Chapter 266: Making a Decision, Sword Sect’s Saint Heir!

Making a Decision, Sword Sect’s Saint Heir!

The next morning.

Gu Zhan ended his cultivation session and was considering how to invite those four Sages from the Sage Realm when he walked to the Council Hall, only to discover that the four Sages from the Holy Lands of the Central State had already arrived…

And he didn’t even know when they had come early and were waiting inside the Council Hall.

They didn’t act like strangers either, seated in pairs, each silent.

All of them had an air of determination about them.

Apart from the four Sages, Old Blind Man was also seated beside Jian Chen, eyes closed and silent.

As for the Gu Family Elders who were present, they hadn’t entered the hall.

Instead, they waited outside the hall, occasionally glancing at the Sage Realm Great Powers inside.

“Cough…”

“Why stand outside?”

Gu Zhan cleared his throat before leading the Elders inside.

“Please feel free to sit wherever you like, as you would normally,” he said to the gathered.

Seeing Gu Family Head Gu Zhan enter, Jian Chen smiled and nodded slightly first.

“Many thanks…”

Gu Zhan instinctively responded with thanks, but felt rather awkward.

This was the Gu Family after all, yet he felt like he was the guest…

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Nevertheless, he took his seat with the other Elders.

“When will Little Friend Gu arrive?” Sage Li He from the Immortal Ascension Sect asked with a friendly smile.

“Uh…”

For a moment, Gu Zhan didn’t know how to respond.

He turned to look at the other Elders.

The Gu Family Elders shook their heads; how could they dictate when the Young Master would come?

That was up to the Young Master himself—whenever he felt like it.

Not getting an answer, the four Sages didn’t persist and simply sipped the tea prepared by the Gu Family Elders.

…

In the Young Master Palace, Wang Yue was getting anxious for her husband, who seemed not to be in a hurry at all. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

“Lord Husband, it’s already noon,” she said.

“The Great Powers from Central State must be growing impatient, right?”

As she spoke, she intended to help her husband get dressed.

Seeing this, Gu Changge calmly got up from the bed and let his wife help him dress.

“I need to hurry or not? If I don’t make them a little impatient, how will they compete?” Gu Changge said with a slight smile, offhandedly.

He was in no rush himself.

Despite a small mishap during the talent test, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

By now, all Four Great Sacred Lands of Central State would surely not miss out on him—a talent with an Extreme Dao Body and suspected of having a Sacred Body.

If they weren’t willing to wait even a bit, then he would really have to reconsider whether it was necessary to join a Holy Land.

He didn’t want to join a Holy Land only to end up restricted too much.

Making them wait was just a little test.

It was nothing serious.

“Has Lord Husband decided which Holy Land to join?” Wang Yue asked curiously as she accompanied him to the door of the palace.

“If the conditions are about the same,” he replied casually, “I will choose the Sword Sect.”

“But I’ve heard that Wan Hua Valley is full of beautiful fairies. Doesn’t it tempt you now that Wan Hua Valley has come to recruit Lord Husband?” Wang Yue suddenly blinked and asked.

“That’s a good suggestion,” he responded with a slight smile. “Joining Wan Hua Valley is also fine.”

“When I’m amidst a sea of flowers, wouldn’t I be as joyful as an immortal…” Gu Changge continued, then stepped out of the palace, heading to the Inner Court.

Wang Yue puffed her cheeks but knew her husband was just teasing her.

With his talents, if he really wanted to experience what it was like amidst a sea of flowers, wouldn’t that be easy?

Even just with his identity as Young Master Gu of the Gu Family, many female cultivators in the Northern Domain now were keen to get close to him.

If he joined a Holy Land from Central State, he’d naturally attract even more attention.

There would be no need to join Wan Hua Valley to enjoy such a scene.

…

Inside the Council Hall, the four Sages from Central State showed no emotion and remained silent.

However, the Gu Family members were seated very stiffly, occasionally glancing towards the entrance.

Sitting with the four Great Powers, who were of the same Realm as the Ancestor, made them extremely anxious.

Especially since the Young Master had yet to show up even by noon.

Gu Zhan couldn’t help but worry.

Was the young man planning to stand them up?

Fortunately, just as his concerns mounted, a figure stepped into the hall.

“Junior has overslept and kept you waiting, my apologies…” said Gu Changge as he entered the hall, bowing.

“No trouble, no trouble at all,” the four Sages replied with smiles, all looking at him.

Aside from the good-looking female cultivator from Wan Hua Valley, the other three Sages stood up to greet him.

Jian Chen and Li He nodded towards him slightly.

Even the Buddhist Sect’s Sage folded his hands and nodded.

Seeing this, Sage Orchid, who had not planned to get up, had to laugh and rise to beckon him over.

This scene, observed by the Gu Family members, made them feel ashamed.

They thought about the vast disparity between themselves and the Young Master.

When they had entered the hall, the four Sages were quite unceremonious, even treating the place as if it were their own home.

But now, with the Young Master’s arrival, the four Sages of the same Realm as the Ancestor all stood up to greet him proactively!

In terms of Realm, the Young Master was already at the Sixth Grade Refining Void Realm, still behind the Gu Family’s Eighth-grade Heavenly Gate Realm Elders in power, but in status, he was worlds apart!

Before, it was only an internal status within the Gu Family, but now in the eyes of outsiders, the Young Master’s status far exceeded theirs and even surpassed that of Gu Family Head Gu Zhan!

“Little friend, have you decided which Holy Land you wish to join?”

Sage Jian Chen didn’t waste words, and as soon as Gu Changge took his seat in the main position, he directly asked.

The day before, after everyone had dispersed, Gu Zhan had silently changed the original two main seats to one.

Usually, he would sit there himself; if the Young Master was present, he would give up his seat…

After yesterday, he truly felt somewhat inferior; he certainly wouldn’t dare to sit with a Sage Realm Great Power!

But Changge could…

“To tell the truth, this Young Master is more inclined toward…”

Gu Changge had not yet finished speaking

when Sage Li He immediately stood up.

“Little Friend Gu, no matter what conditions the other three Sects offer, our Immortal Ascension Sect can promise the same, no, even higher standards!”

“Besides, the Sect Master is deeply disgusted by what the ninth Saint Son, Wu Jiang, has done before.”

“If you join the Immortal Ascension Sect, this person will be handed over to you for disposition.”

After speaking, Sage Li He looked expectantly at Gu Changge.

“Tsk, he’s just a ninth peak Saint Son.”

“What use is he?”

“Join our Sword Sect, and it won’t be long before you can challenge him on your own and slay him!”

“Wouldn’t that be even more exhilarating!”

Hearing this, Jian Chen sneered outright, and continued, “Little Friend Gu, yesterday’s conditions are no longer enough.”

“The Sect has already agreed, as long as you join the Sword Sect, you will directly enjoy the treatment of the First Saint Son Peak!”

“Also, from the Sword Sect Treasure Vault, choose any Magic Treasure you desire!”

“As for Cultivation Resources, as long as you need it, the Sword Sect definitely won’t lack any!”

“Besides…”

“The Sect Master has also promised that you can be taken as a disciple by a Supreme Elder of the Land Immortal Realm, who will personally teach you!”

“I would like to ask, three Daoist Fellows, can you really ensure these conditions?”

After saying this, Jian Chen confidently scanned the other three Sages.

As expected, upon hearing this, except for Sage Orchid, the faces of the other two stiffened.

Treatment of the Saint Son Peak, easy to say.

Choosing any item from the treasure vault, also agreeable!

Cultivation resources, needless to say, how could they let such a genius lack cultivation resources?

But…

To be taken as a disciple by a Supreme Elder of the Land Immortal Realm, that’s truly hard to accomplish!

“Amitabha Buddha…”

“The Buddhist Sect can promise all the conditions except the last one, and if the little friend is destined to join the Buddhist Sect, we will certainly welcome him.”

Heartless Buddha took the lead in putting his palms together and spoke.

He couldn’t agree to the last condition, because those Land Immortal Realm True Buddhas in the Buddhist Sect have already retired from worldly affairs, and unless it’s a matter of life and death for the Sect, they simply do not appear.

“Land Immortal Realm Supreme Elder…”

“If the little friend joins the Immortal Ascension Sect, I believe the Sect Master will also help the little friend to obtain this opportunity!”

Sage Li He was silent for a moment and could only forcefully say.

“Hehe…”

“Daoist Fellow Li, lying isn’t good.”

“The Supreme Elder of your Immortal Ascension Sect, since the last time he took a disciple with the talent of a Dao Body, hasn’t taken any more disciples.”

“The other Supreme Elders, even more so, do not concern themselves with worldly matters.”

“How can you dare to promise?”

Jian Chen mockingly looked at him, ruthlessly exposing him.

“By the way, just a mention.”

“Just a simple mention, not specifically targeting anyone.”

“Fifty years ago, that Supreme Elder of the Immortal Ascension Sect took a genius with the talent of a Dao Body as his closed-door disciple, but unfortunately, when he cultivated to the Eight-Grade Heavenly Gate Realm, he perished by accident.”

“Tsk, what a pity, truly a pity.”

“Clearly with such great talent and a Land Immortal Realm Master for support, he still died.”

“Unlike my Sword Sect, the First Peak’s Saint Son has now smoothly cultivated up to the Moon Unification True Monarch Realm, and I believe in less than a thousand years, he will break through to the Land Immortal Realm and become one of Central State’s top Great Powers.”

“Ah…”

Seeing that Li He still wanted to say something, Sage Jian Chen ruthlessly continued to jab at his heart.

“You…”

Sage Li He glared with anger but couldn’t rebut.

After all, what he said was the truth.

“If that’s the case…”

“It seems that the Sword Sect indeed suits the Young Master a bit more.”

Hearing this, the Gu Family Elders couldn’t help but mutter to themselves.

They didn’t quite understand what the Land Immortal Realm meant but also realized that the strongest in Central State were just Land Immortals.

Who would have thought that Central State’s Holy Land, in their effort to attract the Young Master, would even alarm the top Great Power…

If he were to become a disciple of a Land Immortal, wouldn’t the Northern Domain become the Gu Family’s world?

Even the Northern Domain Royal Family, how would they dare to provoke the Young Master of the Gu Family?

As for the Immortal Ascension Sect…

After hearing Jian Chen’s words, they couldn’t help but notice, they paled in comparison to the Sword Sect…

“Land Immortal Realm Supreme Elder…”

When Gu Changge heard this, he too was slightly startled.

Who would have thought that the Sword Sect would value him so highly?

However, becoming a disciple under a Land Immortal still required some consideration; after all, he had quite a few secrets that neither Sage Realm nor True Monarch Realm might discover.

But someone at the pinnacle of the world, just one step away from being an Immortal, might just see through them!

Thinking that all three major Holy Lands had already made their offers, his gaze inadvertently turned towards Sage Orchid.

After their eyes met, Sage Orchid just covered her mouth and lightly laughed: “Brother Gu need not look at me, our Wan Hua Valley doesn’t have such deep resources to offer such great conditions, so we give up.”

“Of course, if Brother Gu doesn’t care about these, wishing to join Wan Hua Valley is also most welcome!”

“Regardless of which Holy Land you decide to join, Wan Hua Valley will provide a bottle of Heavenly Rank Elixir and some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, just to make friends.”

This statement by Sage Orchid left Jian Chen and the other two quite shocked.

Wan Hua Valley had unexpectedly chosen to withdraw.

However, that naturally was a good thing for them, one less competitor.

At the moment, everyone was looking intently at Gu Changge, waiting to see what decision he would make.

Even the members of the Gu Family were holding their breaths, extremely tense.

It felt as though this decision would affect the life or death of the Gu Family, almost as if they were the ones making this crucial decision…

Finally, Gu Changge spoke, his gaze turning towards Sage Li He of the Immortal Ascension Sect, “Senior Li…”

Hearing that, Sage Li He, who had not been very confident to begin with, suddenly brightened up.

Excitedly, he replied, “Young friend, you absolutely won’t be wrong in choosing the Immortal Ascension Sect!”

Sage Jian Chen was slightly stunned, as if struck by lightning.

Sword Sect had already offered such significant benefits; how could he choose Immortal Ascension Sect?

Before he could say anything more to fight for his cause,

Gu Changge continued, “I apologize, truthfully, this Young Master really wanted to join the Immortal Ascension Sect, but the actions of that Saint of yours have truly alarmed me, so I regretfully must decline…”

Upon hearing his speech, everyone was taken aback.

The excited expression on Sage Li He’s face also froze there.

After coming to his senses, he gave Gu Changge a deep look, “Understood.”

This wasn’t about wanting to join the Immortal Ascension Sect; this was about wanting the Wu Jiang Saint dead…

He would have to report everything accurately to the Immortal Ascension Sect after returning, and once his words reached the ears of many Elders and the Sect Master, it would probably bring big trouble to the Wu Jiang Saint.

Then, Gu Changge turned his gaze towards the Heartless Buddha of the Buddhist Sect.

“Senior Heartless, I truly am not destined for the Buddhist Sect.”

After hearing that, the Heartless Buddha was quite calm, bringing his hands together and nodding slightly.

When the Sword Sect promised that the Supreme Elder himself would teach,

he had already felt that things were set in stone.

“Wan Hua Valley… although this Young Master was tempted, I can only say sorry now.”

Gu Changge then gave a cupped fist salute toward Sage Orchid.

“It’s okay; although Wan Hua Valley ordinarily forbids the entry of men… Brother Gu could be an exception.”

“After you arrive in the Central State, if you are free, you can visit our Wan Hua Valley.”

“Giggle… This is an opportunity other male cultivators in the Central State would envy!”

Sage Orchid covered her mouth and chuckled, casting a friendly glance.

Seeing that Gu Changge had refused the other three Holy Lands, Jian Chen’s heart, which had been in suspense, completely settled down!

His entire posture straightened up considerably.

Just as Gu Changge glanced in his direction, Jian Chen immediately cupped his fist, “Young friend, the Sword Sect does not break its promises!”

“The junior choosing to join the Sword Sect naturally believes in the Sword Sect…”

Gu Changge responded with a slight salute.

“When can the young friend set off?”

Jian Chen asked eagerly.

“This…”

“Please inform the Sect that I cannot leave for Central State immediately.”

“At least, I need to wait about a year.”

“It’s also a good opportunity for me to sort out some matters in the Northern Domain, then I can head to Central State for cultivation with peace of mind.”

“Is that possible?”

Gu Changge had no intention of heading to Central State immediately; though he already possessed the combat power of an Eighth-grade Heavenly Gate Realm, it wasn’t safe enough yet!

At the very least, he would wait until he had broken through the Seventh Grade Unlimited Realm, and there were some matters to attend to before that.

“No problem!”

Jian Chen directly agreed without needing to report back to the Sect.

Just a delay of a year, what was that worth!

As long as the joining of Sword Sect was confirmed!

“Since the young friend has made a decision, I will take my leave.”

“Of course, if the young friend changes his mind during this period, Immortal Ascension Sect is always welcome to you.”

Sage Li He, unable to sit still any longer, stood up, cupped his fists toward Gu Changge, left behind those words, and directly departed.

“Amitabha, may the benefactor’s virtue be boundless.”

The person from the Buddhist Sect also showed no intention of staying any longer, bringing his hands together, nodding slightly with a light laugh toward Gu Changge, then also vanished.

“Brother Gu, remember to visit us at Wan Hua Valley; don’t forget, all the fairies from our valley are waiting for you.”

Sage Orchid, beaming, said, then even cast a coquettish glance, vanishing like dissolving petals.

“Cough…”

Gu Changge, facing the departing trio, slightly cupped his fist, trying to say something, but was choked back by the words of the Wan Hua Valley’s sage.

She was indeed pretty, but as a Sage Realm cultivator, she must have been around a thousand to eighteen hundred years old; why was she still acting coy and casting coquettish glances at him…

Shivering slightly, he thought no more on it.

However, once he’d head to Central State later, he still planned on visiting Wan Hua Valley.

He was curious to see what such a special place, which admitted only female cultivators, was really like.

After the three left, Jian Chen also didn’t linger,

immediately using the Communication Jade Token to transmit the news back to Central State.

It wasn’t long before he received a response.

“Brother Gu… Saint, the Sect has commanded me to stay in the Northern Domain, guarding the way until you come to the Sword Sect.”

Jian Chen, looking at the message returned, immediately beamed with joy, turning to Gu Changge to speak.

But as he spoke, he changed the address from the original “young friend” to “Saint.”

Although all nine Saint Peaks had their masters now,

the moment Gu Changge agreed, he benefited from the treatment of the First Saint Son Peak.

As to whether he would challenge for a Saint Peak once he arrived at Sword Sect, that was another matter to discuss.

“Then I’ll arrange accommodations for the senior…”

Gu Changge felt somewhat dazed; he had just become the Saint of the Central State Sword Sect?

People longed for the honor of joining this sacred land, yet he had become a saint so simply; it was truly an indescribable feeling.

“No need for the trouble, Saint.”

“I get along quite well with Daoist Fellow Xue; it’s perfect for us to live together and discuss our paths.”

Sage Jian Chen waved his hand off, looking towards Old Blind Man as if to seek his opinion.

“Couldn’t be more pleased.” Old Blind Man at this moment also sincerely felt happy for his master, and saw his bright future ahead!

“This…”

“Shall we throw a banquet to celebrate?”

One of the Elders suggested timidly.

“Nonsense!”

“Of course, we have to do it big, let the whole Northern Domain know about it!”

“Send out invitations, to Heavenly Cold Sect and the Imperial Family; stating that the Young Master is joining Sword Sect, positioned as Saint, under the tutelage of a Land Immortal from Supreme Elder Realm!”

“Include all this in the invitation!”

Supreme Elder Gu Liang immediately slammed the table, his eyes sparkling.