Eternal Life as False Emperor

"Nonsense," another female elder angrily retorted, "Fengg Xia, are you stupid? Elder Zheng went to check the cultivation techniques, why stop him? What if he comes back with better techniques for us?"

"If you keep blocking him like this, what if he really doesn’t go?"

Fengg Xia kept her head down, silent, but her expression showed she didn’t think she was wrong.

Lin Junrong stepped forward to mediate, "Alright, alright, past events are in the past. Anyway, Elder Zheng has already gone in now."

"Besides, we didn’t come here to argue today."

Speaking of the main matter, all the elders in the hall quieted down.

"Ahem," Lin Junrong cleared his throat, "These days, whether it’s you or Elder Zheng, have you carefully studied the cultivation technique he offered?"

Everyone nodded.

Wang Haiwong beamed with enthusiasm, "Elder Zheng’s ’Nine Yin Scripture,’ I’ve had my disciple practicing it. In just a few days, his cultivation has increased an entire realm."

"Originally, I estimated it would take at least a year for him to breakthrough this minor realm."

The other elders also chimed in.

"Although my disciple hasn’t broken through, his cultivation speed has visibly increased compared to before."

"Actually, the speed isn’t the most important part. The key is that the disciples who practiced Elder Zheng’s techniques have much stabler cultivations."

"I’ve studied with the Skill Transmission Elder, and at least below the Golden Core Peak, those who practiced the ’Nine Yin Scripture’ essentially have no risk of turning aberrant."

"The ’Nine Yin Scripture’ aside, the main thing is Elder Zheng’s ’Nine Yang True Technique’ — as I’ve been studying it, the more mystical it seems."

"This is absolutely not a technique that cultivators at Crystal Stage or even Golden Core Stage should encounter. Perhaps it was created by a top cultivator at Enlightenment Stage or higher."

Lin Junrong’s expression slightly changed, "You mean there’s likely a master at Enlightenment Stage behind Zheng Yi?"

Wang Haiwong chuckled, "Who can say; maybe the person behind Elder Zheng is an existence we can’t even fathom."

"But I feel, whoever is behind him, it doesn’t concern us."

"Elder Zheng came from another world, and the people behind him may not come to our Canglan Realm."

"And most importantly, the cultivation techniques elder Zheng provided benefit our Star Sea greatly."

"With the ’Nine Yin Scripture’ and ’Nine Yang True Technique,’ in no more than two hundred years, our Star Sea could stand equal with Heaven-supporting Sword Sect at Jinghang Mountain."

"If Elder Zheng can offer more..."

No need to say more, everyone’s pulse quickened.

If Zheng Yi really had better cultivation techniques.

Wouldn’t that mean Star Sea could become Canglan Realm’s top major sect?

Lin Junrong was the first to regain composure, "We can all see the benefits, but there’s also risk not entirely absent."

"I’m not doubting Zheng Yi; rather, does this whole thing seem a bit too smooth?"

"Such enormous benefits landed directly on Star Sea’s lap." Lin Junrong scanned everyone’s faces: "It’s uncertain whether this will be fortunate or calamitous."

Wang Haiwong slammed the table decisively, "Who cares if it’s fortune or calamity; can we turn back now?"

"Don’t even mention the disciples, even us—who can resist practicing the cultivation techniques Elder Zheng taught?"

"Or have any of you found a problem with these techniques?"

Everyone looked down, silent.

If it were just the ’Nine Yin Scripture,’ they could resist; after all, it’s just foundational.

At their realm, practicing this technique offers limited help.

But who would dare stop them from practicing the ’Nine Yin Scripture,’ they truly would fight the opposition fiercely.

Fengg Xia timidly suggested, "Perhaps, we should report this matter to the sect leader and let them make the decision? It’s not something we can decide easily."

Several elders echoed simultaneously, "Absolutely not!"

Lin Junrong explained with a wry smile, "Elder Fengg, the sect leader is at a critical moment of breaking through the Enlightenment Stage."

"At this time, nothing is more important than the sect leader’s breakthrough."

Wang Haiwong said, "It’s no big deal; either practice or not, it’s that simple."

"This is Star Sea’s chance; I think we must seize it."

After his statement, other elders also expressed their thoughts.

"I don’t think it’s necessary to take a risk; just wait until the sect leader’s breakthrough."

"It’s a breakthrough to Divinity Transformation Stage; we don’t know how long the sect leader will be in seclusion. Each day we wait, intel related to Elder Zheng could leak. I think we should enforce all Star Sea disciples to immediately start practicing Elder Zheng’s cultivation techniques."

"No need to act so aggressively; I don’t oppose practicing, but there’s no need for coercion. Let disciples choose freely, just like other techniques?"

"Let them choose freely? It’s irresponsible to our sect. Zheng Yi’s techniques, unlike others, can comprehensively enhance cultivators’ foundation. The further along, the larger the gap."

"A small gap now is no big deal; with diligent practice, they can catch up later. During the sect leader’s seclusion, if we suddenly make waves, what if something goes wrong?"

The discussions began with individual views.

Soon it evolved into bickering.

Before long, the sect’s meeting hall became as noisy as a marketplace.

"Short-sighted."

"Seeing only immediate gains; I think you’re the short-sighted one."

"Do you even know the situation? With the looming war between two clans almost at a critical point, where’s the long-term view in this?"

"You know a war between two clans is impending; despite trusting the sect leader’s judgment, any mishap makes us both culprits of Star Sea."

Initially, Wang Haiwong could interject a few words; now he could only tremble quietly aside, fearing the women’s quarrel would drag him in.

"Enough! All are Divinity Transformation Stage experts, but look at yourselves!" Lin Junrong couldn’t take it anymore and shouted angrily.

The meeting hall grew silent.

Soon after, nearly all elders started targeting Lin Junrong.

"Elder Lin sure carries herself proudly; one might mistake you for our sect leader."

"Though not the sect leader, she is indeed our sect leader’s lady, so speak carefully, lest she tell the sect leader on you later."

"Elder Lin, what we’re discussing now concerns Star Sea’s future; best to temper your attitude."

Lin Junrong was so angry she trembled, her pretty face flushed, "You... you all."

As she was at a loss, a fragrant breeze drifted in, followed by the arrival of the elegantly dressed Wenn Ziyan in the hall.

"Sect Leader?"

"Sect Leader, you’ve emerged from seclusion?"

"Have you broken through the Enlightenment Stage?"

The elders promptly greeted Wenn Ziyan, utterly losing their previously defiant demeanor.

But Wenn Ziyan’s face was serious, "If I hadn’t emerged, would you have rebelled?"

The elders bowed their heads, "We wouldn’t dare."

"Hmph!" Wenn Ziyan glanced around, "Where’s Zheng Yi? Why isn’t he here?"

"Without Zheng Yi called here, yet you’re all assembled? Could it be..."

The meeting hall’s temperature suddenly dropped several degrees, "Fine, even my sect leader token is disregarded. Seems I’ve been too tolerant these decades; you’ve forgotten how I earned the title Poisonous Empress."

The sudden burst of terrifying pressure stopped all elders from lifting their heads.

Lin Junrong saw the situation might escalate, hesitantly raised her head and said, "Sect Leader, please calm your anger; there’s more to this matter, and we ask for a chance to explain."

The oppressive atmosphere lightened, with the overwhelming murderous intent disappearing instantly.

Everyone secretly breathed a sigh of relief.