217: Chapter 217 Xu Ruyu is dumbfounded, Madam Qingli speaks.

As the Little Girl (Old Ancestor Qingtian) held the fox and her figure completely dissipated into the air, the final trace of that heart-palpitating and absurd aura on the Law Execution Platform also vanished.

Sunlight spilled down once more, illuminating the debris-strewn ground, the embers of soul light that had not yet fully dissipated, and... the Hehuan Sect members who were still prostrate on the ground with terrified and blank expressions, or struggling to stand with complex, flickering gazes.

The air was filled with a dead silence like that of survivors after a catastrophe, as well as a deeper sense of bewilderment about where the future lay.

Everyone's gaze involuntarily focused on the only person standing in the arena, a youth who still looked somewhat dazed—Xu Ruyu.

The new Sect Master of Hehuan Sect, the "Master" of Old Ancestor Qingtian, whose seniority was ridiculously high, but whose cultivation... uh, was at the Qi Refinement Stage, and who had just almost been taken down by the former Sect Master on trumped-up charges... Xu Ruyu.

A heavy burden had landed on his shoulders, just like that, without any warning, and in a somewhat absurd manner.

Xu Ruyu looked at the dense crowd before him, looking at those Grand Elders led by Granny Jingxu, who were on the verge of death due to the backlash of Summoning the Ancestor, yet were forcing themselves not to lose consciousness;

looking at those who chose to stay, but whose faces were written with doubt, unease, and even faint hostility, and those who had just resolutely left, taking away nearly a third of the Sect's core strength...

He only felt a wave of dizziness, coupled with an extremely unreal sense of absurdity.

This morning, he was still an "internally designated personal Disciple" whose secrets were coveted by the Sect Master, likely to be purged at any moment, walking on thin ice.

A few hours later, he became a "sinner" who was almost beaten to death in public.

Then, Old Ancestor Qingtian appeared, the tone of events began to collapse, the past Ancestral Masters of Hehuan Sect were dragged out of their "graves" (or the Immortal Realm) one by one to be slapped, and the Founding Ancestor knelt to acknowledge a Revered Master...

Finally, he, Xu Ruyu, inexplicably became the new Sect Master of Hehuan Sect left behind after this battle of immortals?

The steepness of this plot twist and the absurdity of the storyline were ten times more exaggerated than any third-rate web novel he had read in his past life!

"This... this is just too ridiculous, isn't it?"

Xu Ruyu smiled bitterly in his heart, his mouth twitching uncontrollably.

He only wanted to quietly research his "Qi Refining," tinker with some black technology, survive in this strange world, and ideally, live comfortably.

Who would have thought that he would jump straight to the end and become the Sect Master who held the power of life and death over thousands of people and carried an eight-thousand-year-old Dao tradition?

The key was that he couldn't push away this position of Sect Master even if he wanted to now.

Old Ancestor Qingtian patted her butt and left, tossing out a "It's up to you now."

Founding Ancestor Mo Hehuan also returned to the Immortal Realm to sleep, but not before appointing him.

There was a group of Disciples and descendants still lying on the ground who had been beaten by the Old Ancestor; who would dare to object?

The remaining Hehuan Sect members, even if they were unconvinced in their hearts, dared not cause trouble on the surface under the lingering might of the Old Ancestor and the Ancestral Master.

He had to take this position of Sect Master whether he wanted to or not, and he had to take office immediately.

But... how was he supposed to be one? Xu Ruyu looked at the huge mess before him and felt his scalp go numb.

The Sect was internally divided, its strength greatly damaged, and morale was unstable;

it was surrounded by strong enemies (one could guess with their toes that a major Demonic Path Sect like the Hehuan Sect certainly had many enemies);

his own cultivation was low, he had no Foundation, and he didn't even know what departments the Sect had or how it operated...

How was this being a Sect Master? This was clearly jumping into a volcano about to erupt, and having someone seal the top with cement!

Just when Xu Ruyu was at a loss and his mind was in a jumble, a warm, soft hand gently rested on his arm.

It was Lady Qingli.

She had quietly stood beside Xu Ruyu at some point, her stunning face bearing a calm and comforting smile, as if she could dispel the panic in his heart.

She first gave Xu Ruyu a reassuring look that said "Don't panic, I'm here," then stepped forward, facing the Disciples below who were still at a loss.

Lady Qingli's voice was not loud, but it carried the authority of someone who had long held a high position, clearly spreading across the Law Execution Platform:

"Today's events, you have all witnessed with your own eyes and heard with your own ears. By the decree of Old Ancestor Qingtian and the appointment of the Founding Ancestor, Xu Ruyu is the new Sect Master of Hehuan Sect!"

Her gaze swept over the crowd, her tone unquestionable: "This is a settled matter, no further discussion is needed!"

"Now, all ordinary Disciples, return to your respective residences and posts immediately. Without summons, do not leave without permission, and do not discuss today's events in private. Violators will be severely punished according to Sect rules!"

"Grand Elder Granny Jingxu, and all Elders," she looked at those Elders who were weak, "please return to your residences to regulate your breath for now. Half an hour later, gather at the Sect's 'Council Hall'. The new Sect Master has important matters to announce and arrange."

Her words were concise, powerful, and clear, instantly stabilizing the chaotic scene.

Lady Qingli already had considerable influence in the Hehuan Sect, and stepping forward to speak at this moment had a bit of a finality to it.

But after all, Xu Ruyu was the new Sect Master. After Lady Qingli finished speaking, everyone looked at Xu Ruyu, intentionally or unintentionally.

Xu Ruyu only then reacted, knowing that Lady Qingli was doing this for his own good, and immediately spoke up: "Just do as Lady Qingli has said!"

With Xu Ruyu's word, the bewildered Disciples found their backbone. Although they were still uneasy in their hearts, they began to disperse one after another as instructed. However, as they left, their gazes couldn't help but sweep back and forth between the new Sect Master Xu Ruyu and the former Sect Master Xiao Nianyin, their expressions complex.

Granny Jingxu and the others also breathed a sigh of relief. Their injuries were extremely severe, and they were in urgent need of recuperation. Being able to temporarily leave this high-pressure situation was naturally what they wanted, so they struggled to salute and take their leave.

Soon, the originally crowded Law Execution Platform became much emptier, leaving only Xu Ruyu, Lady Qingli, and Xiao Nianyin, who was still standing in place like a puppet.

Lady Qingli then turned around and said softly to Xu Ruyu, who was still stunned: "Xiao Yuer, this place is not suitable for staying long. Let's leave here first."

Xu Ruyu's head was still spinning, and he nodded subconsciously: "Oh... okay, I'll listen to Sister Qingli."

Ever since he had engaged in Dual Cultivation with Lady Qingli, he had changed how he addressed her.

Lady Qingli smiled slightly, took his hand, and was about to leave.

After walking two steps, she seemed to remember something, stopped, turned back to look at Xiao Nianyin who was still standing there, and a trace of coldness flashed in her beautiful eyes...