Top-tier Unruly Master

After a few days, Ding Fan and the others returned to the Hongshan Sect with Elder Fa and the others.

Back at the Hongshan Sect, Ding Fan and the others went straight to the guest area to rest. At this point, for Ding Fan, having already slain the zombie, it was clear that he had accomplished what he intended to do. The next thing for Ding Fan was to plan to recover well in the coming days; after all, after that previous drain of cultivation, his cultivation had yet to fully recover.

After all, the environment at that time didn't allow for concentrated cultivation, but now back at the Hongshan Sect, clearly, this period was an excellent time for cultivation. Everyone was already very tired and in great need of proper adjustment, so Ding Fan stayed in the room with everyone else for the next few days, going into closed-door cultivation.

On the day they returned, Ding Fan went to cultivate and recover. Elder Fa and the two Hongshan Sect disciples went directly to report to the sect master of Hongshan Sect. It should be noted that this time, it was a near-death experience, but the pride lay in finally resolving the zombie crisis, which was a significant problem for the sect.

At this moment, Gao Feng, the sect master of Hongshan Sect, was already in the council hall, where it was filled with elders and deacons, indicating that this was a large-scale sect meeting for Hongshan Sect. As Elder Fa and the three entered the council hall, the originally noisy environment immediately quieted down, with everyone looking in shock at Elder Fa, who had just entered. In fact, only a few people knew that Elder Fa was back for this large meeting; most were unaware and did not understand the purpose of this meeting.

However, when Elder Fa and the two Hongshan Sect disciples entered the hall, everyone understood. It turned out Elder Fa had returned, clearly indicating that this large meeting was related to Elder Fa.

Moreover, most elders were extremely shocked by Elder Fa's return. Many elders knew that Elder Fa had gone to deal with the zombie problem, which was currently the biggest issue for the sect. It should be noted that the zombie was very formidable, and it wasn't just some of the sect's elders who weren't its match; some even felt that the sect master might not easily handle those zombies.

Moreover, the past few days had seen repeated reports from sect disciples that the zombies were increasingly numerous and getting closer to the sect. Although they hadn't actively attacked the sect, the situation was evidently very dangerous. If they ever decided to attack, the sect would be in catastrophic danger.

"I heard that a few days ago those zombies were extremely arrogant, slaughtering the villages near our Hongshan Sect..."

"Yes, my disciples also reported this to me. I also heard that these zombies kill people to absorb the Yin Qi of the dead for cultivation. It's terrifying! Ordinary cultivator disciples are no match for these zombies. If they encounter one and manage to escape, they're considered lucky. If not, it's almost certain death..."

"Don't just think about those sect disciples. Even we elders might not be a match for those zombies. I heard there's even a zombie leader, who's exceptionally powerful. It's said that even the sect master may not be able to handle him. Alas... the sect faces misfortune..."

"Alas! But fortunately, the latest news I got is that those zombies haven't been active for several days. Some disciples haven't spotted them, so they might be planning something big. Our sect must be careful and relocate quickly as the best strategy!"

"It's not that easy to relocate. The nearby powers have settled down, with the Wild Wolf Gang being the lone dominant force. If we're not careful and intrude on their territory, it could mean the end of our sect. It's no less dangerous than the zombies..."

"That's true. Maybe that's what the sect master thinks, which is why he is hesitant to agree to relocation. Although our sect can't compare to those Great Gate Sects, we still have a history of nearly a century. To be annihilated just like that would bring great shame to our forebears!"

"..."

At this moment, everyone was in heated discussion. Clearly, for the Hongshan Sect, the urgent matter now was to resolve the zombie issue. Nobody knew where the zombies came from, but it was clear that they were formidable and posed a significant threat to the sect.

In the main seat, Gao Feng's brow had been slightly furrowed these past days. He obviously heard the discussions of the elders and deacons below. Naturally, he was very aware of the threat posed by the zombies. He knew that if the zombies weren't dealt with, the Hongshan Sect would certainly be in grave danger!

Gao Feng listened to some of the muted discussions of the elders below with worry but also a hint of relief. From what he currently understood, most of the sect elders were actively trying to find solutions for the sect, indicating that the sect's cohesion was still present. The zombie incident, in a way, was an opportunity to forge unity within the sect.

At this point, Elder Fa obviously also heard the discussions, but his face showed no worry; instead, he was beaming with a good mood. Gao Feng held this meeting to analyze from Elder Fa's recent observations any activities concerning the zombies and to plan the sect's next steps. Although Gao Feng was very reluctant to relocate the sect, if the zombies attacked, relocating then would certainly cause some losses.

So at this moment, Gao Feng knew it was time to make a decision!

Gao Feng noticed Elder Fa and the others entering, and his heart couldn't help but skip a beat. Gao Feng had clearly noticed that Elder Fa seemed to be in a good mood. Could it be that he brought some good news?

"Elder Fa, take a seat!"

Gao Feng looked at Elder Fa, his voice resonant and loud. At that moment, everyone heard the sect master speak, and they ceased their discussions, indicating that the meeting was about to begin.

As everyone saw Elder Fa return, many of the Elders felt quite shocked. Everyone knew that Elder Fa went to meet the zombie, but no one expected him to return so quickly, after just a few days.

This sect's grand conference was known to many as a very important meeting, one that could decide the fate of the sect. Especially when they saw that Elder Fa returned, it was noticeable that he must have brought back information about the zombies. Though many knew that Elder Fa's cultivation was one of the top in the sect, when facing a zombie, it's uncertain who would have prevailed. Yet, no one expected Elder Fa to return so quickly.

Could it be that he didn't encounter the zombie? If he did, could Elder Fa have slain the zombie? Of course, this is absolutely impossible! Almost all the attending Elders were well aware of this point since the zombie is extraordinarily strong, and some had already learned that the zombie seemed to be immune to True Qi, a bane to cultivators!

Therefore, Elder Fa slaying the zombie is certainly impossible, and everyone also knew that Elder Fa brought along a burden when he left—a teenager. This was decided by the sect master. Many wondered why the sect master made this decision. Though the teenager had done favors for the sect, there was no need for Elder Fa to take him along, knowing Elder Fa was going to confront the zombie, which had no benefit for the youth.

Everyone knew, even if the boy wanted to go, the sect master shouldn't have agreed. Not only was he a burden to Elder Fa, but his life might have been lost there as well. If outsiders found out, they might think Hongshan Sect was ungrateful and treacherous!

"Elder Fa, tell us about your time down the mountain."

At this moment, Gao Feng looked at Elder Fa inquiringly, knowing well the decision of this meeting relied heavily on the intelligence Elder Fa brought back.

"Alright, Sect Master. I suggest we don't relocate. What we should do now is make connections with some talented individuals or invite talented cultivators to join our Hongshan Sect, thereby strengthening us."

At this moment, Elder Fa spoke with a smile, seeming to be in a very good mood without a trace of worry.

Gao Feng was taken aback by Elder Fa's words. The sect's problems were known without needing further mention, particularly the zombie incident. Yet, Elder Fa mentioned nothing about the zombies but spoke of recruiting talents, which was good for the sect and certainly unproblematic, but bringing it up at this time seemed a bit untimely.

Could it be that the boy faced some trouble?

Suddenly, Gao Feng recalled Ding Fan. Gao Feng knew Elder Fa went to observe the zombie together with the youth, and it was his permission. Was it possible that Ding Fan had done something remarkable again?

"Elder Fa, did you go down the mountain for personal matters instead of dealing with the zombies, an important sect issue?"

At this moment, an Elder who habitually had a bad relationship with Elder Fa wouldn't miss this chance to undermine him. The severity of the zombie issue was known not only among the sect Elders but also by many sect disciples. As everyone awaited the sect master's command to resolve it, this conference was clearly for discussing that. Yet, Elder Fa spoke nothing about it but mentioned recruiting talented disciples—laughable! How could he pass up this rare opportunity to deal with Elder Fa?

"Indeed, Elder Fa, have you forgotten the sect's greatest threat now?"

"The main issue to discuss now is definitely the zombie incident. The sect has been in a dangerously unstable situation. If the zombies were to attack, it would be too late to do anything. Everyone knows the power of the zombie."

"Yes, Elder Fa, what did you really do down the mountain? Did you handle personal matters? Right now, nothing could be more important than the zombie incident!"

"Alas... indeed."

"..."

For a moment, the crowd started chattering, and most of the Elders had strong opinions about Elder Fa's words. Only a few targeted Elder Fa personally. Most were concerned for the sect because Elder Fa's statements during this conference were crucial. If Elder Fa had slain all the zombies, naturally, the sect wouldn't have any issues. Of course, this was certainly impossible, and everyone knew it.

"Could it be that Elder Fa slew all the zombies? Haha..."

At this moment, the Elder who previously targeted Elder Fa felt more confident upon hearing everyone's comments and couldn't resist making a sarcastic jab at Elder Fa.