Crow Immortal: I Can Duplicate Infinite Resources

Chapter 210: The Best Sect Leader

Blood dripped from Bai Shiqi’s clenched fist, staining his palm and wrist crimson.

“In this life, if I, Bai Shiqi, do not annihilate the Demonic Sect and the Joyous Union Sect, I swear not to be human!”

The vow hung in the air, heavy with hatred and absolute resolve.

Sect Leader Qi and the Elders watched him with sympathy. But beneath the pity, a darker thought took root.

The Myriad Phenomena Sect claimed Wanchun Valley would birth a “Calamity Star” destined to overthrow the Nine Great Sects. Han Yu, despite his talent, was pragmatic and low-key. But Bai Shiqi?

Standing there, radiating murderous intent and swearing a blood oath against the Great Sects… he looked exactly like the kind of person who would burn the world down.

Could it be him?

Sect Leader Qi shook his head, banishing the thought.

Those lunatics have infected us with their paranoia, he thought angrily. Whatever Bai Shiqi becomes, it wasn’t written in the stars. It was forged today, by their cruelty.

Elder Bai stepped forward, placing a hand on his disciple’s shaking shoulder.

“Disciple,” he said gently. “If you seek revenge, I support you. Those demons killed Bai Die; I want their heads too.”

“But to target the Great Sects of the Central Heaven Domain… that is a mountain too high. You could spend ten lifetimes and fail.”

Bai Shiqi didn’t look up. “I only wish to avenge Vinegar Saucer,” he choked out. “I would rather die on that path than live with this regret. Master, please help me.”

Elder Bai sighed. “Good lad. Since you value loyalty so much, how could I be heartless? I am only a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but I will guide you as far as I can.”

Bai Shiqi dropped to his knees to kowtow again, but Elder Bai caught him.

“Enough,” Elder Bai said firmly. “Go rest. Anger is fuel, but it burns fast. Don’t destroy yourself before you even begin.”

Bai Shiqi nodded stiffly and walked out, his back rigid.

Once he was gone, Elder Bai turned to the group. His face was grave.

“Be honest. Do you think… my disciple might be the real ‘Calamity Star’?”

Elder Yan and Elder Wen nodded immediately.

“I thought the same,” Elder Wen admitted. “Han Yu is too sensible. But that boy? He has the eyes of a destroyer.”

Sect Leader Qi cleared his throat. “Even so, we must not think like that. That is the Myriad Phenomena Sect’s trap.”

“Whether it is Han Yu or Bai Shiqi, they are our disciples. If they become enemies of the Nine Sects, it is because the Nine Sects forced them to be.”

“They killed an innocent child,” Qi said, his voice hard. “They chose this war. Not the heavens. Not us.”

Elder Bai nodded slowly. “You are right. It isn’t fate. It’s consequence.”

“From today on,” Sect Leader Qi declared, “Bai Shiqi is a ‘Fire Seed.’ We protect him at all costs.”

“Agreed,” Elder Bai said.

“Add Yuan Shengjiao,” Elder Wen said.

“And Li Yunxia,” Elder Lü added.

“My disciple, Ye Shinian, makes four,” Qi said. “Plus Han Yu. We have five seeds. Sheng Yan makes six.”

The list was set. Six hopes for the future.

Sect Leader Qi turned to Han Yu. “I have one more order.”

“Starting today, you are relieved of duty at the Battle Hall. You will move into the residence behind the Main Hall, twenty zhang from my quarters. You will live in seclusion.”

“Elder Lü, Han Yu. Do you accept?”

“Absolutely,” Elder Lü said instantly. After Lu Yun’s kidnapping, he was terrified for Han Yu’s safety. The Sect Leader’s personal protection was the only guarantee.

“I accept,” Han Yu said. “This also makes it easier for me to disappear later. If no one sees me, no one will know when I leave.”

The Elders frowned at the mention of his departure.

“Han Yu,” Sect Leader Qi said softly. “The outside world is dangerous. Even if you leave, the Myriad Phenomena Sect might not stop targeting us. Why not stay?”

Han Yu smiled. “Sect Leader, they are guessing. If I vanish, and the sect officially declares me missing or dead, they lose their excuse.”

“If they still attack,” Han Yu’s eyes grew cold, “then they never needed an excuse. And in that case, I can do more damage from the shadows than I can from a cage.”

Sect Leader Qi looked at the young man. “You think too much for your age,” he sighed, patting Han Yu’s shoulder. “If not for this mess… you would have made a fine Sect Leader.”

Qi looked around the hall, a shadow passing over his face. “My predecessor was harsh and arrogant. I have tried to be moderate, but under my rule, the sect has suffered disaster after disaster. Perhaps I am too soft.”

“Sect Leader,” Han Yu said, his voice steady and sincere. “In my eyes, you are the best Sect Leader Wanchun Valley could ask for.”

Sect Leader Qi froze. He looked at Han Yu, seeing the honesty in his eyes.

Then, he threw his head back and laughed—a loud, booming sound that shook the hall.

“Hah! Ye Shinian told me you have a silver tongue! You even know how to flatter an old man!”

He wiped a tear from his eye, smiling broadly.

“Good! Then I shall be the best Sect Leader!”