Chapter 288: Resistance! Persuasion! Martial Arts!

Chapter 288: Resistance! Persuasion! Martial Arts!

In a grand hall of the Xuanqing Clan.

All the elders had gathered, with Xuanyan seated at the head, flanked by Xuan Yi and Xuan Qingzi.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy, and no one spoke a word.

"Today, the selection for the deputy clan leader is over, and Su Changqing will be the deputy clan leader of the Xuanqing Clan from today onwards."

Xuanyan said calmly, "We will choose an auspicious day for the succession ceremony and announce it to the world."

"Do any of you have objections to this matter?"

Though it was a question, his tone was definitive.

Everyone understood that Xuanyan had made up his mind to have Su Changqing become the deputy clan leader.

The elders glanced at each other, but no one spoke.

A Dark Being becoming the deputy clan leader of the Xuanqing Clan—this news would shock the entire world.

At the same time, Daoism would face enemies everywhere, just like Su Changqing.

However, no one objected at this moment.

They had seen the gratitude Su Changqing had shown to Daoism.

Though it was hard to accept, with Xuanyan's support and the change in the elders' attitudes toward Su Changqing, they tacitly agreed.

"Then this matter is settled."

Xuanyan nodded and then looked at the elders, pausing for a moment before speaking again.

"There is one more thing."

"Changqing needs to use the Imperial Weapon, the Ruyi Tower, to fuse with the Law Source inside it."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was taken aback.

In an instant, all their faces changed, and they cried out in unison.

"Clan Lord, you cannot! The Ruyi Tower is the foundation of our Daoism; we cannot do this!"

"Thanks to the Law Source, our Daoism has been passed down through the ages. We cannot lose it!"

"Without the time-slowing effect, our Daoism will be like losing both arms!"

"That's right! This is non-negotiable. If the Law Source is lost, Daoism will be in grave danger!"

The matter of using the Imperial Weapon was met with firm opposition from the elders.

All the elders looked at Xuanyan with disbelief and even anger.

The Law Source within the Ruyi Tower could alter the flow of time.

Thanks to this divine object, Daoism had produced many talented disciples, significantly reducing their cultivation time.

As a result, Daoism had never experienced a 'gap' in its lineage, a terrifying phenomenon that could have occurred over countless years.

But if this divine object were to be lost, Daoism's foundation would be severely damaged.

While having Su Changqing as the deputy clan leader would make them enemies with the world, the elders could still bear it.

After all, Daoism was so strong that no one would dare to act recklessly in the Eastern Domain.

However, the matter of the Imperial Weapon concerned the future survival of Daoism, and they absolutely could not accept it!

"Clan Lord."

At this moment, Xuan Yi took a deep breath, stood up, and said firmly:

"This request, I cannot comply with!"

Though Xuan Yi was not an ideal clan leader, he was now the true head of the Xuanqing Clan.

Xuanyan was his senior master, and he should have obeyed, even if it meant accepting Su Changqing as the deputy clan leader.

But the matter of the Law Source was out of the question!

Xuanyan and Xuan Qingzi exchanged glances, seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.

They knew that the resistance to this matter would be strong.

But they did not expect the reaction to be so intense, with Xuan Yi even leading the opposition.

"Let me explain."

Xuanyan looked at the angry elders and sighed, saying:

"When I first learned of this matter, my reaction was the same as yours."

"The Ruyi Tower is a legacy of Daoism's founder and the foundation of our Daoism, and it cannot be lost."

"But have you considered that Cangyan Continent and the Yuzhi Fiend are about to engage in a decisive battle?"

The elders' expressions changed as they looked at Xuanyan, eagerly listening.

"The Yuzhi Fiend is incredibly powerful, and we do not know how many strong beings they have."

Xuanyan gazed into the distance and said softly, "No one knows if we will win or lose this battle."

"In other words, this might be the last era for Cangyan Continent."

The elders were stunned, and even Xuan Yi's pupils dilated.

No one had expected the situation on the continent to be so dire.

"If we lose this last era, do you think the Ruyi Tower alone can ensure the continuation of Daoism?"

Xuanyan shook his head, "Even if the Human Race is on the brink of extinction, leaving behind just an Imperial Weapon, what good would it do?"

"Why not maximize the Ruyi Tower's potential in this era?"

Hearing this, one of the elders spoke up, "Clan Lord, let's not talk about whether the continent will fall."

"Even if Su Changqing becomes the deputy clan leader, he is still a Dark Being."

"Even if this is the last era and we need to maximize the Ruyi Tower's potential, it should be done by our own disciples!"

This remark sparked a flurry of discussion among the elders, who nodded in agreement.

With the decisive battle looming and the last era at hand, Xuanyan's words made them realize the unique and critical nature of this era.

Their resistance to fusing the Law Source somewhat diminished.

However, if the person chosen was Su Changqing, they were still unwilling to budge.

In the end, they still did not fully accept Su Changqing, even if he became the deputy clan leader.

Even if we take a step back and consider maximizing the utilization of Ruyi Tower, we must still choose a disciple with a pure and orthodox background in Daoism!

"Do you think Su Changqing is not the best candidate?"

Xuanyan smiled and said, "On the contrary, I believe no one is more suitable than him."

"Have you considered that the position of the Great Emperor of this world is coveted by myriad races, fiends, and beast clans alike?"

"Furthermore, during the era of prosperity, countless Heavenly Prides will emerge in the world."

"Although Daoism is strong, can anyone truly stand out and dominate all realms?"

Xuanyan paused and continued, "But Changqing is different!"

"His combat prowess, talent, and genius—how many can match him throughout history?"

"If we are willing to sacrifice our foundation and bet on the future, why not choose the strongest person?"

He looked at everyone and said with a slightly solemn tone:

"Can you be certain that the disciple Daoism selects will definitely become an emperor? Will they definitely be stronger than Changqing?"

"If not, then Daoism will suffer a crushing defeat, with our foundation destroyed and our decline irreversible."

"But I can confidently say that even if Su Changqing cannot become an emperor, his achievements will not be lower than that of a Great Emperor!"

The people in the grand hall were at a loss for words, wanting to refute him but unsure of how to begin.

They had all witnessed Su Changqing's strength and terror.

They didn't know the situation with the myriad Yuzhi races, but among the Human Race, Su Changqing was indeed the one most likely to become an emperor.

However, they still couldn't get over that mental hurdle.

After all, Su Changqing wasn't truly a member of Daoism.

"You are wrong. Changqing's connection to Daoism runs deeper than you think."

Xuanyan seemed to see through everyone's thoughts and said:

"Changqing possesses the supreme legacy of Dao Venerable and wields the power of void."

"I have also made Changqing the Deputy Head of Daoism and am willing to sacrifice an Imperial Weapon to help him integrate the Time Force."

"All these actions have already left indelible marks of Daoism on Changqing."

He looked toward the elegant pavilion deep within the Xuanqing Clan and said softly:

"I am betting on Changqing's future as an emperor, and he will lead Daoism to glory."

"The foundation you are worried about, I haven't even considered."

"If Changqing becomes an emperor, creating an Imperial Weapon for Daoism will be no difficult task."

"If the Human Race wins, Daoism will be renowned for millennia, its legacy immortal."

"Even if the Human Race loses, with Changqing's abilities, Daoism will still be renowned in the world, recorded in history!"

Xuanyan spoke from the deepest part of his heart.

Inviting Changqing to Daoism was ostensibly to reform Daoism, but more importantly, it was to tie Daoism's fate to Changqing's chariot!

Was the title of Deputy Head given lightly?

It was to make the connection between Changqing and Daoism inseparable.

And the Law Source is merely an investment for now.

If the continent wins, Daoism will share in Changqing's success, reaping fame, resources, and even an Imperial Weapon.

If we lose, Daoism won't suffer much.

If the Human Race is annihilated in the future, why should Daoism care so much now?

It would be better to invest in an invincible powerhouse and follow in their footsteps, leaving Daoism's name renowned among the myriad Yuzhi races, recorded in history!

Xuanyan had practiced Dao for thousands of years; his eyelashes were as empty as the void. How could he not have his own plans?

Investing in Su Changqing was a win-win for Daoism, with no downside.

Of course, all of this is predicated on Su Changqing's good character.

If Su Changqing were a treacherous and fickle person, no matter how talented, Xuanyan would not consider it.

But after some time of interaction, Xuanyan was confident!

Once Changqing rises to power, with his character, he will certainly not forget those who helped him.

This is Xuanyan's greatest confidence!

...

In the grand hall at this moment.

The people who had been resolute and firm were now wavering after hearing Xuanyan's words.

The era of prosperity was upon them, and all forces were laying out their plans for the future.

Investing in Heavenly Prides was already a common practice in past eras of prosperity.

But what Daoism was doing now was more thorough.

They were betting Daoism's present and future entirely on Su Changqing.

If Su Changqing were to die halfway, Daoism would suffer a crushing defeat.

But if Su Changqing reaches the peak, Daoism, which had extended a helping hand in a time of need, would soar to new heights, its name immortalized for generations!

The enormous risk came with an irresistible temptation.

Everyone was now deep in thought, making a difficult decision.

After a long silence, Xuan Yi finally sighed.

He looked at Xuanyan and said with a bitter smile, "Uncle, you are truly a persuasive speaker."

"I have to admit, even I am moved by your proposal."

Xuanyan smiled and said, "I am not a persuader for anyone; I am simply choosing a better path for Daoism."

Xuan Yi nodded, the hesitation in his eyes fading, replaced by a determined glint.

"Alright!"

"Since Uncle believes in Su Changqing so much, Daoism will take a gamble!"

"I will announce to the world and recognize Su Changqing as the deputy leader of the Xuanqing Clan."

"Furthermore, I will join the elders to help him integrate the Time Force!"

Xuanyan and Xuan Qingzi exchanged a smile, feeling relieved.

However, Xuan Yi paused and continued:

"But the Law Source can only be obtained by a true disciple of Daoism, otherwise it won't convince the masses!"

"I will station a King Realm elder at the Ruyi Tower."

"Su Changqing doesn't need to defeat the elder; he just needs to hold his own against the elder's Daoism techniques for ten rounds, and he wins!"

Xuan Yi's thoughts were simple.

Daoism had invested everything and couldn't just be a stepping stone for others.

Su Changqing already had the title of deputy leader of the Xuanqing Clan.

But his skills lacked the essence of Daoism, how could he be considered a true disciple?

Once Su Changqing learns Daoism's techniques and has the title of deputy leader, he will be a legitimate successor of Daoism!

This step, like Xuanyan's decision to make Su Changqing the deputy leader, serves the same purpose.

It's to deepen Su Changqing's connection with Daoism.

Since they have chosen to bet on Su Changqing, they must brand him with Daoism's mark.

This isn't manipulation; it's a strategic decision for the greater good of the entire Daoism.

This request wasn't unreasonable, but Xuanyan frowned.

Su Changqing was strong, and his combat prowess could easily last ten rounds against a King Realm elder.

If it were a real battle, a typical King Realm wouldn't stand a chance against him.

But if he was restricted to using only Daoism's techniques, that would be difficult.

Su Changqing hadn't practiced Daoism's secret techniques; how could he master them in such a short time?

With the Wen Tan Sheng Hui approaching, Su Changqing couldn't stay in Daoism for long, only a few days.

Could Changqing master a Daoism technique powerful enough to face a King Realm in just a few days?

It seemed impossible.

"This matter..."

Xuanyan pondered for a moment, about to discuss it with Xuan Yi.

But before he could finish, Xuan Qingzi chuckled and said:

"Alright, I'll take on this task for Changqing."

Xuanyan didn't know about Su Changqing's terrifying insight, but Xuan Qingzi did.

A few days would be enough for Changqing.

"Are you sure?"

Xuanyan looked at Xuan Qingzi in confusion.

Xuan Qingzi smiled and looked into the depths of the Xuanqing Clan.

"Changqing's true terror lies in his insight!"

...

In the Xuanqing Clan's library.

"Daoism's techniques are indeed profound."

Su Changqing held an ancient secret manual, his eyes flashing with understanding as he read intently.

But after a moment, he put the book down, frowning slightly.

"These techniques, though profound, seem to be missing something."

Over the past few days, Su Changqing had read many of Daoism's secret techniques.

While he had gained much, he hadn't found what he was looking for.

Daoism's techniques were strong, but they were far from the level of the Dao Ancestor's legacy.

Wuzu's Heaven and Earth Divine Body and Heaven-Cleaving Axe.

Emperor Ling's sole acupoint, the Chaos Pearl.

The Azure Lotus Bud, which nurtures the Creation Law, and the True Self Divine Output.

These legacies were far more powerful than the techniques found here.

Emperor Ling was one of the Dao Ancestor's three incarnations and should have left three supreme legacies.

He had the Chaos Pearl, but where was the legacy derived from the 'Time and Space' method that the Dao Ancestor spoke of?

With this question in mind, Su Changqing continued to search through the vast library.

However, after a long time, even after reviewing all the secret techniques and spells, he still hadn't found what he was looking for.

"Could it be that the Dao Ancestor's legacy isn't in Daoism?"

Su Changqing felt a surge of frustration and picked up a book nearby.

At his current location, the shelves held not powerful techniques but basic, commonly seen, and rarely deeply studied ordinary books.

These books recorded not techniques or spells but martial arts.

They were used by those who hadn't yet started practicing to strengthen their bodies.

If not for the sake of completeness, these low-level 'martial arts' would have been discarded long ago.

However, as Su Changqing opened this simple 'martial arts' book, he was taken aback, then his eyes lit up.

"Taiji Fist!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end