Chapter Fifty-Two: Ruthless Resolution

After several days of recuperation, thanks to the miraculous properties of the Dan Ding Sect’s spiritual medicines, Qi Fei’s hands not only healed completely, but his meridians and bones grew even stronger. The scars that once marred his palms vanished without a trace.

Though his injuries were mended, Qi Fei found his path in martial cultivation once again obstructed. Having reached the fifth realm of martial arts, where internal energy could be projected outward, Qi Fei’s body was suffused with primordial energy from heaven and earth. This energy could be transformed through martial arts into sword aura or fist force, surging forth as protective qi. To ascend to the sixth realm—the stage where energy returns to its essence—he needed to refine his martial soul yet again, compressing his internal energy into a purer, nearly tangible force.

Now, Qi Fei’s internal energy had long been transformed into the primordial energy of heaven and earth. Attempting to further refine this powerful energy, fused with the essence of the mysterious gate and spiritual jade, using his ice-fire martial soul was as difficult as ascending to the heavens. Qi Fei could not help but feel regret; he wondered whether gaining this heavenly energy was a blessing or a curse.

With the ceremony to appoint the new sect master of Qingyang Peak drawing near, one day an outer sect disciple hurried to Qi Fei’s door, saying that two elders awaited him in the outer hall for a matter of importance.

Qi Fei sensed that something significant had occurred within the sect. He left his room and hurried to the outer hall.

Inside, Mo Zhanpeng, Elder Sun, and a disciple from Danxia Sect appeared to be embroiled in heated discussion. Upon Qi Fei’s arrival, Mo Zhanpeng quickly stepped forward and asked, “Has your injury improved?”

“Master, you need not worry. My wounds are no longer troublesome.” Qi Fei raised his fists, now as if reborn, a faint smile on his face.

Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun, surprised and delighted, saw that Qi Fei had indeed recovered in just a few short days, as he had claimed.

The Danxia Sect disciple looked at Qi Fei, vaguely recognizing him, and asked in surprise, “Elder Mo, Elder Sun, who is this?”

Mo Zhanpeng quickly introduced, “This is Elder Qi Fei. With the sect in turmoil and the sect master missing, Qi Fei’s martial prowess is profound. Elder Mo and I have agreed to appoint him as an elder, with the formal ceremony to follow later.”

“Qi Fei? Elder Qi?” The Danxia disciple was full of confusion, but as if recalling something, his expression suddenly changed.

Mo Zhanpeng turned to Qi Fei and said, “This is Luo Changfeng, disciple of Elder Huo. He and his two junior brothers have come from the Marquis Weiwu’s estate with a personal letter from Elder Huo.”

“What does Elder Huo intend…” Qi Fei saw his master and Elder Sun’s uneasy expressions and felt a hint of foreboding.

Elder Sun sighed, “Though we urged him, Elder Huo refused to vie for the sect master’s position. If he does not step forward, with Yang Zheng supported by the Xuan Zhen Temple, he will surely become our new master.”

Qi Fei's expression hardened. Elder Huo Zhongmou, though greedy for wealth, was shrewd and calculating. With Xuan Zhen Temple’s growing power, he would naturally hesitate to oppose them. Yet, with only his master and Elder Sun’s influence in the outer sect, confronting Xuan Zhen Temple would require not only an alliance with the Seven Absolute Sect but also the support of the Marquis Weiwu’s son, who was friendly with Huo Zhongmou.

Before Qi Fei could speak, Luo Changfeng, his face darkening, said coldly, “So this is Mo Elder’s prized disciple. Rumor had it he died beneath the Cliff of Reflection; how is he an elder now? Though the sect master is missing, the sect’s affairs should be managed by my master. Elder Mo, Elder Sun, your actions are quite dismissive of my master’s authority.”

Elder Huo’s disciple was indeed brazen. Not wishing to provoke further discord, Elder Sun quickly said, “We act only for the sect’s future. Elder Mo and I will explain everything to Elder Huo in due course.”

“It’s too late now. Even if you inform my master later, what good will it do? You claimed to support him in ascending Qingyang Peak, but now you appoint your own disciple as elder. Fortunately, my master is wise, or he’d have been played for a fool.” Luo Changfeng’s gaze grew colder, full of mockery.

---

Mo Zhanpeng was furious and shouted, “Luo Changfeng, you are but a disciple under Elder Huo. Failing to show proper respect to Elder Qi is a grave offense, and now you dare to be so insolent. Today, I shall teach you a lesson on Elder Huo’s behalf.”

A hint of panic flashed across Luo Changfeng’s face before he retorted, “Elder Qi? Hmph! Qi Fei was once punished and sent to the Cliff of Reflection for his crimes. What right has he to be an elder of Danxia Sect? Elder Mo claims his martial skills are profound. If this is not mere favoritism, let me, Luo Changfeng, test his abilities.”

Mo Zhanpeng was about to order Qi Fei to discipline this arrogant disciple, but Qi Fei stepped forward and said, “I am aware my cultivation is not deep. My appointment as elder is but a jest between my master and Elder Sun, so please, brother Luo, do not be angered. In matters of seniority within the sect, it is hardly my place to be an elder.”

Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun were shocked. Qi Fei was not one to avoid conflict; even Guo Huai had died at his hands, and after escaping the Cliff of Reflection, he killed the traitorous Zhang Xuzhong with a single strike. Days ago, he had even caused chaos at Moonwatch Peak, drawing the wrath of the Seven Absolute Sect. Most astonishingly, he had escaped from Sima Yan, who possessed innate martial power. Why, then, did he yield to Luo Changfeng? Was it truly for the sake of the sect’s greater good?

Luo Changfeng, seeing Qi Fei avoid the challenge, grew confident. He said coldly, “Elder Mo and Elder Sun must be losing their wits. Appointing an elder is not a trivial matter. Even if my master refuses the sect master’s position, I will inform him and let him decide.”

Qi Fei said nothing, his eyes lowered, a flash of deadly intent crossing his gaze.

Mo Zhanpeng roared, “How dare you! When did sect affairs become your concern, mere junior? If not for Elder Huo’s sake, I would not let you leave so easily. Begone from the mountain now!”

Luo Changfeng, intimidated by Mo Zhanpeng’s anger, quickly said, “I have delivered my master’s letter. Since Elder Mo wishes to see me off, I will take my leave.”

“Brother Luo, no need for anger. My master’s temper is simply like this. Allow me to escort you out.” Qi Fei, ignoring his master and Elder Sun’s astonished faces, smiled at Luo Changfeng.

Luo Changfeng was unmoved, sneering, “Qi Fei, you truly know your way around. No wonder your master and Elder Sun want you as elder. Though the sect is in chaos, the title of elder seems worthless now.”

Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun, amazed by Qi Fei’s unusual conduct, could only watch as he respectfully saw Luo Changfeng out of the hall.

When Qi Fei returned, Mo Zhanpeng could not help but shout, “Qi Fei, why did you not teach that arrogant fool a lesson?”

Qi Fei’s usual faint smile vanished. Instead of answering his master’s question, he asked coldly, “Is there a Xuan Zhen Temple robe in the outer sect?”

Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun were surprised, unsure why Qi Fei would ask this.

Under their gaze, Qi Fei replied coldly, “Since Elder Huo refuses to act, we must make use of Luo Changfeng’s life.”

Elder Sun was startled. He had not expected Qi Fei to plan to use Xuan Zhen Temple’s name to kill Luo Changfeng, drawing Elder Huo into the fray.

“Qi Fei, do not act rashly. Though Luo Changfeng is arrogant, he is still a disciple of our sect. How can you contemplate harming a fellow member?” Elder Sun pleaded.

Qi Fei spoke calmly, “I am not one to avenge every slight. Luo Changfeng is not guilty enough to warrant death, yet to draw Elder Huo into action, this is the only recourse. Elder Sun, do not be soft-hearted. On Qingyang Peak, when facing disciples who have sided with Xuan Zhen Temple, will you show mercy then?”

---

Elder Sun shook his head. “Those who betray the sect and join Xuan Zhen Temple are indeed not worth pity, but Luo Changfeng has not betrayed us. You must not harm a fellow disciple.”

“Did Elder Sun not see just now? Luo Changfeng showed no respect for you as an elder. If he leaves the mountain alive, Elder Huo will learn that my master and Elder Sun have appointed me as elder. Then, hoping Elder Huo will act against Xuan Zhen Temple will be impossible.”

Before Elder Sun could speak, Qi Fei pressed, “Luo Changfeng is but a foolish, arrogant youth. Should Yang Zheng succeed as sect master, and Huo Zhongmou and his disciples win the favor of the Marquis Weiwu’s son, would they still consider themselves Danxia Sect disciples?”

Elder Sun was speechless and turned to Mo Zhanpeng, only to find a fierce glint in his eyes.

Qi Fei declared resolutely, “To defeat Xuan Zhen Temple and reclaim the sect’s foundation, decisive action is required. Will my master and Elder Sun seek to restore the sect, or preserve Luo Changfeng’s life? I await your commands.”

Elder Sun drew a sharp breath. He had sensed something odd in Qi Fei’s earlier restraint toward Luo Changfeng, but now realized it was a deliberate ploy to provoke disrespect and thus strengthen his resolve to kill. Such ruthless decisiveness was almost demonic.

Before Elder Sun could speak, Mo Zhanpeng, already resolved, said, “There are no Xuan Zhen Temple robes in the outer sect. If you intend to kill Luo Changfeng and draw Elder Huo into the conflict, do not leave any evidence.”

“No matter; there are many Xuan Zhen Temple patrol disciples outside the valley. I know what must be done.”

Qi Fei bowed and left swiftly, giving Elder Sun no chance to dissuade him.

“Elder Mo, you…” Elder Sun was horrified, unable to believe Mo Zhanpeng agreed to such an act against a fellow disciple.

A fierce glint shone in Mo Zhanpeng’s eyes. He said decisively, “Elder Sun, you and I know Elder Huo’s character well. Were it not for the sect master and Guo Huai’s protection, the outer sect would not be in such chaos. Previously, we considered supporting him as sect master only out of necessity. Even if Elder Huo seizes power from Yang Zheng on Qingyang Peak, it may not be a blessing for the sect.”

Elder Sun frowned, “That may be so, but Luo Changfeng has not betrayed the sect. If Qi Fei kills him, it will be a grave taboo.”

Mo Zhanpeng shook his head and said solemnly, “Do you know why I summoned Qi Fei to the hall today and told Luo Changfeng of his appointment as elder? The sect is in turmoil. To restore it, we must take this desperate measure. Did you not recently urge Qi Fei to claim the sect master’s position? Now, not only Luo Changfeng, but even if one day Qi Fei must kill Elder Huo, we must support him.”

Elder Sun’s expression changed drastically at these words. After a long silence, he let out a long sigh. This shocking act of internecine strife had become the only path to overturn fate.

(P.S.: Humbly asking for a few recommendation votes! The new book’s performance is bleak, so I must keep striving!)