Chapter 225

Chapter 225: Flying Cloud Sect’s Pressure

Bai Mu Mu was almost crippled, and talents like Feng He Yun were not in their right minds.

After thinking it over, Shen Sang Ruo was still the best choice for Young Sect Master in Shen Dao Chen’s heart.

A daughter he had raised himself would always feel closer.

With her skill and ability, if she could rein in her temper a bit, she would be the perfect Young Sect Master of Flying Cloud Sect.

Shen Sang Ruo had to belong to Flying Cloud Sect; he would not let other sects profit for nothing.

He raised his voice toward the high platform: “May I ask the Sect Master of Ninghua Sect this: are you really so at ease claiming someone from our sect as your own?”

He went on without shame: “My daughter only had some quarrels with me. Thank you for caring for her during this time, but she must return to Flying Cloud Sect in the end.”

People around showed looks of disdain. That was called some quarrels?

Still, Shen Dao Chen was her foster father, and that feeling was different from any other tie.

Shen Sang Ruo was so outstanding that they could understand why Flying Cloud Sect wanted her back, though it felt wrong.

Master Ling Xiao added curtly: “Shen Sang Ruo is headstrong. Some people cannot teach her well. Better to let go early, so you do not ruin her future.”

No one dared flatter Master Ling Xiao today.

Those five disciples he had taught were all a mess.

It was hard to praise.

Shen Dao Chen’s voice turned stern: “If Ninghua Sect is unwilling to hand her over, do not blame Flying Cloud Sect for being rude.”

He warned the crowd as well: “Those of you thinking of joining Ninghua Sect, consider it carefully.”

It was an open threat.

Most major sects would have a hard time withstanding targeted pressure from Flying Cloud Sect.

Even though Ninghua Sect had just won first place in the Sect Grand Tournament, its size still could not match Flying Cloud Sect. Could it bear this pressure?

Many people began to waver.

Shen Sang Ruo knew Flying Cloud Sect would not give up easily.

Just as she was about to speak, Daoist Wu Wei and Immortal Lord Chang Li stepped forward.

Daoist Wu Wei, usually playful, spoke with authority: “So this is how the former number one Sect Leader behaves? Sang girl is a member of our sect. How could she go back just because you say so?”

Immortal Lord Chang Li gave Master Ling Xiao a cold smile and asked: “You delayed her for so long. Did you ever teach her anything?”

Then he fixed Flying Cloud Sect with a cutting look and said: “I will keep it simple today. Target us if you like; Ninghua Sect is not afraid. But as for taking Sang girl away, there is no way.”

He added in a hard tone: “Even if you said nothing now, Ninghua Sect would not let Flying Cloud Sect have an easy time. Later, I will still seek justice for my disciple.”

The air on Fengling Terrace felt like gunpowder.

Many turned to look at Shen Sang Ruo, waiting for her answer.

Standing on the high platform, she spoke simply, each word steady: “I am Shen Sang Ruo of Ninghua Sect.”

The tension thickened again.

True Lord Gu Ci gave a light cough.

Her Hall of Myriad Spirits was a neutral group in the cultivation world. It kept order and tried to block or settle conflicts between sects.

With two sects about to fight in front of her, she could not sit and watch.

She reminded them calmly: “On behalf of the Hall of Myriad Spirits, I ask all sects to get along in a friendly way. If not, the Hall will step in.”

Only then did both sides lower their flags and look away, each finding the other an eyesore.

Even so, Flying Cloud Sect’s threat made many people step back.

Shen Sang Ruo said no more. Those who truly wished to join would not quit because of this.

As for the hesitant ones, they were the wavering kind. [If they fear even this little pressure, then they are not walking the same path as Ninghua Sect.] In a way, Flying Cloud Sect had helped them screen people first.

The hot mood on Fengling Terrace cooled.

Just then, a voice rang out: “Joyous Union Sect wants to join Ninghua Sect!”

Backed by spiritual power, the shout was loud and firm.

Shen Sang Ruo turned and saw Fang Yu raising his arm and calling out: “Sister Sang Ruo! We want to join Ninghua Sect! We believe in Ninghua Sect!”

She smiled and replied: “You are welcome at any time.”

Fang Yu’s calls were like a shot of courage for those still unsure.

Zhu Hua Qiao sighed and shook her head as she joked: “What a pity. If our sect did not have so many people, I would bring Artifact Forging Sect to join right now.”

Chen Zhou Xing chimed in with a laugh: “Same here. When you recruit more than 100,000, I will bring Alchemy Sect.”

Shen Sang Ruo answered easily: “Then I will expand fast and try to recruit you soon.”

With Zhu Hua Qiao and Chen Zhou Xing lightening the mood, the heavy air on Fengling Terrace finally lifted.

One after another, people stood up, ready to go home, pack, and head to Ninghua Sect for the selection.

At last, the Sect Grand Tournament came to an end.

After a few days on a flying boat, Shen Sang Ruo and the others returned to Ninghua Sect, their harvest full.

On the way, Immortal Maiden Azure Luan greeted them politely, then went straight back to Wind-Moon Spirit Ruins. [Azure Luan, the homebody Immortal Maiden.]

Back at Ninghua Sect, they first counted the materials and treasures gathered from the Secret Realm and handed everything over for sect construction.

Then they began to prepare for the recruitment in three days.

The plan included a Spirit Root Aptitude Test and two simple checks for conduct and mindset.

Shen Sang Ruo handed Daoist Wu Wei a storage bag and said: “Here are 1.3 million High-grade Spirit Stones, all from the Linglong Pavilion auctions.”

She added the purpose clearly: “Afterward, Sect Master will distribute these to the disciples and elders who pass the tests and join.”

Daoist Wu Wei’s eyes lit up at first, but when he remembered that all these Spirit Stones would be given out, his face turned pained.

He drew a deep breath. It was all for Ninghua Sect. Endure, endure. Then he broke in the next second: [A whole 1.3 million High-grade Spirit Stones! Pain! Too painful!]

Shen Sang Ruo had expected his reaction and added, a little helpless: “The rest are for the Sect Master.”

Daoist Wu Wei finally beamed: “Sang girl understands this old man!”

She took out another storage bag and said: “Here are another 5 million High-grade Spirit Stones for monthly stipends, purchases, and other sect expenses. Sect Master, please keep them.”

Ye Huai and the others could not help glancing at each other: [our junior sister is rich.]

She smiled and explained: “Most of this came from the treasures our Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters traded in. It is everyone’s credit.”

Even so, she knew it was far from enough. It would only cover the basics. Later they would spend a lot on supplies like spirit herbs and forging materials.

[Making money is still very important.]

“As for the sect rules, let us follow Ninghua Sect’s previous rules. Sect Master, what do you think?” she asked, looking at Daoist Wu Wei.

“You decide. I trust you completely,” Daoist Wu Wei said, hugging the two storage bags, so happy he had nearly stopped thinking.