The First Immortal of Destiny-Chapter 441: Just Racing Against Time_1
Now that he had the opportunity to vie for the position of the fourth Peak Master, Shen Mo knew he needed to seriously consider it.
The benefits were obvious: the higher he climbed within the sect, the more control he would have over his own destiny and that of others. For instance, if he wanted to transfer Chen An from his Outer Deacon position to a safer role in the Inner Door, his current status as the third-seat core disciple was utterly useless. It might be useful for other matters, but this particular issue had to be arranged through the Affairs Hall. Unfortunately, the Affairs Hall Master, Tian Zhaoquan, held an old grudge against him. The Deputy Hall Master and Elders of the Affairs Hall also wouldn’t dare offend Tian Zhaoquan just to open doors for a core disciple of his rank. However, if he became a Peak Master, a single word from him could decide the matter. There were many similar advantages. Even Shen Mo himself would gain more choices, decision-making power, and access to more and better cultivation resources than he had as a core disciple.
The only drawback was that becoming a Peak Master would make him much busier. However, with the current raging demonic scourge, even core disciples couldn’t dream of peacefully cultivating in seclusion. Indeed, many mandatory assignments were simply unavoidable. His appointment as Deputy Envoy to the Marine Race in the Immortal Burial Sea, and Senior Sister Jiang Lingfeng’s assignment to search for Yuan Chengshan... these were all sect-mandated tasks of that nature. Ordinary tasks could be refused, but if he repeatedly shirked these kinds of assignments, it wouldn’t be long before the Enforcement Hall came knocking.
Compared to that, being busier with daily affairs wasn’t unacceptable. If the Elders and Deacons of his peak were competent and efficient, he might even enjoy considerable leisure, aside from urgent and critical matters.
Furthermore, the monthly stipend of a Peak Master was far beyond what an ordinary core disciple could compare to. Since becoming a core disciple, Shen Mo received cultivation resources equivalent to fifty middle-grade Spirit Stones from the sect each month. This included Spirit Stones, Elixirs, talismans, magic artifacts, high-grade materials, and so on, which he could draw upon according to his needs. If he was delayed by other matters, this monthly stipend would remain credited to his account, to be collected when he was free. Peak Masters like Zhou Shili, however, received a monthly stipend equivalent to two hundred middle-grade Spirit Stones in resources. Many of these spiritual items were priceless if sold outside the sect. For example, Grade V Elixirs personally refined by Zhao Lingyin’s Master, Wu Gong; rare spiritual medicines and mineral deposits from the sect’s Treasure Hall; Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that the Riverside Sect traded for with other major immortal sects... Though valued at two hundred middle-grade Spirit Stones, their actual selling price would yield far more than that amount. Moreover, this was merely the personal monthly stipend. Establishing a new Main Peak meant the Riverside Sect would allocate a substantial amount of resources. Maintaining the normal operations of a Main Peak also required a constant supply of various materials. If Shen Mo were a bit greedier, simply skimming a little off the top as these resources passed through his hands would be enough to make him fabulously wealthy. These were just the obvious benefits; the intangible advantages were countless...
Thoughts raced through his mind as fast as lightning. Seeing the encouraging gazes from Zhou Shili, Yuan Jing, and others, Shen Mo finally reached a decision.
He immediately bowed and said, "I am honored by the sect’s high regard! If I am fortunate enough to assume this role, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly and not disappoint the high hopes of the Sect Master, Supreme Elders, fellow Peak Masters, Hall Masters, and all core disciples."
Sect Master Yuan Qingshi and the others were not surprised by this outcome. If he hadn’t possessed the ambition to reach the summit, Shen Mo wouldn’t have vied for a core disciple position in the first place, nor would he have defeated seven opponents in a single streak to secure the third seat among core disciples with his cultivation at the Second Layer of the Spirit Realm!
Immediately, Yuan Qingshi closed his eyes slightly, communicating with the three Supreme Elders via Divine Sense. Before they had concluded their discussion, Yang Xuan took the initiative to address Shen Mo, "Junior Brother Shen, your current cultivation is at the Spirit Sea Realm Layer IV, is it not?"
"With such cultivation, I’m afraid you won’t be able to bear the weight of the Peak Master’s position!"
"Moreover, you’ve only recently joined the ranks of core disciples. You’ll have ample time in the future to advance your cultivation and accumulate seniority."
"Once the three Peak Masters form their Golden Cores, you can still ascend to this position."
"Why not cede this opportunity to me, your Senior Brother? I will be sure to remember this favor!"
Truth be told, Shen Mo hadn’t had much interaction with this Chief Core Disciple. Yang Xuan hadn’t even attended his promotion banquet to offer congratulations. He only knew that Yang Xuan was the junior disciple of Sunrise Peak Master Tang Lv and had held the position of Chief Core Disciple for many years, possessing considerable seniority... Therefore, Shen Mo felt no need to put on a show of camaraderie or fraternal respect.
Shen Mo cupped his hands slightly and replied serenely, "My apologies. Ten thousand years is too long; I strive for the here and now!"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall was taken aback, and all were deeply moved as they contemplated the ambition in his words. Even the three Supreme Elders and Sect Master Yuan Qingshi couldn’t help but cast appreciative glances his way.
"Well said!" Zhou Shili applauded, laughing heartily. "We cultivators must contend when the opportunity arises! If we cannot even seize the present moment, how can we speak of contending for a Lifespan of ten thousand years?"
He seemed to have slightly misunderstood, but the general meaning was not far off.
A moment later, likely having received a communication from the Sect Master and others, the Patriarch, who was in the midst of a fierce battle with a Class IV Big Heavenly Demon in Dingbo City, projected his image onto the Water light mirror. It was evident that the preceding battle had been incredibly fierce; his red robe was tattered in several places, and even his white beard was disheveled. His aura was still turbulent; from his appearance, he had clearly just withdrawn from the battlefield! He glanced at Shen Mo and Yang Xuan, his lips moved, telepathically conveying something to the other three Supreme Elders and the Sect Master. Subsequently, his figure distorted and blurred, quickly vanishing from the Water light mirror.
With the final decision made by this last Supreme Elder, Sect Master Yuan Qingshi and the others agreed on the process.
"Since neither of you is willing to yield, and the Peak Masters, Hall Masters, and core disciples hold differing opinions... you two shall compete in a duel! The winner shall assume the role of Peak Master for the newly established Main Peak. The victor will be decided in the Mountain River Dungeon three days hence!"
At this moment, the iron law of the cultivation world, where strength is paramount, was vividly demonstrated. Since both were unyielding and the decision-makers were divided, a true battle of strength was the only way... The loser, naturally, would have no grounds for complaint!
To be fair, this decision still leaned in favor of Chief Core Disciple Yang Xuan. After all, he was a powerhouse at the Spirit Sea Realm Layer IX, and although Shen Mo’s cultivation progression was remarkably swift, he was still at Spirit Sea Realm Layer IV, a full five Minor Realms below Yang Xuan! However, allowing Shen Mo to contend for the position of Master of the fourth Main Peak could be considered a ’fortunate break.’ If his own strength was insufficient and he lost to Yang Xuan, he naturally couldn’t blame the Supreme Elders or the Sect Master. If he defeated Yang Xuan, it would prove his exceptional strength and profound Skills. Even if it was an ’unconventional promotion’ to elevate him to Peak Master, presumably no one would dare to utter any complaints! This could be considered a rather common, yet remarkably astute, method.
"Disciple Shen Mo (Yang Xuan), humbly accepts the decree!"
