Chapter 745: Guest Elder Grand Elder
Shuiyu Valley was rebuilt in just over half a year, naturally located ten li south of HongHua Sect. The two sects were separated by a mountain, and a loud snore from one could be heard by the other. Wen Yunmei bid farewell to the high-level figures of HongHua Sect and ordered the elders to lead their disciples away, but the result was both amusing and frustrating. One-third of the disciples chose to stay at HongHua Sect, some for love, some for loyalty, some because they were used to it and didn’t want to leave, and some simply because they didn’t want to bother.
Wen Yunmei didn’t force them, as it was their freedom. Moreover, she owed HongHua Sect so many favors that she couldn’t be too demanding. Of course, the most important reason was that Shuiyu Valley would need Qi Huang’s protection in the future.
Thus, the high-level figures of Shuiyu Valley, along with over seven hundred female disciples, departed. They had resided at HongHua Sect for three years and lost over four hundred disciples, making the rent for their stay incredibly extravagant.
“Alas! After living at HongHua Sect for a few years, I lost half my disciples. If I had known, I wouldn’t have come,” a white-haired elder complained.
“Not come? Then where else could you go? Back then, we had no money and no housing. Would you rather wander the streets or become savages in the mountains?” Elder Zhao retorted.
“But the rent I paid really hurt my heart. You know how difficult it is to find a disciple in this world,” the white-haired elder said with a pained expression.
“Elder Yang, don’t be discouraged! While the rent we paid was indeed a bit steep, if we can gain HongHua Sect’s protection because of it, it’s definitely a sure-fire deal,” Wen Yunmei said with a light smile, trying to appease him.
“But this kind of thing isn’t something you can just wish for. If they understand reciprocity, they might protect us. If not, then our over four hundred disciples were given away for nothing,” Elder Yang shook his head helplessly.
“It’s fine. Even if HongHua Sect doesn’t protect us, Qi Huang’s protection is enough. She has already agreed to be a guest elder at Shuiyu Valley,” Mu Ruoyi, who was nearby, interjected.
“Really? That’s great! As the saying goes, you can’t catch a wolf without sacrificing your child!”
“Yes, Qi Huang’s strength is unfathomable. With her protection, Shuiyu Valley can rest easy from now on.”
“Not only that, but she is also a celebrity in the current Xihui Dynasty. Having her as a guest elder will also bring glory to Shuiyu Valley. Recruiting disciples will surely be as easy as eating and drinking, and restoring our former glory is within reach.”
The gloom on the faces of the high-level figures vanished, and they began to cheer and exclaim.
“Indeed. However, I want to correct you on one point. She agreed long ago, and at that time, she didn’t know we would have so many disciples willing to stay,” Mu Ruoyi quickly interjected to explain for Qi Huang.
The elders, however, paid no attention and continued to fantasize about the future.
“Valley Master, is just giving her the title of guest elder enough? This probably won’t keep her heart!” Elder Zhao asked Wen Yunmei with some concern.
“Yes, our Valley already has several elders. What if she doesn’t take the honorary position of guest elder seriously?” Elder Yang furrowed his brow again.
“Then what do you want her to be? Shall I give her my position as Valley Master?” Wen Yunmei asked with a half-smile.
“Mother, even if you want to give it to someone, it doesn’t mean they’ll take it! I heard from the disciples of HongHua Sect that Sister Hong Ling hasn’t taken over the position of Sect Leader because she wants to exclusively pursue the path of immortality and doesn’t want to be tied down by the secular world,” Mu Ruoyi reminded her.
“You unconscionable stinky girl, is this how you mock your own mother?” Wen Yunmei glared at her daughter fiercely.
“How about we invite her to Shuiyu Valley as a guest elder grand elder?”
“Can Grand Elders also be guests? She’s not even from Shuiyu Valley.”
“You idiot. This woman is incredibly powerful. As long as we can recruit her, let alone not being from Shuiyu Valley, it wouldn’t matter even if she wasn’t human.”
“That makes sense, that makes sense. Then it’s settled.”
After a brief discussion, the high-level figures suggested that Wen Yunmei invite Cheng Hong Ling or Qi Huang to be guest elder grand elders of Shuiyu Valley.
“Mother, I think the elders’ suggestion is quite good. If we give her enough enticements, we might be able to lure her away from HongHua Sect,” Mu Ruoyi chimed in repeatedly.
“You guys have it all figured out, but she’s not stupid. Although the position of Grand Elder is an honorary one, it still isn’t an ordinary elder. The higher the position, the greater the responsibility. Even a fool knows this. I can propose it, but I can’t guarantee she’ll agree,” Wen Yunmei said with a smile.
“How about this? I’ll talk to her privately. Being a guest elder or a guest elder grand elder is the same, and her status will be greatly elevated. I think, given her personality, she won’t refuse,” Mu Ruoyi volunteered.
“That would be best. As long as we can invite her, even if you have to use a bit of your charm as a Grand Elder, it’s fine,” Wen Yunmei said jokingly.
“Mother! Can we not joke about this? If I could use my charm, I would have done so long ago. I wouldn’t need to discuss it,” Mu Ruoyi said, blushing.
“Alas, if she were a man, she would have already fallen for your charms. But if she were a man, she couldn’t enter Shuiyu Valley. That’s how contradictory things are in this world,” Wen Yunmei couldn’t help but sigh.
Meanwhile, the high-level figures of HongHua Sect felt rather embarrassed after learning about Shuiyu Valley’s “heavy losses.” Thus, they sent their Sect Leader, Qin Quan, as a representative to offer apologies.
Wen Yunmei also took the opportunity to make her request, wanting Qi Huang to become a guest elder grand elder at Shuiyu Valley.
“No, dear sister, can Grand Elders also be guests? She’s not from Shuiyu Valley,” Qin Quan immediately raised an objection. Her behavior was too much like poaching, and he had to be on guard.
“So, Sect Leader Qin’s meaning is that you want her to officially become someone from Shuiyu Valley?” Wen Yunmei probed.
“I never said that!” Qin Quan denied frantically. He couldn’t afford to offend that “fierce and evil” brat, Qi Huang.
“Then that settles it. If you don’t want to let her go, then she can only be a guest elder grand elder of Shuiyu Valley. This doesn’t violate HongHua Sect’s rules, does it?” Wen Yunmei asked deliberately.
“No, no, but if you want her to be a guest elder grand elder of Shuiyu Valley, shouldn’t you seek her personal opinion?” Qin Quan quickly explained.
“So, I’m just seeking Sect Leader Qin’s personal opinion right now. I will naturally send someone to discuss it with her,” Wen Yunmei explained calmly.
“Dear sister, you think too highly of me. In front of that little devil, I have no right to speak,” Qin Quan thought to himself. However, he said righteously, “As long as she agrees, I certainly have no objections. This Sect Leader has always strictly adhered to the sect’s rules and will never be motivated by personal gain.”
“That’s good,” Wen Yunmei replied with a noncommittal smile.
Meanwhile, Mu Ruoyi had already found Qi Huang and explained her purpose.
“No way, sister, can Grand Elders also be guests?” Qi Huang found it somewhat ironic. Shuiyu Valley was resorting to all sorts of means to win her over. Of course, she didn’t look down on them too much; rather, she felt some sympathy. A former prefecture-level sect had now fallen to such a state.
“As long as you agree, then you can be a guest,” Mu Ruoyi said extremely firmly.
Qi Huang began to ponder. She wasn’t a fool. Although it was just two added words, “Grand Elder,” the responsibilities were different. If it were just an ordinary guest elder, she could completely ignore it. But Grand Elder was different. This position generally carried the heavy responsibility of protecting the sect and deterring enemies in the cultivation world. She couldn’t disappear for long periods.
“Sister Qi Huang, please agree. Being a guest elder is being a guest elder, and being a guest elder grand elder is also being a guest elder. The position has been greatly elevated. From now on, you will be the highest-ranking person in Shuiyu Valley, even higher than my mother. Moreover, we will offer you substantial compensation!” Mu Ruoyi said. When she said “compensation,” she forcefully pushed her two magnificent, springy chest mounds towards Qi Huang, as if she were a chef.
Qi Huang “seriously” thought for a moment, then “reluctantly” agreed. After all, Shuiyu Valley suffered misfortune because of her and her main body. Moreover, they had lost so many female disciples now, so she indeed had to do something to compensate. This had absolutely nothing to do with the two bouncy springy chest mounds in front of her, she swore.
Cheng Hong Ling witnessed the ambiguous actions of the two. If it were in the past, she would have definitely intervened immediately. However, today she hesitated. If they were “seducing” her clone like this, it would prevent assimilation, which indirectly helped her.
At this moment, at the Immortal Alliance Main Altar, Lu Lin was convening a meeting with several high-level figures of the Immortal Alliance.
“Elder Yao, how is the investigation into the Heaven Mending Crystal going?” Lu Lin asked Elder Yao.
“Reporting to the Alliance Leader, after the princess with the severed hand returned to the Imperial Palace, her arm did indeed grow back inch by inch. It is now basically as good as new. Although she is hiding it well, it cannot escape the eyes and ears of the Immortal Alliance,” Elder Yao reported. He continued, “It’s just that their father and daughter’s secret conversation revealed that the Heaven Mending Crystal indeed only has a thumb-sized piece left, and it was given to the person who saved them.”
“Heh heh, this is biting the hand that feeds you and shifting the blame! Is this information deliberately leaked to you?” Lu Lin couldn’t help but question.
“Absolutely not. All our spies are wearing special uniforms of the Nine Nether Demonic Cat,” Elder Yao said confidently.
“Then it’s self-preservation!” Lu Lin smiled disdainfully and then pressed on, “Did they reveal the identity of that rebel?”
