Liang Sanjin’s gaze, filled with surprise, darted around, searching for the speaker. Everyone had their heads bowed, making it impossible for him to discern who had spoken.
Mo Qi, holding up his token like a descending deity, commanded, "Liang Sanjin, why do you not kneel?"
The pressure was immense, like a thousand tons of rock.
Liang Sanjin’s spirit immediately shattered, and he was utterly driven mad. He glared at Mo Qi and roared, "I refuse to kneel today! What can you do to me?"
Does having a token make you so important? Do you think you can bring me down with just this token? You’re far too naive.
With my family’s influence within the Sun Moon Sect, I could have you killed seventeen or eighteen times over.
This token, at most, will get me confined to Reflection Cliff. But my father will quickly find a way to get me out, and in the end, nothing will happen.
Mo Qi found himself in a precarious situation.
If Liang Sanjin had knelt, it would have been easy to handle. But if he refused, there wasn't much of a good solution.
He would have to resort to force. Otherwise, if his authority as a member of the Elder Council was challenged, how could he establish himself within the Sun Moon Sect?
Just as Mo Qi was about to make a move, Liang Sanjin suddenly knelt down again.
This surprised Mo Qi: What was going on?
It turned out that just moments before, Tan Zai Huan had sent him a telepathic message: "Boss, a small concession prevents a larger defeat. Endure the humiliation for now. Just kneel. Don't forget we have a second phase later. We can reclaim everything we've lost in that second phase and make him lose everything."
"To fall out now would be mutually destructive. If he dies in the Ascension Secret Realm, it will simply be due to bad luck."
Upon hearing this, Liang Sanjin awoke as if from a dream and immediately knelt.
Mo Qi was startled by the drastic change.
One moment he was acting defiant, and the next he had surrendered?
There must be a conspiracy!
No matter, I’ll deal with whatever comes. I’m not afraid of any of you!
"Get down," Mo Qi said, waving his sleeve.
Gritting his teeth, Liang Sanjin descended from the first tier and moved to the second, preparing to take Tan Zai Huan's seat.
Mo Qi suddenly roared, "Hold on!"
Liang Sanjin, in a half-crouched position, froze and looked at Mo Qi, his voice laced with anger, "What is it? I can't even sit in this seat?"
"Of course, you can't. We must adhere to the principle of 'first come, first served,' and uphold propriety and shame. I don't know how you conducted discussions before, but now that I, this Elder, am here, I will preside over the proceedings. I will rectify your past corrupt practices, curb your arrogant and presumptuous demeanor, and adjust your undisciplined and disrespectful habits." Mo Qi declared.
He then pointed to the straw mat at the very bottom. "Your place is there. Who told you to sit in the wrong spot from the beginning? All the other seats are taken, so you can only sit there."
Liang Sanjin was so enraged his lungs felt like they would explode.
Yet, miraculously, he managed to suppress his outburst.
He had already endured the humiliation of kneeling; was he going to let it all go to waste?
Taking a deep breath, he stood up and walked to the lowest position, sitting down on the straw mat.
Silence reigned all around. The onlookers were as quiet as cicadas, afraid to look at Mo Qi, let alone Liang Sanjin.
At this moment, only Mo Qi, Liang Sanjin, and Linghu Xiaoxian held their heads high.
Mo Qi then looked at Liang Sanjin, "I think you should consider Tan Zai Huan's suggestion. If you're uncomfortable, you can adjust your position."
Liang Sanjin naturally understood how to adjust, but he didn't move. He simply said dryly, "Thank you. I am quite comfortable sitting in this posture. There's no need to trouble yourself."
Linghu Xiaoxian also sat down next to Lü Sanniang.
Mo Qi felt the time was ripe. He casually sat down in his seat and surveyed the crowd. "Let the discussion begin. Who wishes to speak?"
Everyone kept their heads down, and the silence was absolute.
The atmosphere had fallen flat!
A slight smile appeared on Liang Sanjin's face. Let him put on a solo show!
Linghu Xiaoxian looked at Mo Qi, who appeared troubled, and genuinely wanted to help him. However, she had nothing to say. If it were about fighting, she could assist, but speaking was not her forte.
She wanted to help but was powerless!
You’re on your own!
Tan Zai Huan and the others also naturally raised their heads, their faces filled with mockery.
So, it turns out one shouldn't get carried away by momentary success. A single victory doesn't mean anything.
One moment you might be basking in glory, and the next you could fall into a ditch.
"This atmosphere is not good," Mo Qi shook his head. "Never mind, I'll bleed a little to liven things up. For the future of the Sun Moon Sect, I have truly sacrificed a great deal."
The crowd looked bewildered, not understanding his meaning.
Mo Qi took out a storage bag and flipped it over.
The continuous sound of rustling filled the air as golden spirit stones tumbled onto the ground, gradually piling up until they formed a small mountain in an instant.
Everyone’s eyes widened as they watched.
Many people’s mouths began to water.
"Ten thousand spirit stones for each speech. I hope everyone will speak enthusiastically," Mo Qi announced.
The scene immediately erupted. Could becoming a wealthy person be this easy?
All it took was saying a few words?
They weren't being tricked, were they?
Under the generous reward, there was bound to be a brave soul. Jin Xichuan was the first to stand up and say, "I believe that over the past year, I have gained a great deal within the Sun Moon Sect. When I joined the Demon Slaying Gate with immense admiration and trepidation, I never imagined I would become an inner disciple. But the Sun Moon Sect, with its profound affection and inclusivity, accepted me, making me feel incredibly fortunate."
The people below were covered in goosebumps.
Jin Xichuan, however, was oblivious, speaking with great emotion. "Of course, my deepest gratitude goes to Elder Mo. I believe without Elder Mo, I would not be where I am today. It was Elder Mo who led us to Golden Lion Island to confront the monstrous beasts of Divine Turtle Island, leading the charge himself and clearing the most formidable enemies for us, allowing us to achieve great merit and become inner disciples of the Sun Moon Sect. Elder Mo is so approachable, so kind, so powerful and accomplished at such a young age, worthy of our emulation and loyalty."
Mo Qi’s scalp tingled. It was the first time he had heard someone flatter him so brazenly. The feeling was truly exhilarating.
At the same time, he couldn't help but admire Jin Xichuan's thick skin. Just moments ago they were mortal enemies, and now he was praising Mo Qi to the heavens.
He was truly a talent!
In the crowd, there were many looks of disdain, but more so, there was doubt about Mo Qi's promise. They didn't believe Jin Xichuan would actually receive ten thousand spirit stones for this speech.
"Come up and collect your money," Mo Qi said after confirming Jin Xichuan had finished.
Jin Xichuan was overjoyed and immediately ran forward, reaching the first tier.
Mo Qi said, "Count it yourself. Don't take too much, and don't take too little."
Jin Xichuan nodded repeatedly, his eyes crinkling into slits. "I won't take extra."
With that, he went to collect his earnings.
They could actually receive money!
The others also threw caution to the wind, opening their throats and starting to stand up one after another, praising him from all directions.
Most of them complimented Mo Qi on his handsome appearance, his youth, and his promising future.
Later, they were scrambling to speak, fighting tooth and nail.
Liang Sanjin watched, dumbfounded.
Tan Zai Huan, Zhang Sheng, and Ju Ren also hesitated for a moment before bravely rising to speak.
Later, Mo Qi felt that this kind of speech was meaningless. A discussion should be about insights gained during cultivation, allowing everyone to learn from and improve each other.
So, he added, "Let's talk about cultivation. Does anyone have any unique and effective methods they've discovered? If you share it and it gains everyone's approval, you will receive one million spirit stones."
The crowd below erupted again! It was an explosion!
After Mo Qi restored some order, everyone began to speak again.
Some spoke of how certain elixirs could significantly boost their cultivation progress, while others mentioned how practicing certain divine abilities could yield twice the results with half the effort.
Tan Zai Huan stated that after dual cultivation with Lü Sanniang, his cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds.
This caused Lü Sanniang to blush furiously.
At this moment, Ancestor Shen, accompanied by the Elder Council, quietly arrived outside the discussion platform.
Witnessing this scene, Elder Liang was filled with astonishment. What had happened?
Wasn't Liang Sanjin usually presiding over the discussion assembly? Why had that brat taken over this year?
And why was his son sitting at the very bottom, appearing so dejected?
The more Elder Liang thought about it, the angrier he became. This Mo Qi was truly a thorn in his side!
He deserved to die!
Ancestor Shen, however, nodded repeatedly. "This is how a discussion assembly should be!"
The other elders chimed in, "Indeed. This junior disciple of ours is truly brave, resourceful, and exceptionally intelligent. His ideas are refreshingly novel, making us old fellows feel inferior."
"Ancestor has a discerning eye! Where did he find such a peerless genius?"
The remark made Ancestor Shen feel a little smug. Stroking his beard, he shook his head. "Not at all, not at all. It's not that exaggerated. He's just an ordinary person."
Elder Liang thought to himself, this couldn't be achieved by mere intelligence! It required immense financial support!
If I had that much money, I’d have my son do the same!
The discussion assembly continued for a very long time, with a remarkably fervent atmosphere. Everyone was so engrossed that they completely lost track of time.
After a long while, Liang Sanjin, who had been relegated to the sidelines, finally couldn't help but speak. "If we don't go to the Ascension Secret Realm soon, we'll miss the optimal time. We'll miss out on those inheritances and resources."
His words jolted everyone back to reality.
The discussions ceased, and Mo Qi led everyone towards the Ascension Secret Realm.
At the entrance to the Ascension Secret Realm, Elder Sikong and Elder Duanmu had already joined forces to open the realm. They repeatedly emphasized that the realm's gate would only be open for three days. After three days, it would automatically close. If anyone who entered could not emerge within three days, they might never be able to leave.
Everyone nodded repeatedly, assuring them they would exit within three days.
The Ascension Secret Realm. Mo Qi had initially thought it would be on a mountain. However, upon entering, he discovered a large pit.
It was pitch black inside, with a chilling wind howling, constantly blowing out, making everyone shiver.
Liang Sanjin and the others seemed to have entered before. Reaching the edge of the cliff, they jumped down without a word.