Chapter 93: Sect Game, Name Determination
Ye Li defeated Li Juetian with a single sword strike. News of her victory spread like wildfire, instantly sweeping across the entire Northern Territory cultivation world. The Xuanyun Sect was in a state of turmoil. Ye Li's name was no longer simply associated with "genius" and "opportunity," but now truly synonymous with "powerful" and "pillar of the sect." She had proven through her actions that her status was earned through unwavering combat prowess, undisputed.
However, beneath the surface, the undercurrent within the sect has become even more turbulent due to the finalization of the number of participants in the exploration of the Bingpo Xuan Palace ruins. This number not only represents a great opportunity, but also concerns the future strength and influence of each faction.
The day after Li Juetian's defeat, the atmosphere within Lingxiao Hall was solemn and dignified. Sect Leader Xuan Chengzi sat at the head of the table, flanked by core leaders like Muyun Jushi, Situ Kuang (though still seriously injured, his faction's elders were present), Lingyunzi, and Miaoyin Zhenren. This meeting would finalize the list of disciples bound for the Bingpo Xuan Palace ruins, particularly the highly prized core exploration slots.
At the bottom of the hall stood a dozen powerful young disciples. They were all the best among the sect's true disciples, as well as elite disciples like Ye Li who had been promoted through exceptional circumstances. Ye Li stood among them, her expression calm. After yesterday's battle, the restrained yet unfathomable aura surrounding her had instilled a sense of fear in the surrounding veteran true disciples, who dared not underestimate her.
Xuan Chengzi's gaze swept across the disciples below, finally landing on Ye Li. A subtle flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes, and he slowly spoke, "The Bingpo Xuan Palace ruins are a legacy of the ancient sect, offering both opportunities and risks. After several deliberations by the Elders Council, and considering the disciples' recent performance, strength, and contributions to the sect, the final quota is now announced as follows."
Everyone's heart was lifted.
"There are five people in total for the core exploration." Xuan Chengzi said clearly, "Jianfeng, Leng Ning!"
Leng Ning stepped out, sword in hand, expressionless, and bowed to receive the order. His strength was immense, and his swordsmanship was exceptional; his selection was a foregone conclusion.
"Danxia Peak, Su Qing!"
A female disciple with a gentle temperament but bright eyes stepped out. She was a direct disciple of Miaoyin Zhenren. She practiced both alchemy and martial arts, and was particularly good at healing and detoxification. She played a key role in the team.
"Weapon Hall, Fire Melt!"
Huo Rong grinned and strode out. He had extraordinary skills in refining weapons and was quite powerful, which would be of great benefit to him in exploring the ruins.
"And," Xuan Chengzi paused and looked at Ye Li again, "Yundan Peak, Ye Li!"
After the voice fell, a moment of silence fell in the hall, followed by a low gasp. Although they had expected it, many were still shocked to hear Ye Li's name included in the core five. This meant that the sect officially recognized her status as one of the leading figures of the younger generation!
Ye Li's expression remained unchanged. He took a step forward, bowed, and said, "Disciple, I obey your orders."
However, just when everyone thought the list had been finalized, an elder from Zhan Kuang Peak (surnamed Tu, with a sinister expression) representing Situ Kuang's faction suddenly spoke up, "Master! The core position is of great importance, and we must be extremely cautious. Although Junior-Junior Brother Ye Li is quite capable, he is still a recent disciple, having just entered the Spiritual Mansion Realm, and may lack experience. Furthermore, he has close ties with forces outside the sect (referring to Qin Yixuan of the Bishui Pavilion), and I'm afraid he won't be able to fully prioritize the interests of the sect while in the ruins. I believe that this position would be more securely filled by Shi Long, a true disciple of Zhan Kuang Peak! Shi Long has long been in the middle stage of the Spiritual Mansion Realm, possesses formidable combat prowess, and is utterly loyal to the sect!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly tensed. This was a blatant questioning and challenge to the Sect Master's decision!
Shi Long, a burly, muscular man standing among the disciples, heard this and a hint of desire and fierceness flashed in his eyes. He took a step forward and said in a loud voice: "Disciple Shi Long, I am willing to go through fire and water for the sect and will not let you down!"
Clearly, this was a premeditated counterattack by Zhan Kuangfeng's faction. Unable to deny Ye Li's strength, they exploited her qualifications, experience, and "loyalty."
Xuan Chengzi frowned slightly, but before he could speak, Lay Buddhist Muyun calmly said, "Elder Tu, you're wrong. In the world of immortal cultivation, those who achieve great things come first, so why bother about how long they've been in the sect? Ye Li tracked down the demon in Blackwater City in the northern border, showed off his prowess in the sect competition, and yesterday defeated the Tiandao Sect's prodigy. His achievements, strength, and character are all witnessed by you. As for interacting with the Bishui Pavilion... it's normal to exchange with elite disciples from friendly nations, learning from each other's strengths and weaknesses. Are we, the disciples of the Xuanyun Sect, all supposed to work in isolation?"
Mr. Muyun spoke in a calm tone, but every word he said was precious, and he refuted Elder Tu's questions one by one.
Ling Yunzi also snorted coldly: "You lack strength, so you use your seniority as an excuse? We sword cultivators only trust the sword in our hands! Ye Li's sword proved everything yesterday! If Shi Long is not convinced, he can fight Ye Li now!"
Miaoyin Zhenren gently interjected, "Junior-nephew Yeli has also dabbled in alchemy and formation techniques. She is meticulous and thoughtful, which is exactly what is needed to explore the ruins. Su Qing and her complement each other very well."
Several heavyweight peak masters expressed their views in succession, clearly supporting Ye Li.
Elder Tu's face turned grim, and he was about to argue again. Xuan Chengzi raised his hand to stop him, his voice filled with undeniable authority: "Enough! The Elders' Council has already made a decision on the quota issue, and this is no joke. Ye Li's merits and abilities are more than enough to qualify for the core position, so there's no need for further discussion! Shi Long is also a true disciple, and can join the regular exploration team, also serving the sect."
The final word! The leader's authority cannot be challenged.
Elder Tu and Shi Long had no choice but to retreat in disappointment, their eyes full of unwillingness, but they dared not say anything more.
"The fifth core position," Xuan Chengzi continued, "will be filled by my direct disciple, Xuan Tianzi."
A young man with an extraordinary demeanor, handsome features, and a profound aura slowly stepped out and bowed to receive the order. Xuan Tianzi, the sect leader's direct disciple, had been in seclusion for years, rarely appearing in public. Yet, his strength was unfathomable, rumored to have already reached the late Spiritual Mansion Realm. He was recognized within the sect as the foremost of the younger generation. His selection was unanimous.
The core five-man roster was thus confirmed: Leng Ning, Su Qing, Huo Rong, Ye Li, and Xuan Tianzi. This combination, with excellent offensive and defensive, support, exploration, and adaptability capabilities, was truly a golden lineup.
Afterwards, a list of twenty ordinary exploration disciples was announced, with Shi Long prominently on the list, as well as a list of thirty logistical support disciples.
"The space at the entrance to the ruins is unstable and can only accommodate fifty people at the same time. You will gather here in five days, led by Elder Muyun himself!" Xuan Chengzi gave the final order.
"We will follow the master's orders!" All the disciples responded in unison.
The meeting ended and everyone dispersed. Ye Li was about to leave when the voice of Master Mu Yun rang in her ears: "Li Er, follow me."
Ye Li followed Mr. Mu Yun and came to the cave above the sea of clouds again.
"Sit down." Master Muyun gestured for Ye Li to sit down. He personally brewed a cup of spiritual tea and pushed it in front of her, with a look of satisfaction on his face. "You handled today's matter very well. Being unperturbed by praise or criticism is the mentality of a strong person."
"Thank you, Master, for your support," Ye Li said respectfully. She knew that without the support of her Master and the other Peak Masters, the competition for the spot today would never have gone so smoothly.
Mr. Muyun waved his hand, his expression becoming somewhat serious: "The quota has been determined, and there are some matters regarding the ruins that need to be informed to you in advance."
Ye Li listened attentively.
"The Bingpo Xuan Palace was founded by the ancient ice supreme 'Ice Emperor'. Its core inheritance, 'Ice Emperor Sealing Heaven Art', is extremely powerful, but it has long been lost. Now that the ruins have appeared in the world, various forces are eyeing them covetously. The dangers there are far greater than those of the Blackwater City Tomb. Not only are there restrictions and guards on the ruins themselves, but we also need to be wary of other sects, especially... the villains who may have sneaked in." Mr. Muyun was hinting.
Ye Li nodded: "Disciple understands, and will be careful and cautious."
Lay Buddhist Muyun pondered for a moment and lowered his voice. "Also, I've consulted the sect's most ancient secret tome, and combined with your previous experiences, I have a hypothesis... Deep within the Ice Soul Profound Palace, there might be something related to 'reincarnation'. Perhaps... it's another piece of the clue you're looking for."
Ye Li's heart leaped! Fragments of the Samsara Mirror! Master had guessed something! She suppressed her excitement and remained calm: "What does Master mean?"
"It's just speculation, there's no real evidence." Monk Muyun looked at her deeply. "But rumors of the Void School may not be without reason. The Ice Emperor was an unparalleled power who had touched the laws of time and space. It's not impossible that there are rare treasures related to reincarnation in the place where he passed away. You have a chance, and you may be able to sense it. If you do encounter it, be extremely cautious. You should be well aware of the principle of "possessing a treasure is a sin."
This was a reminder to her that opportunities and dangers coexist, and even if she found the fragments, she had to consider how to collect them safely to avoid becoming a target of public criticism.
"Disciple, I will remember Master's teachings!" Ye Li replied solemnly. This news was crucial to her! Besides the sect mission and personal training, finding the fragments of the Samsara Mirror became her most important goal during her trip to Bingpo Xuan Palace!
"Alright, go ahead." Monk Muyun waved his hand. "Make good preparations in the next five days. If you need any pills, talismans, or formation plates, you can go to the warehouse and get them. During this exploration, your safety is paramount. Returning alive is the most important thing."
"Yes! Disciple, I'll take my leave!" Ye Li stood up and bowed deeply. The Master's care and advice made her heart warm.
Leaving the cave, Ye Li gazed into the distance, her eyes determined. With the core position confirmed and clues to the Samsara Mirror fragments beginning to emerge, the path ahead, while treacherous, also became clearer.
She returned to the Yundan Peak courtyard and immediately began to prepare. Most of the supplies on the list could be exchanged through the elite disciple authority. At the same time, she issued instructions to Lin Feng and others through the Samsara Mirror:
"The quota has been confirmed. We will depart in five days. While I'm away, all matters of Youge will be handled by Lin Feng. Maintain stability and develop in secret. Avoid any rash actions. Focus on collecting detailed information on the history of Bingpo Xuan Palace, known types of restrictions, and any talents from other forces who may enter the ruins."
Lin Feng replied quickly, "Understood! Pavilion Master, please be careful! The information will be collected and delivered within three days."
After arranging everything, Ye Li sat cross-legged, adjusting her state to her best. Bingpo Xuan Palace, this ancient secret land of ice and snow, would soon become her testing ground for a higher stage. There, there were opportunities, challenges, potential allies (Qin Yixuan), and hidden enemies.
And she is ready for everything!
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