Chapter 159 – Defying the Decisions of the Ancestors!
"Demon Lord Chonglou!"
"Master of the Demon Realm!"
"Why is he here?!"
Some of the Shu Mountain disciples who had seen Chonglou before couldn't help but cry out in shock.
The expressions of the other guests changed dramatically.
The shadow of a tree is the shadow of its name.
Chonglou, who looked down upon the Six Realms and was nearly invincible under the heavens—even ordinary mortals like Shen Qingfeng and Lin Tiannan had heard his name, let alone major immortal sects like the Qionghua Sect or the Penglai Sword Hall.
Once they realized that the crimson figure in the sky was the infamous Demon Lord, everyone immediately adopted a stance as if facing a great enemy.
Could it be that the Demon Lord had come specifically to attack Shu Mountain on the very day of the Sword and Qi Sects' merger?
Wouldn't that mean they were all doomed?
Many martial artists were already thinking of running. After all, when the sky collapses, it's the tall ones who hold it up. With so many immortal sects present, what business was it of commoners like them?
Shang Fengzi and Feng Yao both turned pale. They'd traveled all this way to offer their congratulations, only to run into something like this. What terrible luck.
Seeing the terrified expressions of the ants below, a trace of contempt flashed in Chonglou's eyes. His good mood was completely spoiled by this bunch.
"Other than Feipeng, you're one of the few opponents I enjoy facing. So today, as you take up the mantle of Shu Mountain's sect master, I've prepared a gift for you."
With a wave of his hand, a flash of red light revealed four terrifyingly powerful demonic beasts, instantly sending the guests in the plaza fleeing in panic.
The Sword Saint stepped forward, thousands of sword lights gathering as he glared and growled, "What is the meaning of this, Demon Lord? Are you here to stir trouble in Shu Mountain again? Do you truly think we're defenseless?!"
Chonglou didn't even glance at him, instead speaking calmly to Chu Yang, "A while back, you slew the Water Demon Beast in the Miao region. These are the remaining four—Wind, Thunder, Fire, and Earth—that I've found throughout the Human Realm. Take them as well."
If it had been anyone else, they might've cursed Chonglou for being insane—who gives demonic beasts as gifts? But Chu Yang knew very well: Chonglou was helping him establish authority.
He believed he could handle these beasts.
"Many thanks for your generosity, Senior."
Since he was already determined to firmly claim the sect master's position, there was no need to keep holding back. Chu Yang directly summoned the Demon-Sealing Tower and, under everyone's stunned gazes, absorbed the four beasts into the tower to refine them.
The appearance of the Demon-Sealing Tower stirred a great commotion!
"Isn't that Shu Mountain's Demon-Sealing Tower? How can it be moved?"
"That's not the Demon-Sealing Tower! Ours is on the mountain behind us!"
Most people turned to look and could just make out the majestic silhouette of the real Demon-Sealing Tower rising amidst the mist.
"If it's not the Demon-Sealing Tower, then what is that thing he has?"
"Could Shu Mountain have two Demon-Sealing Towers?"
Not only the guests, even Qingwei and the others stared at Chu Yang in disbelief. Up in the sky, Chonglou also looked on with great interest.
Chu Yang cleared his throat and smiled. "The artifact I just used is called the Demon-Refining Tower. I crafted it myself after gaining insight while restoring the original Demon-Sealing Tower. I beg your pardon for the surprise."
As soon as he said this, the entire plaza was filled with the sound of gasps.
Everyone knew that while the Demon-Sealing Tower was Shu Mountain's treasured artifact, some of its power came from divine bestowal—particularly the water within that naturally suppressed demonic creatures.
In addition, the tower had been improved over generations by Shu Mountain's elders, with layers of intricate formations and powerful talismans, making it uniquely effective against demons.
Yet Chu Yang had refined his own artifact that could subdue four high-level demonic beasts?
If Demon Lord Chonglou hadn't confirmed the authenticity of the beasts himself, no one would have believed it.
Even Shu Mountain disciples stared at Chu Yang like they'd seen a ghost. Even the likes of Drunken Sword Immortal were staring at him in disbelief.
Qingwei and the Sword Saint couldn't stay calm any longer.
Qingwei hurried over and asked in a low voice, "Chu Yang, are you being serious?"
The Sword Saint added, "This isn't something to joke about—mind your words!"
Chu Yang smiled radiantly and teased, "Uncle-Master, Martial Uncle, surely you two of all people know whether Shu Mountain has a second Demon-Sealing Tower?"
"There's only one Demon-Sealing Tower…" Qingwei sighed deeply. "It is the culmination of our ancestors' knowledge in formation arts. Ordinary people couldn't even understand it, let alone replicate it. And yet you mastered it after just one visit… I'm truly…"
Before he could finish, the Sword Saint solemnly added, "A genius beyond compare."
Had they not seen it with their own eyes, no one would have believed it.
The moment Chu Yang brought out the Demon-Refining Tower, even without considering cultivation, he had earned the right to sit as Shu Mountain's sect master.
Only then did everyone slowly process what had just happened, and their gazes all turned toward the crimson figure in the sky.
The Demon Lord had clearly come to back Chu Yang up!
If he acknowledged Chu Yang, who else dared question him?
"Though you borrowed an external artifact, your performance was satisfactory. I'm quite pleased."
Chonglou laughed heartily, then vanished into thin air.
From this moment on—
No one dared to question Chu Yang's succession as Shu Mountain's sect master.
Are you kidding?
This guy had gone toe-to-toe with the Demon Lord and survived two rounds. The fact that he hadn't lashed out at them earlier was already a mercy.
To keep pushing their luck would be suicide.
Among the crowd—
Tang Xuejian poked Jing Tian in the ribs and whispered sneakily, "That red-haired guy isn't half bad."
Jing Tian nodded, a bitter smile at his lips. "He just really likes picking fights. If he could fix that habit, he'd be perfect."
Tang Xuejian agreed wholeheartedly.
While the two of them exchanged whispers, Chu Yang was sweeping his cold gaze across the Four Great Clans—
And locked eyes on Ouyang Ying.
"Does Patriarch Ouyang still have any objections?"
"I was blind. I beg Sect Master Chu Yang's forgiveness."
"No need to ask forgiveness. Patriarch Ouyang has the world's best interests at heart—a rare paragon of the righteous path."
"You flatter me… I don't deserve it!"
Ouyang Ying repeated those words twice, red-faced, before retreating back into the crowd.
Chu Yang hadn't been praising him—that was clear in his tone. Ouyang Ying understood, and that made him feel even more ashamed.
Chu Yang smiled amiably, but the look sent chills down the spines of Shen Qingfeng and the others, making them restless in their seats.
The Sword Saint, worried that Chu Yang might take revenge on the spot, quickly declared, "From this day forward, Chu Yang shall serve as Shu Mountain's sect master. All sect affairs, great and small, shall be decided by him alone!"
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat.
Decided by him alone!
This was an unprecedented level of authority in Shu Mountain's history.
Even Qingwei, with all his seniority and prestige, had to consult with others like Cang Gu on important decisions.
Some disciples quietly looked to Qingwei, hoping he'd say something—but he simply nodded with a smile.
That was that!
Clearly, this had been arranged long ago. They were just here for show.
No need to waste time—just bow already!
The disciples of Shu Mountain dropped to their knees in a wave, the sound of voices rising like a tidal wave.
"Greetings, Sect Master!"
Feng Yao of Qionghua Sect, Shang Fengzi of Penglai Sword Hall, and the other guests followed suit.
"Greetings, Sect Master Chu Yang!"
Chu Yang turned back to glance at the smiling Qingwei and the others, and a thought suddenly came to mind. He immediately issued the first new decree of his tenure.
"From this day forward, Shu Mountain shall establish the position of Grand Elder and form the 'Seven Saints Hall of Shu Mountain,' named after the Big Dipper stars…"
Qi Sect: Qingwei, Cang Gu, Jingming, Youxuan, Heyang—five members.
Sword Sect: Sword Saint, Drunken Sword Immortal—two members.
Seven members in total, matching the Seven Saints title perfectly.
The Sword Saint blinked in surprise, then nodded happily. The others followed suit.
Normally, most senior members of Shu Mountain would retire and leave the sect to cultivate in seclusion, seeking the chance to ascend and thereby avoiding power struggles.
Qingwei, being advanced in age, had little chance of reaching immortality. It was more likely he'd pass away quietly somewhere.
Chu Yang's move was meant to keep him in Shu Mountain until the end of his days.
The Seven Saints Hall would be set up on seven peaks closest to the main summit, surrounding the sect's central hall. The Sword Sect's old site—originally the dwelling of the Immortal Sword Sect—would be reserved as the Sword Saint's new sanctuary.
Outstanding disciples of Chu Yang's generation, like Xu Changqing and Chang Yin, would naturally be promoted to elders.
As for those who had opposed Chu Yang in the past, he didn't need to lift a finger—they'd quietly leave the mountain on their own and never dare mention Shu Mountain again.
With the new rules announced, the disciples bowed to Qingwei and the others.
"Greetings, Grand Elders!"
Just as the Grand Elder system was established, the Drunken Sword Immortal lowered his head with a complicated expression.
He had originally intended to leave Shu Mountain after the ceremony. But now that Chu Yang had created this Seven Saints Hall—if he left, wouldn't that make the whole thing a joke? They couldn't seriously expect Xu Changqing to take his place—it'd be disgraceful.
On one side was the joy of family, on the other, the bonds of brotherhood. The Drunken Sword Immortal felt so torn, he wanted to just slice his own throat.
Husband and wife think as one.
Ming Yuanqing had noticed the hesitation on his face and felt a deep sorrow. Knowing him as she did, she realized he likely wouldn't be able to leave Shu Mountain anytime soon.
"A'nu, after the ceremony, let's head back to Nanzhao first and wait for your father there, okay?"
"Is Daddy not coming home with us?"
"You heard what they said—Daddy is now Shu Mountain's Grand Elder. He has a lot to handle and might not be able to come right away."
"That's okay! A'nu will wait for Daddy forever!"
Looking at the innocent smile on A'nu's face, Ming Yuanqing felt a heartache more painful than when the Drunken Sword Immortal had disappeared years ago.
Just then—
Chu Yang dropped yet another bombshell, shocking everyone present.
"Ever since I began my cultivation, I've harbored a question in my heart."
"Though Shu Mountain disciples frequently descend the mountain to gain experience, they only scratch the surface and never truly comprehend the world. When it comes to love and emotion, they avoid it like the plague…"
"When faced with inner demons, the lightest consequences are broken paths and ruined lives. In the worst cases, one falls into darkness, never to return—like the tragedy of Jiang Ming decades ago."
"If Ancestor Jiang Juezhi had chosen to support him back then, Jiang Ming's path may have been narrow, but perhaps a few more steps would have led him to clarity."
"In that case, he wouldn't have had to suffer in the Demon-Sealing Tower for decades, only attaining freedom just now."
"Whenever I reflect on this, the knot in my heart refuses to loosen!"
"So today, I will defy the world's judgment and abolish some outdated sect rules!"
"From now on, Shu Mountain disciples may marry and have families like ordinary people. They will not be expelled from the sect for doing so."
The moment his words fell—
A wave of uproar burst forth!
Monks can get married?
This idea was far too ahead of its time—so much so that many cultivation sects simply couldn't accept it. It completely overturned their long-held beliefs.
The guests looked at one another in disbelief. No one dared to speak, even if they thought the new sect leader might be a little off his rocker.
Having escaped a dilemma, the Drunken Sword Immortal trembled slightly. He looked up at Ming Yuanqing, who was already overwhelmed with emotion and in tears of joy.
Li Xiaoyao was also grinning from ear to ear. This way, he could stay by Ling'er's side and continue studying the arts at Shu Mountain.
Jingtian scratched his head and secretly glanced at Tang Xuejian, wondering if maybe he should find a master too while he was at it...
Xu Changqing let out a long sigh of relief, and Zixuan's smile bloomed like a flower. If he could truly ascend to immortality, they could stay together for tens of thousands of years.
In the otherwise quiet square, sudden laughter erupted from the Xiahou family within the Four Great Houses.
"Hahaha! Shu Mountain is something else. If they really don't have all those rigid rules, I might actually consider joining!"
"Come on, Old Xie, you're not exactly a spring chicken. Shu Mountain wouldn't take someone like you!"
"Hey! Little girl, don't let the gray hair fool you. I've got real talent in martial arts. Who knows, the new sect leader might take one look at me and see that I'm a diamond in the rough!"
"Heh, if you can join Shu Mountain, then so can I!"
"Miss Xia, Brother Xie, everyone's watching… maybe keep it down a little."
A charming, doll-faced young girl was bickering with a rather scruffy-looking older man. Beside them stood a finely dressed noble young master, frowning as he tried to persuade them to quiet down.
Chu Yang turned to look at them.
Xie Cangxing awkwardly shut his mouth, while Xia, who had been arguing with him, turned her head, spotted Chu Yang, and jumped in fright. She immediately waved her hands and apologized, "Sect Leader Chu, we didn't mean any disrespect…"
Chu Yang smiled and said, "No need to be so nervous, you two. I can see you're both blessed with excellent bone structure—clearly qualified to enter Shu Mountain. Especially you, Senior Xie."
Xia clapped her hands over her mouth in shock. She'd only been joking—she never imagined her words would come true.
Xie Cangxing beamed from ear to ear. He turned to the noble young master and said, "Young Master, I've fulfilled my promise and brought you to Shu Mountain to reunite with Master Xiahou. Now that I've done that, we're square over the broken jade pendant, right?"
Xiahou Jinxuan nodded. "Brother Xie, you're free to make your own decisions. I congratulate you on getting your wish."
Xie Cangxing strode off in high spirits, but turned back to say to Xia, "Hey, little girl—Shu Mountain wants you too. You coming or not?"
Xia's eyes flicked back and forth between Chu Yang and Xiahou Jinxuan, clearly torn. After a long pause, she finally shook her head and said, "I… think I'll pass."
Xiahou Jinxuan exclaimed anxiously, "Miss Xia, this is a rare opportunity! How can you let it slip away?"
"Bookworm, who are you calling clueless?" Xia glared at him. "I still haven't paid you back for that broken jade pendant. How can I just leave?"
Xiahou Jinxuan shook his head. "Now that Brother Xie and I have settled things, that means you and I are even too."
But Xia insisted, "That short trip hardly makes us square. At the very least, I should escort you back!"
Xiahou Jinxuan said helplessly, "It's really not necessary, Miss Xia…"
As the two bickered, Chu Yang spoke up. "Miss Xia's body is unwell. If she were to leave recklessly, I fear no medicine will be able to save her in the future."
Xia froze as if struck by lightning. Her body stiffened instantly, her face turning deathly pale.