Chapter 20: The Elders Actually Gave Him Gifts

In the Elder Council meeting chamber, the elderly Grand Elder Mao Ping sat high and mighty on the main seat.

Beside him, the equally elderly Second Elder Ye Jiangxiong was also seated.

Of course, there were over twenty elderly old men seated here.

They were the elders of the Azure Cloud Sect, and as the name suggests, they were the renowned Elder Council.

They served the function of making decisions.

"These old fellows usually keep a stern face, as stiff as a plank, but today they're laughing so happily."

Lin Yang muttered to himself, "When things go against the norm, there must be something fishy."

He walked a distance inside and saw the Sword Peak Master Li Mu, with his misshapen disciple Shi Hao, standing in the center of the main hall.

Both wore smiles, with various gifts placed before them.

Just as Lin Yang was puzzled, the sharp-eyed Second Elder Ye Jiangxiong spotted him at a glance.

"Huh, isn't that the Seventh Peak's Peak Master, Lin Yang?"

Upon these words, all the elders looked up.

However, upon seeing Lin Yang, their faces showed little welcome, after all, they had strongly opposed the establishment of the Seventh Peak back then, but the Sect Leader Luo Wuqing's attitude was unyielding, leaving them unable to change the outcome.

Moreover, at the recruitment ceremony, Lin Yang disregarded the sect's overall interests, feuded with that Xiao Jiao, and even killed the Body Tempering Peak Master, utterly outrageous, deserving severe punishment.

Nevertheless, the Sect Leader left a warning: anyone who moves against him will be investigated.

Thus, they could only let him roam free, though they did not favor this person.

"What wind blew the Peak Master Lin here?" the Second Elder snorted coldly, speaking in a chilling tone.

He has always been on very good terms with Li Mu.

And the establishment of the Seventh Peak also caused him to lose some benefits, so naturally he does not favor Lin Yang.

"You don't need to worry about those; as long as it's not your family's wind." Regarding this person, Lin Yang naturally didn't have a pleasant expression either.

Back then, he was still at the Nascent Soul stage.

This person had frequently targeted him.

Now he has reached the Lesser Saint Mid-stage.

Naturally, he no longer fears him.

"Impudent, you dare say that again?"

Ye Jiangxiong shouted angrily, intending to intimidate Lin Yang.

But who would have known.

Buzz!

Lin Yang instantly shifted to Ye Jiangxiong's side, grabbing his ear and said:

"I say, old fogey, as long as it's not your family's wind."

Seeing this.

Ye Jiangxiong instantly flared with shame and rage, about to erupt in fury, but suddenly froze, wondering how Lin Yang could appear before him out of nowhere and even grab his ear.

In that case, where is his dignity?

Where is his authority?

"Lin Yang, you're insolent!"

Ye Jiangxiong threw a punch, intending to give Lin Yang a lesson.

However, Lin Yang had already retreated back to his original spot.

He shook off his clothes, appearing calm and carefree, looked toward the Grand Elder before him and said, "Heavenly Dao Peak Master Lin Yang, I pay my respects to the Grand Elder."

Then, he deliberately bypassed the Second Elder and faced the other elders, saying, "I again pay my respects to all the elders."

"No need for formalities," Grand Elder Mao Ping nodded.

"Disciple thanks the Grand Elder."

As for the Grand Elder, Lin Yang does not dislike him, after all, this person is indeed upright and impartial, always wholeheartedly seeking the sect's benefit, deserving of treating everyone fairly.

Thus, Sect Leader Luo Wuqing could confidently entrust him with overseeing the sect's authority.

"Lin Yang, why have you come here?" the Grand Elder asked.

"Not really anything, just strolling around," Lin Yang replied.

"Alright."

The Grand Elder nodded, saying, "Then stay aside and do not cause trouble."

Lin Yang nodded.

Standing aside, he actually wanted to see what these people were up to.

Seeing the Grand Elder speak, the Second Elder could only grit his teeth and swallow it down.

——————

After the minor interlude, Grand Elder Mao Ping drew a sword and walked toward Shi Hao below the stage.

He wore a kind expression and patted Shi Hao's shoulder.

"Not bad, not bad, his day‑level aptitude is a promising seedling, and he broke through Foundation Establishment so quickly—truly remarkable."

"This sword is named Chang Hong, a King‑tier treasure, and I will give it to you as a reward, hoping you will henceforth devote yourself to the sect, bear responsibility for it, and shoulder its great tasks."

Shi Hao accepted the treasure without a word; on one hand, praised by the Grand Elder, he was overjoyed, and on the other hand, this is a King‑tier treasure after all.

Such a treasure, even in the Azure Cloud Sect, counts as a top‑tier treasure.

"Disciple thanks the Grand Elder, and at the same time vows to diligently cultivate, regard the Azure Cloud Sect as his home, be responsible to the sect, and serve the sect."

Having received the King‑tier treasure, Shi Hao's joy was beyond words.

He even glanced proudly at Lin Yang, thinking.

If I had originally become your disciple, I'm afraid I wouldn't have this treatment, right?

Hehe, I don't know what treasure that fool Li Yilan got.

But it doesn't matter now; I have a king-level treasure, and in two months I will surely flatten the Heavenly Dao Peak.

Pah, two pieces of trash, daring to name themselves after the Heavenly Dao—truly courting death.

On the side, Lin Yang saw Shi Hao looking at himself.

He couldn't help but be stunned.

This misshapen melon and cracked date, holding a misshapen melon and cracked date treasure, what is he showing off for?

A king-level treasure, in front of him is just a firewood stick.

Immediately.

He turned his head away, too lazy to watch his clown performance.

And this scene, in Li Mu's view, Lin Yang had no face to face it, and he couldn't help but smile proudly.

At this moment.

The second elder also took out a manual, smiling as he walked toward Shi Hao and said: "Not bad, old man, the first time I saw you, I thought you were not bad."

I also have a king-level sword technique here; although your master will surely prepare other sword techniques for you, more skills don't burden the body, learning another sword method means another means, and can also kill more people.

Ye Jiangxiong coldly glanced at Lin Yang, then turned to Shi Hao and said: "I hope you diligently cultivate, and soon relieve some pressure for your master."

"Disciple will faithfully follow the second elder's teachings." Shi Hao bowed and accepted that manual.

Immediately following.

The many elders also stepped forward one after another to present gifts to Shi Hao.

How coincidental, I happen to have a Marrow-Washing Pill here, which can wash the marrow and strengthen the bones; I'll give it to disciple Shi Hao.

Me too, I'll also give some pills to disciple Shi Hao.

I rushed out without bringing any treasures, so I'll give you ten thousand spirit stones.

Me too, me too.

……

……

Everyone spoke, one saying a word, another the next.

After all, everyone can see Shi Hao's talent.

He has a sun-level talent, and has even broken through to the Foundation Establishment realm.

This child is likely the fabled Heaven's Chosen One.

Rather than now, first give him some favors to become familiar.

First, establish good relations with him.

If he someday soars to the heavens, we will have repaid a drop of water's kindness.

And as the elders presented gifts and the sect gave rewards, Shi Hao and Li Mu already had a huge pile of treasures piled before them.

The two laughed so hard they couldn't close their mouths.

But Lin Yang on the side looked on, growing more and more bewildered.

These elders, why are they all giving gifts to that misshapen melon and cracked date?

He couldn't help but ask curiously: "Honored elders, why exactly are you giving him gifts???"