Chapter 93 Part 1

The current acting sect leader still had the word "acting" in his title.

Naturally, Qingyan could not reside in Tianshu Peak like Qinghe, but continued to live on Tianji Peak. He knew that he was only temporarily in this position, and the sect faced internal and external troubles.

Therefore, he kept a low profile and continued Qinghe's style in handling matters, basically making no major changes. Things remained as they were, except for occasionally sending some disciples down the mountain on errands in recent days. People hardly noticed any traces of drastic reforms by this new acting sect leader.

Because he acted gently, everyone felt that this usually low-key Qingyan Zhenren was actually not bad, and gradually got used to the days without Sect Leader Qinghe.

Now, with Qinghe Zhenren no longer presiding over Tianshu Peak, Qiu Xianyun of Tianquan Peak imprisoned, Ge Yu of Kaiyang Peak out and not yet returned, Qingxuan of Tianxuan Peak deceased, and Qingyuan of Yaoguang Peak in long-term seclusion and not handling sect affairs, only Qingying and Qingyan remained.

Although the daily affairs of the other five peaks were managed by disciples below, many major matters still required someone to make decisions. Therefore, Qingyan had no choice but to take over the affairs of the other five peaks, keeping him busy every day.

Hearing the person outside reporting that Zhou Yin had arrived, he put down his brush and said, "Quickly invite him in!"

The layout of Xuanyan Hall was very simple, divided into front and rear halls, with the two halls not even having names. The front hall was for handling matters, while the rear hall was for Qingyan's cultivation.

A few side rooms on both sides were for the daily attendants serving the peak master to reside in. The disciples on Tianji Peak lived scattered halfway up the mountain, just like the other peaks.

Xuanyan Hall not only looked less grand and magnificent than Lingshou Hall on Tianshu Peak, but even the interior furnishings and decorations were very simple, without any extra ornaments. There were two rows of chairs, a few tea tables, and a large desk in the middle. The most valuable item was probably the white jade paperweight on the desk.

When Zhou Yin stepped through the door, Qingyan had already walked out from behind the desk.

Given his status and position, even if he were not the acting sect leader, he really did not need to stand up to greet him. But he did so, and did it very naturally, without a trace of pretense.

Zhou Yin cupped his hands: "Greetings, Zhenren."

Qingyan supported him and smiled, "Why so formal? Since you are the recorded disciple of Fellow Daoist Qinghe, naturally you are also my junior martial nephew."

Zhou Yin also did not stand on ceremony: "Martial uncle."

Qingyan nodded, looked him up and down, and nodded with satisfaction. He encouraged him warmly, "When you returned, I went out to receive you. At that time, I remember you were still at the early Core Formation stage. Now, in such a short time, you have already advanced. This is truly gratifying. In our Shangxuan Sect, you can be considered outstanding. I hope you will guard against arrogance and impatience, and make further progress in the future."

Zhou Yin was concise: "Yes."

He showed neither excitement nor wild joy, but Qingyan seemed to have heard about his temperament. Seeing this, he did not mind.

He first let him take a seat, and after the attendant served tea, he said, "Now that your master has encountered such an accident, and the other peaks in the sect are also in various situations, coupled with the Tianyan Sect, Qinggu Sect and other major sects eyeing us like tigers, the Shangxuan Sect can be said to be facing internal and external troubles. Even though I am managing the overall affairs, there are always areas I cannot consider.

"On Tianshu Peak, it is now your senior martial brother Yu Zhou who is handling matters, but after all, he is young. You and Yun Zong are both rising stars of Tianshu Peak. When necessary, help him out more, which can be considered helping your master."

Zhou Yin did not speak. He knew that Qingyan was just making an opening remark, and there must be more to follow.

Qingyan spoke for a while and felt a little thirsty. He picked up the teacup, moistened his lips, and said, "The Shangxuan Sect has many affairs. No matter how strong one's abilities are, energy is limited. The matters of Tianji Peak alone are enough to keep one busy. Fellow Daoist Qinghe also does not know when he will be able to come out of seclusion, and the other peaks are also..."

He sighed lightly, "I really wish I could put down everything immediately, but someone has to be in charge. Therefore, I have already discussed with Qingying and the six elders. Tianshu Peak, Tianquan Peak, and Tianxuan Peak will each select a person to temporarily take the position of acting peak master."

Tianshu Peak was where the sect leader resided. Qinghe Zhenren had already entered seclusion, and currently the head disciple Yu Zhou was handling affairs. Qiu Xianyun of Tianquan Peak was imprisoned for killing Qingxuan. If nothing unexpected happened, he probably had no hope of being the peak master again.

As for the peak master of Tianxuan Peak, it was naturally Qingxuan Zhenren who was killed by Qiu Xianyun earlier. With his death, the position of peak master was also vacated.

In addition to the seven peak masters, the Shangxuan Sect also had six elders, a total of thirteen Nascent Soul cultivators. This was the foundation of the Shangxuan Sect's powerful strength. Anyone who wanted to challenge the Shangxuan Sect not only had to face the forces of the seven peaks, but also had to consider those few elders who had been in seclusion for many years.

They were originally the elders of the Shangxuan Sect, but had not been involved in affairs for many years, and only focused on cultivation, hoping to glimpse the Dao and advance to the Divine Transformation stage.

In this extraordinary time, Qingyan naturally could not care about so much. He went to consult those few elders, and finally decided to first select acting peak masters to stabilize people's hearts before discussing further. Otherwise, if the position of peak master remained vacant for a day, it would be a situation of "a group of dragons without a leader", and it would be inevitable for some disciples below to feel uneasy.

The only thing related to Zhou Yin was Tianshu Peak. Qingyan called him here and spoke a lot, not just complaining because he had nothing to do.

"Although your senior martial brother Yu Zhou is the head disciple of Fellow Daoist Qinghe, his current cultivation is still at the early Core Formation stage, not even as good as you and Yun Zong. So if he is made the acting peak master, some people will inevitably not submit to him. Therefore, I think, between you and Yun Zong, one should be selected to temporarily take the position of peak master."

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhou Yin's eyes. He looked at Qingyan and did not speak.

Based on what Qingyan understood about Zhou Yin's personality from others, he should have refused without hesitation.

But at this moment, Zhou Yin was only silent and did not voice any objection.

Indeed, the two words "peak master" signified status in the Shangxuan Sect, and also status in front of the sects under heaven. Even if it was only temporary, how many people could push it away?

Qingyan seemed to have realized something and smiled, "Think it over carefully. If you are interested, feel free to come find me."

He paused, "I have heard from Fellow Daoist Qingying about your matters in the Tianyan Sect. Originally, it should have been Fellow Daoist Qinghe who rewarded you based on your merits, but he is not available now, so I will do it on his behalf."

With that, he raised his voice, "Come in!"

Two attendants entered from outside the door, each holding a box. One was long and shaped like a sword box, while the other was square and much smaller.

Qingyan first opened the small box, which was filled with top-grade spirit stones.

"These things are not much, but you probably need them for your cultivation now."

Zhou Yin also did not stand on ceremony, "Thank you, Martial Uncle."

"This is what you deserve." Qingyan said with a smile, while opening another box. This time, his movements were much more careful. The box was sealed with an additional layer, and when he removed the seal, a surge of spiritual energy instantly leaked out from the cracks of the box, swirling and surging around the front hall of Xuanyan Hall.

The two attendants bore the brunt of it, and their faces couldn't help but change slightly as their bodies swayed a little, overwhelmed by the power of the spiritual energy.

Inside the opened box was a long sword.

The sword was over three feet long, surrounded by a purple aura. From the hilt to the tip, it was uniform in size and extremely well-proportioned. Even without the sword's energy, one could tell at a glance that it was extraordinary.

The sword's core was clear and bright, with purple energy coming from the east. It was supremely profound and subtle, like a shining star in the sky.

It was like the clear light of a condensed river and sea, or the thunderous fury of lightning, like the icy moon depicted in a jade tower, or the floating mist reflected in emerald waters.

This was a treasure in no way inferior to the Canghe Sword, and perhaps even surpassed it.

Even Zhou Yin's eyes couldn't help but flicker slightly.

Qingyan said with a smile, "I know you cultivate the sword, and you have no shortage of good things on you. However, this Ziwei Sword is indeed rare and is undoubtedly a top-grade magic treasure. Since Senior Brother Qinghe is not here, I will take it upon myself to give it to you."

Zhou Yin said, "In that case, thank you."

Qingyan waved his hand and turned to sit down.

Zhou Yin took the Ziwei Sword from the box.

The sword-offering disciple seemed to have been intimidated by the sword's energy just now. He accidentally stumbled two steps forward, almost falling onto Zhou Yin. Zhou Yin grabbed his arm and steadied him with a pull and a push.

"Thank you, Zhou-shishu." The disciple lowered his head, his voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

Zhou Yin held the Ziwei Sword in his hand and casually spun it in a sword flourish. Instantly, sword energy crisscrossed the hall, and there seemed to be the sound of a dragon's roar, causing the teacups and teapot of the two to hum and vibrate.

Qingyan said with a smile, "This magic treasure has indeed been given to the right person."

He dismissed the two attendants and said solemnly, "Think carefully about what I said earlier. In terms of cultivation, you are not inferior to Yun Zong, and in terms of ability to handle affairs, it can be seen from your performance in the Tianyan Sect. Yu Zhou may not necessarily be as good as you. You are fully qualified to serve as the acting peak master of Tianshu Peak. If you have made up your mind, tell me, and I will put in a good word for you in front of those few elders."

The two spoke a few more words, but Qingyan had too many things to attend to and couldn't keep him there chatting all the time, so he let him go back first.

Zhou Yin returned to the small courtyard. Su Song had gone somewhere, but Xiao Yu was still there. Seeing Zhou Yin, he hurriedly bowed respectfully and said, "Senior Uncle Zhou, Senior Uncle Yun is here and waiting for you inside the room."

Zhou Yin nodded slightly. Seeing Xiao Yu's calm and unhurried demeanor, he took an extra glance at him.

"What's your name?"

Xiao Yu was a little overwhelmed to hear him speak to him for the first time.