Chapter 899

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Protagonist:

Xu Zhangqing

Inside the grand hall, sandalwood incense curled and lingered.

The main seat was carved from millennium warm jade — precisely the Qingmu Sect's Sect Leader position.

Xu Zhangqing's figure flickered, appearing before the main seat.

His whole bearing was steady and composed, naturally exuding the dignity of a Sect Master.

Without him speaking, the seats below had already been arranged by seniority and closeness.

The left head seat was his Dao Companion Ruo Qunshuang.

Beside her in order were his son Xu Ping'an and daughter Xu Linglong.

Further down were Eldest Disciple Sun Shangxiang and her Dao Companion Li Muyao, along with their dragon-phoenix twins, the boy Li Chen and the girl Li Bu Ran.

After them came Third Disciple Qingyao.

On the right were Water Control Pavilion Lord Mo Qiu Shui, Spirit Beast Valley Master Mu Yunsheng, as well as Second Senior Brother Zhou Yan, Third Senior Brother Qin Ye, Sifu Shixiong Gu Qiao, and Fifth Senior Sister Mu Ning.

At the very end were Xu Zhangqing's left and right arms, Li Sancai and Han Su.

Everyone settled, all holding their breath in anticipation.

Awaiting the division of titles, ranks, and responsibilities.

Xu Zhangqing's gaze swept across the hall, his voice clear and bright, directly setting the tone: "Today Qingmu Sect formally establishes itself; we must clarify ranks and fix responsibilities, only then can we stand firm for the long term.

Pavilion Lord Mo, Nascent Soul Stage cultivation, and the entire Water Control Pavilion has submitted — therefore your merit is indispensable.

Effective immediately, you are appointed Vice Sect Master of Qingmu Sect, assisting in managing all sect affairs great and small."

Mo Qiu Shui rose and cupped his fists, expression solemn: "Thank you, Sect Master!"

Xu Zhangqing then looked at Xu Ping'an: "Ping'an, you are an Extreme Grade Nascent Soul, the number one of my Qingmu Sect's younger generation, appointed Great Elder.

From now on, you will oversee sect punishments, external affairs, and killing."

Xu Ping'an hurriedly rose and bowed: "Ping'an obeys!"

Xu Linglong at his side saw this, hastily stepped forward and tugged Xu Zhangqing's sleeve, then coquettishly said: "Father, how come there's no position for me?"

Xu Zhangqing and Ruo Qunshuang exchanged a glance, both at a loss whether to laugh or cry, then shook their heads: "Yours won't be missing; you also serve as an Elder — from now on do whatever you want."

Xu Linglong instantly beamed with joy: "Thank you, Father!"

Xu Zhangqing continued assigning Elder positions: "Fifth Senior Sister Mu Ning, Second Senior Brother Zhou Yan, Third Senior Brother Qin Ye, Sifu Shixiong Gu Qiao, Mu Yunsheng — all serve as Qingmu Sect Elders, participating in sect decision-making.

However our sect has many districts; for ease of management, a District Manager post is also established.

Tree-Top Qiongxin District, the sect's core forbidden ground, is managed by Fifth Senior Sister Mu Ning.

Main-Branch Sanxiu District, where disciples cultivate and receive teachings, is managed by Second Senior Brother Zhou Yan.

Mid-Level Cuiwei District, housing the Spirit Beast Valley's spirit beasts, is personally managed by Elder Mu Yunsheng.

Lower Qingya District, overseeing the outer sect, miscellaneous affairs, and spirit field cultivation, is jointly managed by Li Sancai and Han Su as District Managers."

Everyone rose simultaneously: "We obey!"

Xu Zhangqing finally looked at Ruo Qunshuang: "Frost Sister, you are the Lingqu Sect's Sect Master; no need to hold a concurrent post in Qingmu Sect.

Lingqu Sect minding its own affairs is the greatest assistance to me."

Ruo Qunshuang nodded lightly, indicating she understood.

In fact, even if she held no post in Qingmu Sect, who would dare slight her?

After all, she is the Sect Master's only Dao Companion, and her son is an Extreme Grade Nascent Soul!

Her status appears delicate, yet in reality no one dares provoke her.

All matters settled, Xu Zhangqing slowly sat down.

The next moment, inside the grand hall, a unified salute rang out.

Mo Qiu Shui spoke first: "Vice Sect Master, pays respects to the Sect Master!"

Xu Ping'an declared in a loud voice: "Great Elder, pays respects to the Sect Master!"

Mu Ning, Xu Linglong, Zhou Yan, Qin Ye, Gu Qiao, Mu Yunsheng and the others chorused: "Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth... Elders pay respects to the Sect Master!"

Li Sancai and Han Su cupped fists: "District Managers, pay respects to the Sect Master!"

Sun Shangxiang, Qingyao, pavilion members, and cultivators all bowed together: "Pay respects to the Sect Master!"

The sound shook the hall, the lingering echo circled the beams.

From this day, Qingmu Sect's hierarchy is clear, responsibilities fixed.

Formally taking root and standing firm in Dongyu Fengrao Commandery.

Xu Zhangqing sat upright on the main seat, gaze lifting slightly, slowly opening his mouth, voice carrying beyond the hall: "Besides that, this Sect Master announces one more matter.

The cultivators, sects, clans, and powers who came to offer congratulations this time — henceforth all are Guests of Honor of my Qingmu Sect.

Not only that; any who trade spirit plants, spirit beasts, pills, magic tools, etc. with my Qingmu Sect shall uniformly enjoy discounts and preferential treatment.

Even priority access to spirit seeds and spiritual treasures."

In truth, these words appear to be reciprocating congratulatory gifts, but in his heart a plan had long been in place.

In this way, the several Spirit Root Avatars, Spirit Plant Puppets, and even Li Chuan can all enter and exit Qingmu Sect openly and legitimately as "cooperation partners" and "Guests of Honor".

Both reasonable and leaving no loopholes.

The news spread; Fengrao Commandery's Commandery Guard, representatives of various powers, the Crown Prince and others instantly trembled all over with excitement, nearly losing their composure.

Qingmu Sect was originally a branch split off from Dongting Immortal Sect — its foundation is profoundly deep.

The quality of spirit plants, spirit beasts, and pills is unmatched across the entire Dongyu.

Gaining the status of Guest of Honor is equivalent to obtaining a pass to high-rank resources.

In an instant, their minds grew more active, all wondering how to catch Xu Zhangqing's attention on his hundredth birthday and what longevity gift to present.

Wang Han looked at these people and sneered inwardly: "Hugging a thick thigh now is too late."

Look at me—I pledged my loyalty decades ago. Though I now possess Qin Hua Golden Core cultivation, I hold a position of great weight in the Sect Master's heart.

True, I have not obtained the position of Elder or District Manager, but it doesn't matter.

He is now the intermediary between Qingmu Sect and Fengrao Commandery, and even the Great Feng Dynasty.

And this is the crux of the matter.

After a while, everyone in the hall withdrew and began to act.

Only Xu Zhangqing and Xu Ping'an, this father and son, remained.

Xu Ping'an stepped forward quickly and lowered his voice: "Father, my Master has arrived at Qingmu Sect and will stay here for a while, then head to the Southern Region together with Shuixian Peak."

Hearing this, Xu Zhangqing raised his brow: "Where is your Master now?"

Xu Ping'an scratched his head: "He just arrived, said he sensed a baleful aura, and went out alone to investigate; he should return later."

Xu Zhangqing was stunned: "Baleful aura?"

……

……

Outside Qingmu Sect, on a desolate ridge.

The cold wind was biting, whipping up yellow sand across the vast sky.

A solitary black figure stood quietly, baleful aura condensing around him like ink, almost solidifying into substantial mist.

This person was He Ran Ke, Li Chuan.

He looked toward the auspicious clouds and glow in the direction of Qingmu Sect, the clamor of voices, with not a shred of envy in his eyes, only a pitch-black indifference.

The great grudge was avenged, leaving only endless emptiness.

No matter how lively Tian Xia is, it has nothing to do with him.

From now on, he would guard Qingmu Sect and guard his lord here.

At this moment, the void twisted slightly.

Immediately after, a black and white pair of Yin-Yang Fish appeared out of thin air, their heads and tails linked, slowly rotating, emanating the profound Dao rhythm of Yin-Yang fusion.

Behind the Yin-Yang Fish came Yin-Yang Venerable Li Wudao.

Feeling the newcomer's terrifying pressure, Li Chuan remained unmoved, as if he had not perceived it.

Li Wudao felt the sky-high baleful aura on Li Chuan that could not dissipate, his expression sinking: "Dao Friend, the baleful aura on you is so heavy it nearly affects a thousand li; one could say you are entangled in killing karma."

Lurking alone near Qingmu Sect, could it be... you have targeted Qingmu Sect!"