Under the maneuvering of those with intentions, the news that Bian Weiying was the first to sign up for the conference spread out.
Like a stone thrown into a lake causing ripples a thousand times over, discussions on Wukang Mountain grew more and more fervent, with voices of praise for Bian Weiying resounding everywhere.
Previously, everyone spoke about how dangerous attending the conference was, and now the praises for Bian Weiying were just as loud.
Similar voices echoed in the Punishment Hall, with Pang Tiansheng frequently praising "Sister Bian," extolling Bian Weiying’s glorious deeds from childhood to now.
Upon learning Bian Weiying was going to the conference, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang were unsure whether to be happy.
The conference was set to begin in half a month, but Bian Weiying gave them only three days.
Her participation didn’t hinder her actions here.
However, Shi Chun wasn't afraid of her; at worst, his heart clear of desires, he had nothing to lose.
As soon as the news of Bian Weiying signing up spread, dozens of young elites quickly followed suit.
In the records room, Bian Jixiong received the current list of applicants with a smile.
"With a leader, the results are indeed different."
Standing at the table, Xia Fuli jested, "Does the Sect Leader really not know, or is he just pretending? There are many young men within the sect enamored with Weiying. This is a chance for them to get close to her, to share hardships."
Bian Jixiong smiled mildly and said nothing as he put down the list.
"After the three-day deadline, we will select four whose skills and reactions are good to accompany Weiying. Safety is paramount."
With these words, it was indisputable that Bian Weiying was placed in the position of leader.
She indeed had the qualification, whether in terms of intellect, cultivation strength, or experience.
She had previously governed Skyward Gaze City; managing a city of so many people, how could leading a few be difficult?
Xia Fuli nodded, "Yes, that should be the way."
Before the registration deadline arrived, Bian Weiying's three-day deadline for Shi Chun arrived first.
When Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, carrying water to the yard, spotted Bian Weiying standing by the water tank, they went over.
After pouring the water into the tank, the three stood there, waiting in silence.
Eventually, Bian Weiying broke the silence, "Are you two planning not to say anything?"
Shi Chun sighed, "I really don't know what to confess. You should report your assessment to the sect. Do as you please."
At this point, he had no choice but to revert to his previous mindset of running away.
He believed the Demonic Path wouldn't let them go.
No way was he going to easily reveal the secret of his right eye.
Wu Jinliang nodded in agreement, "If we tell you nonsense, it won't be a confession. Shi Chun indeed likes Xiang Lan'er, and he has no feelings for you. Forcing it won’t help."
Bian Weiying’s cold gaze swept over the two of them.
She sensed their unyielding confidence.
Initially, she wanted to test their capabilities, but considering that the selection for the conference was not fully settled, she didn't want to create additional problems, deciding to temporarily tolerate it.
However, she wouldn’t let them off easily, coldly laughing, “You arrived just in time. Today I need a lot of water. The water you owe me from the past few days must be settled, not a drop less. Go on!”
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang were speechless.
The goodwill previously given to her instantly turned into malice.
Alright then, they had no words to argue, as such matters couldn't be reasoned with.
It was impossible to win against this woman.
If it was fetching water she wanted, then fetch water they shall.
With determination, the two picked up their buckets and left.
Pang Tiansheng soon noticed the anomaly.
Those two annoying guys didn’t return early, only to find out they were constantly fetching water for Bian Weiying.
Upon learning that Sister Bian's punishment of the two had begun, he couldn't help but laugh.
The registration deadline arrived in no time, with over a hundred people signed up.
The sect’s high-level members met as scheduled and finally confirmed a list of five participants.
In front of everyone, Yin Huixin said nothing, but back in their quarters, she argued with Bian Jixiong about their daughter being on the list.
"Didn’t you approve her registration?" Bian Jixiong asked.
"I didn’t approve it. I said it was Brother Ke’s responsibility. Let her ask you and Brother Ke," Yin Huixin responded, agitated.
"Then maybe you should find out what really happened before arguing with me about it," Bian Jixiong suggested.
Yin Huixin, with emotion welling within, exclaimed, "Don't use our daughter’s wishes as a shield. You’re letting her attend the conference just to preserve your authority. It’s just for an explanation up and down the sect!"
Bian Jixiong, somewhat angry now, moved close to her and whispered sharply, "Was Wei Bian’s death really Weiying's fault? Who sent people down the mountain that night to secretly convey messages to Weiying? Let me tell you, I know a lot more than you think. If you can get her to withdraw willingly, I will change the proposed list myself."
With a wave of his hand, he turned away.
Yin Huixin, her chest heaving, stood there, her once rosy complexion turning unpleasant.
More frustrating for Bian Jixiong was two days later.
In the council hall, in front of everyone, a return message from the Domain Manor nearly hit Elder Ke’s face.
"Tell me, tell everyone, what’s the deal with this submitted list of participants?"
Elder Ke remained expressionless.
Others immediately picked up the return message and checked it.
After reading it, everyone was shocked, including Yin Huixin.
"Bian Weiying, Gan Tangyu, Xiang Lan'er, Shi Chun, Wu Jinliang, this...,” muttered Elder Feng and Elder Cui, exchanging bewildered glances.
Though everyone knew who these people were, gentle murmurs filled the hall.
Elder Yi glared at Elder Ke and asked, "Elder Ke, this isn't the list we agreed on. What happened? Who changed the list?"
Elder Ke calmly replied, "I changed it."
Once again, everyone was shocked, lost for words.
Bian Jixiong wasn’t surprised, though.
Only his Brother Ke could come up with such an astonishing list, and yet he was still filled with fury.
Pointing a finger at him, Bian Jixiong angrily reprimanded, "Who gave you the power to change the sect's decision without permission?"
That's secondary, but Elder Yi Huachun calmly questioned, "Didn't you know three among them aren’t disciples of the Wukang Mountain? The rules this time require participants to be disciples. By doing this, aren't you in violation?"
Elder Ke replied, "Those three, I just submitted them under the pretense of Wukang Mountain discipleship.”
Elder Feng tapped the list he held, "No, the crux is those three are not disciples of Wukang Mountain. By falsely submitting them, it amounts to deception. If someone grabs this handle to cause trouble later, it’ll be very troublesome. Not just with the Domain Manor; these were rules set by the Royal Court."
Elder Ke answered, "That's simple. We can enroll them in Wukang Mountain right now. As for Xiang Lan'er, my stance remains unchanged. I still object to this woman joining our sect. Since everyone insists on convincing me otherwise, fine, I’ll give her a chance to become a disciple of Wukang Mountain. If she chooses not to, do you all think it’s necessary for such a woman to stay on the mountain? Isn’t she deeply in love with Weikang? I want to see if it’s genuine or not."
Once again met with silence, emotions were evidently stirred because of Xiang Lan'er's past as a brothel woman.
Indeed, when everyone agreed previously due to Elder Master’s face-saving, it was only Elder Ke Yizong who steadfastly opposed.
No one expected him to seize this opportunity for protest.
However, the justification was effective.
Want to become one of Wukang Mountain? Here’s your chance, a disciple’s opportunity—take it or leave it!
Some elders silently agreed, deeming it a good plan.
Meanwhile, Bian Jixiong's face was somber, features darkened.
"Alright then," Elder Feng said, tapping the list again, "What about this Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang then?"
Elder Ke explained, "It’s inappropriate for masters to put disciples’ lives on the line knowingly when danger’s involved. Reducing disciple casualties is our duty. Those two criminals from prison, flaunting about on Wukang Mountain, have long irritated me.
Letting them take the lead is just right. Simply put, we’ll give them an opportunity to become Wukang Mountain disciples. If they agree, so be it; if not, make them disappear.
Whether or not they’re Wukang Mountain disciples once they’re dead is up to us to determine. We could just report to the Domain Manor it was an accident. They can't prevent two deaths from accidental circumstances, right?
Replace the list accordingly. The disciples will understand the elders' intentions and won’t object, perhaps even praise us. Overall, it’ll settle things."
"…” Silence filled the room, a sense of understanding spreading among other elders.
Bian Jixiong, though, couldn’t help but grow angrier, "This is a sect decision, not yours alone to change, yet you didn’t discuss it beforehand?"
Elder Ke calmly declared, "If it spares a few more disciples’ lives, I’m willing to bear any punishment!"
"You..."
Bian Jixiong pointed at him, speechless with fury.
Xia Fuli and Yin Huixin shot each other knowing glances, understanding this had foiled the Sect Leader’s secret scheme.
Chief Elder Yi Huachun said, "Whatever punishment arises, it can be discussed later. Resolving this matter comes first. Who’ll approach and finalize the substitution of three to join?"
A leader among all, even including the Sect Leader, his words recognized Elder Ke’s actions.
Eyes turned to Xia Fuli, who had consistently interacted with the trio.
Using a calm tone, Xia Fuli refused, "One should handle the matter fully. Since it’s Elder Ke's business, let him see it through."
For the moment, the decision stood as resolved.
After the meeting, Xia Fuli unknowingly walked alongside Elder Ke, whispering, "Elder Ke, you've got guts. I merely jested about handling those few, yet you went and did it. Don’t blame the Sect Leader’s anger on me."
Elder Ke’s face retained its stiff demeanor as he responded, "Rest assured, I always take responsibility for my own actions."
Xia Fuli chuckled dryly.
In the sect's forbidden zone, Bian Jixiong nudged open the stone door, kneeling behind a figure in white robes meditating, and relayed the incident.
Finished, he complained, "Elder Ke acts as if I, the Sect Leader, don’t matter."
A sage voice said, "Enough, he’s just that type of person. In truth, who genuinely respects you more than he does? You should know that. The sect requires a person like him. Besides, whatever penalty you impose on him, he won’t complain. Is the list already reviewed by the Domain Lord?"
Bian Jixiong sighed, "I specifically inquired; indeed, they’ve reviewed it."
The sage voice remarked, "The Domain Lord won’t remember minor figures on the list, but having reviewed it means he’s seen it. He’s already somewhat displeased at our affairs being reported directly to the Royal Court. Changing the list and requesting a second review just for us is inadvisable. His perception outweighs our sect’s matters. It’s only three months. It’ll end quickly, so handle it as it is."