12: Battle for the Secret Realm

“Elder Xu is truly eloquent. No wonder the Sect Master promoted him to the position of First Elder.”

“However, First Elder, you must be careful with your words and actions, or if I catch an opportunity, I will not let you off easily.”

Sparks were almost flying from his head; Zhuge Zhengwo was furious at this moment, but he could only rage impotently.

Then, his wide, angry eyes stared fixedly at Xu Jiayin, and he said, unable to contain his anger, “Let today’s matter conclude here.”

“But as for the related personnel under Second Elder and Third Elder, there’s no need for First Elder to intervene.”

“I believe those people surely don’t have the ability to threaten the safety of our entire sect, do they?”

Taking on the rest of the task himself, Zhuge Zhengwo feared that if he didn't speak up, Xu Jiayin, the First Elder, would very likely take swift action immediately after the meeting.

He would eliminate all the disciples under Second Elder and Third Elder.

After all, how could he, the Peak Master of Law Enforcement Peak, not know about factional disputes?

There had been many such instances in the past, but they were all forcefully suppressed.

Today was different from the past; with Ye Liufeng, the pillar of support, gone, others naturally became ambitious, preparing to develop their own lineage until they controlled the sect.

“Alright.”

“Since the rogue is already dead, we should continue with the discussion.”

After being reprimanded by Zhuge Zhengwo, Xu Jiayin indicated, 'You can scold all you want, I remain unperturbed.'

In fact, Xu Jiayin even felt a little like laughing inside; he loved to see the other party's defenses crumble.

One matter concluded, accompanied by the proposal of another.

Xu Jiayin, as the First Elder, still had a say. He glanced towards Xia Junling and then said, “Regarding the position of Sect Master, I don’t think there’s a need to rush the discussion.”

“However, I have no objections to the Sect Master’s wife succeeding the position.”

“When chaos erupts within the sect, someone is always needed to take charge and manage it.”

“Having been constantly by the Sect Master’s side, I presume the Sect Master’s wife is well-versed in all matters within the sect.”

“Entrusting it to the Sect Master’s wife will naturally be handled with great skill.”

“We will not involve ourselves.”

“However, the matter of Xiaoyao Sect’s invasion of our sect is urgent and cannot be delayed.”

At this moment, standing up, Xu Jiayin’s physique appeared even more robust compared to others. He even seemed to possess a certain kingly aura?

Perhaps this was the overwhelming presence of a villain.

“My suggestion is to immediately form small teams, with the Personal Disciples of the sect participating directly. This will also serve to test the results of their daily cultivation.”

“Each person will lead a small team, and rewards will be issued based on their combat performance.”

“I have spoken. Who agrees and who opposes?”

His gaze was cold as he looked at the others. Besides Zhuge Zhengwo, Xu Jiayin truly feared no one present, so he naturally had fewer reservations.

In other words, if it hadn’t been for Xu Xi’s late-night talk with him earlier, his target for a sneak attack today might have been Xia Junling.

“I agree with First Elder.”

“First Elder’s actions this time are truly profound and righteous. Our Medicine King Peak is willing to offer a 5th-grade Rongyang Pill as the reward for first place in this trial.”

“May our sect disciples fight bravely.”

“Furthermore, in this trial, all participating disciples will receive a 3rd-grade Muscle Regeneration Powder as a recovery medicine.”

Speaking first, Yang Yuan was now making a huge sacrifice because he could feel that shameless old fellow Xu Jiayin staring at him, just waiting for him to speak.

Because he had just been the first to support the opinions of Second Elder and Third Elder, which seemed to be in opposition to Xu Jiayin’s actions.

Perhaps he had already become Xu Jiayin’s next target.

Under pressure, Yang Yuan dared not refute.

He had already offended Sect Master’s wife Xia Junling before; if Xu Jiayin were added to the mix now, he could report to King Yama ahead of time, without needing to struggle.

“Our Forging Peak also agrees to this matter.”

“We will similarly offer a 6th-grade superior weapon as a reward.”

“Should anyone win first place in this trial, this Peak Master will personally forge a weapon tailored for him.”

“At the same time, we will provide replacement weapons for participating disciples at any time, requiring only half the usual exchange points.”

One after another, they echoed. With the agreement of Medicine King Peak and Forging Peak, two elders with significant influence within the sect, the others naturally assented one by one.

And they also offered some rewards as prizes for the participating disciples.

At first glance, it was quite enticing.

The inner disciples would likely be envious of this trial and willing to risk their lives.

After all, on the path of cultivation, one either advances or retreats, and all are striving for resources with their lives.

To hear the Dao in the morning, one can die content in the evening!

“Good, in that case, we will proceed as First Elder suggested.”

“The ten Personal Disciples can each lead a team of ten people. Let them choose freely.”

“I believe Xiaoyao Sect will also not send elders.”

“The competition among the sect’s successors is also a good thing for us, but to prevent any mishaps, Elder Zhuge, you must go out and investigate.”

“Furthermore, the Juefeng Secret Realm in Youzhou will open in less than a month.”

“At that time, disciples from various sects across the Nine Provinces will gather, and even those rogue cultivators are already eyeing the opening of the Juefeng Secret Realm with great anticipation.”

“According to the rules established in the past, we have five slots, and we can also determine the candidates for entering the secret realm through this trial.”

“Does anyone have any objections?”

Nodding with satisfaction, Xia Junling was very relieved to see these elders agree.

At least for a short time, these elders were appeased, and the issue with the sect disciples was not significant. The rewards from this trial were enough to motivate them to continue striving for the sect.

“Juefeng Secret Realm…”

“This matter is of great importance, and the difficulty of this trial is also considerable. If it is used as a basis, it is quite appropriate.”

“I have no objections.”

After a long period of contemplation, Zhuge Zhengwo, having heard Xia Junling’s words, also agreed to her other matter.

“We also have no objections!”

Similarly echoing Xia Junling, now, naturally no one refuted her words, and Xia Junling had not made any mistakes in her arrangements, so there was no need for them to refuse.

“Then, everyone may disperse and inform others about today’s meeting.”

With the matters discussed and no other topics, Xia Junling walked out of the Sect Master’s hall and then returned to her boudoir.

Her brows furrowed anew, unlike the spirited and confident demeanor she had displayed in the Sect Master’s hall earlier.

After all, in addition to the internal hidden dangers within the sect, the external threats brought even more pressure upon Xia Junling.

Especially the opening of the Juefeng Secret Realm a month later.

At that time, people from all over the Nine Provinces would gather in Youzhou, and people from other states would similarly not overlook the Xuanjian Sect, this large piece of prime real estate.