Chapter 96: An Audience with the Sect Leader & the Demon Exorcism Hall Manager

Chapter 96: An Audience with the Sect Leader & the Demon Exorcism Hall Manager

Returning to the Li Huo Sect, Xiao Chen first visited the Merit Hall to complete his assigned tasks.

Due to arriving late, he received only one contribution point.

He then proceeded directly to Li Huo Peak.

According to the Inner Sect Handbook, cultivators who achieved a Foundation Building breakthrough were required to pay respects to the sect leader. The leader would then assign a new position, replacing their disciple status and granting corresponding privileges.

Since joining the Li Huo Sect, this was Xiao Chen’s first official visit to Li Huo Peak. Unlike other peaks bustling with disciples, the sect’s central headquarters was nearly deserted, a restricted area reserved for high-ranking members.

Reaching the grand hall, Xiao Chen finally encountered two junior disciples on guard duty at the entrance.

They immediately recognized him. “Senior sect brother Xiao Chen, greetings! What brings you here today?”

Xiao Chen subtly exuded a ripple of Foundation Building aura. “I recently experienced a breakthrough and have come to pay my respects to the sect leader as required. Please announce my arrival.”

Feeling the pressure of his cultivation realm, the juniors paled and bowed deeply. “Congratulations, sect uncle Xiao! Please wait a moment while I inform the leader immediately.”

After about a cup of tea’s time, the junior disciple returned, panting.

“Sect uncle Xiao, the leader has agreed to see you in the inner hall!”

Xiao Chen nodded and entered the main hall. Passing a long corridor adorned with landscape paintings and a twelve-panel screen depicting the seasons, he finally reached the inner sanctum.

There sat the current Li Huo Sect leader—Mei Yong.

Once the sect’s top disciple two generations prior, Mei Yong now exuded a calm, commanding presence despite his restrained aura. He sat reading a thick tome with a plain black cover bearing no title.

Xiao Chen approached and bowed. “Disciple Xiao Chen greets sect leader senior sect brother.”

“You’re that Xiao Chen!” Mei Yong snapped the book shut, standing abruptly.

“I’d heard rumors about a prodigy in our sect with extraordinary talent, expected to reach Foundation Building within three years.” His eyes widened. “I never imagined you’d accomplish it so quickly! This speed… truly astonishing as always.”

Xiao Chen shook his head. “Senior sect brother flatters me. I was simply fortunate.”

“You’re too humble,” Mei Yong sighed, walking to a cabinet. “Many inner disciples remain stuck at Cultivation Great Perfection for years. For you to break through so decisively—this deserves celebration.”

He retrieved two jade vials. “These Spirit Nourishment Pills will help stabilize your realm. A gift from me personally.”

Xiao Chen accepted them. “Thank you, senior sect brother.”

Mei Yong waved him off, producing a small pouch. “Don’t misunderstand—the pills are sect rewards, along with these spirit stones. All new Foundation Building disciples receive them.”

The pouch contained twenty mid-grade spirit stones.

Handing Xiao Chen a Sect Etiquette Manual, Mei Yong asked, “Now that you’ve broken through, do you have any preferences for your new post?”

Xiao Chen accepted the manual. “I’ll follow the sect leader’s arrangements entirely.”

Truthfully, he’d already learned the best positions were claimed by the Five Great Clans. Recent Foundation Building disciples received only quiet, uneventful roles. He had no strong preferences.

Mei Yong paused, then grinned. “Perfect timing, then. We’ve just opened a new position that suits you perfectly.”

To counter increasingly brazen demonic cultivator activities, the sect had established a Demon Exorcism Hall to monitor and combat these threats.

The problem? No Foundation Building disciples wanted the post, even after doubling the compensation. Hunting demons meant constant life-or-death struggles against foes wielding unpredictable, sinister techniques.

Mei Yong had been struggling to staff the hall when Xiao Chen arrived.

“Normally, new Foundation Building disciples serve as inspectors for a time before reassignment,” Mei Yong explained. “But the Demon Exorcism Hall currently needs a manager. With your timely breakthrough, I’d say this position was made for you.”

Xiao Chen blinked. “A Demon Exorcism Hall?”

“See? Fortune favors you!” Mei Yong handed him an identity token. “The hall was just approved two days ago by the elders. You’re joining at the perfect moment.”

“New members receive double cultivation subsidies and may claim a high-grade magic artifact of their chosen type from the sect treasury. What type would you prefer? I’ll have someone retrieve it.”

Double subsidies and a free high-grade artifact? No wonder the new department had generous benefits.

Xiao Chen considered. “A defensive artifact, please. Between the Divine Flame Summoning Banner and Blazing Crimson Clouds technique, my offense is already formidable.”

“Consider it done!” Mei Yong, delighted to resolve his staffing dilemma, led Xiao Chen to a side hall.

The chamber housed a towering jade tablet—ten feet high and five feet wide—displaying a glowing topographical map of Li Huo Peak and its twenty-mile radius.

Mei Yong formed a hand seal, tapping the map. Black and white sections divided the area.

“The white zones are currently unclaimed cultivation sites within the sect’s protective formation,” he explained.

Xiao Chen noted the white patches clustered around the outer edges of Li Huo Peak.

Mei Yong activated another layer, green light rippling across the map. “This shows spiritual energy density. Deeper hues indicate stronger energy.”

He gestured to the map. “All Foundation Building disciples may choose an unclaimed site for their cultivation mansion. Take your time deciding.”

Stepping back, Mei Yong conjured a chair from spiritual energy and resumed reading.

Xiao Chen studied the map. The prime locations were already taken, but he soon selected a valley with relatively dense energy.

“Senior sect brother Mei, I’ll take this valley.”

Following Mei Yong’s guidance, he infused spiritual energy into the jade tablet. The valley’s section darkened, signaling its new ownership.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end