Chapter 543

Chapter 543: White Lotus Yields

Realizing Fang Lie’s importance, the token lords ceased their suppression tactics and instead schemed how to gain his favor.

Brave Token Lord urgently proposed, "Given Fang Lie’s significance, our past harsh treatment seems excessive. With his strength, he certainly qualifies as Core Inner Gate Disciple!"

"Indeed," Huo Wufang added, "He already possesses Core Inner Gate Disciple-level power. Why keep him in outer gate? Let’s bring him into inner gate for proper guidance. Since he lacks master, I’ll take him as my Core Inner Gate Disciple—we share good rapport."

"Let me handle this," Faith Token Lord countered, "You’re overburdened while I’ve ample free time."

"Neither approach works," Brave Token Lord argued, "I should be his master!"

Mo Sect rules dictated inner gate disciples must choose mentors. Even those from established clans sought sect masters, for master-apprentice bonds meant added political backing.

Previously despised by Mo Sect for offending too many, even Mo Qianxun had hesitated to accept Fang Lie. Despite winning Outer Sect Competition, Fang Lie remained outer disciple due to lacking mentor.

Now everything changed. Recognizing Fang Lie’s value, the token lords competed to claim him—having "Mo Sect’s strongest disciple" as apprentice would bring immense prestige.

Even Mo Qianxun felt tempted, imagining Fang Lie joining his disciples to complete the "Three Mo Heroes" legacy.

Old Bird objected, "Unwise. Fang Lie already attracts too much attention. Granting him more influence risks greater trouble."

"What harm comes from securing him mentor?"

"We merely prevent his discontent!"

"Couldn’t we secretly accept him?" the lords persisted.

"Enough!" Old Bird snapped. "Accepting him requires inner gate status. That makes him eligible to become my official bearer—Mo Sect’s foremost Token Lord! Understand the implications?"

Mo Qianxun frowned. "Fang Lie’s reckless nature brings disaster. While outer disciple status lets us dismiss his East Kunlun vendetta, as top Token Lord killing their future Sect Leader would trigger sect war!"

The token lords stiffened, exchanging bitter smiles.

Mo Qianxun spoke true. Fang Lie’s troublemaking already humiliated Great Thunder Sound Temple—their Semi-Immortal abbot forced to adopt "Idiot" Dharma name before abdicating! Such unprecedented shame only escaped implicating Mo Sect because Fang Lie remained outer disciple under Mo Token restrictions.

Abandoning the topic, they discussed treasure retrieval.

Opening Secret Vault required four Ancestor Tokens and two Token Lords performing day-long secret techniques to dismantle restrictions. The four lords assigned Brave Token Lord and Faith Token Lord to the task.

Post-meeting, the three lords rushed to warn clansmen and disciples: Befriend Fang Lie, never provoke!

Mo Qianxun’s soul returned to his body. Watching meditating Fang Lie, he marveled—this ordinary youth lacking talent or lineage had endured Three Defiance Tortures and Cycle of Fire trial, becoming Mo Ancestor’s true heir with undying nature.

Had Mo Qianxun not abandoned past grudges, Fang Lie might now destroy his clan. Though confident, Mo Qianxun knew better than rival Mo Ancestor’s direct successor.

Fang Lie stirred, demanding, "Outcome?"

"Settled." Mo Qianxun smiled ruefully. "Tomorrow we retrieve two treasures from Secret Vault."

"Haha, wonderful!" Fang Lie laughed heartily. "In that case, I’ll take my leave!"

He moved to stand up and depart.

At that precise moment, a Sword Ray streaked in from outside. Mo Qianxun caught it and scanned it with his divine sense, his face twisting into a helpless grimace. He hastily waved a hand. "Hold! Don’t leave yet!"

"What now?" Fang Lie asked, turning back curiously.

"Another creditor’s come calling!" Mo Qianxun said with a bitter chuckle. "Admit Bai Lian Chan Master!"

Mo Qianxun’s clear voice carried downward, soon met with a response: "Gratitude, Senior Uncle Mo!"

Fang Lie instantly recognized Bai Lian’s voice. Knowing this concerned the Green Bamboo Zen Staff, he wordlessly resumed his seat.

The instant Fang Lie sat down, Bai Lian Chan Master materialized before them.

"Honored Sect Leader Uncle," Bai Lian greeted Mo Qianxun warmly.

He then clasped hands toward Fang Lie. "Young Benefactor! We meet again. I trust you’ve been well these past days?"

Fang Lie’s lip curled. "Well enough," he replied lightly. "Though I wonder how fares your Great Thunder Sound Temple?"

Bai Lian’s aged face stiffened. Damned brat! Must you poke at fresh wounds? Our temple’s current plight is your doing! How dare you mock us?

Mo Qianxun interjected with mock severity: "Fang Lie! Mind your manners before an elder!"

"As you say," Fang Lie drawled before falling silent.

Swallowing his rage, Bai Lian forced a smile. "Benefactor Fang, you surely grasp my purpose here?"

"The Green Bamboo Zen Staff, no?" Fang Lie grinned. "Didn’t your abbot vow never to beg favors from me? How quickly vows crumble!"

Bai Lian’s eyes bulged. The impudence! Our abbot changed his Dharma name to "Fool" and abdicated! Must you salt our wounds at every turn?

Noting Bai Lian’s fury, Mo Qianxun snapped, "Fang Lie! Master Bai Quan already altered his Dharma name and resigned. What more would you demand?"

"What?" Fang Lie blinked. "He changed names? Abdicated?"

"And imposed upon himself millennium-long penitence!" Mo Qianxun retorted. "Were you ignorant of this?"

"I’ve been in closed-door training since returning!" Fang Lie protested. "Today’s my first emergence!"

Guilt pricked him. While he’d loathed Bai Quan, he’d never intended such humiliation – a Semi-Immortal reduced to renaming himself "Fool" and vanishing for a thousand years? A staggering blow.

"Ignorance excuses you," Mo Qianxun relented. "But Great Thunder Sound Temple comes in good faith. Cease your obstinacy – we’re all righteous sects. Quarrels happen, but never internal war!" He turned to Bai Lian. "Don’t you agree, Chan Master?"

"Wisdom itself, Sect Leader Uncle!" Bai Lian exclaimed. "Righteous factions mustn’t feud while evil thrives! Our temple wronged you – we admit fault and offer formal apology. Let past grievances fade!"

Faced with such deference, Fang Lie grudgingly waved a hand. "Enough. I lost nothing – consider matters settled."

"Your magnanimity shines!" Bai Lian pressed eagerly. "Regarding the Green Bamboo Zen Staff, our abbot’s token…"

"Name a fair price, and it’s yours," Fang Lie smirked.

Bai Lian brightened, opening his mouth to negotiate –

"Sell?" Mo Qianxun cut in sternly. "That’s their sacred token! Having it, you should return it freely!" He glared at Fang Lie. "Stop this nonsense and surrender the staff!"

Fang Lie gaped. His prime extortion opportunity – vanishing like morning dew?