The Male Lead I Wronged Has Blackened

CHAPTER 29: Who’s Supposed to Become Whose Daoist Partner?

　　Si Yao grew uneasy at the arrival of the Tianluo Sect.

　　This world was on the brink of disaster. If she didn’t steer the story back on track, not only would she be trapped forever in this realm, but countless lives across the Great Thousand World would also be doomed.

　　Besides the Tianluo Sect, several other groups arrived as scheduled. Each had their own distinct style. One faction’s men and women all wore purple robes, looking like walking eggplants. Another group carried long swords, clearly made up entirely of sword cultivators. There was even a faction composed solely of graceful young women, each so beautiful they seemed untouched by the mortal world.

　　“Hongmeng Pavilion’s Gu Luo pays respects!”

　　“Shuiyun Palace’s Tan Yi greets the elders.”

　　“Taixu Sword Sect’s Yan Jingshan and his disciples apologize for the intrusion.”

　　Besides Xuánmíng Sect, the four strongest powers on the Canglan Continent had gathered here. Each individual was a prodigy in the cultivation world, the top fighting force of humanity.

　　Si Yao couldn’t help breaking into a cold sweat. Didn’t this broken system say the story would only reach mid-stage? Why did it feel like a world war had already started?

　　Elder Hongfang stood at the center among the Xuánmíng Sect elders. With the air of an immortal, white hair but youthful features, he smiled kindly at the leaders of the other factions. “No need for formalities.”

　　The faction leaders stepped forward and exchanged greetings with the Xuánmíng Sect elders.

　　Elder Yuanzhong of Xuánmíng Sect looked at the vigorous young disciples of the major powers, stroked his beard, and nodded in satisfaction. “As expected, each of them is a young hero. They will be the hope of humanity.”

　　The elders of Xuánmíng Sect all nodded in agreement, and the leaders of the other major powers responded with humble courtesy.

　　Si Yao stood at the front of the disciple lineup alongside Mu Yuanbai, listening to the elders’ conversation with the faction leaders. To the other disciples, it sounded like polite compliments exchanged between heads of powerful sects. Only Si Yao’s mood grew heavy, sensing the hidden meaning behind their words.

　　The Immortal Sect Assembly wasn’t just a simple gathering. In the original story, the assembly was announced by Jiang Shuo after he succeeded as Sect Leader. Its purpose was to unite the righteous cultivation sects to resist the twin invasions of the Beast and Demon realms.

　　That was already late-stage plot. In the original version, this part was described as extremely bloody and cruel. The Beast and Demon realms attacked together, and Xuánmíng Sect was the first to be struck. Countless disciples were killed.

　　Jiang Shuo alone stood against the powerful beings of both realms, unable to manage the vast armies of the two sides. With the sect’s disciples falling in droves, he called the Immortal Sect Assembly to seek help from other righteous powers.

　　Thinking about this, Si Yao broke into a cold sweat. The Beast and Demon realms wouldn’t attack tomorrow, would they? Those Beast and Demon cultivators were ruthless, killing without hesitation. She was just a lowly Golden Core cultivator and would surely end up as cannon fodder.

　　Luckily, the system comforted her in time.【Host, don’t be afraid. Cling to the male lead’s thigh, grind that favor to boost your cultivation, and survive as best you can.】

　　Si Yao: “…”

　　Meanwhile, the elders and faction leaders discussed the disciples of each sect. Though the leaders spoke with modest tones, their eyes betrayed confidence and pride in their own disciples.

　　Tianluo Sect’s leader Xu Ziying expressed admiration for Xuánmíng Sect. When mentioning disciples from other sects, he subtly shifted to praise Xuánmíng Sect.

　　“When it comes to natural-born talents, if Jiang Shuo dares to call himself second, who would dare claim first? Xuánmíng Sect produced someone like Jiang Shuo. Compared to him, our disciples would struggle to even catch up,” Xu Ziying said, his tone full of humility, yet every word showed respect for Xuánmíng Sect.

　　Elder Hongfang waved his hand casually, acting nonchalant and modest. “Sect Leader Xu, you are too kind. Perhaps Jiang Shuo simply enjoys showing off outside and has earned some reputation. Your disciples of Tianluo Sect are all exceptionally talented. It is you being humble.”

　　Elder Hongfang, though outwardly calm and modest, felt a swell of pride deep inside.

　　Over all these years, Jiang Shuo had surpassed countless geniuses in the cultivation world. All the so-called prodigies from other sects paled in comparison to his brilliance.

　　The other elders of Xuánmíng Sect were all beaming with pride, their faces glowing with satisfaction.

　　The leaders of the other major powers did not object. One by one, they were genuinely impressed. The so-called talents in their own sects were no match for Jiang Shuo.

　　Their conversation was quiet, but Si Yao, standing nearby, could hear it all. She secretly scorned Xu Ziying. That old snake put on a facade of harmony and friendliness, but who knew what schemes were swirling in his mind.

　　In the original story, Xu Ziying had betrayed the human side during the war, leading Tianluo Sect to side with the Beast and Demon realms. That inside-outside collusion caused devastating losses for humanity, and many lives were lost.

　　Si Yao had no intention of following that part of the original story. For her own life’s sake, she would find a way to expose that traitorous scum.

　　Xu Ziying had the appearance of a sly, treacherous man, yet he was a leader of the righteous path, giving people an oddly unsettling feeling. He smiled, his face full of wrinkles, and asked Elder Hongfang, “With such a hero emerging from Xuánmíng Sect, will the next Sect Leader position inevitably fall to him?”

　　That question struck at a private concern of several elders. Each let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

　　Only Elder Situ remained smiling, his face still gentle. He raised his voice to answer Xu Ziying, “Only a person of virtue should assume the Sect Leader position. Jiang Shuo excels in every field, but his actions are not yet steady enough.”

　　His tone carried layers of thoughtfulness as his sharp eyes shifted to Mu Yuanbai, standing proudly not far away. He smiled and added, “After some discussion among us old men, we believe our senior disciple Mu Yuanbai is better suited.”

　　Si Yao, standing next to Mu Yuanbai, froze.

　　“What did you just say?”

　　The leaders of the various sects were all utterly shocked by Elder Situ’s words. They were well aware of the recent provocations from the Beast and Demon realms, and everyone knew a fierce battle was inevitable.

　　It was no secret that the current Sect Leader of the Xuanming Sect was nearing the end of his lifespan. At this critical juncture, it was clear to everyone that Jiang Shuo was the most suitable successor to the position.

　　It wasn’t just the leaders from various factions who were stunned. The disciples of Xuánmíng Sect who heard Elder Situ’s declaration were also in an uproar.

　　The sheer disbelief on everyone’s faces stirred a hint of anger in Mu Yuanbai. In terms of the bigger picture, he had no objection to Jiang Shuo taking over as Sect Leader. Yet Jiang Shuo’s stubborn refusal to step up at such a crucial time irritated him. He had benefited greatly from the sect, yet when it mattered most, he would not rise to the occasion. If a person like that could qualify for the position, then why couldn’t he?

　　Mu Yuanbai stepped forward with a warm, confident grace, bowing respectfully to the elders. “Thank you for your trust, Elder. If the sect has any need, I will give my all without hesitation.”

　　Si Yao froze.

　　No, you are not giving your all! That is not how the story goes!

　　【Warning! Warning! Plot progression error detected.】

　　The system’s shrill alarm buzzed in Si Yao’s mind, driving her nearly mad. If it were a real person, she would have slapped it on the spot. So noisy!

　　She never expected the plot to turn out like this after her strategy. Not only had the two not become best friends, but they were also vying for the Sect Leader position. Now she really had to apologize to the entire continent.

　　Elder Situ, seemingly oblivious to the shock around him, continued praising Mu Yuanbai. “Mu Yuanbai is the sect’s chief senior disciple. His conduct is measured, his actions flawless, and the entire sect holds him in the highest regard.”

　　Hearing this, the others could somewhat understand Elder Situ’s reasoning. Choosing Mu Yuanbai made sense—he was better suited to manage the affairs of the sect.

　　However, the other elders of Xuánmíng Sect were furious. They had never discussed such a decision!

　　Elder Hongfang’s face remained composed, but he dared not openly contradict Elder Situ. He quietly transmitted a message, asking what his intention was. Elder Situ patted Elder Hongfang’s hand, signaling him to relax, then dropped another bombshell.   

　　“If there are no objections, then it is settled.”

　　Elder Situ smiled gently, hands clasped behind his back, and walked over to Mu Yuanbai. He stopped in front of him and said, “The other elders and I have selected an exceptionally talented young woman for you. We wanted to hear your opinion. If you agree, you will take her as your Daoist Partner, and after the wedding, you will officially succeed as Sect Leader.”

　　He paused, then turned to glance at the leaders of the other major sects. “I also ask you, fellow cultivators, to witness this.”

　　Tan Yi, the leader of Shuiyun Palace, smiled gracefully, her voice soft and melodious. “Shuiyun Palace is truly honored to participate in the wedding of Xuánmíng Sect’s next Sect Leader.”

　　The other sect leaders nodded in agreement. “It is our honor.”

　　Mu Yuanbai had not expected Elder Situ to arrange things this way. His heart already belonged elsewhere, and no matter how outstanding this selected young woman was, he could never take her as his Daoist Partner. He opened his mouth to object, but Elder Situ completely ignored him.

　　Elder Situ paid no attention to Mu Yuanbai at all. He turned his gaze to Si Yao, standing beside Mu Yuanbai, and asked, “So, what do you think of my arrangement?”    

　　Si Yao froze, staring at Elder Situ in disbelief. She never expected him to ask for her opinion. In a moment like this, what room did she have to speak?

　　“Are you not satisfied?” Elder Situ asked again when he saw her stunned expression.

　　Snapping out of it, Si Yao quickly nodded, forcing a smile. “Satisfied. The elder’s arrangement is excellent.”

　　Her words sounded obedient, but inside her mind, a thousand curses were racing through her head. Satisfied my foot!

　　This is Elder Situ of Xuánmíng Sect, a highly respected and virtuous elder! Even you aren’t following the storyline, and now the whole plot is collapsing!

　　Si Yao didn’t want Mu Yuanbai to succeed as Sect Leader, but openly contradicting an elder in front of everyone would be extreme disrespect. One wrong move and she could end up locked away. So she could only lie through her teeth and say she was satisfied.

　　Mu Yuanbai, seeing how easily Si Yao answered, felt a stab of hurt. Did she not care at all that he will become a Daoist partner with someone else?

　　He lowered his gaze, suppressing the hurt in his eyes, and started to speak to Elder Situ. “Elder, I—”

　　Elder Situ, understanding Mu Yuanbai’s intention, cut him off immediately. Raising his voice to the assembled members of Xuánmíng Sect, he announced, “Since neither of you have objections, I hereby declare that Mu Yuanbai and Si Luo will be wed next month as Daoist Partners. After the wedding, Mu Yuanbai will officially succeed as Sect Leader.”

　　Si Yao, standing there in utter shock, blinked.

　　Wait… who did you just say is becoming a Daoist Partner with whom?    

    

  

  

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