Chapter 2 Sect Master Position 

In the chill of the night, where frost fails to still the running waters, a distant waterfall rumbled. Under the silvery moonlight, a horse galloped swiftly, its breath visible in the cold air, carrying a rider cloaked in black.

They reached the edge of a shallow river, splashing through the water with urgency, the horse's hooves kicking up sprays as they surged to the opposite bank. Continuing their journey, they rode deeper into the mountainous forest where the trees cast deep shadows under the moonlight.

As they entered the woods, the knight raised a hand and a soft pinkish-white light bloomed from within the folds of the black cloak, casting a gentle glow ahead. This light emanated from a butterfly named 'Tiny Moon' with wings adorned in hard armor and bone spurs. Designed to emit soft light in darkness, 'Tiny Moon' was adeptly controlled by Cultivators, illuminating their path with ease.

The illumination came from the wings' inner surface, creating a play of light and shadow as they fluttered, offering both swift and steady flight. 'Tiny Moon' led the way, guiding the knight through the darkened forest depths.

In the depths of the forest ahead, a glowing butterfly suddenly darted out, startling the knight. 'Tiny Moon' swiftly returned to his front as he pulled back on the reins. The knight, now revealed to be an old man with a weathered face and three wisps of long white beard, retrieved a token from his cloak and tossed it towards the figure lurking in the trees.

The lurking figure caught the token and, after a brief inspection, threw it back. The glowing butterfly promptly retreated and vanished into the darkness. The knight urged his horse onward, following 'Tiny Moon' deeper into the forest.

Deep within the forest, a magnificent sight greeted them: cliffs adorned with palaces and pavilions, brightly illuminated against the night sky. This was the ancestral gate of the Ancient Crystal Sect.

Under a cliff, the black-robed knight dismounted, removing his cloak and revealing himself to be Li Qing Mu, the head of the Ancient Crystal Sect. A disciple approached respectfully, addressing him as "Sect Master."

Without a word, Li Qing Mu handed over the reins and swiftly ascended the stone steps zigzagging up the cliff face. His movements were agile as he leaped and bounded, reaching the summit where the majestic palace awaited. Continuing forward with purpose, he approached a woman standing under the eaves, her hair styled in a distinctive green snail bun and wearing a veil.

Eyebrows slender as willow leaves, phoenix eyes bright like black jade gemstones, a nose as elegant as a hibiscus, and lips like blooming stamens—Li Shan, daughter of Li Qing Mu, gazed at the moon alone in the lonely night. Her dignified and glamorous appearance, delicate porcelain-like skin, and graceful figure adorned in a gray cage yarn long skirt exuded an aura of refined temperament.

As Li Shan admired the moon, she noticed the luminous butterfly that had been captured upon reaching the cliff's summit, but was promptly discovered by her sharp eyes.

Turning back, Li Shan was surprised to see her father descending the stairs. She approached him, her concern evident as she asked, "Father, didn't Brother return together?"

Unbeknownst to her, Li Qing Mu was momentarily distracted and stumbled on the stairs, coughing up blood.

Startled, Li Shan quickly rushed to his side. She detected the smell of blood on his body and noticed his arm was wet and sticky. Seeing bloodstains under the eaves, she exclaimed, "Father, you're injured!"

Li Qing Mu waved her concern aside, gesturing for her to be silent.

Outside, the mountain air was cold, but inside their home it was warm as spring. A massive copper furnace akin to an alchemy furnace dominated the hall, its roaring charcoal fire heating the entire house. Despite the open doors, the warmth persisted, circulating through the inner chambers.

Guiding her father inside, Li Shan anxiously insisted on examining his injury.

Li Qing Mu raised his hand to halt her, stating firmly, "Immediately inform the three elders and the inner disciples to come see me. I have an important announcement."

Anxious and persistent, Li Shan pressed, "But father, your injury..."

Li Qing Mu's voice rang out, cutting her off, "Go! Now!"

Li Shan bit her silver teeth, fighting back tears as she sensed something amiss. She swirled her long skirt and swiftly departed.

Before long, several inner disciples hurriedly arrived, visibly shocked at the sight of Li Qing Mu. It was evident to them that he was seriously injured.

The disciples rushed forward to assess the situation, with Yun Sheng, Li Qing Mu's personal disciple, particularly agitated and stumbling over his words in his haste.

However, Li Qing Mu gestured for them to step back, refusing their aid. Yun Sheng knelt anxiously beside him, his face filled with concern.

Li Qing Mu closed his eyes, seemingly lacking the strength to say more to him.

After a brief wait, the three elders of the Ancient Crystal Sect emerged from their mountain abode and swiftly approached. They consisted of Hei Fan, Xue Hu, and Li Su—each elderly and venerable, older even than Li Qing Mu himself. Upon seeing Li Qing Mu's condition, they were visibly concerned.

Together, they examined him, their expressions turning grave as they realized the severity of his injuries. They understood why Li Qing Mu had refused treatment; his wounds were grave, almost to the point of internal organ failure.

Li Su, who was also Li Qing Mu's relative and aunt, was the first to speak up in anger. She had introduced Li Qing Mu into the Ancient Crystal Sect and felt deeply responsible for his current state. Her voice rang out, "Who did this?"

Li Qing Mu spoke slowly, "Wait for everyone."

All present waited in tense silence.

When Li Shan returned with dozens of inner disciples gathered orderly in the hall, Li Qing Mu stood tall, gripping the armrests firmly. He addressed them solemnly, "Due to my physical condition, I can no longer lead the Ancient Crystal Sect. Now that all inner disciples are here, listen to my decree. There shall be no bullying among you, adhere to the rules, and offenders will be severely punished!"

The disciples exchanged glances, while the three elders showed no surprise. It was clear they had been expecting this moment. Was Dongfang Changfan involved?

According to Ancient Crystal Sect's rules, only an inner disciple appointed by the previous sect leader could assume the role of sect head. In the absence of a clear successor, the inner disciples would collectively choose from among their own. Dongfang Changfan, a disciple of the same master as Li Qing Mu, was a natural candidate. However, Li Qing Mu's favoritism towards a non-direct line succession was unconventional.

Li Su, her tone sharp with concern, interjected, "I object! Please reconsider, Sect Master. Dongfang Changfan has long been contracted with King Shan Yin. His actions have caused dissatisfaction among cultivators everywhere. If he becomes sect head, it could lead to the sect's ruin!"

Li Qing Mu calmly responded, "I have received news that King Shan Yin was assassinated on my way back. The matter concerning King Shan Yin is settled."

The news of King Shan Yin's assassination shocked everyone. As one of the Fire Kingdom's princes and a powerful military leader, his death was a significant event. The fact that this news hadn't reached them earlier raised eyebrows.

Li Su continued adamantly, "I object!"

Li Qing Mu looked at her steadily, "On what grounds? Have I violated any rules?"

Li Su argued, "You haven't violated any rules, but the position of sect head has always been passed down within the direct line of disciples. There's no precedent for deviation. Are there extenuating circumstances?"

Li Qing Mu sighed wearily, "All the disciples who accompanied me on this journey were killed."

Silence fell upon the room. Li Qing Mu's injuries and the absence of his companions hinted at a grim event. Speculation buzzed among the disciples.

Li Su pressed on, pointing to Yun Sheng, "Yun Sheng is your personal disciple. Can you dismiss him?"

Li Qing Mu replied calmly, "Yun Sheng is loyal and capable, but he is better suited as an assistant. I am physically unable to entrust him with such a crucial responsibility."

His words left no room for argument, and Yun Sheng bowed his head in acceptance.

Li Su turned to Li Shan next, "Li Shan, a woman cannot lead the Ancient Crystal Sect?"

Li Qing Mu stated firmly, "Li Shan is my daughter, but the sect is not my private estate. As sect head, can I conceal such truths through generations?"

Li Su's voice rose defiantly, "Are we to abandon tradition because of personal sentiments?"

Li Qing Mu's tone hardened, "Tradition is not always absolute."

Li Su was furious, "In essence, you intend to pass the sect head position to Dongfang Changfan against tradition. How can this be acceptable?"

Li Qing Mu's gaze turned steely, "Is Ancient Crystal Sect's adherence to tradition optional?"

Li Su had no immediate retort, clenching her fists in frustration. She felt publicly humiliated by her nephew's firm stance, leaving her without face before the disciples.

"I have made my decision." Li Qing Mu produced the sect master token, handing it to Hei Fan nearby. "Dongfang Changfan is absent. According to sect rules, the token is entrusted to the elders. When Brother Dongfang returns, the sect head position will officially pass to him. All disciples present are witnesses."