Chapter 29: Eternal Flame in Qingxuan Cave

Elder Li excitedly extended his hand, "Let me feel it, is it really a perfect Dao foundation?"

The elder next to him was also overjoyed, "Let me feel it too!"

Shen Mo had been smiling happily, but he immediately froze upon hearing this.

It was one thing for Murong Yue to touch, but you guys too?!

At this moment, Liu Yuanfeng suddenly said, "I do not doubt the Sect Master's discernment, but I am concerned that in her excitement, she may have made an error in judgment. Therefore, I would like to verify it personally."

Song Chaofeng nodded, "I feel the same way."

Both men stood up and approached Shen Mo. Shen Mo immediately became alert.

These two might not really want to feel the foundation; they could have some ulterior motives.

'Master, help!'

A fragrant breeze swept by. Murong Yue's graceful figure stood in front of him.

"My disciple is very important to me. I am worried that during your examination, you might inadvertently cause harm. Please sit down."

Murong Yue's beautiful eyes were fixed intently on them.

Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng remained silent for a moment before smiling amiably.

"The Sect Master overthinks. Everything I do is for the benefit of the sect. How could I harm your disciple?" Liu Yuanfeng waved his hand.

Song Chaofeng added, "I always prioritize the sect's interests. I am delighted that the Qingxuan Sect has such a talented disciple and would never harm him. Sect Master, your concern saddens me."

After speaking, both sat back down.

Murong Yue then coldly snorted and sat back down, pulling Shen Mo close to her, almost protectively.

Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. 'My master is so good!'

"Did the Sect Master convene us just to discuss this? It seems a bit of a waste of our valuable time," an elder suddenly spoke up.

Murong Yue glanced at him. This elder was a staunch supporter of Liu Yuanfeng, clearly speaking on his behalf.

"Not only that."

Murong Yue looked around and said deliberately, "Qingxuan Cave has opened. According to the ancestral rules, only disciples who have reached the Foundation Establishment Realm and possess exceptional talent may enter."

"Today, my disciple Shen Mo has also reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, so he should enter Qingxuan Cave!"

Her voice echoed through the grand hall, ringing in every elder's ears.

The elders' expressions changed subtly, exchanging glances with each other.

Shen Mo also smiled inwardly. My beautiful master has some strategy.

There were twelve Core Formation Realm cultivators present, including Murong Yue and Liu Yuanfeng, which left ten elders.

Among these ten elders, some were staunch supporters of Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng, some were firm supporters of Murong Yue, and some were fence-sitters, undecided.

Murong Yue's announcement about Shen Mo's perfect Dao foundation and entry into the Foundation Establishment Realm was a move to win over these undecided elders.

She was sending a message: the Sect Master's disciple is the legitimate successor!

Moreover, her disciple possessed a Heavenly Physique, a perfect Dao foundation, and had reached the Foundation Establishment Realm at seventeen!

His talent and potential were undoubtedly the best among all Qingxuan Sect disciples!

Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng's expressions grew increasingly grim. It was clear that Murong Yue's sudden second meeting was all about Qingxuan Cave.

However, with Shen Mo suddenly reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm, they couldn't think of a reasonable way to obstruct him.

If given more time, they could have forced him, like they did with Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan, to choose between his future and his family, forcing him to leave Qingxuan Sect at this critical moment.

But now, there was no room for maneuver. The only option left was to call for a vote.

After all, they had more elders on their side. They could offer more benefits to the two undecided elders.

Liu Yuanfeng gave Song Chaofeng a look.

Song Chaofeng cleared his throat, ready to speak.

Murong Yue spoke loudly and clearly, "I did not convene this meeting to discuss with the elders."

"This is an announcement."

"My disciple deserves such a privilege!"

"Tomorrow, Shen Mo, Liu Yunxuan, and Song Junjie will be the selected disciples to enter Qingxuan Cave."

"Meeting adjourned!"

With that, she waved her wide sleeves and left with Shen Mo.

This left Song Chaofeng and Liu Yuanfeng, who had been about to speak, looking at each other in frustration.

The elderly Elder Li chuckled, "Vice Sect Master, Grand Elder, this meeting wasn't to decide Shen Mo as the fifth true disciple, so there was no need for a vote."

"The selection for Qingxuan Cave only needs to meet the conditions. The Sect Master's word is enough to decide! Don't forget who the Sect Master of Qingxuan Sect is!"

She let out a cold laugh and turned to leave.

The other elders who firmly supported Murong Yue also left with him.

Soon, only Liu Yuanfeng, Song Chaofeng, and their staunch supporters remained in the grand hall.

"Elder Song, the treasure in Qingxuan Cave must not fall into Shen Mo's hands," Liu Yuanfeng said calmly.

Song Chaofeng snorted, "I know, you don't need to remind me. Junjie has always been lucky; that treasure will naturally be his!"

Liu Yuanfeng stood up slowly and said, "What I mean is that, if necessary, we can use some less honorable methods."

Song Chaofeng's eyes sharpened as he grasped his meaning.

...

Mountaintop Courtyard. Murong Yue and Shen Mo landed gently.

The voluptuous beauty seemed a bit tired and went straight to her desk to sit down, resting her heavy chest on the table.

"No need to be formal, have a seat." Murong Yue waved her hand.

Shen Mo nodded and found a chair to sit in.

Murong Yue tapped the table lightly for a while before speaking in a serious tone, "After you enter Qingxuan Cave tomorrow, the cave will be sealed for three Months. We will have no knowledge of what happens inside, so be cautious."

Shen Mo nodded slightly. He wasn't too worried about Song Junjie.

Both being at the entry level of the Foundation Establishment Realm, he had the advantage of cultivating a heavenly-level technique, possessing a heavenly physique, and having forged a perfect Dao foundation, which meant his strength would surpass Song Junjie's.

However, Liu Yunxuan was at the major accomplishment stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

The difference was significant.

In a head-to-head fight, Shen Mo believed he could ensure his survival but couldn't defeat Liu Yunxuan.

Murong Yue saw his concern and smiled faintly, "Don't worry. With the Communication Stone I gave you, he can't kill you."

"Moreover, Liu Yuanfeng and Song Chaofeng are so anxious, even using underhanded methods to force Zhao Ting and Luo Shengnan to return home. It must be because something significant has emerged in the deepest part of Qingxuan Cave."

"If you obtain that item, Liu Yunxuan won't be your match."

Shen Mo's curiosity was piqued. What could possibly give him the ability to counter someone two minor realms above him?

Murong Yue's eyes gleamed with longing, "An Eternal Flame!"

"In the deepest part of Qingxuan Cave, there's a Red Lotus Flame that has been absorbing underground fire energy for many years!"

She continued, "The power of an Eternal Flame is incredibly strong. Once it attaches to an attack, it can multiply its power several times over!"

"You possess the supreme heavenly physique, the Scorching Sun Flame Body. This fire attribute physique is the most suitable for taming the Red Lotus Flame."

"While taming it, you will also absorb the rich spiritual energy of Qingxuan Cave. With your talent, reaching the small achievement stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm in a short time is entirely possible."

"By then, with the Red Lotus Flame, how could Liu Yunxuan possibly be your opponent?"