Qingxu Temple, Taiqing Hall.The usually solemn and dignified great hall now carried additional gravity. Temple Master True Immortal Xuan Xuan sat on the cushion at the head, his complexion still somewhat pale from recent severe injuries, but his gaze was clear and profound, commanding respect without being angry. Below, seated left and right, were the few remaining core elders of the sect, along with Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, Third Senior Sister Liu Yun, and other outstanding true disciples. Tang Xiaoqi's seat was specially arranged at the left-lower position beside the Temple Master, on par with several senior elders—its symbolic meaning required no explanation.
Sandersmoke curled through the hall, yet could not disperse the solemn atmosphere permeating the air. The sect had just endured a near-catastrophic calamity. Though ultimately preserved, and even rising in prestige due to Tang Xiaoqi's heroic efforts, the cost paid was equally grievous. Nearly half the elders had fallen, elite disciples reduced by thirty percent, the mountain-protecting formation's core damaged, treasury resources consumed in great quantities during the war.
Everything lay in ruins with countless matters to address. ". To summarize, the sect's current difficulties are mainly threefold." The elder responsible for miscellaneous affairs, Elder Ming Jing, spoke in a low voice, listing them one by one: "First, personnel losses are severe, especially thebloodlinelayer of middle-level strength, difficult to remedy in the short term. Second, resources are scarce.
Post-war reconstruction, compensating the wounded and dead, maintaining formation operations—all require massive spirit stones and materials. Though gifts from various sources are numerous, most are rare treasures, difficult to directly convert into reconstruction needs. Third, external pressure. Our Qingxu Temple's current prominence has attracted too much attention.
Those who praise us have their counterparts who are wary. Several neighboring sects with whom we have had friction have shown subtle recent movements—we must guard against them taking advantage of our weakness to strike." With each point, the elders' brows furrowed tighter. Reality's cruelty would not soften simply because of a glorious victory. In fact, the new situations brought by victory often accompanied more complex challenges.
"Additionally," the Law Enforcement Elder, True Immortal Xuan Gu, interjected, his expression cold and hard, his electric gaze sweeping across those present, pausing briefly on Tang Xiaoqi's face: "After this battle, laxity in our sect's rules and precepts has been exposed. Some disciples fled in battle, some had unsteady minds corrupted by demonic energy, and worst of all, some secretly colluded with external enemies! This trend cannot continue; strict rectification must be implemented as a warning!" His words carried an iron-bloodedsmella, causing several younger true disciples to unconsciously hold their breath. Temple Master True Immortal Xuan Xuan listened quietly.
When both elders finished and the hall fell into silence, he slowly spoke, his voice not loud yet clearly entering everyone's ears: "The calamity has passed, honors and shames are past. The current priority is how to make Qingxu Temple stand anew from these ruins, and moreover, stand more firmly, walk further." His gaze turned to Tang Xiaoqi, carrying undisguised appreciation and entrustment: "Xiao Qi, you have performed incomparable service for the sect, for all under heaven. The sect will not forget; the world will not forget. However, 'a tree taller than the forest draws the wind's fury.' Your reputation grows greater, and with it the expectations and pressure you bear.
The sect is the same." Tang Xiaoqi rose, bowing deeply: "Disciple understands. All shall be as the Temple Master and elders command." True Immortal Xuan Xuan nodded slightly, gesturing for him to sit, then his gaze swept across the entire assembly, his tone becoming extremely solemn: "After deliberation with the elders, in light of Tang Xiaoqi's achievements, strength, prestige, and loyalty to the sect, it is decided that from this day forward, Tang Xiaoqi shall be promoted to sect 'Protector Elder,' ranking first among all elders, participating in all core sect decisions." "Protector Elder!" The moment these words were spoken, aside from those already aware—Mu Qingfeng and a few core elders—everyone present was shocked. In Qingxu Temple's history, young elders were not unheard of, but one so young, with such a short time since joining the sect, ranking first among elders and participating in core decisions—this was unprecedented! This was no longer merely honor, but heavy power and responsibility!
Tang Xiaoqi himself was stunned. He had anticipated receiving more responsibilities, but had not expected such an important position. True Immortal Xuan Xuan continued: "Xiao Qi bears the Purification Origin, having natural restraint against demonic energy. In futurecope withdemontrouble, you are the central pillar.
Granting you this position hopes you can, as an elder, better integrate sect strength and respond to potentially returning threats. Meanwhile, your experiences outside have broadened your horizons and sharpened your thinking. Your opinions are crucial to the sect's future development." "Disciple. accepts the Temple Master's decree!" Tang Xiaoqi rose again, bowing deeply. This time, what he felt was no longer purely honor, but a weight nearly bowing his spine.
Protector Elder meant that from now on, Qingxu Temple's rise and fall would be closely tied to him. Every decision he made could affect the fates of thousands upon thousands of sect disciples. "Additionally," True Immortal Xuan Xuan's tone eased slightly yet remained serious, "nurturing new blood for the sect is fundamental to our legacy, of utmost importance. Currently, sect disciples, tempered by this blood and fire, include many with steadfast hearts, yet also some confused in mind, unstable in dao foundation.
Xiao Qi, your age is close to these disciples, making communication easier. Moreover, your cultivation path is unique, rising through adversity—your experience is irreplaceable treasure for young disciples." He paused, his gaze carrying earnest expectation: "Therefore, the sect has decided you shall concurrently serve as 'Deputy Hall Master of the Technique Transmission Hall,' primarily responsible for guiding inner and true disciples' cultivation, especially heart Tempering and actual combat response. You may hold regular dharma assemblies to speak on the law, and select those with potential for personal guidance. Ensure our Qingxu Temple's new generation of disciples can inherit the past and open the future!" Being responsible for training the new generation of disciples!
This appointment, seemingly less weighty than "Protector Elder," had even more far-reaching influence. Disciples were a sect's future. Grasping the responsibility for transmitting techniques and teaching essentially meant shaping the future appearance of Qingxu Temple. The Temple Master and elders' trust and expectations in entrusting him with thisheavyresponsibility were evident.
Tang Xiaoqi's mind instantly flashed back to his confusion at the Transmission Pavilion when he first joined Qingxu Temple, the gradual progress under his senior brothers and sisters' guidance, the life-and-death struggles in the secret realm. Now, the roles had reversed. He had become the one guiding direction. "Disciple shall certainly do his utmost, not disappointing the Temple Master and sect's entrustment!" His voice was steady, his gaze resolute.
Since responsibility had arrived, he could only step forward to bear it. True Immortal Xuan Xuan finally showed a satisfied smile: "Excellent! Specific matters, Qingfeng will hand over to you. Elder Ming Jing is responsible for coordinating resources; Elder Xuan Gu for rectifying sect rules. You all must cooperate sincerely and tide over difficulties together." The meeting continued for another half an hour, discussing reconstruction plans, resource distribution, diplomatic strategies, and other specific matters in detail.
As the newly appointed Protector Elder, Tang Xiaoqi mostly listened, but occasionally proposed practical and insightful suggestions—such as using purification power to help disciplesfeltremovedemonic energyremaining and strengthening exchanges with other sects' young disciples—which earned quiet approval from several elders. After the meeting adjourned, people left one after another. Mu Qingfeng walked to Tang Xiaoqi's side, patting his shoulder, smiling: "Elder Xiao Qi, please guide me muchly from now on." Tang Xiaoqi shook his head helplessly: "Senior Brother, don't tease me. This burden. is truly not light." Mu Qingfeng's smile faded, speaking seriously: "I'm not teasing.
Xiao Qi, this is what you deserve, and what the sect must give you. Only by placing strength and responsibility in the right person's hands can Qingxu Temple truly rise reborn from the ashes. I believe you can do it well." Third Senior Sister Liu Yun also approached. She still wore sharp combat attire, her eyes clear and bright: "In the Technique Transmission Hall, there are a few difficult cases—good cultivation but proud and willful.
After the sect's upheaval, they've become even more extreme. When you go, it'll be perfect to grind down their dispositions." Her words were concise, yet conveyed trust in Tang Xiaoqi's abilities. Tang Xiaoqi nodded: "I understand, Senior Sister." Leaving Taiqing Hall, Tang Xiaoqi did not immediately return to his cave dwelling. Instead, he walked by instinct to the back mountain.
Here was where his cultivation began, where his master had dissipated. He stood at the cliff's edge, overlooking the gradually recovering buildings and pavilions below through the swirling clouds. Protector Elder, Deputy Hall Master of the Technique Transmission Hall. Participating in decisions, nurturing new disciples.
These two identities were like two invisible shackles and also two ever-flowing rivers, binding him more deeply to Qingxu Temple. From now on, he could no longer merely be a cultivator pursuing personal power. What he needed to consider was the entire sect's interests, the future of countless disciples. He remembered his master's former teachings, his father Xu Zhan's final instructions, and the fellow disciples who perished in the demonic calamity.
Their sacrifices had purchased the sect's survival, the opportunity for him to stand here bearing responsibility. "New responsibilities, is it." he murmured to himself, a wisp of pure purification power swirling around his fingertips, carrying the rhythm of endless renewal: "Then I'll bear them." He turned. His gaze no longer confused, his steps firm as he walked toward the Technique Transmission Hall. There, a group of young disciples who had experienced trauma, yearned for power, and urgently needed guidance, awaited him.
What belonged to Tang Xiaoqi was not merely the legend of freely manipulating situations and slaying demons and evil, but also this heavy responsibility rooted in the sect, carrying inheritance and hope. His cultivation path had turned to a completely new chapter.