Decision

First, the Ancestor focused on the oldest one. 'You're actually quite lucky! You've managed to live so long.' He transferred though his Divine Consciousness.. 'You might even benefit from this war!'

One by one, Eremites went up, and each of them heard something from the powerhouse. At the same time, Frozen Sky made yet another speech about her recently fallen lover. Listening to it, Purple Sky felt like throwing up!

'…And so, it's only natural that his sacrifice was not in vain. The newly ascended Heavenly Lords must continue his legacy of bravery and righteousness!'

Yes, yes! And thanks to fu**ing him, you even managed to get most of the old monster's inheritance!

What sacrifice? What noble-sounding words?! Taoist Purple Sky could barely keep his calm. Everyone here knew that Unreconciled Rock was approaching his longevity limit. It was only natural for him to contribute to the sect before dying.

Besides, as expected of a lunatic and a battle maniac, he didn't want to quietly pass away in his cave. He preferred to go fighting!

Well, fortunately, none of the six Heavenly Lords seemed to think much of the Frozen Sky's words. They were just politely nodding their heads.

Reconciled Rock was weak!

No mentioning that he reached the Nascent Soul Realm forcefully! He was limited by his aptitude and couldn't improve further. No wonder he and Frozen Sky used each other for benefits. These two truly deserved each other.

Well, these old fogies aren't like me! Purple Sky quietly consoled himself in his hear. My aptitude should be better than that of the Eremites gathered here. Some of the Heavenly Lords couldn't compare to me too. It's just that after the accident back then…

'Purple Sky!' At this moment, Ancestor's words brought him back from his reverie. 'I remember you. Back then, you were quite a talent. I feel that we shouldn't be too stingy towards you…'

'Yes, yes. Praise the Ancestor for his wise decision! I'll definitely contribute to the sect!' Taoist Purple Sky was already impatient. He wanted to obtain the panacea as quickly as possible. After all, this was his chance to progress!

'Hmph!' Heavenly Lord Frozen Sky snorted unhappily. 'Always so quick to get the benefits! Always putting benefits before principles and sect rules!'

'What do you mean, junior sister?' Purple Sky smiled evilly, knowing very well that she hated it when he brought up seniority.

'What do I mean? Of course, it's about your disobedience! It has come to my attention that, despite our objections, you've still accepted this problematic disciple! Could it be that you don't take our words seriously?'

'My disciple, my choice! Still keeping the grudge from back then, I see? To think that you would go to the point of putting spies in the General Affairs Hall just to check on my private matters! How despicable!'

'Watch your words, Purple Sky! And remember your place! You are now standing in front of our esteemed Ancestor!'

However, to the Frozen Sky's disappointment, her grandfather hasn't interfered. His powerful Divine Consciousness continued to observe and listen only.

'I can see that you still like hiding behind your betters, sister Frozen Sky. Could it be that you still blame me for surviving? Unlike you, others haven't forgotten what I've sacrificed for you and, in extension, for our glorious sect. Ungrateful bitch!'

'How dare you! Esteemed Ancestor, fellow Taoists, this is unacceptable! For a long time, Taoist Purple Sky has been bending the rules. Now, he even face-slaps all of us, destroying the dignity of this council!'

'What are you trying to say? It's not my fault that you can't recognize a talent! I've taken a liking to this disciple, and so I took him in. What's the big deal?'

'Hmph! Hasn't senior brother Heavenly Lord Floating Leaf already spoken? Who are you to undermine his decision?'

'Eh? Me? What are you talking about?' Taoist Floating Leaf looked confused. He was the third most powerful Patriarch, and he rarely involved himself in the sect's inner affairs.

'We talked about him the last time we all gathered? Ouyang Li, the suspicious disciple. You even directly interfered, instructing Outer Peak's Grand Elder to let him go. All so that we could observe him further. Now, Purple Sky actually took him as a disciple! He even applied for a precious treasure for him! Where will your face go if the news spreads out?'

'Well, although I've indeed ordered others to observe him, there is no direct evidence. Besides, we really don't know what happened in the contested area. Regarding this incident, Fire Mountain Sect acts unusually strange.'

'This boy again?' Another Patriarch spoke unhappily. 'I say let him be, he is a small shrimp, after all. We have more important things to worry about at this time!'

'Seconded. I even say let the boy advance. Perhaps, despite his poor Spiritual Roots, there might be other factors behind his growth. Dormant bloodline, perhaps? I'm reassured as long as senior brother Purple Sky keeps an eye on him.'

'Agreed. We can't waste time on a little Steward here. If senior brother Purple Sky wants the boy, let him have him. We are at war, for Heaven's sake! Besides, I remember that back then, it was you who spoke about this Ouyang Li, dear Frozen Sky. You even wanted to torture him and end his life? Now, you once bring this ant to the gathering. Could it be that you hold a grudge against him?' He laughed out loud.

'Yes, we ought to focus on much bigger issues!' The oldest and most powerful Patriarch spoke in a commanding tone. 'However, the way I see it, Purple Sky… Well, you've been idle for too long of a time. We need to put some pressure on your lazy ass! And since you've taken in this Ouyang Li despite Heavenly Lord Frozen Sky objections… Well, let's see how good you are at nurturing the younger generation. Depending on your results, the quality of the panacea you receive will be different.'

At this moment, even the old Ancestor sighed. 'Let it be as you said. As for the quality of Purple Sky's panacea, let's see how this Ouyang Li does in the Mystic Realm. There should be no doubts after he exits. The remnant will of the Ascended One will see right through him!'

Well, fu** you! Fu** you all! Taoist Purple Sky couldn't help but curse in his heart.

Fortunately, thanks to centuries of practice, his face remained expressionless!

***

At the same time that the discussion was taking place, Ouyang Li took his sorry ass back to his cave. He was utterly exhausted. He felt used and thoroughly fu**ed by the sect!

'Well, at least I'm still alive!' He saw way too many corpses today. It was enough for him to realize that the sect didn't give a fu** about low-level cultivators. To the higher-ups, he was worth nothing!

And so, Ouyang Li once again entered the cultivation frenzy. He was expecting the Mystic Realm to be opened up shortly, and he really didn't dare to enter with his Immortal Foundation base. He was simply too weak!

However, even though he closed his eyes, and entered a meditative state, nothing much happened. He had real trouble gathering the Qi.

'Perhaps, it's because my emotions are in a mess now. I need to calm down and let things happen naturally. Also, I should follow the guiding pulses from the Mysterious Bead.'

Unfortunately, although he could indeed slowly accumulate some of the Essence of Mountains and Seas, his cultivation wasn't really progressing.

One day passed by, then two. Finally, it changed into a week. He knew that he couldn't delay any further. He still had his duties outside!

'I can't believe it! There is actually a bottleneck blocking me at the latter stages of the Immortal Foundation Realm! It seems that it's true what they say. Low-grade Spiritual Roots truly can't go further without some fortuitous encounters!'

However, that wasn't the worst thought that came to his mind. After all, with time, the Mysterious Bead should be able to improve upon his innate talent.

It's just that he didn't have much time.

'Could it be that I truly have to look for this cheap master of mine to help me transcend this bottleneck quickly?'

Ouyang Li couldn't help but shudder. He still thought that there is something seriously wrong with this man!