Chapter 563

Chapter 563: Nomination

Inside the side hall, the atmosphere was solemn.

Xu Yingyi’s resolute and powerful words stirred the blood and sense of honor in the cultivators present.

Although they were currently in the Western Buddhist Realm and their opponent was the formidable Western Buddhist Sect, no cultivator was willing to bow their head when it came to the honor of their sect.

“Well said!”

“Indeed, we cannot tolerate this!”

“We’ll fight the monks!”

“Xu Senior Brother, just tell us what to do!”

“Agreed!”

Many cultivators voiced their support for Xu Yingyi.

“Xu Senior Brother,”

At that moment, Yan Xixi from the Tianqin Sect asked, “You have represented the Canglan Sect in the Western Region multiple times. Have you ever encountered a situation like this before?”

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Xu Yingyi.

Xu Yingyi frowned and shook his head. “No.”

In Xu Yingyi’s memory, such humiliation from the Buddhist sect had never occurred before.

It was unprecedented.

Although the Daoist and Buddhist sects had always been at odds, the former was dominant while the latter was weaker. Even the weakest official representative of the Daoist sect represented numerous grand sects and was not someone the Buddhist sect could easily offend.

Thus, during his previous visits to the Western Region, Xu Yingyi had always been treated with the respect befitting his status.

Prompted by Yan Xixi’s question, Xu Yingyi suddenly realized—something was amiss!

What had happened in the square earlier—was it the intention of the upper echelons of the Western Buddhist Sect, or was it merely a rogue act by Xuan Yuan Temple?

Xu Yingyi knew that the Western Buddhist Sect was not a unified entity; internal power struggles were fierce.

He couldn’t help but fall into contemplation.

But Xu Yingyi quickly snapped out of it, waving his hand and saying, “Regardless of the past, our immediate priority is how to respond now. My suggestion is to elect a chief representative to ensure we act in unison!”

The Daoist representatives who had entered the Western Buddhist Realm numbered one hundred and seventy-six cultivators, representing various sects of different sizes from the Mountain-Sea Realm.

Although all the cultivators were at least at the initial Purple Palace level, a group without a leader was like scattered sand—facing special circumstances, it would be difficult to act cohesively.

Therefore, electing a chief representative whom everyone trusted was essential.

The chief representative would not be a leader but rather a figurehead among the representatives, someone to guide and unify the group.

They would hold no command authority.

The cultivators wholeheartedly agreed with Xu Yingyi’s proposal and expressed their approval.

Many eyes turned to Xu Yingyi, feeling that the position was rightfully his.

However, to everyone’s surprise, Xu Yingyi said, “I nominate fellow traveler Wang Chen from the West Sea Sect for the role of chief representative. The West Sea Sect is the foremost immortal sect in the Mountain-Sea Realm, renowned and unmatched. This position is undoubtedly his!”

This time, even Wang Chen was taken aback.

Everyone had expected Xu Yingyi to volunteer himself and thus achieve his desire.

After all, in a situation where most cultivators were strangers to one another, the socially adept Xu Yingyi seemed the best choice.

But Xu Yingyi clearly had other plans: “Who agrees, and who opposes?”

Cutting through the chaos with swift decisiveness!

Wang Chen was on the verge of speaking when he suddenly received a message from Xu Yingyi: “Junior Brother Wang, I genuinely nominate you for the chief representative position; please do not refuse.”

Wang Chen hesitated, then swallowed his words of refusal.

He had no interest in the chief position and even considered it a nuisance.

He believed Xu Yingyi would be perfectly suited for the role.

Yet, Xu Yingyi’s earnestness was palpable, not a feigned retreat but a sincere gesture, backed by solid reasoning.

Among all the cultivator representatives, Wang Chen did not possess the highest cultivation level.

But the sect he represented was the foremost immortal sect in the Mountain-Sea Realm.

Thus, Wang Chen was not merely representing himself.

If he firmly declined, it would easily give the impression that he was shirking significant responsibilities, tarnishing not only his own image but also the reputation of the West Sea Sect.

Should this matter spread, regardless of the West Sea Sect’s reaction, Wang Chen’s Master Changhe Zhenren would also face embarrassment!

“I agree!”

“I agree too!”

“Since he is a senior brother from the West Sea Sect, there’s no issue.”

“I support it.”

The other cultivators clearly harbored no ambitions for power and wealth and saw no reason to oppose the chief representative position, thus they all voiced their support for Xu Yingyi’s proposal.

Thus, Wang Chen’s position as chief was decided in a flash!

In the blink of an eye, the matter was settled.

Wang Chen’s mind raced as he promptly stood up and declared, “Since my fellow travelers have shown me such favor, I, Wang, will humbly accept the chief position. Let us support and assist each other, advancing and retreating together!”

Everyone responded in unison, “Well said!”

Wang Chen flicked his fingers, sending a breeze to strike a copper bell several dozen steps away.

Ding—

The copper bell, hanging on its stand, immediately resonated with a clear and vibrant sound.

After a moment, Zhi Tong, the guest at Xuan Yuan Temple, hurriedly arrived at the side hall, smiling as he inquired, “What orders do you have, esteemed cultivators?”

He had a round face and large ears, and when he smiled, he resembled Maitreya Buddha, exuding a friendly and amiable aura.

Wang Chen lightly remarked, “Master Zhi Tong, since your temple does not welcome us, we plan to return to our own homes to avoid mutual disdain and ensure the Spirit Mountain Conference is not disrupted.”

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

Zhi Tong never anticipated that Wang Chen and the others would abandon their observation and prepare to head home.

The other cultivators were also taken aback by Wang Chen’s decision.

However, upon reflection, they felt a surge of vindication!

Humiliation?

The Daoists would not serve anymore!

No one voiced opposition; everyone watched Zhi Tong with mocking and teasing looks, eager to see how the monk would respond!

Zhi Tong’s forehead broke out in fine beads of sweat as he realized the situation had spiraled out of control. He quickly tried to maintain a pained expression and said, “Esteemed cultivators, please do not jest with me; I cannot bear such a burden!”

“We are not jesting,”

Wang Chen stated, “If you cannot bear it, then find someone who can to speak with us.”

So far, only a single guest had emerged from Xuan Yuan Temple to welcome these Daoist representatives.

Enduring this was no longer possible; Wang Chen was ready to turn completely hostile!

However, his attitude was firm while Zhi Tong seemed much more submissive: “May I ask your esteemed names?”

The monk’s tone dripped with cautious flattery.

“West Sea Sect, Wang Chen!”

As soon as Wang Chen finished speaking, Xu Yingyi added, “He is also our nominated chief representative!”

“His words represent all of us!”

Chief representative!

Zhi Tong instinctively took a step back, smiling apologetically, “Please stay calm, esteemed cultivators; there must be a misunderstanding; I will immediately go fetch our temple’s abbot!”

He hurriedly exited the side hall, nearly stumbling as he lost his footing.

The group of cultivators exchanged glances and couldn’t help but laugh.