Lin Changsheng said sincerely, "Master, your foresight runs deep. Your disciple admires you!"
Qing Chen waved a hand, returned to his seat, and sat down again.
"I was quite satisfied with what you did and said just now." He set down his teacup and looked at Lin Changsheng. "From today onward, you are the Vice Sect Leader of the Demon Lotus Sect."
Lin Changsheng's heart jolted.
Vice Sect Leader!
What a wonderful surprise.
"Master, your disciple..."
"What? You don't want the position?" Qing Chen raised an eyebrow.
Lin Changsheng hurriedly knelt. "Your disciple wouldn't dare! It's just... I feel my experience is still shallow, and with Grandmaster Budong ahead of me, I fear I cannot shoulder such a responsibility."
Qing Chen looked at him. "You have followed me for two hundred years, and you alone are the most suitable. What you said just now was very fitting, too. In experience, ability, and loyalty, you are an excellent choice."
Lin Changsheng's eyes grew slightly hot, and he kowtowed heavily. "Your disciple bows in thanks, Master!"
Qing Chen calmly accepted his bow before raising a hand to have him rise.
"Get up."
His tone was level. "From now on, you must look after this enterprise for me. Continue with the acquisitions. Find a way to handle the Golden Scale Alliance as well. Whenever you are unsure, consult Master Budong, Zixuan, Bairen, and Jiu Ling more often. Oh, you can consult Jia Daoyi, too. Ask Ye Wushang more often as well, though he probably won't offer any worthwhile suggestions. Just show him a little respect."
Lin Changsheng rose and solemnly cupped his fists. "Your disciple obeys!"
Qing Chen nodded and continued, "Gather all the remains and Blood Path resources listed above in the Jade Rock Mountain Secret Cave. Also-"
He paused. "Bring me