Am I the old man who's always by my apprentices' side?

Chapter 360 Yan Wuqi Wants to Become the Sect Leader?
The next steps were simply to rank the participants, distribute the rewards, and have Zhang Chengdao offer some encouragement. With that, the sect competition of the White Stone Immortal Sect would come to an end.

However, the aftereffects of this sect competition were quite severe.

In the guest courtyard, Master Ziyang stroked his beard and sighed, "Senior brother, it seems we can't delay any longer. We must get the disciples in our sect to practice the immortal path as soon as possible, only then will there be a glimmer of hope."

"Ugh."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Yangzi sighed but remained silent.

It sounds easy, but it's actually quite difficult.

Moreover, the more numerous and prestigious a sect like the Jade Void Sect is, the more difficult it is to succeed.

Elders and sect leaders who have achieved mastery of martial arts are unwilling to give up their already accomplished skills, and naturally they are also unwilling to accept disciples who want to switch to cultivating immortality—if they really master it, how can they maintain their esteemed status?
but……

Xuan Yangzi remained silent for a long time, then suddenly turned to the assembled elders and disciples of the Jade Void Sect and asked, "Wuqi, what is your current cultivation level?"

Yan Wuqi replied somewhat ashamedly, "This disciple has just established his foundation..."

This level of cultivation is actually considered exceptionally gifted. Even in the White Stone Immortal Sect, none of the first batch of outer disciples have yet reached the Foundation Establishment stage!
If Zhang Chengdao were to find a way to establish a relationship with Yan Wuqi, he would take a look at the other party's character panel and discover that Yan Wuqi had actually turned gold!
Of course, even if he becomes golden, and Zhang Chengdao is willing to take Yan Wuqi as his disciple, Yan Wuqi himself is probably not very willing.

In short, if we really think about it, Yan Wuqi, who has already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, is definitely among the top cultivators in the world when it comes to immortality!
"Yes, it is said that with the cultivation of immortality, a Foundation Establishment cultivator is comparable to a Grandmaster of martial arts."

Xuan Yangzi smiled at Yan Wuqi and uttered a statement that shocked everyone: "Why don't you take over the Jade Void Sect and become its leader? The Jade Void Sect's path to immortality will begin with you. What do you say?"

"Senior brother!?"

"Master!?"

The surrounding Jade Void Sect members all exclaimed in surprise, completely unexpected that Xuan Yangzi would say such a thing.

Even Yan Wuqi was startled, and she quickly refused, saying, "This, Master! This is absolutely not allowed!"

Why not?

Xuan Yangzi smiled kindly and said, "In terms of reputation in the martial arts world, you are the number one among the next generation of disciples. In terms of prestige, most of the next generation of disciples in the sect respectfully call you Senior Sister, and have received your guidance and favors."

"As for cultivation level, there's no need to say more. Your current strength is comparable to that of a Grandmaster. I'm afraid even I, your teacher, am no match for you..."

"If that's the case, then why not?"

After Xuan Yangzi's analysis, everyone in the Jade Void Sect was speechless. Even Liu Daoxun, Yan Wuqi's senior brother and the most favored candidate for the next Jade Void Sect leader, was convinced.

In fact, although Xuan Yangzi is not very old, he has been the sect leader for more than 30 years.

It would be a joke to say that everyone has no idea who the next leader of the Jade Void Sect will be.

Among these speculations, Yan Wuqi was indeed mentioned, but Liu Daoxun was more likely to be guessed, since he was the chief disciple of Xuan Yangzi Li Shu.

But no matter what, no matter how much they guessed, no one thought that Xuan Yangzi would step down as sect leader at this time!
They never imagined that they would so "rashly" decide to pass the position of sect leader to Yan Wuqi!

Seeing his master Xuan Yangzi speaking so earnestly, Yan Wuqi became even more flustered: "But, but this disciple is still young and inexperienced..."

"Sigh, I wasn't that old when I became the sect leader!"

Xuan Yangzi waved his hand and said, "Besides, being the sect leader isn't as complicated as you think. All matters, big and small, are handled by the various leaders and managers. All matters, big and small, are discussed by the elders. If there's anything you don't know, just ask Ziyang for guidance. It's not difficult."

Yan Wuqi stared wide-eyed, stammering, "But, but if I become the sect leader, then you..."

"I need to go into seclusion for a while to break through to the Grandmaster level."

Xuan Yangzi said without changing his expression.

Only Master Ziyang, who had always known Li Shu well, chuckled to himself.

What do you mean by secluded cultivation to break through to the Grandmaster level? In his opinion, he's probably going into seclusion to cultivate the path of immortality!
With his mastery of cultivation and years of hard work, he was able to let go so openly and decide to switch to cultivating immortality. Even though he knew that his senior brother was no ordinary person, Master Ziyang couldn't help but admire him from the bottom of his heart.

Actually, he was still hesitating about whether to give up martial arts cultivation and switch to immortal cultivation, but if his senior brother went into seclusion to cultivate immortality and his junior nephew Yan Wuqi became the new sect leader, he would not be able to switch for the time being.

We must at least help Yan Wuqi secure his position as sect leader before we can discuss anything else.

"I think it's a good idea!" Master Ziyang chimed in, "If our Sect Leader can break through to the Grandmaster level in one fell swoop, it will be a great boost to our Jade Void Sect. Such an important matter cannot be delayed. As for Wuqi, I have seen his character and cultivation firsthand. He is the most suitable person to succeed as Sect Leader!"

Even Master Ziyang said so, so it's even harder for anyone to say anything.

Especially those Jade Void Sect disciples who came with Xuan Yangzi, who were originally from the same faction as him, were initially just incredulous when they heard Xuan Yangzi's words. But now that they had come to their senses, they did not object, only still feeling somewhat shocked.

"Since everyone agrees, let's hold the ceremony when we get back to the Jade Void Sect."

Xuan Yangzi made the final decision.

……

"No! No way! Absolutely not!"

Within the Jade Void Sect, several elders vehemently opposed the idea.

"She hasn't even mastered the sect's martial arts; how can she be qualified to be the sect leader?!"

An elder questioned the matter from an unexpected angle.

As someone who stood on Li Shu's side, Master Ziyang stepped forward without hesitation and began to argue: "Hey, you can't say that. Our Jade Void Sect's techniques and martial arts, besides those created by our founder, also include those created by successive sect leaders and predecessors. Among them, there are those who were not proficient in the Jade Void Sect's techniques and martial arts, and created their own set. Why should we take that as the standard?"

"He has created his own cultivation techniques or martial arts skills! I know that Wuqi is very outstanding, one of the best among the younger generation of disciples, but he is really not suitable for the position of sect leader. Alas, he cannot win the hearts of the people!"

Some resorted to feigned distress, sighing and shaking their heads incessantly, all in opposition to Yan Wuqi becoming the sect leader. Master Ziyang sneered, then suddenly raised his voice, proclaiming, "Since you oppose it, then let's have a contest with Wuqi! If you lose, don't deny it then!"

"This is outrageous! The sect leader isn't just about cultivation level!"

"Yeah yeah!"

"Moreover, Wuqi practices the immortal path, which is completely different from the martial arts and techniques of our Jade Void Sect. How can he be worthy of the position of sect leader?"

The atmosphere quickly became increasingly tense.

The rise of immortality and the decline of martial arts are almost a foregone conclusion. However, as one of the top martial arts sects, the Jade Void Sect has always deliberately avoided this topic. But now, it has been brought to the forefront, and everyone's expression is not very good.

The opposition elders took turns criticizing Yan Wuqi, saying that his "studies were not orthodox" and that he was "too inexperienced" and "unable to convince the masses," while criticizing Xuan Yangzi, saying that he was "already a second-rank martial arts master" and that he had "extremely high prestige" and "could not resign."

In short, they disagreed with Yan Wuqi becoming the sect leader.

Despite the opposition from a group of people, Master Ziyang remained calm and composed.

He stroked his beard, glanced at the elders present, and said in a deep voice, "What you all say is simply that you are worried that Wuqi's cultivation path is different and that he will have difficulty leading the Jade Void Sect's inheritance."

"But have you all ever considered what kind of world we live in now?"

He paused, gave a cold laugh, glanced around at the evasive gazes around him, and then continued, "The immortal path is flourishing, spiritual energy is reviving, and the martial path is declining. This is the inevitable trend of the times!"
"It is unprecedented in history for the White Stone Immortal Sect to govern the affairs of a country with a single sect. When the Southern Chu Emperor seized the throne by donning the yellow robe, it was only because of his own profound cultivation that he established a legitimate court!"
"Moreover, many people must have witnessed the power of the White Stone Immortal on White Stone Mountain. Even if you haven't, you must have heard countless rumors and stories in the past year!

"When the suspended fairy mountain and the iron chain bridge appear, it will be in Baishi Mountain in Baozhou! If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself!"

"If we continue to adhere to the old rules of martial arts and close our eyes and ears, I'm afraid that in a few decades, the Jade Void Sect will not even be able to find a foothold in this martial world!"

"At that time, where will you all go? And where will my Jade Void Sect go?!"

"Junior Brother Ziyang, you are mistaken!"

An elder with a red face and white hair slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "Our Jade Void Sect has been established for hundreds of years, relying on our orthodox martial arts cultivation to build a splendid reputation in the martial world! How can we destroy our foundation and change our course because of a temporary shift in the wind? To let a junior who practices unorthodox immortality take charge of the sect, abandoning martial arts for immortality! What difference is there between such behavior and betraying one's master and ancestors?! How can the spirit of our ancestor rest in peace?!"

"Unorthodox methods?" Master Ziyang's eyes flashed, staring intently at the red-faced elder, and he sneered, "Elder Wang, the 'unorthodox methods' you speak of are the ones that allowed Wuqi to cultivate to a level comparable to a Grandmaster in just a few months! You've cultivated diligently for decades, yet you're only a fourth-grade Venerable! Today, I, Ziyang, will ask you, Elder Wang, if you are confident you can defeat Wuqi now? Hmm!?"

Upon hearing this, Elder Wang's face flushed crimson, his breath caught in his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal. Of course, he couldn't win!

Elder Wang only opposes Yan Wuqi becoming the sect leader; he's not really stupid!

How could he not know that the White Stone Immortal's eldest disciple had transformed from a complete waste into someone who could defeat a grandmaster in a single move in just a few months?

Even if Yan Wuqi is not as good as the personal disciple of the White Stone Immortal, he must be quite strong to make the sect leader Xuan Yangzi make such a decision!
You've already made a mistake, how dare you fight her?

Seeing that Elder Wang was speechless, Master Ziyang continued, "As for the Ancestral Master..."

"If our ancestor were alive, he would be truly disappointed to see that our Jade Void Sect has become stagnant and incomparable to others because of its obsession with martial arts and immortality, and has failed to maintain order in the region!"

"When our founder established the sect, in addition to promoting the Jade Void lineage, he was more concerned with upholding the righteous path and maintaining justice! He wanted to suppress the martial arts forces of all directions and bring peace to the people of the world!"
"What, do you really think that the martial arts that our ancestor spoke of that could suppress the world are just the 'martial arts' of today?"

"Once the Taiyue Sword Sect and the Sword Casting Manor catch up and truly become sects that practice the Dao of Immortality, with all their disciples being 'cultivators' or 'immortals,' when you go out again, you'll probably be too afraid to even breathe loudly when you see their disciples!"
"For your own selfish desires, you are forcibly dragging the Jade Void Sect to stagnation. At that time, how can you talk about carrying on the ancestral master's will, or about bringing peace to the world?!"

After reprimanding everyone, he turned to Yan Wuqi, who had remained silent, and raised his voice: "Wuqi, tell all my senior uncles and elders, although you have switched to cultivating immortality, have you forgotten the foundation of the Jade Void Sect? Have you abandoned our sect's founding principles of upholding justice, protecting the righteous path, and stabilizing the four directions?"

Yan Wuqi took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to the elders. His voice was clear and firm: "Disciple Yan Wuqi is grateful to Master for not abandoning me and for teaching me the Jade Void Secret Arts. Master also taught me the principles of upright conduct and clear sword mind."

"This disciple's switch to the path of immortality is not an abandonment of martial arts, but rather an attempt to explore the ultimate realm of swordsmanship through the methods of immortality, and to glorify the Jade Void Sect! The disciple's heart is witnessed by heaven and earth, and shines as brightly as the sun and moon! The disciple has never dared to forget the tenets of the Jade Void Sect!"

Her voice was not loud, but it carried a powerful sense of righteousness and convincing sincerity, which softened the expressions of some elders who had initially been vehemently opposed.

"In this case,"

After a while, an elder who had been silent suddenly broke the silence and suggested, "In that case, why not let Wuqi serve as the acting sect leader for now? This will allow him to familiarize himself with the duties of the Jade Void Sect leader and put the sect leader at ease, so that he can go into seclusion without worry."

"And we will also regard him as the sect leader, and with one heart and one mind, we will ensure that the Jade Void Sect can take root and thrive in the great changes and conflicts to come, so as not to fail the will of our founder..."

"What do you gentlemen think?"

It is said that people's nature is to prefer compromise and moderation. For example, if a room is too dark and you want to open a window, everyone will definitely object. But if you advocate tearing down the roof, they will compromise and agree to open the window.

This principle applies not only to modern society, but also to...

Jade Void Sect.

"Elder Song's words make some sense."

When the "acting leader" proposal was announced, more than one person softened their stance.

"Yes, yes, Wuqi is still young. I'm afraid she won't be able to hold onto the position of sect leader easily!"

"Since he is the 'acting sect leader,' there's no need for any ceremony. Just inform both the inner and outer sects, and we will comply!"

"That's very true. Wuqi is the sect leader's personal disciple and has a good reputation in the martial arts world. He is truly deserving of the title of acting sect leader!"

With a few people taking the lead, the tone of everyone's conversation changed accordingly.

It's hard to say whether they were truly persuaded by the demolition effect or by Master Ziyang, and were simply too embarrassed to refuse, which is why they were so "easy to talk to".

After all, the rise of the Immortal Path was indeed too rapid.

(End of this chapter)