Chapter 47

At a critical moment, Deputy Sect Master Zhuang Xin finally returned. As soon as he spoke, he drew the attention of everyone present. The faces of the ten elders darkened; they had a bad feeling about this.

Zhuang Xin, who was in charge of this year's outer sect disciple competition, had shown great favor towards Ling Dao. Now, with Zhuang Xin speaking out to stop it, it was clear he was taking Ling Dao's side, and the ten elders naturally did not look pleased.

"Zhuang Xin, if you say it's not possible, can you explain why?"

Duan Zhenghui was at a loss for what to do, but upon hearing Zhuang Xin's opposition, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It would not be good for him to be too dictatorial, especially with the ten elders, who were all quite senior.

"Of course there is a reason, but this reason can only be told to the Sect Master. I hope the Sect Master will allow it!"

The fewer people who knew about the super-class talent, the better. He had already instructed Ling Dao not to tell anyone about it. The two elders would not speak out of turn either, or Zhuang Xin would not be lenient.

"Deputy Sect Master, isn't this a bit too much?"

"Is there something we cannot know?"

In the Sky Splitting Sword Sect, Sect Master Duan Zhenghui was somewhat weak and indecisive, while Deputy Sect Master Zhuang Xin was very decisive. If Duan Zhenghui were strong enough, even if the ten elders spoke out, it would not affect him, as he was the Sect Master of the Sky Splitting Sword Sect.

"Deputy Sect Master is speaking to the Sect Master, and it's not your place to interrupt. You elders should focus on disciplining your disciples and enhancing the power of the Sky Splitting Sword Sect, rather than ganging up on an outer sect disciple. Don't you think that's shameful?"

Zhuang Xin said coldly, and Ji Yuanliang and the other elders wisely shut their mouths. The status of an elder was naturally inferior to that of a Deputy Sect Master, and Zhuang Xin's cultivation was even higher than theirs. In terms of both strength and status, they were no match for Zhuang Xin.

"Alright, come with me!"

Fortunately, Duan Zhenghui trusted Zhuang Xin greatly. Zhuang Xin's serious expression indicated that something significant had happened. Duan Zhenghui stood up from his seat and walked into the inner hall with Zhuang Xin.

"You haven't said what the Deputy Sect Master wants to tell me in private. Why does it feel like he's very confident?"

"It's fine. The Sky Splitting Sword Sect has more than one Deputy Sect Master. If necessary, I can invite the others to intervene on our behalf!"

The ten elders had extensive connections. Since Duan Zhenghui had already wavered, they could not let this opportunity slip away. However, they did not act immediately, waiting to see Duan Zhenghui's reaction first.

"Zhuang Xin, what can't you tell those elders, and why do you need to speak to me in private? You've seen that the ten elders are determined to deal with that outer sect disciple. I don't want to, but I have to make a choice. If it comes to it, we might have to sacrifice that outer sect disciple."

Duan Zhenghui's words made Zhuang Xin frown. Fortunately, he had arrived in time; otherwise, the consequences would have been dire. Duan Zhenghui had already decided to deal with Ling Dao, and if he did not stop him, the Sky Splitting Sword Sect would surely drive Ling Dao to a dead end.

"I can only say that even if we kill those ten elders, we must protect Ling Dao. Sect Master, do you think those ten elders are more important than a disciple with super-class talent?"

Zhuang Xin's words were a metaphor; he would not actually kill the ten elders. He just wanted to emphasize that the value of the ten elders was far less than that of Ling Dao. A super-class talent, if he grew up, could support the entire Sky Splitting Sword Sect and even lead it to glory!

"What? Are you saying that the outer sect disciple has super-class talent?"

Even Duan Zhenghui was shocked. The Sky Splitting Sword Sect had never produced a super-class talent in all its years. He knew how rare such a talent was, and he never expected one to appear in their tenth-grade force.

"That's right. I tested Ling Dao myself, and he is definitely a super-class talent. I have already sealed the news; this must not be known by anyone else. Even the ten elders must be kept in the dark. If this gets out, other forces will not sit idly by."

After receiving Zhuang Xin's confirmation, Duan Zhenghui made his decision. Since Ling Dao was a super-class talent, he could not allow the ten elders to act recklessly. Even a high-class talent like Xia Xinruo had received great attention, let alone a super-class talent.

Soon, the two of them walked out, and Duan Zhenghui sat back in his seat. The ten elders glanced at Duan Zhenghui and Zhuang Xin but could not discern anything.

"Sect Master, can we take action now?"

Xiao Yashuang spoke first. Everyone understood what she meant. If it were before, Duan Zhenghui might have nodded, but now that he knew Ling Dao was a super-class talent, he would not let them act recklessly.

"Elder Xiao, I advise you to be more restrained. Since the boy has won first place, he deserves the rewards, and no one can take them away. Everyone else, listen well: the Qi Condensation Pill and the low-grade sword technique belong to him. Anyone who dares to interfere will not be spared by this Sect Master!"

Duan Zhenghui's words were firm and left no room for doubt. The first super-class talent in the history of the Sky Splitting Sword Sect could not be allowed to go wrong. If it were not for the need to be discreet, Duan Zhenghui might have taken Ling Dao as his disciple directly.

"Sect Master, my disciple Xinruo is a high-class talent, which is quite rare. The Qi Condensation Pill should be given to her. Besides, Xinruo is a Water Spirit Body. Doesn't the Sect Master care at all?"

If Xiao Yashuang had mentioned a high-class talent before, Duan Zhenghui might have hesitated, but now he would not. Compared to a super-class talent, a high-class talent was a world apart, and Duan Zhenghui knew how to make the right choice.

"Alright, I will grant your disciple a Qi Condensation Pill. Once she becomes an inner sect disciple, she can also practice the low-grade sword technique. Let this matter be settled, and do not bring it up again!"

Duan Zhenghui waved his sleeve and left without regard for the ten elders' expressions. Zhuang Xin smiled and nodded; this was exactly the result he wanted. The ten elders would surely try to deal with Ling Dao in secret, but he was not concerned.

"If they try to deal with you, it will only temper you. I believe you will not be defeated by them. True strength is forged in blood and fire!"

Zhuang Xin did not linger further, leaving the ten elders with grim faces. The Sect Master had given his order, and they did not dare to disobey, though they were all resentful!