Sitting outside the blacksmith’s shop, Chu Feng’s face was clouded with worry.
He had gone to great lengths, all to convince Old Freak Tang to help detoxify Bai Lilo.
But Chu Feng genuinely had no romantic feelings for Song Ge. Marrying her just to gain the curse technique would harm both her and himself.
Yet, given Old Freak Tang’s temperament, he might actually destroy the curse technique.
This left Chu Feng in a difficult spot.
“Sigh, I can only hope Old Freak Tang isn’t too stubborn and passes the curse technique to Song Ge instead of destroying it.”
Chu Feng felt utterly helpless. Leaving things to fate was the last thing he wanted, but he had no other options now.
So, Chu Feng could only wait…
Two days later, he arrived early at Chongxu Temple.
“This Life-Changing Bell is that famous?”
Upon reaching the plaza where the Life-Changing Bell stood, Chu Feng was slightly surprised.
The square was packed, as if every elder and disciple of Chongxu Temple had gathered.
Before the bell stood a woman.
She had some charm, but her sharp features weren’t Chu Feng’s type.
This woman, an elder of Chongxu Temple, was about Song Ge’s age and cultivation—a First Rank Heavenly Immortal.
She stood before the Life-Changing Bell, seemingly waiting for something, exuding an air of dominance, as if she were the queen of Chongxu Temple.
From the crowd’s murmurs, Chu Feng learned her name was Zuo Ying.
Like Song Ge, Zuo Ying was a prominent figure in Chongxu Temple, beautiful and talented.
She was also Song Ge’s rival.
Recently, they’d been vying for the position of Chief Outer Sect Elder.
In martial prowess and ability, they were evenly matched, making it hard for the temple to choose.
Left with no choice, they considered other factors, like popularity.
While they were neck-and-neck in most areas, Song Ge far outshone Zuo Ying in likability.
Despite being an icy beauty, Song Ge was kind and helpful, earning her widespread favor.
But just as the decision seemed set, Zuo Ying’s father appeared at Chongxu Temple.
Her father, a Third Rank Martial Immortal, was a rogue cultivator willing to join as a nominal elder.
His condition? His daughter must be Chief Outer Sect Elder.
The temple’s master, only a Fourth Rank Martial Immortal, saw this as a golden opportunity.
So, when Zuo Ying’s father made his demand, the temple promptly gave her the position.
Today, they were formally appointing Zuo Ying as Chief Outer Sect Elder.
And the one appointing her was none other than her father.
This explained the massive crowd—Chongxu Temple was giving face to Zuo Ying’s father.
Understanding the situation, Chu Feng realized why Song Ge was reluctant to meet here today.
It was because of this special event.
But he also understood why Old Freak Tang insisted on this place and time for his reunion with Song Ge.
He must have known about this and wanted to stand up for her.
“Look, isn’t that Song Ge?”
A stir ran through the crowd as Song Ge appeared.
“She actually came? I thought she wouldn’t.”
“Poor Elder Song Ge, she’s got some mental strength. I wouldn’t have come, it’s too humiliating.”
“No choice, Zuo Ying’s got a powerful dad.”
As Song Ge arrived, the crowd buzzed with sympathy, mockery, and all sorts of chatter.
Song Ge, perhaps worried Chu Feng wouldn’t find her, stood in a conspicuous spot.
Despite the flood of gossip hitting her ears like a storm, she stood unmoved, enduring it all.
Though unaffected by the noise, her prominent position irritated Zuo Ying.
“Elder Song Ge, quite the presence. One might think you’re today’s star,” Zuo Ying said sarcastically.
“Congratulations, Elder Zuo Ying,” Song Ge replied with a smile, not taking the bait.
Faced with such a response, Zuo Ying felt like she’d punched cotton—frustratingly unsatisfying.
But with Song Ge’s gracious reply, she couldn’t press further.
She swallowed her irritation, thinking, *I’m the Chief Outer Sect Elder now, and you’re just an elder under me. You won’t have it easy. We’ll settle old scores slowly.*
With that thought, her mood improved.
“Elder Zuo Ying, you’re here early, the ceremony hasn’t started yet.”
A voice rang out, followed by a group descending from the sky onto the plaza.
Seeing them, the crowd showed respect.
These were Chongxu Temple’s higher-ups, led by the temple’s strongest figure, its Master.
Normally, the Master wouldn’t bother greeting an outer sect elder.
But now, he not only greeted Zuo Ying but did so warmly.
Everyone knew the Master wasn’t usually so kind.
The reason was clear—Zuo Ying’s father.
