Chapter 26

"Ha ha, it's actually quite simple; you'll understand after you hear it. When the conflict between the two sides was about to reach its peak, the Left Sect Leader once specifically approached the Deputy Sect Leader Sha to propose that core disciples not be involved in the conflict. This was to prevent the conflict from getting out of control and damaging the core disciples, who are the foundation of the sect's future development." Old Bai finally explained.

Core disciples were all extremely talented individuals, and the conflict involved weapons that could easily cause injury. Any injury to a core disciple would weaken the sect's future potential and foundation.

"This was indeed a wise decision," Ding Qi couldn't help but praise.

Although Old Bai didn't say more, Ding Qi could see that as a Qingyun Sect disciple, he had great respect for the decision made by Zuo Yang. He imagined that other Qingyun Sect disciples felt the same way.

In the following conversation with Old Bai, Ding Qi learned more about the conflict. Despite both sides trying to control the situation, they were seasoned martial artists who would often resort to violence at the slightest provocation. In the end, the situation got out of hand, resulting in many casualties and weakening the sect.

Old Bai, however, was quite smart and managed to stay out of the conflict, remaining neutral. Even so, when he recalled the chaotic scenes, he still looked fearful and sighed deeply.

From Old Bai's current state, Ding Qi could guess that the scene when the conflict got out of control must have been extremely chaotic. However, the fact that the conflict ultimately got out of hand and caused casualties further highlighted the wisdom of the Left Sect Leader's decision to keep core disciples out of the conflict. Otherwise, the casualties would not have been ordinary disciples, but a large number of core disciples.

After listening to Old Bai, Ding Qi became curious about the Left Sect Leader, whom he had never met. From the conversation with Old Bai, he realized that the Left Sect Leader was probably a very capable person.

Curiosity aside, Ding Qi, as an uninvolved person responsible for the herb garden, didn't think he would have any connection with the Left Sect Leader. After hearing about the conflict, he began to wonder why Old Bai had come to see him.

He didn't think Old Bai had come specifically to tell him about the conflict for the sect leader position.

Thinking about this, Ding Qi asked, "Old Bai, what is it you came to see me for this time?"

"Oh, I did come for something. It's actually a decision passed down from the sect that I need to inform you about," Old Bai said to Ding Qi.

Hearing this, Ding Qi couldn't help but frown slightly.

He was just a minor assistant in the outer sect, with very few direct connections to the Qingyun Sect, let alone a direct decision from the sect.

Seeing the curious look on Ding Qi's face, Old Bai continued, "Actually, it's not a big deal. Zhao, the manager, was recently transferred from this herb garden. The sect originally planned to assign someone else to take over, but now the situation has changed."

"What kind of change?" Ding Qi asked, puzzled.

"Due to the change in the sect leader position, there has been a significant change in the personnel arrangements within the sect. The sect cannot spare anyone to manage the herb garden for the next three years. In other words, for the next few years, you will have to take care of the herb garden on your own." As he said this, Old Bai's face showed a slight look of sympathy.

Taking care of the herb garden was originally a two-person job. Now, with only Ding Qi, the workload would increase. In Old Bai's view, this was clearly not a good thing.

Hearing that this was the news Old Bai had to tell him, Ding Qi was initially taken aback, then asked curiously, "So it's this. But the sect's decision changed so quickly?"

Although Ding Qi was surprised by the news, he wasn't too concerned. What surprised him more was how quickly the sect's decision had changed.

"It's all because of the recent conflict. After the Left Sect Leader became the new sect leader, many of the hardliners who supported the former Deputy Sect Leader Sha were reassigned to idle positions or even expelled from the sect. The sect is now severely short of personnel."

Old Bai continued, "Because of this, the sect has promoted many of the experienced outer sect members to take on roles within the sect. After all, they have served the sect for many years and are trustworthy. They also didn't get involved in the conflict and have clean records. Now, with the need for personnel, promoting them into the sect is the most suitable choice."

Hearing this, Ding Qi finally understood.

Clearly, the outer sect member who was supposed to be transferred to the herb garden had been promoted to a position within the Qingyun Sect.

"After this conflict, although there were many casualties and the Qingyun Sect was weakened, it might actually be a good thing for the long-ignored outer sect members. Unfortunately..." After listening to Old Bai's explanation, Ding Qi sighed inwardly.

The conflict for the sect leader position gave the outer sect members, who had few opportunities for advancement, a rare chance to truly join the Qingyun Sect. Those who were promoted into the sect had a significant advantage.

Unfortunately, he didn't have such an opportunity. If he had been an experienced outer sect member, he might have been able to take advantage of this opportunity to join the Qingyun Sect. However, he had only been an assistant for less than half a year, and such a good opportunity wouldn't come to him.

The possibility of another conflict for the sect leader position leading to a shortage of personnel was unlikely, and he would probably never have another chance. While envying those experienced outer sect members who were promoted into the Qingyun Sect, he could only sigh in resignation.

He was greatly disappointed that he hadn't had such luck.

"It seems the Qingyun Sect is aware that managing this herb garden isn't too difficult, so they are confident in leaving it to me alone," Ding Qi thought as he saw Old Bai out of the herb garden.

Back in his room, Ding Qi thought about the news Old Bai had brought him and couldn't help but smile.

To others, having the workload of two people assigned to one person might seem like a tough job. However, Ding Qi didn't see it that way.

The work in the herb garden was already quite light, and whether it was one person or two didn't make much of a difference.

With no one from the Qingyun Sect assigned to manage the herb garden, it meant that for at least five to six years, this herb garden would be entirely his. Without anyone to supervise him, he could freely arrange his time for cultivation or gathering herbs.

His cultivation of the innate martial art was a secret that couldn't be revealed. When Zhao was in charge, he always felt uneasy when practicing, fearing that someone might discover his secret. Now that he was the only one in the herb garden, Ding Qi no longer had to worry.

This made him feel quite relieved.

However, he also had a lingering concern. He knew that Ding Shan had been promoted by the defeated Deputy Sect Leader Sha. Now that Sha had lost, he wasn't sure if Ding Shan would be affected.

The next day, Ding Shan's visit confirmed his worries.

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