Silver Firmament Sect

The Sect Grand Competition ended with an unexpected result.

Although Mu Yuan is still number one, he has a profound foundation in the Longevity Sutra Scripture, a Second Grade Azure Sun Tree Seed in hand, and a Second Tier Magic Tool. Even when facing Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, he can withstand a few moves.

But the second place went to Yu Lian, which appeared out of nowhere.

If he hadn't been the one who challenged others to become a true disciple, and hadn't been targeted by everyone in the later rounds, and hadn't revealed most of his techniques and trump cards by the time he entered the finals, Mu Yuan would probably have had a fierce battle with him.

Even so, Yu Lian becoming the second true disciple still caused a huge sensation in the Divine Wood Sect.

As a stepping stone for Yu Lian's rise, Luo Yixiu was secretly resented by many of the true disciples.

If he had refused Yu Lian's challenge, the latter would not have been able to become a true disciple because he did not register, and none of this would have happened.

As the Sect Grand Competition entered its final two rounds, news finally spread that the Alchemy Department was preparing to refine a batch of Yao Beast Foundation Establishment Pill, and all the true disciples learned of it.

After Chen Mobai, Mu Yuan, who held the Top True Disciple for three consecutive years, was naturally entitled to obtain one.

Based on Zeng Woyou's pill-forming rate three years ago, there should have been at least two pills.

Yu Lian, who ranked second, instantly became the object of envy for all the true disciples.

The two disciples who ranked third and fourth went so far as to find their respective department Minister and try to have Yu Lian's results canceled this year.

They all knew that doing so would make them the laughingstock of the other disciples and even all the Qi Cultivation Disciple in the sect, but since it concerned the Foundation Establishment, they had no choice but to put aside their pride.

After all, three years ago, Chen Mobai suppressed three thousand Qi Refining cultivators in the sect with a single sword strike, then obtained the Yao Beast Foundation Establishment Pill, and rose to become the youngest Foundation Establishment Elder in the sect in one step. This is a good example right before our eyes.

If they can kick the Yu Lian, they will have hope of obtaining the Foundation Establishment.

When the Minister of the Puppet Department and the Artifact Refining Department came to visit, Sect Leader Meng Hong naturally had to show his appreciation. After learning the details of the matter, he was also a little curious and ordered his subordinates from the Divination Department and Transmission Department and the Skill Transmission Department to investigate the origin of Yu Lian.

This investigation uncovered some unexpected findings.

Therefore, on the second day of the Sect Grand Competition, Meng Hong summoned the upper echelons of the Rewards and Punishments Halls and, after discussing the matter, decided to temporarily freeze the second-place result of Yu Lian's Second True Disciple.

When this news reached Chen Mobai's ears, he was somewhat surprised.

"Oh, why would the Sect Leader do this?"

Chen Mobai was in the Reward Hall. He was being led by Sun Gaochang to visit Chu Zuoshu, who was dressed in fine robes and had a square face. Judging from his appearance alone, he could beat ten Meng Hong.

It was Chu Zuoshu who told Chen Mobai the news that Yu Lian's grades were going to be frozen.

"He seems to be the last descendant of the Silver Xiao Sect. Although he used a saber as a sword during the Sect Grand Competition, the traces of the Silver Xiao Thousand Absolute Sword Scripture were still discovered by the Witchcraft Department. The Sect Leader discussed it with me and the Deputy Hall Master, and to be on the safe side, we decided to freeze his results for now."

"Silver Xiao Sect?"

This was an unfamiliar term that Chen Mobai had never heard of before. However, he didn't bother to learn about the forces in the Sky River Realm or even the Eastern Wasteland. He would have preferred to spend that time cultivating the Pure Yang Dharma Body.

"The Silver Xiao Sect is the successor of the Eternal Gate. The Eternal Gate was the Eastern Wasteland Overlord before the Five Elements Sect. It was destroyed by our Eastern Wasteland Seven Great Sects."

"The Silver Xiao Sect was established by the disciples of the Eternal Gate who once submitted to our Five Elements Sect. Unfortunately, when our Five Elements Sect split up, the Silver Xiao Sect made some small moves and was expelled from the original Yun Country territory by the Fire Vein Old Ancestor."

"However, I did not expect that after the Silver Xiao Sect moved to the neighboring Snow Country, it quickly declined. After the three Foundation Establishment Cultivator in the sect passed away one by one, on a certain day twenty years ago, a group of mysterious cultivators came to their door and looted all the inheritance and foundation they had obtained from the Eternal Gate."

Chu Zuoshu was very pleased that Chen Mobai was willing to come to the Reward Hall. Yue Zutao also accompanied him and helped make tea. The four of them, who had reached the Foundation Establishment, sat together and talked about the origins of the Silver Xiao Sect and the Eternal Gate.

"So, the annihilation of the Silver Xiao Sect has absolutely nothing to do with my Divine Wood Sect."

Chen Mobai asked with some confusion, "Although the destruction of the Silver Xiao Sect originated from the internal strife of the Five Elements Sect, it was ultimately due to our own insufficient strength and the fact that we possessed the resources of the Eternal Gate. It was a crime to possess such a treasure."

"That may be true, but who knows what the descendants of the Silver Xiao Sect are thinking? If they harbor resentment, wouldn't giving him the Foundation Establishment a bandit to enhance their own power?"

Chu Zuoshu's words made some sense, and Sun Gaochang and Yue Zutao nodded in agreement.

Chen Mobai took a sip of tea and remained silent.

"Does Junior Brother Chen have a different opinion?"

Chu Zuoshu naturally noticed this as well and asked a question.

"There is a point. After all, Yu Lian became a true disciple in full accordance with the laws and regulations of our Divine Wood Sect. If we strip him of his achievements today because of this unfounded resentment, will the sect's higher-ups use the same excuse to strip other True Disciple Foundation Establishment in the future?"

Although Chen Mobai's words were not very clear, everyone present was quick-witted and understood his meaning.

This example cannot be repeated.

"Actually, I have no objection to this matter. After all, I made an agreement with the Sect Leader that I would support whatever he wanted to do in the next two years."

"As long as he steps down and hands over the Sect Master Position to me, that's fine."

"But Quan Shanlin felt that all possible threats needed to be eliminated in advance. He not only wanted to strip that disciple of his Second True Disciple, but also wanted to recruit him into the Punishment Hall to Inspector on him at all times."

The fact that Chen Mobai is sitting here today means that he is one of Chu Zuoshu's own people, so the latter speaks very directly.

Although he doesn't usually pay much attention to things outside of cultivation, Chen Mobai of Quan Shanlin still knows about it.

The Deputy Hall Master of the Punishment Hall.

Although he is the Deputy Hall Master, he is actually the acting Hall Master, because the nominal Hall Master of the Punishment Hall Divine Wood Hall are the two Golden Core ancestors of the Divine Wood Sect.

These two naturally wouldn't manage trivial matters on a daily basis, so the Deputy Hall Master the Divine Wood Hall is Meng Hong, the Sect Leader, while the Deputy Hall Master the Punishment Hall is Quan Shanlin, the Direct Disciple of Old Ancestor Fu, who is also a master in the late Foundation Establishment.

Of the Three Great Halls of the Divine Wood Sect, only the Reward Hall has Chu Zuoshu, a Chu Zuoshu Foundation Establishment Cultivator, as its Hall Master. However, both he and Meng Hong are disciples of Old Ancestor Zhou, so their positions as Hall Master are secure.

"The Sect Leader is still kind-hearted. He just plans to freeze that disciple's grades for this year and temper him. Four years later, when the Jade Marrow Golden Ganoderma matures, if he has real skills, he will still get a genuine Orthodox Foundation Establishment Pill."

Chu Zuoshu stated the resolution reached by the Three Great Halls when they discussed this matter. He now follows Meng Hong's lead in everything. With the two of them agreeing, Quan Shanlin had no choice but to accept it.

"If you do that, even if there is no resentment, there probably will be."

Chen Mobai sighed. If it were someone who had earned their achievements honestly and fairly through their own abilities, but had them frozen because of this, even the most magnanimous person would feel resentful.

When the Divine Wood Sect is powerful, Yu Lian certainly wouldn't dare to show it, but if something unexpected happens in the future, this resentment will probably become a seed and flourish.

"That's true. Since this person was able to make a name for himself and win Second True Disciple competition on his first try, he must be a person with Spiritual Root. If Foundation Establishment with resentment in his heart, he will be a significant hidden danger to the sect in the future."

After Chen Mobai reminded him, Chu Zuoshu also realized what was going on.

Meng Hong only has two years left. With Yu Lian's strength, obtaining the Orthodox Foundation Establishment Pill in four years is a piece of cake. But at that time, he will probably harbor resentment because of what happened today.

Chu Zuoshu was the sect Sect Leader at that time, so wouldn't he have to pay the price for Meng Hong's mistakes?

After all, if Yu Lian really Foundation Establishment, he, as the Sect Leader, will be in a very awkward position.

This person is an elder of the Divine Wood Sect, but he is very likely to be disloyal! If he reaches the Foundation Establishment, he will receive thousands of Spirit Stone every year, as well as corresponding Spirit Vein and positions. Moreover, Yu Lian will be suspicious of the sect.

"The Sect Leader's decree hasn't been issued yet. I'll go talk to the Sect Leader again and see if we can discuss it further."

After thinking it through, Chu Zuoshu put down his teacup, got up, and decided to go to the Divine Wood Hall.

Chen Mobai never expected that Chu Zuoshu would be such a swayed leader who listened to advice and was also quite impulsive in his actions.

After thinking it over, he left, abandoning his guest.

"Junior Brother Chen, have some tea."

Yue Zutao could only act as a substitute for his master to greet Sun Gaochang and Chen Mobai.

After drinking one pot of wine, the two immediately took their leave.

"Senior Brother Yue, it's getting late. I have to see Senior Brother Yuan off today. I was planning to ask the Hall Master about the Lei Kingdom's Spirit Stone Mine deficit and whether I could be a representative of the Reward Hall to make the trip. It seems I'll have to postpone it for another day."

In reality, Chen Mobai was also too lazy to go out, so he didn't mention it at the beginning. Now that Chu Zuoshu has gone to the Divine Wood Hall, he can only bring it up next time they meet.

"This should be easy, but it may have to wait until next year when your position is officially transferred from the Spiritual Plant Department to the Reward Hall."

Yue Zutao was one of the Inspector Envoy of the Reward Hall, and he was very familiar with the procedures involved.

"Then I'll have to trouble Senior Brother Yue."

They were at the Reward Hall in Divine Wood City. After leaving, Sun Gaochang returned to the Spiritual Plant Department, while Chen Mobai went directly to E Yun's residence.

Coincidentally, he ran into the Luo Siblings at the door.

"Greetings, Uncle Chen."

Luo Yixuan lifted the hem of her palace dress and gracefully bowed to Chen Mobai. However, Luo Yixiu, who was beside him, took a step back when she saw him.

"Okay, let's go in together."

Chen Mobai naturally knew why they had come, but what he didn't expect was that Luo Yixiu had become a true disciple after the Sect Grand Competition and was full of pride and arrogance, would turn into this after being defeated by Yu Lian.

He noticed Chen Mobai's gaze and dared not meet it. He lowered his head and looked at the ground, his eyes hesitant and timid, as if he had completely lost his confidence, as if he had been utterly defeated.

"Uncle-Master Chen..., Uncle Luo's matter... has nothing to do with me... I returned to the sect last year... the Spirit Stone Mine's deficit definitely has nothing to do with me..."

Luo Yixiu's speech became somewhat incoherent. He stammered, his face showing a hint of fear, as he uttered a long string of excuses for himself.

Only after hearing this did Chen Mobai finally understand.

It turned out that the reason for Yu Lian, but because of her own backer. Luo Shupin had fallen and might even be accused of treason, which made Luo Yixiu, who had never experienced such a huge change, dejected.

"If your confidence comes from your family or elders, you will never become a truly powerful cultivator in this lifetime."

Although Chen Mobai didn't particularly like Luo Yixiu, he still couldn't bear to see such a proud young man become so dejected overnight.

But after offering a word of advice, he saw that Luo Yixiu's head was lowered even further, and her whole body was shrunken behind Luo Yixuan. He couldn't help but shake his head and turn around to walk into E Yun's residence.

"Thank you for your advice, Uncle Chen."

Luo Yixuan's words of mediation came from behind, and the brother and sister followed her in.

Luo Yixiu's legs trembled as if he were walking to the execution ground. In the end, Luo Yixuan had to drag him to the courtyard.

"Greetings to my three senior uncles."

E Yun and Yuan Chiye had already set out a table, and a jar of wine had been opened. Chen Mobai sat down and smelled it, discovering that it was his own Second Grade Jade Bamboo Spirit Wine. He wondered whose jar it was.

"Sit down. There are some things we need to ask you. Just answer truthfully, and the sect will not wrong you."

E Yun pointed to two long tables in the courtyard, which were naturally bare, without any food or wine.

"Yes, Uncle E."

After Luo Yixuan sat down, Luo Yixiu also forced himself to calm down and sat on the other side.

Chen Mobai remained silent, drinking and eating throughout the meal.

"Well, we understand the general situation. You two should focus on your cultivation within the sect these days. I will also be going to Yun Country to talk to the patriarch of your Luo Family."

After asking the question, E Yun nodded and waved his hand, indicating that the two could leave.

"My three senior uncles, I believe that my grand-uncle would not betray the sect. Moreover, even if he made a small mistake, his crime is not as serious as that of my entire Luo Family."

When Luo Yixiu got up to take his leave, he heard that E Yun was going to the Yun Country family. Fearing that his last support would also be affected, he mustered up his courage and said something.

Luo Yixuan was too late to stop him and inwardly cursed her misfortune. She could only tug at her brother's sleeve, trying to lead him away with his head down.

"Whether someone is guilty or not, whether it's a big mistake or a small mistake, is not up to you or me to decide. The sect will investigate and find out the truth."

As expected, E Yun, who had been expressionless, frowned slightly upon hearing Luo Yixiu's words and replied in a somewhat harsh tone.

"Uncle-Master..."

Luo Yixiu also noticed that E Yun's expression and tone were a bit off. The courage she had just mustered instantly dissipated, and she stood there stammering, at a loss for what to do.

Luo Yixuan didn't dare to make any move at this moment, and could only stand there with her brother as punishment, waiting for the next words from the Foundation Establishment Elder in front of her.

"Alright, you may leave."

Just then, Chen Mobai's voice rang out.

These seemingly ordinary words sounded like Heavenly Resonance to Luo Yixuan's ears.