“One example is the Regal Pill Palace,” said Mo Wushuang. “Palace Head Dan Chi forbade any members from getting involved in the internal conflict. He said that given their deep relationship with Veluriyam Capital, they mustn’t do anything that would embarrass us.”
Jiang Chen smiled. That was the Dan Chi he knew. The palace head had always been a man of integrity. Bearing some of the intellectual fastidiousness of a scholar, he held a pride that not everyone understood.
“Is the Regal Pill Palace falling behind the others, then?” asked Jiang Chen. He’d been offering great support to the Regal Pill Palace, treating them as well as he did the clans in the Sacred Peafowl Mountain.
“Not necessarily. Even without our involvement, our subordinate clans have stayed out of the fight under Daoist Peafowl’s order. That made the Regal Pill Palace the only hope for many ordinary factions. Out of self-preservation, many of the palace’s neighboring factions threw themselves under her banner in exchange for sanctuary. In fact, the palace has expanded by a decent amount.”
Jiang Chen chuckled. “By not competing, he meets no competition. The palace head knows what he’s doing.”
Mo Wushuang smiled. “Perhaps that’s his nature. Palace Head Dan Chi is able to achieve what he has, despite hailing from the lower regions, not only because of your support, but also because of his own wisdom and character.”
“That’s right. Both Halace head Dan Chi and Emperor Peafowl are leaders I have a lot of respect for.” Jiang Chen nodded. “What about the other factions? What’s happened with them? Tell me.”
“The Moon God Sect and the Ninesuns Sect are two factions that have been expanding aggressively. The Ninesuns Sect, especially, has clashed with the Skysword Sect many times.”
“The Moon God Sect has conquered a large area in the north, including regions that belonged to Pillfire City and the Sublime Chord Temple. The Empyrean River Palace was forced to a small territory in the northeast. They’ve come off very worse for the wear in the turf wars.”
“What about the Celestial Cicada Court?”
“They’ve been rather calm as they aren’t much interested in expanding their territory. While their territory hasn’t grown much in size, neither have they been invaded. The court is obsessed with formations at the moment. Every part of their land is protected by formations. Average factions don’t dare attack them.”
Jiang Chen cackled. He was no stranger to that faction. He believed that part of the court’s heritage was from the Ancient Crimson Heavens Sect.
Although they hadn’t gained the ancient sect’s full heritage, they retained some of its methods and formations.
The court’s recent behavior suddenly won Jiang Chen over. In such a chaotic time, it wasn’t easy to stay within one’s territory and refrain from conquering others.
An idea took root in his mind.
“Please invite Venerated Skysoarer for a meeting, Brother Wushuang,” ordered Jiang Chen.
Skysoarer soon arrived. His expression wasn’t a friendly one. “You’ve sure been enjoying your peace and quiet, Sect Head. It’s been ten years. Look at how much of a mess the human domain has become!”
Jiang Chen smirked and said faintly, “How would we know everyone’s true nature without giving them a chance to act up? How would we get a clear idea about the nature of the human domain?”
Venerated Skysoarer stopped short. There was great wisdom in Jiang Chen’s words.
“Alright, let’s put that aside first,” remarked Jiang Chen with a smile. “I asked you here to discuss the heritage of the Ancient Crimson Heavens Sect.”
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That piqued the old man’s interest. His eyes lit up. “Good, you’re finally getting to that!”
Jiang Chen gestured at the old man to calm him down.
“I have the ancient sect’s heritage item in my possession. However, the biggest issue facing the sect is a lack of manpower.”
Venerated Skysoarer nodded earnestly. “That’s right. We should start recruiting members. Where should we reestablish the sect? When are we going to start rebuilding?”
Jiang Chen chuckled. “Actually, based on my years of observation, not all of the sect’s heritage has been lost. One faction in the human domain is closely related to the Ancient Crimson Heavens Sect. One can say they share the same lineage.”
“What?” hurried out the old man. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“The time wasn’t right.” Jiang Chen shrugged. “I told you we needed this mess in the human domain to show us the true nature of each faction. Now, it’s clear to us which factions have the big picture in mind, and which are selfish opportunists. We’ve also gained insight into whether a faction is trustworthy, haven’t we?”
Venerated Skysoarer blinked again, halted by Jiang Chen’s foresight.
“Alright, you’re now done with your observations. Is that particular faction trustworthy?” That was what he cared about the most.
“Congratulations, the faction has performed to my satisfaction.” The young man looked at Skysoarer solemnly. “To tell you the truth, Venerated Skysoarer, I’m planning to rebuild the Ancient Crimson Heavens Sect upon that faction. What do you think?”
“I have no objections. However, who’s going to be the sect head?” Skysoarer got right to the point.
Jiang Chen sighed. “I can assume that role temporarily, or maybe you can do the honors?”
Venerated Skysoarer shook his head aggressively and waved his hand in denial. “No, I can’t. I’m an old man who’s been trapped for two hundred thousand years. My brain isn’t what it used to be. I’ll make a poor sect head. You do it.”
“I can. However, the Ancient Crimson Heavens Sect must cultivate a successor. You won’t object to that, are you?”
Skysoarer sighed. “You were the one who gained the heritage first, Jiang Chen. Have you lost interest in the sect because you’ve become the master of Veluriyam Palace?”
Jiang Chen’s expression turned solemn. “I’ll one day pass down that mantle to someone else too. I’m simply one candidate for any of the human domain heritage. I won’t stay on the same position forever. I became the leader of Veluriyam Capital simply because of its leading role in the ancient times gave it more influence. You must have noticed that as well, Venerated Skysoarer.”
The young man was telling the truth. Skysoarer wasn’t going to deny that.
“Fine, you’re right. I have one request though: As long as you remain as the head of Veluriyam Palace, you must also remain as the sect head of the Ancient Crimson Heavens Sect. Once you resign as the head of the palace, you’re then free to pass down the title of sect head as well.”
Jiang Chen grinned. “Deal.”
Venerated Skysoarer relaxed at Jiang Chen’s ready agreement. “Alright, let’s go check on the faction you brought up, shall we?”