Chapter 523: New Administration's First Order

At this unprecedented time for the sect, I believe I am well-suited to become the Sect Master and guide the sect through this unique era.

When Chen Mobai finished speaking, everyone stared at him in astonishment.

Cultivators in the Eastern Desolation have always prioritized cultivation. Consequently, Golden Core cultivators never take on the role of Sect Master, as it significantly interferes with their practice. Foundation Establishment cultivators, however, are eager for the position due to an unwritten rule among the large sects of the Eastern Desolation: to obtain the sect's Golden Core resources, one must first dedicate a period of service to the sect. For instance, Shenmu Sect's two previous Sect Masters, Meng Hong and Chu Zuoshu, both received the full backing of Zhou Shengqing and Fu Zongjue. For Chen Mobai, already a Golden Core cultivator, to assume the role of Sect Master was seen in the Eastern Desolation as a selfless act, sacrificing his own cultivation for the sect's benefit. Therefore, his declaration instantly astonished everyone present.

"If Ancestor Chen is willing to humble himself, then naturally, no one is more suitable than you." Chu Zuoshu, after a moment of stunned silence, was the first to react. He immediately performed the Sect Master's bow to Chen Mobai. "Greetings, Sect Master Chen!" As his words echoed, the other Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Divine Wood Hall also snapped back to attention. Seeing that Fu Zongjue on the side showed no inclination to speak, everyone followed Chu Zuoshu's lead and paid their respects to the new Sect Master.

E Yun and Yuan Chiye, who had already been aware of this, were filled with emotion, believing Ancestor Chen to be a truly honorable and trustworthy individual.

Among those present, only Zhou Wangshen felt the most complex emotions. However, if a Golden Core Ancestor desired to be Sect Master, even Zhou Shengqing would not refuse. Which sect master in the entire Eastern Desolation was a Golden Core cultivator? From this day forward, at least concerning the position of Sect Master, their Shenmu Sect would be the undisputed leader of the Eastern Desolation.

"I have no lingering attachment to this position as Sect Master. It's merely because there are no reliable cultivators like my nephews Meng or Chu in the sect at present, so I will temporarily shoulder this burden. Once Nephew Honghe, Nephew Zhou, Nephew E Yun, or any other Foundation Establishment cultivator can meet the criteria for Sect Master, I will naturally step down and yield the position."

Upon hearing Chen Mobai's words, Zhou Wangshen felt a degree of relief. A Golden Core Ancestor's word was like gold; a promise made in front of so many people meant he still had a chance to inherit the Sect Master position. Moreover, this was actually beneficial for him. His cultivation was not as strong as Honghe's, and even if he had forcibly assumed the Sect Master role today, many would not have recognized his legitimacy, attributing his ascension solely to his reliance on Zhou Shengqing and the Zhou family. Now that Ancestor Chen was serving as Sect Master, as long as he improved his cultivation during this interim period, reaching the late Foundation Establishment stage, he would gain proper recognition, even if he still lagged behind Honghe.

"Ancestor Chen, may I inquire how you intend to define the standards for the Sect Master?" Zhou Junxian, the Great Elder of the Zhou family, spoke up at this moment. He had discerned some underlying intent, believing Chen Mobai was buying time for E Yun. If Chen Mobai were to remain in the Sect Master position indefinitely, given the lifespan of a Golden Core cultivator, he could easily outlive all of them. Thus, for the sake of the Zhou family, he ventured to ask.

Chen Mobai smiled faintly upon hearing the question and then articulated his pre-conceived plan.

"The sect's selection criteria for the Sect Master have always been rather vague, which doesn't help in motivating our cultivators. So, today, I shall establish some initial standards."

"The Sect Master represents the sect's image. Their cultivation must be at least in the late Foundation Establishment stage, and their age must not exceed one hundred years. This ensures that upon their resignation, their physical body remains in its prime, allowing them to pursue Golden Core formation."

"Secondly, the Sect Master must have rendered significant service to the sect. I find the previous requirement of 100,000 contribution points to be insufficient; from now on, let's increase it to 200,000." Upon hearing this, the faces of those present twitched slightly, but no one dared to openly object.

"Finally, the Sect Master must be a truly capable individual. I propose that the Protectors of the other six states under Shenmu Sect's jurisdiction, excluding Jian Country, be designated as potential candidates for the Sect Master position."

"In the past, the sect's Protectors in various states merely accumulated experience or leveraged the sect's reputation to acquire resources from local families, never truly developing their assigned territories."

"From this day forward, each state's Protector shall manage their territory as if it were a minor sect. If their governance is clear and just, and their administration harmonious, it will demonstrate their capability to become Sect Master and effectively lead all seven states in the future."

"Naturally, to execute their duties effectively, sufficient authority is crucial. From this point forward, the status of Protectors in their respective states will be second only to the Sect Master and the Three Great Halls, placing them above the Twelve Departments."

As soon as Chen Mobai finished speaking, the heads and deputy heads of the Twelve Departments immediately grew anxious. How could six individuals suddenly be placed above them for no apparent reason? Even if this authority only applied within the six state territories, it still made them uneasy.

"Ancestor, what if, in the future, I am ordered by you to collect a certain herb in Yun Country, and then the Protector of Yun Country commands me to refine a pill for him? Should I comply or refuse?" Zeng Woyou of the Alchemy Department, known for his straightforwardness, immediately stepped forward to voice his objection to such an arrangement.

"Nephew Zeng has a valid point. In that case, let their status be equivalent to that of the Twelve Departments. Protectors in their respective territories shall be on equal footing with your department heads. How does that sound?"

Chen Mobai was drawing inspiration from the system of the Immortal Sect, where the city lords of the Blessed Lands possessed a high degree of autonomy. Within the Immortal Sect, only the council members of the Kaiyuan Hall and the heads and deputy heads of the Three Great Halls could issue commands to them. However, given that Shenmu Sect only had three Golden Core cultivators, modifications were necessary to suit their specific circumstances.

Had Chu Zuoshu proposed this motion, the Twelve Departments would have unanimously rejected it long ago. A mere Protector, whose position was merely a stepping stone to joining the Twelve Departments, was suddenly elevated to their same level! With the Protectors' authority increasing and the Three Great Halls remaining supreme, it implicitly meant that the authority of the Twelve Departments was being diminished—a simple truth that was easily grasped.

While they wished to object, the current Sect Master was a Golden Core Ancestor! "We respectfully obey the Sect Master's decree." After a period of hesitation, and observing that Fu Zongjue on the side still showed no sign of speaking, the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Twelve Departments had no choice but to reluctantly pass the motion unanimously.

"Given this, the position of Protector becomes exceptionally important. The Protector of Jian Country will remain unchanged, but let us reconsider the appointments for the other six states."

Chen Mobai refrained from changing the Protector of Jian Country for two reasons. Firstly, the sect was located there, and granting such extensive authority to the Protector would undoubtedly lead to numerous conflicts with the Twelve Departments, which would ultimately fall on him to resolve as Sect Master. Secondly, it was to avoid any perception that he was attempting to use this opportunity to elevate his disciple, Zhuo Ming.

"This disciple previously served as the Protector of Xiao Country, and I am now willing to continue in that role, safeguarding the sect's borders and confronting the Nanxuan Sect."

Zhou Wangshen stepped forward without hesitation. Although he had initially intended to choose Lei Country, as it had been under Shenmu Sect's rule for nearly a century, making its governance effortless, he realized this would not demonstrate his exceptional administrative skills. Furthermore, it would not provide opportunities to earn contribution points by contending with the Nanxuan Sect. Therefore, after careful consideration, he decided to select Xiao Country, a state he had managed for ten years and where he had established some foundation.

"In my actions, I prioritize fairness and justice above all else. This matter also warrants providing an opportunity to all Foundation Establishment cultivators within the sect. You are to disseminate today's proposal of mine to any cultivators currently outside the sect. They, or even yourselves, if you are so inclined, may also participate in the election. In one month, all Foundation Establishment cultivators of the sect will cast their votes to determine the six Protector positions."

As soon as Chen Mobai uttered these words, everyone present was stunned.

"For this matter, the Sect Master and Ancestor Fu alone can make the decision," Chu Zuoshu said, stepping forward with a hint of trepidation.

"If there are ties or matters that fall outside the established rules, my Senior Brother Fu and I will make the final decision. For all other affairs, however, your active participation will still be required."

The confidence of Golden Core cultivators derived from their own cultivation, and thus, Chen Mobai and Fu Zongjue held no particular concern for these trivialities. To be blunt, if they wished to endorse someone, they merely needed to voice their preference, and at least half of Shenmu Sect's Foundation Establishment cultivators would assuredly choose that individual.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Divine Wood Hall, each with their own complex thoughts, departed with inscrutable expressions.

Some heads of the Twelve Departments even began to contemplate whether they should relinquish their current posts and compete for a state Protector position.

Cultivators who had reached the Foundation Establishment realm and attained high-ranking positions were, without exception, individuals of sharp intellect.

For they had caught a glimpse of hope for Golden Core formation.

After departing the Divine Wood Hall, Foundation Establishment cultivators from various familiar circles converged at their usual gathering places and began discussing the recent developments.

"Junior Brother, you possess extraordinary talent. If you focus solely on cultivation, it would be more beneficial to the sect." After the sect meeting concluded, only Chen Mobai and Fu Zongjue remained in the Divine Wood Hall, and the latter offered this advice to the former.

"Rest assured, Senior Brother. Sect affairs will not impede my cultivation. Furthermore, once a brilliant talent similar to Nephew Chu emerges in the next generation, I will confidently hand over the sect."

Chen Mobai's reasoning held merit. The Sect Masters of the major Eastern Desolation sects were typically at the perfected Foundation Establishment stage, or at the very least, late Foundation Establishment. If Zhou Wangshen were to assume the role, rogue cultivators and minor powers, unaware of the full context, might conclude that Shenmu Sect had no capable successors.

"Since that is the case, Junior Brother, I shall entrust the sect's affairs to your diligent care. I will continue my study of the Puppet Arts of Mount Liujia."

For Fu Zongjue, Shenmu Sect's assistance to his cultivation was progressively diminishing; in fact, it was now they, the Golden Core cultivators, who were propping up the sect. Thus, Chen Mobai's willingness to manage its affairs was, for him, a welcome development.

Soon, the news of Chu Zuoshu's resignation and Chen Mobai's ascension to the Sect Master position had spread throughout the entirety of Shenmu Sect.

Many Qi Refining disciples had only one feeling regarding this change: they felt a greater sense of confidence when venturing outside.

This was because their own Sect Master was now a Golden Core Ancestor—a unique distinction in the entire Eastern Desolation!

For the Foundation Establishment cultivators of Shenmu Sect, however, the proposal regarding the Sect Master's selection unleashed a tidal wave of excitement and speculation.

"Junior Brother Yan, are you truly going to contend for that Protector position?" Kou Canzhi, head of the Body Forging Department, looked at the bronze-skinned, resolute young Foundation Establishment cultivator before him, feeling a mix of surprise and delight.

"Senior Brother Kou, I aspire to form a Golden Core. While there are indeed abundant spirit stone resources here, at best, I would only outlast you and assume control of a single department in this lifetime. Now that a more promising path has emerged, I am eager to pursue it."

The bronze-skinned youth was named Yan Yuanhao. Having just celebrated his eightieth birthday, his cultivation had already reached the peak of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

He also served as the deputy head of the Body Forging Department.

During the recent major battle in Yan Country against the Nanxuan Sect, it was he who led the cultivators of the Body Forging Department in a bloody, near-fatal struggle on the front lines. The sight of Chen Mobai, wielding purple lightning and thunder, transforming into a streak of sword light to slay Nanxuan Jing, left a profound impression on him.

After surviving the battlefield and witnessing the immense power of a Golden Core cultivator, Yan Yuanhao found himself yearning even more deeply for such a realm.

Now, with a seemingly fair opportunity for competition, Yan Yuanhao was willing to forgo his promising future within the Body Forging Department, all for the chance to seize this possibility.

Not only Yan Yuanhao, but the deputy heads of the Talisman Forging Department and the Formation Department also made the same decision. Furthermore, inspectors and overseers from the Three Great Halls, among others, followed suit.

Within Shenmu Sect, every Foundation Establishment cultivator who harbored a belief in achieving the Golden Core stage was ignited with immense enthusiasm by Chen Mobai's first decree under the new administration.

"Certainly, certainly, Senior Brother Mu, take care. I will find an opportunity to mention it when Master summons me..." Liu Wenbai saw off yet another Foundation Establishment cultivator who had come to pay respects, and couldn't help but scratch his head.

He had somewhat underestimated the significance of his status as Chen Mobai's senior disciple.

During this time, virtually every Foundation Establishment cultivator within Shenmu Sect, even those he didn't know personally, had sent messages via the Heavenly Communication Device requesting an audience.

It was the same for Zhuo Ming.

However, Zhuo Ming was not fond of socializing, and being a female cultivator, many found it awkward to approach her directly.

Liu Wenbai, however, was a different case. He managed the Xiaonanshan Shop, meaning almost everyone had his contact information, and he found it difficult to decline requests for meetings. Consequently, ever since Chen Mobai assumed the role of Sect Master, Liu Wenbai hadn't had a single free day.

Many sought to express their loyalty to Chen Mobai through Liu Wenbai, promising that if the Sect Master appointed them as a Protector, they would faithfully execute any command.

Unfortunately, Chen Mobai did not require such overt declarations of loyalty. And while Liu Wenbai was genuinely good-natured, he would not actually convey such propositions to Chen Mobai.

Observing his Heavenly Communication Device incessantly ringing, Liu Wenbai sighed. He left a message for Chen Mobai, then packed his belongings. Under the pretense of managing the Xiaonanshan Shop and simultaneously returning to his ancestral home in Yun Country to assist his family with cultivating rice, he immediately used a teleportation array and departed Greatwood Ridge that very night.

The following day, Qi Rui, who had come to visit Liu Wenbai, looked at the "out" sign hanging on the door with a troubled expression.

Three years prior, he had successfully entered the Foundation Establishment realm after consuming the Foundation Establishment pill left by Chen Mobai. For years, he had wished to express his gratitude in person, but circumstances had kept him outside the sect on various assignments.

After learning of Chen Mobai's Golden Core formation and his assumption of the Sect Master position through the sect's communications, Qi Rui, though astonished, swiftly completed his current tasks and hurried back to Greatwood Ridge.

Chen Mobai's current status was now significantly elevated. After Qi Rui completed his assignments at the Spirit Treasure Pavilion, he immediately headed to Liu Wenbai's residence, hoping to secure an audience through him.

Unfortunately, Liu Wenbai had already slipped away a step ahead.

Left with no other choice, Qi Rui made his way to Xiaonanshan, only to discover that Zhuo Ming was also absent.

"Oh, isn't that Junior Brother Qi?" Just as Qi Rui was contemplating going to Xi Jinghuo's place to inquire about the situation, a familiar voice called out to him. He turned to see Yan Jinye from the Alchemy Department. Qi Rui had encountered her a few times in the past, particularly when Chen Mobai had gathered people for wine tasting.

"Are you looking for Junior Sister Zhuo? That's quite unfortunate; she was taken to Black Cloud Mountain by Sect Master Chen today."