Chapter 658: Xuan Turtle Lake, Douxuan Sect Headquarters
At this moment, the four elders all looked at Shen Mo with a trace of admiration.
Chen Nanxuan had already recounted everything that had happened earlier in full detail.
Shen Mo had killed three Nirvana Realm cultivators with twenty Dao patterns each in a single strike—his strength was easily at sixty patterns or above, enough to serve as a pillar of any first-class sect.
More impressively, Shen Mo could converse with Yun Que as though they were old friends.
That was what truly earned their respect.
Because of this, none of them acted arrogantly. Instead, they regarded Shen Mo as a figure superior to themselves.
"I am Bai Chuanliu, sect master of Douxuan Sect. Greetings, fellow Daoist."
"I am Shi Ping, Grand Elder of the Douxuan Sect. Greetings, fellow Daoist."
"I am Shi Kuan…"
"I am Mei Zhanpeng…"
After each introduced themselves, Sect Master Bai Chuanliu asked, "May I ask for your esteemed name, fellow Daoist?"
"Shen Mo."
Bai Chuanliu cupped his hands. "This is no place for discussion. Would you be willing to visit our sect headquarters to talk at length?"
"Naturally," Shen Mo nodded.
…
Xuan Turtle Lake.
This was one of countless lakes scattered across the western region of Eastern State.
Spanning a vast area and filled with dense spiritual energy, it had been the headquarters of the Douxuan Sect for over ten thousand years.
From above, Shen Mo overlooked the lake.
The surface rippled with waves, reeds swayed gently, and water birds frolicked.
Countless bamboo structures were built around Xuan Turtle Lake, perfectly enclosing it within.
At a glance, Shen Mo could tell these buildings were laid out in accordance with an array formation.
It had likely been established by a master of formations to serve as the sect's protective barrier.
If intruders appeared, the array hidden in the architecture and beneath the lake would immediately activate.
"Not bad. The formation is laid out quite exquisitely," Shen Mo nodded in approval.
Bai Chuanliu and the others were stunned, secretly astonished.
This black-robed cultivator had seen through their array formation with just a glance.
Clearly, he was also a master of formations!
"Nanxuan, Chen Ling—go fetch the other elders," Bai Chuanliu instructed.
Chen Nanxuan and Chen Ling nodded. "Understood."
Bai Chuanliu turned to Shen Mo and smiled. "Fellow Daoist, please follow me."
The main hall of Douxuan Sect was located to the south.
The disciples guarding the gate bowed respectfully the moment they saw Sect Master Bai Chuanliu.
Soon, a graceful female disciple brought over steaming tea and stood demurely at Shen Mo's side.
Bai Chuanliu, Shi Ping, and the others each took their seats, conversing with Shen Mo in a seemingly light-hearted manner.
In truth, they were subtly probing, trying to learn about Shen Mo's identity and lineage.
But Shen Mo had long seen through their intentions. He revealed nothing private.
Moments later, several figures swiftly arrived.
The leading few were all gray-haired, with steady steps—clearly more elders of the Douxuan Sect.
"Close the doors," Bai Chuanliu ordered.
The main hall's doors shut.
A total of ten elders took their seats.
The only disciples permitted to stay were Chen Nanxuan and Chen Ling.
"Sect Master, may I ask why you summoned us here?" one of the younger-looking elders asked.
"And who is this black-robed cultivator? Why has he been allowed into the main hall?" another elder questioned.
Bai Chuanliu waved his hand. "Nanxuan, you explain it. Be precise—know what to say and what not to."
As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Chen Nanxuan.
Chen Nanxuan nodded and proceeded to recount the events in the Mangcang Mountains from beginning to end.
But matters that shouldn't be mentioned—such as Shen Mo's agreement with Yun Que—he didn't utter a single word.
Once he finished, the elders were silent for a long time.
The way they looked at Shen Mo had shifted entirely—to one of awe.
The Mangcang Mountains were the largest and most ancient mountain range in Eastern State.
Within its bounds, ruler-class beast kings roamed freely.
It was said that even Yun Que had only come to the outer regions after losing a battle with a more powerful overlord deep within the range.
The Mangcang Mountains were so terrifying that even cultivators at the Supreme Realm dared not venture deep inside.
And yet this black-robed cultivator had survived there for so long—and even earned Yun Que's friendship.
He was anything but ordinary.
The elders of the Douxuan Sect were now thoroughly convinced by Shen Mo's strength and character.
What's more, destroying Shaoyang Manor aligned perfectly with the sect's core interests.
Their goals matched—so naturally, they would join forces.
Bai Chuanliu rose solemnly and declared, "Daoist Shen, in my capacity as sect master of the Douxuan Sect, I invite you to serve as our sect's consecrated protector."
"And not just any protector—one of Heavenly Rank!"
Most sects had the position of 'protector' or 'consecrated elder'.
This identity existed outside the formal sect hierarchy—they were not considered full members of the sect.
However, they received a monthly stipend and were expected to assist the sect in times of crisis.
Typically, protectors possessed formidable strength.
Some powerful cultivators even held such positions in several small sects at once.
Their very name served as a protective talisman for those sects.
Naturally, protector status was divided into three grades: Human, Earth, and Heavenly.
By directly appointing Shen Mo as a Heavenly-Rank Protector, Bai Chuanliu was showing the highest level of respect—giving him great face.
Since there's no reason to turn down a kind gesture—
And Shen Mo did, in fact, need a temporary place to stay—
He nodded slightly. "Very well."
Bai Chuanliu and the Douxuan Sect elders all clapped with joy, celebrating Shen Mo's official entry into the sect.
Chen Nanxuan thought for a moment, then leaned in and whispered something into Bai Chuanliu's ear.
After listening, Bai Chuanliu nodded in full agreement.
"Everyone!"
Bai Chuanliu spoke aloud, pressing down with both hands to quiet the room.
Once silence fell, he addressed them earnestly. "Protector Shen is our sect's trump card against Shaoyang Manor. He must not be exposed."
"To avoid arousing Shaoyang Manor's suspicions and investigations, I hereby declare: no one present today is permitted to reveal anything about Protector Shen's true status."
"To the outside world, he is merely a Human-Rank Protector. Internally, he will enjoy the highest Heavenly-Rank status and privileges."
The moment he finished speaking, the elders all nodded in agreement.
"Well said!"
"This must have been Nanxuan's idea—truly meticulous."
"We must keep Protector Shen thoroughly hidden. Presenting him as a Human-Rank Protector is the perfect cover."
"Our counterattack still needs time—perhaps as little as three to five years, perhaps as long as two or three decades. During that time, Protector Shen will have to put up with this modest appearance."
Soon after, the meeting concluded and the elders dispersed.
Under Bai Chuanliu's instructions, Shen Mo was led by Chen Nanxuan and Chen Ling through the bamboo pavilions to an underground area—ultimately arriving at a subterranean cultivation chamber.
Shen Mo nodded with approval. "Not bad. Building a cultivation chamber directly beneath the lake—clever indeed."
Chen Nanxuan explained respectfully, "There are thirty-six chambers beneath the lake, ranked by tier. Only the sect master, elders, and core disciples have access to the Heavenly-Rank chambers."
"My master—the sect master—has specifically vacated his own chamber and offered it to you."
Shen Mo nodded again.
So, Bai Chuanliu really knows how to conduct himself.
He had clearly seen Shen Mo's potential and was now betting on him.
"Good. Go tell Sect Master Bai that I'm very satisfied."
As he stepped inside the chamber, Shen Mo said calmly, "I will enter seclusion. No one is to disturb me."
"Yes, sir. My younger sister will guard the chamber next door," Chen Nanxuan replied solemnly.
Chen Ling added earnestly, "Senior Shen, I won't let anyone disrupt your peace!"
Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction.
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