Chapter 671 - 77 The Golden Bell Rises in the Floating Palace
The next day, during the grand competition, none from the lineage of Zhang Yan stepped forward to fight. With everything calculated, Zhang Yan sat calmly and steadfastly, with no need to take the stage again.
As for the Xuanmen Family, their purpose this time was merely to preserve their existing interests, remaining in a defensive stance, and thus they made no bold moves.
Seven days passed peacefully like this, until a reverberating chime echoed from the heavens, signaling the conclusion of this grand competition.
Qi Yuntian, leading the assembled disciples, performed the ritual of incense burning and prayers. After that, a Dharma Decree drifted gracefully from the clouds, landing on the table before them.
Elder Xun, as the arbiter of the competition, stepped forward personally to receive the decree.
He brought it up to his eyes, unscrolling it to see the names of disciples selected on the document. Beyond the Top Ten Disciples, those who performed exceptionally during the competition were also granted recognition.
At the bottom right of the decree, imprinted were the jade seals of the eight Cave Heaven True Masters of the lineage families, arranged in order of their generational seniority, leaving everything apparent at a glance.
After announcing the names listed, if nobody objects, the individuals are to sign their names with their own hands and personally present it to the Sect Leader. Once the leader applies the official seal, the record is displayed prominently at the Merit Institute, unaltered until the next competition, 24 years later.
After reviewing it briefly, Elder Xun began reading aloud, his resonant voice echoing throughout every corner of Ten Peaks Mountain.
The disciples, with ears perked, listened attentively. They discovered that, aside from Su Wentian losing his rank and Su Yihong taking his spot among the Top Ten Disciples, nothing significant about the existing standings had changed.
The disciples of each lineage couldn’t help but feel disappointed. This grand competition had been considered the ideal opportunity for the revival and resurgence of their lineage. They had thought at least one of their own would claim a spot among the Top Ten Disciples. Yet, to their dismay, their expectations were still unmet.
As Elder Xun finished reading, he, too, sighed softly in his heart before raising his voice to say, "The names of the Top Ten Disciples have been announced to all. If there are no objections, this humble Taoist shall submit it to the Sect Leader...."
His words were merely a formality. The placement of these ten individuals on the decree had been long decided through discussions among the eight Cave Heaven True Masters, leaving no room for debate. Thus, after saying his part, he prepared to fold the decree and depart.
However, at this very moment, a voice rang out, "Elder Xun, please wait!"
Elder Xun’s body froze mid-motion, turning incredulously toward the speaker. He was stunned, asking in astonishment, "Nephew Qi, what is the meaning of this?"
The one who spoke was none other than Qi Yuntian. The crowd’s expressions shifted, eyes converging on him with curiosity and confusion, unable to fathom what he was trying to achieve.
Qi Yuntian leaped into the air, bowing toward the clouds above. In a loud and clear voice, he said, "Honored Master, this disciple, Qi Yuntian, has held a position among the Top Ten Disciples for 336 years. Today, I am willing to relinquish my position to make way for the rising talents of the sect."
As a senior disciple of the third generation, Qi Yuntian’s every move attracted attention. The moment his words left his lips, the crowd broke into an uproar, shocked and buzzing with astonishment.
Ning Chongxuan, who had been sitting stoically in the valley with a cool and unyielding expression, finally raised his eyebrows and stood up upon hearing those words.
Zhang Yan’s face displayed a faint smile, his heart steady. With Qi Yuntian’s declaration, the matter was sealed!
This action of Qi Yuntian’s caused no disruption to the overall momentum. Even taking into account the consideration of his reputation, the True Masters would have little reason to reject his request.
Within the auspicious clouds above, Master Sun’s expression shifted upon hearing this declaration and he murmured, "Yuntian, what is this...?"
True Master Meng let out a sigh, gently stroking his long beard as he remarked, "His heart’s effort cannot be denied. Very well, as his master, I must allow him to proceed."
With a flourish of his sleeve, he parted the cloud cover, revealing his true visage. Looking down, he spoke, "Yuntian, since this is your will, I will not stop you, but you must think carefully!"
Qi Yuntian once again knelt and bowed respectfully to the heavens. In a loud and firm voice, he replied, "Honored Master, this disciple’s determination is unwavering and will not change!"
True Master Meng nodded solemnly, saying, "Very well, then I shall grant your request."
Without hesitation, he flicked his horsetail whisk, turned toward the depths of the clouds, and asked, "What do the other True Masters think?"
His voice rang out far and wide, reaching the ears of the four noble family True Masters.
Master Han, ever suspicious by nature, furrowed his brows at this and said coldly, "Qi Yuntian desires to give up his position? What could this mean? There must be something hidden here!"
Master Xiao chuckled lightly and remarked, "Trading Qi Yuntian for Ning Chongxuan—True Master Meng and the others are indeed playing a daring game."
True Master Du’s features turned stern, and in a deep and chilling tone he declared, "This cannot be without a reason. We must be wary of the underlying scheme!"
Master Xiao, pondering the matter more thoroughly, noted that Qi Yuntian’s withdrawal presented significant benefits to the noble families. Turning his gaze, he said, "Brother Chen, what is your opinion?"