Gifting a city to someone, does Chen Baimao fear comparison in potential?

Several days later.

With the sudden visit of Wen Liyan, a Golden Core Elder from the sect's inspection hall, to Chen Dengming's cave dwelling, and then to the cave dwellings of Golden Core Elders Gong Shuzai and Guan Chao, respectively.

Even several fake Core Formation cultivators, such as Yang Zidao, Miao Fei, Sang Tianrong, and even Old Man Wu the Hall of Merit, as well as Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Merit Hall, were successively taken away and questioned by the patrol hall cultivators.

Soon, numerous rumors began to circulate within the Longevity Sect.

"Hey, have you heard? Martial Uncle Chen is suspected of bribing several elders and many fake Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sect, apparently to garner votes. Tsk tsk, what a despicable tactic!"

"Isn't this cheating and vote-buying? Why bother? With Martial Uncle Chen's reputation and strength, he doesn't need to resort to such methods."

"Exactly, look at the other candidates, why didn't they do anything like this? Aren't these people sent from the Evergreen Sect a bit...?"

Some cultivators who were queuing outside the Inner Affairs Hall were discussing the matter. After the topic spread, many disciples who originally wanted to vote for Chen Dengming hesitated.

Even the two cultivators at the front of the line who were about to cast their votes for Chen Dengming hesitated. One of them sighed and said to the notary.

"I... I vote for Aunt Rao Ling."

Seeing this, the other cultivator on the opposite side, who had originally intended to vote for Chen Dengming, sighed and said, "I'll vote for Uncle Hua instead."

A subtle influence began to gradually brew among the people.

Once people's hearts change, a certain state of blind obedience will be broken.

It's like pouring a bucket of cold water over the heads of a group of enthusiastic people, instantly sobering some of the fervent ones up.

Small tricks are the easiest way to uncover big problems at this time.

However, at that moment, faint sounds of arguing could be heard from the crowd behind them.

A monk with Bai Mao at his temples was arguing with the group that had spoken earlier.

"How can you talk like that? You say Martial Uncle Chen bribed someone, so it's bribery? Has the Patrol Hall issued a proper announcement yet? Has the investigation been completed?"

I could say you're slandering me.

Ask yourself, who among those newly joined the sect, with even a modicum of social skills, wouldn't visit their fellow Senior Brother and offer a small gift? Haven't you ever privately treated your Senior Brother to drinks?

Do you have no friends?

The cultivator opposite him argued heatedly, his face flushed, and shouted, "You're just being unreasonable! How can this be compared to ours?"

We're not running for Longevity Seed, so what's wrong with getting together with a few Senior Brother for drinks? It's not about any ulterior motives.

Besides, he even gave gifts to the elders; can that be considered a reunion or a sign of old friendship?

"Can't it be about respecting the elderly, caring for the young, and having filial piety?"

The White-Haired Cultivator immediately retorted, "You say he's driven by self-interest? From what I've heard, many of Martial Uncle Chen's actions occurred two or three years ago. Did he already know he was going to be selected as a candidate for the Longevity Seed back then? Was he already cultivating relationships back then?"

If this counts as bribery, then we've all been bribed.

Years from now, when we are also selected as candidates for Longevity Seed, will things from decades ago be brought up again?

"Bai Mao, are you looking for trouble? How can you confuse this? Don't you know whether you're a candidate for the Longevity Seed?"

"Besides, didn't you already vote a few days ago? How come you're here again?"

"Silence! No noise or quarreling is permitted in front of the Imperial Household Department."

Just as the group was arguing, a deacon stepped in and calmed the situation.

However, this debate between the two sides gradually made many cultivators who were initially disappointed in Chen Dengming realize their mistake.

Yes.

When someone first joins a sect, they naturally try to make friends with senior members. Can that be considered bribery?

This is just a way to gain a foothold and become known to others.

For ordinary cultivators, this is simply a matter of human relationships and social interactions.

For Heavenly Pride like Martial Uncle Chen, such interpersonal skills and social etiquette are magnified and become a problem during this sensitive election period.

But if we look back several years, who can say that Senior Brother Chen was offering a bribe?

He could not have foreseen that he would be selected as a candidate for Longevity Seed several years later.

Looking at it from another angle, didn't the other candidates also engage in similar social interactions in the past?

So, during this sensitive period, Chen Dengming's sudden investigation was a coincidence, or was it instigated by some people with ulterior motives? And who benefits most from it?

Many disciples of the Longevity Sect are not fools.

After being awakened by the White-Haired Cultivator's words, he gradually realized that something was wrong.

Sometimes what's happening in front of you isn't necessarily the truth; the patrol office hasn't even issued any announcements yet.

There's a saying that goes something like this, "Let the flying sword fly a little longer."

For a time, some of the cultivators who originally intended to vote for Chen Dengming changed their minds and decided to vote for Chen Dengming instead.

Based on Chen Dengming's usual approachable and humble demeanor, they felt that Martial Uncle Chen was not that kind of person.

A person's humility and kindness can be feigned, but if someone has maintained that feigned humility and kindness for several years since joining the sect, then that can be considered genuine humility and kindness.

Aside from Martial Uncle Chen, I've never seen anyone on the path of False Core Great Cultivator greet a Qi Refining disciple with a smile and a bow in return.

Even Hua Zhenyu, who also has a very good reputation, has never done it.

This can be considered as the reputation that Chen Dengming has accumulated over the years, and now it is officially taking effect.

Aside from those who insisted on voting for Chen Dengming, some chose to wait and see until the official announcement from the Inspectorate.

Only a few disciples who had initially blindly followed the crowd hesitated and chose to cast their votes for other candidates.

Thanks to the White-Haired Cultivator's commotion, it seems that, by sheer accident, Hua Zhenyu's meticulously planned scheme has actually had its negative impact on Chen Dengming significantly reduced.

When Hua Zhenyu learned of this, he was naturally quite angry and secretly noted down the White-Haired Cultivator's name, Yu Baozhong.

"Senior Brother Hua, what do we do now? Should we continue?"

From within the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman, a person's Divine Sense was transmitted.

Hua Zhenyu took a deep breath, his expression returning to calm and composed, and said.

"That's enough. Continuing would expose too much risk. Let's stop."

Ultimately, plans can't keep up with changes. Well-designed things will always face various unexpected events because every individual is a variable. How can one possibly manage all the variables?

Although the effect has not been optimal, it has at least broken the blind following effect of these ordinary disciples.

Even if Chen Dengming's votes increase further, they won't snowball and leave him far ahead.

After saying that, Hua Zhenyu put away the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman.

Overall, he was actually successful in this endeavor.

As long as he can break Chen Dengming's "siphoning effect," the difference in votes between him and Chen Dengming won't be too great.

As more deacons vote, the gap between the two will gradually narrow.

As expected, affected by this incident, the two elders who originally had a good relationship with Chen Dengming, Guan Chao and Gongshu Zai, will also give up their voting rights in order to avoid suspicion.

Therefore, he has a very high chance of taking the lead in the voting process.

"Putting aside his strength, Chen Baimao is inferior to me in every other aspect—connections, seniority, and potential. Especially in terms of potential, that tests Spirit Root and lifespan."

"His Spirit Root is incompatible with mine. Even if it's High-grade Spiritual Root, it's still inferior to my high-grade single Spirit Root. As for lifespan and potential, Chen Baimao is already called Bai Mao, so there's no need to say more."

The key is... in terms of strength. How can I contend with Chen Dengming, or at least not lose so badly, and perform better than the others?

This is the only problem that gives Hua Zhenyu a headache.

In other aspects, one can use tricks and methods.

But hard power is real and undeniable; there are no fancy tricks or shortcuts.

"It seems I'll have to go back to the Illusory True Cave to do some more research."

Several days later.

The news of the interrogation by the patrol hall was released, confirming that Chen Dengming had indeed given gifts of elixirs to disciples and hosted banquets for many Senior Brothers.

However, most of the events occurred several years ago, with only one banquet taking place recently. These events, along with the election of the Longevity Seed, do not constitute a direct bribery or vote-buying relationship; they are only indirectly related.

This confirms that Chen Dengming's original intention was not bribery, but in order to maintain the fairness of the election, he will cancel the voting rights of some elders and disciples.

"Junior Brother, this way of handling things, and you call it maintaining fairness? This is just too unfair!"

"Since it's proven you didn't bribe anyone, shouldn't the voting rights of others be no longer restricted? Saying you're innocent while still sentencing you—what kind of logic is that?"

Inside the cave abode, He Yingyu, pretty but full of indignation, paced back and forth angrily.

Chen Dengming, on the contrary, remained calm, smiling as he sprinkled Spirit Rice to feed the Spirit Fish in the cave abode pond. Watching the Spirit Fish scramble for the food, he said calmly.

"Senior sister, the Inspection Hall didn't say this was a punishment. They only said it was to maintain fairness. Don't think we're being punished."

He Yingyu said angrily, "Junior Brother, you still have no temper at a time like this?"

Chen Dengming smiled faintly, "If you lose your temper at this time, you've really fallen into Lower Vehicle."

From the very beginning, we had anticipated that this was just a petty trick, and the facts were clear: the other side had already taken the initiative to scheme against us in this regard.

Rather than exhausting ourselves with counter-strategies and getting bogged down in internal strife, it would be better to concede this victory, consolidate our achievements in other areas, and use a calculated strategy to thwart a conspiracy."

He Yingyu, "A calculated scheme?"

Chen Dengming calmly said, "A well-intentioned strategy is simply a matter of strength. That's why the other side doesn't dare to confront me head-on, so they can only try to take action from other angles."

Therefore, when the inspector came to investigate, I openly admitted everything, and there was nothing I couldn't say to others.

At this point, the best strategy to extricate oneself is to act swiftly and decisively, allowing the Inspection Bureau to issue a public statement to prevent the public opinion from escalating further, rather than engaging in a protracted struggle.

The Inspection Hall didn't disappoint me; it seems Elder Wen wasn't biased.

The news released now, though seemingly unfavorable to us, is actually just a common tactic to appease some disciples and punish everyone equally.

He Yingyu said unwillingly, "But in this way, Junior Brother, you will lose two elders' votes. One elder's vote is equivalent to three thousand votes for an ordinary Qi Refining disciple."

Chen Dengming laughed heartily, scattering all the fish food in his hand, and said with a carefree smile, "Senior Sister, since we've already agreed to send a city out, why be so insistent on this moment?"

Even if you lose the vote, it's not a complete failure; ultimately, the performance in all aspects must be considered.

This vote is all about connections and relationships.

Although we have a decent network of connections, we've only been here for a few years. How can we compare to others who have been building their networks for decades?

"But Junior Brother, in terms of seniority, you are even less likely to stand out. You may only be able to rank third, given your momentum of defeating two Golden Core cultivators in succession."

"Then let's try to turn the tide by focusing on our final strength and potential."

Chen Dengming slowly turned around.

A pair of eyes, brighter than gems shining in the deepest black ocean, were set in a handsome face, and his white hair moved automatically without wind as he smiled confidently.

"Although I am usually humble, it doesn't mean I have no ambition. My advantage in strength and potential is something they cannot shake, and something they want to avoid at all costs."

Being tricked by someone who seemed to have a premeditated plan, bringing up something from several years ago, even if Chen Dengming didn't Life Energy on the surface, it was impossible for him not to feel annoyed at all.

However, he has always been able to calmly think and control his emotions when angry, preventing anger from clouding his judgment and making more wrong decisions. Instead, he steps back, detaches himself from the situation, and continues to take other actions that are beneficial to himself as an outsider.

This was simply a habit and mindset he had cultivated over many years.

However, in recent years, with the continuous improvement of my State of Mind cultivation, I seem to be able to control my emotions with a powerful mind, demonstrating extremely strong mental refinement.

At this moment, He Yingyu also calmed down.

When it comes to ability and potential, she naturally has full confidence in Chen Dengming.

She immediately approached him gracefully and said, "Junior Brother, the competition of strength is easy to handle; it's simply a matter of fighting against other candidates."

"But did you exchange specific information about this potential with Sect Master Qiu?"

Chen Dengming looked up at the entrance of the cave abode, saw the empty swallow nests outside the eaves, and laughed.

"I understand roughly now; it seems they'll be testing potential in three areas."

Which three aspects?

"The first one is naturally the Spirit Root;"

The second is lifespan potential;

The third one seems to be related to the Immortal Celestial Lineage, and the specifics are so detailed that they can only be understood intuitively and cannot be explained in words; it seems to require the approval of the Immortal Celestial Lineage."

"Oh?"

He Yingyu's heart tightened, and she nestled into Chen Dengming's arms, picking up a strand of white hair from his temple, and frowning as she spoke.

"Junior Brother, what is your lifespan potential?"

Chen Dengming laughed and didn't discuss this further.

As for lifespan, the more he cultivates Technique Method, the longer his lifespan increases with each new lifespan.

In this regard, one can cram at the last minute and seize the time to cultivate some Technique Method that are close to breakthrough to the breakthrough stage, thereby extending Lifespan Limit.

At this time.

With the announcement of the patrol inspection hall.

Many disciples who had initially been observing also cast their votes.

Chen Dengming continues to lead in votes.

At the same time, many sect deacons and Foundation Establishment disciples have also begun to participate in the voting.

The Longevity Sect has more than 400 deacons and Foundation Establishment disciples. Each of them casts one vote, which is equivalent to 50 votes cast by an ordinary Qi Refining disciple.

Of the more than 400 people, nearly two-fifths voted for Hua Zhenyu, another two-fifths voted for Tan Siyan and two others, and only one-fifth voted for Chen Dengming or abstained.

For a time, Hua Zhenyu, who was in second place, gradually caught up with Chen Dengming in terms of votes, and in the end the two were almost tied.

It was at this time that Ran Yiqiang, the elder in charge of the Merit Hall of the Longevity Sect, directly announced the rankings based on seniority.

Hua Zhenyu has completed 134 Duty Assignment and received two Class A ratings, ranking first in terms of seniority.

Tan Siyan completed 1257 Duty Assignment and received a second-class rating for one task, ranking second in seniority.

Chen Dengming ranked third in seniority, having completed his Duty Assignment three times and received one second-class and two third-class evaluations.

Hu Yan Shunbin and Rao Ling ranked fourth and fifth respectively. They had performed their duties more than a hundred times, but lacked the evaluation for the second-class task.

This qualification process is simple and straightforward, with no room for exaggeration. The more tasks you complete or the more "A" ratings you receive, the higher the prestige of your qualifications.

Once expelled.

The Longevity Seed selection process immediately moved into the third stage: a competition of strength.

This is also a part that many disciples of the Longevity Sect eagerly anticipate.

Indeed, many disciples of the Longevity Sect do not enjoy fighting or being aggressive.

But that doesn't stop them from enjoying watching the excitement and seeing others compete.

Especially after their own sect produced a Heavenly Pride who could surpass even the Tiandao Sect and the Shu Sword Pavilion, this inexplicable sense of excitement and anticipation naturally intensified...

(Bonus chapter! Please vote for me, my friends!)