ca-book Chapter 108: Beyond the Heavenly Origin Realm
Chapter 108: Beyond the Heavenly Origin Realm
Aboard the spirit boat of the Starry Abyss Sect, Sect Master Feng Jun, Grand Elder Yu Wenyao, and a group of hall masters watched Jiang Chen approach through the sky. His arrival sent chills down their spines.
Jiang Chen’s level of cultivation base appeared to defy all known logic!
They couldn’t shake off the suspicion that something was amiss, perhaps wondering if the Jiang Chen before them was an imposter.@@@@
As everyone was on edge, filled with apprehension, Jiang Chen landed smoothly on the spirit boat. He greeted with a warm smile, "Sect Master, we’re back." He gave a slight bow, his hands clasped in front of him towards Feng Jun, but said nothing more beyond his greeting.
Soon after Jiang Chen arrived, the quiet tension was shattered as Duan Ziming, Xia Ding, Nie Wei, and the other disciples following him also made their way onto the spirit boat’s deck. They each called out their greetings, "Sect Master! Grand Elder! Hall Masters!"
However, their well-intentioned greetings were met with complete silence.
Whether it was Sect Master Feng Jun, Grand Elder Yu Wenyao, or the gathered hall masters, none of them looked towards Duan Ziming’s group. Their focus stayed on the always-smiling Jiang Chen, their hearts gripped by a mix of anxiety and caution.
Behind Jiang Chen, Chief Disciple Duan Ziming and the two True Disciples, Xia Ding and Nie Wei, shared quick, meaningful glances. Their suspicions were now confirmed.
Duan Ziming, without any delay, stepped forward, planning to respectfully approach Jiang Chen from the right. Yet, before he could voice his thoughts, he noticed Jiang Chen subtly turning his head towards him and giving a silent nod of acknowledgment.
After catching the silent signal, the quick-witted Duan Ziming, who had naturally positioned himself as Jiang Chen’s supporter, turned his attention to the senior members of the Starry Abyss Sect. He cleared his throat and started, "Ahem, respected elders, I get the doubts and concerns you’re feeling. But, by this point, I believe the worst scenario you’ve imagined has been avoided."
"So," he went on, his face lighting up with a comforting smile as he spoke to Feng Jun, "Sect Master, why not ask the question that’s been on your mind and clear up this remaining uncertainty?"
Hearing his chief disciple’s sensible intervention, Sect Master Feng Jun experienced a moment of embarrassment.
Despite the odd circumstances that had unsettled him, as an experienced leader, he realized it was inappropriate to be discomposed and need a reminder from the younger generation about his responsibilities.
"Without a doubt," Grand Elder Yu Wenyao chimed in, his face lighting up with a wide smile, "he is the most remarkable talent the Mysterious Truth Continent has ever seen. The Starry Abyss Sect is incredibly lucky to have someone of his exceptional ability among us!"
The rest of the senior members of the Starry Abyss Sect were caught up in the enthusiasm as well, showering Jiang Chen with accolades and acknowledging his unmatched potential.
Just then, Feng Jun raised his hand, calling for quiet, and spoke with a seriousness that demanded everyone’s focus, "Jiang Chen, now that you’ve advanced to the Heavenly Origin realm, it’s only appropriate that I step down as Sect Master!" Indeed, he was ready to resign his position as Sect Master on the spot.
From Feng Jun’s viewpoint, placing Jiang Chen in charge of the Starry Abyss Sect would inevitably lead to extraordinary growth and progress in a brief period.
Under Jiang Chen’s guidance, not only would the Mysterious Truth Continent witness the ascent of the Starry Abyss Sect, but its influence would also spread to the Snowy Wind Continent, the Bright Cloud Continent, and beyond. Eventually, these regions too would acknowledge and yield to the powerful stature of the Starry Abyss Sect.
Therefore, after Feng Jun verified that there were no uncertainties about Jiang Chen’s identity, he made a firm decision to resign as sect master, endorsing Jiang Chen as the next in line.
Far from surprising the other senior members, Feng Jun’s choice actually received enthusiastic nods of approval. Expressions of agreement and backing quickly followed, resonating among those gathered.
In an impressively brief timeframe, the concept of Jiang Chen assuming the role of sect master for the Starry Abyss Sect turned into a widely anticipated and endorsed move.
Power certainly came with its advantages, enabling one to quickly assume control of a powerful group and amass a wide network of followers and informants. However, Jiang Chen had no interest in becoming the visible leader of the Starry Abyss Sect as its sect master. He favored operating from the shadows, directing affairs without attracting unnecessary attention to himself.
Moreover, after observing the envious looks from other major sects towards the Heavenly Origin realm, Jiang Chen’s aspirations expanded. He wondered why he should settle for just a part when he could have it all for himself.
Although his next moves might appear minor in the larger narrative of the third protagonist’s plot, they were crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of his family, in case he needed to depart from this domain on his own.
Thus, with a discreet smile, Jiang Chen diplomatically replied, "I’m grateful for your confidence, but let’s address these issues later."
Upon hearing Jiang Chen’s noncommittal answer, Sect Master Feng Jun and the other senior members experienced a moment of letdown. Yet, they concealed their emotions, keeping their poise. Feng Jun responded with a strained smile, "As you wish, we can discuss it another time." It became apparent to him that Jiang Chen had different intentions.