Removal of Ning Lang's Elder Position

Inside Haohui Palace, a multitude of individuals had gathered. Six elders, accompanied by over ten direct disciples, were present.

Seated at the highest position, an elderly man with white hair, Mei Qinghe, currently held the position of Sect Master for the Haohui Sect. Despite his advanced age, he maintained an upright posture, displaying no visible signs of aging. Rumors circulated outside that he had approached the threshold of the Golden Core Realm, a testament to his formidable strength.

Accompanied by Ning Lang, Jiang Chen, and Gan Tang, Xiao Ran entered from the entrance, leading them to the center of the grand hall as though guiding prisoners on trial. The lively atmosphere within Haohui Palace abruptly fell silent, with some individuals scrutinizing Ning Lang and others focusing their attention on Jiang Chen and Gan Tang.

Zhao Jian squinted at Jiang Chen, sensing a change in his appearance. Qiu Yunze, along with Xiao Ran and other elders, directed their attention to Gan Tang, who, for some reason, was adorned in a beautiful long skirt, draped in a silk robe, and wore a veil on her face, emanating an elegant and celestial aura.

Ning Lang folded his hands and nodded slightly, addressing Mei Qinghe, "Greetings, Sect Master."

Despite the strained relationship between Ning Lang and the other six elders, his connection with Mei Qinghe remained relatively positive. Mei Qinghe had appointed him as the Seventh Elder, occasionally sharing insights with him during the ten years when Ning Lang had not made significant progress in cultivation. However, Mei Qinghe had rarely ascended Miao Peak in recent times.

"Ning Lang, it's been more than a year, and I didn't expect you to take two disciples."

"Yes," Ning Lang nodded and instructed, "Jiang Chen, Gan Tang, greet the Sect Master." Gan Tang, though reluctantly, followed Jiang Chen's lead and saluted, "Disciple Jiang Chen (Gan Tang) pays respects to the Sect Master."

Mei Qinghe acknowledged, "Not bad. They don't seem to be ordinary. Did you choose them from the inner disciples of the Haohui Sect?"

Before Ning Lang could respond, Zhao Jian interjected, "Sect Master, Jiang Chen was just an outer disciple of our Haohui Sect. Gan Tang, on the other hand, was brought up by Ning Lang from the foot of the mountain without permission."

"Oh?" Mei Qinghe frowned and inquired, "Is that so?"

"Yes," Zhao Jian affirmed.

Mei Qinghe assessed Jiang Chen and Gan Tang, then asked, "What is your current cultivation realm?" Everyone shifted their gaze to the two disciples as Mei Qinghe's query hung in the air.

Jiang Chen, seeking confirmation from Ning Lang, respectfully replied, "Reporting to the Sect Master, the disciple has recently broken through to the Qi Refining Realm."

"What!"

"Outrageous! How dare you lie in front of the Sect Master!"

"Absolutely unreasonable. This is the Haohui Palace. How can you casually fabricate lies!"

"Ning Lang, look at the disciples you've taught." Accusations and disbelief echoed from both sides of the hall.

Ning Lang, maintaining his composure, smiled faintly.

Mei Qinghe instructed, "Jiang Chen, sit down. No matter what happens later, don't resist."

Jiang Chen, uncertain of Mei Qinghe's intentions, looked nervously at Ning Lang, who nodded, saying, "Just do as he says."

Jiang Chen settled down, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Mei Qinghe raised his hand, gathering spiritual energy, which transformed into a sword pointing directly at Jiang Chen. A stream of spiritual energy shot into Jiang Chen's forehead, and as moments passed, a look of surprise appeared on Mei Qinghe's face. Lowering his hand, he muttered softly, "Indeed, Qi Refining Realm."

"How is this possible!"

Although spoken softly, Mei Qinghe's words reverberated like thunder, leaving everyone in the Haohui Palace in shock. They had verified Jiang Chen's information only four months ago, and now the Sect Master had personally probed his spiritual energy, confirming his remarkable progress.

Mei Qinghe, addressing Jiang Chen, asked, "How did you achieve this?"

Jiang Chen calmly replied, "My master taught me the method of cultivation, and I diligently followed his instructions."

All eyes once again focused on Ning Lang.

As the topic shifted, Ning Lang inquired, "Why did the Sect Master call me here today?"

Mei Qinghe hesitated, torn between his reluctance towards Ning Lang and the mounting evidence of Jiang Chen's extraordinary progress. Before Ning Lang arrived, he had prepared a statement, but now, he began to question the necessity of removing Ning Lang's position as an elder.

Zhao Jian, sensing Mei Qinghe's hesitation, stepped forward, explaining Jiang Chen's clash with Yu Hua over a month ago. He expressed doubt about Jiang Chen's cultivation level, suggesting that Ning Lang had no involvement in his progress. Others, including Second Elder Li Hongri and Qiu Yunze, supported removing Ning Lang as an elder.

Laughter suddenly echoed in the Haoran Palace. Standing in the center, Ning Lang burst into mad, unrestrained laughter without apparent reason.

 ...