Chapter 262 Tempting Offer
The First Grand Elder looked shocked after the revelation from the Sect Master Yun.
And there was a reason for it.
As far as he knew, very few really came down from the upper world. Even cultivators who ascended from this world to the upper world didn't come back to this world unless it was pretty important. And even if they came down, they would leave as soon as possible.
Sect Master Yun had been in the sect for several decades. He joined as an inner disciple and slowly climbed his way through the ranks before becoming an elder and then the Sect Master. No one who came from the upper world would remain so long in this world.
There are several reasons for this as well.
One, the spirit qi in the upper world is more abundant than in this world. This made the cultivation speed there faster than it was in this world. With abundant spirit qi, a cultivator could break through easily as well.
Two, the laws that one needs to comprehend after reaching a certain stage are more complete in the upper world. Those who comprehend laws in the upper world will have deeper comprehension compared to those in this world normally.
Three, the treasures and lineages in the upper world are far better than the ones that could be obtained in this world. There may be exceptions like the one in the Spirit Sword Mountain, but they were called exceptions for a reason. So, a cultivator's basic strength and foundation will be far stronger if they cultivated in the upper world.
And there are several more reasons apart from these three as well. The important thing here is that the cultivators normally yearned to go to the upper world. They don't travel to lower worlds like this one and spend decades in it.
So naturally, the Sect Master's revelation shocked him.
"Don't be surprised, Grand Elder," Sect Master Yun smiled broadly. "There is a reason for my stay here. And it deals with the plan I am executing currently. So, what I am executing is not just my own thought, but it is also the desire of people in the upper world."
"Earlier, you spoke about how Grand Elder Dong was talented enough to break through to the Earth Immortal realm. But, I have to say your talent is far higher than his. The only reason he could break through decades before you was because of the resources that were provided to him by the power that supports me. If you can step aside, then I will make sure that you will obtain the same resources as well."
"What do you say? After all, every cultivator needs these kinds of resources once they cultivate to a certain stage. None of us plan to remain in this world forever. We all are seeking immortality. With just a nod, you would obtain the most favorable resources that can be given to you."
"Moreover, these resources are just the beginning. If you are worried about your power and prestige, then you don't need to be. I can introduce you to the power that is behind me and facilitate a connection between them and you. While you won't have the same level of power you held here, you will at least have a brighter future in your cultivation path. Who knows, with those resources you might step into the Earth Immortal realm within a few years. What do you say?"
Sect Master Yun put forth his offer and gave the First Grand Elder something he couldn't normally refuse. Looking at the First Grand Elder who was shocked into silence, Sect Master Yun felt complacent in his heart.
He knew that no one in this world could refuse his offer. After all, everyone wanted to obtain more resources and better cultivation techniques. Even Dao Transformation beings weren't an exception to this rule. So, he knew that the First Grand Elder would definitely be tempted by this offer.
Now, all he had to do was to wait and see the old man nod.
Sect Master Yun knew that for cultivators who are getting on in age, any opportunity to break through was precious. Only by breaking through and advancing in their cultivation continuously can they escape from the limited lifespan that was imposed upon them.
Even though the old man before him wasn't on his deathbed, Sect Master Yun knew that becoming an Earth Immortal was one obsession this old man hadn't let go of in these past years. So, with him giving a chance to fulfill his obsession, the result couldn't be any simpler.
As if to prove his thoughts right, the First Grand Elder murmured softly, "Earth Immortal!!!"
The First Grand Elder's eyes lost focus as he entered deep thought. Sect Master Yun's eyes flashed triumphantly after seeing the First Grand Elder's reaction. It was clear to him that his offer had moved the First Grand Elder significantly.
Leaning back in his seat, Sect Master Yun calmly observed the First Grand Elder's face. Things seemed to be progressing as he expected at this moment. Even though he still had his trump card, he felt elated seeing that he didn't need to use it. The entire thing was negotiated with his power and eloquence alone. This was how a Yun clan member should act.
Just as Sect Master Yun was crowing in victory inwardly, the First Grand Elder shook his head in a self-deprecating manner. He chuckled softly causing Sect Master Yun to look at him in surprise.
"That was a very good offer, Sect Master," the First Grand Elder sighed. "I was almost tempted to accept it. If it was any other scenario, I would have accepted it without much inward struggle."
"But," the First Grand Elder paused and sat straight in his seat, "you haven't answered my original question yet. What are you planning to do with this sect? This sect is dear to me. I will not give it up for anything easily."
The smile in Sect Master Yun's eyes faded upon hearing the old man's words. He felt a little irritated with the First Grand Elder's obstinate approach. He had offered everything the old man could want and yet he seemed fixated on the sect.
"Old man," Sect Master Yun lost his patience and looked at the First Grand Elder in an unfriendly manner, "are you sure you want to go down this road? I have several contingencies to deal with you. Don't think just because your cultivation is higher you can stop me."
"Contigencies? You mean, how you have already suborned Elder Feng using Liang Tianye? Or do you mean how Elder Xu is nothing but your puppet? Do you think I wouldn't recognize someone affected by the Heavenly Puppet Art? After all, that is one of the sect's legacies, isn't it?" the First Grand Elder chuckled merrily causing Sect Master Yun's face to change.
"Do you know why I brought those two along with me instead of the other Elders who haven't been corroded by you? I wanted to end them along with you if a fight broke out between us. Your actions of sending them away only saved their lives. Young man, don't think you can win me with these tricks," the First Grand Elder smiled sharply causing Sect Master Yun to be a little shocked.
"Do you know the actual meaning of a demonic cultivator? A demonic cultivator doesn't rely on anyone at all. He isn't bound by morals or other constraints that society put into place. He does whatever he wants to do and whenever he wants to do. The only thing he answers is to his heart. Not to the heaven, not to the masses, and definitely not to the world."
"I have been a demonic cultivator for a long time before you were even born. Do you think I would depend on them? Don't joke. If I had started to depend on others, I wouldn't be sitting here as the First Grand Elder of this hegemonic demonic sect. In front of power, all schemes will be broken into pieces," the First Grand Elder spoke confidently and unleashed his cultivation.
The pressure he exuded almost made Sect Master Yun to sweat a little. The difference in strength between them was very huge. Sect Master Yun knew instinctively that it would be a tough fight if he went to war with this old man. He might even be seriously injured before the plan was put into motion. He absolutely couldn't afford it.
And that was only if he won. If he lost, then the repercussions would be a lot more heavier. While he knew that his death wouldn't be in vain and the people he had roped in would kill the First Grand Elder following that, it didn't mean that it was what he wanted. He had toiled for decades to obtain this fruit.
The one who causes the Aghori Path to descend into this world will receive unimaginable benefits. He didn't want to create wedding gowns for others. He had worked so hard to obtain this opportunity. His clan had spent several centuries to make sure that they were the ones who caused the descent of the Aghori Path into this world.
This matter was far bigger than either him or this old man.
Several powers in the upper world were keeping a keen eye on the situation here. A failure here will doom his cultivation journey. His clan had spent a boatload of resources on this venture. And they wouldn't tolerate his incompetence either.
Gritting his teeth in anger and frustration, Sect Master Yun could only reluctantly use the final trump card he didn't want to rely upon. His hatred towards the First Grand Elder rose sharply as he looked at the old man and sneered.
"Oh, then, what do you think about this? Is this enough to change your mind?"
Sect Master Yun sneered angrily and waved his hands. A small pale box made of ancient beast bone emerged. The First Grand Elder looked at the box curiously. The box was opened and in it lay a small token-like signet ring.
The moment he saw the engraving on the signet ring, the First Grand Elder's heart palpitated. His eyes bulged out and he couldn't believe what he was witnessing. He tried to examine the token closely by taking it in his arms.
The moment he touched the token he knew that it was indeed authentic.
"This token!!! How are you in possession of this!!!?" the First Grand Elder asked in shock and reverence.
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