Chapter 4062: Official Acceptance

The Grand Elder shook away his earlier thoughts. "There is one final matter we should address before ending this conversation."

Zhenyu looked toward him. "What now?"

"Your identity and position within the sect." The Grand Elder stated.

Zhenyu’s expression became mildly impatient. "Again?"

The Grand Elder gave a helpless smile. "Senior, although I am personally convinced of your identity, there are still certain formalities that must be completed."

"Hmph."

"I shall speak with the Patriarch and explain what has happened. Considering the evidence we have gathered and the circumstances surrounding your return, I believe he will accept your identity without much difficulty." The Grand Elder hoped.

Zhenyu folded his arms. "And the Interim Peak Head position?"

"We shall address that as well," the Grand Elder replied. "The Wild Peak has already expressed unanimous support for your appointment. With my endorsement, I expect the Patriarch will be willing to recognize the arrangement."

He paused before adding, "The matter of your official rank can be discussed afterward. Since you originally held the position of Junior Elder, we shall need to determine an appropriate promotion that reflects your current cultivation and seniority."

Zhenyu waved his hand. "Do as you wish."

The Grand Elder stared at him for a moment and he understood perfectly well what that answer meant. Mengli Zhenyu would continue doing whatever he pleased regardless of whether the sect officially promoted him.

The ancient body cultivator had already declared himself Interim Peak Head, invoked the Closed Fist Doctrine, and mobilized the Wild Peak’s elders. A formal appointment would merely provide official recognition for what he had already done.

’At least this way, we can prevent further complications,’ the Grand Elder thought.

He had little desire to discover what would happen if someone attempted to remove Zhenyu from his newly acquired position.

The Clarity Peak Head seemed to share his thoughts.

"Then I believe we have reached an agreement," she said.

Zhenyu nodded. "Good. Let’s get out of this thing. I imagine the youngsters outside are getting impatient."

The Clarity Peak Head raised her hand and the small translucent bead floating above them began to glow. The intricate runes surrounding the sphere shifted, and the pale barrier gradually contracted.

Outside, the waiting cultivators immediately noticed the change.

"It’s opening!" one of the Wild Peak elders exclaimed.

Daoist Bone Ruler turned toward the sphere while the Sword Peak Head narrowed his eyes. High Elder Shatter Peak straightened, while High Elder Palm Saber watched with a serious expression.

Nearly an hour had passed since the three experts entered the Clarity Reversal Bead.

During that time, everyone had been left wondering what they could possibly be discussing. Some suspected that the Grand Elder was conducting a more thorough examination of Zhenyu’s identity.

Others believed that the conversation had concerned Wild Peak’s invocation of the Closed Fist Doctrine. And a few worried that the Grand Elder might be attempting to persuade Zhenyu to surrender his newly declared authority.

The uncertainty had only grown with time. But now, as the barrier disappeared, every eye turned toward the three figures standing within.

WENG!

The last layer of light dissolved and the Clarity Peak Head retrieved the bead, allowing it to settle into her palm before storing it away. Zhenyu stood with his enormous arms folded across his chest, looking thoroughly relaxed.

The Grand Elder appeared calm while the Clarity Peak Head’s expression was similarly composed. For a moment, nobody spoke. Then the Grand Elder glanced toward the Clarity Peak Head and she returned his gaze.

A silent understanding passed between them and the two stepped forward. And then, to the astonishment of everyone present, they cupped their fists toward Zhenyu.

"We welcome Senior Mengli Zhenyu back to the Heavenly Stream Guardian Sect and approve of your position as the Interim Peak Head of the Wild Peak." Their voices rang out in unison.

The entire gathering fell silent.

High Elder Shatter Peak’s mouth opened, High Elder Palm Saber’s eyes widened, while several Wild Peak elders stared in disbelief and even Daoist Bone Ruler seemed momentarily incapable of processing what he had just heard.

The Grand Elder had acknowledged Mengli Zhenyu.

That alone was extraordinary, but the Clarity Peak Head had done the same. And both had publicly approved his position as Interim Peak Head.

The implications were enormous.

The Grand Elder was among the highest-ranking authorities within the Heavenly Stream Guardian Sect. His endorsement carried considerable weight, especially in matters involving ancient sect history and seniority.

The Clarity Peak Head, meanwhile, was famous for her pride and uncompromising temperament. She treated her peers with respect and acknowledged those whose authority exceeded her own, but she was rarely willing to lower herself before others.

Even among the Peak Heads, she was known for maintaining a certain distance. Yet here she was, openly acknowledging Mengli Zhenyu as her senior. For the elders and disciples who knew her, that was almost as shocking as the Grand Elder’s declaration.

Lin Mu observed their reactions with considerable satisfaction. ’That should settle most of the doubts.’

He had expected the Grand Elder’s endorsement to help establish his position. Having the Clarity Peak Head support him as well was an additional benefit.

Zhenyu gave a broad smile. "Good, good. At least you two youngsters know how to respect your elders."

The Grand Elder’s expression remained composed while the Clarity Peak Head’s lips twitched. But neither responded.

High Elder Shatter Peak was the first to recover. "HAHAHA! I knew it!"

His booming laughter echoed across the surroundings. "Senior Zhenyu’s identity has finally been acknowledged!"

Several Wild Peak elders immediately began cheering. "Welcome back, Senior Zhenyu!"

"Long live the Wild Peak!"

"Interim Peak Head Mengli Zhenyu!" The disciples joined in, their voices rising until the surrounding area was filled with excited shouts.

Daoist Bone Ruler rubbed his forehead. He had spent the better part of the day attempting to maintain order. Now the Grand Elder and Clarity Peak Head had apparently decided to make Mengli Zhenyu’s authority official.

’So this is how things are going to be,’ he thought wearily.

He could already imagine the paperwork.