Chapter 11: The Trial of the Heavenly River

Crossing the jagged peaks, a magnificent complex stretching for miles suddenly appeared.

To outsiders, Tianquan Peak might seem grand enough.

But compared to this place, it was like a firefly competing with the bright moon — there was no comparison at all.

After all, this was Tianshu Peak.

The hub of the Tianhe Sect, Tianshu Peak.

Unlike the impoverished one peak and one branch of Tianquan Peak, Tianshu Peak possessed a heritage of three branches.

Its annual cultivation funds and resources were completely beyond anything Tianquan could match.

At this moment, within the majestic Great Hall of Tianshu, dozens of Elders were gathered, silently waiting for the Elder Council meeting to convene.

Those seated here were all prominent figures of the Tianhe Sect.

At the very front of the crowd, a silent middle-aged man sat upon the high seat.

His heavy hands were clasped in front of him, partially obscuring his face.

No one dared to be the first to speak or inquire about the meeting until he did.

Because he was the Sect Master of the Tianhe Sect.

He was a true powerhouse of the Samsara Stage.

To the outside world, he was respectfully called the Sect Master of the Tianhe Sect.

However, within the sect, he was referred to as Sect Leader Bai.

The reason was simple: the Sect Master’s original name was Bai Zhang.

Over time, people simply began calling him Sect Leader Bai. It carried the same weight as “Sect Master Bai” anyway.

“Is everyone here?” Sect Leader Bai spoke indifferently, his tone as calm as a windless lake.

“Reporting to the Sect Leader, with the exception of the Supreme Elder and the new Peak Master of Tianquan Peak, Nan Xi, all other Peak Masters and Elders have arrived.”

The old woman standing beside Sect Leader Bai spoke softly.

“Oh, that certainly fits her character. But as for this new Peak Master… Elder Cigu, what did he say?” Sect Leader Bai asked calmly, appearing unfazed by Tiansi’s habit of skipping work.

As for Nan Xi —

The Elder known as Cigu hesitated for a moment before speaking helplessly.

“The new Peak Master, Nan Xi, claimed that the Supreme Elder had urgent business for him to handle, so he regretfully had to miss the Elder Council meeting.”

“That… seems reasonable.”

“The key point is the Supreme Elder. Unlike her usual direct absences, she provided a reason this time. She said… the new Peak Master, Nan Xi, has urgent matters to discuss with her.”

‘So their “urgent business” is reading picture books? They even planned it together, didn’t they?’

A rare flash of displeasure crossed Sect Leader Bai’s steady face, but it quickly subsided.

He could easily guess who the series of 100 books on the last line of the procurement list submitted by Tianquan Peak was for.

Although he didn’t know exactly what they were reading, Sect Leader Bai felt a faint sense of unease.

“Never mind, never mind,” Sect Leader Bai waved his hand dismissively. “Let the meeting proceed as planned.”

He looked up at the Elders sitting upright. “I have gathered you all today primarily to discuss…”

His gaze slowly swept over the crowd before he calmly uttered four words: “The Tianhe Judgment.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the Elders, who had already been sitting on pins and needles, broke into a cold sweat.

They huddled in their seats, not daring to make a sound. This was not a campaign against another sect.

The Tianhe Judgment was the Tianhe Sect’s most rigorous self-audit.

Every twenty years, the current Sect Master would initiate a Tianhe Judgment.

The targets of this judgment were not only every Elder in the Tianhe Sect but also the sect’s four spiritual peaks.

In the past, the Tianhe Sect had more than just Four Peaks and Eight Branches.

It had been a massive sect with seven spiritual peaks and dozens of legacies.

Moreover, every single spiritual peak was strong enough to stand on its own as a medium-sized independent sect in the outside world.

But now…

“I am sure you are all well aware that the Tianhe Sect is going through a difficult period. Externally, the Wuxing Sect is eyeing us greedily and opposing us at every turn. Looking further ahead…”

Sect Leader Bai clasped his hands in front of his mouth again, a resolute light flashing in his eyes.

“This is a necessary sacrifice.”

“But…”

The Peak Master of Tianxuan Peak tried to stop Sect Leader Bai, but the words caught in her throat as soon as she spoke.

She knew very well that if they didn’t cut off a limb to survive, the entire Tianhe Sect would be affected.

However, for a spiritual peak, every Tianhe Judgment meant a severe injury at best or total dissolution at worst, with Elders and disciples being merged into the other peaks.

“There are no ‘buts.'” Sect Leader Bai’s tone was firm. “The date is set for next June. I will initiate the Tianhe Judgment as scheduled.”

His gaze swept over every Elder present one last time, a sharp light glinting in his eyes. “Meeting adjourned.”

…

Amidst a solemn atmosphere, the Elders and Peak Masters left the Great Hall of Tianshu one by one.

Eventually, only two people remained in the hall.

Sect Leader Bai still sat silently in the main seat, his expression serious.

Beside him, Elder Cigu waited quietly for further instructions.

In reality, although Elder Cigu was nominally only a First-class Elder, her seniority and status were equal to those of a Peak Master, and she even held the power and status of a Vice Sect Master.

“What do you think of the Tianhe Judgment?” Sect Leader Bai suddenly asked.

“Hmm…” Elder Cigu pondered for a moment before attempting to analyze the situation.

“Tianshu, Tianxuan, and Tianji are all of superior quality in terms of disciple strength and Elder qualifications. They should pass this judgment smoothly. However, Tianquan Peak…”

“It doesn’t look promising.” Elder Cigu shook her head helplessly.

“I know.” Sect Leader Bai nodded slightly.

They both knew that Tianquan Peak was far inferior to the other peaks in terms of the overall quality of disciples and Elders, as well as the resources they possessed.

However…

“I wonder what kind of measures Peak Master Nan Xi will take when faced with such a predicament?”

Sect Leader Bai’s gaze drifted out of the hall, his expression growing more serious.

‘If he is someone the Supreme Elder has her eye on, perhaps he really can bring some change to Tianquan Peak.’

After a moment, Sect Leader Bai slowly withdrew his gaze and looked back at Elder Cigu. “How is that child doing?”

“Reporting to the Sect Master, according to the last message sent back, she has successfully infiltrated the Wuxing Sect and gained the trust of some Elders.”

Elder Cigu took a letter from her robe and presented it to Sect Leader Bai.

“According to the plan, she will continue her infiltration. Once she has gained enough power…”

“Then we will wipe them all out in one fell swoop.”

Sect Leader Bai’s palm jolted. In an instant, the armrest carved from white jade turned to dust, scattering into the air.

“Yes, Sect Master.” Elder Cigu pursed her lips and lowered her head to hide the complex expression on her face.

“There is one more thing.” Sect Leader Bai spoke again, startling Elder Cigu. She looked up, waiting for his instruction.

After a moment of silence, Sect Leader Bai said seriously, “Charge the cost of repairing the chair to the Tianshu Peak Master’s account. He has plenty of funds.”

“Al… alright, Sect Master.”