Chapter 255: Chapter 142: Secrets
In the Li’an Demon Sect, the abdication ceremony that was scheduled three months ago is finally taking place today.
To be honest, the disciples of the Demon Sect never expected things would escalate to this point.
The Sect Leader was so confident initially, everyone thought that finding the Saintess would conclude everything.
Unexpectedly, the Saintess has disappeared without a trace, while tension within the sect has been escalating, with rumors running rampant.
The current mainstream opinion is that Shouxuzi and Ancestor Youxu have allied, and the sect is about to undergo a major upheaval, with Shouxuzi likely becoming the next Sect Leader.
No matter what, the Sect Leader’s faction is indeed shrinking its influence, and the abdication ceremony is proceeding as scheduled; Yao Yufei’s abdication today seems inevitable.
If things go wrong, the ceremony could turn into a scene of internal conflict, which is why the disciples of the Demon Sect are very tense today, with a somber and murderous air throughout.
Based on the same reasoning, although the major sects of both the evil and demon paths are showing respect by sending representatives to witness the ceremony, and even some neutral sects have sent people, the number of attendees is generally small, usually only one or two from each sect.
Furthermore, these guests are ready to leave at any moment, unwilling to be caught up in the internal strife of the Li’an Demon Sect and become fodder.
At the entrance of the Demon Sect’s mountain gate, guests have been arriving since early morning, and several disciples have been stationed there, responsible for receiving them.
Among them is a well-dressed and arrogant-looking little chubby man, lazily hiding behind the crowd, with almost no one paying attention to him.
At this moment, an elder in a black robe, exuding a ghostly aura, arrives on the wind. Given his presence, he must be a ghost path cultivator, and one of considerable cultivation.
Immediately, a disciple steps forward to greet him, but the elder points at the little chubby man, "You, come here."
The little chubby man, who was initially yawning, is startled for a moment and quickly steps forward, cautiously saying, "Senior, are you here to attend the ceremony? May I see your invitation card?"
The black-robed elder sneers eerily, "Boy, just the other day you were calling me big brother; now you don’t recognize me?"
The little chubby man’s expression changes, as he’s about to call for help, he suddenly finds himself completely immobilized.
Soon, the little chubby man warmly shakes the black-robed elder’s hand, as if they are well-acquainted, "Oh, it’s you, Senior! Excuse my lack of judgement. This way, please."
A disciple reminds him, "Steward, the invitation..."
The little chubby man glares at him, "What do you know? This senior is from Ghost City and has ties with the Sect Leader. How could he not have an invitation?"
Having said that, he leads the elder inside, while the remaining disciples do not dare to obstruct them.
...
"Well, you’re actually a steward?" the black-robed elder jokes.
The little chubby man grimaces, "It’s just having a good father that got me this Outer Sect Steward position."
"True, the last time I saw you, you were bossing around a group of disciples."
The elder chuckles and pats his shoulder, "Given our good relationship, you know what to do next, right?"
The little chubby man nods with a wry smile, likely cursing his luck inside, "Why am I the only one you’re squeezing dry?"
Indeed, this person is Chu Xuan.
He uses Transformation to change his appearance, allowing the old ghost to emit the aura of a ghost path cultivator to help him disguise. Initially, he was debating whether to ambush a guest outside to snatch an invitation.
Unexpectedly, the little chubby man he has previously coerced is here, and his cleverness left a deep impression on Chu Xuan last time, prompting him to choose him again.
Because Chu Xuan acted rashly last time, directly charging into the Yama Palace without involving the little chubby man.
So, none should know of their previous encounter.
Chu Xuan secretly threatened him earlier: if you act out, I’ll expose your "betrayal of the sect" from last time.
The little chubby man dared not resist; he has no choice but to continue "cooperating" with Chu Xuan.
"By the way, what’s your name?"
"Zhao Tiande."
Thus, guided by Zhao Tiande, Chu Xuan heads to the ceremony venue and inquires about the current state of the Demon Sect.
Chu Xuan has returned to the Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace once before, and though he comes alone again, compared to seven days ago, there’s an aura of newfound confidence about him.
...
After learning much from Zhao Tiande, and comparing it to what Granny Yinhua said, Chu Xuan frowns.
What on earth is Yao Yufei planning?
This abdication ceremony seems to be orchestrated by her, and three months ago, she likely had no such plan. It seems she concocted this after witnessing his forceful entry and attempt to abduct Qingqing.
Could she be intentionally provoking Shouxuzi and other opposition to act, aiming to capture them all at once? But where does she get the confidence from, without fearing a failure?
Harboring doubts, Chu Xuan arrives at the square in front of Li’an Hall.
No banquet is set today; it’s just a simple ceremony, so the square is simply arranged with rows of seats, with positions closer to the front indicating a larger sect or better relationship with the Demon Sect.
Chu Xuan chooses an inconspicuous seat, while the little chubby man originally intends to sneak away, but Chu Xuan doesn’t let him leave, so he reluctantly stays to serve at the side.
Fortunately, both sides of the seats are lined with disciples, and the rear guest area has many Demon Sect disciples standing by, making Zhao Tiande’s presence not particularly noticeable.
As the time approaches chen hour, guests from Mo Luo Palace, Ghost City, Hehuan Sect, Nine Nether Sect, Four Extremes of Ignorance, and Beiming Mansion, among others, gradually arrive and take their seats.
