SFS Chapter 1780 Reversed Fate
Chapter 1780 Reversed Fate
The mountain gate of Qingcheng Yufa Sect was much more desolate than I remembered.
The once ever-flowing cyan protective light screen now only maintains the most basic brightness, appearing dim and thin.
The mountain path was covered with fallen leaves, and some of the corner halls showed signs of damage and had not been repaired, exuding a desolate feeling of surviving a catastrophe.
But when Mingchuan and his group stepped out of the spatial passage and appeared in front of the mountain gate, they found that the mountain gate was not completely silent.
On the training ground, hundreds of disciples were practicing, their shouts ringing out in unison and powerful.
Along the roads, disciples were sweeping fallen leaves and repairing damage. Although their clothes were much simpler, they were focused and orderly.
At the mountain gate, Su Hao and Luo Yang were already waiting with several stewards.
Upon seeing Mingchuan and the others, the two quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully with complicated expressions.
"Mingchuan... Sect Master." Su Hao's voice was slightly hoarse, but he still maintained the proper etiquette. "The Wanchuan Sect members have come from afar, I apologize for not welcoming you properly."
Mingchuan's gaze swept over the two of them.
However, after not seeing each other for more than a month, Su Hao and Luo Yang had both lost a lot of weight. The arrogance and impetuosity between their brows had faded, replaced by a calmness and weariness that came from being tempered by reality.
Their cultivation level was still at the peak of Foundation Establishment, but their aura had become much more solid, clearly showing that they had made progress after experiencing real responsibilities.
"Senior Brother, Senior Brother Luo Yang, no need for such formalities," Mingchuan said calmly. "You've had a hard time these past few days."
The word "Senior Brother" made Su Hao and Luo Yang tremble slightly. They looked up at Ming Chuan with complicated and indescribable expressions.
Once upon a time, they were the core disciples of the Qingcheng Imperial Law Sect, high above all others. Mingchuan, who had once walked alongside them as Cang Zi'ang, rose from their junior brother to a core elder, and then betrayed the sect, incurring the hatred of everyone...
Now, their circumstances have reversed. The other party is now a powerful and influential sect leader in the Spirit Realm, while they are left guarding the ruins of their sect, their future uncertain.
"I dare not accept the title of senior brother." Luo Yang gave a wry smile and stepped aside to make way. "Sect Master Ming and everyone else, please come inside for a detailed discussion."
Seeing Luo Yang like this, Mingchuan really couldn't bear it.
But he didn't say much in the end. He just shook his head, sighed, and then led the group into the mountain gate.
The disciples they encountered along the way all stopped what they were doing and looked at Mingchuan and his group with different expressions.
Their eyes held curiosity, awe, gratitude, and an indelible awkwardness and unease.
Many of them may have once mocked Elder Cang, or dismissed the rise of the Wan Chuan Sect. Now, it is this very person they once despised who has given them the opportunity and hope to continue their cultivation.
This contrast evoked mixed feelings in many people.
The council hall remains majestic, but its interior furnishings have been simplified considerably. Some of the more ornate decorations have been removed, making the space feel more spacious and practical.
After the guests and hosts were seated, Su Hao spoke first, his voice steady: "Sect Master Ming, the preliminary investigation by the Joint Inspectorate was completed five days ago. The sect's existing resources, books, and disciple rosters have all been cataloged and archived for inspection. During the investigation, a total of seventeen volumes of incomplete books related to forbidden arts and evil poisons and twenty-three suspicious items were discovered, all of which have been sealed."
He took out a jade slip and presented it with both hands: "This is a detailed list."
Mingchuan took it, scanned it with his divine sense, and nodded: "Meticulous work. What do the four major sects have to say?"
Luo Yang interjected, "After the Inspector reported, the four major sects did not issue any new instructions, only saying... that they would discuss further matters after Sect Master Ming arrives in person."
The meaning behind those words is quite clear.
The fate of the Qingcheng Imperial Law Sect will largely depend on Mingchuan's attitude.
Mingchuan placed the jade slip aside and looked at Su Hao and Luo Yang: "What are your plans for the future, you two?"
Su Hao and Luo Yang exchanged a glance and remained silent for a moment.
Su Hao slowly said, "Qingcheng Yufa Sect... although its reputation was ruined because of the former sect leader, its thousand-year heritage is not the fault of one person. There are still hundreds of disciples in the sect. Most of them did not participate in the evil deeds, but... they have nowhere to go."
He took a deep breath, his gaze hardening: "Since Luo Yang and I have chosen to stay, we want to find a way forward for these disciples and for the sect's legacy. Even if the road ahead is difficult, even if... we have to bear the shadow of our past sins."
Luo Yang added, "We have made it clear to our disciples that those who wish to leave will not be retained, and those who wish to stay must abide by the new rules and sever ties with the old ones. Those who remain now are all willing to take responsibility and correct their mistakes."
Mingchuan listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his seat.
After a moment, he spoke: "The territory, resources, and even some of the inheritance of the Qingcheng Yufa Sect do have value. But the name Qingcheng Yufa Sect is no longer suitable for use."
Su Hao and Luo Yang paled slightly, but did not refute.
They knew it was true.
“I can offer two options,” Mingchuan said clearly. “First, disband the sect. Disciples may voluntarily join the Wanchuan Sect or other sects. Resources will be jointly managed by the four major sects and the Wanchuan Sect to provide relief to the sects and towns that were previously harmed.”
"Second," he said, his gaze sweeping over the two of them, "you will retain your sect's foundation and disciples, but you will need to change your name and structure, thoroughly cleanse yourself of all past connections, and accept the supervision of the Wan Chuan Sect, becoming an affiliated sect of the Wan Chuan Sect. The sect's scriptures will need to be reviewed and purified, and the disciples will need to relearn the correct cultivation methods. You two can continue to hold management positions, but you will be subject to the control of the Wan Chuan Sect."
There are two choices: disband completely or attach ourselves to a new entity.
Su Hao and Luo Yang remained silent for a long time.
Finally, Su Hao spoke with difficulty: "Sect Master... could you allow us to discuss this with our disciples before making a decision?"
"Okay." Mingchuan nodded. "Give me your answer within three days."
After the meeting, Su Hao and Luo Yang arranged for Ming Chuan and his party to rest in the guest courtyard.
The guesthouse is located in the back mountain, in a quiet environment, and has not suffered too much damage.
Leng Xi, Ran Qianqian, and Dong Chuyan inspected and arranged things in the courtyard, while A Xiong and Ji Zhou led people to guard the surroundings. Zhao Hu was sent by Ming Chuan to contact some familiar former fellow disciples to learn more about the true situation.
Mingchuan stood alone under an ancient pine tree in the courtyard, gazing at the undulating mountains in the distance.
He was familiar with every blade of grass and every tree here...
He wanted to see the Burning Heaven Pavilion where he used to live, but it had long been destroyed by the furious Su Hongzhen.
"Complex feelings?" Leng Xi's voice came from behind.
Mingchuan turned around and saw her walking towards him with a cup of hot tea, which she handed to him.
"Kind of."
Mingchuan took the teacup, his fingertips tracing the warm surface of the cup.
"Before, when I was here, I always thought I would make those bastards who secretly plotted against me pay the price. But now that I'm actually standing here, looking at those anxious disciples, looking at Su Hao and Luo Yang's strong sense of responsibility... I feel that while it's important to distinguish right from wrong, the future of the Spirit Realm needs living people, it needs the power to look forward."