Chen Xingcai sat properly in the guest seat, her slender fingers tapping lightly on the table as her voice flowed like clear spring water: "The Celestial Alliance does not interfere with the internal affairs of the various sects, but we share classics and secret realms; we do not demand tributes, yet we exchange resources; within the alliance, there are also cross-state teleportation formations, making it much more convenient for you Elders to travel far and wide."
With each word she spoke, a chorus of agreement rose from below.
Mo Qingxuan pondered for a moment before cautiously asking: "Does the Celestial Alliance have any restrictions on recruiting disciples from the various sects?"
"Sect Leader, you worry too much!" Bai Ziyu slammed the table as he stood up. "Lady Xingcai already said there would be no interference in internal affairs!"
"That's right!" another Elder couldn't help but interject impatiently. "Our Celestial Alliance has treated your Crane Spirit Sect generously. Old Bastard... ahem, Sect Leader, you should hurry and join!"
Mo Qingxuan's eyelid twitched.
"The cultivation methods and classics in our Celestial Alliance are as vast as a sea of smoke," Chen Xingcai was about to explain when the Law Enforcement Elder jumped up and shouted: "Did you hear that? Cultivation methods and classics! How can those broken manuals of ours compare?"
"Sect Leader!" The most elderly Alchemy Hall Elder trembled as he stood up. "This old man is already halfway to the grave, and all I want before I die is to see the Nine Revolutions Golden Core Manual from the Celestial Alliance..." As he spoke, he actually began to wipe tears from his eyes.
Mo Qingxuan's veins throbbed on his forehead.
Halfway to the grave!? This Alchemy Hall Elder was currently 800 years old, but as a Longevity Realm Elder, he was currently in the Infant Stage, and with proper care, not a single wrinkle marred his face!
And after just asking a couple more questions, these people were already shouting "Old Bastard"?
What was even more outrageous was that they were already referring to themselves as "Our Celestial Alliance"?
Simply outrageous!
"Please forgive the disruption, my Lady." He forced a wry smile and cupped his hands toward Chen Xingcai.
The young woman covered her lips with a light laugh, starlight swirling in her eyes.
"Hisss—"
A collective gasp filled the hall.
Several younger Elders clutched their chests, looking as if they were about to faint.
Mo Qingxuan silently massaged his forehead.
This Sect Leader...
He didn't want to be one anymore!
...
Soon, cheers shook the hall as the Crane Spirit Sect Elders danced and waved their arms, as if they could already see the future where the Celestial Alliance's classics, secret realms, and resources were all in their hands.
Mo Qingxuan rose to his feet expressionlessly. Amidst the excited gazes of the crowd, he spoke slowly: "In that case, I announce—starting today, the Crane Spirit Sect joins the Celestial Alliance."
He paused, and before anyone could react, added: "At the same time, I am resigning from my position as Sect Leader of the Crane Spirit Sect."
The hall fell instantly silent.
"What?!"
Bai Ziyu shot to his feet, his face filled with disbelief. The other Elders also widened their eyes as if they had heard something absurd.
Mo Qingxuan paid them no mind, turning to look at Chen Xingcai as he spoke with sincere tone: "I wonder if there are any suitable positions for me within the Celestial Alliance?"
Chen Xingcai was slightly taken aback before letting out a light laugh: "The Celestial Alliance is newly established, and many positions are still needed." Her eyes twinkled with meaningful intent: "With Friend Mo's talents, there must be a suitable position for you."
"Old Bastard! Don't even think about it!"
A furious roar exploded as the Law Enforcement Elder slammed the table, his face flushed red: "You're abandoning the Crane Spirit Sect?!"
"That's right!" another Elder jumped up. "You want to run after being Sect Leader? Where do you get off thinking it's that easy!"
Mo Qingxuan calmly straightened his sleeves: "I have already resigned as Sect Leader. You can elect another worthy leader."
"No way!" Bai Ziyu gritted his teeth. "You're just trying to chase after Lady Xingcai, aren't you? An old bull eating tender grass, dream on!"
Seeing this, Chen Xingcai couldn't help but laugh.
Mo Qingxuan sighed again, then gave a slight nod to Chen Xingcai: "My Lady, you have traveled far. It would be proper for me to play the host, but the sect still has internal matters to handle. I won't see you out."
"Thank you for your courtesy, Sect Leader. I'll return to the Celestial Alliance to report."
Chen Xingcai turned to leave, her skirt fluttering like a white cloud drifting away.
Mo Qingxuan watched her leave, just about to follow when he felt a heavy weight on his shoulder—a large hand gripped him tightly.
"Old Bastard, where do you think you're going?!"
Bai Ziyu's voice exploded in his ear, and then Mo Qingxuan was dragged back into the hall with great force.
"Wait! I just—"
"Shut up!" the Law Enforcement Elder roared. "If we don't teach you a lesson today, what face will the Crane Spirit Sect have left?"
"Old Bastard, don't even look in a mirror. Forget about an old bull eating tender grass!"
The temple doors slammed shut, and immediately the sounds of fierce fighting erupted from within—the sound of shattering tables and chairs, the explosions of magical arts, and the angry roars of the Elders.
"Don't hit my face!"
"Who kicked me in the butt!"
"Old Bastard, take this!"
Standing outside the temple, Chen Xingcai listened to the chaotic commotion inside and couldn't help but cover her lips with a light laugh.
She shook her head, turned, and left, her skirt brushing against the stone steps, leaving behind a faint fragrance.
Inside the temple, Mo Qingxuan was surrounded by a group of red-eyed Elders, attacking him relentlessly. He was in a sorry state but never fought back.
As he dodged, he sighed helplessly: "I just wanted to find a minor position in the Celestial Alliance..."
"Bullshit!" Bai Ziyu roared. "You're only going after Lady Xingcai!"
Mo Qingxuan: "..."
A bunch of animals, he suddenly recalled how it was a group of greenhorn youths who had roamed the still-great Zhou Dynasty, causing trouble everywhere.
In the end, they had all come here and established this sect.
He looked at the familiar faces in the great hall and grinned: "Alright, alright, after all these years of cultivating myself and maintaining my composure, you've all forgotten that I was the strongest fighter among us, haven't you?"
"Stop talking, Old Bastard, come and fight!"
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