Quiet, the peaceful atmosphere once again spread throughout the Temple of the Immortals.
My complexion had already changed beyond control.
To hold the ceremony of succession simultaneously with the coffin interment? This Zheng Ren is constantly increasing his stakes!
His attitude has changed without the slightest attempt to hide it!
The disciples in the arena began to exhibit excitement in their demeanor.
The sadness was more prevalent among the elders; most of the disciples had never met the Fourth Rule Master, so how could they truly empathize?
Succession of the True Lord is the ultimate goal for many disciples!
Even with Sun Zhuo's direct disciple in front of them, they show no signs of backing down.
"The Master has spoken, so this matter shall be handled according to the Master's wishes," He You Tian nodded.
His emotions remain normal and calm.
Zheng Ren's voice was resounding, and he uttered a polite greeting.
Then, after sweeping his gaze over the many disciples in the hall once more, he said, "Since that is the case, I will continue to expound upon the Dharma. Two days later, allocate half a day for the preparation of the grand ceremony. I hope you all gain deeper insights and that those who are candidates can achieve good results, making your mentors, Grand Elder, and myself all proud of you."
"Very well, you must demonstrate your strength in front of Jingqu Mountain, Yunjinshan, and the ancient Qiangcheng city! You cannot let my Fourth Rule Mountain's face be stained!"
The last sentence, "not to lose face," was delivered with an exceptionally solemn tone by Zheng Ren!
Following that, Zheng Ren entered the Temple of the Immortals.
I followed He You Tian, the Seventh Elder, Second Elder, and Fourth Elder as we walked back.
However, before we left the range of the Temple of the Immortals, the Second Elder stopped and stood still, displaying a hint of contemplation.
"Big Brother, the Master's words earlier seemed to carry some hidden meaning. I think he understands that there is a major change in the overall situation of the Yinyang Realm, and that the Four Rule Mountain needs to unite even more. Shouldn't we go back and take a look? Although what he spoke of does not help you, Grand Elder, it indeed brings great benefits to the disciples; it can guide and explain to them."
The Second Elder's words were not intentionally positioned.
In reality, there are no major issues with the Four Rule Mountain. Zheng Ren's show of weakness in front of the elders indicates his intention to address any remaining problems, which naturally earns their approval.
"Big Brother, my opinion is similar to Second Brother's. Master Zheng has always held himself in high regard over the years, but he has finally realized something. In front of so many disciples, he showed favor to his younger brother, even ignoring his own disciple Sun Zhuo's thoughts. He also showed such respect to you, Big Brother. This is quite rare."
"After all, Big Brother, you have no other thoughts. Our Four Rule Mountain cannot have the possibility of replacing the Master with another one. Therefore, you must reconcile with Master Zheng. I think this is a good opportunity." The Fourth Elder said.
The Seventh Elder frowned and said, "Second Brother, Fourth Brother, what are you talking about? Master Zheng showing weakness means that Big Brother should accept it? Some people, once they're wrong, can never change. Why can't he bear the agony?"
"Many things, you just don't..."
He You Tian looked at the Seventh Elder and said in a low voice, "Seventh Sister."
"I..."
The Seventh Elder was interrupted in her words and fell silent for a moment.
The faces of the Second Elder and the Fourth Elder showed some changes.
Both of them said nothing and simultaneously bowed to He You Tian before turning around and heading towards the Temple of the Immortals.
"You..."
The Seventh Elder was filled with anger, about to pursue and intercept the two.
He You Tian shook his head and turned around, continuing to walk downwards.
The Seventh Elder then followed him.
I naturally followed He You Tian as he left.
After we were far away, returning to the Ancestral Temple, He You Tian only then looked up at the sky. The sunlight shining on his head and face, his silver-white hair strands looked even more transparent.
"Don't blame them; in fact, there was no alignment to begin with among you. It was just based on personal preference. It's just that you know more, so you have choices," He You Tian sighed lightly.
"He is clearly creating a favorable situation for himself by making a show of being gentle towards his younger brother and the disciples, making amends in front of the elders. If you, Big Brother, don't understand him, then you are considered rigid," He You Tian explained.
"And also, Big Brother, why did you not stop him? The Jingqu Mountain, Yunjinshan, and the ancient Qiangcheng city…… three groups of Daoist practitioners have come. How can we achieve our goal?" The Seventh Elder grew increasingly anxious.
"Seventh Sister, you are too concerned with appearances. Do you think we can't point out Sun Zhuo's issues if three groups of Daoist practitioners are present? A family's shame should not be broadcasted to the outside world?" He You Tian shook his head.
The Seventh Elder furrowed her brow.
He You Tian said, "Exactly for this reason, I am even more inclined to expose his sins! Setting aside the crime of murdering his mentor, a True Lord of high status has taken the disciples of Tian Shou Daoist Temple as his own. How will he explain this to Four Rule Mountain and how will he account for it in front of numerous Daoist temples? He can only apologize by dying."
"Moreover, the other three parties will be closely vigilant, afraid that disciples of Tian Shou Daoist Temple might have infiltrated their own temples."
"Zheng Ren is filled with insecurity. He has been insecure for himself, not knowing that the key to resolving the problem does not lie with him."
"Regardless of how he acts, I will remain undisturbed. I even suggest that you go back as well. Zheng Ren will feel more at ease, for after all, I am alone now, and he will believe that I won't target him."
"Haha, he still hasn't let go of one thing. If he did it today, I would really have a tough time handling it."
He You Tian's final words seemed to be filled with sighs.
"What's the matter?" The Seventh Elder looked puzzled.
"Younger brother, do you think I'm referring to what?" He You Tian looked at me deeply, with a look of questioning in his eyes.
I remained silent for a moment before answering, "Removing Sun Zhuo's disciple status, using this matter as a gesture to please Big Brother, making me a sure candidate, or even if he gives up his status as a True Lord and chooses to retire, ask Big Brother to take over."
He You Tian's eyes suddenly shone with a glint of intelligence.
"Oh? Your words, younger brother, are exquisite; I have overlooked something indeed! However, regardless of which path he chooses not to take, Zheng Ren is facing the turning of fate. Or perhaps if his teacher in heaven has any sense left, he may want him to receive his retribution." He You Tian said.
A hint of jealousy flashed across the Seventh Elder's eyes.
"I won't go back anyway, lest he asks me where I went. Since you let me leave the mountain, I was afraid Zheng Ren would notice, so I didn't go and instead let Si Yan and several of my sisters go to Daxiang."
"Most of the senior and junior brothers are on his side, so he should feel safe. I guess that's the way it is," the Seventh Elder answered with an effort, still looking somewhat discontented. It was as if, like the other elders who didn't trust He You Tian, this also bothered her.
Only then did I realize a detail. Yes, He You Tian had mentioned earlier that she would accompany the Seventh Elder and Si Yan to Daxiang, that was why she stayed behind.
He You Tian did not speak much to the Seventh Elder anymore. He nodded in agreement first, then looked at me and asked:
"Younger brother, your years of studying the Tao are not too long, and I'm not clear about your actual strength, only that you have a deep understanding. Generally, understanding is linked to strength. But Zheng Ren has taught his own method of closed-door meditation to understand the Tao, which may cause some changes in the strength of the other disciples. If anyone achieves enlightenment, they will become even stronger."
"Do you have complete confidence in defeating everyone else?"
"No, it's not about confidence. It's about necessity. You cannot let Brother be disappointed. Brother has already made up his mind that after you become a candidate, I will lead all the elders and disciples to return with you to Jinyang and solve the plague caused by ghosts, which will be your first major battle in the Yinyang Realm!"
"At that time, I will announce to all four directions that you are the one who has brought down the exterior of Tian Shou Daoist Temple. Of course, before that, we will make good relations with the Qiang people, because you borrowed someone else's name. Brother has prepared a gift for you to give them."
As he spoke, He You Tian patted my shoulder, making me feel even more pampered.
