The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 212 The Independent Division and Delineation of Each Branch of the Xuantian Sect

Watching Nan Tian wave goodbye in front of the Purple Cloud Flying Boat, Shen Lixi also waved, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He vaguely sensed that after this parting, their next meeting might be a world apart.

At this moment, only Elder Wanshun and Shen Lixi remained in the plaza in front of the Xuantian Tower.

"Come on, I'll show you around. You've been staying on the main peak, Tianxuan Peak, for the past few days and haven't had a chance to see the other twelve peaks. I'll be going into seclusion soon, so this is a good opportunity to introduce you to the Xuantian Sect," Elder Wanshun said to Shen Lixi.

Upon hearing this, Shen Lixi felt not only doubt but also a sense of unease.

Following Elder Wanshun's footsteps, Shen Lixi began to delve deeper into the Xuantian Sect. They first arrived at Cuiyun Peak, not far from the Xuantian Tower. The scenery there was picturesque, shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. The buildings on the peak were arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, shaded by lush trees, and filled with the fragrance of flowers, a truly refreshing sight.

Next, they visited several other peaks, each with its own unique scenery and characteristics. Some peaks were covered with exotic flowers and rare herbs, some were habitats for mythical beasts, and others were training grounds for disciples of the Xuantian Sect. Along the way, Shen Lixi's horizons broadened, and her understanding of the Xuantian Sect deepened.

During the tour, Elder Wanshun also explained to Shen Lixi the history and heritage of the Xuantian Sect, as well as the origins and relationships between the various peaks.

The more Shen Lixi listened, the more overwhelmed he became. The long history and intricate relationships of the Xuantian Sect shocked him. Each peak also had its own so-called subordinate sects on other continents; this behemoth clearly held absolute control over cultivation resources. Shen Lixi even sensed the Xuantian Sect's suppression of other sects.

Where there is oppression, there is resistance. The Xuan Tian Sect's greatest rival is the Wuji Sect.

"Now, our sect leader has ascended the Heavenly Ladder and embarked on the path to immortality. I'm afraid he won't be able to return to the Xuan Tian Continent for at least ten thousand years. He took most of the elites of the main peak lineage with him. Apart from his closed-door disciple, Su An, he originally planned to take Su An with him." Elder Wan Shun paused here.

The two had already returned to Cuiyun Peak, which was under the jurisdiction of Elder Wanshun, and arrived at his residence in the small courtyard.

Elder Wanshun pointed to the stone bench in the courtyard, gesturing for Shen Lixi to sit down.

Shen Lixi remained silent after sitting down.

Elder Wanshun activated the protective formation of the courtyard.

After everything was ready, he slowly spoke: "Shen Lixi, do you know why I brought you to Cuiyun Peak, and why I told you so much about the Xuantian Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Lixi was startled, sensing that Elder Wanshun's next words might be crucial.

As expected, Elder Wanshun continued, "I am currently the acting sect leader and will soon be in seclusion. Before that, I will announce the selection of Su An as the acting sect leader. Her task is to disband the Xuantian Sect. I hope you can serve as a second-class guest elder of the Xuantian Sect to assist her in dividing the sect among its peaks. It's not that I'm unwilling to give you the position of first-class guest elder, but according to the Xuantian Sect's rules, a first-class guest elder requires the approval of more than half of the elders' vote to be effective. A second-class guest elder, on the other hand, is someone I, as the person in charge of Cuiyun Peak, can directly appoint."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lixi's heart was filled with turmoil. He never expected that the Xuantian Sect would come to this point, let alone that he would be involved and become a second-class guest elder, assisting Su An in dividing the various peaks of the Xuantian Sect.

He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "Elder Wan, am I... am I capable of this position? I don't know much about the Xuan Tian Sect, and my cultivation is not as good as others."

Elder Wanshun smiled slightly after hearing this and said, "In fact, each peak has long desired independence, but no one dares to bring it up. Not even Su An. You and Su An are old friends, so it is most appropriate for you to propose the division. Consider it a favor to Su An."

"Does Su An already know about this?" Shen Lixi asked.

"Yes, she just found out this morning, which is why she decided to stay in the Xuantian Sect for the time being. Actually, before the sect leader stepped onto the Heavenly Ladder, he left me with three options. Given the current situation, I can only choose the path of separation," Elder Wanshun replied.

"Would you mind telling me about the other two routes?" Shen Lixi asked.

"There's nothing I can't say. The first path: Xuan Tian Sect shrinks its sphere of influence, retaining only its headquarters in the central continent. All its subordinate sects become independent. The second path: continues to expand, using the teleportation altar to gain a share of the Floating Life Continent. However, this path is no longer viable. Because I saw Ye Fan. Time-space Dao cultivators perish in life and death, leaving only remnant souls," Elder Wan Shun said with emotion.

"What's the difference between the Lower Sect being independent and the various peaks being separated?" Shen Lixi pressed.

“The difference is huge. The independence of the lower sects means that each peak still belongs to the Xuantian Sect, only the power is delegated. There is no connection between the lower sects, which will greatly weaken the Xuantian Sect’s control over them. On the other hand, the division of the peaks is a complete split, with each peak establishing its own sect and having no connection with the Xuantian Sect anymore. In this way, the Xuantian Sect will cease to exist,” Elder Wanshun explained.

After hearing this, Shen Lixi fell into deep thought. He had never expected the future of the Xuantian Sect to be so unpredictable, nor had he imagined that he would become a part of this historical tide.

“Shen Lixi, I understand your worries. Don’t worry, after it’s done, I will ensure your safe journey to the Floating Life Continent. Su An will accompany you then,” Elder Wan Shun said.

Shen Lixi nodded after hearing this.

"Elder Wan, I promise you. I will do my utmost to assist Su An in completing the division of the Xuan Tian Sect's peaks," Shen Lixi said.

Elder Wanshun smiled with satisfaction after hearing this.

“Alright, since that’s the case, then you should go back and make preparations now. Tomorrow, I will summon the elders of all the peaks to announce Su An’s position as acting sect leader,” Elder Wan Shun said.

After hearing this, Shen Lixi stood up, bowed to Elder Wanshun, and then turned and left.

He stepped out of the courtyard, looked up at the sky, and felt a mix of emotions. He was unsure whether his choice was right, and he didn't know how the future would unfold.

He took a deep breath and, instead of returning directly to his own residence, went to the courtyard where Su An lived.

Shen Lixi arrived at Su An's courtyard and gently knocked on the door.

The door was quickly opened, and Su An appeared in the doorway. When she saw Shen Lixi, a look of surprise appeared on her face.

"Shen Lixi, what brings you here?" Su An asked.

Shen Lixi did not answer, but walked straight into the courtyard and sat down at the stone table in the courtyard.

Seeing this, Su An also came over and sat opposite Shen Lixi.

"Shen Lixi, is there something you want to say to me?" Su An asked.

Shen Lixi nodded and said solemnly, "Elder Wan spoke with me. He told me that he is about to go into seclusion and will announce your position as acting sect leader before he goes into seclusion. Your task is to disband the Xuantian Sect."

Upon hearing this, Su An's face showed a complicated expression. She obviously already knew about it, but she didn't expect Shen Lixi to find out so quickly.

"So how did you respond?" Su An asked.

Shen Lixi took a deep breath and said, "I agree. I will do my best to assist you in completing the division of the various peaks of the Xuantian Sect."

Upon hearing this, a hint of gratitude flashed in Su An's eyes. She knew that this task would not be easy, and Shen Lixi's involvement would undoubtedly greatly increase the chances of success.

"Shen Lixi, thank you. I originally planned to bring up the matter of dividing the property myself, but I didn't expect Elder Wanshun to talk to you about it so quickly," Su An said.

“Actually, I had a premonition. It really shouldn’t have been your idea to bring up the division directly. It’s most appropriate for an outsider to bring it up. Now I only have one question: the main peak lineage has almost no core disciples left to uphold its reputation. What will happen to the main peak after the division?” Shen Lixi replied.

"Elder Wanshun has already considered all of this thoroughly. This is the plan for the division. Take a look." Su An handed a manuscript to Shen Lixi.

"The leaders of each peak will lead their disciples and resources to the lower sects, while the disciples who remain will be merged into the main peak to form the Tianxuan Sect. This is a good idea, and naturally some people from each peak will be willing to stay and compete for the position of sect leader. But Elder Wanshun is going into seclusion, and the leader of Cuiyun Peak is not here. How can we discuss the division of power?" Shen Lixi picked up the manuscript and flipped through it.

“There are other elders on Cuiyun Peak, so naturally some of them will participate in the Ancestral Hall's discussions,” Su An replied.