Hidden Moth-Chapter 546 - 310: Who Can Deceive the Shadow Mirror? (Part 3)

Chapter 546: Chapter 310: Who Can Deceive the Shadow Mirror? (Part 3)

Zhao Ci wanted to say more, but Li Xiuyuan had already ordered someone to take him away, leaving only Zheng Yisi in the room.

Zheng Yisi said with a smile: "Isn’t it time to decide how Ancestral Hall should handle this matter? There’s no need to delay, right?"

Zong Zheng: "Whatever the case, he’s still a disciple of Observing Body Sect, and we must consider Elder Ye’s opinion. Moreover, this matter primarily involves Elder Jiang, so Elder Jiang must also express his stance... Here’s the plan: once all the Elders have gathered, we’ll convene and make a decision together."

Zheng Yisi shivered at the thought of such a major issue requiring the counsel of seven Elders. Even if Zhao Ci needed disciplinary action, surely this wasn’t necessary?

He knew several Elders were currently busy elsewhere; who knows when a decision would finally be made?

But he wasn’t foolish. He could see that the two Elders present were deliberately keeping Zhao Ci held at the Ancestral Hall, purposefully dragging out the decision-making process, speaking gravely about it.

Zheng Yisi: "Given this, I’ll take my leave for now and await notification from Ancestral Hall regarding any developments."

Li Xiuyuan: "Junior Brother Zheng, don’t hurry away! As for Zhao Ci’s matter, we’ll deal with it for now, but yours hasn’t been settled yet... Don’t be so tense, have a seat!"

Zheng Yisi cautiously seated himself halfway, saying: "Zhao Ci is my direct disciple. If he’s made a mistake, I bear responsibility for inadequate guidance. Please feel free to impose penalties on me through Ancestral Hall."

Zong Zheng: "It’s not about imposing penalties, nor should blame fall upon you. But there’s something odd, considering you’re his senior and your cultivation is higher, yet why has Zhao Ci been appointed as Direct Branch Master of the Huailin Lineage?"

Zheng Yisi explained: "Both Elders are aware of the situation. Zhao Ci is, after all, a direct descendant of Ancestor Master Huailin, and it’s rare for someone of his lineage to break through to high-tier cultivation. I’m getting on in years, so I should step aside and allow my disciple to gain experience."

Zong Zheng replied steadily: "Firstly, you’re not older than me. Secondly, the Magic Sect values lineage over kinship. Thirdly, it’s evident that Zhao Ci is unsuitable for the role." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Zheng Yisi quickly nodded: "Elder Zong’s guidance is indeed correct; Zhao Ci still lacks experience and has made many mistakes.

Regarding today’s matter, he behaved like a child, stubbornly refusing to follow the Magic Sect custom and assist He Kao. Truth be told, the reason is well known: he still harbors resentment over the Pure Yang Pill."

He acted this way thinking it would be fine, but if anything goes awry..."

Li Xiuyuan interrupted: "Junior Brother Zheng, despite breaking through to Tier Five Cultivation, you’ve remained unwilling to take on the role of Observing Body Sect Steward. Consequently, today, not obtaining the Pure Yang Pill—do you somewhat regret it?"

Caught off guard by the question, Zheng Yisi’s expression turned slightly awkward as he chuckled: "Initially, hearing the news did bring a twinge of regret, but after some thought, I let it go. Every gain has its loss."

Li Xiuyuan: "It seems you’re capable of understanding the reasoning behind Ancestral Hall’s action."

Outsiders would probably not grasp the meaning behind their words. What did they imply?

Among the Seven Great Magic Sects, Observing Body Sect has the most disciples. Unlike the Lingxi Sect, which can hardly muster three Stewards, Observing Body Sect presently has nineteen Tier Five Healers on record.

Given Zheng Yisi’s qualifications, it’s a given that he should assume the role of Steward, but he hasn’t taken up the position for even a day—not due to lack of nominations, but simply because he’s unwilling, claiming he wants to afford more opportunities for experience to his peers and juniors.

The real reason is straightforward: he simply isn’t interested in stress or burdens.

The Steward manages sect affairs, meaning they must take up responsibility, such as overseeing the Grotto Heaven for four months each year. For the remaining time, provided there are no major incidents, everything’s fine; however, should anything significant arise, it becomes quite busy.

These past couple of years, the Magic Sect has faced several unexpected incidents, keeping the Stewards on their toes.

On the other hand, being a Steward has advantages, like access to various sect resources and intangible opportunities. Overseeing the Grotto Heaven may seem dull, but they can control the core for cultivation, greatly aiding in the understanding of the Enlightenment Realm.

But such benefits aren’t lacking for Zheng Yisi.

Therefore, Ancestral Hall’s decision to exclude a "free spirit" like Zheng Yisi from the Pure Yang Pill allocation made sense. Sect Leaders and Stewards across the sects receiving one pill and openly announcing the allocation is based on these grounds.

After finishing, the two Elders bid farewell to Zheng Yisi. Li Xiuyuan suddenly asked: "Sir, do you believe Elder Jiang’s plan will succeed?"

Zong Zheng answered with a counter-question: "I’m uncertain how many calculations he has, which plan do you mean?"

Li Xiuyuan thought: "Will Ancestor Zhao Sanjin appear?"

Zong Zheng: "If Ancestor Zhao were still alive, he might make an appearance. But if he truly came, he wouldn’t come to Ancestral Hall looking for us; he’d go straight to see Old Jiang."

Li Xiuyuan: "You detained Zhao Ci here but leaked information to Zheng Yisi, could he possibly contact Ancestor Zhao?"

Zong Zheng: "If anyone could locate Ancestor Zhao, it would likely be Zheng Yisi. Although Zhao Ci is Ancestor Zhao’s great-grandson, Zheng Yisi was raised by Ancestor Master Zhao Sanjin, kin beyond mere grandchildren..."

Years ago, Ancestor Zhao Sanjin rescued a frail and sick orphan and had disciples aid his entry-level cultivation, that’s Zheng Yisi. Zheng Yisi’s official status as Zhao Sanjin’s student-grandson belies being the ward raised by him.

If Zhao Sanjin truly remains in the world, Zheng Yisi would likely be the sole individual capable of contacting him.

In normal circumstances, Zheng Yisi would avoid disturbing his master. Yet, if his master’s direct great-grandson were captured by Ancestral Hall and threatened with severe punishment, potentially sentencing him to death, he must strive to inform the master regardless.

Li Xiuyuan: "How do you know such details?"

Zong Zheng: "I heard it from Old Jiang; when he was young, he knew Ancestor Zhao."

Li Xiuyuan: "What about you?"

Zong Zheng: "I don’t know him! When Ancestor Zhao was in the sect, I was still young, even if I had seen him, I wouldn’t have recognized him. But Old Ghost Jiang and Guo Dachui dealt with Ancestor Zhao back in the day."

Having said this, both fell silent for a moment, unsure what thoughts they might have. Then Zong Zheng seemed to speak to himself: "Old Jiang aims to invite Ancestor Zhao’s appearance, but he may not succeed."

Li Xiuyuan remarked: "Indeed, none of us know if the person still exists... Whether Ancestor Zhao can be brought forth doesn’t affect the next steps; Old Jiang’s plan has indeed achieved a halfway success."

Zong Zheng: "That is indeed an unexpected pleasure, nobody anticipated!"

Their conversation felt shrouded in mystery, not specifying which plan, nor what the unexpected joy was. Meanwhile, in the Flower Shocking Grotto Heaven, He Kao faced another encounter.

**