Leader
The Lingxiao Terrace is wide and flat, with clouds and mist swirling around your feet, making you feel as if you are in a heavenly palace.
A huge statue stood before the three of them; it was Xie Qingfeng, the current sect leader of the Guiyun Sect.
At that moment, the voice came from the statue.
Xie Lanchen glanced at the statue, his lips curled down, and he casually cupped his hands, barely bending his waist, giving an extremely perfunctory salute: "Sect Master."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the calm Yun Wei and the slightly tired Ning Xihe beside him, before adding, "Congratulations, Sect Master, on another occasion when outstanding talents emerge from your sect."
Ning Xihe also curtsied towards the statue, her tone indifferent: "Sect Master, please forgive me. I was mentally exhausted on the Path of Inquiry just now, and my breath has not yet calmed down. I fear my bow may have been inappropriate and I have been disrespectful." She looked up at the stone statue and cut straight to the point, "May I ask, Sect Master, the three of us arrived together on this Path of Inquiry. How should the position of champion be determined?"
The wind whistled past, and all was silent.
After a moment, Xie Qingfeng's voice rang out again, devoid of any emotion: "In the sect competition, the rule has always been that only one person can be the champion. This is meant to encourage disciples to strive for excellence, so how can it be easily changed just because the three of you are traveling together?"
He changed the subject, saying, "Lan Chen, as my adopted son, you have performed exceptionally well this time. In my opinion, this champion position should rightfully belong to you..."
Yunwei stood still, her face calm and expressionless, but her mind was in turmoil.
Why doesn't the father reveal his true form, but instead uses the statue to convey his message? Is he still in a critical period of seclusion, unable to show himself? Or is he deliberately keeping his distance to observe, or even intervene?
More importantly, on the path of self-examination... did her father discover her secret?
No... if her identity were exposed, Xie Qingfeng would never be so calm.
At this moment, he intends to support Xie Lanchen and suppress her, this "unknown" but outstanding "nameless" person. She must remain calm and not lose her composure.
She knew what Xie Qingfeng was thinking. This face, exactly like the "deceased" senior sister's, was the biggest point of suspicion in itself.
He didn't want to give the top spot to himself, partly to protect his preferred successor, Xie Lanchen, and perhaps also as a deeper test to see how she would react.
Just as Xie Qingfeng was about to finish speaking, Xie Lanchen suddenly interrupted him, his tone icy: "Sect Master, I don't want this top spot."
Upon hearing this, Xie Qingfeng's voice immediately turned cold: "Lan Chen, you have cultivated diligently for many years and have outstanding talent in swordsmanship. You also gave your all in the competition three years ago. Why do you want to give up such a position that is within your grasp so easily?"
These words sound like concern, but they actually carry a questioning tone.
Xie Lanchen lowered his eyes, concealing the emotions within them, his tone remaining indifferent: "Diligent cultivation is for personal strength, not for empty fame. In this sect competition, the nameless young lady helped me escape danger several times, her performance was evident to all. If it weren't for her, I might not have been able to arrive here safely. She truly deserves this title."
Ning Xihe frowned slightly. She glanced at Yun Wei, who had an indifferent expression, and then at Xie Lanchen, who seemed unconcerned. She stepped forward and bowed again towards the statue: "Sect Master, you are wise. This Path of Inquiry is far more perilous than ever before. The nameless girl's unwavering will and pure sword intent are evident to all. Junior Brother Xie's cultivation is profound, and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances is also admirable."
She raised her voice slightly and continued, "If outstanding individuals are buried because of past precedents, it will be difficult to convince the public and will also go against the original intention of the competition to encourage others. This disciple humbly requests the sect leader to make a fair decision based on the actual situation this time."
Yunwei's expression changed.
Ning Xihe's actions were not simply to speak up for her, but also to uphold the fairness that the sect should have.
She is indeed of pure and resilient character, and even when she might lose her position as leader, she was able to uphold justice.
In comparison, the selfish scheming of the father and some elders seems particularly despicable.
Before Yun Wei could speak, five figures appeared on the Lingxiao Platform; they were the five elders of the Guiyun Sect.
As soon as Elder Wu appeared, he pointed at her impatiently and sternly accused her: "Sect Master! This woman actually damaged the Floating Dust Mirror during the Path of Inquiry! How can such behavior be tolerated? Let alone being granted the position of champion!"
Yun Wei's expression remained unchanged. He spoke calmly, his voice cold: "If Elder Wu believes it is my fault, he should provide evidence. Otherwise, to slander me with mere words, what are your intentions?"
Elder Wu was choked and his face turned red. He pointed at her, his Adam's apple bobbing, and he stammered "you" for a long time, but couldn't say anything. His face turned from red to green.
Seeing this, Elder Duan pondered for a moment and then smoothed things over, saying, "The matter of the Floating Dust Mirror can be discussed later. The most important thing right now is to decide on the leader. Wuming has performed exceptionally well, Lanchen has voluntarily yielded, and Xihe is also very understanding of the greater good. This matter certainly requires careful consideration and cannot be decided in a few words."
Yun Wei knew she could no longer remain silent; she had to fight for herself and give Xie Qingfeng and the five elders an irrefutable reason.
Thinking of this, she took a step forward, her gaze falling on the statue, her voice clear and resonant, echoing across the Lingxiao Terrace: "Although my memory is incomplete, I know that the sect's grand competition emphasizes fairness. On the path of self-examination, I will guard my true self, wield my sword and move forward, breaking through regrets, cutting off fears, and understanding the Dao, taking each step with a clear conscience."
She slightly raised her chin, her gaze sharpening as she looked directly at the person behind her. "The sect rules may be old, but times have changed. If we rigidly adhere to the old rules, wouldn't that be like trying to find a sword by marking the boat? I dare not presume for the title of leader, but I do ask for fairness. If my performance today is disregarded simply because my appearance resembles that of someone from the past..."
She paused here, her gaze sweeping over all the elders present, and said, word by word, "Then I fear this is not something that the Guiyun Sect, with its century-old reputation, should do, nor will it convince fellow cultivators throughout the world."
The situation reached a stalemate for a moment.
Elder Duan was the first to express his support: "Sect Master, this woman's temperament, will, and swordsmanship are truly outstanding in this competition. If she is buried because of the unfairness of the old rules, it may discourage the disciples from seeking the Dao."
Elder Wu frowned and retorted, "This woman's origins are unknown, and she looks exactly like Yun Wei. How could there be such a coincidence? How do we know it's not some kind of evil magic disguise? The leader values reputation highly; how can it be given lightly? Elder Duan, don't be fooled by her appearance."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lanchen sneered, stepped forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with Yun Wei, and said sarcastically, "Elder Wu keeps saying that his origins are unknown and that he is using evil magic to disguise himself. Does he have any real evidence? Has the elder personally witnessed any kind of evil magic that can perfectly imitate a person's form, spirit, and even sword intent and will? Or does the elder think that those who have accompanied me, Xie Lanchen, for several days and whom I have approved of are also worthy of suspicion?"
The young man's tone grew colder, and he made no attempt to hide his feelings: "As for what the elder said, that she looks exactly like Senior Sister Yunwei... May I ask the elder, so what if she looks like her? Is looking like her a crime? There are so many people in the world who look alike. Just because of the word 'looks like her,' does that mean she should never have a chance to rise in society? What kind of logic is that? When did Guiyun Sect become so narrow-minded that it can't even tolerate a similar face?"
Elder Wu trembled with anger after being questioned repeatedly: "Lan Chen...you...you must stop being so unreasonable and sophistry!"
Elder Wang coughed lightly and spoke at the opportune moment: "Elder Wu's concerns are reasonable, but they do require concrete evidence. Ultimately, the competition is based on strength, and everyone has witnessed the strength of the nameless young lady."
Yunwei stood still, her mind slightly stirred.
Xie Lanchen stood beside her at this moment, and although he was arrogant, he made her feel that she was not fighting alone.
Xie Qingfeng remained silent for a long time behind the stone statue before suddenly speaking, his voice turning to Ning Xihe with a hint of probing: "Xihe, you have been a disciple for many years, working diligently without ceasing. I know you have always longed for this top position in order to obtain more resources and improve your swordsmanship. Now that the opportunity is before you, are you really willing to give it up? You should know that on the path of cultivation, sometimes a single step can make all the difference."
Is Father trying to use Ning Xihe to keep her in check?
She looked at Ning Xihe, wondering what he would choose.
Ning Xihe remained calm and resolute, saying, "Reporting to the Sect Master, I do indeed yearn for the top spot, but I value the sect's fairness and my own Dao heart even more. The nameless girl's strength and character are both superior to mine. I accept my defeat in this Path of the Heart and have no resentment. To disregard the facts for personal gain and fight for honors that do not belong to me would truly hinder my progress in Dao heart, and that is not what I desire."
Ning Xihe worked so hard in the forbidden area to win the top spot, but in the end, it was because of her...
Xie Qingfeng remained silent for a moment, then slowly sighed: "Since none of you have any objections, then the champion of this sect competition shall be—Nameless!"
As soon as she finished speaking, the Cloud Trace Bead hanging around Yun Wei's neck suddenly turned from bright yellow to purple. In an instant, purple light shot into the sky, and tiny specks of light fell from it, turning into sparkling spots on the stone steps before disappearing without a trace.
The previously stagnant clouds around her were stirred up and surged, turning into wisps of breeze that swirled around her and gently lifted the stray hairs at her temples.
At the same time, the Lingxiao Platform slowly descended and landed back on the ground.
The numerous Guiyun Sect disciples waiting below the stage erupted in commotion, their gazes all fixed on Yun Wei. Some pointed at the lingering purple light and clicked their tongues in amazement; others whispered about her resemblance to their deceased senior sister; and several disciples were filled with astonishment.
After all, there had never been such a strange phenomenon of purple light soaring into the sky and a gentle breeze surrounding her in previous years. It was as if the whole world had recognized her as the champion.
After an unknown amount of time, the light of the Cloud Trace Pearl gradually faded, transforming into a jade talisman of the Guiyun Sect that floated into the air.
Yunwei reached out and grasped it; it felt warm to the touch, yet incredibly heavy.
This is not just a title, but the first step she took to reclaim everything.
Mother, did you see this? I want this title of leader; I will also take back everything that Guiyun Sect owes me.
"The champion has been decided; all disciples should strive together." Xie Qingfeng's voice suppressed the commotion. "The champion's reward is no ordinary one. Elder Wu, give her the item."
Elder Wu's face turned ashen. He made a grabbing motion in the air, and an ice-blue jade pendant appeared. He handed it to Yun Wei: "This is the 'Ice Soul Key.' Holding it can resist the cold air outside the Cold Soul Abyss and open the entrance for three days."
Yun Wei's expression froze for a moment.
Thirteen years ago, her mother, Yun Qing, died mysteriously in the Cold Soul Abyss, and her remains were never recovered. She was also branded with the stigma of "unclear bloodline".
She understood Xie Qingfeng's intention: he wanted to use the Cold Soul Key to test her and see if she would eagerly jump into this obvious trap to explore the deliberately buried truth.
A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan; we must be patient and wait for the right opportunity.
She forcibly suppressed her turbulent emotions, put away the Ice Soul Key, nodded slightly towards the statue, and said in a calm and even voice, without any hint of abnormality: "Thank you for the reward, Sect Master."
Xie Qingfeng hummed in agreement and continued, "The competition is over, and all disciples may disperse. Tonight, the sect will host a banquet to celebrate, and you may all attend."
The crowd dispersed, leaving only Elders Wu and Wang behind.
A moment later, Xie Qingfeng emerged from behind the statue, his expression sinister.
Elder Wu immediately leaned closer, his voice anxious: "Sect Master, why did you give her the Ice Soul Key? And why did you make her the leader? What if she really is Yun Wei? Wouldn't that be like letting a tiger return to the mountain? Hanpoyuan is..."
Elder Wang, however, held a different opinion, stroking his beard and saying, "Whether she is Yun Wei or not, the sect leader's actions are justified. If she is, we can take this opportunity to see what she intends to do and what she plans to do; if she is not, our Guiyun Sect will gain a disciple with outstanding talent, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?"
Xie Qingfeng gazed in the direction Yun Wei had left and said slowly, "Precisely because she might be, we should give her this opportunity. Hanpo Abyss is where Yun Qing perished. If she harbors any obsession, she will definitely go there. I want to see what she really wants to do and what kind of waves she can stir up."
If she attempts to venture into the depths of the Cold Soul Abyss to seek things she shouldn't know... then there's no need to hold back any longer.
Now is the time to clean house.
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