26: A fair fight?

"Hall Master, Elders of the Hall of Elders, due to Xu Baihua's incompetence, the Ji Shi Pavilion has accumulated a large number of Sect missions, causing great harm to our Flowing Cloud Sect's territory and resources. This matter requires all of you to discuss and decide together." Rong Da, the acting Hall of Relief Master, bowed his head, his deep voice echoing in the Hall of Elders.

"Rong Da, the Ji Shi Pavilion was running perfectly fine before, so why are there so many complications now that you've taken over? I think it's your incompetence! Hall Master, the responsibility of the Hall of Relief Master is significant. I think we need to find another capable Elder to take on the role." Wang Qing spoke first, then his gaze swept towards Old Freak Tang and others. Old Freak Tang, understanding his intent, immediately echoed his sentiment, and the situation in the arena quickly turned unfavorable for Rong Da.

"Elder Wang's words are too arbitrary. A few days ago, when I visited the Ji Shi Pavilion, I specifically reviewed the Ji Shi Pavilion's mission list. There were indeed a large number of accumulated missions, and even three Heaven-Grade missions. Sect rules state that once a Heaven-Grade mission appears, the Hall of Relief Master must immediately convene an Elder meeting to discuss and resolve it. Yet, Xu Baihua dared to conceal these three Heaven-Grade missions. His intentions are punishable!" Zhan Yu said.

"A mere insignificant Dark Guard dares to question whether my actions are arbitrary or not? Zhan Yu, although you've now taken on the duties of Lingtuo Peak, don't forget your place in terms of seniority and respect! This Hall of Elders is not for your insolence!" Wang Qing's eyes widened in anger, and a powerful Aura swept out.

Zhan Yu grunted, clearly having suffered a hidden loss. Just as he was about to speak again, Hall Master Qing Xuanzi waved his hand at him and said, "Enough. Every Elder in the Hall of Elders has the right to discuss and decide on Sect affairs. Here, seniority and respect are not recognized; only status matters. Do not bring up such remarks again. The current focus of discussion should be how to handle these Sect missions. Rong Da, what are your thoughts?"

Hearing the Hall Master speak, Rong Da's already bowed body bent even further. He spoke softly, "I believe these missions should be distributed among the various peaks, and each peak should assign its Disciples to complete them. As for the three Heaven-Grade missions and seven Earth-Grade missions, they still require the Elders..."

"Presumptuous!"

"Silence!"

"The Orthodox Alliance Sect Grand Competition is just around the corner. Disciples already find daily Cultivation time too short, yet you still want to waste the precious time of the Disciples from various peaks? Your intentions are punishable!"

Shouts of reprimand echoed through the main hall. Rong Da's Cultivation was already insufficient, and such a scene made him even more shaken, making it difficult for him to maintain his composure.

"Silence!" Hall Master Qing Xuanzi coldly snorted, stopping the reprimands, and then said, "Sect missions have always been the responsibility of every Flowing Cloud Sect Disciple and all Elders. In recent years, the various peaks have become increasingly negligent regarding Sect affairs, yet more ruthless in their encroachment on resources. If this continues, the Flowing Cloud Sect's demise is at hand!"

Hall Master Qing Xuanzi's words heavily struck the hearts of every Elder, but how many truly listened?

"Rong Da! Distribute all Sect missions to the Nine Peaks. As for the three Heaven-Grade missions, are there any Elders who would like to volunteer?" Hall Master Qing Xuanzi, seeing that no one was interjecting, issued the command, while his gaze swept over several Elders.

"Celestial Yang Reverent, I hear you've recently been searching for the essence blood of a special Yao Beast. One of these Heaven-Grade missions involves an unknown-grade Yao Beast wreaking havoc within our Sect's southeastern territory. You shall go and handle it. All profits obtained will be yours." Hall Master Qing Xuanzi looked intently at Celestial Yang Reverent and said.

Celestial Yang Reverent frowned, then nodded, indicating he would accept the task.

Hall Master Qing Xuanzi struck while the iron was hot, arranging the remaining two Heaven-Grade missions as well. Seeing the situation develop so smoothly, Rong Da also slowly breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.

"Hall Master, arranging for a large number of Disciples to go out on missions at this time will indeed weaken our School's strength. If it delays the Sect Grand Competition and causes our Flowing Cloud Sect to lose its position as leader of the Orthodox Alliance, how should we handle it then?" Wang Qing naturally did not want to see Hall Master Qing Xuanzi so easily resolve the mess of the Ji Shi Pavilion and firmly grasp it in his hands, he said.

"Elder Wang, do not worry. I have already made plans for this. The Qingyun Peak Inner Sect Disciple assessment will be moved up to next month. The assessment missions will be set as these backlog Sect missions, and these Outer Sect Disciples will go and complete them." Hall Master Qing Xuanzi said coldly.

"That's truly ruthless! Most of these missions are of medium difficulty or higher, involving Foundation Establishment Stage existences. Sending a group of Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators to do them, how many people will die?" Wang Qing narrowed his eyes, constantly thinking in his mind. The other Elders also remained silent.

"The Flowing Cloud Sect is in a time of crisis. Externally, there are powerful Sects like the Supreme Origin Sect circling like tigers, and internally, there are chronic ailments. If we don't administer strong medicine now, how can the Flowing Cloud Sect regain its vitality? Let these Outer Sect Disciples become the flames that propel our Flowing Cloud Sect to soar again. I believe that under such intense heat, some extraordinary talents will surely emerge." Hall Master Qing Xuanzi stood up, turned, and left. The other Elders exchanged glances, their figures gradually dissipating.

"That's how it is. The Sect situation, originally like stagnant water, was stirred up by the Hall Master, forming a great trend. Prodigies from various peaks have emerged, vying for supremacy in this trend. Kid, do you understand now what kind of opponents you'll face in the future? You still have a long way to go!" Elder Teng recounted the scene in the Hall of Elders a few days ago while admonishing Yang Kai.

"In that case, it's even more interesting." Yang Kai was not deterred by Elder Teng's words; instead, it ignited his competitive spirit. Although these Prodigies had set off much earlier than him, he was confident that he could surpass them in a very short time.

"Since there are no tricks to the Martial Arts Arena duels, please arrange a duel for me as soon as possible. After I complete today's ten consecutive victories, I will begin to Breakthrough my Cultivation." Elder Teng's words painted a picture of a great Dao struggle for Yang Kai, making him feel a surge of excitement and an eagerness to fight.

"No rush. Although the duels in this Martial Arts Arena are all arranged by the Array Spirit, and even I cannot interfere, after so many years, under the research of successive Elders, there have still been some results. Your current Cultivation strength is still shallow, and going head-to-head with these Prodigies who have Cultivated for many years truly gives you no chance of winning. However, I can find a way to prevent you from encountering them." Elder Teng smiled mysteriously and said.

"Ah? Elder Teng, didn't you say that this Martial Arts Arena is absolutely fair?" Yang Kai looked at Elder Teng with some suspicion, as if he had some deep misunderstanding about this old man, who was so fair that he seemed rigid.