The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS

"Dong—"

Seated on the high platform, Yuan Chu of Dragon Tiger Mountain tapped the small bell beside him with a tiny hammer, marking the beginning of the Debating Conference.

"All fellow Daoists, it has been four hundred years since the last Debating Conference was convened. I, Yuan Chu, by the decree of the Heavenly Master of our school, call this meeting to order on the occasion of the Double Ninth Festival."

"The purpose of convening this Debating Conference is twofold. First, to unite fellow Daoists to discuss important matters and respond to the rampant acts of the Demon Path. Second, to determine the hierarchy among us by comparing our relative strengths and standings."

"If we are to debate, let's begin now. It's better to establish the pecking order earlier, so no one later claims that our positions do not match our virtues." From Luo Fu Palace, a middle-aged Taoist dressed in blue, Lin Jianfeng, spoke out.

Discussing countermeasures against the Demon Path naturally required establishing rank first. The status of each Sect also dictated its speaking rights. The Four Great Taoist Sects were destined to stand at the pinnacle of the assembly; failure to settle ranks in advance would lead to complications later.

However, for Luo Fu Palace to make such a statement was a bit odd.

Not only because Lin Jianfeng did not hesitate to interrupt Yuan Chu mid-speech, but also because of the confidence evident in his words.

The self-assured and composed expression on Lin Jianfeng's face did not appear resigned. He truly had the confidence to maintain the position of his Luo Fu Palace.

Among those present, all old and shrewd, naturally took note with concern.

"If that is the case, let us first decide the place of our respective Daoist Schools," Yuan Chu said with a smile, showing no sign of embarrassment from being interrupted.

"Gentlemen, since the Dao Ancestor, countless Daoist Orthodoxies have branched out across the world. Among them, four are recognized as the Peak. It has been said by sages: the capable rise, the mediocre fall. There is no Sect that endures for eternity, nor is there a Daoist School that lasts forever. Today, at this Debating Conference, any Sect present that aspires to claim a Daoist School's position may issue a direct challenge."

His clear voice echoed across the plaza, reminiscent of the ringing of a pure bell, seemingly laden with hidden Daoist Essence.

'The Heavenly Master's eldest son, merely with this Daoist Essence, has the power to move my spirit,' Qing Yu stabilized his Mental State, looking somewhat surprised at the future Heavenly Master who had long been overshadowed by the Heavenly Master's brilliance.

This was not an oppression of strength, but because Yuan Chu's understanding of the Dao far surpassed Qing Yu's, he could sway Qing Yu's spirit with his mere voice.

Yuan Chu had always resided on Dragon Tiger Mountain, rarely descending from it. His reputation did not spread as widely as his younger brother, Yuanlu. When people spoke of Dragon Tiger Mountain, they first thought of the Heavenly Master Zhang Wenda, then the widely acclaimed Yuanlu, followed by the Elders who had chosen reclusion.

Yuan Chu was the last to be brought up, and even then, it was difficult to find intriguing topics about him, so the conversation naturally drifted toward his son, Yang Ping.

Judging from rumors alone, this son of the Heavenly Master, the future Heavenly Master, a warrior of Divinity Realm—Yuan Chu—appeared rather ordinary.

But which warrior of the Divinity Realm could possibly be considered ordinary? From his performance earlier, Yuan Chu proved himself worthy of his future title of Heavenly Master.

"Gentlemen, if any aspire to claim a Daoist School's position, you are welcome to step forward." These words were echoed by Lin Jianfeng.

When Yuan Chu made the statement earlier, the scene fell silent for a time. Among those present, except for the disciples who came to witness the event, none were mediocre; all recognized the skill in Yuan Chu's maneuver.

Many were in awe, acknowledging that the reputation of the Heavenly Master's eldest son was well-deserved, momentarily forgetting the purpose of their visit.

However, Lin Jianfeng's repetition held a different weight.

He, a warrior of the True Pill Realm, on what grounds could he compare himself with Yuan Chu? Especially when he spoke, the challenging glance he cast upon the representatives of Chunyang Palace, Shenxiao Dao, and Mingxuan Temple made his provocative intentions clear.

"Hmph!"

A cold hum emanated from the True Master Tianyang of Chunyang Palace, seated at the forefront.

To others, it was simply a sign of dissatisfaction, but in Lin Jianfeng's ears, it was a thunderous roar more jolting than lightning.

"Younger one, such words might better suit your senior brother. What gives you the right to be so audacious!" The True Master Tianyang, a rank above Lin Jianfeng, spoke with a cold tone.

"Uncle Master," Zhu Kong quietly supported Lin Jianfeng, who seemed about to fall.

Lin Jianfeng managed to steady himself, maintaining his defiant demeanor, "True Master Tianyang, my standing here is my qualification."

With that, he pointed his index finger toward the platform beneath his feet.

Even though True Master Tianyang was a generation above him, and a Divinity Realm warrior, he had to look up to Lin Jianfeng now. For this high platform represented the Four Great Taoist Sects.

"Heh, is that so?" True Master Tianyang did not show anger; indeed, as an enlightened man, though resentments exist, his Qi Cultivation skill was well-practiced. He was not easily provoked.

He laughed mockingly, "Since Luo Fu Palace is so eager to step down, Chunyang Palace shall fulfill your wish."

"Daoist Zhang," True Master Tianyang stood up, "Chunyang Palace wishes to challenge Luo Fu Daoist School."

In proper terms, all Four Great Taoist Sects use 'Daoist School' as a suffix. Similarly, Dragon Tiger Mountain and Zhenwu Sect, if spoken formally, are also referred to as Dragon and Tiger Daoist School and True Martial Daoist School.

If Chunyang Palace were to rise in rank, he would also become Pure Yang Taoist School.

"So be it," Yuan Chu tapped the copper bell, and continued, "Our first match of today's Debating Conference will begin with Chunyang Palace challenging Luo Fu Daoist School."

At the sound of his voice, Zhu Kong from Luo Fu Palace stepped forward onto the platform, leapt into the specially cleared space in the middle of the plaza, "Luo Fu Daoist School, Zhu Kong."

He scanned the young Taoists of Chunyang Palace, "Which Daoist brother wishes to enlighten me?"

The claim to a Daoist School's position, while ultimately dependent on the higher-ups' strength, is best reflected by the depth of one's Sect.

If the Sect Leader is a great master but the disciples are all of poor quality, winning will still invite judgmental stares.

As one of the top four Sects, what would it mean to lack depth? Are you waiting to die an old man with a bunch of riff-raff as your successors?

While there is no strict rule requiring powerful disciples, the lack of a substantial foundation is ultimately somewhat unconvincing.

Therefore, before the ultimate battle, there will first be two fights within the Divine Origin Realm and True Pill Realm.

If these three battles are won splendidly, when the peak is finally reached, the other Sects would also be satisfied.

Zhu Kong's appearance shocked everyone. This senior brother from Luo Fu Palace had always lingered in the Innate Realm, yet unbeknownst to them, he had reached the Divine Origin Realm.

"Zhu Kong could be considered a late bloomer, having broken through to the Divine Origin Realm."

"A late bloomer? Have you forgotten he is not yet thirty? If he's a late bloomer, what does that make the rest of us?"

"Indeed, it's just that people like Little Buddha and Yuan Jianyi have progressed so quickly, they made me overlook Zhu Kong's age."

"Speaking of Zhu Kong's generation, the most outstanding is Gong Ziyu. It's a pity that heaven was envious of such talent."

······

For a moment, everyone engaged in animated discussion.