"Sect Leader, Martial Uncles, this disciple has followed orders to bring the two survivors from Grass Temple Village..."
Chang Jian and Li Qingan spoke in unison, bowing respectfully.
"Disciples Li Qingan and Du Bishu greet the Sect Leader and all Martial Uncles."
"Why are you two here?" Tian Buyi asked, looking at his disciples with a mix of confusion and suspicion.
"No matter," Sect Leader Daoxuan interjected smoothly. "Since Qingan is here, let him stay and listen."
"Fine, just stay quiet and listen," Tian Buyi muttered, though a smirk played on his lips. Which other disciple has the face to sit in on a meeting of all the Peak Lords? Oh, wait—he's mine. Never mind then.
The Squabble of the Giants
(Following the original plot: The tragedy of the village is discussed, and the focus shifts to the two orphans.)
Tian Buyi cleared his throat significantly. "Ahem. As everyone knows, my Big Bamboo Peak is short-staffed. How about letting me take one first this time?"
Shang Zhengliang, the head of Sun-Facing Peak, stood up immediately. "Inappropriate! Martial Brother Tian already has a disciple whose name shakes the entire Qingyun Sect. To take another now is simply greedy. It's better to let my Sun-Facing Peak take this child; I can see he has a deep destiny with me."
"Martial Brother Shang, your first point is correct, but the second is a bit much. Does everyone in Sun-Facing Peak have a 'destiny' with you?"
Taoist Tian Yun of Sunset Peak chimed in, even throwing a curveball: "How about this? Let Li Qingan transfer to my peak, and I'll let Martial Brother Tian take both of these children."
The other Peak Lords nodded thoughtfully, their eyes glinting. Compared to Lin Jingyu's high potential, Li Qingan—who had already researched a Spirit-Gathering Array—was a strategic treasure. That array alone would likely boost the strength of the next generation of Qingyun disciples by at least ten percent.
"If we're talking about research, he should come to my peak; we have the most esoteric scrolls..." "No, no, he belongs in a place with a calm atmosphere..."
The Jade Crystal Hall suddenly devolved into a noisy marketplace. The dignified leaders of the righteous path were bickering like street vendors, all trying to win the microscopic chance of poaching Li Qingan.
Li Qingan stood below, speechless. They're literally bartering me off right in front of my face.
Du Bishu was even more floored. He had read many scriptures and listened to countless storytellers, but he had never seen the "immortal" Peak Lords act so... human.
"Enough of this nonsense!" Tian Buyi barked, realizing the conversation was heading toward losing his prize pupil. "A disciple does not simply switch peaks. I won't hear another word about it!"
He didn't even mention Lin Jingyu anymore. He had finally gained some prestige because of Li Qingan; he wasn't about to drop the watermelon to pick up a sesame seed.
Finally, Cang Song of Dragon Head Peak spoke up, his voice cold and authoritative. "Lin Jingyu's talent is indeed exceptional. I will take him under my wing and ensure he becomes a genius who can stand side-by-side with Li Qingan for the glory of Qingyun."
The other Peak Lords froze. Dammit, why didn't I think of saying that? They realized they had wasted their breath arguing over the impossible (poaching Li Qingan) and lost the actual prize (Lin Jingyu).
"Martial Brother Cang Song is right. Lin Jingyu shall join Dragon Head Peak," Daoxuan declared, ending the chaos.
"Thank you, Sect Leader."
"Now," Daoxuan pointed at the still-sleeping, unremarkable Zhang Xiaofan. "Who wants this one?"
The room went silent. The Peak Lords closed their eyes or looked at the ceiling, suddenly very interested in the architecture of the hall.
The "Gift" to Big Bamboo Peak
Li Qingan saw the deadlock and realized that while the original plot dictated Xiaofan should go to Big Bamboo Peak, his own existence was a huge variable. He used his Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission to whisper directly into Tian Buyi's ear.
"Master, I think this Zhang Xiaofan is good material."
Tian Buyi jumped slightly. This kid has so many tricks... when did we get a transmission spell like this? No wonder the other peaks wanted him so badly.
However, Tian Buyi didn't bite. His peak was already full of "average" talents; he wanted to keep his winning streak going, not go back to the old ways.
Before Li Qingan could argue further, Daoxuan spoke up. "Martial Brother Tian, since you've taught Qingan so well, why don't you take this boy? He'll fit right in at Big Bamboo Peak."
"???"
Tian Buyi leaped to his feet. "I barely even taught Li Qingan! How does that make me a good teacher for this one?!"
"I agree!" Daoxuan laughed, ignoring the protest. "Maybe Martial Brother Tian can raise a 'second Li Qingan' from this boy."
"Yes, yes! Big Bamboo Peak is the perfect place!" Shang Zhengliang and the others chimed in instantly, terrified that if they didn't agree, the "unlucky" boy would end up at their peaks. Plus, it was a great way to annoy Tian Buyi, whose smugness lately had been grating on their nerves.
Seeing the matter was settled, Tian Buyi could only swallow his grievances.
Collecting the Toll
"Martial Brothers, the matter of the orphans is settled, but the investigation into the village must continue," Daoxuan said, his mood much improved. He then turned to Li Qingan. "By the way, Qingan, you came to see me yesterday. Is there something you need?"
"Sect Leader, I often seek inspiration for my arrays through ancient texts. I was hoping for permission to browse the library at Tongtian Peak."
This was the excuse Li Qingan had prepared. He needed access to more knowledge to refine his future weapon.
"Granted," Daoxuan said, tossing him a token. "You may enter the library freely. In fact, since you need varied inspiration, you should check the other peaks as well. Their collections differ from ours."
To Li Qingan's surprise, the first person to agree wasn't his master, but Cang Song.
"Dragon Head Peak agrees," Cang Song said decisively. "Sunset Peak agrees as well." "Sun-Facing and Wind-Circling Peak also agree."
"This disciple thanks the Sect Leader and all Martial Uncles," Li Qingan bowed, stunned that a task he thought would take months of negotiation was solved in seconds.
Zeng Shuchang of Wind-Circling Peak added warmly, "Don't be a stranger. Come visit my peak often. My son, Zeng Shushu, also loves books; I'll have him show you around."
Even Cang Song offered a rare (if backhanded) encouragement: "I hear you practice for a few days and rest for months. Remember, you are a role model for the youth. Don't be like your Master, who hasn't improved an inch in decades."
"Cang Song! What is that supposed to mean?!" Tian Buyi roared.
"Enough!" Daoxuan released a surge of his aura, instantly chilling the heated atmosphere.
Li Qingan watched in awe. So this is the power of a Sect Leader... suppressing two peak masters with just a thought.
"Let's go! Back to Big Bamboo Peak!" Tian Buyi huffed, glaring at Cang Song before storming out. "And bring your Eighth Junior Brother with you!"
Li Qingan and Du Bishu followed, with Du Bishu carrying the sleeping Zhang Xiaofan.