“Silence!”
Leng Yu let out a soft shout as she tossed dozens of White Lotus Tokens from her sleeve, lighting them up in sequence.
“Since there are no doubts, the Sect Grand Competition has concluded. I shall now announce the results.”
Finally, some good news. Dong Ling’s spirits lifted, and she raised her head proudly.
In that case, Lin Wu had indeed been a False Nascent Soul before entering the Blessed Land, making him truly outstanding.
Elder Leng Yu had held the precepts for many years and had always been ruthless, yet today she did not hesitate to praise this boy.
It was clear just how underhanded the kid’s methods were; his harvest must have been significant.
Everyone thought the position of Chief was already a foregone conclusion.
“Yun Mengyao of Qinghan Hall, ranked first in trial merit, is hereby declared the Chief of the Ten Halls for this year. Lin Wu of Dongling Hall…”
Before the words fully landed, the elders were stunned on the spot.
“How could it be her?”
Gasps of doubt rippled through the hall. Everyone’s first reaction was that someone was no longer pretending.
The fairies of the Snow Lotus Sect were known for being pure as ice and clean as jade, and their reputation was far-reaching.
Every year, an endless stream of disciples from other immortal sects came seeking a fated connection, but this was the first one willing to pay such a high price.
Even the position of Chief could be handed over so easily?
Numerous astonished gazes fell upon the youth in white clothes, and then they looked at the Sect Master in the high seat, seemingly understanding something.
Ever since a certain someone entered the sect, some people had been so charmed that their souls were practically gone.
Lin Wu’s move of retreating to advance had immediately widened the immortal path beneath his feet.
You deserve to eat this soft rice!
“Eh, me?”
Yun Mengyao pointed at her own nose, even more bewildered.
The Elder of Qinghan Hall was the most pleasantly surprised. Her disciple had inexplicably become the Chief, drawing many envious glances.
Crack!
Elder Qiu Ming looked up in confusion, thinking she heard something fracture.
It was likely the Ice Lotus Throne beneath the Sect Master.
Joy is one thing, but perhaps you should consider losing some weight?
The atmosphere in the hall grew even colder. Mu Bingxin’s long silver eyelashes trembled. Bound by her status, she had no choice but to personally grant the reward.
“You have done well, Mengyao. As your master… I am deeply gratified!”
The iceberg Sect Master was rarely “gentle,” and her cold, celestial voice was exceptionally pleasant to the ear, though it was clearly forced through her teeth.
Lin Wu almost burst out laughing. He wanted to ask the demoness if she was happy!
“Ugh, thank you, Master.”
Yun Mengyao covered her flushed face, feeling as if she were being roasted over a fire, wanting nothing more than to find a hole to crawl into.
The importance of the position of Chief Disciple went without saying; the generous merit rewards were secondary.
Given the Snow Lotus Sect’s status, the sect’s Dao Seed would surely be renowned throughout the Eternal Immortal Alliance for generations, joining the ranks of the righteous path’s top geniuses.
The duck that was already in her mouth had flown away; Elder Dong Ling’s face was as pale as ash, and she almost couldn’t catch her breath.
Elder Qinghan, however, looked at Lin Wu and nodded repeatedly. The more she looked at the youth, the more she liked him, even considering helping him propose to the Sect Master.
This betrothal gift was very sincere. Bingxin must be very gratified as well.
“A famous master produces a fine disciple. As expected of the Sect Master’s personal teaching.”
“Congratulations, Sect Master!”
The elders offered their congratulations in unison, continuing to add fuel to the fire, unaware that their flattery was hitting a sore spot.
Lin Wu fought back a smile, wishing he could rush up right now, pry Mu Bingxin’s eyelids open, and manually check the weather forecast for Goddess Peak.
“Reporting to the Sect Master, there is one more matter I hope the Sect Master will grant.”
Leng Yu suddenly bowed, her words shocking everyone.
“Lin Wu, a disciple of Dongling Hall, is decisive in slaughter and exceptionally brave. I have already protected him during his soul formation, creating a bond of gratitude. He can serve under my command as a Red Lotus Enshrinee. We need such talent in our Leng Yu Hall!”
The hall broke into an uproar. The Elder of Precepts was snatching someone right to their faces, making no attempt to hide her hunger.
“This…”
In just a few short months, Lin Wu had made a triple jump from a Green Lotus Boy.
Even if a disciple from an immortal sect came here just to polish their reputation, such a promotion speed was exaggerated.
“This old one thinks this is inappropriate. This person has been a White Lotus Legacy Disciple for less than a year. The sect has no such precedent. He should be selected through the tiers by the lower peak halls.”
The old lolita was the first to jump up in opposition.
It was as if the other branch halls didn’t need talent!
Leng Yu was equally domineering, waving her sleeve with a cold snort. “There was no precedent before, but there is now.”
“You!”
The elders of the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Halls were furious but dared not speak out. Combined, they weren’t enough to take on Senior Sister Leng alone.
“This matter is open for discussion.”
The only one qualified to challenge her, Elder Qinghan, looked at the frozen dome, neither opposing nor agreeing.
There was no problem with the promotion, but she couldn’t let the Leng Yu Hall get the advantage.
Everyone turned their gaze toward the high seat, hoping the Sect Master would step forward to preside over justice.
While the elders spoke, the two juniors had no right to interrupt.
Yun Mengyao looked dazed. She had somehow become the Chief Disciple, and the rogue had inexplicably become a hot commodity.
During her unconscious state, it seemed many things had happened that she didn’t know about?
Wait, which elder just said who formed their soul!
Lin Wu found it amusing. The elders were all scheming; no matter where he went, it would be like delivering a sheep into a tiger’s mouth.
Well, a group of little lambs who thought they were tigresses.
At this moment, a peculiar smile appeared on Mu Bingxin’s face.
“This child has excellent roots. Although he placed second in the Sect Grand Competition, he showed extraordinary talent. The Red Lotus Blood Bath is truly an auspicious omen. Compared to the Leng Yu Hall, there is a much better place for him.”
“Eh?”
Before the elders could react, they heard the Sect Master speak again.
“Disciple Lin Wu of Dongling Hall, hear my command. From this day forward, I appoint you as the Red Lotus Holy Son, in charge of the Cold Abyss Ice Prison.”
“What!?”
The expressions of the ten hall elders changed drastically.
The previous Red Lotus Holy Maiden had a terrifying reputation; she was a sword used by the Founder to balance the two Precept Elders, striking fear into the hearts of the demons and monsters of Kunlun Ruins.
Being a jailer was no lucrative post. Not only was there no profit to be made, but it was also very dangerous.
In other words, he would be the Sect Master’s personal death-sworn soldier.
Not subject to the orders of the ten halls, answering only to one person—the meaning couldn’t be clearer.
Everyone looked toward the Sect Master’s crystalline, icy lips, having a bad premonition.
This kid’s immortal path seemed a bit too wide…
Leng Yu’s brow furrowed, her face turning ugly. Not only had she failed to snatch him, but she had also shot herself in the foot.
“I ask the Sect Master to reconsider. The Red Lotus Holy Son stays constantly by the side of the Ice Lotus Throne occupant. Lin Wu has only just entered the Nascent Soul stage; I fear he cannot handle the responsibility.”
The Sect Master flicked her icy sleeve, and a bone-chilling frost immediately sealed everyone’s mouths.
“There is no need for you all to worry. My mind is made up. No more words are needed.”
Lin Wu’s smile froze, and black lines formed on his forehead.
You damn fairy!
A jailer and a prisoner aren’t that different from a certain perspective. Are you finding a roundabout way to lock me back in the dark room?
At the same time, a cold voice transmission echoed in his mind.
“Are you satisfied now? You forced my hand.”
The corners of Mu Bingxin’s mouth curled slightly. Now it was Lin Wu’s turn to grit his teeth.
“Will you not give thanks for the grace?”
“I… thank the Sect Master for her appreciation!”
The elders withdrew in disappointment, grumbling inwardly amidst their shock.
Well, this is just great. The attempt to snatch him caused trouble, and now nobody gets a piece.
First, Elder Leng Yu interfered, and now even the Sect Master had moved with wicked intent.
It was clear she wanted to enjoy the delicious meal alone, brooking no interference from anyone else.
She wouldn’t even let her disciple’s cultivation partner go?
“Holy Son, please stay. The Ice Prison is a critical area; there are other sect secrets to discuss privately.”
The ten hall elders all withdrew with dark faces, secretly cursing the Sect Master for her shamelessness, leaving only Lin Wu behind.
Yun Mengyao turned her head repeatedly, her heart aching with worry, fearing the rogue would never return, but she was led away proudly by Elder Qinghan.
The Sect Grand Competition had settled. This year, the name of the Chief Disciple would spread throughout Goddess Peak.
As the gates were sealed and frozen once more, only two people remained in the cold, desolate palace.
“What orders does the Sect Master have?”
Lin Wu’s teeth ground together with a clicking sound.