NOVPUBHowever, he was soon captivated by what Xun FuJun had to say next.
"Next is the third matter, the position of the Earth Hall Deputy Master. Do any of you have thoughts on this?"
What followed was another moment of silence.
Everyone was unsure whether Xun FuJun, the acting sect master, had any plans, so naturally no one dared to speak first.
Just then,
one person stepped forward.
Puffing out their chest, they declared loudly:
"Qi Rulian, peak master of Shenti Peak and Minister of the Spirit Mineral Department, is willing to share the burdens of the sect master!"
Xun FuJun’s gaze turned to Qi Rulian, his eyes flickering slightly as if assessing something.
Seeing Qi Rulian volunteer so readily, Ma Shengxu, who had aspirations for the position, also became restless.
Just as he was about to speak,
a cultivator with a slightly aged face stood up from a distance away.
"Qi Chun, enforcer of the Earth Hall, is willing to share the burdens of the sect master."
Wang Ba knew this person; they had been in the Earth Hall for many years and were very senior.
Ma Shengxu dared not hesitate any longer and quickly stood up as well, loudly saying:
"Ma Shengxu, peak master of Lishu Peak and Minister of the Spirit Plant Department, is willing to share the burdens of the sect master!"
After him, the members of the Earth Hall looked at each other and began to hesitate.
These three were among the most senior in terms of seniority, cultivation base, and reputation within the Earth Hall. Once they came forward, there was little chance for anyone else.
Someone glanced around, noticed Qi Yan, and immediately egged him on:
"Old Qi, didn’t you also prepare to compete for the deputy master’s position to push for your Immortal Ascension? Why haven’t you come forward yet?"
Upon hearing this, Qi Yan simply looked at the person with disdain, saying proudly:
"Deputy Master? Hah, let them fight over it."
To say he was dismissive would be an understatement.
The person looked on in astonishment.
At this time, however, Xun FuJun did not pay any attention to the three candidates but instead turned to Master Xi Kui:
"Master Xi, if I remember correctly, isn’t there a rule that if you’re not from the Earth Hall, you can’t take the position of the Earth Hall Deputy Master?"
Xi Kui was taken aback, not quite understanding Xun FuJun’s intention but still shook his head and said:
"Not exactly, it’s just a customary practice. After all, those who are not from the Earth Hall might not be very familiar with the inner workings of the hall, which could result in some difficulties in management."
Xun FuJun followed up on this by asking, "So, to clarify, it’s actually possible for someone outside the Earth Hall to hold the position?"
"Indeed, it’s possible, however..."
Xi Kui began to nod his head, about to add more to his explanation.
But Xun FuJun had already turned to look at the Nascent Soul cultivators, a rare smile on his face as he said:
"Gentlemen, you must have heard Master Xi’s words. A cultivator not from within the Earth Hall can still assume the position of the deputy master. Does anyone else wish to come forward?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at one another, slightly confused by what the acting sect master was planning.
Seeing that no one else came forward,
Xun FuJun suddenly pointed at someone and said:
"Since no one else is willing, you come forward."
Zhou Tianqi was completely taken aback, seemingly not expecting to be chosen at all.
When everyone saw Xun FuJun actually pointing at Zhou Tianqi, they were likewise flabbergasted.
However, some astute observers were beginning to see through the scheme.
"Is he trying to interfere in the Earth Hall affairs... Could this be a power grab?"
Zhou Tianqi was Xun FuJun’s man. Once he took charge of the Earth Hall, effectively becoming the actual controller, it would be as if Xun FuJun bypassed Xi Kui and took direct control of the Earth Hall himself.
This straightforward tactic, although most had not focused on it, was easy to discern.
At this time, Xi Kui, as the Master of the Earth Hall, naturally also understood the implications.
His heart sank slightly, about to object.
However, another voice spoke out ahead of him:
"Absolutely not!"
"Elder Du, what is it, you have something to say?"
Xun FuJun’s originally indifferent eyes widened slightly, his gaze as sharp as lightning, shooting over.
Undaunted, Du Wei stated confidently:
"The position of the Earth Hall Deputy Master should be held by someone with both talent and moral virtue, and a profound cultivation base. Although it has never been explicitly stated before, everyone knows that this position also has the role of nurturing cultivators for Immortal Ascension."
"Tianqi is exceptionally talented, and his cultivation base is not low, but after all, he is dedicated to cultivation and lacks certain trials and experiences, and he is far from trying for Immortal Ascension. His qualifications and experience are inadequate; now he should be taking on more missions, handling various duties, or perhaps go to the West Sea Country or Chen State for some experience."
"Otherwise, if Tianqi is suitable, what about those other cultivators with slightly lower cultivation bases?"
"Take for example Wang Ba, the Right Enforcer of the Earth Hall, who handles affairs of the hall effortlessly, as if whipping up a fine dish... If we follow this logic, does that mean he, too, is qualified for the deputy master’s position?"
Wang Ba, who was just enjoying the scene: "?"
Feeling the teasing glances of his fellow disciples around him, Wang Ba suddenly felt his scalp tingle and squirmed uncomfortably.
And hearing Du Wei’s words, Xun FuJun’s eyes flickered, but he did not speak.
After a moment of hesitation, Xi Kui also voiced his opinion:
"Elder Du’s words do hold some merit. Now that the Tribulation Crossing Raft is nearing completion, the Earth Hall’s affairs have multiplied compared to the past. The position of the deputy master is indeed crucial and cannot be decided hastily. I hope the sect master will rethink this."
Fei Hua, who had been quiet until now, slowly interjected:
"Sect master, I actually think the Wang Ba mentioned by Elder Du earlier seems to be a viable option."
Upon hearing this,
even Du Wei, who had used Wang Ba as an example, turned his head to look at Fei Hua in shock.
Although he did not speak, his eyes clearly conveyed the message:
"Really? You’re serious?"
If even Du Wei reacted this way, not to mention the other Nascent Soul cultivators below.
