Ouyang Chu Ge was sternly reprimanded by Jiang Feng and also oppressed by his imposing aura, but he wasn't nervous at all.
As a demon clan member, the Demon Blood Lotus wouldn't affect him too much. While it would continuously devour his vital essence, his life wouldn't be in danger, nor would he lose his senses.
However, for Daoist Master Meng Xu and the others, who were human, the foreign demonic elements introduced into their bodies were far more than just a simple hindrance to cultivation.
Their vitality would be continuously consumed by the Demon Blood Lotus until the very end of their lives, solely to nourish the lotus. Even after their deaths, the fully bloomed Demon Blood Lotus would shatter and seek new hosts.
Seeing Ouyang Chu Ge's refusal to back down, Jiang Feng gritted his teeth, eager to strike. Yet, a remnant of reason told him he couldn't kill Ouyang Chu Ge.
Unable to deal with Ouyang Chu Ge for the moment, Jiang Feng could only turn his hopeful gaze to Daoist Master Meng Xu, expecting his help.
As the Mountain Master, Daoist Master Meng Xu surely had a solution. If they were to be manipulated by a demon, the story would become a laughingstock in the future.
Daoist Master Meng Xu obviously understood the gravity of the situation, but he was far more composed than Jiang Feng.
Even though he knew life and death were at stake, he maintained his demeanor and chose not to directly confront Ouyang Chu Ge.
He stopped trying to persuade Ouyang Chu Ge and instead turned his attention to Su Xi, seeking a new avenue.
If he recalled correctly, Su Xi's relationship with Ouyang Chu Ge was much more pliable. Given sufficient benefits, he was confident Su Xi would be willing to help.
After all, they were all human and should assist each other.
Thus, Daoist Master Meng Xu's lips moved as he secretly transmitted his voice to Su Xi.
Su Xi initially had no intention of meddling, but upon hearing Daoist Master Meng Xu's telepathic message, her expression shifted, and she looked at him in disbelief.
Were the things he just said true?
Seeing Su Xi's doubtful gaze, Daoist Master Meng Xu nodded affirmatively.
He indicated that everything he said was true and that he was not lying.
Su Xi weighed the situation in her mind and, as if understanding something, suddenly smiled.
Having lived two lifetimes, she understood the principle that words without proof were meaningless. Now that Daoist Master Meng Xu needed her help, he would surely be willing to act as her son and wouldn't deceive her.
However, whether his words would hold true after her own problems were resolved was another matter entirely.
After all, Daoist Master Meng Xu was immensely powerful, and she, as a junior, had no way to force him. The tempting offer was hard to resist.
Therefore, she was willing to help, but only if he swore an oath to the Heavenly Dao.
Only with concrete assurance could she feel secure. Even with Daoist Master Meng Xu's vast power, he had to abide by the rules.
Upon hearing Su Xi's words, Daoist Master Meng Xu frowned, his tone laced with displeasure. "You don't trust me?"
As a Mountain Master who kept his word, how could he possibly face others if he was doubted by a junior?
Su Xi met Daoist Master Meng Xu's questioning gaze without a trace of nervousness, instead replying with ease, "I can't help it. My sense of security is just weak."
Su Xi didn't say the rest of her thoughts, but her meaning was clear.
If Daoist Master Meng Xu was unwilling to make a commitment, she would not help, no matter what.
Daoist Master Meng Xu glanced at the resolute Su Xi and then suddenly broke into a smile. "Since you are also a disciple of Lin Qing, I will naturally fulfill these matters. Swearing an oath is no big deal."
With that, he began to swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao.
At his level, he understood the importance of flexibility.
After completing the oath, Daoist Master Meng Xu looked at Su Xi. "Now, you should be able to help, right?"
Su Xi knew that Daoist Master Meng Xu was already extremely impatient, and if she continued to push her luck, he would undoubtedly act without hesitation.
Even if Daoist Master Meng Xu were to die in the end, she would surely be dead long before him.
Life was precious, and she wouldn't court death.
Understanding this, Su Xi walked over to Ouyang Chu Ge and began to speak to him in hushed tones.
Jiang Feng listened to their hushed conversation with great anxiety, wanting to know what they were discussing. The feeling of hearing only half of it, and nothing more, was incredibly frustrating.
However, Daoist Master Meng Xu shook his head at Jiang Feng, signaling him not to act rashly.
Since they had already paid such a price, there was no need to create further complications. Whatever Su Xi and Ouyang Chu Ge were discussing, as long as it achieved his objective, it was acceptable.
Although Jiang Feng was deeply resentful, he didn't try to force his way into their conversation.
However, the thought of himself, a dignified sect leader and a cultivator at the Void Refinement stage, being controlled by two seemingly insignificant juniors, made him extremely uncomfortable.
This discomfort further fueled his desire to act.
As soon as Su Xi lost her usefulness, he would strike without hesitation.
Su Xi and Jiang Feng, however, paid no mind to this, continuing their discussion. Occasionally, they would glance in their direction, seemingly discussing these individuals.
Just as Jiang Feng was reaching the peak of his impatience and about to interrupt their conversation, Su Xi and Ouyang Chu Ge ceased their exchange.
Ouyang Chu Ge, rubbing his nose, walked up to Jiang Feng and said, "I can resolve the issues you have, but I will need time."
"How much time do you need?" Daoist Master Meng Xu asked, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized Ouyang Chu Ge.
His deep eyes continuously assessed Ouyang Chu Ge, contemplating his motives.
Ouyang Chu Ge paid no mind to Daoist Master Meng Xu's scrutiny and slowly replied, "I need ten years."
"Impossible," Jiang Feng blurted out in refusal before Daoist Master Meng Xu could even speak.
Although he didn't know the specific origins of the Demon Blood Lotus, he could feel its immense power.
If they were to wait ten years, their cultivation would surely have withered away by then, rendering them cripples. Even if they managed to recover their cultivation, it would be of no use.
Ouyang Chu Ge wasn't agreeing to help them but rather to drag them to their demise.
Daoist Master Meng Xu did not intervene upon hearing Jiang Feng's objection, choosing instead to observe the situation.
Ten years was too long; they could not afford to wait.
Ouyang Chu Ge had anticipated their reaction and had already prepared his response. With confidence, he spoke, "Rest assured, within these ten years, I will not let you suffer any further complications. Moreover, I guarantee that I have a way to suppress the growth of the Demon Blood Lotus, which will have no impact on your cultivation."
"However, you will only be able to completely resolve the issue of the Demon Blood Lotus after ten years."
"After all, you know that the Demon Blood Lotus is no ordinary thing. If I claimed it could be resolved so quickly, you wouldn't believe me."
After a pause, Ouyang Chu Ge continued, word by word, "This is my final concession. If you don't believe me, you can kill us right now."
"I would be quite content to have such venomous people accompany us in death."
Looking at Ouyang Chu Ge's infuriating words, Jiang Feng's teeth ached, but he dared not make a move.
He was genuinely afraid and did not wish to die.
Having lived for so long, he certainly didn't want to die in such a demeaning manner.
Daoist Master Meng Xu's mind raced through various considerations as he weighed Ouyang Chu Ge's words.
After a few breaths, he had made up his mind and nodded in agreement. "I can accept your terms, but I have a condition."
"What condition?" Ouyang Chu Ge looked at Daoist Master Meng Xu, wondering what his demand would be.
Daoist Master Meng Xu wasted no time and stated his requirement directly. "Ten years is neither short nor long. Given your special status, it would be best for you to stay within our Five Great Immortal Mountains, so we can protect you."
"Otherwise, if something happens to you, we won't be able to resolve our own issues."
Upon hearing Daoist Master Meng Xu's words, Ouyang Chu Ge understood that this was a veiled attempt to detain him, to prevent him from escaping their grasp.
However, even though he understood Daoist Master Meng Xu's demand, he didn't care and readily agreed. "Very well, I accept your terms."
As a member of the demon clan, leaving the Five Great Immortal Mountains would be troublesome.
With the assistance of these people from the Five Great Immortal Mountains to reduce his difficulties, he was naturally willing.
Seeing Ouyang Chu Ge agree, Daoist Master Meng Xu beckoned. "Since that's the case, why don't we return together?"
The matter at Tian Zhi Hen was temporarily resolved, but there were still unresolved issues back home.
They had to return first to settle the lingering affairs.
Otherwise, given the actions of some individuals, who knew what crazy things they might do.
Having made his decision, Ouyang Chu Ge didn't refuse and followed them back.
On the way back, he approached Su Xi and said, "Wait a moment, I will return with you."
Hearing Ouyang Chu Ge's words, Su Xi was not particularly surprised.
Due to previous events, Ouyang Chu Ge had already offended the members of the other four sects. At this point, only Penglai Mountain didn't hold too much against him.
"Alright." Having an extra helper, Su Xi had no objections.
After all, Daoist Master Meng Xu had already promised her that upon her return, she would be appointed the sect leader of Penglai Mountain. Since she would be in charge of Penglai Mountain, protecting someone was certainly within her capabilities.
When Daoist Master Meng Xu and Jiang Feng and the others returned, the entrance to the Five Great Immortal Mountains was suddenly filled with a dense crowd.
As they watched the flying boats descend, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Although they were not on the front lines, they had been constantly monitoring the situation there. Upon learning of what had transpired, they had almost felt that their lives were over.
Fortunately, all dangers had been averted, and they had emerged victorious.
Now, facing the return of their heroes, they were naturally filled with excitement and joy.
Daoist Master Meng Xu, facing the assembled crowd, regained his usual demeanor of an enlightened elder. He gestured for them to quiet down and said, "There's no need to be so excited. Your contributions were also instrumental in re-sealing Tian Zhi Hen."
"Magnificent!"
All the disciples shouted in unison, expressing their excitement.
Although the sealing of Tian Zhi Hen was always a difficult undertaking, each successful sealing significantly boosted the prestige of the Five Great Immortal Mountains for a period.
As disciples of the Five Great Immortal Mountains, they too benefited immensely.
After the crowd's initial surge of emotion subsided, Daoist Master Meng Xu addressed them. "Although we have weathered the great tribulation between heaven and earth, our losses have been heavy. Sect Leader Lin Qing of Penglai Mountain and True Master Jia Mu of the Luo Yi Sect have also lost their lives."
"While we mourn their passing, we cannot be without sect leaders. Therefore, we have decided to recommend Su Xi as the new sect leader of Penglai Mountain. The position of sect leader for the Luo Yi Sect will be chosen from among the disciples."
Upon hearing Daoist Master Meng Xu's words, the crowd instantly perked up, their faces filled with disbelief.
Was the position of sect leader being given away so casually?