Suspected Sect Master

He fiddled with the sword in his hand again, realizing that what he hadn't practiced was indeed unpracticed. His wrist couldn't quite handle the swing of the sword's momentum, and the angles he was accustomed to were awkward, easily injuring his bones and muscles. He sheathed the long sword, stretched his wrist, and contemplated practicing to loosen his tendons and bones. His body was still young, and it was not too late to start practicing now.

With his hands behind his back, he strolled slowly through the courtyard, observing his surroundings. He took cultivation seriously; he had to possess the ability to protect himself. Otherwise, constantly being threatened by others and always acting like a turtle hiding in its shell was an unpleasant experience. As the saying goes, a true man can bend and stretch. He couldn't always be bending, could he?

He found a suitable room and settled in for the time being. Since he had nothing else to do, he sat cross-legged and began to mentally practice the cultivation technique he had learned previously, "Taiyi." He had long mastered this technique, and cultivating it was second nature. He had come to the Shangqing Sect tirelessly because he had witnessed Dongguo Haoran's skill and wished to cultivate more profound techniques. However, it seemed that it wouldn't be so easy to achieve his goals at the moment. He could only practice his own techniques for now, aiming to gain some self-protection abilities.

As for the origin of the "Taiyi" technique he cultivated, he discovered it during an archaeological excavation in an ancient tomb. The tomb's occupant was found sitting cross-legged, holding a jade box containing several pages of golden scripture, which recorded the "Taiyi" cultivation method. He spent countless hours studying it, poring over ancient texts to decipher its secrets, before achieving his later accomplishments and earning the title of "Daoist Master" in the martial world.

However, he was not satisfied. The reason was simple: the content of those few golden pages was limited, containing only a Qi-refining technique and a sword technique. Based on the profound and mysterious general principles deciphered from the preface, the results of mastering it should allow one to fly through the heavens and burrow through the earth, becoming omnipotent. The thought alone was exhilarating. The Qi-refining technique and sword technique he possessed were far from reaching such a realm; they felt like mere introductory material. He believed he was not cultivating the complete "Taiyi." Therefore, he continuously sought clues to the complete "Taiyi," which was also why he had encountered misfortune in the ancient tomb. After witnessing Dongguo Haoran's strength, the impact on him was immense, and he resolutely left that mountain village.

Days passed one by one. Although his meals were delivered on time, it felt like imprisonment. Guards were stationed outside, and he was never allowed to step out of the courtyard. No one spoke to him, as if he had been isolated from the world.

His repeated requests to see Tang Mu were also in vain. He found this rather unusual. Judging from Dongguo Haoran's words and his trust in Tang Mu, as well as being Tang Mu's junior brother, it was unlikely that Tang Mu wouldn't see him after Dongguo Haoran's death. He realized that some unforeseen change might have occurred that he was unaware of, which was likely the reason for the guards' unfriendly attitude towards him. However, he had no opportunity to interact with the outside world, nor did he have the ability to do anything here. He could only wait and endure!

He did not waste this free time. In addition to cultivating Taiyi, he also began to strengthen his body, practicing splits, handstands, and weight-bearing exercises. Stretching his tendons and bones at his age was slightly late, and he endured considerable hardship. However, with his determination, what hardship could he not endure?

Furthermore, he spent his time fiddling with the bronze mirror. This bronze mirror had been found on him when Song Yanqing searched him. However, Song Yanqing clearly didn't take the bronze mirror seriously. Instead, he was quite interested in the token given by the female general's archery. After inquiring about the token's origin, he tossed the unremarkable bronze mirror back to him and confiscated the token.

Niu Youdao, however, felt that this bronze mirror was definitely not simple. Firstly, it strongly resembled the ancient bronze mirror he had seen in the ancient tomb. Secondly, Dongguo Haoran had said that his life was lost because of this bronze mirror and had instructed him to give it only to Tang Mu. How could this bronze mirror be simple? It was likely that Song Yanqing was blind and didn't recognize its value.

Yet, no matter how he fiddled with the bronze mirror, studying it whenever he had free time, he couldn't figure out anything significant...

The main hall of the Shangqing Sect was named Shangqing Palace. A group of three people headed straight for the main hall and met Luo Yuangong, Su Po, and Tang Susu.

Currently, the position of Sect Master of the Shangqing Sect was vacant, and the three of them were temporarily jointly managing affairs with the Sect Master Token.

After the three who came to pay their respects had completed their salutations, Luo Yuangong asked, "How is the investigation coming along?"

The leading disciple reported, "The people from Xiaomiao Village have confirmed it is Niu Youdao. There should be no mistake. Niu Youdao left Xiaomiao Village some time ago. He disappeared the day after Xiaomiao Village encountered the military disaster. The timing matches. The people of Xiaomiao Village are also looking for him, thinking he was harmed by wild beasts. When they saw Niu Youdao's portrait, the villagers recognized him immediately. As for that token, Junior Brother Wu went to Guangyi Commandery and found the token's owner, who also confirmed it. It is indeed true."

Tang Susu said with a stern face, "Niu Youdao's demeanor does not seem like that of a country bumpkin."

The disciple replied, "We investigated this as well. In the past, a down-and-out scholar stayed in Xiaomiao Village for a while. Niu Youdao's family was killed in the war, and he lived alone. There was an empty room in his house, and that scholar stayed in Niu Youdao's home, teaching him to read and write. Niu Youdao was considered one of the few literate people in the village. As for the depth of Niu Youdao's knowledge, the villagers' understanding couldn't distinguish it. After the scholar left, his whereabouts became unknown, and it would be difficult to find him for verification now."

Luo Yuangong asked, "Could the people of Xiaomiao Village be deceiving us?"

The disciple replied, "I first investigated the people of Xiaomiao Village and confirmed that they are all genuine villagers of Xiaomiao Village. There is no mistake about this."

"If that is the case, then Niu Youdao's identity should not be a problem," Luo Yuangong said, turning to look at Su Po and Tang Susu.

Tang Susu said calmly, "What if someone found someone similar to impersonate Niu Youdao? It would be better to have the villagers identify him in person."

Thus, a few days later, Niu Youdao finally left Peach Blossom Spring. No one knew where he was going, only that he was taken to the nearest town. He was still curious about the local customs and traditions of the city. However, after a tour of the city, he returned without doing anything. He couldn't understand the purpose.

After returning, he was locked back in the courtyard.

Meanwhile, the three elders of the Shangqing Sect seemed to become busy, repeatedly summoning the Inner Sect Disciples of the Shangqing Sect for private talks.

A full month later, Niu Youdao was brought out of Peach Blossom Spring again and taken to Shangqing Palace on the opposite cliff.

Several large bronze furnaces made the vast and spacious main hall warm. All the Inner Sect Disciples within the sect were present, many with solemn expressions.

Niu Youdao stood in the center of the hall, looking around. Seeing a group of people staring at him, he felt a bit bewildered and didn't understand their intentions.

He finally mustered the courage and said, "My master, before he passed away, ordered me to meet the Sect Master!"

Luo Yuangong, standing in the center at the head of the hall, sighed and said, "You are too late. Sect Master Tang Mu has already passed away!"

"Ah!" Niu Youdao exclaimed, stunned. What was going on? He finally understood why Tang Mu had never seen him; he had died.

Luo Yuangong slowly said, "Since Dongguo Haoran has accepted you as his disciple, summoning you here today is the Shangqing Sect's formal recognition of your identity. Furthermore, there is one more matter to ask you: if you were to be the Sect Master of the Shangqing Sect, would you be willing?"

"What?" He had been quite happy listening up to this point, finally being recognized. But hearing the latter part startled Niu Youdao. He thought he had misheard. Looking at the solemn gazes around him, he pointed to his own nose and asked, "Me, the Sect Master?"

Luo Yuangong nodded, indicating that he had heard correctly.

Niu Youdao's first reaction was that there was a trick involved. Given their previous attitude towards him, there was no way they would consider him for the position of Sect Master. Even if it were true, it couldn't be a good thing. If there were such good fortune, it wouldn't fall to him. He quickly waved his hands and said, "No, no, it's not appropriate. I am untalented and lack virtue, I cannot do it!"

As soon as he said this, Tang Susu's stern expression softened considerably.

Luo Yuangong pressed again, "Are you sure you do not wish to be the Sect Master?"

Niu Youdao continued to wave his hands in refusal, "I don't even know what being a Sect Master entails. I truly cannot do it. Please find someone more capable."

Luo Yuangong looked around at everyone and asked loudly, "Did you all hear that?"

All the disciples replied in unison, "We heard."

What was going on? Niu Youdao looked around, slightly suspicious of the commotion.

Tang Yi, among the crowd, did not speak but slowly lowered her head, seeming reluctant to meet Niu Youdao's gaze.

Luo Yuangong, however, gestured for him to leave. "Since that is the case, you may return first."

Song Yanqing walked up to Niu Youdao. This time, he showed a smiling expression and extended his hand to Niu Youdao, saying, "Junior Brother, you've worked hard. Please go back!"

Niu Youdao cast backward glances, still filled with suspicion, unsure what these people were up to. He followed Song Yanqing away.

Along the way, Song Yanqing seemed to be in a good mood, patting Niu Youdao's shoulder from time to time, acting very friendly, almost as if they were close friends. When they reached the courtyard outside Peach Blossom Spring on the mountain, he said to Chen Guishuo, who was guarding in shifts, "From now on, we are all fellow disciples. Don't always keep the door closed. You can let Junior Brother Niu out to get some fresh air when you have time. Oh, and give Junior Brother Niu two extra dishes and a jar of good wine later."

"Yes!" Chen Guishuo replied with a smile.

Niu Youdao was also pleased. He thought that, as Luo Yuangong had said, his identity as a Shangqing Sect disciple had been formally recognized. He also said cheerfully, "I've been at the Shangqing Sect for so long, and I haven't properly explored the grounds yet. I was just thinking of going down the mountain to look around and experience the grandeur of our Shangqing Sect." He turned to leave, thinking he had regained his freedom.

Song Yanqing's expression stiffened. He quickly reached out to stop him, pointed to the cliff outside the courtyard, and said with a smile, "Junior Brother, just getting some fresh air by the entrance is fine. Don't wander too far down the mountain. You've only just joined, it's not time for you to be running around."

"..." Niu Youdao was speechless. He slowly turned back to look at the small area outside the courtyard and realized that he was indeed only allowed out for some fresh air.

In Shangqing Palace, a group of Inner Sect Disciples came out one after another. Some appeared quite happy, while others seemed rather silent.

After the disciples left, Tang Susu, inside the hall, spread her hands and smiled, "So, he gave up the position of Sect Master himself."

Luo Yuangong and Su Po exchanged a sigh. Having Niu Youdao become the Sect Master of Shangqing Sect was indeed inappropriate, but using such means seemed rather despicable. Anyone who wasn't a fool would likely refuse if asked this way. If they truly wanted to ask, they should try and let Niu Youdao know the truth if they dared.

Su Po said, "He's only suspected of being the Sect Master now. It's possible Dongguo has other surviving disciples."

Tang Susu insisted, "Fine! Then we'll wait another three months. If there's no news, we'll do as I say."

Su Po shook his head, "What we're doing lacks integrity."

Tang Susu said solemnly, "We are also doing what's best for Shangqing Sect. Otherwise, how could the other disciples agree to let some clueless youngster be the Sect Master? That would be a joke! Besides, we haven't treated him unfairly. Tang Yi's beauty is unmatched in Ziyun Commandery! In the end, he's still getting a good deal. This way, we can account for it both internally and externally!"

Luo Yuangong frowned, "Will Tang Yi agree when she finds out?"

Tang Susu stated solemnly, "As a disciple of Shangqing Sect and the Sect Master's daughter, at this critical juncture, how can she not step forward and bravely shoulder the responsibility? I am not only an Elder of Shangqing Sect, but also her grand-aunt. Her parents are gone, so naturally, I, as the elder, will make the decision."