"Palace Master of Hundred Flowers, please leave the Xuan Shui Sect's market!"

Jia Ren did not reply to Zuo Siyan, instead turning his head to look at the Palace Master of Hundred Flowers, who was watching the drama unfold from a distance.

"Should you continue to stay, do not blame me for mercilessly destroying a flower."

As he raised his hand, a drop of ink-like Eight Origin Heavy Water danced between his fingers.

Palace Master Ji Hongshang's complexion fluctuated, and frustration welled within her. She had thought the emergence of this ominous figure seizing the Sect Master position would create a great spectacle. It would be an opportunity to divide the Xuan Shui Sect and gain Xingluo Market bloodlessly. It would have been perfect if she could have won this person over. The idea was good, but the situation changed too quickly for her liking. The newcomer had now turned his attention towards her.

Having witnessed the Xuan Yuan Heavy Water Technique used with ten beads simultaneously, Ji Hongshang didn't believe she stood the slightest chance of victory. With two Golden Core Cultivators safeguarding the Xuan Shui Sect, any further contention would be self-inflicted humiliation.

She could only glare fiercely at Jia Ren, then turned and led the cultivators of the Hundred Flowers Palace out of Xingluo Market.

Xingluo Market was claimed by the Xuan Shui Sect! The battle that had raged for several years over the market finally came to an end.

The disciples of the Xuan Shui Sect wore expressions of elation, and the way they looked at Jia Ren had changed. A newcomer, he had defeated Sect Master Zuo and, with but a few words, forced the Hundred Flowers Palace to retreat, securing the entire market.

In the Cultivation World, strength has always reigned supreme. This man, a Xuan Shui Sect disciple stronger than Sect Master Zuo, seemed more suitable for the position of Sect Master.

Did Jia Ren want to prove he was a disciple of the Xuan Shui Sect? It wasn't going to be easy... He had only obtained a portion of the Xuan Shui Sect's legacy and wasn't a true cultivator of the Sect, making it easy to expose his deception.

Jia Ren's focus wasn't on proving his affiliation with the Xuan Shui Sect. Instead, it was to demonstrate the benefits he could bring after joining. As long as the benefits were substantial enough, people would vouch for him as a Xuan Shui Sect cultivator even if he wasn't. A great many would then support his claim to become the new Sect Master.

"I have not yet had the opportunity to inquire which branch of the Xuan Shui Sect you hail from, Daoist friend, nor do I know your honored name?"

Here it comes!

Jia Ren responded with a smile, "My surname is Jia, and my given name is Ren. My master believed the Xuan Shui Sect had been destroyed and thus never revealed to me which branch I belong to...

"My purpose in coming here was to re-establish the Xuan Shui Sect. I did not expect it to still exist; I am truly overjoyed.

"Since we are all of the Xuan Shui Sect, please accept this small gift."

He raised his hand, and hundreds of pills scattered in all directions, ensuring everyone present received one.

"Grandmaster-level Profound Water Pills?!"

"Profound Water Pills with Elixir Patterns?!"

The cultivators who received the Profound Water Pills showed ecstatic expressions and carefully pocketed them. Profound Water Pills were the Xuan Shui Sect's Secret Pill and could amplify the power of all Water System Magic and secret techniques. Grandmaster-level Profound Water Pills were invaluable.

"Jia… Martial Uncle, are you also an Alchemy Grandmaster?! Profound Yin Pills and Profound Water Pills… could it be that Martial Uncle is from the Profound Yin branch?"

"Martial Uncle, please return to the Sect!"

"Martial Grand-Uncle, please return to the Sect!"

Without Jia Ren needing to elaborate, people had already filled in the details of his supposed background. The money-scattering tactic was showing early effectiveness. Many were now urging Jia Ren to rejoin the Xuan Shui Sect. Whether he was truly a member of the Xuan Shui Sect had become irrelevant.

"Cultivator from the Profound Yin branch, please return to the Sect. We shall discuss the position of Sect Master later," Zuo Siyan said, her gaze towards Jia Ren transformed, her heart filled with questions about his true identity. Jia Ren had exhibited extraordinary talent and capability! An unprecedented Xuan Yuan Heavy Water Technique! An Alchemy Grandmaster, and very likely a Third Order Alchemist. Even a Divine Transformation Sect would be willing to recruit such a person. The Xuan Shui Sect certainly wouldn't turn him away. The only issue was whether it was appropriate to bestow upon him the position of Sect Master.

「Zuo Siyan returned to her residence, followed by more than thirty Foundation Establishment Cultivators.」

"Jia Ren possesses exceptional talent and is more suitable to be Sect Master than I am. What are your thoughts on this?" Zuo Siyan shared her true feelings, seeking the opinions of the others.

"Sect Master, absolutely not!"

"Please reconsider!"

The Foundation Establishment Cultivators present strongly disagreed. No one wanted a Sect Master parachuted in from outside. A new ruler often meant new courtiers; their primary concern was safeguarding their own interests. Even if Jia Ren was from the Xuan Shui Sect, after so many years, how much loyalty could remain?

"We could appoint him to the position of Grand Elder. That wouldn't be mistreating him."

The position of Grand Elder was already the highest rank beneath the Sect Master; considering the visitor, it was not a disservice.

Zuo Siyan sighed and didn't press further. Offering the position of Grand Elder was a decent compromise and would benefit the Sect's prosperity. There was no need to relinquish the Sect Master position. A Sect is not an autocracy; she had to consider everyone's opinions. Acting unilaterally and rashly appointing a stranger as Sect Master could easily lead to the Xuan Shui Sect's collapse.

"Grand Elder? Senior Sister Zuo, are you going back on your word?" Jia Ren asked when he received the news the next day. He met with Zuo Siyan and was informed of his appointment as Grand Elder.

Although the Grand Elder held the most authority beneath the Sect Master, he couldn't use the Town Demon League Command Token. To be precise, the Town Demon League Command Token recognized only the Sect Master. The Token served to stabilize the Sect Master's authority, firmly linking the Sect's leader to the Town Demon Alliance. If any high-ranking member within the Sect could use it, the Town Demon League Command Token would lose its special significance. That was why Jia Ren was so insistent on becoming Sect Master.

"Junior Brother Jia, the position of Grand Elder is not unfair to you. As long as you dedicate yourself to the Sect, in ten years, I will willingly cede the position of Sect Master to you."

This was a bait-and-switch, an empty promise, as insubstantial as a painted cake meant to appease hunger—all illusions.

Jia Ren's expression turned slightly cold, his voice gradually growing icy, "The position I seek is Sect Master, not Grand Elder."

Zuo Siyan shook her head helplessly. "I'm not clinging to power, but I must consider the Sect's interests. You're a newcomer and lack a foundation of trust within the Sect.

"As long as you work diligently for the Sect for ten years, by then, even if I don't wish to step down, others will compel me to do so."

The trust issue remained unresolved, and Jia Ren's foundation in the Xuan Shui Sect was too shallow. Many Foundation Establishment Cultivators had their own power bases; why would they willingly cede power to an outsider? Thus, the Sect Master position, so recently within his grasp, slipped away.

"Since you are all unwilling to let me be Sect Master, don't blame me for what comes next..." Jia Ren was not satisfied with the position of Grand Elder; it was far from what he desired. Since they are unwilling to let me be Sect Master, then it's time to change strategy: gather a group of Xuan Shui Sect disciples and establish a new Sect. The Star Pavilion split into the Tianxing Sect and the Seven Stars Palace; I can do the same. I'll recruit a group of Xuan Shui Sect Cultivators and form the Xuan Zhen Shui Sect. As long as the conditions are met, it won't be difficult. This approach might be a bit unscrupulous, but I want to try one more time. Before that, I need to build my momentum, drain the Xuan Shui Sect of its resources, and strengthen the Sect I intend to create. It's different from creating a Sect from scratch; this is also a shortcut.

Jia Ren cultivated peacefully for three days when a Foundation Establishment Steward from the Xuan Shui Sect came to his door, requesting his help in refining Foundation Establishment Pills. The Profound Water Pill had indirectly showcased his prowess as an Alchemy Grandmaster, and only now did someone finally come to seek his services.

"Elder Jia, please do not be hesitant to lend your aid."

The Alchemy Grandmaster had already proven his Alchemy Skills; the Foundation Establishment Pills he refined would undoubtedly be of high quality. Steward Ma had shamelessly come to request pills.

"We are all fellow Sect cultivators; there's no need for such courtesy."

Jia Ren understood it was time to win hearts. By building his reputation, he could attract more people when he eventually established his new Sect.

"Martial Nephew, are you seeking a higher success rate for Foundation Establishment, or a greater quantity of pills? The Core Condensation Technique can produce higher quality Foundation Establishment Pills. However, by not pursuing excessively high quality, more pills can be produced."

Steward Ma was taken aback for a moment, then quickly replied, "A higher Foundation Establishment rate!"

Elixirs were for their descendants, so naturally, they pursued a higher Foundation Establishment rate; the higher the quality of the Foundation Establishment Pills, the better.

Jia Ren entered seclusion to refine Foundation Establishment Pills, though he didn't actually use the Core Condensation Technique. That claim was just an excuse. How could there be no benefits in helping others refine pills? My proficiency level in refining Foundation Establishment Pills is not low. With my current Alchemy Skills, I am capable of producing Foundation Establishment Pills with Elixir Patterns. As for ordinary Foundation Establishment Pills... I have some in stock. A few pills of average quality will suffice to deal with this.

After reaching the Golden Core realm, his flame had transformed into Elixir Fire, its power surpassing Earth Fire, allowing for faster Alchemy.

In just three days, a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills was completed. It yielded three pills: the highest quality one possessed three Elixir Patterns, while the other two had two Elixir Patterns each.

Jia Ren meditated for another four days before meeting with Steward Ma again. He handed over a Foundation Establishment Pill with three Elixir Patterns.

"It's been a long time since I refined Foundation Establishment Pills, so this one only has three Elixir Patterns."

Steward Ma was stunned for a moment, then a look of wild joy spread across his face. A three-patterned Foundation Establishment Pill could increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment by fifty percent—a divine pill that countless cultivators dreamed of!

"Thank you, Martial Uncle! On behalf of my son, I express my deepest gratitude for your immense kindness!"

The news spread like wildfire among the Foundation Establishment Cultivators of the Xuan Shui Sect. Word of the three-patterned Foundation Establishment Pill circulated rapidly. The Foundation Establishment Cultivators who heard the news wore expressions of utter amazement and immediately wanted to request pills for themselves. Which Xuan Shui Sect Foundation Establishment Cultivator didn't have descendants or disciples under their wing? It was difficult for Qi Refinement Cultivators to break through to Foundation Establishment, and failure carried the risk of death. A high-quality Foundation Establishment Pill was therefore of paramount importance.

Zuo Siyan's expression changed as a thought struck her. "Immediately seal this news! Forbid it from being spread! It must not leak out!"

Grandmaster-level Profound Water Pills are of little interest to other Sects and wouldn't attract much attention. High-quality Foundation Establishment Pills, however, are different; they are always scarce. Once the Upper Nine Sects get wind of this, they'll do everything in their power to poach him. The Xuan Shui Sect is only a small Sect; it can't withstand such turmoil.

Although the news was officially sealed and forbidden to be leaked, many were already privy to it. The threshold of Jia Ren's Cave in Xingluo Market was nearly worn down by visitors. Countless people clamored desperately, begging him to refine high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills.

"Ultimately, the Xuan Shui Sect is not what it once was. I will not stay here long; I plan to leave the Xuan Shui Sect soon," Jia Ren announced.

"Grand Elder, please don't go!"

"The Xuan Shui Sect cannot afford to lose you!"

Xuan Shui Sect Master Zuo Siyan convened a meeting with the numerous Foundation Establishment Elders, which now included the new Grand Elder, Jia Ren. The news of Jia Ren's intention to leave the Sect caused a significant stir; no one wanted a Golden Core Cultivator with such superb Alchemy skills to depart.

"I am willing to cede the position of Sect Master to Jia Ren. What are your thoughts?"

Previously, many would have certainly jumped up to object. But times had changed. High-quality Foundation Establishment Pills determined the Sect's future, and an Alchemy Grandmaster might even be able to refine... Golden Core Formation Pills! Everyone wanted to curry favor with Jia Ren; ceding the Sect Master position to him was no longer an issue.

"Agreed!"

Everyone raised their hands. The motion passed unanimously.

The Xuan Shui Sect Master had officially changed. The new Sect Master: Jia Ren.

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