Chapter 166 - 166 161 Xiao Bai Seizes the Position of Sect
Chapter 166 - 166 161 Xiao Bai Seizes the Position of Sect
?Chapter 166: Chapter 161: Xiao Bai Seizes the Position of Sect Leader Chapter 166: Chapter 161: Xiao Bai Seizes the Position of Sect Leader Chen Jiu wanted to promote Xiao Bai as the new Sect Leader, but some didn’t agree. Someone doubted Xiao Bai’s trustworthiness, recalling the last time Xiao Bai caused trouble. Now that the Sect Leader was dead, that person suspected Xiao Bai was involved.
One disciple angrily exclaimed, “Thinking of assuming the Sect Leader’s position at such a moment! You all might have conspired with those people in black, killed the Sect Leader, just so you can become the Sect Leader next. But, no, I will not agree to this!”
Xiao Bai responded, “These accusations are unfair. Are you not overstepping a bit? I’m devastated by the Sect Leader’s death too. But however upset we are, it’s no reason to speak like this, blaming me for conspiring with the people in black. I swear, if I have any connections with them, let five thunderbolts strike me down.
Although Chen Jiu may seem hasty, the Sect Leader is already dead, and a new Leader must be appointed to preside over matters. Additionally, we must avenge our former Sect Leader. Without a head, the dragon is leaderless. If no one steps forward, how would we guide our actions, who will give orders, who will listen? All these issues need addressing.”
Kong Sha hurriedly made the accusing disciple apologize to Xiao Bai.
Xiao Bai nodded slightly and added, “As it is, I’m distraught too, but we indeed need to select a new Sect Leader. Otherwise, how do we manage if another incident occurs? Who should preside then, who should take responsibility? We must prioritize the sect’s overall interests.”
Someone suggested, “Our Vice Sect Leader should take the position.”
“But he isn’t our Sect Leader.” Xiao Bai stated.
“Then let’s directly promote him as the Leader.”
Chen Jiu interjected, “Is that really fair? The Vice Sect Leader was elected by us, but if we hurriedly bring in a new Leader without a vote, that wouldn’t be right.”
Xiao Bai reasoned, “Of course, I’d like Jiang Zhuge to become our Sect Leader, but everyone should be given a chance to decide. The position of Sect Leader cannot be assigned casually. Our previous Sect Leader had clearly stated that Jiang Zhuge’s position as Vice Sect Leader was temporary, a measure taken due to the Sect Leader’s illness, needing someone to assist him.”
Jiang Zhuge understood Xiao Bai’s intent and commented, “Things have happened so fast, we haven’t fully grasped the situation yet. Shouldn’t we first bury these bodies and then discuss the matter of the Sect Leader’s position?”
Xiao Bai listened and couldn’t help but agree, “Right, these bodies have been here for two days already, we must bury them, we can’t just leave them here.” Realizing that Jiang Zhuge agreed with his actions, he naturally felt somewhat relieved.
Xiao Bai continued, “We need to figure out who exactly plotted to murder our Sect Leader and who killed our junior brother, Zheng Yibai.”
Jiang Zhuge was filled with sorrow, not knowing how to proceed next. Wei Sisan’s sudden death was hard to accept.
Xiao Bai further added, “This was clearly meticulously planned. They had laid their scheme long before, distracting us by having the No. One Thieves surround Can Mo’s people. Then they attacked Dongle City, caused unrest in Ghost City, detained you, Jiang, and in doing so, lured out the Sect Leader. When I was in Dongle City and couldn’t escape, they went after the Sect Leader. It was all well calculated.”
Jiang Zhuge paused to consider this,
Kong Sha stated, “If so much power was needed to set up this scheme, then the person behind this is no ordinary individual. A common man couldn’t have that much power.”
Someone yelled, “It must be that villain, Gua Zhengnie! Seeing us establish the New City Sect, he became resentful and plotted to assassinate our Sect Leader. It has to be them! Only they bear such deep grudges against us. I can’t think of anyone else.”
The sobbing Ling’er stood up and shouted, “My dad can’t be dead, he just can’t be. I’m going to find him, I must find my dad.” She wouldn’t accept this.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhuge tried to restrain her but to no avail. He quickly had Wan Lan and a few others follow and protect Ling’er.
At this moment, a group of people suddenly barged in. Gua Zhengnie led Gui Lang into the room, saw the abundance of corpses stored in wooden boxes, covered their noses, and asked, “What happened? Was our Brother Wei actually burned to death?”
The room filled with glares, flames seemed to spark from their eyes.
Jiang Zhuge stepped forward and asked, “Brother Gua, do you need anything?”
Gua Zhengnie responded, “Oh, my brother, what happened to you that someone bore a grudge strong enough to not even let me see you one last time? I’ve always thought of you as my brother, even after you chose to leave the Third Demon. It never changed. Who could’ve killed you in such a way?”
“Spare us your feigned compassion!” Someone murmured.
“Please accept my condolences and don’t grieve too much.”
Xiao Bai responded, “We will certainly find the murderer. We will catch the perpetrator for sure.”
Gua Zhengnie smirked, “Of course, if you need anything, feel free to ask. After all, we originate from the same lineage.”
“Brother Gua, you must have other reasons to be here.” Jiang Zhuge questioned.
Gua Zhengnie said: “Indeed, it’s like this, since you all have already left the Third Demon, you should not be our people anymore. Wasteland City has been decided as ours since years ago. As you’re no longer part of the Third Demon, you should find another place to establish your residences. Wasteland City is truly too small even for us, the Third Demon alone.”
“What, you want to drive us out of Wasteland City?” Xiao Bai said angrily, trying to show his strength at this moment.
“Not driven out, but kindly asked to leave. You are no longer from the Third Demon, that’s a reality; it was decided long ago that Wasteland City is under our control. Since you’re no longer from the Third Demon, you cannot build a residence here. You should leave.”
“Damn, are you gonna drive us out of Wasteland City today?” Chen Jiu was the first to step forward.
“Oh, you want a fight? Although you’ve become quite influential recently, we, the Third Demon, have never been afraid.” Gui Lang, seized this moment and stood up.
Jiang Zhuge stated, “A lot has happened today.”
The disciples were already crowding around, ready to start a fight.
“Yes, yes, we should give you some time. After all, you were once part of the Third Demon. We should show some respect. But, the truth remains, the master of Wastelands is us, the Third Demon. That was decided by our ancestors, do take your time.” Gua Zhengnie added, “It’s for your own good. Although Wasteland City belongs to everyone, there has always been a rule – only the Third Demon can build their residence here. More people would lead to a conflict.”
In that moment, they were so angry that they were left speechless as Gua Zhengnie walked away.
“He’s blatantly coming here to declare his intentions.” someone remarked.
“New City Sect is not afraid of them.” someone else shouted.
Chen Jiu said again, “So, it’s even more crucial for the New City Sect to have someone in charge. Without someone to lead, many things would be left undone, including finding out who murdered our previous Sect Leader. This all requires someone to take charge.”
Jiang Zhuge was silent. He could not completely dismiss the suspicion towards Xiao Bai regarding Wei Sisan’s death … but then, upon further thinking, would Xiao Bai really go to such lengths as aligning with the men in black to murder the Sect Leader just for the position’s sake? Who could be so cold-blooded?
Could he really be so ruthless as to join forces with the men in black and murder the Sect Leader, just for political advantage? He didn’t think that Xiao Bai was that ruthless. At the same time, he was conflicted. Xiao Bai couldn’t completely clear of being a suspect at the moment. He needed to find a way to delay this.
Xiao Bai saw an opportunity. He could use this time to gain some ground and improve his relationships – and this was something at which Chen Jiu, his subordinate, was very good.
He had been a subordinate for so many years. Now, he finally had a chance to become the Sect Leader. He had to seize this opportunity. As Chen Jiu said, it was a rare “carpe diem” situation. If he missed this, he would never have the opportunity to become Sect Leader in his lifetime.
The fire had been well kindled, everything had been burned, Wei Sisan was dead, so was Zheng Yibai. All that had been before was now part of the past. He must plan well for his own future.
Xiao Bai knew that people would doubt him but he had already explained his case. He turned to Chen Jiu and said, “Chen Jiu, could you please speak with Zhi Lang Taoist Priest and Ming Qi on a matter. I want to discuss something with them.”
“Alright, I know what to do.”
Xiao Bai knew what Jiang Zhuge’s weaknesses were. He wanted to talk to Zhi Lang Taoist Priest and Ming Qi about what could go wrong if the position of Sect Leader fell into the hands of Jiang Zhuge. He wanted to use the wealth he had to sway everyone in the sect. He knew Jiang Zhuge, the scholar, would never resort to such tactics, so he decided to take it to his hands.
History always favors the successful and condemns the losers. This was a harsh reality. If he didn’t strive for leadership now, when would he? The means are immaterial.
In this regard, he was absolutely advantageous.
Kong Sha was to select a large burial site on the hill behind Wasteland City, to bury the departed. In the following period, they had to deal with many things, they couldn’t leave the bodies lying around—otherwise, they would start decomposing.
“Kong Sha, where is Lin’er?” asked Jiang Zhuge.
“I have already sent a few men after her.”
“Mm.” Jiang Zhuge, holding his head, was still in grief.
“If only I knew this would happen, I would have led the team myself. Then none of this would have happened. I wanted to do things on behalf of the Sect Leader, but he refused.” said Kong Sha.
Jiang Zhuge shook his head and said, “It’s their precise planning.”
“Exactly, it’s so hateful. I heard from someone who saw that on that night there was a second group of black-clothed men. Just as the Sect Leader was about to reach Tianle City, he was forced back and took refuge at the Feng Niang Inn—that’s when the mishap happened.”