In terms of seniority, Zhan Dongge would be Yan Zhaoge’s Great Grand Uncle Master, and the Grand Uncle Master of Yan Di, Shi Tie and the others.
However, because of the deeds of these two legendary figures, from the generation of Yan Di and Shi Tie, they had become used to calling them Ancestor Heaven Shaker and Ancestor Heaven Diviner.
This form of address had extended to the even younger disciples of Broad Creed Mountain.
The Heaven Diviner Zhan Xilou was the current final Martial Saint that Broad Creed Mountain had produced.
Following his death, Broad Creed Mountain had yet to produce another Martial Saint. Yuan Zhengfeng and Xin Dongping who had originally been touted to step into the Martial Saint realm were all stuck at the Transcending Mortality Martial Grandmaster bottleneck.
By Elder He’s side, Broad Creed Mountain’s other Grand Elder, Elder Zhang, looked at Xin Dongping, “What about senior apprentice-brother Xin?”
Sitting quietly there, Xin Dongping simply answered, “The heat’s not there yet.”
Elders He and Zhang both sighed.
Yuan Zhengfeng said, “This old man is already resolved. In entering seclusion this time, fortune or calamity is unpredictable, and long or short an unknown. Therefore, I need someone to temporarily take the place of this old man before I enter seclusion, allowing this old man to let my hands free and rush towards the Martial Saint realm with all my might.”
His gaze swept over Xin Dongping, Elder He and Elder Zhang, “In the time that this old man is in seclusion, I hope that junior apprentice-brothers and sister can assist this person, supporting the clan in moving stably forward.”
Xin Dongping nodded quietly, “Okay.”
After pondering for a moment, Elders He and Zhang also nodded, “Since Chief has already resolved himself, we will do as he says.”
Yuan Zhengfeng had long since had the intention of going into seclusion in a bid to achieve his breakthrough into the Martial Saint realm, just that this had been hindered by various reasons. Everyone could also be considered as having had prior warning of this.
With the current global situation comparatively safe, along with the Purple Essence Containing Jade causing the latent threat of the Sacred Sun Clan to grow more pressing, everyone knew that Yuan Zhengfeng entering seclusion this time was already something that had to be done.
While it was said to be temporarily taking his place, this was actually virtually already deciding the identity of Broad Creed Mountain’s new Chief.
If Yuan Zhengfeng failed and perished, without anything having to be said, the position of Chief would naturally pass on. Yuan Zhengfeng’s current arrangements were virtually passing on his final will.
If Yuan Zhengfeng succeeded, after leaving seclusion, he would most likely also pass down his position like the Sacred Sun Clan’s Huang Guanglie, spending his time more on cultivation as he attempted further breakthroughs, rather than continuing to take care of the clan’s matters.
What was rather more crucial here was the Sacred Artifact that sat over Broad Creed Mountain, the Clear Qi Robe.
Most silently agreed that the Clear Qi Robe should be controlled by the clan’s number one expert, strongest and strongest combining forces, combatting other peak experts together.
If the number one expert was in seclusion or had journeyed outside, it would normally be controlled by the Chief.
The temporary Clan Chief would therefore also be receiving control of the Clear Qi Robe.
Other than that, the foremost control of Broad Creed Mountain’s Grand Formation would also be passed down to this person.
Yuan Zhengfeng’s gaze fell on Yan Di, Fang Zhun and Shi Tie.
Shi Tie’s gaze was majestic, not rippling in the slightest. He had long said that he would not succeed the position of Chief.
Fang Zhun’s gaze was deep as an abyss, resembling the depths of the sea, no fluctuations visible within whatsoever.
Yan Di’s gaze was calm, resembling the vast, clear sky, distant and majestic, boundlessly spirited.
Standing by Yan Di’s side, Yan Zhaoge’s expression was similarly calm as he silently awaited the final result.
His vision just sweeping by the trio, Yuan Zhengfeng did not hesitate, just mildly saying both simply and clearly, “Yan Di, while you are your Master’s youngest, closed door disciple, your Master has decided to place this weight on your shoulders. Are you willing to bear it?”
Yan Di’s expression didn’t change as he rose from his seat and bowed slowly to Yuan Zhengfeng, “This disciple will perform to the best of his abilities, not letting down the entrustment of Master and the clan.”
By the side, Fang Zhun’s expression was as per usual.
Xin Dongping gazed silently at Yan Di, standing before Yuan Zhengfeng.
Looking at Yan Di, Yuan Zhengfeng said, “While you are only temporarily taking on the role of Chief, everyone will know that your Master will be entering secluded cultivation in an attempt to break through into the Martial Saint realm.”
“However the Sacred Sun Clan thinks is not important. Whether it is us or them, we all know full well within our hearts that this is a fight for time.”
“However, as the news spread, it is hard to predict what Infinite Boundless Mountain and Jade Sea City will think.”
Yuan Zhengfeng said, “Within this time, the situation will be very delicate, and dealing with it will have to depend on all of you.”
Yan Di said calmly, “Rest easy, Master. Your disciple and various senior apprentice-uncles as well as various senior apprentice-brothers will all act with prudence.”
Yuan Zhengfeng suddenly smiled as he glanced at Yan Zhaoge, “With Zhaoge having performed yet another great merit, at his current cultivation level, there is already virtually nothing to reward him with.”
“Just let those of the outside world think that this reward was accepted by the father for the son.”
They all smiled. Perhaps some people might indeed believe that this was Yan Zhaoge having won things for Yan Di, but the decision of succession was naturally not something that would stem from just such reasons.
However, carefully considering, everyone could also feel that from a certain perspective, Yan Zhaoge was truly Yan Di’s lucky star.
More importantly, Yan Zhaoge’s current performance was completely unmatched amongst those of Broad Creed Mountain’s younger generation.
Before the incident of Yunwu County, Yan Zhaoge was already being groomed as Broad Creed Mountain’s future successor. If no major, unexpected occurrences arose, he would very likely be a future Chief of Broad Creed Mountain.
Yuan Zhengfeng looked at Yan Di, “Follow me.”
He got up and walked towards the back of the great hall, Yan Di following behind him.
Yan Zhaoge and the others watched as the two of them left, knowing that they had left for the handover of the Clear Qi Robe and the Broad Creed Grand Formation.
The great hall fell silent, no one speaking.
The gazes of Elders He and Zhang slid past Shi Tie, finally coming to rest on Fang Zhun.
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 262: A Yan Zhaoge as stable as Mount Tai
HSSB262: A Yan Zhaoge as stable as Mount Tai
Everyone’s gazes lingered on Fang Zhun, whose expression was completely tranquil, as though what had just happened had had nothing to do with him at all.
Seeing Fang Zhun this way, the others could not continue staring at him like this as they retracted their gazes.
At this time, whatever they might say all seemed like it would be inappropriate.
Yan Zhaoge looked towards the ground, waiting silently there.
Finally achieving what he had been planning for from the start, Yan Zhaoge also felt rather emotional.
However, the global situation becoming as it was now was indeed something out of his earlier expectations.
“Nine Underworlds…Decimating Abyss…Sacred Sun Clan…” Yan Zhaoge’s gaze was a little deep and
distant as he remained deep in thought.
That day, Broad Creed Mountain’s old Chief Yuan Zhengfeng announced that he was already old and lacking energy, and so was appointing the former First Seat Elder of Broad Creed Mountain’s Martial Inheritance Hall, Yan Di, to assist him in the clan’s matters.
Yan Di left the position of the Martial Inheritance Hall’s First Seat Elder, with the position being taken up by another.
After hearing this news, all of Broad Creed Mountain had varying thoughts.
The longtime Elders who were comparatively older felt somewhat worried. In recent years, Fang Zhun’s style of handling things had become tougher.
However, in comparison, Yan Di’s style was even tougher and more aggressive.
While Broad Creed Mountain’s senior generation had the exact opposite attitude, feeling galvanised because of this.
Those who had been affiliated to Yan Di’s faction rejoiced, only feeling that dark clouds had drifted past to reveal the sun.
While those who were affiliated to Fang Zhun could not be said to be wailing tragically in desolation, their spirits were still low.
Yan Di’s style was tough and domineering, but he was still a magnanimous person. With everyone also of Broad Creed Mountain, those of Fang Zhun’s faction naturally didn’t have to worry about Yan Di collecting past debts from them following his rise to power.
As long as they had not overstepped their bounds like the previous Principal of the Eastern Tang Kingdom, Yan Xu had.
However, getting promoted in the clan would be slightly more difficult for them in the future.
They would require more solid achievements, more outstanding talent.
Yan Di had sufficient magnanimity to let go of the past, and would slowly switch to looking at matters from the perspective of the Chief of Broad Creed Mountain, considering matters from the clan’s perspective, for such was the only way to ensure the clan’s unity as well as stability.
However, in situations where both sides were evenly matched, whether he would choose the one who had been of his or Fang Zhun’s faction was a question that did not have to be asked.
This was only a natural thing. If it were Fang Zhun or anybody else who had succeeded the position, they would also do the same.
As the Chief, while he was the Chief of everyone of Broad Creed Mountain, he would have to have a solid, core group that he would primarily rely on.
Those who had been affiliated to Fang Zhun’s faction, wanting to get promoted, would have to reveal power that was superior to that of their competitors.
As Yan Di’s control over the clan grew stronger and stronger, with everyone closely united by his side, all of one mind, this situation would gradually fade away. At that time, there would no longer be those who were closer and those who were comparatively more estranged.
However, this still required a bit of transition time.
From a certain perspective, the length of this transition period would also be a reflection of Yan Di’s ability to govern.
However, from an overall outlook, it would have no effect on the general scheme of things. While Yan Di was only temporarily taking over the position of Chief, he could immediately be assured to hold a rather complete grasp over the entire Broad Creed Mountain.
Having stood outstandingly as Chief for many years, Yuan Zhengfeng’ prestige and rule in Broad Creed Mountain were indisputable.
Within the clan, the majority of elders were of the neutral faction, supporting whoever Yuan Zhengfeng decided to choose as Chief, the only difference being the level of their support.
And with Yan Di’s own strength and prestige, it could ensure that after he succeeded the position, these neutral higher echelon experts of Broad Creed Mountain would show him strong support.
Therefore, overall, while some people did feel disappointed and worried, the internal selection of Broad Creed Mountain’s next Chief did not stir up any rife or dissent.
Returning to his dwellings, Yan Zhaoge encountered some fellow disciples, all of whom were congratulating him.
However, this was not because Yan Zhaoge’s position had risen along with Yan Di’s succession.
The current Yan Zhaoge had rediscovered the Internal Crystal Furnace, made important contributions in the war of the Eastern Tang, helped the clan to obtain a Maiden of Extreme Yin, ingeniously and subtly drew Infinite Boundless Mountain over to their allied camp at Cloud Portent Mountain, outshone all others at the Heavenly Connection Meet, mightily broke the Devilish Domain Grand Formation at Cloud Concealed Lake…
Not long ago, in the incident of Yunwu County in the Wind Domain’s Sand Region, he had forcibly reversed the tides of fate once more.
All of these had long since established Yan Zhaoge’s current position.
It was not an exaggeration at all to say that whatever happened to his father Yan Di now, it would also completely not affect Yan Zhaoge himself.
Whoever succeeded the position of Broad Creed Mountain’s Chief, Yan Zhaoge’s position as well as status here were already as stable as Mount Tai.
His current fame and position stemmed from himself, and not from others. In the hearts of everyone, it was deeply ingrained that this was the Broad Creed Young Master Yan Zhaoge, and not the son of Broad Creed Mountain’s new temporary Chief, Yan Di.
It was even to the extent that in many people’s hearts, the title of Broad Creed Young Master was already gradually becoming inappropriate for Yan Zhaoge.
Under these heavens, few still thought of him as a member of the younger generation, with his numerous achievements already having caused people to begin to overlook his age.
At this moment, the reason everyone was congratulating Yan Zhaoge was purely for his father having risen in status, as a normal form of human relations.
Yan Zhaoge could basically also feel this. He smiled as he accepted their congratulations, seemingly not affected by the honour and glory, with everything being as it usually was.
As he walked on a road between mountains, Yan Zhaoge suddenly halted, his gaze seemingly penetrating through the forests and far into the distance.
“With the news of father temporarily taking up the role of Chief spreading, others should be able to guess of Grand Master entering secluded cultivation in a bid to achieve his breakthrough into the Martial Saint realm…” Yan Zhaoge stroked his lower chin as he pondered.
When the news spread beyond Broad Creed Mountain, the entire Eight Extremities World was indeed shaken by it.
The competition between Yan Di and Fang Zhun in Broad Creed Mountain had not been a secret, and the other five Sacred Grounds as well as those first and second-rate powers had paid close attention to it.
With the decision basically confirmed, everyone thought on it before adjusting their own plans based on the result.
At the same time, those of the other Sacred Grounds also determined that this meant that Broad Creed Mountain’s old Chief, Yuan Zhengfeng, was finally going to attempt to take that last step, attempting a breakthrough into the Martial Saint realm.
The news of the Sacred Sun Clan having obtained Purple Essence Containing Jade and the ‘East Rising Martial Saint’ Huang Guanglie very possibly going to increase further in strength also resounded under the heavens.
Hearing the news, Jade Sea City and Infinite Boundless Mountain retained their silence.
If Yuan Zhengfeng broke through successfully, Broad Creed Mountain’s leading role amongst their tripartite alliance would be completely set, and Broad Creed Mountain would also become a massive entity not inferior to the current Sacred Sun Clan in the least.
The two Sacred Grounds had much to think on their future positions.
However, the pressure of Huang Guanglie possibly improving a step further was also truly there.
While Turbid Wave Pavilion did not express any stance, and the Sacred Sun Clan and the Heavenly Thunder Hall were unchanged on the surface, hidden undercurrents were surging beneath.
On the peak
of the Sacred Sun Clan’s World Illuminating Peak, gazing towards the north where the Heaven Domain lay, their current Chief Huang Xu asked quietly, “How go the preparations?”
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 263: Major movements
HSSB263: Major movements
Behind Huang Xu stood a middle-aged man, precisely the current Twilight Lord of the Seven Reigning Suns.
The Twilight Lord replied, “Everything is ready, only awaiting the old Chief leaving seclusion.”
His paused slightly for a moment before continuing, “If the situation allows for it, not even having to wait for the old Chief to emerge from seclusion, we can also move.”
Huang Xu nodded before turning, looking to the other side.
There stood a quiet youth, his face shaded under the sunlight. It was precisely his son, the World Illuminating Young Master Huang Jie.
As the two exchanged glances, Huang Jie said softly, “Best wait for Grand Master to emerge from seclusion first.”
After finishing his words, he spoke no longer. Huang Xu and the Twilight Lord did not show intentions of asking further as they nodded, retracting their gazes that were on him.
Huang Xu gazed to the north in the direction of the Heaven Domain, muttering to himself, “Broad Creed Mountain, it’s been so many years. You have been an eyesore for long enough.”
It was not just in the Sacred Sun Clan. In the northeastern part of the Eight Extremities World, in the You Region of the Thunder Domain’s six Regions, lay the Heavenly Thunder Hall of the current era’s six great Sacred Grounds.
The headquarters of the Heavenly Thunder Hall had dense thunderclouds overhead all year round, instilling fear in the hearts of others.
The massive palace that was completely built of purplish-green metal resembled the royal palaces of kings and emperors of thunder.
In the core, innermost hall of the palace, a bald old man sat on the main seat, looking at those before him.
As this bald old man, with a purplish-green goatee, sat there, a fearsome aura did not emanate from him as he instead seemed very calm.
History's Strongest Senior Brother c1-1474 Page 155