A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 439: Chapter 397: Accepting a Disciple and Demotion

Feeling the gaze of either surprise or envy from those present, hearing the disciples’ softly spreading discussions, Zhang Lemei stood with hands on her hips, her face full of radiance, and her expression proud.

On the other hand, Tan Yunxing shrunk his head even more, filled with fear, wishing he could bury himself into the ground.

Jiang Qingfeng took another look at Lu Qian’s expression and slowly said, "That Xiaoyunxing has such talent is truly a blessing for Yun Mountain, and Senior Brother Tan in heaven must also be very pleased. We will naturally spare no effort in Yunxing’s education and training, ensuring he has a bright path of cultivation."

She then turned to the gathered guests and gently said, "It’s because Yunxing’s talent is extraordinary that Senior Sister Zhang became overjoyed and momentarily forgot about our sect’s rules, which led to this inappropriate action—"

However, her kind excuses and attempt to save the situation were interrupted by Zhang Lemei.

The woman said proudly, "Ordinary disciples, of course, have to start from the outer sect and accumulate merit along the way before they can be promoted to True Disciple. But my Yunxing has exceptional talent, how could it be wasted? I implore the Sect Leader’s junior brother to make an exception, accept him as the Sect Leader’s disciple, and with careful teaching, he will surely inherit the mantle of our Yunshan Sect."

In an instant, all the discussions in the crowd ceased, the disciples stared in shock at Zhang Lemei and Xiaoyunxing, then involuntarily turned in unison to look at Lu Qian.

What Zhang Lemei said was clear, not only to promote Tan Yunxing to True Disciple but also for Lu Qian to take him as a disciple, and even as the Sect Leader’s disciple!

Judging by her tone, there might even be an intention for Tan Yunxing to succeed in the future!

Several guests were taken aback, Grand Elder of the Divine Flood Dragon Sect squinted his eyes, while Yan Beixing picked up his tea cup and took a sip, closely following the events on the scene.

Never thought that this mission to Yunshan Sect would involve witnessing such a spectacle. What will Lu Qian do?

Yang Jiye stood there in a daze, his expression fluctuating. Zhang Lemei’s attitude was indeed infuriating, and her demands did not conform to Yunshan’s rules. However, Xiaoyunxing indeed possesses such a talent, and considering he is Junior Brother Tan’s offspring, would he be a more suitable candidate as the Sect Leader’s disciple than an outsider?

Wang Yu’s voice suddenly rang out, icy and heavy, "Junior Sister Zhang, you’re going too far. Our sect has its rules, and no one is an exception. Our Yunshan Sect is a gathering of various Dharma lineages, transmitting the Dao heritage, not a cultivation clan that is concerned with blood relations! How the Sect Leader chooses disciples is naturally his decision, and it’s not your place to issue nonsensical commands here!"

Zhang Lemei, with her neck straightened, shouted, "What’s nonsensical? Have you all forgotten Old Tan’s contributions?!"

"Old Tan gave his all for the sect, risking his life, and his past contributions need not be mentioned again. Without his sacrifice holding back the enemy, how could we achieve victory? The entire Shuangye Alliance’s elite would have perished here, how could Yunshan Sect have its current prosperity?"

She glared at them, her finger sweeping over the disciples: "Without Old Tan, many of you would have been dead long ago! You all owe Old Tan a life!"

"Who dares to deny his merit? His name is engraved on the stone monument in the Square, admired and revered day and night by all disciples. Who among you can compare to him?"

The disciples were subdued by her imposing manner, and remembering the heroic sacrifice of Tan Hong, they fell into silence.

Jiang Qingfeng earnestly persuaded, "Senior Sister Zhang, the merit of Senior Brother Tan is remembered by all of Yun Mountain. His sacrifice is profoundly mourned by us all, and each time we think of it, it brings us pain. However, our sect has already provided the most generous compensation and support, and your current request is indeed excessive."

"Excessive?" Zhang Lemei pointed at Qingfeng and scolded, "Jiang Qingfeng, you ungrateful one, you were also present in the battle of Lingsha City. If not for Old Tan, you would be dead too! Now you are united with Lu Qian as Dao companions, only concerned with supporting his words!"

Her criticism then turned to Lu Qian, like a barrage of words. "Lu Qian, my dear Sect Leader! Back when our sect was in peril, if not for Senior Brother Yu and Old Tan protecting you, you wouldn’t even have escaped the initial path!"

"If not for the Zhenren’s Letter passed down from the Tan family, where would you have gotten strong reinforcements to talk of reviving the Mountain Gate?"

"You owe my Tan family a lot, are you not thinking of repayment today?"

She suddenly hugged Tan Yunxing tightly, crying out loudly under everyone’s gaze, "Old Tan, listen to them, forgetting you so quickly. They don’t even wish to care for your son, how heartbreaking this will be for you in the grave... "

She sobbed and lamented to the frightened Tan Yunxing, "Yunxing, losing your father at such a young age, and your mother is useless, unable to help you... All these people bully your mother, in the future, you must not be like that dead old hero father of yours, being a hero leads to this end, unable to provide for your own wife and son... "

All the cultivators watched in astonishment. Jiang Qingfeng, both angry and anxious, found her mind blank and didn’t know what to do.

Several guests looked on with an amused tinge in their eyes, glancing back and forth between Zhang Lemei and Lu Qian.

Wang Yu’s aura suddenly turned icy. He understood Zhang Lemei’s plan, choosing to cause such a scene at such an important occasion, in front of all the guests, was to heap immense pressure on Lu Qian, forcing him to agree to her demands and settle the matter peacefully.

This passiveness must not continue, or else our sect’s reputation will be deeply harmed!

Just as he clenched his fist, Lu Qian suddenly shouted angrily, "Enough!"

A booming voice resounded, reverberating intensely as a majestic spiritual pressure surged forth. Lu Qian’s starry eyes glinted with severity, his gaze icy, as five-colored light flashed from his bosom. Thunderous waves roared and transformed into a low and tumultuous rumble of thunder.

A terrifying and domineering aura spread forth, causing everyone in the hall to change their expressions. The guests were taken aback, and even Yan Beixing widened his eyes.

What a powerful presence!

The disciples were instantly silenced, normally used to Lu Qian’s gentle demeanor, feeling as if they basked in spring breezes. Never had they seen the Sect Leader so wrathful!

Zhang Lemei’s crying halted abruptly as if her throat was clutched. Tan Yunxing’s face turned deathly pale, looking as if he might faint at any moment.

Lu Qian stood up, the sound of waves and thunder accompanying him, as he stepped down towards them step by step.

"Senior Brother Tan was kind to me, and his contributions to our sect were immense. He sacrificed himself and won us the dawn of victory, and the entire sect cherishes his merit and remembers his heroic stature."

"He is a hero of our sect, and his outstanding service will naturally be rewarded upon Yunxing. Therefore, I decide to exceptionally promote Tan Yunxing to be our sect’s True Disciple, and I will also take him as my student."

Zhang Lemei’s face was just showing a hint of joy when Lu Qian was already in front of her, looking coldly at her.

"However, seniority must be respected, ethics cannot be violated. It is absolutely impossible for Tan Yunxing to be the Sect Leader’s disciple."

"Additionally, Security Elder Zhang Lemei, though the widow of a hero, acts wildly, rudely, and harms Senior Brother Tan’s honorable image. She neglects her daily duties, having almost abandoned her elder responsibilities for years. Now she disrupts important events, manipulating gratitude, showing no respect for our rules, disparaging fellow sect members, severely violating sect regulations, and damaging our sect’s reputation."

"These numerous offenses cannot be tolerated any longer!"

"I order henceforth that Zhang Lemei is removed from her position as elder, deprived of all salary, privileges, and special treatment!"

"Temporarily confine Zhang Lemei to her home, not to leave without cause. Other punishments will be determined by the Punishment Elder Wang Yu and handled by the elder assembly!"

Zhang Lemei’s face turned deathly pale instantly, her body swayed, almost collapsing to the ground. She stared incredulously at Lu Qian and shrieked, "You—"

With a swift motion, Wang Yu’s figure stood before Zhang Lemei, instantly grabbing and cutting off her curses harshly.

He coldly whispered into Zhang Lemei’s ear, "Be quiet, don’t force me to kill you."