Gazing at the Sect Master’s jade token floating in front of her, Yunyun did not reach out to accept it. She had no interest in such a position, and due to the shadow of past events, what she least desired now was to continue as the Sect Master…
“Take it,” Xiao Yan urged, noticing the hesitation on Yunyun’s face. However, his words only made Yunyun glare at him, biting her silver teeth as she muttered, “Take it? And then let you flaunt your power again?”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan felt somewhat embarrassed. “It’s been so many years; why are you still holding onto these things? Back then, there was no right or wrong. I may have destroyed the Yunlan Sect, but it also caused severe losses for the Xiao clan. I know it wasn’t your fault, but some things must be addressed.”
“I don’t know those big principles.” At the mention of this, Yunyun’s eyes reddened slightly. She knew from Xiao Yan’s perspective, he was not wrong, but the Yunlan Sect had raised her for so many years and was disbanded by him without much thought.
“If you want peace, staying in one place like before won’t bring true serenity. Moreover, with the legacy of Granny Flower, if you don’t take this position, the Flower Sect will constantly be in turmoil. I am sure that’s not what Granny Flower would wish for,” Xiao Yan said softly.
Yunyun paused, hesitating for a moment before finally nodding slightly. Lifting her head, she looked at the white-haired elder, saying respectfully, “Elder Ancestor, Yunyun can temporarily take the position of Sect Master. If you find someone more suitable in the future, just let me know.”
“Haha, rest assured. The old Sect Master’s judgment is one I trust. If she was willing to pass on her lifelong battle qi to you, then you must be the most perfect candidate in her heart,” the white-haired elder smiled.
Upon hearing this, Hua Jin’s face turned grim. After a moment, she said, “Elder Ancestor, I worked hard for years to build an alliance between the Heavenly Nether Sect and the Flower Sect. Now that the position of Sect Master is changing, and Xiao Yan even injured the Demon Flower King, I believe this alliance will be nullified. Given the Heavenly Nether Sect’s style, they might not let it go easily.”
Hua Jin’s threat was clear: if Yunyun became the Sect Master, not only would the alliance with the Heavenly Nether Sect fall apart, but the latter might also turn hostile against the Flower Sect.
The white-haired elder frowned slightly. Although the Flower Sect and the Heavenly Nether Sect were both powerful, the former was not as strong. The Heavenly Nether Sect was expanding aggressively, with a formidable force within.
The Demon Flower King was from the Heavenly Nether Sect. They originally planned to marry him to Hua Jin to strengthen the relationship and form an alliance. While other forces on the Central Plains could match the two sects, they did not make as much noise, but their internal strength was no less impressive.
“Accompanying a tiger, you will eventually be devoured by it…” Xiao Yan smiled, ignoring the cold gaze of the Demon Flower King. He continued, “Elder Ancestor, you know the Heavenly Nether Sect well. If we form an alliance, it would be hard to achieve true balance, and the Flower Sect might become another branch of the Heavenly Nether Sect.”
“Xiao Yan, stop talking nonsense!” Hua Jin’s face changed, and she roared angrily.
Ignoring her, Xiao Yan looked at the white-haired elder, saying, “If the Elder Ancestor doesn’t mind, my Falling Star Pavilion might become a reliable ally for the Flower Sect. Given my teacher’s reputation, you shouldn’t have any doubts, right?”
“Haha, Sir Medicine Respected’s name is renowned across the Central Plains. No one would doubt his reputation,” the white-haired elder smiled, nodding. Turning to Hua Jin, he said sternly, “From now on, Yunyun will be the Sect Master, and there shall be no more disputes!”
With this, the Elder Ancestor made her decision. Though the Falling Star Pavilion was not significant before, it was now. With Yaochen becoming a Half-Saint, its power would soar, making it formidable even to the Heavenly Nether Sect.
Choosing between a potentially treacherous old power and a rising, trusted force with great potential wasn’t difficult.
Seeing the white-haired elder’s determination, Hua Jin’s face grew sullen but she said no more, knowing it was futile.
“Since the Elder Ancestor has chosen thus, I can only say I hope you won’t regret it…” The Demon Flower King’s face was grim. Today, not only had he lost face, but his mission was also ruined.
“It’s not for you to worry,” the white-haired elder waved, saying coolly.
The Demon Flower King’s mouth twitched. Realizing the matter was settled, he left, his eyes filled with hostility toward Xiao Yan. Clearly, he was completely enraged by the loss of face today.
Smiling, Xiao Yan wasn’t fazed. A Six-Star Dou Zun was indeed formidable, but he was no pushover. Any move the Demon Flower King made, Xiao Yan wouldn’t fear.
Hua Jin watched the Demon Flower King leave, wanting to stop him but couldn’t. Biting her teeth, she too left, disappearing quickly.
After they left, the white-haired elder surveyed the crowd, saying, “From now on, Yunyun will be the new Sect Master of the Flower Sect. Her orders must be followed, or they will face the sect’s rules.”
“Yes!” The Flower Sect disciples knelt, their voices resonating, “Sect Master!”
Xiao Yan smiled at the kneeling disciples, turning to Yunyun, saying, “Congratulations, Sect Master Yunyun…”
Yunyun glared at him and sighed, “You are truly a thorn in my side…”
The inauguration ceremony was simple, officiated by the Flower Sect’s Elder Ancestor. When it concluded, Yunyun officially became the new Sect Master of the Flower Sect.
After the ceremony, Xiao Yan didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he found a quiet chamber with Yunyun’s help. The resistance within the Bone Spirit Cold Flame had dissipated, making it the perfect time to refine it. The Flower Sect, with its many strong practitioners, was a good place for this.
As the enemies he faced grew stronger, Xiao Yan needed to enhance his strength. Though he wasn’t afraid of the Demon Flower King, his real enemy was the Soul Temple. Having witnessed the power of the Soul Temple’s Nine and Eight Sky Venerables, he knew he had to improve. Even with Yao Lao’s advancement to a Half-Saint, he couldn’t always rely on him. Thus, improving his own strength was crucial.
In the chamber, the faint scent of sandalwood filled the air, clearing his mind. Content, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged, though he didn’t start refining the Bone Spirit Cold Flame immediately. After using the Destruction Fire Lotus, he needed to recover his qi first. Preparing thoroughly, he meditated for about half an hour, his eyes reopening, calm as a deep pool.
Exhaling, a faint luminescence appeared on Xiao Yan’s face. His pupils emitted a frosty white flame, covering his eyes entirely.
“Refining begins…”
Muttering, Xiao Yan changed his hand seals, closing his eyes as the temperature in the room rose gradually.
Xiao Yan held great expectations for this refinement. Though the Bone Spirit Cold Flame was not a great feast compared to the Three Thousand Burning Flames, it was still significant. Most importantly, after consuming the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, the Flaming Determination Technique might advance to the Heavenly Tier…
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