Master of Strange Dao

The scene fell silent for a moment; no one could argue that the purpose was wrong.

They could only say the method was wrong, implicating everyone.

After a breath or two of silence, another round of verbal sparring began.

The elder sitting at the head of the table had an unpleasant expression. He coughed lightly, and the meeting immediately quieted down.

"Stop arguing, it's enough. Indeed, the Chief didn't handle this matter well."

The elder glanced around, looking at everyone.

"Today, it's rare to gather so many people. Both the Chief and Deputy are here, and six of the eight Shadow Envoys have arrived. I might as well say something while we're all here."

The elder spoke slowly, seemingly lacking energy.

"I am old, my lifespan is nearly over, and tribulation is approaching. It is time to arrange for someone to take up the heavy responsibility of Chief Venerate succession.

Though the successor is decided by His Majesty personally, my old face can still be of some use to recommend a candidate to His Majesty.

In our Shadow Department, the casualties have been significant. To have survived to this day, every one of you here has accomplished great deeds.

By right, all of you are qualified.

However, after comprehensive consideration, from ability, to merit, and looking ahead to the future,

amongst the Shadow Envoys, there are two who are not young anymore. The position of Chief Venerate cannot be easily changed, so you needn't compete for it. I offer you a peaceful end."

Upon hearing this, the two older Shadow Envoys immediately stood up and expressed their gratitude.

They hadn't intended to compete, and to have a peaceful end was their greatest hope.

"As for the remaining ones, including the two who are not present today, you are still young, either your contributions are not enough, or your potential is slightly lacking. The future is uncertain, but for now, you bear no great responsibilities."

The remaining Shadow Envoys also did not deny.

"So, the final recommendation is between Chief Ye Jiuyuan and Deputy Fu Xiao.

It's a difficult choice. I will pass the list to His Majesty for him to decide."

Ye Jiuyuan stood up, his expression calm, seemingly confident of victory, and bowed toward the Chief Venerate.

"Thank you, Chief Venerate."

Deputy Fu Xiao also stood up, first expressing gratitude, then looked toward Ye Jiuyuan.

"Lord Ye is clearly much more suitable than I am, stronger, and more capable. Chief Venerate, just select Lord Ye directly."

"It's not up to me; His Majesty will decide."

The elder stood up and turned to walk away.

Ye Jiuyuan also stood at this moment, following without a change in expression.

Once Ye Jiuyuan had left, a Shadow Envoy couldn't help but say,

"Lord Fu's strength is indeed a little lacking compared to Lord Ye, but in all other capabilities, he far surpasses Lord Ye, doesn't he?"

"That's not fair to say; it's just that each has their own focus." Fu Xiao immediately shook his head.

...

On another side, the Shadow Supreme returned to his residence and entered the secret chamber.

He took out a book from a hidden compartment, with the four large characters "White Sun Holy Scripture" written on it.

He looked at this book, feeling its divine essence, and suddenly chuckled.

"It's almost time..."

He opened the White Sun Holy Scripture and took out some Incense Fire Crystals from the hidden compartment.

These should be the last remaining Incense Fire Crystals in the world.

Since the White Sun Holy Mother was eradicated, parts of the White Sun Holy Scripture had been erased, and from that time on, there were no more such Incense Fire Crystals.

For those cultivating the White Sun Holy Scripture, they could still use the remaining Incense Fire Crystals.

He flipped through the White Sun Holy Scripture, feeling more and more that after the sinister parts of the Dharma Method were removed, it became exceedingly righteous, the most orthodox method of Qi Refinement.

Moreover, it was open to all things, so even with his current strength, a switch in cultivation was still possible.

In truth, he had been dual cultivating for a long time. The Shadow Great Escape of the Shadow Department was compatible and posed no issue.

Today was the day to make a complete switch and advance in his cultivation.

He began cultivating, transforming the power within him into the power derived from the White Sun Holy Scripture. When he was close to reaching the Ninth Tier and got stuck, he took out three Incense Fire Crystals to aid him.

Quickly, his Realm dropped to the Eighth Tier, then recovered to the Ninth Tier and continued forward. When he reached the Mid-Period of that tier, he took out all of the remaining Incense Fire Crystals in one go to use their Divine Power to force a breakthrough to the Second Tribulation of the Third Tribulation Realm.

At this point, he faintly sensed that his tribulation was brewing and couldn't be stopped, and would appear before long.

He sat there, unmoved, his expression calm, continuing to absorb the Incense Fire Crystals, pushing his Realm ever higher.

Half a month later, the Shadow Supreme emerged from the secret chamber, Demonic Qi surging around him, his brows tightly furrowed.

In his Heart Field, the Devil Thought took advantage of his inner conflict, creating chaos, preventing him from breaking through to the Third Tribulation.

As soon as he stepped out, streams of light flew over within the Shadow Department, landing with gazes of shock upon the Old Chief Venerate.

In the eyes of the Shadow Supreme lurked aggressiveness.

"I failed to break through, and the tribulation has descended early. I'm now unsuited to enter the palace."

"I'll go and seek His Highness's counsel." Ye Jiuyuan turned to vanish into a tunneling light.

The Old Chief Venerate took out a scroll and looked at Fu Xiao.

"You take my letter to the palace to see His Majesty."

"Sire..."

"Go quickly, don't linger, I can hardly hold on any longer."

After Fu Xiao left, the Old Chief Venerate looked at the others.