The wind swept across his green robes.

With the Azure Peak Blade in hand, he roared: "From this day forward, I am the Sect Master..."

The reality was clear: with Chu Duan's disappearance, whoever held the greatest strength would naturally assume the position of Sect Master. Otherwise, why would there have even been a tournament featuring twelve candidates? But now, Lu Yuan, alone with his sword, was unrivaled in Huashan, and had thus naturally become the new Acting Sect Master. It was, in fact, quite normal.

Qu Qingchen, Wan Qingwang, and the others from the North Peak of the Sword Qi Sect reacted instantly. Once Lu Yuan became Sect Master, it would naturally bring immense benefits to the North Peak. They held no ambition to expand the North Peak; they would be content as long as the North Peak was not encroached upon by the Sword Sect. They immediately bowed in unison: "We greet the Acting Sect Master..."

Under their lead, the rest of the North Peak personnel also bowed in unison: "We greet the Acting Sect Master." However, at this moment, only the North Peak faction was acknowledging Lu Yuan's authority through their deference.

The personnel from the East, South, and West Peaks had yet to recognize Lu Yuan's status as Acting Sect Master. The Elders and High Venerables of the Four Peaks remained hesitant, uncertain whether or not to acknowledge Lu Yuan's temporary leadership.

But at this juncture, a roar rose up like a tide: "We greet the Acting Sect Master! We greet the Acting Sect Master!" The Elders and High Venerables of the Four Peaks looked behind them only to discover that the disciples from all four peaks were bowing in perfect unison. This sight made the High Venerables feel utterly bewildered—what was happening? They prided themselves on their absolute control over their subordinates, so why hadn't the front ranks acknowledged Lu Yuan's position yet? And why were those behind them showing deference?

The reason was remarkably simple. Lu Yuan’s renown was immense. He was the foremost figure of the Tenth Generation, the top idol of the Tenth Generation. Who else among them had reached the Great Dao Realm at such a young age? Who else could have scored sixty points in the Jin State assessment? Who else could have surpassed the Sword Immortal?

The foremost idol!

And just now, Lu Yuan had miraculously and swiftly defeated two High Venerables of the Fourth Layer of the Great Dao Realm, forcing the Fifth Layer High Venerables Yuan Yang and Zixia to admit their inferiority, claiming they would be defeated within thirty moves!

An idol!

An unparalleled idol!

If Yan Cangtian was a myth too distant to grasp, then Lu Yuan was a myth that everyone had witnessed with their own eyes.

Such a legend truly commanded adoration.

Therefore, at this critical juncture, the disciples in the rear shouted: "We greet the Acting Sect Master!"

The tide-like noise from behind caused the Elders in the middle ranks to hesitate. Unsure who initiated it, some of the middle Elders also bowed in unison: "We greet the Acting Sect Master..." This sudden show of respect prompted others to follow suit involuntarily: "We greet the Acting Sect Master..."

Simply put, these Elders were influenced by the disciples behind them. Normally, these disciples had the lowest cultivation, and no one ever paid them any mind.

But these disciples, though weakest in spiritual power, were the most numerous. The sheer volume of their synchronized cries created an astonishing momentum that unconsciously swayed the Elders in the middle.

Now, the only ones remaining who had not yet paid homage to the Acting Sect Master were the Sword Immortals and High Venerables at the very front—a small number, perhaps only a few dozen.

Though these few dozen individuals held great power, they were faced with the roars of several thousand people behind them, all while Lu Yuan's undefeated figure, alone with his sword, dominated the view above.

High Venerable Yuan Yang was the first to bow: "We greet the Acting Sect Master..." Yuan Yang bowed for the sake of Huashan. Having traveled outside, he knew how vast the world was; Jin State was still weak, and Huashan was still weak. Lu Yuan’s future was limitless. Having him as Acting Sect Master was exceedingly beneficial for Huashan. However, given Lu Yuan’s gentle temperament, he seemed suited for preservation rather than leading during such a volatile time. But apart from Lu Yuan, there seemed to be no other suitable candidate.

High Venerables Yuan Yang, Zixia, Huifeng, and Lieyang bowed in salute. Among these four, two were at the Fifth Layer of the Great Dao Realm and two at the Fourth Layer. Furthermore, three of the four were masters of the Three Peaks, normally setting the example for everyone. At this moment, the last remaining individuals finally joined the chorus: "We greet the Acting Sect Master..."

"We greet the Acting Sect Master..."

"We greet the Acting Sect Master..."

"We greet the Acting Sect Master..."

The sound swelled like a tidal wave, finally erupting in a deafening roar.

A great sun shone behind the young man in green robes, illuminating his still slightly immature face, and glinting off the three-foot length of the Azure Peak Blade.

Huashan Immortal Gate Acting Sect Master... Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan took a deep breath. He had finally secured this position, yet he felt little excitement. He hadn't sought this role for power, but for Huashan itself.

"Good. From this day forward, I am the Acting Sect Master of Huashan. The enthronement ceremony for the Acting Sect Master will be kept simple; no excessive formalities are needed. Furthermore, right here, I must announce my governing platform."

"The Three Sects and Five Peaks have existed for too long. It is precisely because of the disputes between the Sword Arts and the Sorcery Arts within the Three Sects and Five Peaks that Huashan has come close to annihilation three times. This is the fourth time," Lu Yuan stated. "Therefore, in the future, we Huashan will follow the model of other Immortal Sects in Jin State, or indeed, sects in other nations. We will abolish the Three Sects and Five Peaks." The moment Lu Yuan raised this topic, it ignited a massive uproar.

The Three Sects and Five Peaks had existed for an epoch; Lu Yuan actually intended to dismantle them.

Lu Yuan saw no alternative. If the Three Sects and Five Peaks remained, the conflicts between Sword Arts and Sorcery Arts might well lead to another internal conflagration within the Three Sects. With Martial Grand-Uncle Zhou as a powerful backer, and his own rise, Huashan might survive this wave, but what about the future?

"This proposal, this old man agrees." A voice echoed in everyone's ears.

Many High Venerables’ expressions shifted upon hearing it. That was Zhou Qingxuan’s voice.

Zhou Qingxuan, Huashan’s foremost Sword Master, commanded authority second only to Yan Cangtian, but decisively above Chu Duan, and far above many others besides Chu Duan. Currently, the two most revered figures in Huashan were Zhou Qingxuan first, and naturally, Lu Yuan second. With both of them supporting this measure, although scattered protests remained, the matter was essentially settled.

Lu Yuan clarified the details. The Five Peaks must be dissolved; they absolutely must! For historical memory, the Five Peaks structures could remain, but no one could reside there long-term; occasional visits would be permissible. A new peak would be erected near the former Heaven Peak, formed by magically moving earth and stone, which would be named Samsara Peak.

The Five Peaks must go, and the Sword Qi Three Sects must go. Immortal realms like the Cloud-Emerging Immortal Realm must also be dissolved.

Furthermore, a critical component of Lu Yuan's governing philosophy was to gather nearly all figures of the Eighth Generation together to reside in one area temporarily, forbidding them from leaving or interacting with their disciples and grand-disciples. This directive seemed harsh and unsympathetic, but Lu Yuan deemed it absolutely vital.

The concepts of the Three Sects were deeply ingrained in the Eighth Generation.

The sword—it couldn't change their inherent beliefs.

Thus, the Eighth Generation needed to be confined, essentially being ordered into secluded cultivation. They would be invited to give public lectures periodically.

This policy would undoubtedly weaken Huashan's immediate strength.

But so what?

As long as the Ninth Generation, and especially the Tenth Generation, remained unaffected, it was all worthwhile.

Lu Yuan had long observed that within the Tenth Generation, the members of the Sword Qi Three Sects held no deep-seated enmity; they simply followed the dictates of their masters. If not for the influence of their elders, harmonizing the Sword Qi Sects would actually be quite easy. With such subtle, continuous influence, in time, these ingrained ideas would fade.

Sword Qi, Sword versus Qi—what did it matter? Sword and Qi were one. Sword Arts, Sorcery Arts—learn whichever one you desired.

The young were easily changed. The old were difficult to shift.

When these policies were announced, there was an uproar. But even with the uproar, what choice did they have? Lu Yuan utilized his ironclad might to suppress dissent. Since he was currently the strongest in Huashan, Lu Yuan suppressed them without reservation.

True, this conflicted with his usual calm and easy-going nature, but to govern a political structure like Huashan, one had to be ruthless when necessary.

Lu Yuan took a sip of wine.

Afterward, he would establish various rules, and then, when things were stable enough, he would relinquish the position of Acting Sect Master. He had never coveted the title of Sect Master; as long as Huashan could function well without him leading it, that was sufficient.

Lu Yuan picked up his wine to drink again. He was currently not on the North Peak, but the East Peak, setting an example by his presence. He took a gulp; the strong liquor burned down his throat and into his belly.

Exhilarating!

Lu Yuan suddenly noticed a white-haired elder beside him and instantly started, rising to his feet: "We greet Martial Uncle-Master."

The visitor was none other than Zhou Qingxuan of the Eighth Generation, Huashan’s foremost Sword Master.

"The rules you have established are very good," Zhou Qingxuan looked at Lu Yuan. "I thought your placid temperament wouldn't allow you to manage such things, but I see you actually achieved it. Senior Brother Yan is called the Heavenly Sword, while I am merely the Earthly Sword; there must be a reason for that disparity in judging character."

"You are usually lethargic, but beneath that lies a core of tenacity. When faced with a genuine crisis, you dare to act, and you dare to act greatly. You possess responsibility and boldness. Excellent." Zhou Qingxuan moved his hand and produced a wine gourd of his own.

He often drowned his sorrows in drink due to heartbreak over a lost love.

"Now, come with me to a certain place," Zhou Qingxuan said.

Lu Yuan asked, "Are we going to study the sword?"

"No."

Zhou Qingxuan shook his head. "Do you truly believe that the effort Emperor Qitian expended to plot Chu Duan’s death was not aimed at Huashan? And with the chaos brewing in the Huashan Three Sects, how could Emperor Qitian fail to seize the opportunity? What Emperor Qitian plots is the entirety of Huashan."

"Now, the two of us are going to stand against the entire Heaven-Replacing Alliance!"

The two of them against the entire Heaven-Replacing Alliance!

What an audacious declaration.