Enchanting Cult Leader 16

"Greetings, Sect Leader!" As Elora entered the room, Hongxiu, Yin Zhu, Bing Li, Zhiyao, and Ziling immediately knelt in unison.

"There's no need for such formality," Elora, draped in a fiery red gown, sat gracefully upon her throne, her demeanor exuding authority, her presence commanding respect without a single word of anger.

"Reporting to Sect Leader, these are the matters that have occurred in the sect since your departure. Please review them," Hongxiu handed Elora a book.

Elora took the book, casually flipping through its pages before setting it aside. She flashed a smile at Hongxiu. "Thank you for your hard work."

"It is my honor, Sect Leader, to share your burdens," Hongxiu replied with sincerity.

"Zhiyao, you handled this matter well," Elora turned to Zhiyao. "But there is something troubling I've learned outside."

Elora idly toyed with her fingers, her expression indifferent.

"Sect Leader, what has happened that has made you so upset? If necessary, let Yin Zhu deal with it," Yin Zhu's voice unconsciously carried an undertone of murderous intent, sensing her leader's rising anger.

"Evan Skylar, the Sect Leader of Skycrest Sect, is rallying martial artists to attack Nebula Sect soon, and it seems there may be spies from his faction within our own ranks," Elora spoke gravely.

"It is my dereliction of duty," Hongxiu furrowed her brow, deeply troubled. Nebula Sect's defenses had always been stringent, its vigilance against enemy spies relentless. It was unimaginable that an intruder had slipped through their cracks.

"It matters not," Elora said with calm assurance. "Since he has the ability to plant spies here, we shall ensure that no one leaves—no one returns."

She turned her gaze to Ziling. "You will investigate the traitor."

"Yes, Sect Leader, I will carry out your command."

"By the way, you five, come with me. I have something to tell you," Elora rose first, leading the way out.

...

"Sect Leader, why have you brought us here?" The disciples exchanged confused looks. Why had Elora led them to this sacred chamber, a place accessible only to past Sect Leaders? It was quite strange.

"Now, I will pass on the Nebula Eclipse to you." Elora's voice was firm. She had pondered this decision for a long time; if there ever came a day when she was no longer around, these five would be the most fitting candidates for the next Sect Leader.

"Sect Leader?" Bing Li looked at Elora in shock.

"Sect Leader, this is not appropriate!" Hongxiu immediately rejected the notion without hesitation. This was the legendary martial art, a treasure reserved only for past Sect Leaders. It was not something they should even dream of.

"Is this manual really that powerful?" Yin Zhu, with wide eyes, jumped up and hugged Elora in excitement. "I want to learn it."

"Yin Zhu!"

"Yin Zhu!"

"Yin Zhu!"

"Yin Zhu!"

The four of them spoke in unison, their voices firm, trying to silence her before she uttered anything further. This was a martial art known only to the Sect Leader. If Yin Zhu wanted to learn it, wasn't that tantamount to declaring her intention to take over as the Sect Leader?

The other four felt a cold sweat trickle down their backs as they realized the implication.

"Why are you all staring at me like that?" Yin Zhu pouted, feeling wronged. "Didn't Sect Leader say she would teach us? I was only saying it out loud!"

"It's fine!" Elora interrupted Hongxiu, who was about to scold Yin Zhu. "I brought you here for this very reason. If there ever comes a day when I am no longer around, Hongxiu will become the Sect Leader, and the four of you will serve as the Four Great Guardians. As for Nebula Eclipse, all five of you will learn it." Elora stated with solemnity, the result of her careful deliberation.

"Sect Leader, how could you leave us? Where would you go? Wherever you are, that is where we belong!" Hongxiu's heart was heavy with unease. She feared that one day, Elora might truly leave. The others nodded in agreement with her sentiment.

"I'm not going anywhere. I only meant... just in case." Elora smiled faintly, knowing that, if she were to ever leave the martial world, some matters should be addressed early. "You will all learn Nebula Eclipse. As Sect Leader, I command you."

"Yes!" The five of them knelt in unison. They knew that, once Elora spoke in her capacity as Sect Leader, their only choice was to obey. But they also made a silent vow to protect her, to guard Nebula Sect with their lives.