Reward Relic

“Hahahaha, it seems this round is mine to win.”

“Oh, Senior Yue, Senior Yue, where on earth did you find such a prodigy?”

Daoist Qingwei stroked his beard, shaking his head with a smile.

“I never expected to lose. It seems that Junior Wudao didn’t foresee the Radiant Righteousness Sect still had such a trump card.”

“Hahahahaha, not just you all—even I myself didn’t know I had such a genius under my wing. I have no idea where Lass Zhou found him.”

Yue Tianxing seemed in high spirits. Winning the chess game and securing the position of righteous leader—he could finally retire. Wasn’t life just getting easier?

“Year after year, we’re always third. When will my Heavenly Secrets Pavilion get a turn to sit in the seat of righteous leader?”

Another old man chuckled, cracking a joke.

“Well, that’s what happens when your pavilion only recruits divination disciples. If you still took the top spot, the two of us would look way too pathetic.”

The three old men joked happily, not truly caring about who claimed the title of righteous leader.

“Alright, I won’t waste time chatting with the two of you. I need to get back and ask Lass Zhou where she dug up this treasure of a genius for our Radiant Righteousness Sect.”

Yue Tianxing stood up, ready to take his leave.

Master Tianji also rose slowly, “And I’d better head back too—have a word or two with my disciples to keep them humble and diligent.”

Daoist Qingwei stood and cupped his hands toward the two seniors, “This might be our last gathering. Success or failure aside, after I depart, I trust both seniors will look after my Supreme Dao Sect.”

The three exchanged hand cupping gestures, and then Yue Tianxing and Master Tianji vanished into thin air.

The smile on Daoist Qingwei’s face gradually faded, a trace of worry in his eyes, “Once I’ve briefed Wudao and Qingyu, I’ll need to go into seclusion to prepare…”

The Radiant Righteousness Sect.

The entire sect was immersed in a celebratory atmosphere.

Having finally reclaimed the title of righteous leader, countless cultivators would undoubtedly flock to join them over the next two centuries.

“Silence!”

At the elder’s command, all disciples fell quiet, their eyes fixed on the elder standing on the high platform in the sect’s square.

A white-haired, white-bearded elder with an immortal aura appeared on the platform.

“It’s the Sect Leader Yue!”

Yue Tianxing, the master of the Radiant Righteousness Sect and a quasi-emperor powerhouse.

All gazes from disciples and elders shifted to him.

Yue Tianxing swept his eyes across the assembly, a warm smile on his face, his aged voice booming with vigor, “The Radiant Righteousness Sect’s victory in this righteous leader competition is the result of the joint efforts of all disciples and elders.”

“Every member of the sect, from top to bottom, will have their annual stipend doubled this year. Additionally, disciples and elders who participated in the competition will receive extra rewards.”

As Yue Tianxing finished speaking, the entire sect erupted in cheers and jubilation.

“Thank you, Sect Leader!”

Mo Tianxiao’s expression showed a hint of surprise, and he cast a respectful glance at Yue Tianxing.

“Of course,” Yue Tianxing continued, “the outstanding performances deserve the best rewards. Now, tell me—who, in your opinion, contributed the most to this victory?”

“Elder Nan!”

A unanimous answer rang out without exception.

All eyes turned to Mo Tianxiao, who instantly became the center of attention. Yue Tianxing also looked at him, “If it weren’t for this competition, I might never have known the sect had such a genius as Elder Nan.”

Mo Tianxiao smiled humbly, a look of respect on his face, “You flatter me, Sect Leader Yue.”

Yue Tianxing nodded approvingly, “It’s rare to see such a humble young man these days. Elder Nan, feel free to name your reward. You’ve done so much for the sect, and it wouldn’t be right for this old man not to show his gratitude.”

Mo Tianxiao’s eyes lit up with surprise, but his tone remained composed, “As an elder of the Radiant Righteousness Sect, contributing to the sect is only fitting.”

“However, since you insist, I wouldn’t dare to refuse. Just give me whatever you think is fitting, Sect Leader—honestly, the only thing I’m missing is a holy artifact.”

As if nothing else was lacking, and a holy artifact would do just fine.

When Mo Tianxiao said this, even Zhou Muxi’s cheek twitched. That was awfully bold.

Yue Tianxing and a few core elders paused for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter, “Hahahahaha! Elder Nan certainly doesn’t stand on ceremony with this old man. But it’s a joyous day—a holy artifact it is! Granted!”

Though Yue Tianxing didn’t care much for the righteous leader title, seeing it back in the Radiant Righteousness Sect after so long was reason enough to celebrate, and he wasn’t one to spoil the mood.

With a wave of his hand, a glowing five-colored bowl appeared in his palm. He gently tossed it, and the five-element bowl flew toward Mo Tianxiao.

“This is a holy artifact I acquired thousands of years ago, called the Five Elements Bowl. It can be used for long-range attacks, close defense, and even trapping enemies. As for the specifics, Elder Nan, feel free to study it on your own.”

“Thank you for the generous gift, Sect Leader.”

Mo Tianxiao cupped his hands, calmly received the holy artifact, examined it briefly before stowing it away.

The sect leader of the Radiant Righteousness Sect was truly generous—so much more so than that bloodsucking Blood God Palace.

Countless envious eyes fixed on Mo Tianxiao. A genuine holy artifact, a weapon meant for saints—and Yue Tianxing had handed it over as a prize to Elder Nan.

Still, given Mo Tianxiao’s performance in the righteous leader competition, the other disciples and elders felt only admiration, not jealousy.

After all, he had contributed the most. If not for Elder Nan leading the sect to a comeback, none of them would have received the sect leader’s rewards.

Following rounds of congratulations, Yue Tianxing raised his hand, and the crowd fell silent. He spoke slowly, “Besides discussing the victory in the righteous leader competition, I have one more announcement.”

“Starting today, I will step down as sect leader and retire to the background. Elder Zhou Muxi will take my place as the new sect leader of the Radiant Righteousness Sect.

All matters, big or small, within the sect should be reported to the new Sect Leader Zhou. Do not disturb me unless the sect faces annihilation.”

As Yue Tianxing made this announcement, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Disciples buzzed with discussion, but the elders showed little surprise, apparently already aware of the decision.

With no further explanation, Yue Tianxing left for his secluded cultivation grounds.

Zhou Muxi stepped forward, overlooking the crowd of disciples, standing in silence. The core elders stood beside her, a half-step behind.

Seeing this, Mo Tianxiao’s eyes flickered with thought.

After the gathering was dismissed, Zhou Muxi resumed her usual demeanor. After giving some instructions to the elders, she planned to enter seclusion to break through to the Saint King realm.

“Congratulations, Sister Nan, on getting a holy artifact. I’m a little envious,” Zhou Muxi teased with a smile.

Mo Tianxiao rolled his eyes at her, feigning a pout, “Congratulations, big sister, on becoming the boss of the Radiant Righteousness Sect. I wonder if the new boss could be generous and throw me another two holy artifacts?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Muxi turned and left, saying, "I'm going into seclusion to cultivate. Do as you please."

"Tsk, just as stingy as the Blood God Palace."