Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 259 I have the final say
White Egret Cliff, Yang Wenxuan's Cave.

Yang Wenxuan had only arrived at Longtan Mountain a few days ago, and at this moment, two cultivators were already visiting his cave.

They were Qin Ying and Qin Zhan, two disciples of the Qin family.

"Elder Yang, my brother Zhan and I have taken the liberty of disturbing you, but it is also about the seats in the Dragon Pool Competition."

Qin Ying's expression remained icy, but she maintained a degree of respect in front of Yang Wenxuan.

"I know that I am not good enough and have no desire to go on stage."

"But my cousin Qin Zhan is quite talented. If he can make a name for himself at this grand event, it will benefit his career and the reputation of the Qin family."

It's quite surprising that Qin Ying, this favored daughter of heaven, didn't advance.

Before Song Yan's generation of disciples embarked on their cultivation journey, Qin Ying already had a reputation in the Chu Kingdom's cultivation world.

She is often compared to Cong Yuzhen of the Sheyang Sect. Both fairies are extremely beautiful, so they are naturally a topic of conversation.

However, this selection process was extremely competitive, and there was nothing that could be done about losing.

Qin Ying's expression at this moment showed little regret; he was simply talking about his cousin Qin Zhan in a calm manner.

She paused, then turned to Qin Zhan and said, "I earnestly request the elders to mediate and help him secure a seat."

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Yang Wenxuan's eyes. He and Qin Ying were both Foundation Establishment cultivators, but he was quite pleased with the respectful attitude of this Foundation Establishment female cultivator.

However, he didn't show it on his face, still maintaining that calm and composed demeanor.

“You’ve come at just the right time. When I came to Longtan Mountain, I had already met with Elder Zhang Guangyuan and had some understanding of the situation of this grand event.”

"Song Yan still has two spots left, and he probably decided to give them to Han Yuan and Shao Sichao, who are both at the Qi Refining Perfection stage."

"However, I heard that Han Yuan was seriously injured in a fight with a Foundation Establishment cultivator during the selection process."

"In my opinion, there is no point in Han Yuan going up to the stage to fight."

Qin Zhan's eyes, which had been lowered respectfully, suddenly lit up and he looked up.

Yang Wenxuan continued, "Let Song Yan give this spot to Qin Zhan. It won't have any impact on either public or private matters. The sect needs new talent, and the Qin family members are not outsiders."

Having received Yang Wenxuan's approval, the two members of the Qin family immediately bowed and thanked him, saying, "Thank you very much, Elder Yang."

Qin Zhan, in particular, was young and naive, and his brows always carried a hint of nervous anticipation.

He and Sun Zhengfu originally came to Longtan Mountain as disciples to attend the meeting.

Normally, both of them would have just come to broaden their horizons.

They are not qualified to participate in the event.

Fortunately, the Qin clan had a powerful older sister named Qin Ying, and the family also had a good relationship with Yang Wenxuan, an elder of the Dongyuan Sect.

With the two seniors working together so well, it was incredibly easy for that cultivator named Song Yan to give up a spot for me.

Before coming here, I really didn't expect to have the opportunity to show my face in front of the cultivators of the Chu Kingdom at such a grand event.

Qin Zhan was riding high at this moment.

The Qin family is now rising to prominence and is poised to rival the Yan family of Beiya Mountain.

Their own status and position naturally rose accordingly.

With the backing of such a behemoth as the Dongyuan Sect, Qin Zhan felt that his future path was bright.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he immediately bowed and thanked them, saying, "I will forever remember your kindness, Elder!"

"There's no question of gratitude or favor. You were originally a disciple accompanying the group, so by all accounts, you should be considered a formal participant."

Yang Wenxuan waved his hand: "It's only reasonable to give a spot to a young person like you to train."

Qin Ying and Qin Zhan thanked them once again.

Just then, one of Yang Wenxuan's nominal disciples, a young Taoist boy, strode over and respectfully bowed to each of the three people discussing matters.

He then reported: "Reporting to Master, the message talisman from Senior Brother Song Yan has arrived."

After a moment's thought, Yang Wenxuan smiled and said, "It seems the person has already arrived."

"Perfect timing, since you two are both here, you can thank him in person."

Yang Wenxuan also had his own calculations.

Although Song Yan was a disciple of Qin Xijun, he had never heard of any close relationship between the two.

In addition, during the previous sword-wielding ceremony at the sect, he had given him a hard time under the guise of supervision.

The purpose of bringing him here is to test his level of obedience to the sect.

It seems this kid is quite pragmatic.

This is easy to handle.

"Go, bring him in."

However, from the moment the young Taoist entered, he seemed hesitant, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

He remained silent for a long time, not daring to interrupt their conversation.

He had no choice but to speak up: "Master, Senior Brother Song Yan... didn't come."

"Ok?"

Yang Wenxuan's brows furrowed.

"The person who replied was a woman in his household named Ju Luyi. She said that Senior Brother Song was in seclusion cultivating and comprehending the Great Dao... and declined all external affairs."

The young Taoist looked evasive and stammered as he explained the situation.

"What……"

Seclusion for spiritual cultivation?

There are only two or three days left until the competition starts, what kind of bullshit seclusion is this?!
Yang Wenxuan sneered, his expression grim.

He spoke to the young Taoist boy with a hint of anger.

"Didn't I teach you how to deal with such an ill-mannered disciple?"

The young Taoist trembled all over, terrified.

He hurriedly knelt on the ground and said repeatedly, "Master, please calm down. I have already followed your instructions and sent another talisman, explaining its dangers."

"But the other party responded..."

"Ok?"

Yang Wenxuan frowned: "What did he say?"

The young Taoist priest cautiously glanced sideways at Qin Ying and Qin Zhan, still hesitant.

Despite being intimidated by Yang Wenxuan's power, she still spoke truthfully: "The reply said that Senior Brother Song Yan is preparing for the competition and it is inconvenient for him to set off."

"If it is important, please...please go see him yourself."

Suddenly, silence fell over the cave.

No one spoke.

Yang Wenxuan's sneer froze.

His eyes were icy cold, filled with dark clouds, and even the most clueless idiot could see his fury at that moment.

Song Yan has joined Bamo Peak.

Theoretically speaking, one can indeed refuse an elder's summons if there is a reasonable reason.

However, he was a senior elder of the Dongyuan Sect, holding a powerful position that oversaw the sect's regulations.

Even the core disciples and true disciples whose cultivation levels were similar to his had to show him respect.

When has he ever been treated with such disrespect by these younger generation?

Qin Zhan's heart sank, and he looked at his sister helplessly.

Seeing this, Qin Ying sighed inwardly and gave Qin Zhan a look, signaling him not to say anything more.

"Go see him yourself..."

Yang Wenxuan remained silent for a long while before speaking in a gloomy tone: "Who does he think he is, the sect leader?"

"hehe."

He suddenly gave a forced smile and turned his gaze to Qin Ying and Qin Zhan: "It seems that some disciples have made some progress in their cultivation and have begun to look down on everyone."

"If we don't discipline them properly, they'll probably start to get too cocky."

He waved his sleeve and said, "You go back first."

"I'm going to see where this Song Yan's airs come from."

He slowly rose, his robe sleeves fluttering even without wind, and coldly uttered a single word: "Go."

The young Taoist responded and quickly followed behind.

Qin Zhan felt a vague sense of resentment, but he had nothing to say. He could only suppress his bitterness and leave the cave with Qin Ying.

Yang Wenxuan went to Song Yan's residence, while the two members of the Qin family simply walked slowly along the mountain path, leaving the area of ​​their temporary cave dwelling.

At the edge of a secluded bamboo grove, Qin Zhan frowned, his resentment turning into indignation. He looked at Qin Ying and complained.

"Sister, why is this Song Yan so arrogant?"

"He is clearly just a disciple of the Dongyuan Sect with shallow foundations, who has only managed to reach the Foundation Establishment stage by luck. Now he dares to disregard Elder Yang's reputation."

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

With Yang Wenxuan's approval and the help of his resourceful older sister, they were able to get her approval.

Qin Zhan had already decided in his heart that Song Yan's extra spot belonged to him.

This spot should go to him.

Song Yan was merely holding it for him.

However, judging from this person's attitude, he is probably a domineering individual who will not give Elder Yang any face.

Doesn't that mean that the spot is no longer mine?

For no apparent reason, I felt a sense of loss, as if my opportunity had been snatched away from me.

"What makes him think he can act so arrogantly in front of Elder Wenxuan? He's just a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stages."

Qin Ying didn't speak, but just frowned and glanced at Qin Zhan.

Song Yan's Foundation Establishment was not much different from his own age back then.

I have no idea where my cousin got the right to comment on Song Yan...

However, she was indeed surprised when the name was mentioned.

The first time I met this person was about five or six years ago, during the Peach Blossom Village incident.

At that time, he was only at the fifth level of Qi Refining.

In just a few years, he was able to master Qi Refining and build a foundation for the Dao. This growth rate is simply unbelievable.

Moreover, after news spread that Song Yan had become Qin Xijun's disciple, she paid special attention to information about Song Yan.

He probably first became famous when he got involved in the conflict between the Dongyuan Sect and the Xuanyuan Sect.

I wonder how many people still remember that this person even lost all his cultivation because of it.

Most people who experience this would probably give up at that point.

To be able to start over and eventually achieve the strength you have today.

Opportunity, insight, and character are all indispensable.

Is it arrogant to stand up to Yang Wenxuan without yielding an inch?

Maybe a little.

But this exceptionally talented person can only be said to have the right to be so arrogant.

Qin Ying suddenly spoke up, saying, "You should go back on your own. I still have some things to take care of."

"Uh...yes, elder sister."

Qin Zhan nodded and left.

Qin Ying then discerned the direction and flew on her sword to the cluster of cave dwellings where the assembled rogue cultivators were located.

……

White Egret Cliff, Worry-Free Building.

Having finished his daily cultivation, Song Yan was sitting in the courtyard of his cave dwelling, holding a golden page in his hand, examining it closely.

It was the gold page of the chess manual that Wang Ke had given him earlier.

After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, he would often take this item out to look at it in his spare time, but he never made any progress.

Suddenly, Xiao Ju walked out from the main hall of the cave, speaking respectfully.

"Master, Elder Yang Wenxuan is outside the cave."

"Oh?"

Song Yan frowned, then scoffed.

"Please come in. After all, he is an elder of the sect, so we cannot neglect him."

He put away the gold pages of the chess score.

Before long, a gloomy aura approached, and Yang Wenxuan's figure appeared in the cave.

This powerful elder of the Dongyuan Sect unleashed his solidified spiritual pressure, a power he possessed at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, without any restraint.

His face was ashen, and without even glancing at Xiao Ju, he stepped into the cave.

Seeing Song Yan sitting in the courtyard, he immediately sneered, "Junior Nephew Song, you certainly have quite the airs."

"I'm passing this talisman on to you, but you keep making excuses about going into seclusion to cultivate, and you even made me, an elder, come to your door in person."

"I can see that you are in a leisurely mood now, it's not that you can't find the time."

"What? Now that you've established your foundation, you think I, an elder of this sect, am unworthy of your attention?!"

The power of the Foundation Establishment cultivator was immense, making it difficult for Xiao Ju to breathe.

Song Yan sat cross-legged, without getting up, but slowly opened his eyes.

An even more aggressive and violent aura was revealed, dissipating Yang Wenxuan's spiritual power.

He chuckled lightly, "Hehe, Elder Yang, you flatter me."

He raised his hand, gesturing for Xiao Ju to step aside, his expression nonchalant.

"With the Nine Meridians Grand Competition approaching, I am indeed in seclusion to study and cultivate my techniques, and it is inconvenient for me to travel to keep the appointment."

"It was not my intention to slight you, please forgive me."

Seeing Song Yan's attitude, Yang Wenxuan's eyes grew colder and his anger intensified.

“Nephew Song is so powerful now, I wouldn’t dare to point fingers at you.”

Yang Wenxuan didn't wait for Song Yan's reply and said coldly, "Fine, I won't bother with these things."

"I am here today to secure a spot in the competition for Qin Zhan."

His tone left no room for argument: "Although Qin Zhan is slightly lacking in strength, the champion of the Nine Meridians Competition will definitely be a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"Furthermore, Han Yuan is seriously injured and unable to take the stage, so giving the spot to someone else would be useless."

"Then give Qin Zhan a qualification, let the young man get some experience and broaden his horizons."

"Let him go on stage, and this matter will be settled."

Song Yan put down his teacup, his expression unchanged.

He really came for the spot; I knew it.

When Yang Wenxuan summoned him, Song Yan was suspicious. He knew that he and Yang Wenxuan were not on the same page and had no affinity for each other.

Why was I summoned for no reason?
After thinking it over and over, I suddenly thought of someone.

That was one of the two accompanying them, Qin Zhan.

A disciple of the Qin family.

Given the current situation, whether Qin Zhan can obtain this spot is probably no longer important.

For someone like Yang Wenxuan, the important question is whether Song Yan will actually obey.

"Elder Yang is joking. The order of qualification for this meeting is determined by the number of people in attendance."

"Even if Han Yuan and Shao Sichao are unable to participate for any reason, there are three substitutes: Chen Chen, Zhao Xuan, and Kong You. Even Senior Brother Sun Zhengfu has more to say than Qin Zhan."

"Qin Zhan's performance in the sect's sword-wielding competition was mediocre, and his cultivation level is no higher than that of other disciples. How can he win the respect of the masses?"

"If that's why you've come... Elder Yang, please leave."

Song Yan shook his head slightly, picked up a teacup from the table, and took a sip.

Yang Wenxuan's face darkened, and he could no longer control himself, immediately revealing his anger: "What an arrogant attitude."

"Such an insignificant qualification, surely I, Yang Wenxuan, can't even make a decision?!"

"Elder Yang is joking again."

Song Yan remained calm.

"The qualification for the competition was something I fought hard to obtain during the selection process..."

"Naturally, it's up to me to decide."

He nodded gently: "But please rest assured, Elder, I know what I'm doing."

"Elder Yang, please return. This disciple will not see you off."

After saying that, he got up and left the courtyard, heading towards the inner chamber of the cave.

"Xiaoju, see the guests off."

(End of this chapter)