Chapter 995 - 1095: Probing and Awakening

Tian Chu Zhenren saw the end of their battle, originally intending to approach Ye Tianfan directly, but then heard Tian Chu Zhenren's muttering, and instantly became alert!

It seems my junior brother is still eager for Ye Tianfan to take over as the head of Taihuo Peak, so I need to speed up my pace, otherwise, if Ye Tianfan really takes over Taihuo Peak, it won't be easy for me!

Thinking of this, Tian Chu Zhenren immediately stepped forward.

"Ahem!"

Ye Tianfan and Tian Chu Zhenren, upon hearing the cough, immediately looked towards the sound, both shocked to find someone nearby they hadn't noticed. Ye Tianfan was currently incapable of fighting, so continuing the battle might result in some irreversible injuries!

However, when they saw that it was Tian Chu Zhenren, they both breathed a sigh of relief. After all, if it were someone else, they might have met their end here today.

After all, Ye Tianfan couldn't fight, and Tian Chu Zhenren alone would have to protect Ye Tianfan while dividing his attention. Moreover, the fact that the person could approach without Tian Chu Zhenren noticing meant they were very powerful.

"So it's the Sect Leader Senior Brother!" Tian Chu Zhenren, upon seeing the arrival was Tian Chu Zhenren, immediately asked, "I wonder what brings Sect Leader Senior Brother here?"

Ye Tianfan also hurriedly greeted, "Greetings, Sect Leader Uncle!"

Tian Chu Zhenren nodded at Ye Tianfan and then said to Tian Chu Zhenren, "I sensed a spatial disturbance here, so I came over to see. I was surprised to find that Nephew Tianfan has grown to such a degree. With time, he will surely be ready for great responsibilities!"

Tian Chu Zhenren was very happy to hear Tian Chu Zhenren praise Ye Tianfan because he believed this meant Tian Chu Zhenren was implying Ye Tianfan could eventually take his place!

"Where does Sect Leader Senior Brother get that idea? There's still much Young Seven needs to learn!" Tian Chu Zhenren modestly replied on behalf of Ye Tianfan.

Seeing no reaction from Tian Chu Zhenren, Tian Chu Zhenren probed, "Junior Brother Tian Chu, what are your expectations for Nephew Tianfan's future growth?"

"Expectations? None, really. Just hope he grows safely and takes over for me!" Tian Chu Zhenren responded!

As expected! Tian Chu Zhenren thought, it seems Junior Brother Tian Chu is not easy to sway.

In truth, Tian Chu Zhenren sincerely thought having Ye Tianfan take over Taihuo Peak was a bit beneath him. If it were any other peak, Tian Chu Zhenren might regret it but wouldn't insist too much. However, if Ye Tianfan were to take charge of Taihuo Peak, with no one under him, it truly would be a waste. Tian Chu Zhenren believed Ye Tianfan was destined to lead the entire Taichu Sect to glory. If someone capable of leading Taichu Sect to glory wants to start by managing a peak, Tian Chu Zhenren wouldn't oppose it, but not at Taihuo Peak. With no subordinates, how can one train there?

Now, Tian Chu Zhenren had already adapted his stance. Even if Ye Tianfan didn't become the immediate Sect Leader, he'd be fine taking on a peak leadership role—but not Taihuo Peak; any other peak would be acceptable. This was Tian Chu Zhenren's bottom line!

Tian Chu Zhenren also realized that making Ye Tianfan the Sect Leader or head of another peak would definitely offend Tian Chu Zhenren—deeply so. Although they wouldn't become mortal enemies over it, it would lead to enmity for decades or centuries, and Tian Chu Zhenren would begrudge him for a long time.

Even if it leads to Tian Chu Zhenren's resentment, Tian Chu Zhenren would still make this decision as it's for the good of Taichu Sect.

Suddenly, Tian Chu Zhenren noticed Ye Tianfan's smiling eyes and suddenly remembered that he had never actually asked Ye Tianfan's decision from beginning to end. He had been pushing Ye Tianfan towards the Taichu Sect Leadership position without asking if Ye Tianfan was willing to bear this responsibility.

If Ye Tianfan doesn't want to take on this responsibility, no matter what Tian Chu Zhenren does, it would only lead to Ye Tianfan's resentment, not gratitude!

Tian Chu Zhenren realized he might have been too presumptive, wholly disregarding others' wishes, solely seeking to enact his own will!

This kind of thinking was not acceptable, as it was overly domineering. Respecting Ye Tianfan's intentions was the right approach. Otherwise, even if Ye Tianfan ascended to the Sect Leader position, he'd just be forced into it, thereby hindering Ye Tianfan's growth!

Thinking this, Tian Chu Zhenren decided that if he had the opportunity in the future, he would subtly ask Ye Tianfan whether he had aspirations of becoming the Taichu Sect Leader. If not, he'd let Ye Tianfan become a legend of Taichu Sect, a person that represents the sect, allowing him to grow rapidly and become a figure who could dominate an era. Thus, even if Ye Tianfan wasn't the Sect Leader, as long as he existed, no one would dare provoke Taichu Sect.

Tian Chu Zhenren let out a sigh of relief, grateful for his timely realization. Otherwise, both he and Tian Chu would be resentful of him, and even Ye Tianfan could suffer from delays!

Tian Chu Zhenren smiled and said, "If Nephew Tianfan were to take your place, he'd truly become a solitary figure!"

Ye Tianfan had some doubts upon hearing this, pondering over the "solitary figure" remark. Did taking on the headship require someone's death?

"Sect Leader Uncle, what do you mean by 'solitary figure'? Surely taking on the headship doesn't mean sacrificing a life, does it? If that's the case, then I won't accept it!" Ye Tianfan said, unwilling to hold the position at the cost of Tian Chu Zhenren's life!

Tian Chu Zhenren recognized Ye Tianfan's misunderstanding immediately and explained, "No, it doesn't require a life sacrifice. It's just that retired heads must enter the Grand Elder Hall on Taichu Peak to become a Grand Elder, focusing entirely on understanding the path of ascension. Unless the sect faces the danger of losing its legacy, they are not allowed to leave. This is why, during the last challenge by the ultimate demon beast, none of the Grand Elders appeared—they knew it wasn't a threat to our legacy, so they stayed put!"

Though Tian Chu Zhenren explained, he still felt a tinge of bitterness, as he realized Ye Tianfan didn't have ambitions to become the Taichu Sect Leader; his current goal seemed only to lead Taihuo Peak.

However, Tian Chu Zhenren wasn't willing to give up. If he could persuade Ye Tianfan to voluntarily choose the Taichu Sect Leadership, it would be best. That way, not only would Tian Chu Zhenren not blame him, but he'd also retire successfully!