraordinary.

Although he hadn't seen much, he could sense a thing or two.

If he could get the Zhou Family to support him, with his achievements, talent, and personal strength, he would be able to contend for the position of Guild Master.