563: Chapter 563 The Position of Chief Judge is Settled

His gaze swept across the crowd, his tone carrying undisguised rebuke:

"You have managed the important affairs of the Qintian Division for many years, yet you are so short-sighted and narrow-minded? The Ascension Realm is imminent, and the Imperial Dynasty's monitoring of heavenly secrets cannot tolerate even the slightest error. I want a successor who can stabilize the Qintian Division, safeguard the rule of the Heavenly Dragon Imperial Dynasty, and handle all unknown variables, not mediocre fools who only care about fighting for power and profit!"

His tone shifted, and his gaze landed directly on a gray-robed Elder sitting silently with his eyes closed, who had not participated in a single word of the argument, his voice steady:

"Elder Mo, you have spent years divining heavenly secrets and observing the ways of the world. You tell me, how should this successor be determined?"

The named Elder Mo slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were cloudy and dull, and his aura was plain and unremarkable, appearing no different from an ordinary old man, yet he was the Elder in the Qintian Division most skilled at divining heavenly secrets and discerning the hearts of men.

Although his Cultivation was also at the Nascent Soul Great Perfection, he had always been reclusive, rarely participating in factional disputes. For many years, he had only taken orders from Lu Wanxian and never involved himself in court power struggles.

The Elder surnamed Mo slowly stood up, bowed to Lu Wanxian, and his voice, though hoarse and plain, clearly resonated throughout the great hall:

"Replying to the Division Master, in this Subordinate's opinion, the position of Division Master should be succeeded by this Subordinate."

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd in the hall was instantly in an uproar.

No one expected that Elder Mo, who had always been low-key and reclusive, spending years in seclusion divining heavenly secrets, would actually volunteer to compete for the position of Division Master.

"Elder Mo, you spend years in seclusion divining heavenly secrets and rarely involve yourself in the mundane affairs of the Division. How can you be qualified for the complex position of Division Master?"

The white-bearded Daoist who had previously recommended Elder Zhao immediately frowned and retorted.

"It is precisely because I spend years divining heavenly secrets, not involving myself in mundane affairs or forming factions, that I better understand the heaven-ordained duty of the Qintian Division and am better able to act impartially."

The Elder surnamed Mo swept his gaze calmly across the crowd, continuing in a calm but forceful tone:

"Currently, the greatest variable for the Qintian Division and the entire Heavenly Dragon Imperial Dynasty is Situ Jun of the Tianqi Dynasty. This person has hidden his Soul Transformation Cultivation for many years, harbors malicious intent, and can even evade the monitoring of the qin tian mirror; there must be a shocking secret behind this. The position of Division Master requires someone skilled in divination and discerning variables to hold the fort, so that we can take precautions in advance and prevent trouble before it happens."

He paused, then continued:

"As for the position of Vice Division Master, although Vice Division Master Yang is about to step down, before leaving, he must hand over all the important affairs of the Division and personally go to meet Situ Jun to deal with this major threat. During this transition period, Elder Cang Wu can provide assistance. Elder Cang Wu is decisive in his actions, skilled in coordination and scheduling, and proficient in practical matters. He can both cooperate with me to stabilize the affairs of the Division and fully assist Vice Division Master Yang in dealing with the Situ Jun matter, making him the best candidate."

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. Upon careful consideration, they actually felt that every word Elder Mo said was reasonable and irrefutable.

The current time was extraordinary, the Ascension Realm was about to open, and the hidden danger of Situ Jun remained. It was truly not the time for seniority or factional fighting. Only by stabilizing the situation, resolving the hidden dangers, and safeguarding the stability of the Imperial Dynasty's heavenly secrets was the top priority.

Lu Wanxian looked at the composed Elder Mo before the hall, a trace of imperceptible approval flashing deep in his eyes. Clearly, this was the best candidate he had been planning for in his heart for a long time.

He had managed the Qintian Division for over five hundred years and had long since seen through the thoughts and calculations of everyone in the hall. Elder Zhao and the others were keen on power and position, had distracting thoughts, and were unfit for important responsibilities.

Mo Chen, however, had a steady Heart-Nature, did not crave power, and was proficient in the divination of heavenly secrets, which was exactly what was needed to stabilize the overall situation.

As for Elder Cang Wu, this person was capable and efficient, skilled in practical matters, which happened to make up for Elder Mo's weakness in handling mundane affairs. With the two of them partnering, they would be able to stabilize the overall situation of the Qintian Division.

"Good, we shall proceed as Elder Mo has said."

Lu Wanxian made the decision immediately, his voice dignified and allowing no room for dispute:

"Effective immediately, Mo Chen will take over as Division Master of the Qintian Division, and Cang Wu will take over as Vice Division Master. After Yang Ye and I step down, we will focus on preparing for the Ascension. All affairs in the Division will be handed over to Mo Chen and Cang Wu to manage. All Elders must cooperate fully and may not disobey. Those who disobey will be severely punished according to the Division rules!"

"We, your Subordinates, respectfully obey the Division Master's order!"

Matters had reached this point; even if some were unwilling, they dared not disobey Lu Wanxian's order.

More than a dozen Elders stood up and bowed in unison to accept the order, their voices uniform as they echoed through the empty great hall.

Lu Wanxian nodded slightly, turned his gaze to Yang Ye, and his tone softened a bit, with less dignity and more of a sense of entrustment:

"Yang Ye, the matter of Situ Jun is left entirely to you to handle. Remember, prioritize inquiry and maintaining friendly relations; do not engage in direct conflict with him. Everything must be prioritized for the overall situation of the Imperial Dynasty."

"This Subordinate obeys. I will certainly not fail the Division Master's trust and will properly handle this matter."

Yang Ye bowed and accepted, his expression becoming increasingly solemn.

"Very well, now that this matter is settled, everyone return to your duties and withdraw."

Lu Wanxian waved his hand, a faint spiritual light moved around his body, and he sat back in the main seat, closing his eyes to focus, speaking no further.

The dozen or so Elders bowed and withdrew one by one, their footsteps gradually fading away, and soon only Lu Wanxian and Yang Ye remained in the great hall of discussion.

The stars on the dome slowly revolved, and the cold starlight spilled across the sky. The hall returned to tranquility, with only the endless galaxy within the qin tian mirror still surging ceaselessly, reflecting the unfathomable expressions of the two men.

After a long time, Yang Ye spoke softly, breaking the silence in the hall:

"Division Master, you actually had the successor chosen in your heart long ago. Why did you let everyone argue endlessly just now?"

Lu Wanxian slowly opened his eyes, a trace of the vicissitudes and understanding of having experienced five hundred years of wind and rain flashing deep in his eyes, and he spoke calmly:

"The position of Qintian Division Master requires the submission of the crowd to be held. Only by going through this argument can we see the hearts of the people in the hall, and let Mo Chen establish his authority before everyone. In the future, when he takes over the Qintian Division and pushes forward affairs, he will encounter fewer obstacles and truly win the submission of the crowd."

He paused, turned his gaze outside the hall, his deep eyes seeming to pierce through the layers of the giant tower's stone walls, looking toward the imperial palace deep in the imperial city, his tone low:

"Go, make all preparations in advance. The eve of the opening of the Ascension Realm has never been peaceful; all forces are surging with undercurrents. Be careful in all things."

Yang Ye bowed and withdrew, turning to walk out of the great hall. The heavy hall doors slowly closed, completely sealing off the starlight and heavy silence within the hall.

Beneath the giant tower, the prosperity of the Tianlong Imperial Capital was fully displayed; the streets were filled with heavy traffic, voices were loud and clamorous, presenting a scene of prosperous imperial power and national peace.

Yet, as Yang Ye looked at this prosperity, his heart became increasingly heavy. He knew deeply that beneath this prosperity, undercurrents were already surging...