74: The candidates are beginning to emerge, and undercurrents are starting to emerge.

The arrival of the starship was like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, causing continuous ripples within and outside the Star Moon Sect.

The next day, the Sect Master convened a high-level meeting in the Sect's main hall, gathering all inner Elders and Core Disciples.

Inside the main hall, the atmosphere was solemn yet subtle. Lin Yang's position was exceptionally arranged not far from the Sect Master's right, on par with several powerful Elders, which itself was a strong signal. Bai Wanqing and Su Qingyue stood behind him and slightly to the side.

The Sect Master sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping across the hall before finally resting on Lin Yang. He declared loudly, "Disciple Lin Yang, you obtained the ancient starship's recognition as its master in the Ancient Land of Starfall. This is an unparalleled stroke of luck and also an opportunity for our Star Moon Sect to rise! Your talent, Heart-Nature, and strength, after this battle, need no further elaboration."

He paused slightly, then his voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable authority: "Therefore, this Sect has decided that, effective immediately, Lin Yang shall be established as the Young Lord of the Star Moon Sect, the candidate for the next Sect Master! He shall enjoy the authority of a Sect Master candidate, priority access to Sect resources, be exempt from bowing to Elders, and can participate in the Sect's core decisions!"

As soon as these words were spoken, many Elders and Disciples who supported Lin Yang showed joy, cupping their hands in salute: "Congratulations, Young Lord! The Sect Master is wise!"

However, on the other side, the faction led by the Inner Grand Elder, though also cupping their hands and saying "Congratulations," had somewhat stiff expressions. Especially the Grand Elder himself, beneath his formal smile, his eyes were chillingly cold.

"Thank you, Sect Master, for your great kindness. Lin Yang will diligently Cultivate and not fail the Sect's trust." Lin Yang stepped forward, bowing neither subserviently nor arrogantly to accept the order. He felt the subtle gaze from the Grand Elder's direction, sneered inwardly, but maintained an unperturbed expression.

The Sect Master nodded in satisfaction and bestowed a large amount of Cultivation resources, including several bottles of "Condensing Gang Pills," which were highly beneficial for breaking through to the Gang Qi Realm, and a token to enter the Sect's Secret Treasure Pavilion to select Cultivation Techniques.

After the meeting, the Grand Elder was the first to walk up with a smile: "Congratulations, Young Lord Lin Yang. Obtaining this starship is truly a blessing for the Sect. However..." He changed his tone, a worried expression on his face, "This ship possesses immense power, but it also makes for too large a target. If it remains suspended above the Sect for too long, it might attract covetous eyes from all directions, which could be a major hidden danger to the Sect's safety."

Lin Yang smiled faintly: "Grand Elder, you worry too much. The starship has its own defensive capabilities; ordinary small fry are not worth fearing. What's more, when the Sect is strong, why should it hide its Sharpness (sharpness) out of fear of disaster?"

"Heh heh, it's good that the Young Lord is young and spirited." The Grand Elder chuckled without genuine warmth. "This old man is just reminding you that such an important artifact concerns the destiny of the entire Sect, so it's always good to be cautious." After a few more pleasantries, he turned and left with his people.

The moment he turned, the smile on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression.

Returning to his Elder's Hall, the Grand Elder dismissed his attendants, his face completely ashen.

"Young Lord?! Hmph! A mere greenhorn who joined the Sect only a few years ago, relying on good luck to obtain an ancient treasure, thinks he can ride over this Elder's head? And wants to eventually take charge of the entire Star Moon Sect? Dream on!" He slammed his palm heavily onto the Profound Ironwood Table, leaving a clear palm print.

A trusted Elder whispered, "Grand Elder, the Sect Master's actions clearly aim to fully support Lin Yang and suppress us. That starship... its power is indeed terrifying. If it is truly completely controlled by Lin Yang, in the future, this Star Moon Sect may no longer have a place for us."

"This Elder knows!" The Grand Elder paced irritably. "We must find a way to seize that starship! At the very least, it must be jointly managed by the Elder Council; he absolutely cannot monopolize it!"

A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes: "This child Lin Yang has grown too fast and now possesses this ship, becoming a major hidden danger. Since the Sect Master insists on going his own way, then don't blame this Elder for seeking another path."

He pondered for a moment, then lowered his voice to his confidant: "Go, in my name, secretly contact the Misty Immortal Palace's External Affairs Elder. Just say that... our Star Moon Sect has obtained a supreme treasure from beyond the heavens, but Young Lord Lin Yang is young and lacks virtue, and may find it difficult to guard such a heavy artifact. We are willing to 'discuss' with the Immortal Palace a strategy for its protection. Remember, absolutely no leaks!"

The trusted Elder's heart tightened, knowing this was like asking a tiger for its skin, but seeing the Grand Elder's resolute expression, he could only bow and accept the order: "Yes!"

Watching his confidant's retreating figure, a cold light flickered in the Grand Elder's eyes.

"Lin Yang... let's see how long you can remain Young Lord!"

Meanwhile, after receiving his rewards, Lin Yang was heading with Bai Wanqing and Su Qingyue to his new Immortal Cave arranged by the Sect – an independent mountain peak located above the main Spiritual Vein, with a serene environment and Spiritual Qi far surpassing his previous one.

"The Grand Elder will never give up," Su Qingyue said, frowning. "His last few words contained hidden intentions."

Bai Wanqing also nodded: "He definitely covets the starship and will likely try to trip you up in the dark."

Lin Yang stood at the peak, gazing at the faint, ethereal outline of the starship suspended in the clouds, a cold curve on his lips: "I know. If he didn't jump out, I'd find it strange. When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll cover it with earth. With the starship in hand now, I'd like to see who can 'take' it from me."

He flipped his palm, and the gray-gold Star Core Key shimmered slightly, creating a mysterious connection with the distant starship.

Undercurrents were already surging, and a storm was approaching.