Hearing Liu Yunfei's words, Tian Feiyu plopped back down into his chair. The elders exchanged glances, unsure of how to proceed.
Ximen Tower steeled himself and said, "Alright. Since the two of you have no intention of participating, we, as your elders, will naturally support your decision."
Although Tian Feiyu and the others felt frustrated, they understood that the only ones capable of contending for the position of leader were these two juniors. With both of them in agreement to abstain from the struggle for leadership, there was no point in pushing the matter further. Forcing the issue could lead to resentment from these disciples, which would be counterproductive. Especially considering his own disciple, who was already rebellious and unpredictable. If he were to apply pressure, it was uncertain what kind of backlash might occur.
Ximen Tower paused before continuing, "Now that everyone is present, I will share some plans we have for our sect. I would like to hear if you have any better strategies as well."
He then outlined some plans that Wuhua Sect had recently established.
Before receiving news about Liu Yunfei's potential involvement with One Sword, Seven Flowers, Wuhua Sect had not considered competing for the position of martial arts leader. They believed that although Lu Zaisheng's swordsmanship was exceptional, his reputation was too weak. Lacking a prominent standing in the martial world meant that even if he showcased overwhelming sword skills, gaining recognition from various sects would be difficult.
However, due to strained relations with Vulture Peak, Wuhua Sect privately supported Zhao Tingshui from White Sand Gate for the leadership position.
The current issue was that both Bear Wind from Vulture Peak and Zhao Tingshui from White Sand Gate had their respective sects backing them. Moreover, their levels of support were quite similar. This situation could lead to a showdown in the Arena to determine who would become the leader.
Wuhua Sect initially planned to send Lu Zaisheng to challenge Bear Wind in the Arena to pave the way for Zhao Tingshui's ascension as leader, thus establishing a connection with him. However, upon realizing that both Lu Zaisheng and Liu Yunfei had no interest in contending for leadership, they worried that these two would also be disinclined to act as pawns.
After listening to Ximen Tower's explanation, Xunuo pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, we should simply choose someone favorable to Wuhua Sect as leader. Liu Shixiong and I will naturally comply."
Liu Yunfei had no desire to participate in such matters; however, since Xunuo readily agreed, he felt it inappropriate to contradict him and chose to remain silent, tacitly accepting the decision.
Seeing that these two talented disciples were not making things overly difficult regarding this matter, Ximen Tower let out a sigh of relief and began discussing which disciple would serve as a pawn while deciding who would take on the central role.
Gao Weiji said, "I will stay here today. I have another disciple in the Outer Hall who can barely manage One Sword Six Flowers; together we can oversee the central role."
Ximen Tower said in surprise, "Currently, things are complicated, and there are various matters within the sect that need your management. If you just abandon your responsibilities here, won't that cause trouble?"
Gao Weiji slowly closed his eyes and replied, "The biggest trouble has already occurred. Moreover, only when Lu Zaisheng and Liu Yunfei go out can they truly exert a deterrent effect. Although I may be more familiar with the people involved, to those ruthless figures in the martial world, strength is far more convincing. Furthermore, I advise both of you not to covet the position of the leader too much. With talents like Liu Yunfei and Lu Zaisheng in Wuhua Sect, the title of martial arts leader is merely ornamental. Just like Heavenly Shadow Sect, did they ever worry about who would become the martial arts leader?"
Ximen Tower exchanged glances with Tian Feiyu, silently acknowledging that this junior brother had indeed changed his attitude.
A few days later, the various sects on Wuhua Mountain reached a peak in their disputes over the selection of the martial arts leader. As expected, it was decided that the leader would be determined through a duel.
Zhao Tingshui felt that he had little chance of winning in swordsmanship. However, as a member of the martial world, he preferred to lose in the Arena rather than concede without a fight. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and comply with the arrangements made by the various sects.
Soon it was time for Bear Wind and Zhao Tingshui to duel for the position of leader. The match was arranged to take place at Wuhua Sect's Grand Arena. On this day, supporters from both sides clearly stood on either side of the Arena.
As the host, Ximen Tower was one of the main supporters of Zhao Tingshui but could only stand in the center beneath the Arena.
Tuoba Buer did not expect that Wuhua Sect would not only refrain from competing for the position of leader but would also support Zhao Tingshui just like his own sect. He realized he had miscalculated. However, Nanyue Sect had already done considerable groundwork. If they were to change their stance now, it would not only render their recent efforts futile but could also offend both sides.
Though Tuoba Buer was extremely reluctant to align with Wuhua Sect, he had no choice but to accept the situation due to circumstances beyond his control. Nevertheless, he believed he still had some backup plans that could bring great trouble to Wuhua Sect and at least diminish their strength and reputation.
At this moment, Ximen Tower stood right in front of the Arena. Although there were biases in selecting a leader, as the host, he still needed to observe proper etiquette. Thus, Ximen Tower kept greeting both sides.
Bear Wind and Zhao Tingshui were surrounded by numerous leaders and heads of sects, both appearing spirited and full of confidence.
Occasionally, someone glanced at Ximen Tower and thought that his position as host seemed too insignificant and trivial compared to the bustling activity on either side. In the center of the Arena stood only Ximen Tower along with Xunuo and Liu Yunfei behind him, creating a stark contrast with the lively atmosphere around them.
As Liu Yunfei made his way here today, he sensed something peculiar about Lu Shidi but couldn't pinpoint what was different from usual. Upon arriving at the Arena and surveying their surroundings, he realized that among their trio, he was the only one carrying an Iron Sword.
Liu Yunfei felt frustrated upon noticing this: it was understandable for their master not to bring an Iron Sword since he was merely there to oversee the competition and wouldn't participate directly. But Lu Shidi had insisted on being a gunman for this event; now arriving empty-handed clearly indicated that he intended for Liu Yunfei to do all the hard work instead.
Liu Yunfei looked at Xunuo with a strange expression. In Liu Yunfei's eyes, this junior brother was merely a bit unconventional, not a deceitful person. Today, Liu Yunfei began to see this junior brother in a new light.
Xunuo, on the other hand, maintained an air of nonchalance. He was completely immune to the razor-sharp gaze directed at him by Liu Yunfei.
After a moment, everyone had gathered, and Tian Feiyu appeared on the Arena. On the Arena, Tian Feiyu exchanged glances with Ximen Tower below, who nodded slightly in response.
Tian Feiyu then called for the disciples on the Arena to beat the drums. He raised his voice and declared, "Today marks the day of electing the leader of the martial arts world from among the dozens of sects in the southern region of the Great Liang Kingdom, known as the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. Unfortunately, there has been some ambiguity regarding the election of the leader. After discussions among various sects, it has been decided that we will determine the leader through a contest on this Arena. Although this selection is primarily between Bear Wind and Zhao Tingshui, it is not limited to their supporters alone. Of course, if this leads to a resolution between these two extraordinary masters, it would be a blessing for our alliance."
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted into chatter.
Given Tian Feiyu's status, the leaders and heads of sects below naturally did not regard him highly. Moreover, they completely ignored his mention of supporters from both sides participating in the contest.
The truth was that such a high-level conflict was beyond what other sects could involve themselves in. Otherwise, these dozens of sects would not have collectively withdrawn from the competition for leadership to support the two strongest contenders instead.
As the noise from below subsided slightly, Bear Wind laughed heartily and leaped onto the Arena. Seeing that the main contender had arrived, Tian Feiyu quickly bowed and stepped back.
When Zhao Tingshui saw Bear Wind on the Arena, he discreetly glanced at Ximen Tower. Ximen Tower smiled back at him with a look of calm assurance. Then Ximen Tower confidently turned to look at Xunuo. It was only then that he noticed that Xunuo had come empty-handed without his sword and seemed more relaxed than himself, gazing up at Bear Wind on the Arena while muttering something to himself, completely oblivious to all eyes upon him.
Ximen Tower felt a tightening in his chest and began to feel cold sweat trickle down his back. He thought to himself: I hope these two don’t lead me into trouble.
Ximen Tower had vouched for Zhao Tingshui. He intended to block Bear Wind and ensure that Zhao Tingshui took the position of leader. Zhao Tingshui did not believe that Wuhua Sect had such capability but was willing to see someone wear down Bear Wind's Inner Strength to increase his own chances of victory.
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