"This pair of love knots was also something I acquired when we were clearing out the Xin Xuan Mountain Sect's stronghold. However, it's not meant for combat; it has a different purpose. Strictly speaking, the love knots aren't for you, but for your future children."
Hearing that the love knots were meant for his offspring, Yan Shouyi became even more spirited. His interest piqued higher than it had been for the "Mu Kui Fa Shen" before.
Seeing Yan Shouyi's expression, Yan Chou's usually stern face revealed a hint of a smile, which he quickly suppressed. He then explained, "Give these love knots to Zi Tong and have her keep them close to nurture. Once the child is born, they can carry the love knots with them. The love knots will protect the child, ensuring their healthy growth, and can shield them from one fatal blow. As for other effects, they are as expected and don't require much further explanation from me."
The love knots were similar to other talismans, possessing basic functions like calming the mind, dispelling evil, and ensuring peace. Their unique ability was to protect a child from a single fatal injury, essentially providing a layer of insurance.
Yan Shouyi was very pleased with the love knots. After accepting them, he even thanked Yan Chou.
With all the treasures appraised, Yan Chou took the Sui Hou Pearl, leaving behind the "Mu Kui Fa Shen" and the love knots.
Yan Shouyi then said, "Dad, Grandma, Uncle Gou, Uncle Miao Ji, we have many guests at the Research Association now. I plan to host a banquet for everyone at noon."
"It's appropriate to host them," Yan Chou nodded. "You are the head of the Research Association now; we'll all follow your lead."
Yan Chou's words made Yan Shouyi feel a bit sheepish. However, this was his father's proactive acknowledgment of his position and the first step towards him taking charge, which was a good thing. Thus, Yan Shouyi began making arrangements.
At noon, the Research Association hosted a grand banquet. Everyone enjoyed the feast and wine, fostering closer bonds and camaraderie.
Watching the heirs of various sects interact harmoniously, Yan Chou felt a sense of emotion. Perhaps it was their youth; their relationships were more pure, unburdened by excessive self-interest. If their predecessors had been the ones attending the banquet, the atmosphere would likely not have been so cordial. While they might outwardly claim to be righteous sects, there were still many underlying conflicts of interest, making true unity impossible. Yan Chou hoped this atmosphere would continue, but instinctively felt it was unlikely.
...
The following two days were considerably more peaceful. Yan Shouyi accomplished four tasks:
First, he accompanied everyone on a tour of Rong City, taking them to visit all the city's attractions.
Second, he dedicated himself to researching and cultivating the "Mu Kui Fa Shen."
Third, he contacted Yin Tang and Huang Ying, asking them to help spread news about the Research Association.
As for the fourth task, it was naturally to care for Lin Zi Tong. Under Yan Shouyi's meticulous attention, Lin Zi Tong's injuries healed remarkably quickly, and her complexion steadily improved.
While Yan Shouyi was busy, others were also occupied, as a significant event was on the horizon – Lin Zi Tong's inauguration ceremony as the new sect leader of the Lu Shan Sect! The Lu Shan Sect had been thrown into disarray by Lu Xin, who was impersonated by a skin-changer. Even with Lu Jing's return, the sect remained somewhat chaotic, and everyone urgently needed a new leader to restore its former glory.
...
Three days later, the inauguration ceremony proceeded smoothly. The venue was once again the Lu Shan Sect's courtyard in Wen Ru Square within the San Fang Qi Xiang district. The area had undergone a second round of decoration, boasting a greater atmosphere and grandeur than before, with guests of higher standing. The skin-changer had invited influential figures and dignitaries from second-tier families in Jianzhou Province, along with representatives of minor sects who had little presence.
In contrast, Lin Zi Tong had invited representatives from Jianzhou's premier families. Wealthy merchants were not even eligible to enter the premises, and the attendees were primarily heirs from major sects. Even the contemporary Celestial Master Yu Lu Ming was present. Sect leaders from minor factions like Sun Tang Zhi, who were originally relegated to the outer courtyard and lacked the privilege to enter the inner premises, were granted special consideration. This was due to their unwavering support for Lin Zi Tong during her time of crisis. Consequently, the Tian Hai Association was permitted to enter the inner courtyard and stand alongside figures like Celestial Master Yu Lu Ming. This was an immense honor, a top-tier treatment the Tian Hai Association had never received before.
The other sects experienced similar recognition; Lin Zi Tong did not neglect them. However, those minor sects that had supported the skin-changer were not as fortunate. They were confined to the outer courtyard, left to sit in cold silence, yet they had no one to blame. Despite their displeasure, they harbored no resentment towards Lin Zi Tong. If it were Lu Jing's temperament, the previous events would have been enough for him to storm in with his sword. The fact that Lin Zi Tong still invited them to the inauguration ceremony was considered magnanimous.
However, it was foreseeable that these sects would no longer have a prominent standing in Jianzhou. Conversely, sects like the Tian Hai Association, which were previously their equals, would now benefit from Lin Zi Tong's influence and experience a meteoric rise in their future development. The path they chose was their own; the victor reigns, and the vanquished bows. The leaders of those minor sects could only feel dejected, with no other emotions remaining.
The inauguration ceremony proceeded flawlessly. At the auspicious hour, after burning incense, praying, and bathing, Lin Zi Tong, dressed in a plain Taoist robe, approached the ancestral tablets. Following a series of rituals, Huang Hai and Zhou Yu Quan presented her with the purple sect leader's robe of the Lu Shan Sect. Lu Jing personally helped her put on the robe, styled her hair, and then solemnly handed the jade tablet, symbolizing the leadership of the Lu Shan Sect, to Lin Zi Tong.
"Lin Zi Tong, heed my command!" Lu Jing declared loudly.
Lin Zi Tong knelt on both knees. "Your disciple is here!"
"Receive this tablet, and you shall live for the Lu Shan Sect and for all beings under heaven! Whatever injustices exist in the world, you shall rectify. Whatever grievances the common people have, you shall address. Whatever demons roam the martial world, you shall slay! Do you accept this charge?!"
Despite her wounded state, Lin Zi Tong strained to shout with all her might, "Your disciple accepts!"
A smile spread across Lu Jing's face, and he then proclaimed, "The heavenly might altar plays the horn's melody, welcoming the sacred presence to descend!"
"From this day forth, disciple Lin Zi Tong assumes the position of Sect Leader of the Lu Shan Sect, becoming the seventy-third generation Sect Leader!"
"Lu Shan Jiu Lang, Virtuous Mother of Heaven, all talismans are bestowed, esteemed as auspicious!"
Huang Hai, Zhou Yu Quan, and numerous Lu Shan Sect disciples all knelt and proclaimed in unison, "Lu Shan Jiu Lang, Virtuous Mother of Heaven, all talismans are bestowed, esteemed as auspicious!"
This scene, while not as grand as Celestial Master Yu Lu Ming's succession, excelled in its unity of purpose. The Lu Shan Sect was united as never before, and it seemed only a single voice emanated from all present. Consequently, Yu Lu Ming felt a touch of envy towards Lin Zi Tong.
Lin Zi Tong accepted the jade tablet from Lu Jing with a devout expression, her beautiful eyes immediately finding Yan Shouyi, who stood among the family and friends. Yan Shouyi offered her a full-faced smile and nodded from afar. From this day forward, you are the Sect Leader of the Lu Shan Sect.