The Long Journey to Immortality

Naturally, she was quite interested in this topic.

"Did Daoist Qingxu communicate with you before announcing this decision?" Han Lu was concerned about the important matter of the power transfer within the Zhengyi Sect.

Xianyu Ji didn't think this was a secret that couldn't be told, so he replied, "Of course we had communicated. The day before the notice was posted, the Qingxu Sect Master specifically asked me to go to the Five Elements Mountain Academy."

Han Lu asked curiously, "Before you went, did you think that the Qingxu Sect Master was going to appoint you as the next sect master?"

Xianyu Ji nodded, "I've thought about it... Elder Xuancheng once told me that he recommended me to the Qingxu Sect Master."

"Although he has stepped down as sect leader for many years, he still has considerable influence in front of Sect Leader Qingxu."

"I was absolutely certain because I heard him mention it."

Hearing this, Han Lu chuckled and said, "Xianyu Ji, do you know? The Qingxu Sect Master also asked me about this matter, asking for my opinion, wanting to know who I think is more suitable to be the next sect master."

"Huh?" Xianyu Ji was slightly surprised. "The Qingxu Sect Master asked you about it too?"

In Xianyu Ji's view, although Han Lu was exceptionally talented and had outstanding strength, she spent a lot of time in the sect because she traveled between the wilderness and the Central Plains all year round.

Han Lu may be important, but Xianyu Ji does not think that Han Lu is a member of the sect's decision-making body.

Of course, this was because he was unaware that Han Lu had also been commissioned to take the Heavenly Elixir.

If I had known, I wouldn't be surprised or taken aback now.

Han Lu raised her eyebrows, feeling slighted and slightly displeased. She then dropped a bombshell: "Back when Elder Xuancheng was still the sect leader, he also asked me about my thoughts on who should be the next sect leader."

Sensing Han Lu's emotional fluctuations, Xianyu Ji realized he had been somewhat rude and quickly smoothed things over by agreeing with Han Lu.

"It seems that next time I look for a successor in the sect, I must ask the famous Elder Zhenfeng for his opinion."

Han Lu chuckled and said, "I wouldn't dare to give any advice to the wise and powerful Sect Master Xianyu."

The two of them laughed at the same time, which lightened the atmosphere in the room considerably.

"However, Sect Master Qingxu must know that you and I are good friends. What was your reaction after you recommended me?" Xianyu Ji was quite curious about the scene at that time.

Han Lu recounted in detail her conversation with Qingxu Daoist.

Of course, Han Lu made it up, omitting the part about recommending Xinshan Jushi and Wen Erya, and focusing on praising and complimenting Xianyu Ji at that time.

"Han Lu, do you really think I'm suitable to be the head of the Zhengyi Sect?" Xianyu Ji's upper body slumped slightly as he sighed, "Just receiving the visiting elders and disciples these past few days has left me feeling exhausted."

"Managing such a large sect would surely be even more troublesome."

Having been suddenly entrusted with an important task, Xianyu Ji, who had passed the initial period of excitement, was now in a phase of "self-doubt".

Although he had served as the vice dean for nearly thirty years, he had less than 30% confidence in his ability to be a good sect leader.

Han Lu gave an example to comfort her friend, "Do you remember when the news of Qingxu Sect Master becoming the sect leader first spread?"

Xianyu Ji recalled, "At that time, the Qingxu Sect Master was considered one of the more low-key elders. He had average talent and cultivation, and no outstanding achievements."

"At that time, many elders were dissatisfied and even formed a team to seek an explanation from Elder Xuancheng."

Han Lu continued, "And what was the result? The result was that the Qingxu Sect Master worked diligently for more than thirty years and managed the sect in an orderly manner."

"The disciples all praised him highly, and even the elders who initially had objections mostly came to accept Master Qingxu's authority."

"Then tell me, how could you, who is now widely regarded as the rightful leader, not be capable of being a good sect leader?"

"Besides..." Han Lu changed the subject, raising her voice by a octave, "When the sect leader makes the decisions, the elders and disciples should handle the more troublesome and tiring tasks."

"If you are a sect leader with many ideas and a desire for change, then it is elders like me who should be troubled and stressed."

Upon hearing the somewhat sensitive word "change," Xianyu Ji, who had just relaxed a little, straightened his back.

"Did Daoist Qingxu give you any important instructions a few days ago? Or did he convey some of his thoughts or ideas that he hoped you would continue?" This was Han Lu's biggest concern.

Xianyu Jidao said, "There's nothing particularly important to remind me of. Sect Master Qingxu just told me not to cancel the chess tournament."

Han Lu analyzed, "This is probably because you are not interested in chess, and this matter may be the most successful reform that Master Qingxu has carried out in the past thirty years."

Having found a good opportunity, Xianyu Ji asked Han Lu for help.

"Han Lu, what great achievements do you think I can accomplish during my time as sect leader? What kind of reforms can I implement to leave a remarkable legacy for my successor?"

Xianyu Ji was not a monk who liked to wage big wars.

But once someone sits in that position, everyone will have some different thoughts and yearn to "leave a mark on history".

Han Lu shook her head and replied, "I don't know, and even if I did, I couldn't tell you."

"Why?" Xianyu Ji asked instinctively.

“Because you are the sect leader, not me,” Han Lu said, tilting her head slightly. “Everyone must have a grand blueprint for the future of the sect in their heart.”

"Your blueprint may be similar to mine, but it is definitely different."

"I can't offer you any advice on this, Sect Leader Xianyu."

The final change in address left Xianyu Ji seemingly lost in thought.

After a long silence, Xianyu Ji finally said, "Thank you, Han Lu. I will try to think about things more from the perspective of the sect leader in the future."

"I hope that in the future, when I make small changes to the system of Zhengyi Sect based on my own ideas, I will be able to get your support."

Han Lu didn't take the bait. "You should wait until you've actually become the sect leader and made your decision before saying that."

"Moreover, if we're looking for support, the support of the dean and vice dean is far more important than my support."

"If you really want to be a sect leader who actively governs the sect, then in the first few months after you become sect leader, you must cultivate good relationships with the deans. Only in that way can you fully mobilize the sect's resources to draw up your blueprint."

Xianyu Ji's eyes lit up, clearly inspired by Han Lu's words. His thoughts had become much clearer, and he now knew what his immediate goals were after becoming the sect leader.

[Author's Note] It's getting colder, everyone please keep warm and avoid getting sick.

Chapter 1124

After leaving Xianyu Ji's residence, Han Lu couldn't help but sigh as she recalled the grand blueprint that Xianyu Ji had boldly drawn up after being enlightened by her at home.

"It seems that people can still hide their true nature without realizing it."

“In the past, I never realized that Xianyu Ji was so ambitious and eager to make a name for himself.”

"Perhaps it's because I'm about to sit in that position that I'm finally able to express everything that I could only dream about in my heart."

Not being particularly politically astute, Han Lu didn't know whether this development would be good or bad.

"However, it is likely that the Qingxu Sect Master has long since noticed the different qualities within Xianyu Ji's body compared to his outward appearance."

Han Lu speculated, "Perhaps it was this trait that led the Qingxu Sect Master, who lacked ambition, to choose Xianyu Ji to make up for his regrets."

Han Lu guessed wildly based on her own ideas, but ultimately failed to arrive at a conclusion that she could accept.

However, she still believed that Xianyu Ji had enough talent to control his "ambition" and could bring benefits to the sect. He would not be obsessed with the so-called "leaving a name in history" and would do good deeds but do bad things.

A month after the announcement, an inauguration ceremony was held for Xianyu Ji at Wuxing Mountain Academy.

Only a mere ten elders and some disciples serving at the Five Elements Mountain Academy participated in this ceremony, which envisioned a power shift within the Zhengyi Sect.

Han Lu was also among these ten elders.

Unlike Xuan Yang Valley, where a single sect leader of Zheng Yi Sect serves for a full century, the inauguration ceremony is quite simple.

There was no symbolic handover of power; the resigning sect leader, Qingxu Daoist, simply handed over a room plaque for a large courtyard in the Five Elements Mountain Academy to Xianyu Ji.

This is the residence of the successive leaders of the Zhengyi Sect in the Five Elements Mountain Courtyard. Although the house number plate that activated the restricted array of the courtyard is nothing special, it has gradually become a symbol of the position of the leader of the Zhengyi Sect and an important supporting role in the inauguration ceremony.

The room number plate passed from Qingxu Daoren's hands to Xianyu Ji's hands.

The elders and disciples participating in the ceremony bowed in unison and addressed him as "Master Xianyu," thus concluding this simple inauguration ceremony.

The outgoing Qingxu Daoist will move back to Dongshan Academy and begin receiving a substantial sect leader stipend.

The amount of this allowance is related to many factors.

However, as long as he does not make any major mistakes during his tenure as sect leader, it will be enough for Daoist Qingxu to live a normal life for a hundred years without having to worry about the lack of cultivation materials.

Xianyu Ji will move from Xishan Academy to Wuxing Mountain Academy, starting his new life as the head of Zhengyi Sect.

Instead of being swept away, Qingxu Daoist retired gracefully, remaining an important figure who knew most of the sect's secrets. Naturally, he was not snubbed at the power transfer ceremony of the second largest power in the Central Plains.

Many elders congratulated Qingxu Daoist, wishing him a hundred years of leisure and hoping he would soon advance to the late stage of the Golden Core realm.

As for Sect Leader Xianyu, it was a repeat of the story from a month ago.

This time, however, the words used in the congratulations were more direct, expressing both congratulations to the individual and expectations for the future of the sect.

The stronger the sect, the more benefits it brings to the elders and disciples. Naturally, everyone hopes that the Zhengyi Sect can continue to grow stronger under the leadership of the newly appointed Sect Master Xianyu.

After the formal ceremony concluded, Qingxu Daoist did not leave immediately.

He and Sect Leader Xianyu held one last secret meeting at the sect leader's residence to hand over some confidential matters that could not be discussed openly.

For example, the whereabouts and situation of several Nascent Soul Realm cultivators and elders in the sect.

For example, what are the forbidden areas of a sect, and what is inside them?

For example, how to manipulate the restrictions on the cave dwelling where the Heavenly Bottle is kept.

Wait, wait.

Only after completing this step can Xianyu Ji be considered a true leader of the Zhengyi Sect.

The procedures for this secret handover were not too complicated.

First, he privately gave Xianyu Ji instructions, and then handed him a jade tablet containing a lot of information recorded by the Taoist Qingxu.

After Xianyu Ji memorized and destroyed all the information in the jade tablet, Qingxu Daoist took half a step back and called out "Sect Master Xianyu." Only then did the power of management of the Zhengyi Sect pass from Qingxu Daoist to Xianyu Ji.

The time it took for Daoist Qingxu to enter and exit was less than a quarter of an hour.

Outside Xianyu Ji's new home, only Han Lu and a few disciples from the Five Elements Mountain Academy were still waiting.

It wasn't that the other elders were lacking in manners; it was just that the other nine elders present had only a casual relationship with Qingxu Daoist, and it would seem pretentious for them to linger here at this time.

Although Han Lu was the only elder among the people waiting outside, Daoist Qingxu first warmly exchanged greetings with the disciples and colleagues who had worked with him to govern the sect over the years.

As disciples of the relatively independent Five Elements Mountain Academy within the Zhengyi Sect, they have always been the right-hand men of the sect leader and other administrators.

Now that this arm is to be handed over to Xianyu Ji for use, it is quite necessary for Qingxu Daoren to bid them farewell and reminisce about the glorious past.

This is also a form of power transfer.

Han Lu, who only wanted to have a brief chat with Qingxu Daoist, waited patiently and did not feel that Qingxu Daoist had neglected her at all.