Battle Through the Heavens: Reap the Red Lotus Karmic Flame at the Start

Yao Qingyu turned around and explained with a hint of apology, "According to the rules of the Flower Sect, male guests must wait a moment while I inform a sect leader to come and guide them. If they enter rashly, it may cause unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble."

As a direct disciple of the Flower Sect, Yao Qingyu was well aware of the sect's tradition of respecting women. Even with the status of Elder Yao and Xiao Yan, they still had to abide by this rule that had lasted for thousands of years.

The old apothecary had clearly anticipated this. He nodded calmly, stood with his hands behind his back, and his gaze carried a hint of barely perceptible reminiscence. His eyes slowly swept over the familiar scenes of the Flower Sect, as if he were looking at some of his past.

Xiao Yan smiled slightly, indicating his understanding, and patiently stood beside Yao Lao.

Since there was time, Xiao Yan took the initiative to ask, "Junior Sister, it's said that there have been some changes within the Flower Sect. Do you know who the current sect leader is?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Qingyu's face also became more solemn: "The original sect leader was named Hua Xuan, but she encountered a problem while trying to break through a bottleneck in her cultivation some time ago and unfortunately passed away. So, based on the information I've received, the position of sect leader of the Hua Sect is currently vacant."

It is precisely because of the extremely unusual circumstances of the previous sect leader's sudden demise that some turmoil has arisen within the Flower Sect. After all, the sect leader does not need to be the strongest person, but many fundamental decisions still need to be made by her.

The sudden loss of such a leader would cause some turmoil in any faction, which is quite normal.

"Is that so?"

With the sect leader gone and a power vacuum in place, Xiao Yan faces a situation where the alliance's affairs may be more complicated than anticipated.

Yao Qingyu sensed Xiao Yan's worry and explained, "Senior Brother, there's no need to worry too much. Alliances aren't decisions the Sect Master can make alone. The ones who truly make the final decisions on important matters are my teacher, Fairy Hua, and..."

Before Yao Qingyu could finish speaking, a whooshing sound came from the air, and ten graceful figures dressed in cyan appeared in front of Xiao Yan and the other two.

The woman at the head of the group was tall and beautiful, with a hint of competence in her eyes. The nine female disciples behind her were also all very beautiful.

The woman in the lead immediately recognized Yao Qingyu, and a hint of joy appeared on her face.

"Uncle-Master Qingyu, what brings you back? And who are these two distinguished guests?"

Yao Qingyu stepped forward and calmly introduced, "Junior Nephew Hua Xia, thank you for your trouble. This is my father, the Pavilion Master of Xingyun Pavilion, Yao Chen."

Yao Qingyu first introduced Yao Lao, then pointed to Xiao Yan: "This is my senior brother, Xiao Yan, the young master of Xingyun Pavilion. He has come here on important business."

Yao Qingyu's introduction was clear and straightforward, and usually there were no problems. However, before she could finish speaking, the expression on the face of the leading disciple named Hua Xia suddenly became extremely strange.

She quickly glanced at Xiao Yan, her gaze lingering on Yao Lao, her eyes showing a mixture of disbelief and embarrassment.

When Xiao Yan and Yao Lao, the master and disciple, exchanged glances, they both noticed the change in atmosphere and sensed that something was amiss.

Hua Xia cupped her hands in greeting to the two of them, a helpless smile on her face, her words tinged with apology: "Young Master Xiao Yan's reputation is widespread. It is an honor for our Hua Sect to have him visit. We are extremely welcome, and our Hua Sect will certainly treat him with the utmost hospitality!"

"However...Master Yaochen, I'm afraid it's inconvenient for you to enter today."

"Hmm?" Yao Qingyu raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, her voice turning colder: "Hua Xia, what do you mean? I'm waiting here to uphold the sect's rules. Otherwise, given my father and senior brother's status, do you really think we need to wait here?!"

Seeing that her father was about to be harassed by the sect, Yao Qingyu was naturally very unhappy!

Hua Xia saw that Yao Qingyu seemed angry, and the bitter smile on her face became even more pronounced!

"Uncle-Master Qingyu, please calm your anger. How could this disciple dare to intercept someone like Pavilion Master Yaochen? It's just that... it's just that the Supreme Elder, Fairy Qing, has already given strict orders..."

Hua Xia paused, then gritted her teeth and said, "The Supreme Elder has ordered that other distinguished guests from the Starfall Pavilion should be treated with courtesy by the Flower Sect. But if... if that man surnamed Yao comes... throw him out immediately! The Flower Sect will not allow that heartless and ungrateful person to set foot here!"

The air seemed to freeze as soon as these words were spoken.

Upon hearing this, both Yao Qingyu and Xiao Yan's expressions became extremely complicated.

Xiao Yan also looked at Yao Lao with an incredulous gaze. It was obvious who the Supreme Elder of the Flower Sect was targeting with such an order!

Who else could the man surnamed Yao from Xingyun Pavilion, as mentioned by Hua Zong, be but Yao Lao?

Since they said that, it's clear they're targeting Elder Yao. Of course, this targeting is more about venting their anger. If they were truly dissatisfied, they would definitely take action, rather than needing their disciples to convey these words.

After hearing this, the old apothecary gave a helpless, bitter smile and shook his head: "Alright, alright, it seems I won't be able to enter the main gate of the Flower Sect today."

Hearing Yao Lao's words, Xiao Yan frowned. Whatever the reason, if the Flower Sect really refused Yao Lao entry, then the consequences would be unpredictable. As a disciple, Xiao Yan couldn't possibly let his teacher return in such a sorry state.

Xiao Yan immediately replied, "Teacher, why don't you wait a moment? I'll go in and talk to them. I'm sure we'll have a result soon!"

Yao Lao shook his head again, looking indifferent. He then patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder and said, "It's alright. You and Qing Yu can go in directly. I have my own way. I'll meet up with you later."

Then, Yao Lao's figure disappeared directly. Xiao Yan, through his soul perception, knew that Yao Lao had headed towards another part of the Flower Sect.

The fact that Yao Lao's figure was able to be detected by Xiao Yan was intentional on his part, so that his disciple wouldn't worry too much.

Only then did Xiao Yan realize that although his teacher couldn't get through the main gate, there were clearly other paths he could take.

In this way, the Flower Sect's instructions probably only served as a joke, or even a tacit understanding between Elder Yao and the Flower Sect's Supreme Elder.

Xiao Yan knew nothing more, after all, he was too young and only knew rumors about the older generation.

Yao Qingyu then looked at Xiao Yan. Now that her father was gone, it was up to Xiao Yan to decide whether to advance or retreat.

If Yao Lao leaves directly, Xiao Yan will not be willing to go in, and Yao Qingyu cannot possibly return to the Flower Sect alone.

Xiao Yan replied directly, "Then let's go in. After all, we're here to discuss important matters."