Su Bai's Support

"You, Fourth Elder, don't you dare slander me! The fox spirit back then—wasn't it you who gave it to me?" Sun Zimei's face turned red with anger as he shouted.

"Nonsense! That fox was clearly meant to be a contracted spirit beast for my youngest female disciple. It was you, Sun Zimei, who used your position as Grand Elder to forcibly take it away!" Fourth Elder declared firmly. "All these years, I've kept silent out of fear, but now, even if you try to retaliate later, I'm willing to take the risk and speak the truth!"

As various elders chimed in, more and more people began to condemn Sun Zimei.

Many others also started recounting all the bad deeds Grand Elder Sun Zimei had committed over the years.

After all, how could anyone withstand such scrutiny? So, even minor flaws that Sun Zimei had casually displayed were magnified infinitely at this moment.

"I propose..."

"We temporarily strip Sun Zimei of his Grand Elder title and imprison him in the Divine Prison, awaiting the Sect Leader's decision upon emergence from closed-door cultivation."

"I agree."

"I second that..."

"Strip him of his Grand Elder title, throw him into the Divine Prison..."

"Strip him of his Grand Elder title, throw him into the Divine Prison..."

The entire hall echoed with a unified chant.

"You, you, you...!"

No matter how glib-tongued Sun Zimei was, he couldn't defend himself against so many voices. Infuriated, he spat out a mouthful of blood and slumped onto his chair.

"Tell me..."

"What did Shi Qingwu give you?"

"Why, why...?"

Sun Zimei's face was full of indignation.

He simply couldn't understand how all the elders, once firmly in his camp, could suddenly betray him.

"Hmph!"

"We have always been loyal to the Sect Leader—what do you mean 'She gave us something'?!"

Second Elder and the others sneered at Sun Zimei before jointly sealing his acupoints and dragging him away.

"Everyone, besides Grand Elder Sun Zimei's matter, I have another announcement to make."

After Grand Elder Sun Zimei was taken away, Second Elder raised his hand slightly.

The noisy crowd instantly quieted down, their gazes turning to Second Elder and the others.

"The rumors about our Young Master Yi Feng are false!"

"He broke the record at Heavenly Tyrant Sect and was the first to exit not because he gave up after two days, but because he truly ranked first. He successfully cleared the trial within two days, shattering the longest-standing record of Heavenly Tyrant Sect's Holy Mountain Labyrinth."

Second Elder announced loudly.

After all, since discovering Yi Feng's powerful identity previously, how could these elders have remained idle?

A little inquiry revealed the true nature of this event.

For this piece of news, the elders who already knew Yi Feng's strength didn't feel the slightest bit surprised, as it was exactly as they expected.

However, those who were previously unaware were stunned.

"Good heavens."

"So it turns out he was the first."

"Wow, amazing."

"So, Young Master Yi Feng—did we misunderstand him entirely before?"

A series of amazed exclamations filled the air.

"Therefore, I propose that during the Sect Leader's closed-door cultivation, Young Master Yi Feng should temporarily oversee the Hundred Refinements Sect," Second Elder added.

"Agreed."

"I agree..."

In an instant, the entire assembly echoed with approval.

Although many hadn't attended the Heavenly Tyrant Sect's trial, they understood what clearing it in two days signified.

Moreover, with Grand Elder already fallen and under the elders' influence, the situation was decidedly one-sided.

"Please, My Lord, take your seat," Second Elder extended his hand.

"Uh..."

Yi Feng rubbed his nose.

Initially, when the Grand Elder confronted him, he had planned to demonstrate a bit of his power in front of these weaker folks.

But now it seemed unnecessary—everyone already knew how formidable he was.

Might as well accept graciously, then.

Besides, it's just a C-tier sect. Taking the main seat wouldn't be much of a strain.

"Pay your respects to the Sect Leader."

As soon as Yi Feng sat down, everyone bowed.

"No need to stand on ceremony—rise..."

Despite being surrounded by weaklings, sitting in this position did give Yi Feng a sense of triumph. He tugged at his rising lips and stayed composed.

...

Within the Divine Prison of the Hundred Refinements Sect.

Candlelight flickered, exuding an eerie aura.

The musty stench mingled with other unknown odors, making one feel nauseous.

This place was built entirely from special materials and was layered with various arrays and prohibitions. Anyone incarcerated here would be unable to utilize their powers.

Sun Zimei, imprisoned within, was filled with resentment.

Yet he clung to one last shred of hope.

That hope was the spirited young man before him.

His most accomplished disciple—Sun Zhonghuang.

"So that's why Second Elder and the others suddenly turned on me. It all makes sense now," Sun Zimei murmured, having learned the reason from Sun Zhonghuang.

"Then Master, what should we do now?" Sun Zhonghuang inquired.

"Hmph, I indeed misjudged Yi Feng. To possess such talent implied considerable power. Shi Qingwu's strategy was well-hidden indeed," Sun Zimei sneered. "If it were before, my disciple and I might have no choice but to accept defeat. But now, that's not necessarily the case."

"How so, Master?" Sun Zhonghuang's eyes lit up, prompting him to ask.

"You should know there's a hidden supreme expert within our sect." Sun Zimei glanced around, lowering his voice.

"Ah?"

Sun Zhonghuang's pupils constricted. "Is that true?"

"Indeed, though not many know this secret. The sect has suppressed the news," Sun Zimei explained. "The supreme expert is named Su Bai. For some unknown reason, he serves as a servant in the Hundred Refinements Sect."

"From what I've gathered, Su Bai inadvertently revealed his strength at Heavenly Tyrant Sect, prompting nearly all subordinate sects to deliver tributes to our sect, including the upper sect. The influx of so many external sect elders recently—you recall that, don't you?" Sun Zimei explained.

"That's right, that's why so many external sect elders visited recently," Sun Zhonghuang said, astonished.

"Exactly, all because of him," Sun Zimei confirmed gravely. "Rumors speculate Su Bai is at the tenth stage of True Immortal realm, but I believe his true strength is well beyond that—thirteenth stage or higher."

"Why do you say that?"

Sun Zhonghuang inquired.

"Because everyone overlooked one detail—the gifts from Heavenly Tyrant Sect. For instance, everyone knows Heavenly Tyrant Sect has two ancient patriarchs, both at the thirteenth stage of True Immortality. If Su Bai were only at the tenth stage, those patriarchs might approach him in friendship but wouldn't bestow such lavish gifts. Yet they gave away thirteen percent of Heavenly Tyrant Sect's decade-long earnings!"

"That's massive—equivalent to a tribute!"

"Meaning Su Bai is recognized by those two as an even greater power!" Sun Zimei cogently unfolded his reasoning.

Sun Zhonghuang was enlightened.

"There's only one hitch—this Su Bai currently serves as a servant under Yi Feng," Sun Zimei frowned, then added, "But I see no connection between Su Bai and Yi Feng. After all, Su Bai had been here in the sect for years even before Yi Feng; he’s also been a servant for others. So his current position as Yi Feng’s servant is likely just a coincidence!"

Sun Zhonghuang nodded.

He also found his master’s reasoning convincing.

"Then Master, what’s your plan?"

Sun Zhonghuang looked to Sun Zimei in anticipation.

"All I need you to do is draw close to Su Bai and win his support at all costs!"