When Li Qiye finally got off the boat and began to walk on the steps, people finally noticed him.
This was because the two girls were too famous, the dream lovers for many men in the system. However, they walked behind him so this elevated his status even more.
âWho is that?â People quietly asked.
âI heard his last name is Li, the current First Disciple of the valley and the First Brother of the Three Ladies.â A friend had gotten wind of information about him.
âSince when did Longevity Sage take in a different First Disciple? Doesnât that spot belong to Fairy Fan?â A junior didnât know what was going on.
âThe First Disciple at the valley means inheriting everything from the sage and will be the future lord of the system.â An elder said: âAs far as I know, this position has been empty all along, so this guy came out of nowhere.â
People took a deep breath and the atmosphere became serious. The successor of the valley and the future ruler of the system? This was quite prestigious.
âThis guy appeared several days ago and controlled their ancestral pine tree to kill Everlastingâs Tutor Xiao.â A protector looked at Li Qiye and elaborated: âI think he has been the sageâs student all along, just not publicly announced.â
âI see. That sword pine is one of their three ancestral trees, personally cultivated by their progenitor. Earning its recognition is indeed amazing. Itâs not strange that he can become the First Disciple.â One ancestor nodded his head.
Disciples from the valley immediately greeted them as they made their way to the top. This was a sacred location so guards were always around.
âSenior Brother, Senior Sister, you guy are finally here. Senior Sister Fan said that itâs coming, but we are prepared well. We can light the incense now.â One of the disciples blurted out without pausing.
People have crowded the area for several days now but no one dared to come up before Longevity Valley. They waited for a long time and some have voiced their complaints.
Everlasting has done some damage to Longevityâs authority, so dissenting opinions became louder. People didnât take Longevity as serious as before.
âLetâs get started then.â Li Qiye calmly said.
âGet ready to open the cauldron for the incense lighting, First Brother will be in charge.â The disciple announced before leading Li Qiyeâs group towards the hut.
âIsnât Longevity Sage the first to do light the incense?â Someone immediately complained. Who knows if this was deliberate or just during the heat of the moment. Though it was more of a soft whisper, everyone clearly heard it. This person also immediately disappeared into the crowd and no one knew who it was.
âThatâs right, the first incense should be by the lord of the dao system, so only Longevity Sage.â Others echoed the sentiment.
âOnly the leader can light the first incense.â Some older cultivators found logic in this and nodded their head.
The atmosphere suddenly became strange. Someone clearly wanted to start trouble in order to weaken the valleyâs authority.
The sageâs injuries were no secret at this point so she couldnât personally come. This created a weak spot for opponents to break through.
âYes, the first incense has a special significance to our system, a symbol of authority, so only Longevity Sage can do it instead of some random nobody.â Another voice came from the crowd.
âHe canât light it, only Longevity Sage can.â Numerous members agreed.
âOur Senior Brother is the First Disciple of Longevity, inheriting our legacies and the systemâs authority in the future. It is completely suitable.â Mu Yalanâs expression turned cold as she announced.
This shut up many people in the crowd. Though she rarely showed her face, she was in charge of the medicine hall and had saved many people including ancestors. Thus, her reputation was golden.
âHah, if Longevity Sage canât come and a third-generation disciple has to do it, it should be Miracle Young Noble then. He is qualified to light the first incense, instead of this so-called First Disciple. The people wonât accept it.â A prideful voice broke the silence.
Poison King Huang Quanwei and his entourage made an entrance. A youth walked side by side with him, handsome and yet imperious with his eyes looking down on everyone.
âThe Poison King is here too.â The crowd naturally stared at them then at two more youths in the crowd - Hu Qingniu and Zhang Yan.
These two were here way early but only spectated to the side. Nevertheless, they were gleeful to see people causing trouble for Li Qiye. In fact, they wanted to fan the fire as well.
âAll Three Talents are here, should be fun.â Someone looked at the trio then back at Li Qiye.
These Three Talents were the most excellent prodigies in the system. They wouldnât be convinced of a First Disciple who came out of nowhere.
After all, this First Disciple would be the future lord. Many people would want to challenge him in order to make a name for themselves.
âWu Xianyi is here too.â Someone noticed the youth standing next to Quanwei.
âWhoâs that? Should be someone important since he can walk next to Poison King.â A newly debuted cultivator didnât know him.
âHmph, just a random guy who managed to find a big backing, now he looks down on everyone after leaving our system, forgetting all of his old friends.â Another spectator scowled with derision.
Quanwei came over and stared at Mu Yalan with desire in his eyes.
He changed quite a bit from last time, seemingly even more imposing or even arrogant. In other words, his confidence rose and he walked in a pompous manner now.
He looked around at the crowd and said: âIf Longevity Sage canât come to personally light the incense and it has to be someone from the third generation, I propose Miracle Young Noble. Heâs world-renowned and will become a True Emperor later on top of being a great pill alchemist. Thatâs more than enough to represent our system. What are your thoughts, gentlemen?â
âYouâre right, Miracle Young Noble is qualified to light the first bundle.â Someone else supported this claim: âWe canât have someone coming out of nowhere doing it.â
âYes, Iâm also in favor of Miracle Young Noble doing it.â Many parroted.
This was certainly a scheme. If Miracle Young Noble were to do it, he would successfully override Longevity Valleyâs authority, the first step of usurping.
Meanwhile, the older cultivators only wanted to watch, not wanting to be involved.
âI also feel that Miracle Young Noble is the right choice.â Zhang Yan smiled and said.
However, when he noticed Yalanâs cold glare, he coughed and added: âMiss Mu, Iâm only speaking the truth. The first incense represents our system, this requires great abilities. Our system is famous for its alchemy, and Miracle Young Noble is not only strong but also an amazing alchemist.â
These prodigies had a good relationship plus, Zhang Yan and Qingniu lost to Li Qiye earlier. They naturally wouldnât take his side.
Qingniu stepped out as well: âItâs fine if he wants to represent the system, but I want to have a competition of alchemy. The leader of the system must be good at pill-making, alchemy, and medicine in order to be recognized by the mass.â
âOur First Brother is unbeatable in all three fields and poison mastery too, he is more than enough to represent our sect and the system.â Yalan retorted.
Qingniu arched his chest and declared: âNothing would be better if thatâs the case. I will compete with him in medicine. If I lose, I will be the first to support him.â
Despite his eccentric and arrogant personality, Qingniu was a man of his words.