Chapter 229: A Desperate Bid
As Weiheng Wu faded into the heavens, the spectators turned and vanished back into the sect. A few remained. Sect Master Lan, Lan Taijian, and the other Peak Lords. Their eyes fell on Hui, who stared back.
We need to choose a new Peak Lord. Does anyone have any disciples close to breaking through to the fifth realm? Sect Master Lan asked, looking away.
Mmm I do, but shes not interested in this sort of empty peak, the Peak Lord of Butterfly Pavilion Peak said, adjusting a single hair alluringly over her ear.
We could turn it into an extension of Jade Garden Peak. There are a few plants that require more land than we currently have
Er, excuse me, Seniors, Hui interrupted them, bowing.
Sect Master Lans eyes fell on Hui. He waved his hand dismissively. Youll be permitted to continue living on the peak, of course.
Hui bowed again, letting out a dry cough. Ah, that is, I, er Master already keyed the barrier formation to myself. I have never altered a barrier formation, I couldnt change it if I wanted to. Im afraid this small disciple is the only person allowed to occupy Unrivaled Under Heaven Peak.
Sect Master Lan scoffed. He lifted a finger. That trifling barrier formation fear not, Disciple Weiheng. I can
Mid-finger-wave, Sect Master Lan froze. He coughed, and managed to hold it in his mouth, but a droplet of blood ran down the corner of his mouth. His eyes bulged in surprise. This what is
Master rewrote the formation before he left. Many apologies, Sect Master! This small cultivator knows he isnt fit to occupy the peak, but Im afraid Im the only one who can! Saying that, Hui dove toward the peak. I dont want to stay out here. They might get ideas about making me alter the formation. I dont know how, I really dont, but do they know that?
The Sect Master frowned at him, but made no motion to stop him. He shook his head as Hui retreated to his peak. It doesnt matter. We dont have long, anyways.
The Peak Lords glanced amongst each other. Jade Gardens Peak Lord spoke up first. Is there really no hope?
Thats different. Before everything happened, she was already my
Likewise, Weiheng Wu treasured Xiao Hui, even bestowing him with his own Daoist name. As Weiheng Wu was a mere youth when the original incident happened, we never told him the truth of what occurred, but I wouldnt dare claim that he didnt figure it out on his own. Likewise, although he was absent when the Midnight Massacre took place, he ceased his involvement in the investigation with an excuse. He might have had little allegiance to the sect, but he still didnt wish to see us fall. I cant say I comprehend his motives in raising Xiao Hui, but then the Sect Master coughed dryly. We could never measure up to his comprehension, no?
The Peak Lords shared a chuckle. Lan Taijian scowled, but still shook his head, acknowledging it.
The Sect Master sighed. Now that its come to this I think its time to let our disciples experience a little good fortune before the inevitable battle. He glanced upward and smiled.
Its a hundred years ahead of schedule. The price wed have to pay we couldnt maintain that and the memory-obliterating barrier at the same time, the Butterfly Pavilion Peak Lord pointed out, lifting her pipe.
Were about to face an extermination-level battle. Its not as if our sect could end up in more trouble, the Sect Master pointed out.
Heaven Lan Taijian muttered, glancing up.
Heaven is in disorder. If the heavens were going to punish us, they would have struck two hundred years ago. The Sect Master crossed his arms and sighed. I should have killed that boy Yunxu and obliterated what hed created when we first discovered it, even if it would have ruined our reputation as a sect. Allowing it to continue to exist because I didnt destroy it, the All-Heavens Sect will see it as the same as allowing the Midnight Massacre to take place, no matter what the facts of the matter are. A righteous sect cannot commit the wholesale slaughter mortal children without divine retribution. All-Heavens Sect will take the place of the heavens in meting out that retribution, and all our Starbound Sect can do is oppose it.
If only hed taken it to his demonic sect first, the Jade Garden Peak Lord grumbled.
Then his Black Asp Sect would be experiencing divine retribution, not us. Hes a wily man and a slippery snake. If you share karmic ties with him, sever them, or hell wrap you up a lesson we learned too late, the Butterfly Pavilion Peak Lord murmured, breathing out a breath of smoke.
Then I suppose weve decided on paying the price, the Jade Garden Peak Lord murmured.
Sect Master Lan nodded. If we lower the strength of the barrier, well be able to maintain it until All-Heavens Sect arrives. Those few who knew of it before may start to remember, but no one should remember enough to decide to betray the sect.
The others nodded. They backed away, and Sect Master Lan raised his hands. Brilliant light sparked above him, opening into a rift in the sky. All disciples of Starbound Sect, hear my words. As of today, the True Self Realm is open! Anyone at any level can enter exactly once and seek good fortune inside. Even if you mean to leave Starbound Sect, consider this a parting gift from your Sect Master!