Chapter 266 - 246: Sect Leader
Several hours later, everyone had already left, and the cave fell into a deathly silence, leaving only the dry corpse in the pool, its empty eye sockets staring at a spot.
Suddenly, a figure silently walked out from the passage; it was Deng Ziyang, who had successfully broken through to Second Grade. His accumulation had long been sufficient, but to break through to Second Grade, he needed to devour a Second Grade Martial Artist.
In fact, the same sect members who practiced the "Blood Demon Technique" were the best material for cultivation, hardly needing much digestion.
Precisely because of this, disciple infighting was an old tradition in the Blood Demon Sect.
Fortunately, the Blood Demon Sect had already produced an envoy at the Divine Treasure Realm, who strictly ordered that disciples must not kill each other, with severe punishment for violators.
Thus, Deng Ziyang could survive within the Blood Demon Sect, carrying the secret of the "Blood God Pearl" which no one knew about. No one suspected him.
After all, no one would think that someone carrying the "Blood God Pearl" would progress so slowly.
Deng Ziyang entered the cave, closed his eyes and sensed carefully for a moment, suddenly a hint of joy flashed on his face.
He approached the stone wall, took out a dagger, and started digging; after digging about a foot deep, he saw a jade box buried underground.
Opening the lid of the jade box, inside lay a blood-red orb quietly, it was the "Blood God Pearl."
"I knew you wouldn’t die that easily..."
Deng Ziyang murmured.
In fact, he had recognized Chen Ming earlier; it wasn’t that he had any ability to see through disguises, but purely because of the "Blood Demon Technique" he practiced.
The "Blood Demon Technique", when practiced to a certain level, becomes extremely sensitive to Martial Artists’ True Essence; in the eyes of Blood Demon Sect disciples, everyone’s True Essence is unique.
Deng Ziyang had become accustomed to recognizing people through their True Essence, after all, a person can disguise their appearance, voice, height, and aura...
But there is only one thing that cannot be disguised, that is the nature of True Essence.
Among the people Deng Ziyang had seen, Chen Ming’s True Essence was the most unique, actually containing three completely different natures that could be freely transformed, completely overturning his perception.
Therefore, the moment the black-clad woman attacked earlier, he was startled, although outwardly there was no flaw.
Deng Ziyang was not completely certain before, but now that he found this "Blood God Pearl", he had no doubt. That black-clad woman was indeed Chen Ming.
This was specifically left for him.
Deng Ziyang could clearly feel the vast essence contained in this "Blood God Pearl."
This was the essence of all the cultivation from his second senior brother; as soon as he absorbed and digested it all, he could immediately step into First Grade.
Chen Ming leaving this "Blood God Pearl" for him, what great trust is this?
Moreover, there was also the corpse of a strong Divine Treasure Realm cultivator here.
"Chen Ming, you better not die, once I finish my seclusion, I will come find you for a drink."
Deng Ziyang sat cross-legged on the ground, and from the center of his brow, a "Blood God Pearl" nearly double in size flew out, enveloping the one on the ground and started the refinement...
...
Chen Ming returned to the courtyard again, opening his eyes to find many people standing in the courtyard, all looking at him, many with apprehension in their eyes.
Apparently, his recent slaying of a First Grade from Blood Demon Sect had been spread by those who came out first.
And returning, there was only him, with no sign of Yu Haitang; it was unknown whether she had not come out yet or was transmitted elsewhere.
"Hahaha, Young Friend Yuan is truly hidden deep, able to slay First Grade with swordsmanship. Incredible!" A hearty laugh rang out as Jiang Ji approached him, full of red light, looking extremely proud.
Nine people went in total, and ultimately, Jiang Family’s supported individual secured the inheritance, they were justified to be proud. It was rare to show off like this, naturally very proud.
At this time, a group of people came before him, solemnly bowed, "Greetings Sect Leader."
Seeing the situation, Chen Ming quickly declined, "You are too gracious, I am insignificant and have another sect, how could I be worthy of being your Sect Leader. Besides, the matter in the secret realm, I believe everyone has heard. Strictly speaking, I did not receive Senior Jin’s inheritance. Please rise."
A leading elder with grayed hair remained unmoved, "The token of the old Sect Leader is with you, you are naturally our new Sect Leader."
"What token—"
Seeing them all looking at the "Taiyue Sword" in his hand, Chen Ming was dumbfounded, using the Unparalleled Divine Weapon as the token was indeed spot on.
Thus, he indeed couldn’t refuse anymore; if he didn’t assume the position of Sect Leader, it would be reasonable for them to take back the "Taiyue Sword."
At this moment, Jiang Ji helped him out, "Young Friend Yuan shouldn’t refuse, since you acquired Senior Jin’s Taiyue Sword, you are naturally his successor, assuming the Sect Leader of Golden Jade Hall is naturally without problem. My Jiang Family agrees with this. Does anyone oppose?"
Jiang Ji’s gaze swept across the faces of the others.
The various forces present did not speak, the matter had reached this point, they could only accept it grudgingly. After all, their chosen candidates weren’t competent enough.
Thus, under everyone’s witness, Chen Ming was pushed onto the Sect Leader’s throne in a manner akin to forcing a duck onto a perch, by the three First Grade powerhouses and the high-ranking members of Golden Jade Hall.
To outsiders, a woman not even thirty years old becoming Sect Leader of one of Jiangzhou’s four major factions, Golden Jade Hall, was just like a protagonist in stories, way too legendary.
And her Second Grade cultivation, with the feat of slicing through a First Grade, further adds to her legendary status.
...
Finally, after nightfall, people from various forces departed.
The most lavish residence of Golden Jade Hall, rather than a house, is akin to a small palace, the specifications are exceptionally high, embodying the utmost luxury.
This is the residence of Golden Jade Hall’s Sect Leader. In the past, the old Sect Leader lived here, but later, the old Sect Leader secluded himself in the Secret Realm, and this place remained vacant, though no one dared touch the belongings inside.
Everything here remains as it was when the old Sect Leader resided.
In the council chamber, Chen Ming sits on the Sect Leader’s throne, with the remaining three First Grade powerhouses of Golden Jade Hall standing below, about to commence a conversation that will decide the future of Golden Jade Hall.
At its peak, Golden Jade Hall had seven Elders, all First Grade.
Now only three remain, showing their deep sentiment for Golden Jade Hall, or perhaps an inability to sever ties, sharing both honor and disgrace.
These three are the actual controllers of Golden Jade Hall.
Senior Jin has been in seclusion for twenty or thirty years; during this time, all matters, big and small, have been decided by these three.
The leading elder with graying hair tentatively asked, "I wonder what instructions the Sect Leader has regarding the matters within the sect?"
This person is Elder Sun Chuxian, the actual leader of Golden Jade Hall.
Chen Ming said, "Everything within the sect will proceed as usual. The three elders can make their own decisions."
The other two elders visibly relaxed, clearly pleased with his statement. No one wants another Sect Leader meddling above their heads.
Yet Sun Chuxian hastily said, "Absolutely not, you are the Sect Leader, all matters within the sect should be decided by the Sect Leader—"
Chen Ming waved his hand and said, "No need to say more. I am dedicated to the Martial Dao, uninterested in these mundane affairs."
Another Elder Huang suddenly said, "Does the Sect Leader know how much profit Golden Jade Hall earns annually? Are you not interested in this at all?"
Seeing their continued probing, Chen Ming grew somewhat impatient and said, "What Elder Huang mentioned, such as money, profit, and power, would any of these benefit my cultivation? Help me break through to First Grade? Or enhance my swordsmanship?"
Elder Huang was momentarily stunned, her expression seemed genuine when she spoke these words, yet for some reason, it left him slightly uncomfortable.
Sun Chuxian said, "The Sect Leader’s unwavering dedication to the Dao is commendable, but now Golden Jade Hall is unstable and in need of the Sect Leader’s leadership of the grand scheme."
Chen Ming didn’t beat around the bush and retorted, "Elder Sun, let me ask you, does Golden Jade Hall need a presiding Sect Leader now or one who can ascend to the pinnacle of the Martial Dao?"
Upon hearing this, Sun Chuxian seemed moved.
Chen Ming continued, "You don’t need to probe any further. What I want is simple, an environment free from disturbance. Also, in the future, when I reach First Grade, securing a slot to enter the Secret Realm. Would the elders not grant me this?"
"The Sect Leader desires a slot, it is naturally available anytime."
"There you have it, I’ve already gotten what I want. As for the rest, I am not interested. It is late, the three elders should head back to rest early."
After dismissing them, Chen Ming returned alone to his bedroom.
These three elders are solely focused on power and profit. Truly vulgar and they think everyone is like them.
If not for the "Taiyue Sword," he wouldn’t have wanted to be Sect Leader, not to mention there are no benefits; if anything happens, he’d be the first to suffer as Sect Leader.
Given the circumstances, he’ll be Sect Leader temporarily; it’s only in name anyway.
Once he comprehends the "Profound Earth True Skill," he’ll leave whenever he wishes, and these people won’t be able to stop him.
At that time, he’ll be confident enough to contend with Du Rusong, find a way to draw him out, preferably find a helper to kill him and eliminate the threat.
As for a helper, the most suitable candidate is naturally Yu Haitang, though convincing her won’t be easy.
"Perhaps use her collusion with the Longevity Sect’s monsters to threaten her?"
Chen Ming stroked his chin and murmured to himself.
Today in the Secret Realm, until leaving, Yu Haitang never mentioned Deng Ziyang who fled into the cave, which he knew signified an understanding between them.
Because her performance today seemed like she was aware of the ambush. She couldn’t possess a wondrous item like him, such as the Turtle Shell, to foresee danger.
The only possibility is, she has an insider!
However, truly threatening her with this matter might make her defiant, could even lead to a confrontation.
Forget it.
"Better focus on comprehending the cultivation technique first."
Chen Ming laid the "Taiyue Sword" across his knee and began delving into the "Profound Earth True Skill."
Who knows where Yu Haitang acquired the contents of the first three layers; she actually managed to complete the skill. The cultivation technique that Golden Jade Hall’s Divine Treasure Realm sought his entire life but never found, she managed to find.