Ling Tian Sword God

”No, the position of Sect Leader is not the most suitable for me.”

Faced with the shouts of thousands of Demon Cult members, Ling Chen waved his hand, rejecting their proposal.

This move by Ling Chen left many people somewhat bewildered.

”Saint Child, what are you saying? If you’re not the most suitable person, then who could be more appropriate than you?”

Heartbroken Elder thought Ling Chen was feigning reluctance, merely putting on an act, and hurriedly spoke up.

”There is someone more suitable than me.” Ling Chen smiled faintly, his gaze then landing on Xia Yunxin. Everyone automatically moved out of his line of sight, clearing a path to her.

Me? Xia Yunxin was stunned. She had not expected Ling Chen to publicly nominate her for the Sect Leader position in front of everyone.

”The Saintess?”

Everyone exchanged confused glances, wondering what Ling Chen was planning.

Ling Chen had returned like a king, using an Overbearing Style to suppress Xie Zhiqiu and Skypiercing Peak. Yet, in the end, he was choosing to give up the Sect Leader’s position. Such an action undoubtedly puzzled everyone.

Didn’t Ling Chen go to all this trouble to seize the Sect Leader’s position and then rule over everyone?

Knowing what everyone was thinking, Ling Chen remained unfazed. His plans were not so utilitarian. Furthermore, as The Master of the Cyan Robe Association, he couldn’t possibly accept the position of Sect Leader of the Saint Witch Religion. The crucial point was his trust in Xia Yunxin; she would never betray him. Only to such a person could Ling Chen entrust the vast Saint Witch Religion.

”Exactly.” Ling Chen nodded towards the crowd. ”Saintess Xia Yunxin is skilled in both martial arts and strategy, wise, and resourceful. It would be most fitting for her to lead the Holy Church.”

After speaking, Ling Chen looked towards Elder Beiming, the Black Swordsman, Fire Crow Taoist, and other leaders of the Saintess Hall. He seemed to give a subtle signal with his eyes.

Upon seeing this, Elder Beiming and the others understood. They all bowed to Xia Yunxin in unison, ”Congratulations, Saintess Xia Yunxin, on your ascension to Sect Leader!”

”Greetings to the new Sect Leader!”

Seeing this, everyone else also paid their respects to Xia Yunxin. Over ten thousand people knelt in unison, their voices erupting like a roaring storm.

”Congratulations, Sect Leader Xia,” Ling Chen said with a smile, clasping his fist in salute to Xia Yunxin.

”You really know how to pass the buck,” Xia Yunxin said, glaring at him reproachfully, naturally understanding Ling Chen’s intentions.

Ling Chen was giving her the Sect Leader position simply because he didn’t want to manage the enormous Saint Witch Religion himself and was merely offloading it onto her.

”With great ability comes great responsibility, after all.” Ling Chen offered another faint, perhaps intentionally casual, smile.

No one would dare object to Ling Chen’s words. Although they didn’t understand why he would refuse the Sect Leader position, it wasn’t their place to question it. Since Ling Chen had spoken, they could only obey.

”Black-robed.” Ling Chen’s gaze swept past the crowd and settled on Black-robed.

”Greetings, Saint Child.” Black-robed gave a bitter smile. Ling Chen might forgive everyone else, but not necessarily him. After all, of the three who had been most vociferous under Xie Zhiqiu moments ago, two were already dead. Xuanjizi and the Demon Elder had been slain by Ling Chen, leaving only him.

”Rest assured, I know you were merely blinded by self-interest when you acted as you did. Black-robed, this time, I can give you a chance.”

Ling Chen had no intention of killing Black-robed. If he had, he would have acted already.

Although Black-robed possessed Cultivation at the Fifth Level of the Sky Apex Realm, he would have little chance to retaliate against Ling Chen, who had unleashed his absolute Domain.

”I will engrave the Saint Child’s mercy in my heart.” Black-robed’s eyes lit up slightly. Since Ling Chen had said so, it seemed his life was not in immediate danger.

”Henceforth, I expect you to remember your duties and make no further mistakes. Otherwise… there will be no second chance.” Ling Chen’s tone was light, but his words carried a sharp, chilling edge.

”This subordinate will remember.” Before Ling Chen, Black-robed dared not show any defiance. Internally, he heaved a sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Black-robed’s duty was to act as the Sect Leader’s shadow, protecting their safety and obeying their commands. He was not supposed to interfere in the Religion’s affairs.

”Subduing Black-robed, defeating Xie Zhiqiu, and slaying Xuanjizi and the Demon Elder—Saint Ling Chen’s achievements are truly world-shaking, his dominance unparalleled! The power of the Skypiercing Peak Lineage is now completely crushed.”

”Indeed. The most formidable Experts from Skypiercing Peak are either dead or have fled. The remnants pose no threat. After decades of division, the Holy Church is finally unified.”

”Yes, with Sect Leader Xia Yunxin and Saint Ling Chen, the Holy Church is bound to prosper! From now on, dominating the Martial World is no longer just a dream.”

Many Demon Way Experts discussed animatedly, whispering amongst themselves.

The fall of the Skypiercing Peak Lineage undoubtedly marked the beginning of a new era for the Saint Witch Religion. In the past, internal strife between the two major factions consumed much of the Saint Witch Religion’s strength and Experts. Now, with unification achieved, the various factions were united, their power naturally consolidated.

They believed this heralded the beginning of the Saint Witch Religion’s ascent and rapid development.

...

At this time, fifty miles from Magic Fog Mountain, within a desolate mountain range:

SWOOSH. A bloodied figure suddenly appeared. Not an inch of his flesh was unharmed; he was a horrific sight. It was Xie Zhiqiu, who had escaped from the Saint Witch Religion.

”Damn it, to think they wounded me this badly, those beasts…” Xie Zhiqiu spat out another mouthful of blood. If not for his exceptional tenacity, he likely would have died en route.

He would definitely avenge this.

Now that this young whelp Ling Chen possesses such overwhelming power, this Cloud Outland will likely fall entirely under his control. I can’t stay here any longer. Xie Zhiqiu estimated that no one in the Five Kingdoms’ Martial World would be Ling Chen’s match, and the entire Martial World would soon be under Ling Chen’s control. If he remained here, Ling Chen would undoubtedly find and kill him.

I can only return to the Nine Provinces first and find a way to recover my strength. I have some contingency plans I left there. As long as I don’t encounter old enemies, I should be able to recover quickly. Xie Zhiqiu’s eyes flickered. Although his injuries were grievous, almost fatal, he was confident he could recover given time; it was merely a question of how long it would take.

However, having been nearly killed by Ling Chen, it would take several years to recover his strength, even if he used every means at his disposal. During these years, he would need to lie low and remain hidden from the world. Otherwise, if he encountered old enemies, he would undoubtedly perish.

Little beast, the next time we meet, I will ensure you are drawn and quartered! A hateful glint flashed in Xie Zhiqiu’s eyes. In the next instant, he shot off abruptly, disappearing into the desolate mountains.