Chu Xuan even noticed that people from Wuyou Valley were sent, and thought to himself that Lady Baihua really had some guts. If they dare to invite you, you dare to come, right?

At this moment, an elderly man with white hair and a white beard, wearing a crane robe, rode on a spiritually intelligent white deer, leading a large group of people flying in from afar.

Chu Xuan had never seen this person before, but Qingqing had long complained to him about how hypocritical this guy was—it must be none other than Shou Xuzi.

Indeed, as soon as this person arrived, guests enthusiastically came forward to chat with him. Shou Xuzi stroked his beard and responded with a smile, not neglecting anyone who spoke to him, already projecting some of the demeanor of a sect leader.

The disciples he brought quickly formed ranks on the square, but were distinctly separate from the existing disciples. When both sides locked eyes, there was a faint sense of hostility.

The neutral faction disciples had already been waiting in the field, but they all maintained a stoic posture, cross-legged, as if they were meditating. Contrary to the guests’ expectations, they hadn’t yet taken any action to suppress the Sect Leader’s faction to support Shou Xuzi’s group.

Next to arrive was Ancestor Youxu, a senior with an extremely high level of cultivation and status.

But unlike Shou Xuzi, he wasn’t flamboyant. He merely leaned on a [Nine Netherworld Wooden Staff], walking slowly with the support of several younger followers, like an old man on the verge of death, strolling unhurriedly from behind the hall.

Seeing this elder, who exuded an aura of death, everyone present showed solemn respect. After all, he was a giant who had dominated the cultivation world for over two thousand years, one of the current pillars of the Li’an Demon Sect.

Chu Xuan saw this person and furrowed his brows slightly, silently raising his guard. If he wanted to take Qingqing away today, this person would likely be his biggest obstacle.

As soon as Shou Xuzi saw the ancestor arrive, he quickly smiled and stepped forward to greet him.

However, Li Chengfeng slightly blocked him, indicating that the Supreme Elder didn’t need to be so enthusiastic.

This left Shou Xuzi somewhat flabbergasted. Just yesterday, when he and Ancestor Youxu conferred privately, the other party did not have this attitude.

Fortunately, at that moment, the ancestor gave him a glance in secret, and Li Chengfeng also privately transmitted his voice, saying: "My ancestor said that with so many outsiders watching today, we should make everything look presentable."

Shou Xuzi understood, realizing that this old fellow was someone who cared deeply about appearances. It wasn’t like they were proactively staging a coup; it was Yao Yufei’s stupidity that exposed her flaws.

So Shou Xuzi only greeted Ancestor Youxu with a bow and exchanged a few pleasantries, then invited him to join in front of the Li’an Hall, standing on opposite sides.

The elders and supreme elders within the sect were already waiting in front of the hall, each with a solemn expression.

Everyone looked up, and atop the thirty-six steps, the doors of the great hall were tightly closed until all the elders shouted in unison, "Welcome, Sect Leader!"

Countless disciples on the square knelt on one knee simultaneously, cupping their hands as they shouted, "Welcome the Sect Leader!"

The sound reverberated, roaring like mountains and seas.

The bronze-gold doors of the great hall finally drew back in unison, and a mature, alluring, yet dangerous woman in a black long-sleeved dress gracefully stepped out of the hall.

There was an innate mesmerizing power about her, making her seem both divine and ghostly, like a goddess or a demoness, difficult to approach.

Despite the Sect Leader’s beauty, most people present were more afraid of her, knowing full well that she was a bewitching snake with extreme ruthlessness.

As soon as Yao Yufei appeared, she lightly waved her hand to everyone in the square, "No need for formalities."

The disciples only then got up.

Then Yao Yufei chuckled lightly, "Today, as all fellow cultivators come to observe our Demon Sect, I, the Sect Leader, feel deeply honored."

"In the twenty-two years I’ve temporarily managed the Li’an Demon Sect, I’ve been diligent day and night, dressing early and retiring late, not daring to slack off in the slightest, ensuring I didn’t let down the foundation laid by those before me and have managed the Demon Sect effectively..."

For this opening speech, everyone listened with little interest—it was nothing more than boasting about her achievements. But since she’s about to step down, who cares what she’s done?

Shou Xuzi listened with a cold smile, thinking: If it weren’t to make this transition look nice, claiming moral high ground, how could you sit here gloating? 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

After some lengthy declarations, Yao Yufei finally turned the topic to the main issue:

"Although I believe I have done my duty, I clearly stated when I took the position that I was only acting as Sect Leader. If an outstanding candidate appeared, I would naturally step down."

"Now, with the time ripe, I announce that from today, Yao Yufei will officially resign as Acting Sect Leader!"

These words surprised many guests.

Many disciples in the field were also shocked, especially those from the Sect Leader’s faction, filled with panic. How could this be? Is the Sect Leader conceding? Will we be purged?

Some were deeply disappointed with Yao Yufei; some regretted not switching sides to Shou Xuzi earlier; a few staunchly believed the Sect Leader wouldn’t just give up and that a battle was inevitable!

Chu Xuan also furrowed his brows slightly, stepping down? What is this woman scheming? Even after retrieving the Saintess, she is handing over the position.

Shou Xuzi smiled knowingly, thinking: Just as the ancestor said, this woman has compromised.

He cleared his throat, ready to step out to say a few words, gain favor, and seamlessly take the sect leader position.

Unexpectedly, Yao Yufei suddenly turned to face the Li’an Hall, her voice carrying a hint of fervor, "Welcome the Saintess!"