Tang Xiaotang's eyes widened. "What kind of nonsense is this?!"

Yuan Mobai watched with a smile from the side.

Lei Jun said, "But Little Senior Sister, speaking of which, you should be prepared. After today's major battle, Our Sect has much to revitalize, and you'll be very busy."

"Why should I be busy?" Tang Xiaotang asked in surprise. "We have Master and all of you!"

Lei Jun was momentarily speechless. Her reasoning is so sound, I have nothing to say. I'm not even surprised. I've long known that Tang Xiaotang cares about the title of Celestial Master—the glory, the prestige—not the power. She doesn't mind having the name without the substance. But to declare it so brazenly... that's truly her.

"We'll make some simple arrangements over the next few days. On New Year's Day, Our Sect will formally announce that Disciple-nephew Xiaotang will assume the position of Celestial Master. The more formal ceremony requires time to prepare and should not be rushed, so it can wait," Yuan Mobai said with a smile.

The ascension of a Celestial Master is naturally a matter of great importance. An auspicious time must be specially chosen.

But before the official procedures are carried out, the New Heavenly Master, Tang Xiaotang, can first assume her post and announce it to the world.

Normally, there would be no need to rush. However, after a major upheaval like the battle against Li Wai, the Longhu Mountain Celestial Master's Mansion needs to stabilize morale as soon as possible, both internally and externally. With the end of the year approaching, the Mansion also needs some uplifting news.

Originally, the fifteenth day of the first month after the New Year was supposed to be the next Transmission Ceremony. However, given the chaos within and outside the Mansion, and the impending ascension of the New Heavenly Master, Yuan Mobai and the others had already discussed postponing the Transmission Ceremony for a year. It will then be personally presided over by the New Heavenly Master, Tang Xiaotang.

"This period will also allow Disciple-nephew Xiaotang to familiarize herself with the rites and procedures," Yuan Mobai said with a smile. "Then, when the formal ceremony is held, we can pray to Heaven and report to all the ancestral masters. Disciple-nephew Xiaotang, there are some matters you can delegate, but others you must personally oversee."

Tang Xiaotang pouted. "These aren't the things I enjoy."

Her enthusiasm for most things lasted about three minutes. For now, it hadn't waned, but her thoughts had already drifted. "I wonder when Senior Sister will return? It would be wonderful if she could be back before the formal ceremony. I want her to see me become the Celestial Master with her own eyes!"

Yuan Mobai said, "I, too, hope that Yuan Zhen can return soon."

Tang Xiaotang suddenly giggled. "HEHEHE, what do you think? If I pass the position of Celestial Master to Senior Sister in the future, how would she react? Wouldn't that be a great way to put her on the spot?"

Lei Jun pressed his hand to his forehead, once again confronted with the unreliability of the New Heavenly Master.

With only a few days left until the New Year, Yuan Mobai didn't change his mode of address for the time being. He and Tang Xiaotang were familiar with each other, so there was no need for excessive formality. "I've sorted all the books on rites and ceremonies for you, Disciple-nephew Xiaotang," he said. "Please review them first."

Tang Xiaotang straightened up. "Alright then, that won't be a problem for me!" She departed with a proud and energetic stride.

Lei Jun then had to accompany his master, Yuan Mobai, to the High Merit Pavilion. He, too, needed to undergo further learning and guidance, accumulate experience, and prepare for his upcoming duties.

Master Si Yao Yuan was already there. Later, Fifth Uncle Shangguan Ning also arrived.

He must have brought communications from the Tang Imperial Court, Lei Jun surmised.

The dust had settled on the latest internal conflict within the Celestial Master Mansion. However, many aspects of the aftermath still needed to be addressed.

"Let's have Disciple-nephew Tang come over. Later, we shall proceed to the Ancestral Tomb to pay respects to the ancestral masters," Yao Yuan said slowly.

Shangguan Ning said, "Mm, let's discuss it together."

Yuan Mobai nodded. "Different individuals warrant different approaches."

They were not, of course, discussing whether to visit the forbidden Rear Mountain Ancestral Tomb. Instead, their discussion centered on the expulsion of members of the Li Clan from the sect: whether to expel everyone wholesale or to handle each case individually.

This was not a matter to be decided by any single person. After Tang Xiaotang and the three High Merit Elders reached a preliminary consensus, they would still need to consult with others in the Mansion before a final decision could be made.

"There is one more matter..." Shangguan Ning said solemnly. "Her Majesty is expected to return to the capital from the East Sea before the year's end. However, before doing so, the Empress intends to visit Our Sect."

The Empress herself was coming to Dragon Tiger Mountain.

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