After the chaos caused by the Great Demons in the Western Regions, the strength of the Blood River Sect cultivators rose significantly. Wei Ancheng emerged as one of the standouts. Rumors had it that during his recent appearance in the Northern Lands of Youzhou, he had displayed power that reached the pinnacle of the Eighth Heavenly Layer. Following the battle in Youzhou, where he personally killed Abbot Liaoyuan, who was also at the Eighth Heavenly Layer, it was difficult to predict what Wei Ancheng would gain. If he could manage to rise another level after continued accumulation and consolidation, the situation in the Southern Wilderness would inevitably undergo a massive change. This would certainly affect the Central Earth Great Tang as well.

Nowadays, the Global Spiritual Qi surges like a tide, aiding the cultivation of cultivators. Although the Blood River Lineage's heritage involves Demonic Qi and Evil Miasma, Spiritual Energy is equally important for their cultivation.

"Fortunately, within the boundaries of the Great Tang, the chaos in Wu Yue and the turmoil caused by the East Sea demons are gradually subsiding," Yuan Mobai said. "The situation in the North should also reach a resolution soon."

Lei Jun's eyes flashed slightly. "The Jinzhou Ye Clan, the Youzhou Lin Clan, and the Qingzhou Ye Clan..."

These prestigious families and noble houses certainly knew how to keep their hands clean. Abbot Liaoyuan and others had fallen due to the Great Demon and Wei Ancheng. Bodhi Temple had been exterminated by the Great Void Temple. The blame for the demon chaos was also placed on Bodhi Temple. The major noble families in the North only needed to oversee the development of the situation, to guard against any unforeseen circumstances. Nominally, they were still the victims of the demon tumult incited by Bodhi Temple, having valiantly fought against the Great Demons wreaking havoc in the North and driven them back beyond the Northern Border. They had truly reaped both the benefits and the acclaim.

Although saying this might sound like looking a gift horse in the mouth, to some extent, Bodhi Temple had taken the blow for the Celestial Master Mansion. Otherwise, if external forces had interfered with the Li Wai conflict, the outcome might have been hard to determine. Of course, this uncertainty applied not only to adopted heirs from outside the family but also to the Li Clan itself...

"Step by step, we make progress," Yuan Mobai smiled.

Lei Jun also smiled. "Master is right."

Yuan Mobai said, "For now, we must do what we can. The mountain is currently short-staffed, and many matters will require pragmatic handling. As your master, I know you are more passionate about cultivation and Taoist Laws. However, you will need to shoulder some of the Sect's burdens in the short term, at least for a transitional period."

Following this battle, Dragon Tiger Mountain was not only directly missing four High Merit Elders. There were also a great many vacancies among the middle-ranking Elders and various offices. In such a situation, unconventional promotions were a necessity to fill these gaps. Lei Jun had already reached the Fifth Heaven Layer. After receiving additional rites and promotion, he had been granted a fifth-rank Taoist office. His cultivation and status had long been sufficient, but he was young and had previously shown little enthusiasm for such responsibilities. Yuan Mobai and the others had let him focus on cultivation. But the current shortage of manpower meant that Master Lei might have to take up a post and help manage things for a time.

"I only fear that my youth and inexperience will make me unequal to such important tasks," Lei Jun said solemnly. "But with the Sect at this critical juncture, my duty is to the Sect. I will prioritize it accordingly. I will need more guidance from you, Master, in the days ahead."

Yuan Mobai laughed. "I've always had confidence in you. As long as you're willing to do something, you can certainly do it well."

Lei Jun suddenly felt like his master was implying something about someone else.

"Master, Little Senior Sister... what's her situation now?" Lei Jun asked, looking in the direction of the Altar of Wanfa Sect.

Yuan Mobai said, "It should be coming to an end soon."

After the Great Battle, Yuan Mobai had transferred the important responsibility of presiding over the Altar of Wanfa Sect to Tang Xiaotang, without mentioning a word about the Celestial Master's Sword. This action undoubtedly represented Yuan Mobai's personal stance.

That day's battle had pushed Tang Xiaotang's prestige within Dragon Tiger Mountain to its zenith. First, she had defeated Supreme Elder Li Song of the Eighth Heavenly Layer, and then Li Hongyu, who was also at the Eighth Heavenly Layer. Aside from Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen, whose whereabouts were unknown, Tang Xiaotang was now the foremost expert in the Celestial Master Mansion. Regardless of the twists and turns in the process, she had rendered great service to Dragon Tiger Mountain by successfully retrieving the lost treasure, the Celestial Master's Sword! With the sword in hand, Tang Xiaotang had defeated Li Hongyu, who was bolstered by the Celestial Master Robe, and swept aside other experts like Tian Linlong and Li Zhengxuan. In the end, she had personally slain Supreme Elder Li Song, who was at the Eighth Heavenly Layer.

Regarding the Li Wai conflict, she had played a direct role in bringing about the present rectification and the downfall of the Li Clan. Considering her individual strength and contributions, no one would still dwell on Tang Xiaotang's former status as a Tao Boy. Especially in the eyes of the younger disciples, this Senior Sister Tang was the ideal candidate for the new Celestial Master. At most, a few of the more circumspect elders harbored some concerns about her temperament and methods...

The Cultivation World differs from the mundane world; a sect leader's own strength must be formidable. However, commonalities exist: leadership and decision-making abilities are equally crucial.

This time, Yuan Mobai had revealed his true form before everyone. The matter was neither major nor minor. Although the frequent demon disturbances at the time made the issue somewhat sensitive, Immortal Spirits and demon spirits are, after all, different. Besides, in the Human Race's Cultivation World at present, Yuan Mobai was not a unique case. But competing for the position of Celestial Master is an entirely different matter. Luckily, Yuan Mobai himself had no such aspirations. In these circumstances, his act of directly transferring control of the Altar of Wanfa Sect to Tang Xiaotang clearly indicated his stance and carried a decisive weight. Besides, the Altar of Wanfa Sect was traditionally supposed to be under the Celestial Master's control.

"HAHA!" Tang Xiaotang emerged from the Altar of Wanfa Sect. Seeing Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai, she laughed heartily. "I told you I could do it!"

She seemed to revert to her younger self, laughing and jumping around Lei Jun.

Lei Jun was happy for her as well. "Congratulations, congratulations."

After calming down a little, Tang Xiaotang casually slapped Lei Jun's shoulder. "When I become Celestial Master, the first Elder I'll promote will be you!"

Lei Jun protested, "Senior Sister, please don't say that. You're making me sound like some favored, sycophantic courtier."

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