Mountain Venerable and Sea Immortal

The news of the cancellation of the minor competition lingered in the outer martial arts arena for a long time. Amid the noise, two figures in plain white robes slowly approached from the direction of the mountain gate.

One of them wore a light gray Taoist robe, with a solemn face and a calm, stone-like aura; this was none other than Master Danxuan. The other wore a moon-white Taoist robe, with gentle features and a warm, spiritual aura; this was Master Qingxuan.

The two were both Outer Sect Masters, of equal rank, jointly managing all affairs of the Outer Sect, and rarely appeared together. Today, however, they arrived side by side, followed by five Outer Sect Elders. With all seven high-ranking members of the Outer Sect present, the room immediately fell silent.

This was also the first time that Lin Yan, Yi Azhu, Chen Dagang, Yun Xi, Ye Qing and other newly recruited outer disciples had truly seen the seven elders in their entirety.

Master Danxuan's voice was calm, yet it resonated throughout the entire hall. He then proceeded to clarify the duties of the seven outer sect elders, which also served as a formal announcement to the new disciples:

"From this day forward, you must all remember the authority and responsibilities of the seven elders of the outer sect. In your future actions, each of you will have your own affiliation:"

This seat is in charge of discipline, adjudication, and the opening and closing of forbidden areas. Decisions made by the outer sect members are agreed upon by this seat and Senior Brother Qingxuan.

Qingxuan is in charge of spiritual lands and springs, the allocation and distribution of cultivation techniques, and the protection of his disciples' cultivation.

Elder Songyue is stationed at the Shimen branch, overseeing the outer sect headquarters, martial arts training grounds, and disciples' residences.

Elder Minglang is in charge of training, patrolling valleys, and field missions for the three branches of the lineage.

Elder Hailan was in charge of the Wushan branch, external affairs of the mountain gate, and interactions between the market and aristocratic families.

Elder Tie Su is in charge of the Discipline Hall, responsible for investigating private fights, violations, and trespassing.

Elder Mistman, who guards the Giant Peak's restrictions and Broken Sword Valley, is perpetually hidden within the sword mist.

Everyone suddenly understood and remembered it all.

It turns out that the outer gate, though seemingly loose, was actually hierarchical, with seven people each in charge of a region, maintaining strict order.

Master Danxuan continued, "This year's minor competition has been temporarily cancelled. There's no need to ask why. Broken Sword Valley will be sealed off again from today. No one may approach without being summoned."

Master Qingxuan then spoke, his words carrying a hidden meaning: "The spiritual spring in the back mountain has a fixed owner and cannot be taken by bet or private fight. Anyone who tries to seize spiritual land by force will be dealt with by the Discipline Hall."

Upon hearing this, Su Chen's expression changed slightly, and he subconsciously looked at Elder Hailan.

Hai Lan, who was in charge of external affairs, had a long-standing friendship with the Su and Zhao families, who had made offerings to them over the years and had usually protected him. This allowed them to act with impunity in the outer sect. However, with Dan Xuan and Qing Xuan present today and the evidence irrefutable, Hai Lan, even if he wanted to show favoritism, could only remain silent.

Elder Tie Su said coldly, "Someone has formed a gang and secretly broke into Broken Sword Valley at night to set a trap, intending to harm people. The Discipline Hall has already detected the clues. Anyone who surrenders himself within three days will be treated leniently."

Zhao Kui's face turned pale, and Shi Kui, Liu Ying, Man Tu, and Lin Wei were even more apprehensive.

Master Qingxuan's gaze fell on Lin Yan and the other three, and he nodded slightly: "You can cultivate in peace. The spiritual spring is still yours to use, so there is no need to worry about disturbing it."

"Thank you, Master." Lin Yan and the other three bowed respectfully.

Su Chen harbored resentment in his heart, but he also knew that things were not going well this time, so he could only suppress his anger.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Chen Dagang breathed a sigh of relief: "So that's how the seven outer sect elders are divided. I've finally remembered it."

Yi Azhu said softly, "The seven elders are all of extraordinary age and bearing. We must be even more cautious in our actions from now on."

Yun Xi spoke coldly: "Elder Hai Lan has a close relationship with the Su and Zhao families. He is only unable to take action today, but he may not let this go in the future."

Lin Yan nodded slightly, his gaze calm: "It's not surprising that some people are biased. As long as our cultivation is solid, we have nothing to fear from minor side issues."

Just then, a deacon hurried over, posted a new notice on the notice board, and read it aloud:

"Outer Sect Affairs Hall Order: Recently, the sect needs to send people out of the mountains to collect spiritual herbs. To ensure safety, we are recruiting several security personnel from among the outer sect disciples. Elder Minglang and Elder Hailan will jointly select the candidates, and the list will be announced in three days. Those who are selected will be rewarded for their merits."

The crowd was taken aback upon hearing this, and then began to discuss it amongst themselves.

After the two masters turned and left, Song Yue and Ming Lang returned to their respective territories, Elder Tie Su remained in the martial arts arena to intimidate the entire audience, while Elder Wu Yin flickered and transformed into a phantom, silently disappearing into the sword mist in the forest, leaving no trace.

Elder Hailan walked at the back, her face calm and expressionless. As she passed by Su Chen, her fingertips twitched almost imperceptibly, giving him a subtle wink before she slowly headed towards her residence in the Wushan branch.

Su Chen's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately grabbed the flustered Zhao Kui and followed them without making a sound.

The Wushan branch is located near the sea, and its spiritual energy is relatively peaceful. Elder Hailan's residence is hidden in the dense forest on the mountainside of the main peak of Wushan. The seemingly simple bamboo house actually hides a secret room.

The entrance to the secret chamber was concealed by wood-based spiritual magic and a small soundproofing and concealment barrier was set up, making it extremely difficult for anyone to detect anything even if they approached. Inside the secret chamber, the furnishings were simple, with only a stone table and a few futons. On the table were several high-grade spirit stones and the list of offerings sent by the Su and Zhao families over the years. The atmosphere was secluded and there was no sunlight.

Upon entering the secret chamber, Elder Hailan's usual gentle and amiable demeanor vanished, replaced by a grim expression. She looked at Su Chen and Zhao Kui, who had followed her in, and spoke with a hint of reproach: "You two were far too reckless! You dared to bribe a disciple and sneak into Broken Sword Valley at night to set a trap! Did you really think the sect's elders were blind? If Elder Wuyin hadn't only reported the unusual activity in the forbidden area without specifying who was responsible, and if I hadn't intervened, you two would certainly have been severely punished by the Discipline Hall!"

Su Chen gripped his folding fan tightly, his face full of resentment: "Elder Hailan, I only wanted to teach that brat Lin Yan a lesson, reclaim the spiritual spring in the back mountain, and incidentally win his sword technique. I never imagined things would escalate to this point!"

"A lesson?" Elder Hailan sneered, tapping the list of worshippers on the table with her fingertips. "Do you think Master Danxuan is easy to fool? He's already harbored resentment towards you, and Master Qingxuan is protecting Lin Yan and the other three. If you continue to act recklessly, forget about the spiritual spring and sword technique; you and that Zhao family brat will be expelled from the outer sect!"

Zhao Kui hurriedly stepped forward, his face full of flattery: "Elder, you have to help us! Our two families have sent plenty of offerings to you and the sect. We can't just watch us be suppressed by that Lin Yan!"

A glint of cunning flashed in Elder Hailan's eyes. After a moment of contemplation, a plan formed in his mind.

He slowly sat down, his voice low and tinged with malice: "I can help you, but not through such overt means. The martial arts arena has already posted a recruitment notice; the sect is sending disciples out, and Elder Minglang and I will select the candidates together. This is the perfect opportunity."

Su Chen's eyes lit up, and he immediately understood: "What does the elder mean?"

"Lin Yan's cultivation is not weak, and he has a calm temperament. Elder Feng Lie prefers this type of disciple, so he will most likely choose him." Elder Hai Lan's eyes were cold as he slowly revealed his conspiracy. "At that time, I will secretly add him to the entourage list, and then have someone send a message to the bandits outside the mountain, or set up dangers on the way, so that he can never return to the sect."

"With his death, the spiritual spring in the back mountain will naturally belong to you, and you will also be able to obtain the sword manual. Moreover, there will be no evidence against him, so even if True Immortals Danxuan and Qingxuan have any suspicions, they will not be able to find any incriminating evidence."

Zhao Kui was overjoyed upon hearing this, nodding repeatedly: "Brilliant plan! This method is brilliant! No matter how capable that kid is, once he's outside the mountains, he won't be able to escape!"

The sinister glint in Su Chen's eyes vanished, replaced by a ruthless smile: "Elder, you've thought this through perfectly. As long as Lin Yan is eliminated, my Su family will certainly offer you a generous reward, and the Zhao family will fully support you!"

"Remember, this matter must be kept secret. Do not give anything away," Elder Hailan instructed. "Behave yourself for the next three days and do not provoke Lin Yan and the other three. Once the list is announced, it will be his death day."

The three of them meticulously finalized their plans in the secret room. A sinister atmosphere permeated the enclosed space, and a clandestine plot to harm Lin Yan was quietly being laid.

Meanwhile, the new notice on the training ground also sparked a lot of discussion among the disciples. Lin Yan looked up at the notice for a mission and remained calm and composed.

Chen Dagang scratched his head, looking puzzled: "Why are you suddenly sending people out? I don't want to leave the sect."

Yi Azhu frowned slightly and said softly, "The area outside the mountains is not as safe as the sect. There are many dangers. I wonder which disciples will be chosen to go."

Lin Yan withdrew his gaze, his tone calm and certain: "What's meant to be will be. Just focus on your cultivation."

After saying that, the four of them turned around and headed towards the spirit spring in the back mountain.