If I stay in the Hehuan Sect, I'll live off the pampered daughters of the Heavenly Pride Sect.

"Although Senior Sister Lin returned safely, in the eyes of the higher-ups, she is just a pretty face with no substance."

"In order to redistribute cultivation resources, the peak masters will definitely set their sights on the isolated and helpless Holy Maiden."

Mo Chengyue lowered his voice, pretending to tidy up the pages of a book while explaining things to his junior sister.

Lin Wanqing nodded repeatedly as she listened.

Her usually simple mind also began to make some sense by following this line of thought.

"No wonder."

"I heard that the elders of Yulin Peak spread the word last night that their peak's talented disciples are also qualified to compete for the Sainthood."

"If Senior Sister Lin insists on occupying this position and refuses to leave, she'll probably have to deal with all sorts of open and covert attacks every day."

"When she gave up her seat, all the people's anger shifted to that empty seat."

Mo Chengyue gave Lin Wanqing an approving look.

"That's just one aspect."

"More importantly, it's a self-preservation tactic of retreating to advance."

"Senior Sister Lin is ruthless and holds grudges to the bone. How could she possibly be willing to be a puppet for those old guys?"

"She voluntarily stepped down in exchange for preferential treatment and protection from the higher-ups."

"With this carefree identity that doesn't require her to take on any sect responsibilities, she can stay on Purple Bamboo Peak and steadily consolidate her cultivation."

"Once she truly perfects the peak of the late Core Formation stage, she can pull down those who were standing on her head again at any time."

Mo Chengyue analyzed Lin Miaoyin's psychology very clearly.

He knew all too well that woman who had severe mysophobia and used her beauty as a weapon.

What she needs most now is time to process the ancient opportunities she gained from dual cultivation in the cave.

Lin Wanqing slammed her hand on the table.

"Senior Sister Lin is so smart."

"Those who are laughing at her probably don't even realize they've been tricked."

"But if this happens, our sect will be thrown into chaos."

She had barely finished speaking.

A long, resounding bell rang from the direction of the main peak of the Hehuan Sect, echoing through the valley.

The deep, resonant sound of the bell echoed among the peaks, ringing nine times.

This is a signal that the sect has issued its highest decree.

Immediately afterwards, a golden scroll of light unfurled above the main hall on the summit.

Several lines of large characters formed from true essence appeared above.

This enormous light and shadow was enough for every disciple in every corner of the Hehuan Sect to see clearly.

"I, Jiang Wei, rule over Hehuan."

"Lin Miaoyin, a disciple of Zizhu Peak, is permitted to resign from her position as Holy Maiden."

"However, a sect cannot be without a leader for even a day. Therefore, it is hereby decreed that a grand competition will be held at the main peak's sword-fighting arena one month from now."

"Select the best new Holy Sons and Holy Daughters to lead their peers and restore the prestige of our Hehuan Sect."

The writing on the scroll exuded an irresistible aura of power.

This announcement brought the undercurrents of infighting within the sect into the open.

The square outside the library instantly erupted in chaos.

The disciples, who had been dejected by the loss of their companions, were suddenly given a shot of adrenaline.

Heated discussions erupted from the crowd.

Even from the second floor, Mo Chengyue could clearly hear the noise outside.

"Did you hear that? There will be a new selection process in a month."

"My chance has finally come. If I can get a good ranking, I will definitely gain the elders' appreciation."

"With your cultivation at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, you still want to compete for the Sainthood? Don't end up not even knowing how you died."

"This is going to be interesting. Do you think Senior Sister Su from Biyun Peak will participate?"

"I doubt it. Senior Sister Su hates these struggles for fame and fortune the most, but Senior Sister Yu from Yulin Peak will most likely not let go of this opportunity to show off."

Various names were repeatedly mentioned by passersby, each with their own calculations of self-interest.

Lin Wanqing leaned on the windowsill and looked outside.

Those fellow disciples who used to call each other brothers now looked at each other with a hint of wariness.

"Senior brother, guess who will emerge victorious in the competition a month from now?"

She turned her head and asked Mo Chengyue curiously.

Mo Chengyue did not look out at the commotion outside the window.

He picked up a brush, dipped it in cinnabar, and continued repairing the damaged book of formations.

"This is not something we lower-level disciples should worry about."

"No matter who becomes the Holy Son or Holy Daughter, we still have to work diligently in the Library."

"Do you really expect the new Holy Son to give out more spirit stones as a monthly allowance?"

He ended the dangerous topic with a lighthearted joke.

Lin Wanqing pursed her lips.

"Senior brother, you always lack ambition."

"But that's fine too, at least we don't have to get involved in those troublesome fighting and killing."

She sat back down and began sorting through the new jade slips that had been delivered that day.

"By the way, senior brother."

"Since a sect competition is going to be held, the Scripture Pavilion will definitely see a large number of disciples borrowing cultivation techniques."

"Elder Chen gave the order last night, telling us to collect all the highly offensive jade slips from the first floor and place them in a prominent position."

"We're going to be very busy this next month."

As dusk fell, the glazed tiles of the library were bathed in a dark gold hue.

Mo Chengyue placed the last repaired book back into the jade shelf.

Lin Wanqing, carrying a pile of blank talismans, approached him.

"Senior brother, you're really quick today."

"That's because I'm eager to go back to the back mountain for tea."

Mo Chengyue smiled and replied before turning and walking toward the gate.

"Take care, senior brother. Remember to come early tomorrow."

Lin Wanqing waved her fair hand as she watched him leave.

Mo Chengyue summoned his flying sword, which transformed into a streak of light and flew towards Qingquan Peak.

The evening breeze blew against his Taoist robe, bringing a slight chill.

He half-closed his eyes, enjoying this rare moment of leisure.

It feels so wonderful not having to fight desperately in the ruins.

A stable life between two points is the ultimate path he pursues.

Just as he was about to land on the bluestone slab in front of his cave.

A clear and melodious laugh drifted into his ears on the night breeze.

The laughter came from the attic next door, built from a century-old ironwood tree.

Moreover, judging from the voices, there was definitely more than one person.

Mo Chengyue stopped in mid-air, feeling a tingling sensation in the soles of his feet.

That pavilion was built by him personally for the demon princess Jin Qiaoqiao.

Normally, that grumpy peacock would never laugh so happily except when it was cultivating.

What's more, the laughter also included two other voices that he knew all too well.

A cool and aloof demeanor tinged with a deliberate air of arrogance.

A captivating allure that runs deep.

Is this some kind of denunciation meeting?

Mo Chengyue inwardly groaned.

He sheathed his flying sword, tiptoed, and prepared to slip back to his cabin silently.

Once the defensive formation is activated, he can pretend to be in seclusion and ignore everyone.

But just as his fingertips were about to touch the door knocker of the wooden house...

A powerful and domineering divine sense locked onto his back.

"Now that Mo Lang is back, why rush to hide?"

Jin Qiaoqiao's lazy yet commanding voice echoed in his mind.

This address made the hairs on Mo Chengyue's entire body stand on end.

This female peacock usually wants to use him as fertilizer all the time.

The sudden switch to this saccharine tone today is definitely not a good thing.

This was definitely a trap set by Hongmen Banquet.

If he chose to run away at this moment, he would definitely be blown up along with the house by the violent demonic energy.