"You, aren't you the sect leader of the Heavenly Pivot Sect?"
But after calming down, the old man steadied his breathing and spoke again in a trembling voice, "How could you, a discarded young master of the Gu Family, possibly become the sect leader of a large sect in the Land of Heaven and Earth?"
Although the old man was shocked by Gu Chen's words, he was, after all, an elder who had set up the scheme, and he couldn't be brainless.
"Sect Master is just a title. In our sect, anyone who reaches that level of strength can hold it."
Gu Chen boasted without batting an eye, even dropping another bombshell, saying calmly, "You're right. Although I'm the abandoned son of the Gu Family, when my master found me, it only took him a short time to train me to the Revolving Illumination Realm. You've cultivated for decades, but you're no match for me in three moves."
Your master?!
"Is 'Sect Leader' just a title?"
The old man was startled again!
Gu Chen's words were full of flaws, but his strength was too great and he was too young!
Just as Gu Chen said, he was only twenty years old, clearly just a teenager, but he possessed unparalleled strength. Even these old martial artists who had cultivated for decades were no match for him!
"Good."
Gu Chen picked up his teacup again, took a sip, and said calmly, "In our sect, there are countless sect leaders and deputy sect leaders. As long as one has the strength and seniority, one can be promoted to sect leader."
"What do you mean?" The old woman narrowed her eyes. Perhaps out of concern for Gu Chen's backing from the Heavenly Pivot Sect, or perhaps out of fear of his supposed master, her voice trembled slightly as she said, "You can't possibly be without a leader, can you?"
"Of course," Gu Chen smiled faintly, "But the leader is my master."
"Sect Master Gu, is your model similar to the micro-business model in real society?"
Suddenly, Lu Fan spoke up from behind, seemingly lost in thought.
He said, "Everyone is a CEO or manager, as long as they reach the required level?"
"More or less." Gu Chen was trying to figure out how to explain himself when Lu Fan was so understanding. "However, there are differences. After all, our Heavenly Pivot Sect is different not only from secular enterprises, but also from secular martial arts families and sects."
"There really is such a sect?" Lu Fan was both shocked and envious. The distinction between sect disciples and social classes has always been the same, whether it is a country, a family, or a sect.
Given the limited resources, it's natural to rely on blood relatives for protection.
If the Heavenly Pivot Sect, as Gu Chen described it, operates on this model, wouldn't it be a utopian ideal of equality for all?
Even if it's not equal, it's very close to equality.
"Micro-business, enterprise? Everyone's a manager, a CEO?"
Although both of them were elders of the Water Cloud Sect, they were still mortals after all. After Lu Fan finished speaking, they immediately understood with their comprehension ability!
This only shocked them even more!
Is this how sects can develop? Don't they care about their foundation? Don't they care about their heritage?
"Elder Ye, now, tell me, do I have the qualifications now?" Gu Chen looked at the old man and said in a calm and serious tone.
At that moment, cold sweat broke out on the old man's back, and he couldn't stop it.
He felt a chilling coldness that spread from the inside out throughout his entire body.
If Gu Chen and his Heavenly Pivot Sect are real, then their Water Cloud Sect wouldn't even be qualified to carry their shoes, let alone challenge them!
What they're cultivating might not be martial arts, but rather a path to immortality!
"You think you can convince me with just a few words? Do you think I'm a three-year-old child?" The old man forced an arrogant expression, but his shifty eyes betrayed his inner unease.
Clearly, although he wouldn't admit it, he was already seven or eight parts convinced!
"You've come for the Shennong Grass." Gu Chen didn't immediately react, but instead suddenly changed the subject, saying, "I had Lu Fan inform you."
So what?
Do you know where I went these past few days after leaving Zhou City?
"Sect Master Gu, you went to find the Shennong Grass, didn't you?"
Lu Fan spoke again from behind.
The white-faced actor sang quite well. Regardless of whether Lu Fan was deliberately cooperating, Gu Chen was very satisfied. After nodding, he said, "Not bad, Steward Lu. I promised you that as long as you cooperate with us, I will give you Shennong Grass free of charge. Do you remember?"
"I remember, Sect Master Gu is so public-spirited and righteous, how could I forget?" Lu Fan nodded quickly and said, "However, the matter of Shennong Grass is of great importance, which is why I informed the sect. Moreover, with the strength of our Water Cloud Sect, we would find out sooner or later."
Lu Fan both flattered Gu Chen and highlighted the power of the Water Cloud Sect.
Gu Chen found that this guy was actually quite eloquent. But thinking about it, it made sense. Lu Fan was a former underground boxer who later joined the Water Cloud Sect. To run such a large black market, he couldn't have done it for so long without some ability, courage, and the ability to read people.
"Joke!"
The old woman sneered and said, "Shennong Grass isn't so easy to obtain. Do you think you've gotten it after just a few Shennong Grass? Zhou City is already crowded with people from the Liu Family, the Zhou Family, Wuji Manor, and other sects, big and small. I estimate the Steel Tremor Sect will arrive soon as well."
The old man grunted and scoffed, "Zhou City is in turmoil. Everyone has only received news, but no one knows where the Shennong Grass has appeared yet. Everyone is still searching. Do you think you can get it? Anyone can talk big!"
Gu Chen ignored the two of them and looked directly at Lu Fan behind him, saying, "Now, I will fulfill my promise."
After speaking, Gu Chen took out a Shennong Grass and gently placed it on the table.
"Shennong Grass!"
Lu Fan might not recognize it yet, but when the two old men saw it, they were both shocked!
Although it hasn't sprouted or blossomed yet, it's full of vitality; it truly is a genuine Shennong Grass!
Hearing their exclamations, Lu Fan's voice trembled as he asked, "Sect Master Gu, you really found the Shennong Grass?"
"I received two plants in total. This one, to fulfill my promise, Steward Lu, I'm handing it over to you." Gu Chen smiled faintly, his nonchalant demeanor as if the plant on the table wasn't Shennong Grass, but an ordinary little grass planted in a flowerbed!
"May I take a look?" Lu Fan asked.
"This is yours now, look around as you like!" Gu Chen said calmly.
Lu Fan was incredibly envious; this was the foundation and grandeur of a great sect!
They don't take it seriously at all!
Moreover, he received two plants and was willing to give one to himself, just to keep his promise!
Lu Fan was deeply moved. At this moment, even he felt that the people of the Water Cloud Sect had gone too far!
Gu Chen found the Shennong Grass and returned, which should have been a cause for celebration and allowed the Water Cloud Sect to rise to prominence. However, things have turned out this way!
"I don't believe it!" The old man was so excited that he stared intently at the Shennong Grass, wanting to rush forward and snatch it.
But as soon as he made a move, Gu Chen shot out a burst of energy, sending him flying again.
"This is for Steward Lu; it has nothing to do with your Water Cloud Sect."
Gu Chen's voice rang out softly.