Chapter Seventy-Six: The Succession Ceremony

After entering the main hall with Qi Fei, Zhuo Jin’er presented herself with an obedient and demure demeanor, following Qi Fei at a measured pace until they stood before Chu Qingyun.

“So this is Miss Zhuo? I am Chu Qingyun, honored to meet you,” Chu Qingyun said with a hearty laugh, stepping forward before Qi Fei could even introduce her.

“Greetings, Young Marquis,” Zhuo Jin’er replied, her cheeks flushed with shyness as she bowed to Chu Qingyun.

“No need for formalities. Miss Zhuo and Qi Fei truly make a perfect pair!” Chu Qingyun remarked with a smile.

Guided by Qi Fei, Zhuo Jin’er was then introduced to Mo Zhanpeng and the others. The sudden appearance of a woman surnamed Zhuo on Qingyang Peak caused much astonishment among the assembled guests; none could fathom how Qi Fei had come to know her. Inwardly, they speculated: Qi Fei would never oppose the master of the Seven Absolute Sect for the sake of a woman. Judging from Sima Yan’s reaction, it seemed this Miss Zhuo was of considerable significance.

At that moment, the disciples of Danxia Sect had finished clearing the hall of shattered walls, debris, and traces of blood. Under Chu Qingyun’s direction, Elder Mo Zhanpeng formally assumed the position of sect master.

Previously, Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun had considered letting Qi Fei succeed as sect master of Danxia Sect, but seeing Sima Yan’s displeasure, and fearing the Seven Absolute Sect might seize the opportunity to make trouble, Mo Zhanpeng had no choice but to let Qi Fei off—for the time being.

Outside the main hall, the sound of distant bells drifted continuously.

Though Danxia Sect had suffered great upheaval, the ancestral portraits of its founders had survived unscathed, so the succession ceremony was kept simple.

Mo Zhanpeng knelt before the ancestral portraits, and amidst congratulations, successfully became the new master of Danxia Sect.

“Sect Master Mo, congratulations,” Daoist Muyun said, gazing at Mo Zhanpeng while recalling the tragic death of a dear friend. A sense of departure stirred in his heart.

“Master Muyun, our sect has only just settled its internal turmoil. I apologize for the neglect,” Mo Zhanpeng quickly replied, cupping his hands.

“No matter. Today’s events are tinged with regret; who would have thought Master Cangsong would…” Daoist Muyun sighed with sorrow, his expression gloomy. “Ah, best left unspoken. Sect affairs call, so I’ll take my leave.”

Daoist Muyun and the experts from Cloudsky Sect had been invited as allies by Xuan Zhen Temple; Mo Zhanpeng naturally did not urge them to stay, but saw them and their disciples off beyond the hall.

Soon after, the elders and disciples of several major sects also took their leave. Since Zhuo Jin’er’s arrival, Sima Yan had been filled with unease, terrified his collusion with Yin-Yang Dao and the plot against Xuan Zhen Temple would be exposed. He hurried away with his experts, eager to leave the scene.

“Sect Master Sima,”

Suddenly, a clear, feminine voice rang out in the hall.

The disciples of the various sects, ready to depart, paused and turned, only to see that the speaker was the stunning beauty who had nearly incited conflict between Sima Yan and Qi Fei.

---

Sima Yan broke out in a cold sweat, uncertain why this witch from Yin-Yang Dao had chosen to call out to him at such a moment. Was Zhuo Jin’er seeking to ally with Qi Fei to threaten him, or perhaps the pair intended to extort treasures from the Seven Absolute Sect?

Beside Zhuo Jin’er, Qi Fei was equally troubled. She was far too bold; with the Seven Absolute Sect about to withdraw, she had chosen this moment to act up again.

Zhuo Jin’er released Qi Fei’s arm and, under the bewildered scrutiny of all, slowly approached the now ashen-faced Sima Yan, let out a sigh, and uttered a statement so absurd it left everyone bemused.

“Sect Master Sima, I am forever grateful for your act of saving my life, but… you are simply too old.”

Her words struck Sima Yan like a bolt from the blue, leaving him utterly stupefied. The young disciples of the major sects, unable to contain themselves, burst into stifled laughter.

“You… Zhuo…” Sima Yan was at a complete loss, his face flushed red, rendered speechless by anger.

He seethed inwardly—Zhuo Jin’er and Qi Fei had clearly colluded to slander him without cause. Yet the powers of this Yin-Yang Dao adept were unfathomable; earlier, in the hall, Zhuo Jin’er had used demonic techniques to frame Xuan Zhen Temple in full view. Sima Yan dared not risk confrontation.

He had previously resolved that, should Zhuo Jin’er depart after acquiring her spoils, the matter would be closed. If, however, she proved greedy and sought to threaten him further, he would have no choice but to relinquish the spiritual veins of Moonlit Peak for a few months and use Chu Yanran as a means to rid himself of her.

Sima Yan mused: Chu Yanran’s cultivation had advanced greatly, reaching the realm of martial mastery. For now, it was best to endure; once the time was right, he would have Chu Yanran eliminate the Yin-Yang Dao witch.

Sima Yan said nothing, suppressing his burning rage, and led his confused disciples rapidly out of the main hall.

After the experts from the major sects departed, only Chu Qingyun and the formidable warriors of the Marquis of Martial Valor remained.

Watching Sima Yan’s retreating figure, Chu Qingyun felt a measure of concern. The master of Seven Absolute Sect had been humiliated by Qi Fei and this woman surnamed Zhuo. Though he knew not the full story, he doubted Sima Yan would let matters rest.

Sima Yan was now advanced in years; though his cultivation still surpassed Qi Fei’s and his sect was powerful, Qi Fei’s youthful breakthroughs to the innate martial realm, combined with his mysterious Daoist arts, were astonishing. Mastering both martial and Daoist disciplines, his potential was limitless. If only he could be recruited—great undertakings would surely follow.

After weighing the options, Chu Qingyun made his decision. “Qi Fei, Sima Yan was disgraced on Qingyang Peak today; he will undoubtedly cause you trouble in the future. You are still recovering from your injuries. Why not return to my residence to rest? My household has ample medicinal herbs; I am sure they will help you heal quickly.”

Qi Fei recognized Chu Qingyun’s intention to recruit him. But to become a subordinate of the Young Marquis would be to serve as a mere lackey. Qi Fei’s heart was set on the Dao, to avenge his master, the Bloodshadow Lord; he had no desire for easy riches.

Yet refusing outright might offend Chu Qingyun. After a brief consideration, Qi Fei put on an expression of grateful surprise and replied, “Thank you for your kindness, Young Marquis. But with the sect in need of rebuilding, it would be inappropriate for me to leave at this time. Even if Sima Yan bears me ill will, for your sake, I doubt he would trouble me. Let me help stabilize Qingyang Peak, then I will gladly serve you.”

Chu Qingyun was secretly vexed at Qi Fei’s lack of appreciation, but maintained his calm smile. “That is fine as well. Should Sima Yan make things difficult for you, simply mention my name. When your sect’s affairs are settled, come to the Marquisate; I will open my doors and share my finest wine with you.”

“Thank you, Young Marquis.” Despite Chu Qingyun’s earnest recruitment, Qi Fei remained unmoved.

---

Chu Qingyun sighed inwardly but felt all the more resolved to bring Qi Fei into his fold. “I will write to my father about Master Cangsong’s death today. There are still powerful experts in Xuan Zhen Temple; to prevent calamity for Danxia Sect, I will instruct someone to make contact. The wounded disciples and experts from Xuan Zhen Temple will be handled by my father in due course.”

Qi Fei noted Chu Qingyun’s concern for his sect and felt a quiet gratitude. “If you ever have need of me, Young Marquis, just say the word.”

Seeing the subtle gratitude in Qi Fei’s manner, Zhuo Jin’er grew worried. She resolved to remind Qi Fei not to let small favors lead him to be used.

Chu Qingyun, hearing Qi Fei’s promise, was delighted. Though he had not yet recruited him formally, Qi Fei’s actions proved him loyal and honorable. With time and effort, this martial prodigy would surely be his ally.

“This is the token of the Marquisate. Keep it. It’s getting late; I must return home. Sect Master Mo, Qi Fei, Miss Zhuo, everyone—farewell.”

With Danxia Sect and Qi Fei favored by the Young Marquis, the remaining forces of Seven Absolute Sect and Xuan Zhen Temple would not dare challenge Qingyang Peak again. Mo Zhanpeng, overjoyed, called out, “Farewell, Young Marquis!”

Qi Fei accepted the token from Chu Qingyun and, accompanied by Zhuo Jin’er, his master, Elder Sun, and the disciples of Danxia Sect, escorted Chu Qingyun and the warriors of the Marquisate out of the hall.

Thus, the chaos in Danxia Sect was finally quelled.

After seeing off Chu Qingyun and the Marquisate warriors, Qi Fei turned to gaze at the battered main hall, a wave of bitterness rising in his heart.

Once, he had been but a lowly herb-gatherer in the sect’s outer court. Now, having stepped over the corpses of Elder Guo Huai and the Daoist prodigy Cheng Feng of Xuan Zhen Temple, he had become the hope for the sect’s revival.

One day soon, he would leave Qingyang Peak to train in the wider world, where greater struggles and bloodshed awaited. Who could say if he would achieve the Dao and settle his master’s old grievances?

Sensing Qi Fei’s melancholy, Zhuo Jin’er herself felt a strange heaviness in her heart.

Qi Fei sighed, composed himself, and was about to return to the hall with his master and the others when he noticed the sorrowful look on Zhuo Jin’er’s face. Puzzled, he asked, “Miss Zhuo, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Zhuo Jin’er replied, her expression flustered. Before Qi Fei could probe further, she hurried into the hall.

Watching her retreating figure, Qi Fei felt at a loss. It seemed the Yin-Yang Dao witch intended to stay on Qingyang Peak for some time yet. He could only hope she would not cause trouble within the sect.