https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-264-Becoming-a-Billionaire-Once-in-a-Millennium-Group-Task-Shaking-the-Crowd-Part-2-/12964655/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-265-Bright-Moon-Sect-s-Heir-Lu-Ming-The-Battle-Begins-Part-2-/12964663/
Chapter 265: Bright Moon Sect's Heir - Lu Ming! The Battle Begins! (Part 1)
Chapter 265: Bright Moon Sect's Heir - Lu Ming! The Battle Begins! (Part 1)
It was no surprise that Lin Fan chose to help himself.
But choosing Gou Sheng...
Hey.
This showed that Su Yan was also a wise person.
Even though Gou Sheng was hiding like a master, Lin Fan had seen through him.
However, this also indirectly indicated that this once-in-a-millennium group task might indeed carry some risks.
Lin Fan spoke with deep meaning, "I can accompany you, but I can't guarantee that Second Senior Brother will agree."
"Please, Master, say a few words on my behalf."
Su Yan scratched his head, "Second Senior Brother should only listen to you, Master."
"Hey."
"You're a smart one."
Lin Fan felt like laughing, "But these words are somewhat incorrect. He doesn't only listen to me; it's just that I get along better with him. In any case, I'll try my best."
"Thank you, Master."
Su Yan quickly expressed his gratitude.
But in his heart, he was thinking that if Second Senior Brother didn't go, he would find a way to invite him...
......
"A once-in-a-millennium group task?"
Fan Jianqiang widened his eyes, "Can I not go?"
"You can, it's not mandatory."
Lin Fan nodded and then sighed, "But Jianqiang, I only have you as my direct disciples, and your junior brother, well, there are only a few of them."
"Su Yan started late, and his foundation is still lacking."
"If we don't help him, who will? Right?"
"If you don't go, he probably won't blame you either."
"Never mind, I know you don't like trouble."
"I'll do my best, but if something unexpected happens to him, it can only be said that it's fate."
Lin Fan shook his head and turned to leave the Scripture Pavilion with a sigh.
Seeing this, Fan Jianqiang's face turned painful.
"I'll go, I'll go, is that not okay?"
Gou Sheng, so greedy and so stable! He seemed to be afraid of death, but in reality, he was a man of integrity and loyalty.
He was afraid of death, but that didn't mean he wouldn't take action.
Especially when it involved someone he cared about...
However, no matter what happened, he would always be cautious and make a little preparation in advance.
Hmm, just a little.
At the same time, Gou Sheng had another characteristic—rational.
Almost abnormally rational.
"Do you have any specific intelligence?"
"For example, where are we going, and who are our opponents...?"
"I don't have any information in that regard. We can only take it one step at a time."
"What?!"
Fan Jianqiang was stunned, "Rounding up... no, there's no need for rounding up. Isn't this a death sentence? It's over, it's over, my life is over..."
This guy paced back and forth, muttering to himself.
Lin Fan didn't bother to argue with him, "Remember to come later, we'll go together."
"Let's go."
Lin Fan waved his hand and flew away on his cloud.
Only Gou Sheng was left in the Scripture Pavilion, feeling disoriented, constantly thinking of ways to break through this 'death sentence.'
"Sigh."
"The protagonist template is indeed a troublesome existence."
He muttered to himself.
......
Bright Moon Sect.
Ji Haoyue, Lu Ming, and the others returned.
When the news was announced, the entire sect rejoiced and celebrated the 'harvest'! Then, Ji Haoyue burst into laughter, "Elder Lu has repeatedly made outstanding contributions, and he deserves a grand reward!"
"As the Sect Master, I've decided to elevate Elder Lu's treatment and status to the level of 'Supreme Elder', equal to that of us elders."
"His treatment will also be increased accordingly..."
"Additionally, he will be listed as the next Sect Master candidate. Do any of you have any objections?!"
Everyone: "???"
Lu Ming: "Σ(⊙▽⊙)a?!"
"Absolutely not!"
The Second Elder suddenly jumped out, "Sect Master, this is against the rules!"
"Why is it against the rules?" Ji Haoyue was displeased.
"How can an outsider become the Sect Master?"
Lu Ming: "..."
"Wait a moment."
Lu Ming raised his hand and gave a bitter smile, "What Sect Master position? I have no interest in it at all."
"Let me say something shameless, if I wanted to be the Sect Master or had any ambitions, with my abilities, I could easily establish my own sect and gather a large number of experts to serve me. Why would I need to come to your Bright Moon Sect and be a mere elder?"
"The reason I came here was because I heard that the Bright Moon Sect highly valued me. After learning of this, I chose to reciprocate."
"In these past few years, although I haven't achieved much in the Bright Moon Sect, I've always been diligent and dedicated, offering strategies and advice. Sitting in this position as a Guest Scholar Elder, I've still contributed my fair share."
"I thought that I had already become an inseparable part of the Bright Moon Sect, a whole."
"But I never expected that in your eyes, I'm still an outsider."
"Hahaha!"
"Fine."
"Fine."
Lu Ming gave another bitter laugh, "Since I'm an outsider, then let's part ways here."
"Although I've never coveted the position of Sect Master, I also don't want to be an outsider who makes others feel uncomfortable and is always on guard."
"If we meet again in the future, whether as enemies or not... it's hard to say."
"Farewell!"
Lu Ming spoke rapidly, not even giving others a chance to interrupt.
As soon as he finished speaking, he turned and left in a daze.
"What?!"
Everyone was stunned.
Damn!
Elder Lu Ming is leaving?!
"Old Two, what nonsense are you spouting?"
The First Elder slammed the table and stood up.
Sect Master Ji Haoyue, along with the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Elders... a large group of elders rushed out, immediately surrounding Lu Ming, their faces filled with embarrassment and appeasement, "Calm down!"
"Elder Lu, please calm down."
"We never meant it that way!"
"Old Two's brain must've been jammed in a door or kicked by a donkey..."
"Where's his mouth? That's clearly a rash! He's not talking, he's farting!!!"
"We never treated you as an outsider!"
"Don't be impulsive..."
"Please stay."
"We will definitely give you an explanation!!!"
They held onto Lu Ming, not letting him leave.
Ji Hao Yue was even more furious at the Second Elder, "Second Elder, I think you're truly senile now. Hurry up and come over to apologize to Elder Lu!"
"Elder Lu is so loyal and dedicated. He refines pills for our sect, fights for our sect, and strategizes for our sect. This time, he has repeatedly made outstanding contributions. How could he be an outsider?"
"How dare you talk nonsense like this? It's outrageous!"
"If you don't apologize to Elder Lu, today, I, as the Sect Master, will severely punish you!"
"Yes!" The First Elder glared angrily, "You must apologize!"
"Has your conscience been eaten by a dog?"
"How much has Elder Lu contributed to our sect?"
"He was even almost killed by Tang Wu's sneak attack!"
"And how many times has he strategized for us?"
"How dare you say such things? You deserve to die!"
At the same time, the First Elder muttered to himself, "Damn, if Lu Ming leaves, who the hell will refine pills for us in the future?"
"This is outrageous!"
The crowd was agitated.
The Second Elder was stunned, his mouth twitching uncontrollably. For a moment, he just wanted to curse.
Damn!
What the hell did I do?
I just spoke the truth, didn't I?
Lu Ming is just a guest elder, and a guest elder is not an outsider, but is he an 'insider'? Who has ever heard of a guest elder becoming the master of a sect?
There's no such precedent!
Moreover, it's not just a matter of precedent, but also a question of whether it's possible.
A guest elder, in plain terms, is just an assistant invited to help. How can you let an assistant become the sect master? This is ridiculous!
Even as a candidate for sect master, it's unacceptable!
Facing the crowd's hungry gazes, the Second Elder forced himself to speak, "I... I'm not doubting Elder Lu, but the position of sect master has always been chosen from among the holy son and holy daughter, who are our direct disciples."
"Elder Lu is one of us, but he's not a disciple of our sect."
"There's no such precedent."
Although he insisted on the principle, he wasn't a fool.
Knowing that he had angered everyone, he quickly changed his argument.
"Precedent?"
"From now on, there is!"
Ji Hao Yue snorted, "The holy son and holy daughter?"
"The holy son is already dead! The new holy son hasn't been chosen yet, and the holy daughter is not yet capable of taking on the responsibility. Moreover, in this golden age, no one can predict the future. Our sect must prepare in advance."
"In my opinion, the position of sect master should go to the most capable person!"
"Elder Lu is young but exceptionally talented. His talent for pill refinement is unparalleled in history. His wisdom is evident to all of us, and he has repeatedly made outstanding contributions!"
"Whether it was uncovering the Shi Clan's conspiracy or establishing a connection with the White-Black Academy, it was all thanks to Elder Lu..."
"With such capabilities, if he can't even be a candidate for sect master, who else can take on this position?"
"In terms of age, talent, cultivation, achievements, wisdom, contributions, methods, and abilities..."
"Who is more suitable than Elder Lu?"
"Moreover, what's wrong with a guest elder?"
Ji Hao Yue sighed in pain, "Second Elder, you've truly broken my heart. You haven't genuinely considered Elder Lu as one of us. I..."
"Even if I were Elder Lu, I would be disappointed in the Bright Moon Sect. You really..."
"Apologize quickly, and then go meditate on the cliff of reflection until Elder Lu forgives you. You're not allowed to come down until then!"
The First Elder followed up, "The Sect Master's words are absolutely right!"
He clasped his hands and bowed to Lu Ming, then said, "As the saying goes, 'Eat the lord's food, share the lord's worries.' Elder Lu, although a guest elder, has dedicated himself to our sect and will serve until death."
"With such noble character and strength far surpassing our younger disciples, how can he not be a suitable candidate for the position of sect master?"
"Indeed!"
The other elders also voiced their agreement.
"Elder Lu deserves this position!"
"Who else but Elder Lu?"
"In this golden age, we face countless crises and risks. We must prepare in advance."
"In the past, during peaceful times, we didn't need to be radical. We could take things slowly, and even if the next generation wasn't outstanding, we didn't need to worry. Our foundation could make up for any shortcomings. But in this golden age, how can we remain mediocre?"
"In times of chaos, we must use heavy-handed measures. The Sect Master is right, and Elder Lu is even more so!"
"Second Elder, you've gone too far!"
"..."
The crowd erupted in anger.
The Second Elder's mouth opened and closed, wanting to explain countless times, but each time, his words were cut off before he could speak, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.
"You... all of you..."
"Me... what?"
"But..."
For a moment, the Second Elder was dumbfounded!
He almost doubted his own life choices.
At the same time, he couldn't help but think, "Could it be that I'm truly wrong? Why else would everyone blame me?"
"Forget it."
Lu Ming sighed at this moment.
"The Second Elder is also devoted to the sect, and it's just that he can't accept it for now."
"Moreover, I don't care about being a candidate for sect master, and I'm not interested in power. The Sect Master should focus on cultivating the next holy son."
"Let's drop this matter, I..."
"Elder Lu, please don't do this!"
Ji Hao Yue waved his hand, "From today onwards, you are one of the candidates for the position of sect master!"
"No one can change this."
"As for the Second Elder..."
Boom!
Ji Hao Yue trembled, and a terrifying aura instantly enveloped the Second Elder. His gaze was as cold as ancient ice as he spoke with emphasis on each word, "Apologize, right now!"
It seemed like he was ready to take immediate action to clean up the sect.
Everyone was shocked.
But then...
No one spoke, they all stared at the Second Elder.
"Pfft!"
The Second Elder's anger overwhelmed his heart, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. His aged body shook several times before he finally managed to say, "Fine, I apologize."
"Elder Lu, I'm sorry. My thoughts are old-fashioned, and my words were inappropriate. Please treat it as a fart and don't take it to heart."
"Go on, then!" Ji Hao Yue finally spoke up. "Go to the Cliff of Reflection. When Elder Lu forgives you, that's when you can come down."
"Yes..."
The Second Elder suddenly felt a sense of desolation and questioned his life choices.
Perhaps... he might have been truly wrong? He sighed silently, his back slowly hunching, preparing to head to the Cliff of Reflection.
"Wait."
At this moment, Lu Ming couldn't bear it and said, "There's no need for this. The Second Elder has dedicated his life to the sect, and treating him like this will only chill his heart."
"Moreover, I also believe the Second Elder has the sect's best interests at heart. Just now, he was only being straightforward and spoke without thinking. Once the misunderstanding is cleared up, there won't be any issues."
"If the Second Elder goes to the Cliff of Reflection again, wouldn't it make me seem petty and unfeeling?"
"The Second Elder..."
Lu Ming took a few steps forward and tightly grasped the Second Elder's hand. "Being doubted and not being understood is truly difficult."
"Seeing that you coughed up blood just now, it seems like you're overwhelmed with anger. I have a Return Spring Pill here; take it..."
The Second Elder suddenly raised his head, looking at the Return Spring Pill in his hand and then at Lu Ming. For a moment, his eyes reddened.
Family members, all the old brothers and sisters, were speaking ill of him.
The Sect Master even threatened to take action against him at the slightest disagreement.
Everyone seemed to be avoiding him like a venomous snake...
In the end, the person who gave him warmth and trust was the one he had doubted and wronged. For a moment, the Second Elder's emotions were incredibly complex.
Taking the Return Spring Pill, he took a deep breath and said, "Please forgive me, Elder Lu."
"This old man..."
"This old man is feeling unwell."
He cupped his hands and left.
His emotions were incredibly complex.
He even began to doubt himself.
No, he was indeed wrong.
Otherwise, why would everyone be against him? It couldn't be that the entire world was wrong, could it? "Sigh..."
......
"Forgive me, everyone." Lu Ming sighed. "I didn't mean to do this, but the feeling of being misunderstood is truly..."
"Why do you say that, Elder Lu?"
Ji Hao Yue's face turned cold. "The Second Elder has repeatedly targeted you, and we've all witnessed it."
"This is all his doing!"
"Moreover, I've wanted to bring about change for a long time."
"In this Golden Era, capable individuals should rise. As for the position of Sect Master candidate, Elder Lu, you should have a say in it!"
"No, no, no!"
Lu Ming quickly waved his hands. "Absolutely not!"
"I have no interest in power."
"Besides, the Second Elder didn't say anything wrong. I'm just a guest advisor, and a guest advisor..."
"As expected, it's related to the Second Elder? This is truly unreasonable! But Elder Lu, rest assured, from now on, he won't dare to disagree with you!"
"But..."
"No buts! This matter is decided." Ji Hao Yue's attitude was firm.
Lu Ming still refused.
Ji Hao Yue's eyebrows furrowed. "I am the Sect Master!"
"This matter, I can still decide."
"It's decided! I'll announce it to the entire sect soon."
"Additionally, the matter of refining the Ethereal Realm token should also be put on the agenda. Elders, let's discuss this immediately!"
"..."
......
The Spirit Sword Sect and Beast Control Sect were not idle either.
Even the Great Harmony Palace and Five Elements Gate were the same.
Therefore...
Strictly speaking, it was the joint effort of the five top-tier and powerful first-rate sects, while the Moon Embrace Sect and Lin Fan took a backseat.
"Someone is in charge of the materials."
"Array formation, refining, and security also have people assigned."
"In a short time, there's nothing for me to do, heh."
"But speaking of which, the candidate for the Sect Master of the Bright Moon Sect..."
He couldn't help but think of the classic line.
Three years and then another three years, and three years later...
I'll be a pillar of strength, but when will the net be cast?
"But speaking of which, how should the net be cast?"
Lin Fan scratched his head.
According to his previous thoughts, when his strength was insufficient, it was natural to focus on defense and self-preservation.
But once his strength was sufficient, he would directly eliminate the threat to prevent future troubles.
However, it seemed like he could think a little more and consider whether there was a third option.
"But there's no need to rush this matter."
"Instead, it's time for the once-in-a-millennium group task..."
"It's today!"
"..."
Half an hour later.
A purple sun rose from the east, bringing purple qi and revitalizing all things. The disciples faced the morning sun, absorbing its essence to cultivate.
Su Yan rushed to the Moon Holding Palace.
"Master."
He bowed and then stretched his neck to look around.
"Rest assured."
Lin Fan couldn't help but smile. "Your second senior brother agreed."
"The countdown has begun."
Knowing that Fan Jianqiang was willing to go together, Su Yan breathed a sigh of relief. "There are fifty-six minutes left."
"The group members have prepared, but not many have called for help."
"Oh?"
Lin Fan nodded. "It's understandable. The weak ones don't need help, and the strong ones don't either."
"After all, only those with absolute trust would dare to take the risk. Most people wouldn't be willing to do so."
"Exactly."
Su Yan smiled.
The chat group was a 'big secret' for any 'host'.
No one would want to expose it voluntarily.
The reason he wasn't afraid was that he had two golden fingers. Exposing one wouldn't be a big deal, but others couldn't do the same.
Moreover, the weak ones, like the Holy Daughter Knight and the Little Mage, weren't strong enough. Having two helpers would only result in more casualties. It was better to ask the group members for help.
As for the strong ones, they were even more confident and didn't like seeking help.
But he...
was different from them.
Five minutes before the countdown.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report