Chapter Sixty-Three: The Battle for the Throne (Third Update)

Earlier, in the Moonwatch Peak’s Valley Pavilion, Sima Yan had already sensed that Qi Fei intended for Huo Zhongmou to contend for the position of Sect Leader, so he deliberately ignored Daoist Cangsong, who stood aside with a face full of anger. Instead, Sima Yan addressed Chu Qingyun in a slow tone, “I’ve heard that among the Young Marquis’s followers is a master of the Mystical Dao, an elder of the Danxia Sect. Is this newly appointed Danxia Sect Leader that very person?”

Chu Qingyun was momentarily taken aback, but soon caught the implication in Sima Yan’s words. Two tigers cannot share one mountain; the animosity between the Seven Absolutes Sect and the Xuanzhen Temple had long been deep. Clearly, the Seven Absolutes Sect’s leader intended to use today’s chaos as an opportunity to strike at the Xuanzhen Temple.

“Sect Master Sima, this is precisely the Mystical Dao master from my household, Elder Huo Zhongmou of the Danxia Sect,” Chu Qingyun responded eagerly, grateful for the opportunity to introduce, “Master Huo, this is the illustrious Sect Master Sima Yan of the Seven Absolutes Sect—you must have heard much about him.”

Previously, in order to avenge his disciple and vie for the position of Sect Leader, Huo Zhongmou had spoken ill of the Xuanzhen Temple before Chu Qingyun, claiming they had secretly allied themselves with the second son of the Marquis of Valor. This had provoked Chu Qingyun’s wrath and, in the absence of the Marquis, who had departed for the border, prompted him to lead his own experts to punish the Xuanzhen Temple. Now, with the Seven Absolutes Sect intervening, Chu Qingyun was delighted—his odds of victory had just increased.

Huo Zhongmou could scarcely believe that this famed, yet unfamiliar, master of the Seven Absolutes Sect was openly supporting his bid for the Danxia Sect’s leadership. With both the martial prowess of Sima Yan and the Young Marquis’s backing, what threat did the Xuanzhen Temple pose?

Unable to conceal his delight, Huo Zhongmou hurried forward and said, “I have long admired Sect Master Sima’s reputation. I am Huo Zhongmou, honored to meet you.”

Seeing that Sima Yan truly intended to back Huo Zhongmou for the leadership, Daoist Cangsong sneered, “Elder Huo, do not let yourself be used by others.”

Huo Zhongmou’s heart skipped a beat at these words and he asked, “What do you mean by that, Master Cangsong?”

Daoist Cangsong sighed, “Today you invite the Young Marquis to Qingyang Peak, likely to seek justice for your departed disciple. But your beloved student was not killed by my Xuanzhen Temple; it was the Seven Absolutes Sect who committed the crime and framed us.”

Unaware of the true culprit—Qi Fei—Sima Yan was incensed at this accusation and shouted, “Old Daoist Cangsong, enough of your slander! When has my Seven Absolutes Sect ever harmed Elder Huo’s disciple? It was your Xuanzhen Temple that recently sent men to sneak into Moonwatch Peak, injure our disciples, and set a great fire that threw our sect into chaos. I have yet to settle this score, and now you dare to malign my sect? This is intolerable!”

Sima Yan’s fury seemed genuine, causing Daoist Cangsong to doubt. Could someone else have disposed of Huo Zhongmou’s disciple’s body on Qingyang Peak that day? And what of Sima Yan’s claim that Xuanzhen Temple disciples infiltrated Moonwatch Peak—was it all a ruse, or was Sima Yan merely trying to shift blame?

The Xuanzhen Temple disciples were outraged by Sima Yan’s feigned ignorance and brazen accusations. If not for the efforts of Daoist Qingxu and several senior elders to restrain them, chaos would have already erupted in the grand hall.

Qi Fei watched coldly from the sidelines, everything unfolding as planned. Yet, for reasons unknown, he did not see Zhuo Jin’er among the assembly. Was she not supposed to aid Sima Yan against the Xuanzhen Temple? Why was she still absent?

—

Huo Zhongmou weighed these doubts in his heart. But now, with the hope of seizing the Sect Leader’s seat and no way to bring his disciple back from the dead, he was unwilling to heed Daoist Cangsong’s attempt to sow discord. “Master Cangsong, my disciple’s skills were lacking; his death is no one’s fault but his own. Now that the Danxia Sect must choose a new leader, I, Huo Zhongmou, though unworthy, am willing to do my part for the sect.”

Daoist Cangsong laughed in fury, “Very well! Since you have such ambition, and as this is an internal matter for the Danxia Sect, my Xuanzhen Temple will not interfere. But, may I ask, Elder Huo, how do you intend to contest for the leadership?”

Confident in his superiority over all others in the sect, Huo Zhongmou responded solemnly, “The seat of Sect Leader should belong to the capable. I am willing to challenge Elder Yang and witness his martial prowess.”

Yang Zheng’s martial skills were on par with Mo Zhanpeng’s, and he knew he was no match for Huo Zhongmou. Panic-stricken, he glanced imploringly at Daoist Cangsong.

Having long regarded the rival Xuanzhen Temple as an enemy, Chu Qingyun sneered upon seeing Yang Zheng seeking Xuanzhen Temple’s aid, “So, the next Danxia Sect Leader must first gain Master Cangsong’s approval? Has Elder Yang already pledged himself to Xuanzhen Temple? If so, how could you possibly lead the Danxia Sect?”

Daoist Cangsong’s heart tightened. He had anticipated that the succession ceremony atop Qingyang Peak would not go smoothly, but the sudden threat on the border had forced the Marquis of Yongzhou to leave, depriving the sect of a powerful protector. With the Marquis present, these interlopers would not have dared act so brazenly.

Though favored by the Marquis, Daoist Cangsong was puzzled as to how he had offended the Marquis’s son. It was clear that Chu Qingyun’s arrival was aimed at the Xuanzhen Temple.

He signaled discreetly to a disciple standing nearby and spoke calmly, “You jest, Young Marquis. Elder Yang is a senior of the Danxia Sect, not a member of Xuanzhen Temple. If Elder Huo wishes to vie for the position, my temple will not stand in the way.”

Chu Qingyun laughed coldly, “Very well. Master Huo, let us see Elder Yang’s skills.”

With the Young Marquis and the Seven Absolutes Sect’s experts supporting him, Huo Zhongmou was emboldened and dismissed Yang Zheng as a threat. “Elder Yang, please.”

Yang Zheng’s face turned ashen, at a loss for how to respond to Huo Zhongmou’s challenge. At that moment, a calm voice sounded beside him.

“Master has taught me the art of alchemy; today, I should shoulder some of his burdens. I am Cheng Feng and am willing to face Elder Huo in my master’s stead.”

Everyone turned to see a Xuanzhen Temple disciple at Daoist Cangsong’s side remove his Daoist robe and step forward to confront Huo Zhongmou.

—

Chu Qingyun’s face darkened, “Master Cangsong, you claim your temple will not meddle in Danxia Sect’s affairs, yet here your disciple intervenes?”

Daoist Cangsong remained unruffled, “This disciple of mine is devoted to the Mystical Dao and has received Elder Yang’s instruction in the arts of Danxia Sect. He wishes to transfer to the Danxia Sect, and I will not stand in his way. If Elder Huo cannot even defeat Elder Yang’s disciple, with what right does he seek the leadership of Danxia Sect?”

Such conduct from Xuanzhen Temple was questionable, and even their allied sects looked on with bemused expressions. Clearly, the alliance between the Young Marquis and the Seven Absolutes Sect had forced Xuanzhen Temple into dire straits.

Chu Qingyun was incensed; the Xuanzhen Temple had indeed allied with that wretch, defying him to support Yang Zheng’s claim.

Before Chu Qingyun could erupt, Huo Zhongmou glanced at Cheng Feng and said, “Young Marquis, there is no need for anger. Though this disciple’s cultivation is impressive—already at the third level of the Mystical Dao, the Spirit Departure Realm—he may not be my match. Allow me to test the Xuanzhen Temple’s skills myself.”

Seeing Huo Zhongmou’s confidence, Chu Qingyun relaxed slightly, “Master Huo, do not underestimate him.”

Huo Zhongmou nodded respectfully, “I will not betray your trust.”

With the leadership of Danxia Sect at stake, the two masters of the Mystical Dao were about to duel. The crowd in the grand hall hurriedly stepped back.

Qi Fei also quietly returned to his master’s side. It was his first time witnessing such a life-and-death clash between Mystical Dao experts. He focused his inner energy into his eyes, waiting for the fierce contest to begin.

(P.S.: Three chapters today—please bookmark, recommend, and support. My thanks!)