NOVPUBHowever, he also knew that the most coveted position among the Sect’s Nascent Soul Cultivators wasn’t the merit benefits, but rather the ’Immortal Ascension’ support that the position of ’Earth Material Hall Master’ lacked.
As thoughts churned in his heart, Wang Ba bowed deeply:
"Disciple is willing to alleviate the Sect Master’s worries."
Upon hearing these words, Xun FuJun gave a slight nod, and his gaze immediately moved to Ma Shengxu.
Yet, to everyone’s bewilderment, Xun FuJun turned his attention to another person and said calmly:
"I intend to appoint ’Qu Shentong’ as the Earth Hall Deputy Master."
"Qu Shentong?!"
Everyone was stunned to hear Xun FuJun’s announcement.
Even Qu Shentong himself was momentarily frozen.
"Me?"
The previously quiet hall couldn’t help but become noisy.
"Has the Sect Master made a mistake? Shouldn’t it be Ma Shengxu?"
"Indeed, Wang Ba had thirty-six votes, but due to insufficient cultivation base, he was reassigned to Earth Material Hall Master, so next in line should be Ma Shengxu with thirty-five votes!"
"Even if it’s not Ma Shengxu, Qi Rulian also has nineteen votes...how could it be Qu Shentong’s turn?"
"Silence!"
Du Wei let out a low shout.
The entire hall immediately fell quiet.
However, Du Wei’s gaze became slightly stern as he looked at Xun FuJun:
"Wasn’t the acting sect master in agreement with Hall Master Fei to decide on the deputy master based on the number of votes? Although Martial Nephew Qu is also capable, he has far fewer votes than Ma Shengxu or Qi Rulian. Why then make him the Deputy Master?"
Qu Shentong himself also showed agreement with what had been said.
But Xun FuJun remained calm and said:
"Elder Du also said Qu Shentong is capable. How can I let the Sect waste such talent due to my oversight?"
"But..."
Du Wei couldn’t help but frown deeply.
He had only said Qu Shentong was capable of the role in order to avoid offending anyone.
In reality, Qu Shentong was already stretched thin managing Shaoyin Mountain, let alone handling the affairs of the Earth Material Division.
He was about to use this as a reason to persuade further.
But suddenly, he remembered Wang Ba, who had just been appointed Chief Division Master of the Five Elements Division.
A realization dawned on him.
"With a competent deputy like Wang Ba, Qu Shentong would have fewer matters to deal with."
"Is Brother Xun paving the way for Qu Shentong?!"
Wang Ba also came to the same realization at that moment.
At first he was puzzled, but then remembered how in the past Xun FuJun had watched Guan Ao be killed and had provoked Master Yao Wudi to achieve Immortal Ascension.
"Master was disrespectful to this acting sect master before, yet he bore no grudges and used various means to help Master achieve Immortal Ascension, with even more commitment than me... How could such a person truly be petty and vindictive?"
"He probably never took Martial Uncle Qu’s title to heart... He must have seen Martial Uncle Qu’s potential for Immortal Ascension, so he brought him in forcefully before, and now, despite opposition from everyone in the Sect, he is creating opportunities for Martial Uncle Qu to achieve Immortal Ascension."
"Enlisting Zhou Tianqi before was probably just to have an extra target."
Having thought this, he couldn’t help but glance at the indifferent figure seated on the high platform.
This person is dangerous.
Yet the feeling he gave was pure and untainted.
After calmly dismissing Du Wei’s questions, and without waiting for Xi Kui or Fei Hua to speak, Xun FuJun continued:
"The construction of the Tribulation Crossing Treasure Raft is nearing completion, and the affairs of the Earth Division are increasingly numerous. Therefore, I’ve decided to appoint an additional Deputy Master. Ma Shengxu from the Spirit Plant Department, with his seniority and long-standing hard work, not to mention thirty-five votes, is undoubtedly eligible for the Deputy Master position."
With this statement, the hall erupted with astonished voices once again.
Fei Hua and Xi Kui both looked slightly displeased, but it flashed by.
The matter of an additional Earth Division Deputy had never been mentioned to either of them beforehand...
However, Wang Ba became even more certain of his conjecture.
Qu Shentong, as Earth Hall Deputy Master, would likely be like the other Deputy Masters—holding the title without handling the responsibilities.
Naturally, a real manager was needed.
And Ma Shengxu, who had been tirelessly dedicated in the Spirit Plant Department for many years, was the perfect fit for the role of Earth Hall Deputy Master.
Yet Xun FuJun was not yet finished:
"With the restart of the Five Elements Division, Qi Rulian, Zhou Tianqi, and Qian Chun will each lead one division, as Masters of Five Elements Division. The other two divisions can be discussed by the Division Master along with the Hall Master and Deputy Master."
"With this, does anyone have any objections?"
Hearing Xun FuJun’s words.
Everyone looked at each other in dismay.
In the end, they all shook their heads.
It seems the acting sect master was set on this arrangement, and no one dared to oppose.
However, seeing that the six involved had all been promoted, some cultivators who had been eager to act but did not manage to do so regretted not joining in.
But regret was too late now.
Only those with more nimble minds had already planned to follow in Wang Ba’s steps, looking to secure a position as a Division Master.
Quite soon, this gathering hastily dispersed.
One after another, the cultivators left the Pure Yang Palace.
Du Wei glanced at Xun FuJun, shook his head slightly, and then, along with Qi Yan, left with a flick of his sleeve.
Before long, only Xun FuJun and Zhou Tianqi remained in the Pure Yang Palace.
Xun FuJun stood with his hands behind his back in front of the palace’s main gate.
Gazing into the distance.
Zhou Tianqi stood beside him. Once the Pure Yang Palace had once more concealed itself, he spoke with a wry smile:
"Sect Master, why did you suddenly bring me into this earlier?"
Xun FuJun looked into the distance, his voice serene:
"A sudden impulse... When you go to the Earth Division, remember to observe Wang Ba closely."
