C18 The Void Returning Sect Disbanded

"Everyone, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

With a symbolic gesture of cupped hands, Ye Chen flicked his whip, and his steed let out a spirited neigh. Hu Shaolin naturally didn't dare to say more, recognizing that the power of the immortal before him far exceeded his expectations. He stepped aside, allowing Ye Chen to pass.

After traveling for the better part of the day, they finally reached the Void Returning Sect. Ye Chen inquired, "How many disciples have you managed to recruit from the Void Returning Sect?"

"We started our efforts a bit late, and have only five people so far. But with you on board, we're sure to outmatch them," Hu Zhan responded.

"Don't rush me. I haven't agreed to join you yet."

"Haha, the decision rests with you, immortal. Please, after you!" Hu Zhan's smile belied his true feelings; he didn't hold Ye Chen in high regard. Once inside the Soaring Flying Sect, it wouldn't be this youngster calling the shots.

Upon entering the sect's gates, Ye Chen noticed signs of combat all around. Curiously, he asked, "Has someone actually attacked your Soaring Flying Sect?"

"Oh, you mean these marks?" Hu Zhan pointed to the evidence of skirmishes and elaborated, "Ever since our old sect master perished on Dian Cang Mountain, our Soaring Flying Sect has been split into two factions, unable to elect a true leader. There was even a fierce clash not long ago, which is why we've struggled to attract someone of your caliber."

Hearing this, Ye Chen grew concerned for Zhao Qinger's predicament. As a woman in such a tumultuous environment, how could she possibly hold sway over the seasoned ruffians of the martial world?

"Internal strife, you say? Go on, what's the full story?"

"In the aftermath of the upheaval a decade ago, the seven major sects were devastated. To satisfy the extortionate demands of the old Void Returning thief, the other sects were driven to desperate measures, claiming territory, slaughtering for profit, and resorting to all manner of underhanded deeds. The Flying Tiger Gang was the first to adopt such tactics, significantly expanding their power and land."

"However, our Soaring Flying Sect has been mired in constant infighting. Those loyal to the old sect master's lineage refuse to emulate the Flying Tiger Gang's methods. They spout platitudes like 'the true path of humanity endures through hardship,' all while our sect's standing has plummeted to third place, weakening by the day."

"Even though the Second Elder and his allies have been challenging the old patriarch's lineage, after nearly a decade, the struggle remains unresolved."

Hu Zhan was clearly dissatisfied with the Soaring Flying Sect's adherence to traditional practices, expressing his disapproval at length and showing considerable resistance to the methods of the old patriarch's faction.

"Thankfully, our internal strife is nearing its conclusion. The two factions have agreed to a duel tomorrow. It will be an open martial arts contest, and whoever proves to be the strongest will become the sect master, leaving no room for further dispute."

This piqued Shu Han's interest, prompting him to inquire, "Currently, who is the most skilled martial artist within the Soaring Flying Sect?"

"That's difficult to say. From the Great Elder's camp, Huang Xingchu is the most adept at the Ling Flying Sword Technique. His talent is exceptional, having mastered the technique to the level of Great Perfection, and he commands immense respect among the younger disciples."

"On the side of the Second Elder, there's Bai Zichen. His swordsmanship may not match Huang Xingchu's, but his tenacity and ruthlessness are unmatched. In a dire confrontation, the brave prevail. It's tough to predict who would come out on top between the two."

Ye Chen then asked, "So, does that mean the new Sect Master will emerge from these two contenders?"

"Not necessarily. While both are formidable, the true master of the Soaring Flying Sword Technique, having reached its pinnacle, is none other than Miss Zhao Qinger. The essence of this technique has always been controlled by the old Sect Master's lineage."

"Then why can't Zhao Qinger assume the role of Sect Master?" Ye Chen was puzzled. If the contest is to determine the strongest in martial arts and Zhao Qinger is the most skilled, wouldn't she be the ideal choice for Sect Master?

"Immortal, you're unaware of our Soaring Flying Sect's traditions. Historically, the title of Sect Master has been passed down to men, not women. Moreover, since the Soaring Flying Sect was established by the Mu Family, the victor of the duel will have the right to marry Miss Zhao Qinger, thus legitimizing his claim."

Upon hearing this, Ye Chen was taken aback. His concerns had been realized. "That hardly seems fair to Zhao Qinger. Why should she have no say in her own marriage?"

It was no longer her decision to make. For years, Zhao Qinger had been at the forefront, leading her father's followers in their resistance against the Great Elder and the Second Elder. Their defiance had contributed to the gradual decline of the Soaring Flying Sect. This, too, was her punishment. Hmph.

Hu Zhan's stance clearly echoed the sentiments of many disciples within the Soaring Flying Sect.

With the situation as it was, Ye Chen knew he had to visit his old friend first. "May I see Zhao Qinger before anything else?" he asked.

Upon hearing Ye Chen's request, Hu Zhan's face twisted into an odd expression. After a brief pause, he responded, "Senior, you've probably heard tales of Zhao Qinger's beauty, but that was years ago. She's no longer the young maiden she once was."

"If it's beauty you seek, Senior, just give the word. The Soaring Flying Sect can certainly make the necessary arrangements."

Ye Chen's face darkened at Hu Zhan's salacious grin, but he held his tongue. Turning to Hsu Qi, he instructed, "Go check on the Void Returning Sect's disciples. Tell them Ye Chen has arrived, and leave it at that."

He was offering these people a chance. If they were wise, they would take the hint and leave upon hearing of Ye Chen's presence. If they remained stubborn, they couldn't blame him for taking harsh measures. They had all agreed to disband, but now they were reneging on their word. Indeed, promises in the Cultivation Realm were as flimsy as paper.

"Oh, and Senior, for safety's sake, the elders have confined Zhao Qinger in a separate courtyard. Be cautious; she has been quite volatile lately."

"Understood."

With a nonchalant acknowledgment, Ye Chen employed the Wind Riding Technique and swiftly made his way to Zhao Qinger's courtyard. Surveying the area, he appreciated the decent scenery—a rockery stood at the center, encircled by a stream, with tall bamboo groves nearby.

There, by the pond, was a young girl, around four or five years old, rolling up her sleeves and playing in the water. Ye Chen watched her for a moment, noting a resemblance to Zhao Qinger.

After pondering for a moment, Ye Chen realized that a meeting with Zhao Qinger was inevitable. It made sense to get a lay of the land regarding the Soaring Flying Sect from her first. With that in mind, he descended in front of the young girl.

"Big brother, are you an Immortal Elder?" The little girl wasn't shy around new people and could sense that Ye Chen bore no ill will towards her. She grabbed his hand and held on tightly.

"Hehe, yes, I am. Is there something you wish for? I can make it happen," Ye Chen replied with a warm smile.

The little girl balled up her tiny fist, her chubby pink palm squeezing tightly. "Immortal Elder, can you help my aunt drive those people away? They keep coming to bully both her and me..."

"Of course."

Just as Ye Chen was about to respond further, he was jolted by a sudden premonition. The sound of something slicing through the air was heard, and a long sword narrowly missed his head, plunging into the pond before him.