After returning to the Annihilation Sect, the Grand Elder separated from the Sect Master and immediately sent a Jade Talisman to Floating Jade City, requesting Mao Aowu to return for a discussion on a significant matter.

Originally, to set Wu Wang's mind at ease as Sect Master, they had agreed to a three-year term, and now…

It seemed the Sect Master had forgotten about this.

"Really forgotten?"

Elder Miao chuckled. "If he's forgotten, let's not bring it up. Father, you don't need to be so serious about it. The Sect Master was probably just making excuses because he's thin-skinned."

The Grand Elder said gravely, "The Sect Master is no ordinary person; we cannot judge him by ordinary standards! Why is that Mao Aowu fellow so slow! It's been hours; why hasn't he hurried back yet!"

"He is now the Pavilion Master of a branch of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, you know."

Leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, Elder Miao revealed a slight, playful smile and teased, "Father, you broke through to the Transcendent realm, and he didn't even come back to congratulate you, did he?"

The Grand Elder pondered for a moment. "He did send a reply," he said. "It mentioned that Ji Mo was in seclusion, and he was genuinely worried. We can't blame him for this; after all, the Ji Family is a model Military Family in the Human Domain, and Ji Mo's background is truly profound. Now that Ji Mo is a protector in our Annihilation Sect, we naturally can't disregard his safety."

Miao Cuijiao huffed lightly. "Playboy of the brothels."

With a serious expression, the Grand Elder said, "Young people often can't control themselves and might act a bit frivolously. You shouldn't speak of Protector Ji in such a manner."

"Then how come our Sect Master isn't like him?" Miao Cuijiao snorted. "Our Sect Master is so upright. Lin Suqing is still a virgin, you know. He doesn't even fool around with his close maidens. He's a hundred times better than that Ji Mo."

The Grand Elder observed his daughter, a mere few thousand years old. He noticed Miao Cuijiao was dressed far more conservatively than in the light silks she wore years ago, a style quite incongruous with her status as the Master of the Black Desire Door.

This is...

Stroking his beard, the Grand Elder spoke earnestly, "If you harbor feelings for the Sect Master, you should change your cultivation technique soon. With my help, you can surely recover your cultivation realm within a century."

Miao Cuijiao's phoenix eyes widened. "Me? The Sect Master? Harbor feelings? Father, you must be joking! I have no interest in a young whelp like him."

The Grand Elder smiled without saying anything.

"Hmph," Miao Cuijiao crossed her slender arms. "Believe it or not."

"What's this about 'believe it or not'? HAHAHAHA!"

Outside the Grand Elder's thatched cottage, several Heavenly Immortal Realm Elders arrived in a swirl of black wind. Upon landing, billowing demonic miasma dispersed around them as they entered the thatched cottage one by one.

Miao Cuijiao huffed lightly and retreated to a corner, making space for these uncles.

The Elders paid their respects and took their seats. Just as they were about to ask the Grand Elder why he had summoned them, several bursts of laughter echoed from above the Rift Valley.

Two figures passed through the barrier of the Bloody Formation and descended, causing the young demons in the valley, who had joined not long ago, to gaze up with curiosity.

One was a silver-haired youth carrying a sword, looking dashing and full of vigor. His medium-length silver hair was tied in a ponytail, and the sword hilt visible over his shoulder emanated a keen sharpness.

Beside the silver-haired youth stood another young man with his hair in a high topknot, even more strikingly handsome. He possessed a jade-like countenance and a tall, slender physique. His cyan robe was exceptionally flamboyant. With a gentle flick of the folding fan in his hand, he captivated many young women, their eyes shining with interest as they couldn't help but steal a few more glances.

It was Mao Aowu and Ji Mo.

At this time, the aura around Ji Mo was still somewhat unstable. After his epiphany in the brothel and a long period of seclusion, he had reappeared, having advanced to the early stage of the Ascending Immortal Realm. Not only had his realm leaped forward, but the flaws and superficial aspects of his previous cultivation had also been thoroughly solidified.

He had discovered a new self in the brothel!

As if they had intentionally arrived together, just as Ji Mo and Mao Aowu landed, a large ship flew in from above the Rift Valley.

Once the ship stabilized, over a hundred streaks of light flew out. Among them were more than ten Heavenly Immortals clad in Battle Armor and over twenty True Immortals marching in formation. The rest were Immortal Soldiers wearing armor emblazoned with the character 'Lin'.

Behind them, four maidens—rare for being identical, each with delicate and lovely features—carried a bamboo chair towards the Mountain Protection Array.

On the bamboo chair sat a handsome young master clad in white, with a touch of feminine beauty. When silent, his face always seemed somewhat somber.

This was Lin Qi, the Sword Cultivator and sole heir of the Lin Family, who had rushed back to the Annihilation Sect after spending less than half a day at home.

Ji Mo and Mao Aowu exchanged glances—one frowning, the other raising an eyebrow—as they reached a silent understanding.

As Lin Qi's bamboo chair landed, Ji Mo tucked his folding fan into the collar at the back of his neck. "Get him!" he yelled, then charged forward with Mao Aowu from either side. Amidst the somewhat panicked gazes of the four maidens, they pinned Lin Qi down and gave him a good thrashing.

If Lin Qi hadn't failed to suppress a few chuckles, the Lin Family retainers, hands already on their magic treasures, would have struck…

Ji Mo, looking at the four beautiful maidens, cursed through clenched teeth, "You rascal! It's one thing to come back, but must you make such a show!"

Mao Aowu stated reasonably, "A protector's retinue must not exceed an Elder's in scale!"

"HAHAHA, hahaha, I was showing off, showing off!" Lin Qi begged for mercy repeatedly. His hearty laughter made Ji Mo feel somewhat strange.

Ji Mo wondered aloud, "Why does it feel like you're much more cheerful than before, after my seclusion?"

"Is that so? It must be because we haven't seen each other for a year or two," Lin Qi replied with a smile, his warm baritone voice, like water drops falling into a spring, spread out with a clear resonance.

He raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of pride in his slender eyes. Leaning forward, he whispered into Ji Mo's ear, "Teacher visited my home. Of all the Military Families in the Human Domain, mine was the first he called upon."

Ji Mo's smile froze instantly.

Ah, this guy's damned competitive spirit!

Lin Qi raised his eyebrows proudly, casually plucked the folding fan from behind Ji Mo's neck, snapped it open with a POP, and gently waved it before himself.

"Elder, please arrange for their settlement. From today, these four maidens of mine will also join the Annihilation Sect. Their lodgings need not be too close to mine, to avoid disturbing Teacher."

Mao Aowu acknowledged, looking up at the more than one hundred figures in the sky and then thinking of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's supervisory team currently in seclusion at the Annihilation Sect…

It seemed that their Sect's development was not quite following the conventional path of a Demonic Sect, was it?

「An hour later.」

All the Heavenly Immortal Realm Elders of the Annihilation Sect gathered at the Grand Elder's thatched cottage. The two Protectors, Lonely and Empty, also attended this small meeting where Miao Cuijiao informed them of the Sect Master's 'three-year agreement'.

The Grand Elder said, "That's the situation. What are your thoughts?"

The Elders pondered, unable to offer much.

Miao Cuijiao said, "This is actually quite simple. Just petition him directly."

"It seems simple, but it's not really that simple," Ji Mo analyzed earnestly. "Brother Wu Wang—ahem, the Sect Master, I mean—is actually quite thin-skinned. If we choose the wrong method and make the Sect Master feel awkward, he will genuinely take a step back. I believe most of you know, more or less, that the Sect Master's identity is extraordinary. The position of Annihilation Sect Master is actually dispensable to him."

Several Heavenly Immortal Realm Elders nodded in agreement.

Lin Qi said, "The simplest way is for us to go directly to Teacher, kneel, and beg him not to leave. Teacher is kind-hearted and prioritizes benevolence; as a model for the younger generation of the Human Domain, he certainly wouldn't abandon us."

"That's too demeaning," Ji Mo said with a smile. "It would place us in too low a position. Brother Wu Wang actually dislikes such things."

At this, Ji Mo shot Lin Qi a look and smiled. "Fortunately, I visited Brother Wu Wang's hometown in my youth. I witnessed their customs firsthand—they are very simple and natural."

Lin Qi: …Hmph.

Mao Aowu said gravely, "Perhaps we should invite Fairy Immortal Lin Suqing over to ask her opinion."

"The Sect Master's residence has a 'Do Not Disturb' sign," the Grand Elder noted after checking with his Immortal Consciousness, his voice soft. "It wouldn't be proper for us to disturb him."

Everyone mulled it over, each feeling uncertain, and began to rack their brains for a solution.

But after discussing for a long time, they still couldn't get to the heart of the matter.

Mao Aowu said, "When the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion invites an eminent person to an important post, there's a custom of 'three invitations and three refusals.' This demonstrates the person's noble character and lack of desire for power."

"That won't work," Ji Mo said. "Brother Wu Wang is very decisive. If he refuses and we insist, we'd truly be forcing him."

Elder Miao let out a soft sigh, and the bones of half the male cultivators in the room seemed to melt.

She said, "Our current dilemma stems from not knowing the Sect Master's true feelings about his position, or whether he has even considered the matter at all."

"Not necessarily," Mao Aowu smiled. "Perhaps the Sect Master is in his small building right now, mulling over how to broach the subject with us."

The Grand Elder casually drew a circle in the air. A hazy blood mist formed within it, revealing a blurry figure fast asleep, accompanied by distinct snores. The Grand Elder quickly poked the circle, causing it to vanish.

The Elders: …

Elder Miao ran her tongue over her soft, vermilion lips. "Hmm—my appetite has suddenly improved."

"I've got it!" Lin Qi snapped his fingers. "I have a plan!"

"Oh? What kind of plan?"

"I inquired earlier. The Old Sect Master perished during his transcendence catastrophe, so a formal succession ceremony for the Sect Master was never held," Lin Qi explained with a smile. "Why don't we make elaborate arrangements while Teacher is asleep? We can decorate the valley with lanterns and colorful banners, lay a red carpet in the main hall, invite the dancers from Guantao Tower back to perform, and then the entire sect will pay homage to the Sect Master.

"With such a formal investiture, Teacher will surely be overjoyed!"

Ji Mo frowned. "But if Brother Wu Wang is unwilling in his heart, isn't this just forcing him into it?"

Lin Qi countered, "No. Based on my research and understanding of Teacher's personality, he will sternly tell us we're being extravagant and wasteful. Teacher is quite happy being the Sect Master. If we avoid bringing up past embarrassments, he won't mention them either. Now is the time to see if we have a tacit understanding with Teacher!"

"Good! It's settled then!" The Grand Elder slammed his hand down, announcing loudly, "Two of you, go to the Sect Master's residence. You must quietly envelop his dwelling with a Formation so the commotion outside doesn't disturb him. I will personally go out and invite some guests. Our Sect Master is formally ascending; we must have witnesses!"

Mao Aowu said, "I'll invite some friends from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion too."

Ji Mo smiled. "I don't have many friends nearby, but I'll invite them over to liven things up."

"We must be quick," Lin Qi urged. "Teacher could wake up at any moment. Let's set a half-day deadline. As long as Teacher doesn't leave his small building after waking up, we'll continue with the preparations. That will signify Teacher's tacit approval."

"Excellent!"

"Let's get moving! No more delays!"

"To the Sect Master's formal ascension!"

Their eyes shone brightly, and then they transformed into streaks of light, departing from the cottage.

The valley soon buzzed with activity, and Wu Wang's residence was additionally shielded by a thick soundproofing array.

…

「Half a day later.」

The Annihilation Sect's grounds were adorned with lanterns and colorful banners, resembling a mortal town during a grand festival.

Several hundred female disciples of the Black Desire Door, dressed in colorful garments and wearing enchanting makeup, moved about in groups, causing the eyes of the newly initiated disciples to follow them everywhere.

The more seasoned disciples of the Extinguish Heaven and Lin Feng branches were able to resist staring at these Black Desire Door disciples. They, too, laughed and chatted among themselves, discussing topics unrelated to women.

Ji Mo even spotted a few acquaintances from the Drunken Fragrance Tower in the crowd.

The resident five-member troupe from Guantao Tower was urgently rehearsing a dance. Chefs brought from Floating Jade City were working furiously, and spirit beasts awaiting slaughter trembled in cages stacked as high as small hills.

Outside the Annihilation Sect, black winds howled and dark clouds gathered as Demon Path masters, invited by the Grand Elder, hurried over.

They naturally had to give face to the newly advanced Transcendent. They had long heard of the Annihilation Sect Master's extraordinary qualities.

It was only because time was short that they were putting on this somewhat modest display while Wu Wang slept. Ordinarily, they would have needed half a month to prepare. Moreover, the Beast Tide at the Northern Border had recently receded for the time being… They were determined to make it a grand event of the Demon Path!

The Grand Elder, clad in a blood-red robe, greeted guests before the Annihilation Sect's main hall.

Elder Miao changed into a fitting long gown and found a corner in the hall to sit, her presence alone captivating all the men and women attending the banquet.

When Mao Aowu arrived with over ten inspection immortal envoys, the atmosphere in the main hall reached a small peak.

Lin Qi and Ji Mo were also busy. The former was preparing to read a congratulatory speech for his Teacher, while the latter was guiding several disciples from Military Families on a tour of the Old Sect Master's seven-colored crystal tomb, each of them exclaiming in awe at the Demonic Sect's customs.

While the festivities were in full swing, a Heavenly Immortal Realm Elder flew in on a dark cloud from the direction of the Sect Master's small building. He was one of the two Elders stationed there on guard.

"Grand Elder," the Elder said in a low voice, "something's not right."

"Oh?" The Grand Elder frowned slightly. "What's wrong? Are some of the arrangements not in order?"

"I mean the Sect Master's condition is not right," the Elder whispered. "The Dao rhymes of the Great Dao of Fire have appeared around the Sect Master. These Dao rhymes are converging in an exceedingly profound manner; even I can only grasp a fraction of their mystery. Grand Elder, the Sect Master is asleep!"

"Correct, the Sect Master is asleep."

"Aiya!" The Elder waved his hands frantically. "What I mean is, the Sect Master is asleep! Seventh Grade! In a single sleep! Nascent Soul!"

The Grand Elder understood instantly and shot a look towards Wu Wang's residence.

Suddenly, a clap of thunder echoed from within Wu Wang's small building. Two figures silently floated out from a second-floor window—it was Immortal Mu, pulling Lin Suqing along as they quietly slipped away.

Inside the small building, a flame suddenly flared. Wu Wang lay within this flame, still sound asleep. The flame seemed to possess no heat, yet the entire small building had begun to twist and warp.

"This! The Sect Master has had another enlightenment!" the Elder stammered.

The Grand Elder, however, thrust his hands forward, employing a divine skill like 'Shrinking the Ground to an Inch,' and instantly appeared before Wu Wang's small building. He carefully deployed a screen of blood energy, completely concealing the phenomenon within.

The identity of the Little Golden Dragon must not be exposed.

However, wasn't it the Dao of Stars he comprehended during his last Enlightenment in Dream?

As the Grand Elder puzzled over this, he suddenly felt the wind rise from all directions, his blood-red hair and beard gently swaying towards the small building.

The Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth was converging!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.