68. The Final Ownership of the Alchemy Hall

“This is only natural,” Xie Wujie replied. “Since I am now an inner disciple, I must abide by the sect’s regulations.”

At that moment, Dongmen Yong, who had been silent for quite some time, lifted his head and spoke, “Wujie, now that you have become an inner disciple, do you plan to choose one of us as your master? With your talent, the foundation of a fourth-grade Golden Core is already considered exceptional.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding elders perked up, eager to listen. In recent months, tales of Xie Wujie’s legend had abounded.

He had defeated Shi Zhenxiang—a disciple not even at the Golden Core stage—who bested Shi Zhenxiang, a cultivator of the fifth layer of the Golden Core. This was explosive news, even though Xie Wujie had used canned herring to win; a victory was a victory, no matter the method.

There was also the matter of slaying the Fire Python. Even the most experienced inner disciples were reluctant to undertake such a trial, yet Xie Wujie had accomplished it, albeit by taking advantage after the creature had been gravely wounded by members of the Supreme Immortal Sect.

These two feats were enough to make Xie Wujie shine in Danxia Sect. If he were to choose a master, it would indeed bring honor to whoever he selected.

Thus, the seven elders were all eager, watching to see if Xie Wujie would accept the proposal.

Xie Wujie was well aware of Dongmen Yong’s intentions; his words were a subtle hint, urging Xie Wujie to choose a side.

On the surface, Danxia Sect appeared harmonious, but beneath lay turbulent currents. The elders and the sect leader engaged in covert rivalry, with no one knowing if it might one day erupt into open conflict.

Xie Wujie smiled slightly toward Dongmen Yong. “I am willing to take the Sect Leader as my master. I ask that Sect Leader accepts my request!”

In fact, Dongmen Yong very much wanted Xie Wujie on his side. Only Dongmen Yong knew that Xie Wujie was an unprecedented first-grade Golden Core, and the inheritor of the Immortal Phoenix legacy.

Should Xie Wujie revive the Immortal Longevity Sect, and be Dongmen Yong’s disciple, it would mean the Immortal Longevity Sect and Danxia Sect would become inseparable, their alliance far deeper than usual.

Even if Xie Wujie could not restore the Immortal Longevity Sect, his abilities promised greatness ahead.

For Dongmen Yong, this was a sure bet. As sect leader, he was no fool; his decisions always served the greater good of the sect.

Upon hearing Xie Wujie’s words, the seven elders frowned. The Grand Elder’s brow furrowed deeply, staring at Xie Wujie with complex emotions.

“Big Brother, I told you this boy can’t be kept,” Ding Xuanming whispered to Grand Elder Ding Desheng.

“Now, he wants to take Dongmen Yong as his master. We’ve gained another enemy,” Ding Desheng replied. “You’re in charge of the disciples’ affairs—assign him a role that will make him suffer, and seize the chance to strip him of it. Even though he’s not a Twin Demon Spirit, if he grows, a fourth-grade Golden Core has vast potential for advancement!”

Ding Xuanming smiled faintly. “Rest assured, Big Brother. I’ve already got it all planned.”

Dongmen Yong laughed heartily. “Little Xie, tell me, why do you wish to become my disciple? You know I have only three true disciples—Dongmen Sword Saint, Yang Hongliu, and Taishu Cai—each outstanding in talent.”

Xie Wujie replied, “Sect Leader, I promise that as long as I am in Danxia Sect, I will devote all my passion and loyalty to the sect.”

His words held a double meaning. To others, it sounded as though Xie Wujie would give his utmost for the sect so long as he served under the Sect Leader. But to Dongmen Yong, it meant that while he remained in Danxia Sect, he would put the sect first, without personal motives; yet if he ever left, his loyalty would shift to the Immortal Longevity Sect.

Dongmen Yong was pleased. He had recently sent people to investigate Xie Wujie’s background—learning of his appearance in Wildman Village, his eradication of bandits, and his acts of justice. He had no doubts about Xie Wujie’s character, and Xie Wujie had repeatedly saved his daughter’s life, winning Dongmen Yong’s favor.

He nodded in satisfaction. “Xie Wujie, heed my command!”

“Your disciple obeys!”

“From this day forward, you are my fourth true disciple,” Dongmen Yong declared.

Xie Wujie was overjoyed, immediately performing the three bows and nine prostrations to formalize the ceremony.

Ding Desheng gripped the armrest of his chair, and with a cracking sound, crushed it to pieces.

“Elder Ding, it seems you have something to say?” Dongmen Yong addressed him. Dongmen Yong was already aware that Ding Desheng and Ding Xuanming had secretly tried to hinder Xie Wujie, but lacking sufficient evidence, he had merely noted it, not acted.

Now, to confront Ding Desheng, Dongmen Yong would not tear the last veil without proof.

Ding Desheng stood and said, “Let Second Elder assign Wujie a sect duty. Danxia Sect does not support idlers.”

Ding Xuanming smiled faintly and rose. “There happens to be a position in need of someone, and I’ve yet to find a suitable candidate. The Pill Hall’s elixirs have been nearly devoured by those Fire-tail Chickens, and the supply is critically low. All the previous disciples have resigned, so we need a new batch to fill the gap. Wujie seems capable—why not let him manage the Pill Hall from now on?”

Ding Xuanming’s scheme was precise. The Pill Hall’s deficit had reached over three thousand pills, insufficient for the monthly distribution to inner disciples.

Outer disciples relied on elixirs for advancement, purchasing them from the Pill Hall with spirit stones, but now even the Pill Hall was emptied.

It was a mess that even elders couldn’t resolve, let alone a mere disciple. If Xie Wujie accepted this hot potato, it would not only make things difficult for him but also place blame on Dongmen Yong, diminishing his reputation and paving the way for Ding Desheng.

At this thought, Ding Xuanming nearly laughed aloud.

Dongmen Yong’s forehead veins bulged. He understood this was clearly a deliberate trap for Xie Wujie—three thousand pills, how could anyone replenish them so quickly?

Ding Desheng was smug; it was an impossible task, and might even allow him to undermine Dongmen Yong.

The fiasco with Doudou had damaged his standing, and he was determined to reclaim his dignity. To Ding Desheng, Xie Wujie—merely a fourth-grade Golden Core—posed little threat. He could crush him at will, like an ant. His true adversary was Dongmen Yong.

As long as Dongmen Yong lost face and prestige, Ding Desheng’s path to power would be clear.

Dongmen Yong looked at Xie Wujie, thinking it best to let him decide. The boy had considerable skill, and was hard to read. Dongmen Yong said, “Wujie, it’s up to you. If you don’t wish to take on the Pill Hall role, you may choose another post, or assist your senior Sword Saint brother, joining the Danxia Sect Guard to directly protect the sect’s stability.”

The Danxia Sect Guard was a special squad led by Dongmen Sword Saint, with Baili Qingyan as vice-captain, serving as the core defenders of the sect.

Xie Wujie clenched his teeth. “Second Elder, you know the Pill Hall’s affairs are complicated. But if you can agree to a condition, I’ll gladly accept this hot potato!”

“Ha! Name your condition!” Ding Xuanming responded.

Xie Wujie smiled. “Let me have full authority over the Pill Hall. I need to reside there, and use the pill furnaces as I please!”

Ding Xuanming burst into laughter. He knew Xie Wujie had no experience in alchemy, so this would only dig his grave deeper.

Ding Desheng said, “Very well. I’ve lately found the Pill Hall’s beds uncomfortable; I’ll move back home, then.”