Yun Shan heard the voice and his expression darkened slightly.
Soon, a portly old man with a full head of white hair appeared at the entrance to the great hall. Though clearly advanced in years, his face bore not a single wrinkle. It glowed with ruddy vitality, and he radiated robust energy.
He stood eight chi tall, with a protruding belly, and strode through the doors, exuding a formidable aura.
At the sight of him, the Wine Sword Immortal and Yun Xi hurriedly bowed and said in unison, “Greetings, Great Elder.”
This man was Chen Tianming’s grandfather, the Chen family ancestor.
He was also, at present, the only Saint King powerhouse in the Qingyun Sword Sect.
A polite smile appeared on Yun Shan’s face. “What wind brings the Great Elder here today?”
Yet the Chen family ancestor offered no courtesy in return, gave no face whatsoever, and said coldly, “It was I who sent Tianming to the Burial Dragon Nest. Well, Sect Leader, do you have any objections?”
Yun Shan smiled. “Since it is the Great Elder’s decision, how could I dare object?”
He continued, “These are troubled times. I wish to avoid friction with those five factions, lest it spark widespread war across the Eastern Wasteland. For that reason, I issued an order that no one was to go to the Burial Dragon Nest.”
“Furthermore, I have received intelligence that the disciples those five factions have sent are all divine sons or holy sons, the finest talents of the younger generation. Each faction has also dispatched a saint-level powerhouse.”
“My prohibition was out of concern for the safety of our disciples.”
The Chen family ancestor gave a cold humph. “Concerned for their safety? Heh. The Sect Leader truly cherishes the disciples under his command.”
His words dripped with thick sarcasm.
The Chen family ancestor went on, “Since the Sect Leader is so worried about their safety, then when those five factions provoked us and disciples were slain, where were you?”
“Why did you not step forward to avenge the fallen?”
“You keep claiming it is for their safety. In my view, you simply fear those five factions.”
“Yun Shan, never forget that you are the sect leader of the Qingyun Sword Sect.”
“With such timidity, where does the dignity of the Qingyun Sword Sect remain?”
The Wine Sword Immortal’s brows rose. “Great Elder, addressing the Sect Leader by name directly violates sect rules.”
Slap!
The Chen family ancestor struck the Wine Sword Immortal across the face.
Instantly, a vivid red palm print appeared on his cheek, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
“What are you to lecture me on sect rules?”
“In status, I am the Great Elder.”
“In cultivation, I am a Saint King.”
“In age, when I achieved sainthood, you were still playing in the mud.”
“What right do you have to chatter in my presence?”
Despite the blow, the Wine Sword Immortal showed no anger and said respectfully, “The Great Elder is correct to discipline me.”
The Chen family ancestor turned back to Yun Shan. “Yun Shan, I will say it plainly. As sect leader, when a subordinate dares interrupt you, it shows clear disrespect for superiors and no regard for you at all.”
Rage surged in Yun Shan’s heart. Everyone in the Qingyun Sword Sect knew how highly he valued the Wine Sword Immortal.
The Chen family ancestor slapping him in public was plainly a slap across Yun Shan’s own face.
If anyone truly lacked respect for superiors, it was the Great Elder himself.
Yet given the situation, Yun Shan did not wish to escalate matters. He explained, “The Wine Sword Immortal meant no such thing. Moreover, he is not a mere subordinate but an elder of our Qingyun Sword Sect. I ask the Great Elder not to take offence.”
“Yun Shan, even now you defend a subordinate. Where has your authority as sect leader gone?” the Chen family ancestor said. “If I were sect leader, anyone who dared interrupt me would have their soul scattered to the winds.”
“Do not be angry, Great Elder. It is only a small matter, hardly worth it,” Yun Shan said, then instructed the Wine Sword Immortal, “You have no further business here. Withdraw for now.”
“Yes.” The Wine Sword Immortal acknowledged and turned to leave.
“Stop!” the Chen family ancestor commanded. “Stay a moment.”
The Wine Sword Immortal asked respectfully, “Great Elder, is there something you require of me?”
The Chen family ancestor replied, “What the Sect Leader and I are about to discuss concerns you. You may remain and listen.”
Yun Shan asked, “Great Elder, what is it you wish to discuss with me?”
The Chen family ancestor ignored the question, walked to a nearby chair, and sat down. “Before we address proper business, let us first settle the matter of Tianming.”
“I sent Tianming to the Burial Dragon Nest.”
“It would be best if the Sect Leader has no objections. If you do, kindly keep them to yourself.”
Yun Shan said, “My chief concern is Tianming’s safety.”
“There is no need for the Sect Leader to worry,” the Chen family ancestor replied. “Tianming is my grandson and the first divine son of our Qingyun Sword Sect. His strength is extraordinary. Few among the younger generation can stand against him.”
“I have also sent the Chen family steward to protect him at close quarters.”
“Tianming will face no danger.”
Yun Shan continued, “Great Elder, you know full well that the Burial Dragon Nest holds the Dragon Emperor inheritance, which the geniuses of those five factions are determined to claim.”
“If conflict erupts over the inheritance, or lives are lost, our Qingyun Sword Sect will be placed in an extremely passive position.”
“At worst, the incident could become the spark that ignites our contradictions with the five factions, prompting them to unite and attack us.”
“Then a catastrophe claiming countless lives would be unavoidable.”
The Chen family ancestor said, “Yun Shan, your concerns are precisely the first point I wish to raise.”
“Do you not understand that endless concessions only invite ever greater aggression from the enemy?”
“Those five factions have provoked us repeatedly, yet you endure it time and again. Are you still the sect leader of the foremost great faction in the Eastern Wasteland?”
“In my view, you are nothing more than a shrinking turtle.”
At these words, Yun Shan could no longer remain composed. His face turned livid.
To be insulted thus by a subordinate while holding the position of sect leader was a blatant public humiliation.
Yun Xi could not restrain herself. “Great Elder, my father endures silently for the sake of the Qingyun Sword Sect. You cannot speak of him this way.”
“Am I wrong?” the Chen family ancestor countered. “I know the truth is harsh, but I must speak it.”
“The sect leader of the foremost great faction in the Eastern Wasteland should stand lofty and commanding.”
“With the Sect Leader’s repeated concessions, discontent among those below is widespread.”
“If this continues, even if the five factions do not attack, disorder will arise within the Qingyun Sword Sect itself.”
“Yun Shan, if you find the burden of sect leader too heavy, I suggest you relinquish the position.”
Hm?
A cold glint flashed in Yun Shan’s eyes. “Does the Great Elder wish to become sect leader?”
The Chen family ancestor met Yun Shan’s gaze unflinchingly. “I believe the position of sect leader for the foremost great faction in the Eastern Wasteland should go to the most capable.”
“If you lack that capability, step aside.”
“You asked whether I desire the position. I can answer clearly.”
“If the sect supports me, I am willing to take it.”
