Chapter 626 - 573: Stumped to Tears
Supreme Elder Zhuge Jing inquired about the situation of the Heavenly Interence Sect in the Upper Realm. Jiang Yuebai chose some insignificant details to share.
"... The predecessors of the Heavenly Interence Sect in the Upper Realm are akin to Loose Cultivators, living freely without a fixed abode. Although there is an intention now to find a mountain to establish a sect, this is not something achievable overnight."
"Therefore, I wish to temporarily settle in the Zhuge Family, to hone my Cultivation and knowledge. Of course, I will do my utmost to give back to the Zhuge Family."
Zhuge Jing’s eyes brightened slightly as he glanced at the Family Head, Zhuge Shou, seemingly pondering something.
"Your willingness to stay in the Zhuge Family as a Guest Elder is indeed fortunate for our family. We have an obligation to take care of an Immortal Monarch’s disciple. If you have other requests, do state them, and we will not decline what we can fulfill."
Zhuge Jing’s attitude was sincere, and Jiang Yuebai felt it would be impolite to overreach.
"No need for special attention, just follow the family’s rules."
"Very well, I will let Shoucheng draft a contract for you to see later."
Shoucheng is the Daoist Name of the Family Head Zhuge Shou.
Jiang Yuebai nodded, then looked towards the Inner Affairs Hall, smiling as she asked, "May I continue to consult the Great Elders? I still have some questions that I didn’t quite understand earlier."
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Jing laughed, "Good, good, the Zhuge Family indeed needs a cultivator like you who does not boast of identity or Cultivation but is humble and eager to learn. Go ahead, after your discussions conclude, Shoucheng will send someone to settle you."
"Thank you!"
Jiang Yuebai bid farewell with cupped fists and happily ran back to the Inner Affairs Hall, soon the sound of heated debate and discussion arose within.
This time, the particularly loud Great Elder of the Armor Making Hall, Tie Wanjiang, also joined in, causing the elders and disciples handling affairs in the Hall to lend an ear, even dispatching carrier pigeons, inviting others to listen.
After glancing around for a moment, Zhuge Jing turned and whispered to Zhuge Shou beside him.
"I recall our realm’s Realm Lord completed his seventh Immortal Tribulation a hundred years ago and has been in seclusion since, correct?"
Family Head Zhuge Shou replied solemnly, "Yes, it’s heard that he will emerge soon."
Zhuge Jing squinted, lost in thought, "What is the situation in the upstream area of the Seven Stars River Basin now?"
Zhuge Shou pondered and roughly understood what Zhuge Jing was considering, "The Heavenly Star Sect, in its quest for expansion, has been suppressing other small sects and forces in the Seven Stars River Basin. This conflict has lasted for over thirty years, and grievances have been voiced."
"Previously, during the Xiong Family’s new Family Head’s dual ceremony, the Heavenly Star Sect sent representatives with gifts, suggesting an alliance with the Xiong Family to dominate the Seven Stars River Basin. I fear they will target the Zhuge Family next.’
Zhuge Jing nodded slowly, "In that case, the Chenzhou Demon Head emerging previously has unwittingly aided the Zhuge Family. If not for her driving away Iron Palm Master, they would have pressured the Zhuge Family as a unified force."
Zhuge Shou frowned, "Rumors will fade over time, only delaying slightly. If the Zhuge Family cannot find a powerful ally to deter them, and our Old Ancestor fails to break through to the Body Integration Realm, we will eventually face their collective assault."
Zhuge Jing scoffed twice, "The Zhuge Family does not vie for Nine Rivers Realm dominance, and they think the Zhuge Family is easy prey? Shame, heaven favors the Zhuge Family, their plans will likely fail."
"Rest assured, Supreme Elder, Shoucheng knows how to proceed."
"Hmm, take things slow, be prudent, no need to rush."
After speaking, both looked up to see a group of disciples running from afar.
"Quick, quick, that newly arrived True Monarch who defeated Elder Fann is currently debating fiercely in the Inner Affairs Hall with the elders from various halls unable to match her."
"I received the message from Senior Brother, saying the True Monarch possesses a wealth of knowledge and endless clever ideas; even the Secret Academy’s Elder Hongjian couldn’t answer her questions, hahahaha, it’s too interesting."
"Not only interesting, I hear the True Monarch easily solved the Revolving Crossbow’s lack of momentum during a casual examination; I’ve studied the same issue this year, I must listen."
"It’s said she has many tips in Artifact Refining that save time and effort, and even our stubborn Elder Tie admitted defeat!"
"Let’s go grab a spot!"
The crowd saw the Supreme Elder and Family Head in their path, quickly stopping and bowing respectfully before rushing into the Inner Affairs Hall, gathering outside the Quiet Room door.
"It’s lively today!"
Zhuge Jing sighed, returning first, leaving Zhuge Shou to handle subsequent matters.
More and more people flocked to the Inner Affairs Hall as if attending a market event, filling the inner auditorium and stretching their necks outside the walls.
Zhuge Shou chuckled and shook his head, realizing the debate wouldn’t conclude anytime soon, deciding to first draft the contract and return at night.
To his surprise, upon reviewing the contract terms and returning to the Inner Affairs Hall, he saw from afar a dense crowd thronging inside and outside.
Even the Bronze Giant Puppet in the plaza’s center had Zhuge Family’s Inner Sect Disciples standing atop its head and shoulders, using scouting Puppets to observe inside.
Some listened with Jade Scrolls, while others stood by idly watching.
"Let her through, Elder Liuu from Xinglin Hall is here, let her in."
"Elder Tie, I also want to know True Monarch Wangshu’s question, please answer it."
"Fellow Senior Brothers and Sisters, did any of you solve True Monarch Wangshu’s equation earlier? I’m baffled by her solution."
"Elder Xiuye, where are you going, True Monarch Wangshu’s question hasn’t been answered yet."
Standing on a raised platform at the Mechanical Institute’s giant central pillar, Family Head Zhuge Shou saw the Mechanical Institute’s Grand Elder Zhuge Xiu, pale and weary, emerging from the crowd.
He grasped the hand of the newly arrived Fire Hall Elder, pressing down strongly, conveying ’It’s all up to you,’ before escaping into the sky, looking somewhat like a defeated fugitive.
The Fire Hall Elder entered with pride but after less than an hour, emerged looking like a defeated rooster.
"I just remembered the Mechanisms you brats need for tomorrow’s lecture are not yet prepared..."
"Hahaha!"
Continuous laughter echoed, the interaction between the Zhuge Family disciples and elders always being so harmonious, respected yet without fear.
Family Head Zhuge Shou sighed, deciding to return the next day.
Except the next day, the day after, and the day after that... each time he came, he saw only the crowd had changed, with elders happily entering and leaving with grim expressions.
Only Jiang Yuebai remained consistent, pouring out the questions accumulated over years, resolving questions emerging during discussions on the spot.
Even the young disciples of the Zhuge Family began to groan, "I can’t take it anymore, record it for me, I’ll take a nap and come back."
But beyond groans, Zhuge Shou heard joyful, excited laughter across the Zhuge Family.
"Hahaha, so that’s it, I just wasn’t thinking clearly!"
"I did it, I finally made the new Revolving Crossbow!"
"Brothers, this method is superb, charge!"
Zhuge Shou, unwilling to disrupt such a rich academic atmosphere, immediately declared a month-long holiday for the Zhuge Family’s Inner Sect Disciples and elders.
Little did he know, this decision brought joy to some and sorrow to others.
Especially the elders, driven to tears by Jiang Yuebai’s questions, feeling utterly bitter, unable to find excuses to escape classes—