The clamor of Tian Shu City and the parting of companions receded like a tide, pushing Tang Xiaoqi toward another turning point in his life. After the Alliance's affairs were initially organized and senior brother Mu Qingfeng was able to withdraw, the group set out on their return journey to Qingxu Temple.
The flying boat traversed the sea of clouds. When that familiar mountain range, once ravaged by war, came into view again, Xiao Qi stood at the bow, filled with complex emotions. The scene of the demonic cultivators' siege, the shattering of the mountain protection formation, crumbling halls, and flames of war everywhere seemed like yesterday. And now, looking out, though there were still ruins that startled the eye, there was even more the bustling scene of reconstruction.
Countless cultivators, craftsmen, and even powerful earth-and-wood attribute spirit beasts were busily at work. Foundations for new palaces had been laid, glowing array runes were being carefully carved into newly mined jade, and in the burned forests, wood-attribute cultivators were encouraging new growth, gathering spiritual energy. The entire Qingxu Temple was like a giant awakening from severe wounds—though covered in scars, it was tenaciously beginning to repair its own muscles and bones.
The flying boat slowly descended onto the main peak plaza that was being rebuilt. The remaining elders and inner disciples who had received advance notice, as well as important stewards who had rushed back from branch temples, knelt in a sea of people. Their numbers were far fewer than the peak period in Xiao Qi's memory, and many familiar faces were gone, but those who remained all had eyes burning with the fortune of survival, and a near-fanatical worship and expectation.
"Welcome the Temple Master back to the mountain!"
The thunderous cry, uniform and resonant, shook even the newly laid bluestone slabs of the plaza. This call of "Temple Master" was no longer the respectful address for Xuan Ling True Person of the past, but genuinely directed at him—Tang Xiaoqi.
Xiao Qi took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in his heart, and stepped off the flying boat. Senior brother Mu Qingfeng followed closely behind, then Zhao Tiezhu who had decided to stay, and second senior brother Luo Feng existing in spirit form.
He walked before everyone, his gaze slowly sweeping across those faces—some aged, some young, some bearing scars, but all filled with excitement. He saw the teaching elder who had once guided him in foundational techniques, the disciples who had mocked him when he first entered the sect, and many new faces who had lost their teachers in the demonic tribulation, their eyes holding both grief and resilience.
"Everyone, please rise." Xiao Qi's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a power that soothed hearts.
The people rose as bidden, yet their gazes remained firmly fixed on him.
The most senior remaining elder, with completely white hair and beard, stepped forward holding an ancient bronze token. On its front was carved the word "Qingxu," and on its back was a pattern of the celestial stars—this was the Qingxu Temple Master's token of authority, the Qingxu Command.
"Temple Master," the old elder's voice choked, "before True Person Xuan Ling perished, he left instructions that if Tang Xiaoqi returned with sound character and sufficient ability, he could succeed to the Temple Master position, wield the Qingxu Command, lead the sect, and recreate glory! Today, we respectfully follow the former Temple Master's instructions and honor you as the thirty-seventh Temple Master! We hope the Temple Master will not disappoint the expectations of our predecessors or the hopes of the disciples, and will lead Qingxu Temple to restore its prestige!"
Saying this, the old elder raised the Qingxu Command high with both hands, bowing to present it.
At this moment, the plaza fell silent, and everyone held their breath. Sunlight shone on the ancient bronze token, reflecting its substantial luster.
Xiao Qi looked at that token, seeming to see Master Xuan Ling True Person's final resolute yet expectant gaze before dispersing, seeing his father Xu Zhan's indistinct figure, seeing countless fellow disciples who had died protecting the sect... This token carried not only power but also blood, lives, and incredibly heavy responsibility.
He did not immediately reach for it. Instead, he straightened his robes and faced north—that was the direction where Master Xuan Ling True Person had finally dispersed, and also where past Temple Masters rested—and bowed deeply three times.
Then he turned, his gaze becoming firm and dignified. He extended both hands and solemnly accepted the weighty Qingxu Command from the old elder's hands.
The token felt cool to the touch, yet seemed to weigh a thousand pounds.
The moment he gripped the token, the plaza erupted again in earth-shaking cheers: "Long live the Temple Master! Long live Qingxu Temple!"
The sound waves rose straight to the clouds, echoing for a long time among the mountain ranges.
The succession ceremony was simple yet solemn. Afterward, Xiao Qi did not hold any celebration but immediately threw himself into the complex affairs of the sect.
In the main peak's temporary and simple council hall, Xiao Qi sat at the head, with senior brother Mu Qingfeng beside him, and various elders and core stewards below. Jade tablets piled like mountains on the tables.
"Temple Master," an elder responsible for supplies said with a worried expression, "the storage reserves were depleted in the demonic tribulation, especially spirit stones, pills, and refining materials. The deficit is extreme. Although the Alliance's promised aid will arrive gradually, distant water cannot quench a nearby fire. Currently, both reconstruction and disciple cultivation are severely constrained."
"The list of casualties and compensation matters have been preliminarily organized," another steward presented a jade tablet, his voice low. "In this tribulation, three hundred seventy-one inner disciples of our temple perished, and over a thousand outer disciples and servants were killed or wounded... The compensation required is an enormous expense, and many disciples came from cultivation families, so subsequent appeasement also requires great care."
"Messages from branch temples in various regions all report different degrees of losses, urgently needing support and guidance from the main sect."
"The core of the mountain protection formation is severely damaged. To restore it to pre-war levels will take years and consume countless resources."
"The new disciple recruitment work is about to begin, but the sect's current condition may make it difficult to attract quality prospects..."
Problems were thrown out one by one, like heavy boulders pressing onto Xiao Qi's heart. All things awaited renewal, with thousands of threads to untangle. This was not simply a matter of repairing a few palaces or formations, but involved comprehensive reconstruction of resources, morale, inheritance, and future development direction.
His prestige was too high; he was now the "World-Purifying True Lord" honored throughout the Three Realms, and Qingxu Temple was accordingly honored as the "Foremost Orthodox Sect Under Heaven." This brought supreme glory but also enormous pressure. Countless eyes were watching Qingxu Temple, watching how he would steer this giant ship that had just weathered a storm. Doing well was expected; doing poorly would mean failing to live up to the reputation and could even damage the sect's prestige.
Xiao Qi carefully listened to each elder's report, occasionally asking key questions and exchanging quiet opinions with senior brother. He did not act arbitrarily because of his current cultivation and status; instead, he relied even more on senior brother's years of experience handling sect affairs.
"Regarding resources," Xiao Qi said after thinking for a moment, "before the Alliance aid arrives, first draw from my personal reserves for emergency use. At the same time, issue sect missions, encouraging disciples to take Alliance or external missions to earn resources and also hone themselves. Compensation matters are of the utmost importance and must be paid in full and on time. For families with difficulties, the sect can provide additional assistance as appropriate. Senior brother, please personally oversee this and ensure it is carried out."
He paused, then continued: "For branch temple matters, the Teaching Hall and Affairs Hall will jointly send capable personnel to visit each one, assess the actual situation, provide support accordingly, and stabilize morale. The repair of the mountain protection formation is listed as the sect's top priority. Concentrate the best resources and have second senior brother... Elder Luo Feng lead the design optimization, seeking not only to restore the former glory but to add new protective measures."
At the mention of second senior brother, the hovering puppet core flickered slightly, indicating acceptance of the order.
"As for new disciple recruitment..." Xiao Qi's gaze swept across everyone, "there's no need to belittle ourselves. Our Qingxu Temple survived the demonic tribulation without falling; our disciples fought bravely and protected the common people. This spirit is our best advertisement! When recruiting, don't judge solely by aptitude—emphasize character and perseverance! Let the world know that entering our Qingxu Temple means learning not just the Dao, but responsibility!"
His words were clear and organized, his decisions decisive, considering both immediate difficulties and long-term development while demonstrating the sect's magnanimity. The elders and stewards below, who had originally worn worried expressions, gradually brightened, gaining more confidence.
The meeting lasted an entire day, only temporarily concluding when night fell.
After everyone dispersed, in the empty (and still simple) hall, only Xiao Qi and senior brother remained.
Xiao Qi rubbed his brow, revealing a fatigue that was difficult to conceal. This was not just physical, but spiritual. Managing a sect consumed far more mental energy than fighting a Demonic Lord.
Senior brother looked at him, speaking gently: "Xiao Qi, don't be overly anxious. The sect's foundation remains, morale hasn't scattered, and with you here, all difficulties will eventually be overcome."
Xiao Qi gazed at the scattered lights of reconstruction gradually lighting up outside the hall, exhaling slowly: "I know, Senior Brother. It's just... I feel the burden on my shoulders has never been so heavy. This Qingxu Temple was protected with the lives of Master, Father, and countless fellow disciples. I cannot let it decline under my watch."
"You won't." Senior brother's tone was full of trust. "You have always been that Tang Xiaoqi who can create miracles."