As soon as the news broke, Tianhaimen was thrown into complete chaos!

Inside and outside the mountain gates, disciples were in an uproar, filled with fear and unease! The elders of the various peaks could no longer sit still and convened emergency meetings to discuss countermeasures!

Even Ma Jinshuo, a high-ranking Golden Core cultivator who had been in seclusion for many years, was alarmed!

He stood in front of his cave dwelling, his face so gloomy it could drip water, utterly bewildered and speechless—he hadn't been too concerned with sect affairs, after all, the Ma family held a third of the power in the Tianhai Sect and had long been the leaders of the sect, so he only needed to focus on cultivation and enjoy the abundant cultivation resources.

But now Matthew has suddenly defected, not only causing the Ma family to lose face, but also plunging Tianhaimen into unprecedented chaos. This makes him both depressed and angry, feeling like he has a huge headache!

Just as the Tianhai Sect was in a state of panic and on the verge of collapse, an ancient and majestic aura suddenly emanated from the back mountain of the Tianhai Sect, instantly engulfing the entire sect!

Zhou Xing, the Supreme Elder and another Golden Core cultivator of the sect who had been in seclusion, broke out of his seclusion!

Zhou Xing, dressed in a gray Taoist robe, with white hair and beard, but sharp eyes, and surrounded by a faint aura of a Golden Core cultivator, appeared on the main peak square at the same time as Ma Jinshuo, two Golden Core cultivators!

The two stood side by side, their powerful Golden Core aura spreading out and enveloping the entire Tianhai Sect, instantly suppressing the unrest within the sect and temporarily stabilizing the chaotic situation.

One day later.

At noon, the sun was high in the sky, and the sunlight was dazzling.

On the main peak of Tianhai Gate.

"Thump thump thump! Thump thump thump! Thump thump thump—!"

Twelve magnificent bell tolls rang out in succession, resounding through the sky and echoing throughout the entire mountain range! The bell tolls were solemn and dignified, carrying an unquestionable majesty that made all the disciples and elders tremble in their hearts!

Soon, the peak masters of the five major peaks, as well as the first-level elders of twelve important departments, all gathered in the Tianhaimen council hall.

The council hall was solemn and dignified, with an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe!

Huge dragon pillars supported the dome, the golden dragons carved on them lifelike, as if they were about to take off at any moment, exuding a powerful aura; the floor was paved with smooth, mirror-like white jade slabs, reflecting a cold light; huge bronze cauldrons burned on both sides of the hall, the sandalwood incense wafting and the smoke swirling, but they did nothing to alleviate the tense atmosphere in the air.

Zhou Xing and Ma Jinshuo, two Golden Core cultivators, sat on the left and right main seats respectively, their expressions dignified and their eyes sharp as knives, slowly sweeping over the crowd below, making everyone's heart tighten.

Below sat seven Supreme Elders, their hair and beards all white, their faces covered with wrinkles, their auras aged and profound, like withered trees. Together they formed a temporary council to temporarily preside over the sect's affairs. These Supreme Elders were already very old, their lives could come to an end at any moment, and they had long since lost the will to compete for the position of sect leader. They spent most of their time in seclusion, only hoping to gain some insights into the Golden Core realm before they died and prolong their lives. If it weren't for Matthew's defection causing chaos, they would not have shown up at all.

Below them were twelve first-level elders of the sect and five peak masters—however, Ma Wei, the peak master of the Weapon Refining Peak, had been killed, leaving only four peak masters.

At this moment, sixteen younger peak masters and elders sat in neat rows, each with a solemn expression, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

At this moment, Elder Liu Zhihu slowly stood up. His figure was hunched, yet he exuded an aura that could not be underestimated. His gaze swept over the crowd below like a hawk's, and he said in a deep voice, "Everyone! Matthew has just defected and colluded with the Holy Fire Sect, bringing shame upon the sect! To stabilize the sect, after discussion among the two Golden Core elders and our seven Elders, it has been decided that from today onwards, Tianhai Sect will officially begin the selection process for a new sect leader!"

He paused, then raised his voice slightly, imposingly declaring, "According to past practice, the new sect leader will be chosen from among the peak masters of the five major peaks and twelve first-level elders! Now, among you sixteen, whoever wishes to run for sect leader, may step forward!"

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent, with only the sound of everyone breathing.

Everyone looked at each other, their eyes filled with hesitation, wariness, and ambition. The whispers were as quiet as the buzzing of mosquitoes and quickly subsided.

"I'll do it!"

A loud voice broke the silence!

Elder Ma Yong, the Transmission Elder, was the first to step forward. Dressed in a purple elder's robe, he stood tall and confident, his eyes gleaming. He strode to the center of the hall, slightly bowed towards the heavens, and declared firmly, "As the Transmission Elder, I have followed Sect Master Ma Xiucai for many years, assisting him in handling all matters large and small within the sect. I am experienced and intimately familiar with sect affairs! Now that the sect is facing a great calamity, it is precisely the time that stability is needed! I believe it is only right that I succeed to the position of Sect Master! Therefore, I am running for election!"

The seven elders nodded in approval, and Ma Jinshuo also nodded slightly. Ma Yong was a member of the Ma family, and if he could be elected as the sect leader, the Ma family's position would be more secure.

Then, the elders looked at the others.

"I'm running too!"

Zhou Heng, the peak master of the Formation Peak, stood up. Dressed in a blue Taoist robe with a compass hanging from his waist, he walked to Ma Yong's side and said in a deep voice, "According to convention, the peak masters of the five major peaks are the reserve candidates for sect master! My Formation Peak is in charge of the sect's defensive formation, which is of paramount importance to the sect's safety! Naturally, I must also participate in the election!"

"Count me in!" Qin Guan, the peak master of the Breeding Peak, also stood up. His face was dark, and his hands were covered in calluses. His tone was firm. "Peak Master Zhou is right! Our Breeding Peak is responsible for the cultivation of spiritual herbs and the contracts with spiritual beasts needed for the sect's elixirs. It is one of the foundations of the sect! I'm participating too!"

At this moment, sitting below were Yang Hongyuan, the peak master of the Alchemy Peak, and Gao Rushi, the peak master of the Talisman Peak.

Gao Rushi sat upright in her seat, her hands clenched tightly together, her palms sweating profusely!

She could clearly feel the gazes coming from all directions—curiosity, scrutiny, and even hostility! Her heart pounded wildly, almost leaping out of her throat—she knew this was all part of Chen Yang's plan, and his ultimate goal was to nominate her as the sect leader of Tianhai Sect! She never imagined Chen Yang could actually go this far!

But she was also filled with trepidation and unease: the previous peak master of Talisman Peak was Du Juenian, and the news of Du Juenian's death has not yet been made public. If it is exposed, it will surely cause a huge uproar. Not only will her position as sect master be hopeless, but she may even lose her life!

Just as Gao Rushi was lost in thought and tormented by inner turmoil, Yang Hongyuan, the peak master of the Alchemy Peak, suddenly stood up. Dressed in a red alchemy robe, he wore a confident smile, and his voice, loud and clear, resounded throughout the hall: "As the peak master of the Alchemy Peak, I oversee the sect's alchemy affairs and have provided the sect with a large amount of medicinal resources. My contributions are evident to all! I am also willing to participate in the election for sect master!"

He changed the subject, looking at Gao Rushi, and said with a smile, "At the same time, I would also like to recommend Junior Sister Gao from Fulu Peak. I hope Junior Sister Gao can also participate in the election!"

These words immediately caused a stir in the hall!

Everyone turned to look at Gao Rushi, their eyes filled with surprise and doubt. Many elders whispered among themselves—they didn't even know that the peak master of Talisman Peak had been replaced!

"Junior Sister Gao? Isn't Du Juenian the peak master of Talisman Peak?"

"Yes! When was the replacement made? How come I didn't know?"

"Who is this Junior Sister Gao? How could she garner such strong support from Peak Master Yang?"

The discussion grew louder and the atmosphere became more tense.

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