Nine Heavens

九霄

nine-heavens

Chapter 28

Zhou Yin said: "Above Qinggu Sect, aren't there still Shangxuan Sect and Tianyan Sect?"
Lu Yanping smiled bitterly: "True, but why would they lend a hand to save a small sect and offend Qinggu Sect?"
Zhou Yin's face was expressionless, but Lu Yanping could sense his calmness. Influenced by him, Lu Yanping's originally tense emotions also gradually relaxed. He quickly pondered what Zhou Yin had just said, and suddenly had a flash of insight.
"You mean for us to pledge allegiance to Shangxuan Sect or Tianyan Sect, expressing our willingness to be subordinate to them?"
Zhou Yin nodded.
Lu Yanping was in a difficult position: "But then it goes back to the old question, why would they accept our allegiance?"
Zhou Yin said: "Then why is Qinggu Sect so intent on annexing Mirror Sea Sect?"
Lu Yanping answered without thinking: "That's because our sect has a long history. Although we have declined, there are still many spiritual veins and elixirs in the sect..."
Before he finished, Zhou Yin's expression showed "Isn't that it".
Lu Yanping also reacted, his spirit lifting: "Once Shangxuan Sect or Tianyan Sect shows interest, Qinggu Sect can't rashly make a move. This is indeed a good idea. But between Shangxuan Sect and Tianyan Sect, which one should we choose?"
Zhou Yin said: "It's not for us to choose, but for them to choose."
Mirror Sea Sect's situation was at a critical juncture, the other side clearly had the intention to annex them, leaving no room for maneuver. At this time, if Shangxuan Sect was willing to intervene, that would be the best case scenario. Otherwise, Tianyan Sect, the second largest sect, would be the next best choice.
Lu Yanping sighed: "Junior Brother Zhou is right, time waits for no one. I will write a letter right away. I just never thought that Mirror Sea Sect's foundation of thousands of years would be buried by my hands!"
Zhou Yin didn't say anything.
The decline of Mirror Sea Sect from its former prestige to now being openly bullied was the responsibility of the predecessors of Mirror Sea Sect long before Lu Yanping. Even without Lu Yanping, it would be someone else taking on this thankless task. It was just his misfortune to become the Sect Leader at this critical juncture.
However, Zhou Yin had little sympathy. Lu Yanping's willingness to take on the role of sect leader meant he had his own ambitions and aspirations, and correspondingly, he had to bear the risks. How could there be any free lunches in this world?
Weighing the pros and cons, Lu Yanping quickly made a decision. He wrote the letters as fast as possible and instructed two disciples to deliver them immediately.
The Shangxuan Sect was located in the Qiyun Mountains in the northeast of Canghe, the number one sect on the continent. The Tianyan Sect followed closely behind, but was situated in Xiling, southwest and slightly north, even further away.
However, with cultivators' flying magic treasures, even the furthest distances were just a matter of a few hours. Now, Lu Yanping didn't expect the other party to accept their allegiance immediately upon receiving the letters, but as long as either of the two major sects was willing to intervene, the Qinggu Sect wouldn't dare to be so rampant.
The letters were written very sincerely. Lu Yanping was well aware of his situation and identity, and took a very humble stance. He was not only willing to have the entire Mirror Sea Sword Sect pledge allegiance, but also clearly stated that he would offer up all the sect's precious spiritual medicines and magic treasures.
Two days passed, and the next day was the deadline of the Qinggu Sect's ultimatum. Needless to say, Lu Yanping was anxious. It was at this very moment that the two elders, Elder Chen and Elder Wu, came to seek an audience again.
"Greetings, Sect Leader."
In the eyes of Elder Chen and Elder Wu, Lu Yanping had only become the sect leader by relying on Zou Jingyuan's favor. In terms of seniority and ability, he was far inferior. It was only because Zou Jingyuan was adamant about appointing Lu Yanping while he was alive that they had some apprehension about this sect leader, allowing him to have his way.
Therefore, when the two faced Lu Yanping, they naturally lacked respect and even put on the airs of elders, using their seniority to their advantage.
Lu Yanping saw it clearly. Suppressing his anger, he put on a smile, "I wonder what brings the two elders here?"
Elder Chen didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point, "Sect Leader, what are your thoughts on the Qinggu Sect matter?"
Lu Yanping's smile faded a little, "Elder Chen, why are you in such a hurry? Didn't the other party give a three-day deadline? Could it be that Elder Chen is here to speak on their behalf?"
Elder Chen snorted, "Sect Leader Lu, you understand the situation of the Mirror Sea Sect better than I do. There's no need for me to speak on their behalf. If you don't agree, I'm afraid the lives of all the disciples in the entire sect, as well as the foundation passed down by the ancestral master, will be destroyed by your hands. At that time, you will be the eternal sinner of the Mirror Sea Sect. What does it have to do with us?"
Elder Wu followed up with more criticism, "What Senior Brother Chen said is right. Sect Leader Lu, you don't need to consider it. What's wrong with relying on the Qinggu Sect? They are the third largest sect on the continent. Just their disciples alone number in the thousands, not to mention their countless spirit stones and elixirs. They've offered you an elder position, which is already very generous. You should know that in such a large sect, there has never been an elder below the Nascent Soul stage! It's definitely better than being cooped up as the sect leader of such a small sect! "
Their words were full of mockery, clearly not taking Sect Leader Lu Yanping seriously.
Lu Yanping put away his smile, no longer beating around the bush with them, "I will not hand over the Mirror Sea Sect to a sect that has long harbored the intention to annex us. Since the other party's deadline has not arrived, why are you two in such a hurry to aid the enemy? Please leave!"
Elder Wu was furious upon hearing this and was about to lash out when he heard the attendant outside arguing with someone.
The formation outside the room was specially designed. Those inside could hear the commotion outside, but those outside could not hear what was going on inside.
Attendant Jin Ting: "Senior Sister, you can't go in. Sect Leader is discussing matters inside!"
Chen Yuanzhi's voice rang out, "I know my father and the others are also inside. That's exactly why I'm here. Let me in, I have something to say!"
Jin Ting: "Senior Sister, you can't..."
Lu Yanping rubbed his temples and said in a deep voice, "Jin Ting, let her in."
It suddenly became quiet outside.
After a short while, Chen Yuanzhi barged in, unable to hide her anger, "Senior Brother, I heard you want to have the sect pledge allegiance to the Qinggu Sect?! Where do you place the foundation that Ancestral Master Zou passed on to you? I absolutely do not agree!"
Elder Chen scolded, "Yuanzhi, what nonsense are you barging in here for? Get out!"
Chen Yuanzhi pulled a long face, "Father, Uncle Wu, you've also sided with the Qinggu Sect, haven't you?"
Elder Chen's face turned pale, "What nonsense are you talking about?!"
Chen Yuanzhi turned her head, no longer looking at her father, and stared straight at Lu Yanping, "Senior Brother, although I'm usually wilful, this time it's not nonsense. Since I'm a disciple of the Mirror Sea Sect, I should share the honor and disgrace with the sect. Whether it's a duel or win or lose, in any case, I, Chen Yuanzhi, will never be a running dog under someone else's sect!"
Lu Yanping also looked at her. This little junior sister had been spoiled since she was young and was extremely willful, causing a lot of headaches. But at a critical moment, on matters of principle, she was more clear-headed than her own father and could even say such words.
"Junior Sister..."
Before he could finish, Elder Chen could no longer hold back. He slammed the table, "Yuanzhi, get out!"
"I won't!" Chen Yuanzhi stood her ground, not budging an inch.
Elder Chen was so angry that he was huffing and puffing, but the person in front of him was not someone else, but his precious pearl. He couldn't just beat her and throw her out.
Just as they were at an impasse, Jin Ting came in from outside and whispered a few words in Lu Yanping's ear.
Lu Yanping's face turned from cloudy to sunny, the corners of his mouth curling up, even his brows exuding delight, making Elder Chen and Elder Wu very puzzled.
But he was in no hurry to tell the two, "Jin Ting, gather all the disciples in front of Weiyun Hall. I have an announcement to make."
Jin Ting left as instructed.
Elder Wu couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"
Chen Yuanzhi also stared at him with wide eyes.
Lu Yanping smiled slightly, "Elder Wu, why are you in such a hurry? You'll know in a moment."
When Huang Wenjun and the others received the notice, they were at a loss and couldn't help but make wild guesses, suspecting that Lu Yanping wanted to announce the matter of pledging allegiance to the Qinggu Sect.
However, Zhou Yin had already guessed some of it. He followed behind the crowd unhurriedly, his fingers reaching into his sleeve's hidden pocket, tapping Zhou Chen's head, signaling it not to expose itself to avoid being noticed by others.
The existence of demon beasts like Zhou Chen was naturally best kept known to as few people as possible. Zhou Yin usually spoke very little and didn't interact much with others. Huang Wenjun and the others knew about Zhou Chen's existence, but Zhou Yin had told them that it was a common low-level demon beast called a Kite, and they had never seen a Kite before, so naturally they believed it.
The crowd gathered in front of Weiyun Hall. Counting the disciples from the inner and outer peaks, there were only a few hundred people. However, with hundreds of people whispering and discussing the purpose of the sect leader's gathering, the square was quite lively for a while.
After half an incense stick's time, Lu Yanping walked out, followed by two elders and Chen Yuanzhi. Lu Yanping reiterated the matter of Qinggu Sect's threat, even though everyone already knew about it. In the end, he said, "I am of mediocre talent, yet the previous sect leader valued me, and my fellow disciples trusted me, allowing me to take the position of sect leader. With this incident, I feel deeply guilty and inadequate, unworthy of the ancestors of Mirror Sea Sect throughout the generations."
His words hinted at the intention to abdicate and let the worthy take over. The disciples below were greatly shocked and discussed among themselves. Huang Wenjun wanted to step forward and speak, but was stopped by Zhou Yin.
Elder Chen and Elder Wu glanced at each other, feeling that things were going unexpectedly smoothly, but also sensing something amiss amidst their delight.
Lu Yanping continued, "Although the Mirror Sea Sect is small, it has a legacy of thousands of years. If we rashly become a subsidiary of another sect, not only will we lose face, but I will also be unable to face our ancestors. Therefore, I sent people to explain the situation to Shangxuan Sect and Tianyan Sect, asking for their assistance."
He paused, then said, "Now, Shangxuan Sect has replied that they are willing to consider Mirror Sea Sword Sect becoming their subsidiary."
The situation took a turn, causing an uproar.
After the initial shock, Huang Wenjun and the others felt a strange sense of pleasure. "Either way, we have to rely on others. Becoming a subsidiary of the number one sect on the continent is better than being annexed by the Qinggu Sect. By then, if Qinggu Sect wants to settle scores, they'll have to consider their own status!"
He Yun asked Zhou Yin, "Ah Yin, this was your idea, right?"
Zhou Yin remained silent.
On the other side, Elder Wu was already furious. "Lu Yanping, how dare you!"
Lu Yanping's lips curled into a cold sneer. "Elder Wu, why don't you ask everyone? Do they want to become Qinggu Sect members or Shangxuan Sect disciples?"

Nine Heavens

Nine Heavens

Chapter 28 - Chapter 28

Echo