The moment Lin Xiao spoke, Zhao Ling's expression darkened.
After advancing to the Mahayana stage, he had been planning to take Zhao Wuji back to Qingxiao Pavilion. Even if Wuji had to start out as an ordinary disciple, it would still be a foothold in a Holy Land, and Zhao Ling could support him with resources. Whether ordinary or elite, as long as one entered Qingxiao Pavilion, the path ahead would be brighter.
But now?
Lin Xiao had said such a thing in front of everyone. How could Zhao Ling dare to bring Wuji back with him?
That was his only son. Was he supposed to let him wither away in a mid-tier sect?
Even with support, if Wuji could not access the core techniques of a Holy Land, he might never touch the true Dao in this lifetime.
"Sect Master..." Zhao Ling was anxious, trying to speak up.
But Lin Xiao didn't even glance back. He flew off into the sky without a word.
The other sect masters followed.
Zhao Ling clenched his jaw and turned to look at Zhao Wuji.
His son looked pale as a sheet. "Father..."
He had thought this was a guaranteed win. He had crushed Tianjian Peak and Lin Ya, and was just waiting to reap the rewards. But ever since Yun Jin joined the sect, everything had changed in only three months. His prestige plummeted. His favored disciple was slain by Yun Jin right in front of everyone. This time, he thought he could show off with Lin Xiao backing him, and even went as far as offending the three Grand Elders.
Now, Lin Xiao had openly cast him aside. His father might also be dragged into the fallout, and wouldn't be able to interfere with Tianxing Sect for a while. So what was left for him? How could he possibly survive here alone?
Even if he still held the sect master's seat, did it mean anything anymore? Would anyone still obey him?
As Lin Xiao left, a cold voice rang out.
"Wuji, looks like you won't be heading to Qingxiao Pavilion anytime soon."
It was one of the Grand Elders.
Zhao Wuji stiffened. He quickly replied, "As sect master of Tianxing Sect, it would be inappropriate to enter Qingxiao Pavilion as a mere ordinary disciple. Naturally, it is better for me to remain here."
"Oh?" The elder smiled faintly. "But I thought you never cared much for this humble Tianxing Sect."
"How could that be..." Zhao Wuji's forced smile stiffened.
The three Grand Elders exchanged glances, and one of them smiled.
"Wuji, you've served as sect master for decades now, haven't you?"
Zhao Wuji nodded stiffly. "Yes."
The elder's voice became brighter, clearer. "Tianxing Sect has always valued fairness. Just as peak masters can be changed, so too can the sect master. If the three Grand Elders agree, we may initiate a new selection once every fifty years. If eighty percent of disciples support a change, then we proceed to the challenge rounds. Within three days, the challenger must win three duels in succession. If they succeed and still hold eighty percent support, the sect master must step down, and the challenger will take their place."
He made it clear. Zhao Wuji had held the position for fifty years. The elders only needed to vote, and a replacement process could begin at any moment.
Only two conditions remained.
First, the challenger must have the support of eighty percent of disciples.
Second, they had to defeat Zhao Wuji in open combat.
As for who had the strength to do that... at present, only Lin Ya.
His performance on the dueling platform had been overwhelming. Zhao Wuji most likely would not be his match.
If Lin Ya could gain enough support, there would be no stopping him.
The elders were not being subtle.
Even though Lin Ya wasn't present, everyone's thoughts went to him immediately.
Zhao Wuji's face turned ashen.
His father and he had only lost temporary footing, but now the vultures were already circling. These people couldn't wait to kick him down.
Fine, just wait.
Seasoned or not, they would eventually leave, and when they did, he and his father would rise again. There would be a reckoning.
Zhao Wuji clenched his jaw. "Then I'll wait right here for someone to challenge me."
He looked around at the other elders. Most of the ten peak masters averted their gaze. Even those he had once considered close allies were avoiding eye contact, heads bowed in silence.
What did this mean?
He had given so many of them benefits over the years, and now they all wanted to turn on him?
A flash of cruelty crossed Zhao Wuji's eyes.
Let's see.
He had worked too long and too hard in Tianxing Sect to be brought down so easily. If they wanted to fight, then let it be by strength and cunning. With a cold snort, he turned on his heel and left in a fury. Ye Danxia and a few disciples scrambled after him.
The Grand Elders didn't seem to mind. One of them said calmly, "We welcome all to challenge for the position of sect master. After all, competition breeds excellence."
They didn't wait for the peak masters to react and left on their own.
Thanks to the toll of the Ninefold Star Bell, they had suffered internal injuries and would need time to recuperate.
Yun Jin blinked, then gave a quiet smile.
Zhao Wuji's dream of ruling Tianxing Sect like before was over.
It was time for her master to take the seat.
She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
Ye Danxia hadn't even dared to meet her eyes earlier, probably afraid Yun Jin would hold a grudge and send her back to Heshan again.
But for now... Yun Jin wasn't interested in dealing with her.
She had been wondering how the male lead was supposed to show up soon, and how Ye Danxia was going to break through the barrier.
Now she had her answer.
So this was how it played out.
Some plotlines couldn't be reversed. Especially not the key ones. Even if Ye Danxia were sent back again, the story would find another way to bring her back out.
In that case, it was time to move the story forward.
Time to meet the so-called Demon Sovereign male lead.
Thinking of him, Yun Jin's fingers itched with anticipation.