Chapter 25: Heavenly Crow Peak (1) (2/2)

This resonated with the rest of the Elders, and they contemplated silently. If the Nine Saint Demon Gate truly wanted the Emperor Merit Laws, then they could annihilate all of the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect. If Demon King Lun Ri personally took action, no one in the sect could stop him. In reality, even the Elders of the Nine Saint Demon Gate would have been enough.

In the end, Elder Xiong quietly stated: “Brother Gu, I feel like we cannot be careless; precautions are necessary.”

“This has to be reported to the Sect Master!” The First Elder formally announced; he didn’t show his feelings regarding the topic.

“So be it!” Elder Xiong slightly scowled; his voice contained unfavorable opinions regarding the Sect Master.

***

”The Elders think you are a spy from the Nine Saint Demon Gate.” After leaving the chamber, Nan Huairen whispered to Li Qiye. He was a sharp person; his best discipline was predicting the thoughts of other people; of course, he knew what the Six Elders were thinking.

“They can think whatever they want.” Li Qiye only smiled. The Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect’s weakening was not without reasons. Although the six are Elders, their cultivation couldn’t be higher than Royal n.o.bles. More importantly, they couldn’t work independently and make decisive decisions.

Regarding this topic, Li Qiye asked: “What about Elder Xiong?”

That day, when he wanted to be the Prime Disciple, Elder Xiong was supporting him. However, his behavior today was contrasting the past.

“Be careful of Elder Xiong.” Nan Huairen looked left and right, then he whispered: “Second Elder Cao Xiong was competing for the Sect Master position with the current Sect Master, but he failed. Later on, he wanted his disciple, Leng s.h.i.+zhi, to become the Prime Disciple, but he was rejected by the Sect Master. Regarding the Sect Master position, he had always wanted it. Even if he couldn’t climb to the position, he would wish for his disciple to become the Sect Master. Plus, Cao Xiong’s backing included the guest masters.”

“I understand. If I was a piece of trash, then I couldn’t become the Sect Master; even if I were the Prime Disciple. If I have relations with Li Shuangyan, then it is another matter.” Li Qiye understood Elder Xiong’s contrasting intentions.

Nan Huairen nodded his head and added: “Elder Xiong has always paid attention to the Sect Master; he feared that the Sect Master would take in a genius Prime Disciple. Due to the Prime Disciple seat having always been empty, he had discussed with the Elders numerous times about promoting Leng s.h.i.+zhi. However, the Sect Master has always declined.”

“Well, where is the Sect Master?” Li Qiye felt it was strange that after him joining the sect, he had never met the Sect Master, Su Yonghuang.

Nan Huairen didn’t know the answer: “Sect Master had never stayed within the sect. She had always cultivated outside; in reality, I’ve only met her a couple of times.”

Nan Huairen started whispering because he saw people nearby: “There is a rumor within the sect. It is that Sect Master was forced to leave by the Elders. No one knew the specifics. In short, when the Sect Master left the sect, she also brought along some Protectors and Leaders as well.”

Li Qiye stroke his chin, and conjectured: “From this, it seems like there are a lot of internal fighting within the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect. It appears that the current situation of the sect is a lot more complicated than I first thought.”

“Some say there are four factions.” Nan Huairen answered: “There are a number of Protectors and Leaders with the Sect Master. Some Leaders are with Elder Xiong, and they hope that Elder Xiong will become the Sect Master. Another group belongs to the First Elder while the remaining four Elders have always been neutral.”

“The First Elder also wants to be the Sect Master?” Li Qiye inquired.

Nan Huairen shook his head: “No one knows what the First Elder is thinking. He had not supported the Sect Master completely, but he also had never competed for the role. However, his influence is great in the sect. He controls the disciplinary squad in the sect and is very strict. Thus, the majority of the disciples are scared of him.”

From Nan Huairen’s words, Li Qiye had a grasp of the current situation of the sect. Thinking about it, Li Qiye lightly chuckled and did not speak on it anymore.

***

Heavenly Crow Peak was an important location of the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect. Some even said that it was a forbidden ground. WIthout permission from the Sect Master or the Elders, no disciple could enter the peak.

Also, the Heavenly Crow Peak was the highest mountain in all of the sect. On top of it was a triangular old building. In here lies all the manuals, techniques, life treasures, jewels, metals, and everything valuable of the sect.

The mountain was heavily fortified. There were patrols every three steps as well as a defense post every five; even a mosquito wouldn’t be able to get through. The entirety of the peak was also protected by the elite disciples and two rotating Elders of the sect.

To the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect, the Heavenly Crow Peak was too important. The most valuable things of the sect were all located on this mountain.

In addition, there was also a legend regarding the Heavenly Crow Peak. It was said that before Immortal Emperor Min Ren’s ascension, he was blessed by the will of the heavens. The heavens sent him a G.o.dly crow from the sky. It arrived at the top of this peak, and Min Ren was taught by this crow. This was why the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect was situated on this mountain.

[1] I will use Qi Deviation here. The literal translation is “bursting into fire and joining the demons”