Time rewinds to half a day ago.
Qingxuan Sect’s main peak, Returning to Origin Hall.
“If there are no objections to the division of the medicinal gardens, Immortal Fields, and pill rooms among the various peaks, then it is settled.”
Sect Master Zhou Tong asked the assembly.
Although the Peak Masters had different expressions, none voiced any opposition.
“Then it is settled.”
Sect Master Zhou Tong nodded, tossing a few documents aside, and then picked up a jade scroll, saying:
“Additionally, yesterday, the Nine Mansions sent an emissary to deliver a decree. The disciple who will represent Qingxuan in the Immortal Gourd Cave three years from now has been decided.”
Upon hearing this, the Peak Masters’ eyes lit up.
Especially the Seventh Peak Master Zhao Qian and the Sixth Peak Master Meng Qingqiu.
Because the Immortal Gourd Cave has an age restriction for cultivators, only those under eighteen can enter.
Among the under-eighteen cultivators, Xu Taiping of the Seventh Peak and Lin Buyu of the Sixth Peak were undoubtedly the top talents of their generation.
Thus, they had a high chance of being selected.
“After careful selection by the Nine Mansions, the one representing our Qingxuan Sect in the Immortal Gourd Cave will be Ye Xuan of the First Peak.”
Zhou Tong said calmly.
Except for the First Peak Master Jin Yue, the other Peak Masters exchanged puzzled glances.
Before the Seven Peaks competition, no one would have objected to Ye Xuan representing Qingxuan in the Immortal Gourd Cave.
But in the recent Seven Peaks competition, Xu Taiping and Lin Buyu’s performances were clearly superior to Ye Xuan’s, as everyone had witnessed.
Now, this precious spot was given to Ye Xuan, naturally causing dissatisfaction among the others.
“Jin Yue thanks the Sect Master and the Nine Mansions on behalf of Ye Xuan.”
First Peak Master Jin Yue stood up and bowed to Zhou Tong.
Judging by his calm demeanor, it was likely he had known about this in advance.
“Sect Master, may we see the document from the Nine Mansions to understand why our disciples were not selected?”
Sixth Peak Master Meng Qingqiu asked coldly.
Although having the qualification to enter the Immortal Gourd Cave did not guarantee obtaining fortuity, the opportunity itself was a chance for young disciples to shine, and she did not want Lin Buyu to miss it.
“Sect Master, I would also like to see that document.”
Zhao Qian stood up as well.
In his view, given Xu Taiping’s age, cultivation, and his performance in the Ruins of the Cloud Dream Marsh, the spot should have been a sure thing. Yet, he was not selected.
Moreover, he had boasted to his granduncle while drinking that Xu Taiping would definitely get the spot. Now that he hadn’t, without an explanation, he would surely be ridiculed by his granduncle.
“Can’t the Sect Master even make such a small decision?”
Zhou Tong looked coldly at Zhao Qian and Meng Qingqiu, releasing his imposing aura.
His words were clear: Ye Xuan’s spot was his decision.
Though Meng Qingqiu and Zhao Qian were displeased, arguing further would be pointless unless they wanted to break ties.
As Sect Master, Zhou Tong indeed had the authority.
However, doing so would dishearten the other peaks.
But clearly, Zhou Tong no longer cared about the other Peak Masters’ opinions.
“Sect Master.”
At this moment, a main peak disciple hurried into the hall.
“The emissary from the Nine Mansions is outside, saying he has just received a decree from the Nine Mansions’ Immortal Alliance and has urgent news to deliver.”
He reported to Zhou Tong.
“Have him wait a moment.”
Zhou Tong ordered with a frown.
“Sect Master, the emissary said this matter requires the presence of the other Peak Masters as well.”
The disciple said nervously.
Hearing this, Zhou Tong frowned, and Jin Yue also looked puzzled.
“Let him in.”
Under the watchful eyes of Zhao Qian and the others, Zhou Tong finally nodded.
…
“Junior emissary of the Nine Mansions, Xu Shengbo, greets Sect Master Zhou and the Peak Masters.”
A young disciple with a refined appearance entered the hall and respectfully greeted everyone.
Zhao Qian and the other Peak Masters nodded slightly.
Sect Master Zhou Tong looked at Xu Shengbo with some confusion and asked:
“What urgent matter from the Nine Mansions brings you here in such haste?”
His tone was slightly displeased.
“Apologies for the abruptness, Sect Master Zhou and Peak Masters.”
Xu Shengbo bowed apologetically and explained:
“I just received a transmission from the Nine Mansions, and since it concerns the other peaks, I rushed over as soon as I knew you were all here.”
Hearing this, the Peak Masters looked at Xu Shengbo curiously.
Since he put it that way, Zhou Tong couldn’t stay angry and waved his hand:
“No matter, what is the urgent matter? Speak.”
Xu Shengbo nodded and took out the transmission jade scroll, handing it to a disciple to pass to Sect Master Zhou, and said loudly, “The Immortal Law Enforcement of the Nine Mansions wishes to invite Xu Taiping of the Seventh Peak to represent the Nine Mansions’ Immortal Alliance in the Immortal Gourd Cave three years from now.”
Hearing this, everyone, including Sect Master Zhou, was stunned.
“Wait, wait, young brother from the Nine Mansions, are you saying that the Immortal Law Enforcement wants to invite Taiping to represent them in the Immortal Gourd Cave?”
After a moment of shock, Zhao Qian reacted and looked at Xu Shengbo with excitement.
“Yes, Peak Master Zhao, our Immortal Law Enforcement wishes to invite Xu Taiping of the Seventh Peak to help us in the Immortal Gourd Cave three years from now.”
Xu Shengbo nodded seriously and repeated.
“Are you sure the Nine Mansions wants to invite Xu Taiping?”
Sect Master Zhou looked at the jade scroll in his hand and then at Xu Shengbo with a frown.
“Absolutely.”
Xu Shengbo nodded firmly.
…
Qi Yue Pavilion.
“You have no idea, the Sect Master’s face was almost green with anger.”
In the main hall of the front courtyard, Zhao Linglong vividly described what she had heard from Peak Master Zhao, while continuously stuffing fruits from the table into her mouth.