Chapter Seventy-Six: Voices of Dissent

“In terms of strength and reputation, I see no one more suited to the position of Wulin Alliance Leader than Master Shen, the venerable lord of Shengwan Manor. Though I, Xiao Jinghao, am not a man of the martial world, since I have come here today, I must venture to speak my mind. As for what all of you heroes think, that is for you to decide!” Xiao Jinghao had remained silent until then; indeed, while he was considered an honored guest, he was ultimately a man of the court and ought not meddle too deeply in the affairs of the martial world. At the very least, he needed to restrain himself so as not to provoke the resentment of these people. That was precisely why he so cautiously nominated Shen Wansan for the role of Alliance Leader. Nevertheless, now that matters had reached a critical juncture, he could not remain silent forever. Thus, with this brief remark, he made his opinion known without offending anyone.

His words were merely a prelude. Since the matter of the Alliance Leader had been raised, everyone present was naturally considering suitable candidates. The existence of the Blue Lotus Sect had, without doubt, given them a common foe. Even if they were reluctant or resentful, joining forces against this demonic sect was a better alternative than facing it alone. To be constrained by others was a last resort. Surveying all of Jianghu, just as Xiao Jinghao had said, there were indeed few who possessed both the strength and prestige required. As the organizer of this martial gathering, Shen Wansan’s intentions were simple, but no matter how suitable he was, it would not do for him to recommend himself—that would seem affected. Therefore, even if Xiao’s words had little direct effect, they at least brought Shen Wansan to the fore.

Below the high platform, the crowd began to stir, voices raised in unison calling for Shen Wansan—“Master Shen!”—signaling their approval of the proposal. Among them were, of course, many disciples of Mingyue Manor, as well as others who, influenced by their enthusiasm, joined in. The reasoning was simple: if Shen Wansan became leader, their own sect masters or lords would surely lose any contest for the position. It was better to declare their allegiance early, as if such a display of loyalty might earn them favor in the future. There were many who thought this way. After a brief ferment, it seemed that the majority in the square now shared this sentiment, and the shouts swelled into a raucous chorus.

This was precisely the result Shen Wansan desired. Gazing upon the scene before him, he tried his best to maintain composure, to appear unperturbed, but it was clearly impossible. The corners of his mouth curled ever so slightly; to anyone attentive, his inner satisfaction was obvious. After waiting a moment, as if to show he had been chosen by popular acclaim, Shen Wansan raised his hand and spoke: “What capabilities do I possess to deserve such esteem from you all? I am truly humbled. I am already in my later years and had hoped this gathering would be a chance for the younger generation to shine. But with Brother Dongfang’s sudden tragedy and the urgent threat we face, unity against the demonic sect brooks no delay. Since you all favor me, I, Shen Wansan, shall commit myself fully and not shrink from this duty!”

He was not declining in the slightest. Though his words suggested reluctance and a sense of being pressed into service, in the end he was unmistakably accepting the role of Alliance Leader. Dao Tianfeng quietly returned to his seat, simply watching the proceedings before him with a faint frown. He coveted the position, but to object forcibly now would make him seem grasping and would offend Mingyue Manor—hardly worth the risk. Perhaps, he thought, by letting his rival seize the initiative, he had missed his chance, and any attempt to change matters now would not come easily.

If there was one person among them who still wished to object, it was Shao Changchun. He sat unmoving, but his expression had darkened, and there was a hint of anger in his gaze. Whatever his thoughts, as soon as Shen Wansan’s words had fallen, Shao Changchun suddenly rose. His movement was odd, even unsettling, as he slowly made his way to the front of the stage, soon standing side by side with Shen Wansan. The old master was naturally puzzled, and the martial artists below watched with equal uncertainty. The scattered shouts faded to silence as every eye turned to the youth—this was the second time Shao Changchun had become the center of attention.

“Young nephew, what are you doing?” Shen Wansan was the first to speak, his voice low. Though he was evidently perplexed, there was a faint note of reproach, barely discernible and audible only to Shao Changchun. The youth smiled slightly, his meaning inscrutable, but he seemed disinclined to bandy words with the elder. His gaze swept from left to right across the assembly before he spoke: “Since we are to choose an Alliance Leader, it must be someone all can accept. I, Shao, know my own limits and have no wish to vie with Master Shen. Mingyue Manor is the foremost sect in Jianghu, and Master Shen is renowned both for virtue and martial prowess. If you are chosen, I would not dare utter a word of dissent. But as His Highness the Prince said just now—strength and reputation—surely Master Shen is not the only one in all Jianghu who meets these criteria?”

At this, Shao Changchun paused, his gaze lingering on Shen Wansan, a hint of challenge in his eyes. The old master was truly baffled, inwardly wondering what the youth intended. Could he truly wish to contest the position? A mere child, how capable could he be? If not for the sake of an old friend, and the need to maintain appearances before the martial world, he would not even bother with such a display. Without Shao Donghua, what was East Flower Gate worth? He had originally planned to frame them by implicating Shui Lianhua, but that would have backfired and risked exposing his own pawn—not a worthwhile gamble. Very well, he thought, let the boy go for now; once I secure the Alliance Leader’s seat, I’ll deal with him as I see fit.

Whether the youth would have broken out in a cold sweat had he known Shen Wansan’s true thoughts, who could say? In any case, Shen Wansan would never voice them. With a slight adjustment, the old master’s face broke into a broad smile. A man like him, if he truly showed anger, might be easier to deal with; but when he smiled, it was a warning to be wary. Perhaps it was for this very reason that he always spoke of Shui Linglong, rather than Shui Lianhua as originally agreed with Daoist Tianji when they arranged the martial gathering. “Your words are reasonable, nephew. If anyone else in Jianghu is willing to take on the role of Alliance Leader, I would most heartily welcome it. Even if it were you, I would gladly step aside. After all, at my age, I ought to be enjoying my twilight years and am not fit for too much exertion!”

These words were spoken with utmost humility, his posture lowly and deferential. He painted himself as forced into acceptance, with no choice in the matter. Of course, he knew full well the true caliber of those below the stage. How many would dare contend for the Alliance Leader’s position, let alone win the respect of all? In the end, it would amount to nothing but a farce. Shen Wansan dared to speak so only because he was certain of this. Meeting Shao Changchun’s gaze, he exuded confidence. As the two stood together, one could sense an undercurrent of tension in the air.

“I am but a junior, standing here thanks only to my father’s legacy. I know my own capabilities and would never presume to vie with Master Shen. That this gathering should be fair and just is only right. In terms of prestige and ability, Master Shen stands above all; even in all the land, none surpasses him, and I deeply respect that. Yet let us not forget, there is someone else here in Jianghu who is no less than Master Shen. This elder is present on the very dais with us—shouldn’t we consider him as a candidate for Alliance Leader as well?” The flattery was abundant, but that was not the point. The most crucial part of Shao Changchun’s words lay in the last lines. Though he did not name the person outright, anyone with sense could guess whom he meant. Instantly, all eyes turned to Daoist Tianji, awaiting his response. Indeed, as Shao Changchun had said, only he could rival Shen Wansan on equal terms. Dao Tianfeng, who had been at a loss as to how to break the impasse, was momentarily caught off guard by this unexpected turn, and his face showed a trace of bewilderment.