Great Elder, White-Haired Old Woman, finally decided to appoint Yun Yun as the Flower Sect Leader, Hua Jin, who was slumped on the ground and had just taken a pill to barely stabilize her injuries, had an unpredictable expression, turning pale and then flushed.
She knew her chances were slim, but her intense resentment made her unwilling to accept defeat.
After a long pause, a glint of malice flashed in her eyes. She struggled to raise her head and said in a deep voice, "Great Elder! Please reconsider! I have worked hard for many years, exhausting all my efforts, to finally bring the Heaven Nether Sect and my Flower Sect to the brink of joining forces!"
"Now that the position of Sect Master has suddenly changed, and... and Lin Ming has acted so ruthlessly, severely injuring Demonic Youngster! I think not only will this alliance fall through completely, but given the Heaven Nether Sect's vengeful nature, they probably won't let this go easily. At that time, my Flower Sect may face the wrath of the Heaven Nether Sect!"
The threatening meaning in Hua Jin's words was quite clear. She was trying to use the pressure from the Heaven Nether Sect to shake the Great Elder's decision and even sow discord. She emphasized that she was the one who facilitated the alliance between the two sects, and that Yun Yun's rise to power and Lin Ming's actions would ruin everything and attract powerful enemies.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, the White-Haired Old Woman's wrinkled brows furrowed slightly.
As the Great Elder of the Flower Sect, she was naturally aware of the situation outside the sect.
Although the Flower Sect and the Heaven Nether Sect are known as the "Two Sects," in recent years, the Heaven Nether Sect has expanded its power rapidly, acted more and more domineeringly and forcefully, and has many powerful figures within its sect. Its overall strength has already subtly surpassed that of the Flower Sect.
The Demonic Flower Evil Lord was an elder of the Heaven Nether Sect.
Originally, they planned to ease tensions and even unite the two sects to deal with the increasingly complex situation in the Middle Continent through the marriage between Hua Jin and Demonic Flower Evil Lord.
If what Hua Jin said is true, then antagonizing the Heaven Nether Sect over this matter would indeed be a considerable problem.
The Middle Continent Plains is full of hidden talents; there are forces that can rival the two sects, but most of them keep a low profile. If the Flower Sect becomes an enemy of the Heaven Nether Sect, its situation will become difficult.
"To negotiate with a tiger for its skin is to be devoured by it in the end..."
Just as the atmosphere became somewhat tense, Lin Ming's calm voice rang out again.
Lin Ming smiled slightly, not even glancing at the icy gaze of the Demonic Flower Evil Lord that was practically spitting fire. He simply looked at the white-haired Great Elder and analyzed clearly, "Great Elder, you should know the way the Heaven Nether Sect operates better than anyone else."
"They are ambitious and far from being benevolent. The so-called alliance between the two sects will likely find it difficult to achieve true balance and equality. Given the domineering nature of the Heaven Nether Sect, sooner or later they will turn the tables and gradually erode the sect's power. At that time, the Flower Sect's millennia-old foundation may no longer belong to 'Hua' but will have to be renamed 'Tianming,' becoming a branch sect under their control. I hope the Great Elder will be extremely cautious about such an act of inviting wolves into the house."
"Lin Ming! Stop talking nonsense and spreading alarmist rumors!" Upon hearing this, Hua Jin's expression changed drastically. She shouted angrily like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, trying to interrupt Lin Ming.
However, Lin Ming completely ignored the barking of his defeated opponent. His gaze remained calmly fixed on the white-haired Great Elder as he continued to place his bets, his voice steady and powerful. "Great Elder, if you don't mind that my Five Elements Sect is newly established and still has a shallow foundation, perhaps in the future my Five Elements Sect can become a more reliable and equal ally of the Flower Sect."
"I, Lin Ming, here today, as the Pill Gathering Champion Refining Competition and Tier 8 Alchemist, guarantee that the alliance between the Five Elements Sect and the Flower Sect is entirely without any intention of encroachment or annexation, but solely for mutual benefit and assistance, to jointly cope with the turmoil in the Middle Continent Plains. I believe the pill support I can provide will not disappoint the Flower Sect."
One is a seasoned jackal known for his domineering nature and treacherous intentions;
One is a new ally with unlimited potential, great sincerity, and valuable alchemy resources.
Choosing between these two options is actually not difficult.
Lin Ming's words, especially the phrase "I guarantee this with my identity as Alchemist" and the implied support in the form of medicinal pills, carried immense weight!
The white- Great Elder listened quietly, the calculating look in his eyes gradually replaced by clarity.
She glanced at Lin Ming, then at the Demonic Flower Evil Lord, whose eyes remained stubborn and sinister despite his severe injuries. Considering the various actions of the Heaven Nether Sect in recent years, she finally made a decision.
A faint smile appeared on her face, and she nodded slightly to Lin Ming, which was considered her initial acceptance of the alliance.
Immediately, her gaze sharpened, sweeping over Hua Jin with an undeniable air of authority, and she said in a deep voice, "Stop talking! From this day forward, Yun Yun is the rightful Sect Master of my Flower Sect. This matter is settled, and there shall be no further dispute!"
Given the Great Elder's decision and the enticing prospects offered by Lin Ming, it was clearly more advantageous for the Flower Sect to ally with the Five Elements Sect than to join forces with the covetous Heaven Nether Sect.
The Five Elements Sect boasts Great Elder at the Peak Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate, and also has Lin Ming, a promising Alchemy Grandmaster; its rise is unstoppable. In contrast, cooperating with the Heaven Nether Sect is too risky.
Seeing that the White-Haired Old Woman was determined to make Yun Yun the Sect Master, Hua Jin's face turned deathly pale and looked extremely ugly, as if all her strength had been drained away in an instant.
Her lips trembled, and she wanted to say something, but in the end she lowered her head in despair. She knew that she had lost completely, and saying anything more would only humiliate herself.
"Since the Great Elder has made this choice, all I can say is, I hope you won't regret your decision later..."
The Demonic Flower Evil Lord standing to the side had a face so gloomy it was almost dripping with water. Today, he not only lost face and was seriously injured, but he also completely botched the important task assigned to him by the sect.
He could imagine that he would be severely punished when he returned. Naturally, he held all his resentment against Lin Ming.
"No need for you to trouble yourself, Demonic Flower Evil Lord, please." The White-Haired Old Woman waved her hand, issuing a dismissal in a detached tone.
The Demonic Flower Evil Lord's lips twitched violently, his anger and resentment finding no outlet. The matter was already settled, and he had no face to stay any longer. He could only flick his sleeves heavily, unleashing the last of his Dou Qi, transforming into a streak of light as he turned and sped away from the Flower Sect.
In the instant he turned around, his gaze toward Lin Ming was filled with an almost tangible sinister and venomous look. Clearly, he had thoroughly etched the humiliation of today into his heart and would surely seek revenge in the future.
Lin Ming merely responded to his venomous gaze with a faint chuckle.
Six-Star Dou Venerate is indeed powerful to ordinary people, but for him, as long as an opponent is defeated by him, the gap between them will only widen over time, until the opponent can no longer even see his back.
Therefore, even if this guy tries anything in the future, Lin Ming is not afraid at all. A true strongman fears no challenge.
Seeing that the Demonic Flower Evil Lord had left in such a rage, without even glancing at her, Hua Jin felt a chill in her heart.
She opened her mouth, wanting to persuade him to stay, but the words stuck in her throat. She knew that to the Demonic Flower Evil Lord and even the Heaven Nether Sect, she was already a pawn who had lost her usefulness. She gritted her teeth, despair, resentment, and a trace of confusion flashing in her eyes. In the end, she didn't follow him. Instead, she turned around and, covered in wounds and looking disheveled, sped down the mountain, disappearing in the blink of an eye, her whereabouts unknown.
Seeing the two troublemakers depart, the white-haired Great Elder slowly scanned the entire scene, looking at the elders with varying expressions and the densely packed disciples. He coughed lightly, channeled his Dou Qi, and his voice clearly resounded throughout every corner. "Elders, disciples of the Flower Sect, heed my command!"
The entire room fell silent instantly.
"From this day forward, Yun Yun will be the new Sect Master of our Flower Sect! Her orders are the sect rules, and all members of the Flower Sect, from elders to outer disciples, must obey them without question! Anyone who outwardly complies but inwardly defies her, or who is disrespectful to superiors, will be severely punished according to the Sect Rules without any leniency!"
"Yes! I will obey the Great Elder's command!"
As the white-haired Great Elder's voice fell, the densely packed Flower Sect disciples on the plaza, along with the surrounding elders, all bowed or knelt down. Their voices, filled with respect and awe, resounded like a mountain roar and a tsunami, echoing among the mountains.
"Greetings, Sect Master!"
The rolling sound waves symbolize the end of an old era and the beginning of a new one for the Flower Sect.
Yun Yun stood before the crowd, gazing at the countless kneeling figures below, feeling the gazes that converged upon her, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and then slowly extended her jade-like hand, tightly grasping the Sect Master Jade Token that had been floating for so long.
The Jade Tablet pendant felt warm and smooth to the touch, yet it seemed to weigh a ton.
In the following days, Flower Sect shook off the tension and gloom of the past and fell into a state of joy and busyness.
The grand ceremony for the Sect Master's enthronement was held as scheduled, and all forces that were on good terms with the Flower Sect sent people to attend the ceremony and offer their congratulations.
Although Yun Yun still felt somewhat uncomfortable, with the help of Nalan Yanran and several elders who supported her, she gradually began to become familiar with and handle sect affairs.
She possessed a noble and elegant demeanor, acted fairly, and, coupled with the halo of inheriting the legacy of the former Sect Master, quickly won the sincere support of many elders and disciples.
As the biggest contributor to turning the tide and helping Yun Yun rise to power, Lin Ming naturally received the highest level of courtesy.
He spent three rather relaxing and enjoyable days within the Flower Sect, a sect that resembled a kingdom of women.
During this time, he also had several private moments with Yun Yun. The two seemed to tacitly avoid mentioning past grievances, instead chatting about their experiences after their separation and what they had seen and heard in the Middle Continent. Their relationship eased considerably in a subtle atmosphere.
However, the time spent together is always too short.
With time pressing, on the fourth day at Lin Ming, as the first light of day appeared and the thin mist had not yet completely dissipated, Lin Ming, along with Zi Yan, who had been quietly staying by his side and occasionally curiously observing the scenery of the Flower Sect, bid farewell to Yun Yun.
At the edge of the square, Yun Yun, dressed in the magnificent robes of Sect Master, appeared even more stunningly beautiful.
She watched Lin Ming prepare to leave, her eyes filled with complex emotions—gratitude, reluctance, a barely perceptible sense of concern, and perhaps even a lingering, unresolved melancholy. A thousand words, in the end, condensed into a soft, "... Take care."
Lin Ming looked at her somewhat frail figure in the morning light, nodded, and gave her a gentle smile, "You too, take care. If you need anything, you can send someone to the Five Elements Sect for help."
After saying that, Lin Ming no longer hesitated. The Sky Demon Phoenix Bone Wings stretched out from his back, and he gestured to Zi Yan beside him. The two of them moved and transformed into two streams of light, soaring into the sky and quickly disappearing into the distant horizon.
Yun Yun stood there, gazing at the direction they had disappeared in for a long time. The mountain wind blew her skirt and hair, making her figure appear somewhat lonely in the vast square.
The Sect Master Jade Token in her hand emitted a faint warmth, as if reminding her that a brand new and challenging journey had begun.
The man who repeatedly entered her life and brought about earth-shattering changes has now left, and she doesn't know when she will see him again.