NOVPUB"Once we know the current situation of the cultivators in the Three Continents, how many cultivators there are left, and their strength, then we will decide whether to fight or make peace."
"The matter of the Kingdom of Immortals requires prompt attention. My idea is that we should send people to explore Huangji Continent and also sweep through Fenglin Continent as soon as possible, attacking the problem from both ends, to prevent any leftover evil from the Evil Gods and the Incense Fire Dao from emerging."
"As for the great flood and those cracks in the sky..."
Wang Ba frowned in thought, then suddenly looked at Guan Ao. "Hall Master Guan, the damaged Dao Domain on you, did you comprehend it yourself, or was it because Elder Xun intervened?"
Everyone also looked towards Guan Ao.
Guan Ao hesitated for a moment, then said truthfully:
"Elder Xun extracted the Dao Intention of the Demon Dao cultivators from Yan, as well as the Rob Cultivators from Sen State, consolidated it into a Dao Secret, and finally passed on an incomplete Dao Domain to me."
Hearing Guan Ao’s words, Wang Ba instantly recalled the "Skill of Dao Refining" from the wordless jade stele earlier.
However, he wasn’t quite sure if he could accomplish it himself; he could only keep it in mind, but he didn’t say anything.
Still, his suggestion received approval from Qu Shentong and Ji Ying.
Qu Shentong pondered,
"Since that’s the case, Hall Master Ma, the matter regarding the Ghost Market will need your extra attention."
Ma Shengxu promptly raised his hand in agreement.
Qu Shentong then shifted his gaze to Guan Ao and instructed:
"Hall Master Guan, send someone to Huangji Continent, and arrange for others to patrol around. Should you detect any traces of the Evil Gods or the Incense Fire Dao, report back immediately."
Guan Ao nodded.
Qu Shentong scanned the crowd:
"Accordingly, let’s take action immediately as delays may breed complications."
The Third Hall Master immediately left the chapel.
Wang Ba was about to leave, but was then stopped by Ji Ying.
"You and Sect Master Qu might consider meeting someone."
"Meet someone?"
Qu Shentong and Wang Ba both looked puzzled.
Ji Ying nodded and then pointed out the person’s location.
"The Myriad Library? Could it be that you mean to meet Elder Pang?"
Although Wang Ba was puzzled, he quickly flew to Shaoyang Mountain with Qu Shentong.
Watching the two of them leave, Ji Ying couldn’t help but turn to Xumi, who had remained quiet, and spoke out,
"You could see, right? During the meeting in the chapel, half of the Nascent Souls were familiar with Wang Ba, making him more suitable for the position of Sect Master. Why then let Qu Shentong take the role?"
Xumi calmly shook his head:
"Wang Ba is too young."
Ji Ying frowned slightly:
"Do you think he’s not steady enough?"
"No," Xumi said indifferently: "He has been cultivating for a short time, yet his strength is extremely high. Anyone who sees this would both respect and fear him. Once Wang Ba’s Nascent Soul is perfect, he might have few rivals in the entire Little Cang World, but precisely because of this, he shouldn’t be the Sect Master."
Ji Ying thought for a moment, then realized:
"Do you mean, fearing his exceptional qualities may draw other powers’ caution, which would be disadvantageous to Wang Ba?"
"Isn’t this too worrying? Today, the primitive Demonic Sect is gone, and who in Fenglin Continent would target our sect? Who has that capability?"
Facing Ji Ying’s skepticism, Xumi maintained a calm expression:
"It’s merely a precaution. Moreover, as the Deputy Sect Master, Wang Ba also needs to contribute, which doesn’t delay matters for the Sect."
Ji Ying pondered for a while and then nodded.
...
"Sect Master Qu, why assign such a high position to Wang Ba?"
The gusting wind blew.
Qu Shentong and Wang Ba flew one after another toward the lower Shaoyang Mountain.
Along the way, Wang Ba curiously asked.
Hearing this, a slight smile appeared on Qu Shentong’s serious face:
"I thought you wouldn’t ask... Actually, I know Ji Ying and Xumi, along with others, prefer you as Sect Master."
"Me? How is that possible."
Wang Ba was somewhat incredulous.
Qu Shentong smiled:
"Don’t underestimate yourself. Elder Xun had already created momentum for you... among all the Nascent Souls, there have been rumors that once you reached the Nascent Soul stage, Elder Xun might just pull Ma Shengxu down and make you the Vice Hall Master of the Diwu Hall."
"And you must understand, the Diwu Hall is the largest among the three halls in terms of scale and personnel. Today, most of the remaining Nascent Souls come from there, and as the first Chief Division Master from Diwu Hall in thousands of years, you naturally attract much attention."
Wang Ba suddenly understood.
"However, you have just entered the Nascent Soul stage, and you might rather focus on cultivating more extensively or gaining experience outside rather than being hindered by the mundane affairs of the Sect. That’s my true intent."
Qu Shentong spoke calmly:
"And the reason I’m taking the Sect Master’s position is to do what I can and maybe shield you for a while... Otherwise, Ji Ying would definitely push for you to take over the Sect Master position sooner, which would not be beneficial for you."
His tone was earnest, devoid of any pretense.
Wang Ba solemnly said:
"Thank you, Sect Master, for your high regard."
Being spiritually intuitive, Wang Ba, who was extremely sharp in perceiving others, saw that Qu Shentong was being open and candid.
"But I can’t shield you for too long... My lifespan is only about three hundred more years, you might as well perfect your Nascent Soul soon, so I can hand it over with peace of mind."
Qu Shentong smiled as he spoke.
The two quickly landed on Shaoyang Mountain.
A shadow, half black and half-white, quietly appeared in mid-air.
Seeing Qu Shentong and Wang Ba, it spoke indifferently:
"I am aware of the Sect Master’s intention... Senior Jiang, please come out."
