Whether the Sword in His Hand Was Hard Enough

Zhao Wuji's expression changed drastically, his legs involuntarily bent slightly, and large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He never dreamed that a young man in the Middle True Lord Stage could suppress him, a True Lord Peak, to the point of being powerless simply by emanating the pressure of his domain.

Chen Changqing withdrew his oppressive aura, and the terrifying sense of oppression in the hall instantly vanished.

Zhao Wuji staggered back half a step, his chest heaving violently, his clothes on the back already soaked with cold sweat.

Chen Changqing spoke calmly, his voice not loud, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly.

"Elder Zhao is wholeheartedly devoted to the reputation of Mount Shu; Changqing appreciates it."

"However, whether others underestimate Mount Shu depends not on yielding or seeking peace, but on whether the sword in their hand is strong enough."

As for making too many enemies...

Chen Changqing stood up and glanced at everyone present.

"If the enemy attacks, we shall slaughter them all."

"If my Mount Shu is to compromise with others for the sake of the so-called greater good, then I might as well give up the position of leader of the righteous path."

The domineering words echoed throughout the hall.

Zhao Wuji's face turned pale. He opened his mouth, but in the end, he could only lower his head and bow deeply.

"The Holy Son's teachings are correct; it was my narrow-mindedness that led me astray."

The other Peak Masters present were shocked by what they saw, and their gazes toward Chen Changqing completely lost any remaining contempt, replaced by deep awe.

This young Holy Son not only has an incredibly powerful background, but his own strength and methods are also domineering and ruthless. He is by no means a pushover.

This incident made the atmosphere in the reception hall even more respectful.

The noise at Evergreen Peak continued until nightfall.

The Peak Masters and elders from all sides departed with deep reverence, and the various heavenly materials and earthly treasures they brought directly filled the three storerooms in the side hall.

Elder Liu Mu carried the long list of gifts and walked back to the main hall to report to Chen Changqing.

"Holy Son, today a total of 136 mountain peaks and sects have sent congratulatory gifts, including 23 Top-grade Spirit Treasures, more than 60 ancient spiritual herbs of various kinds, and tens of millions of High-grade Spirit Stones."

Chen Changqing waved his hand casually.

"Elder Liu, select a portion of these resources and distribute them to the core disciples on the peak. The rest will be deposited into the Evergreen Peak's treasury and placed under your full control."

Liu Mu nodded in agreement, his face flushed.

His decision to invest in Chen Changqing, the first one he made at the Seventh Outer Courtyard, now seems to be the best decision he's ever made.

After the commotion subsided, Evergreen Peak finally enjoyed two days of peace.

Chen Changqing still spends his days meditating on Daoist magic on the cliff behind the mountain, occasionally giving pointers on swordsmanship to Jian Zhenzi, Ji Changkong, and others.

The "Myriad Transformations Starry Skies Art" was progressing steadily within his body, and the starlight halo deep within his Sea of Consciousness was becoming increasingly intense.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

One afternoon, Chen Changqing was meditating with his eyes closed in the courtyard.

Hesitant footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate.

Chen Changqing opened his eyes and waved to open the courtyard gate.

Standing outside the door was Ran Hua.

From their initial acquaintance in the Servants' Courtyard to their current presence on Evergreen Peak, Ran Hua has always closely followed Chen Changqing, making him one of the earliest and most respected veteran followers.

At this moment, Ran Hua stood at the door, looking somewhat uneasy, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, appearing preoccupied.

Chen Changqing smiled and pointed to the stone bench.

"Ran Hua, what are you doing standing at the door? Come in and sit down."

Ran Hua walked into the courtyard and sat down awkwardly on the edge of a stone bench.

Chen Changqing poured him a cup of Spirit Tea.

"We met when we were both nobody, when did we become so estranged? Tell me, what do you want?"

Ran Hua held the teacup, took a deep breath, took out a letter sealed with sealing wax from his pocket, and pushed it over onto the Stone Table.

"Holy Son, actually... it was a letter from my father."

Chen Changqing raised an eyebrow.

"A letter from the head of the Ran Family?"

Ran Hua's face showed embarrassment and unease.

"My father was so excited when he learned in his letter that you were about to take over as the Sect Master the Mount Shu Sect that he couldn't sleep for several days."

"He... he asked me to shamelessly inquire whether the Ran Family could send someone to Mount Shu to attend the grand ceremony three days from now."

Ran Hua quickly waved his hand and added.

"My Holy Son, I know this ceremony is of a special nature. If you feel it's inappropriate, I will immediately reply and refuse them. I will absolutely not put you in a difficult position!"

After hearing this, Chen Changqing couldn't help but chuckle.

He thought something terrible had happened, but it turned out it was all just a trivial matter.

Chen Changqing picked up the letter on the table and put it aside, looking at Ran Hua, whose face was full of tension.

"Just for this?"

Ran Hua lowered her head and nodded.

"My father and the others were overjoyed. The Ran Family was just a small cultivation Lineage affiliated with Mount Shu; they had never witnessed such a grand ceremony as the Sect Master's ceremony."

Chen Changqing shook his head and spoke gently.

"What's so difficult about that? Since your father wants to come, then let them come."

Ran Hua suddenly raised her head, her face full of surprise and disbelief.

"Holy Son, is it really possible? I heard that this ceremony is being held with extreme restraint, and it seems that the True Person Sect Master hasn't sent out invitations to the outside world."

Chen Changqing picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Master's original idea was indeed to invite all the major Sacred Ground, ancient Aristocratic Clan, and the four great Imperial Dynasties of the Nine Provinces to attend the ceremony, and to make it a grand affair that would shake the entire Nine Provinces Continent."

"But I refused."

Ran Hua was somewhat puzzled.

"Why? This is a golden opportunity to make a name for yourself Nine Provinces!"

Chen Changqing gazed at the sea of clouds in the distance, his tone calm.

"Currently, the Nine Provinces are in turmoil. The First Ancestor has just broken through, and all forces are keeping a close eye on Mount Shu."

"Holding a grand ceremony at this time will only attract malicious spying and hostility; it will serve no practical purpose whatsoever."

"The title is given internally by the sect. As long as everyone in Mount Shu is of one mind, whether outsiders know about it or how extravagant the celebration is, it doesn't matter at all."

Therefore, this grand ceremony will only be held within the Mount Shu area, and will not be open to the public on a large scale.

At this point, Chen Changqing turned to look at Ran Hua.

"But outsiders are outsiders, you are all one of my Evergreen Peak people."

"Your Ran Family is now under the command of Evergreen Peak, so it's perfectly reasonable for your elders to want to come and visit."

"Take my Token to the Mountain Gate Deacon Hall and prepare an Honored Guest Guidance Talisman for the Ran Family. They can come directly to Evergreen Peak the day after tomorrow to stay."

Chen Changqing casually took a jade Token from his waist and tossed it to Ran Hua.

Ran Hua clutched the warm, smooth jade pendant tightly, her eyes slightly red.

Now that Chen Changqing is the next Sect Master, his status is vastly different from when he was in the Servants' Courtyard. However, he still treats his old subordinates with no condescension or disdain. Instead, he always takes care of their feelings and dignity.

Ran Hua stood up and bowed deeply to the ground.

"Thank Holy Son! I will follow you to the death!"

Chen Changqing waved his hand.

"Alright, go and make the arrangements. Don't keep your father waiting outside the mountains."

Ran Hua bowed respectfully again, wiped his eyes, and quickly left the courtyard.

Watching Ran Hua's departing figure, Chen Changqing leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh of relief.

Only one day remains of the three-day deadline.