Promoted to the Elder of Elders

The Valley of the Crimson Moon

At this moment, representatives from the other four major immortal sects had already arrived.

Leading the Qian Yuan Immortal Sect’s delegation was the same Third Elder who had previously visited the Huan Hua Immortal Sect.

"Could it be that the Huan Hua Immortal Sect truly isn’t coming this time?"

"That woman, Chen Wanqing, still holds a grudge over what happened in the Crimson Moon Secret Realm last time, doesn’t she?" The Fifth Elder of the Burning Heaven Immortal Sect sneered as he spoke.

"She does indeed hold a grudge, but she wouldn’t miss this opportunity."

"After all, the Crimson Moon Secret Realm is filled with treasures. She wouldn’t pass up such a chance," the Third Elder of the Qian Yuan Immortal Sect replied with a cold laugh.

"Hmph, women are nothing but trouble."

"It’s just a few deaths—hardly worth making such a fuss over."

"Over the years, haven’t our own disciples also perished in the Crimson Moon Secret Realm?" The Grand Elder of the Northern Nether Immortal Sect spoke with a frosty tone.

"Ah, no need to argue with women."

"But honestly, I do hope they come."

"After all, what happened last time… I wouldn’t mind seeing it happen again."

The words of the Jade Sword Immortal Sect’s elder drew knowing smiles from the other three.

The truth of what had transpired back then was known to all of them—except Chen Wanqing. They were well aware of what had really happened.

"They’re here!"

"Hmm?"

"Why… is she leading the group personally?"

"And this person… is this really a disciple of the Huan Hua Immortal Sect?"

The group sensed Chen Wanqing’s aura, but upon closer inspection, their brows furrowed in confusion.

The person accompanying Chen Wanqing… was actually a man?

Exchanging puzzled glances, none of them could fathom what trick Chen Wanqing was playing.

"Truly unexpected that Sect Leader Chen would come in person."

"However, where are the other disciples of the Huan Hua Immortal Sect?"

"Is this the only one?"

The Qian Yuan Immortal Sect’s Third Elder pointed at Xiao Yao, then turned a questioning gaze toward Chen Wanqing.

Sect Leader Chen?

So her name wasn’t just Wanqing—it was Chen Wanqing?

Chen Chang’an had only just learned that she shared his surname.

As for Chen Chang’an and Da Huang, they were completely ignored by the group. It was common knowledge that the Huan Hua Immortal Sect had never accepted male disciples.

"How many people I send is none of your concern."

"Worry about your own disciples and stay out of the Huan Hua Immortal Sect’s affairs," Chen Wanqing retorted coldly.

Her attitude darkened the Third Elder’s expression. "When the Crimson Moon Secret Realm was discovered, the five great immortal sects established rules together."

"Are you saying the Huan Hua Immortal Sect intends to break them?"

Rules?

Though the five sects had indeed set rules upon discovering the secret realm, those rules had long since become meaningless.

Rules only bound those who followed them—and the other four sects clearly did not. So why should she abide by them?

"Listen well, all of you."

"I was one of the original architects of those rules. What right do you have to question me?"

"What I do is none of your concern."

"If you have complaints, send those old fools to speak with me."

Though Chen Wanqing was merely the sect leader of the Huan Hua Immortal Sect, her strength and seniority far surpassed those present.

Even the leaders of the other four sects were mere juniors in comparison—after all, the ones who had established the rules back then were figures at the level of Grand Elders.

"Sect Leader Chen, as our elder, why trouble us juniors like this?"

"If you’re only sending one person, we naturally won’t stop you."

"However, if anything unfortunate happens inside… this time, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself," the Jade Sword Immortal Sect’s elder said with a smile.

"Who said I was only sending one?"

"He is also a member of the Huan Hua Immortal Sect."

Him?

A man?

Since when did the Huan Hua Immortal Sect have male disciples?

And his cultivation… only at the Quasi-Immortal Realm’s first layer? Was this a joke?

"Sect Leader Chen, are you serious?"

"As far as I recall, your sect has never accepted male disciples."

"Are you really planning to let an outsider enter?"

"Aren’t you afraid the secrets of the Crimson Moon Realm will leak?" The Burning Heaven Immortal Sect’s elder demanded sharply.

"Who said he’s an outsider?"

"And who said he’s a disciple?"

"He—Chen Chang’an—is the Grand Elder of the Huan Hua Immortal Sect."

"His cultivation just happens to be at the first layer of the Quasi-Immortal Realm."

"Any problems with that?"

A Quasi-Immortal first-layer Grand Elder? A status even higher than Sect Leader Chen Wanqing?

Who did they think they were fooling?

Everyone knew Chen Wanqing had founded the Huan Hua Immortal Sect single-handedly, elevating it to stand among the five great sects.

Had she chosen a successor as sect leader, it would have been understandable—after all, she had held the position for so long.

But to directly appoint a Grand Elder, placing some unknown brat above her? How did that make sense?

What kind of game was this woman playing?

Chen Chang’an hadn’t expected this either—Chen Wanqing had given him the title of Grand Elder without even consulting him.

But… free benefits were free benefits. Since it cost him nothing, he didn’t mind playing along.

"So, the Huan Hua Immortal Sect is only sending these two?"

"Who do you think you’re looking down on?"

"And me," Da Huang interjected unhappily.

"You?"

The group glanced at Da Huang and scoffed. Just a dog—what was there to be proud of?

Besides, it hadn’t even reached the Quasi-Immortal Realm. Entering the secret realm would be suicide.

"Damn it, are they looking down on me?" Da Huang asked Chen Chang’an.

"Yep. Definitely looking down on you."

"Infuriating. When have I ever been treated like this?"

Da Huang was frustrated. Back in the Profound Realm, he would’ve slapped them without hesitation. But this was the Ancient Immortal Domain.

Though his strength had improved rapidly since arriving, he couldn’t compare to a freak like Chen Chang’an.

"If I can’t beat the old ones, I’ll deal with the young ones!"

"Just you wait."

Da Huang glared fiercely at the disciples of the four sects, but to everyone else, it was nothing more than impotent rage.

"Da Huang, you really should put in more effort."

"Otherwise, bringing you along is just embarrassing."

"Too weak." Chen Chang’an’s expression was full of disdain.

Too weak?

Now you're disgusted with me? Did you forget who begged me to stay by your side back then?

Heartless bastard!

"Let me ask—are these the disciples your four sects are sending in this time?" Chen Chang’an asked with a smile.

"What if they are? What if they aren’t?"

"What are you trying to say, kid?"

Chen Chang’an looked at them and replied calmly, "Nothing much. If they are, take a good look at them."

"After all, the Crimson Moon Secret Realm is perilous. You might not get another chance to see them again."