Chen Xingyun's Decision

Patriarch Chen Xingyuan listened quietly, his gaze shifting between the two parties arguing.

He looked at the Second Elder, Chen Xinghai, who was in charge of the family's financial operations and had remained silent.

Chen Xinghai stroked his jade abacus and whispered to the Patriarch, "The rewards brought back by Elder Xingyun, especially the servant quotas, if managed properly... might allow us to 'buy' Minghao a chance to enter the outer sect at a critical moment... as long as the resources are in place."

This remark enlightened Chen Xingyuan. Although the Azure Profound Sect was difficult to enter, as long as there were sufficient resources and connections, disciples with good talent were not entirely without a chance to bypass the entrance examination.

The servant quotas also had their flexibility.

As soon as these words were spoken, the arguing gradually subsided.

Chen Xingyuan took a deep breath and surveyed the crowd. "What all the Elders have said has merit. Chen Heng has made outstanding contributions, possesses considerable potential, is particularly skilled in combat and artifact refining, and has a tenacious disposition; Chen Minghao has unparalleled talent and an excellent spiritual root. Both are treasures of the family.

"However, the quotas are limited, and the decision is difficult..."

His gaze sharpened. "To ensure fairness and justice, and to consider Elder Xingyun's needs, as well as the family's current and future interests to the greatest extent, I propose: we do not designate specific candidates for now!"

"Let Elder Xingyun and the Clan Leader discuss and then consider and observe the nominated disciples, perhaps setting up one or two trials, and make a decision based on their performance and potential! What do you say to this proposal?"

This proposal was relatively balanced. It acknowledged the value of the candidates recommended by each party and handed the final decision-making power to the most crucial figure, Chen Xingyun, thus avoiding further disputes.

The Elders pondered for a moment.

The Great Elder, Chen Xingzhou, was the first to nod. "The Patriarch's proposal is sound. I second it. The final candidate should be decided by Elder Xingyun and the Clan Leader."

He represented Chen Heng's side in approving this compromise plan.

"Seconded."

"Seconded."

"Seconded."

The proposal was approved by the majority of the Elders.

The final decision was to nominate Chen Heng and Chen Minghao for the final candidate list, with Chen Xingyun and the Clan Leader Chen Tianheng conducting the final observation and decision.

The two servant quotas would also be within the scope of consideration.

The clan meeting ended, and everyone dispersed.

Chen Xingzhou glanced at Chen Xingyuan. Their eyes met, and both understood that the real decision-making power now lay in a conversation between the two Foundation Establishment true cultivators on the mountaintop.

Atop Jade Spring Mountain, in the Cloud Gazing Pavilion.

Clan Leader Chen Tianheng and Chen Xingyun stood in the pavilion, leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance.

The sea of clouds churned beneath their feet, and spiritual energy permeated the air.

"Xingyun, how is the sect's situation?" Chen Tianheng asked gently, with the concern of an elder.

Chen Xingyun's gaze was deep, with faint electric sparks flickering within. "It's turbulent and unpredictable, far surpassing the southern foothills. Several peaks stand within the sect, each with its own sequence of true disciples."

"The disciples of Lightning Roar Peak are known for their formidable combat prowess, but they have also made many enemies."

"Although the sect's resources are abundant, the competition is also fierce. A single step behind means falling behind at every step."

Chen Tianheng nodded in understanding. For a family genius to enter a major sect was like a stream merging into the ocean; the initial stages were bound to be difficult.

"The three quotas have preliminary candidates decided by the family, awaiting our deliberation."

He briefly and concisely informed Chen Xingyun of the clan meeting's proceedings, especially the nomination of Chen Heng and Chen Minghao, the reasons for both sides, and Chen Xinghai's suggestion about "resource management."

Chen Xingyun listened quietly, a faint silver-white electric arc flickering erratically at her fingertips.

"Chen Minghao... a seventh-grade high-rank spiritual root, his talent is indeed good."

She paused, her tone flat. "He's a hothouse flower, untested by wind and rain, and has never truly seen blood."

"The sect's outer sect recruits many with such talent every year, and a considerable number of them become ordinary. The Azure Profound Sect is not Jade Spring Mountain. While the resources are abundant, the competition is a hundred times more brutal."

The electric arc at her fingertips disappeared, and her gaze shifted towards the Green Bamboo Lodge below the mountain, as if she could see the person within through the bamboo forest.

"Chen Heng... I do recall this name from the battle recordings."

"Qi Refining third layer? He was able to use calculations and the mortal 'Blade-Hiding Staff' technique to kill a Luo Family woman with a high-grade wind spiritual root?"

"That calmness, that decisiveness in killing, and that ability to find the only path to victory in a disadvantageous situation... this capability, this mindset, is even more valuable."

"His feigned defeat to lure the enemy, though seemingly a risky gamble, was actually meticulously planned, even fooling that old fox from the Luo Family. Such intelligence, such combat adaptability... cannot be simply measured by spiritual root talent."

A hint of admiration flashed in Chen Xingyun's eyes. "Within the sect, there are many with exceptionally high talent, but only those who can remain meticulous and ruthless in life-and-death duels can go further."

"The fact that he mastered artifact refining by unconventional means when the family's resources were scarce further demonstrates his self-driving force."

"Moreover, he has also mastered the 'Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation'... this technique is incomplete, yet he was able to cultivate it, which must be due to his extraordinary qualities. Such a talent is precisely the support I need."

"As for his spiritual root?"

Chen Xingyun shook her head slightly, and the electric arc reappeared at her fingertips, this time much stronger. "I have seen many with mediocre talent in the sect who, through tenacious willpower, special encounters, or unique skills, have distinguished themselves."

"The fact that he could cultivate his techniques to great success with a fifth-grade spiritual root, and enter the ranks of artifact refining within half a year, already proves his potential and resilience in overcoming talent limitations."

"The sect's secret medicines and high-level cultivation methods may not be unable to compensate for some of it. Besides..."

She paused, her tone becoming meaningful, "The sect is not entirely peaceful. Some enemies may not fight fair and square."

"A helper who is meticulous, decisive, and possesses crafting skills... is far more useful than a 'genius seedling' whose talent is good but still requires long-term nurturing and care."

Hearing this, Chen Tianheng already understood Chen Xingyun's inclination.

What she valued was the combat readiness and immense potential Chen Heng had displayed.

This potential wasn't just in his cultivation, but more so in his ability to adapt to situations, his combat wisdom, his resilience, his survival skills, and his budding crafting talent.

It better fit her judgment and needs for the fierce competitive environment brewing within the sect.

"That Azure Profound Golden Token... you're leaning towards him?" Chen Tianheng confirmed.

"Mm," Chen Xingyun nodded, her tone firm, "Rather than gambling on an unpolished jade's growth in a brutal environment, it's better to accept a blade that has already shown its sharpness and intelligence."

"He has the ability to survive in the Azure Profound Sect's outer court, and even more so, the ability to become my asset. There are risks, but it's worth the gamble."

She looked at Chen Tianheng, "Uncle-Ancestor, what do you think?"

Chen Tianheng stroked his beard and smiled, "Xingyun, your considerations are thorough, grounded in the present, and focused on the future. It aligns perfectly with your and the family's practical needs for the next few decades."

"I also agree with this choice. The clan's concerns about aptitude and talent are merely following convention.

"In extraordinary times, we must employ extraordinary talents. Chen Heng's contributions, abilities, temperament, and potential all merit this Golden Token! I will handle the coordination with the family."

"As for Chen Minghao..." Chen Xingyun added, "Talent is ultimately a good foundation. One of the two servant spots can be given to him, allowing him to enter the sect with me and experience the grandeur of a major sect."

"If his will can withstand tempering, he might still have a future. For the other servant, we can choose Chen Mingyue. She is young, and entering the sect to forge her foundation also holds promise for the future."

"Excellent!" Chen Tianheng nodded, "This arrangement is most appropriate."

Chen Xingyun gazed towards the distant sky, thunder rumbling faintly within the clouds, "Now that the spots are decided, we must announce it widely to clarify matters, reassure the people, boost our prestige, and prevent further doubts within the clan."

"It will also deter external enemies, showing that our Chen family has successors!" Sharpness flashed in her eyes, "As for Chen Heng... I will meet him personally."

"To see what his attitude is towards this matter, towards joining the Azure Profound Sect, and towards Luo Yuyan's Three Year Pact!"

On the mountain peak, their decision was made.

As the news was announced, the Chen family on Jade Spring Mountain erupted once more.

The direct descendant, Chen Minghao, received a servant spot to accompany them into the sect. Although disappointed not to get the Golden Token, he understood this was another opportunity.

And Chen Heng, a collateral branch's illegitimate son, received the "Azure Profound Golden Token," symbolizing core cultivation!

His imminent entry into the Azure Profound Sect's outer court in two years completely ignited discussions within the clan, filled with astonishment, envy, jealousy, and complex emotions.

Countless gazes once again focused on the young man who was once unknown, and now had suddenly become the Chen family's new rising star.