"Little Fang, we've been away from the Yi Zhuang for a long time. It's time to return!"
Seeing Shi Jian personally kill Xuan Kui and avenge his past grievances, Mao Xiaofang nodded in agreement to leave Gantian Town.
Just as the three prepared to use instantaneous movement to return to Gantian Town for a final farewell with Zhong Bang and Zhong Jun.
Suddenly, a small golden bird materialized through magic flew beside Shi Jian, transforming into several large golden characters.
"Eldest Senior Brother, the Sect Leader has passed away. Please return to the sect quickly to oversee the situation."
"Master has passed away?"
Upon hearing the news of the purple-robed old Daoist's demise, Shi Jian looked utterly incredulous.
The purple-robed old Daoist's essence, qi, and spirit were relatively stable. It was impossible for him to pass away in such a short time; he should have had at least a few more years.
However, the golden bird was a communication spell of Maoshan, and the news could be basically confirmed as true.
"There's no time. I must quickly return to Chenjia Town to pick up Ah Wei."
With his heart filled with urgency, Shi Jian, along with Mao Xiaofang and Zhong Bang, used instantaneous movement and rushed back to Chenjia Town without delay.
As the head disciple, Shi Jian was obligated to preside over the entire ritual due to the passing of the purple-robed old Daoist.
Of course, the most important event was the succession ceremony for the next leader of Maoshan.
Within the entire Maoshan, Shi Jian possessed the strongest cultivation and also held the sect's token, the Taiqing Whisk, and the Shangqing Sect Leader's Jade Pendant.
The next leader of Maoshan was undoubtedly him!
"Master, Senior Brother, why did you take so long to return? And who is this little baby you brought?"
Ah Wei, lying in the rocking chair, looked puzzled as he saw Shi Jian return with Zhong Bang.
Logically, dealing with a zombie king like Xuan Kui should only take one or two days.
"What 'little baby'? He is your Senior Brother's disciple, and also your junior nephew."
"Stop lying there. Something big has happened at Maoshan. Hurry and come with me to Maoshan."
Shi Jian, with no time to explain to Ah Wei, prepared to use instantaneous movement to take the three to Maoshan.
"Wait a moment, Master. We need to find someone to guard the Yi Zhuang, don't we?"
"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten. You stay here. I'll find someone to guard the Yi Zhuang."
To prevent the demonic infant statue within the Yi Zhuang from being stolen, Shi Jian quickly found an old man experienced in guarding Yi Zhuang.
After giving the old man a few instructions and reminding the little zombie not to leave the Yi Zhuang, Shi Jian, along with Mao Xiaofang, Ah Wei, and Zhong Bang, rushed to Maoshan.
"Eldest Senior Brother, the Sect Leader has passed away. Please accept our condolences!"
The junior disciples outside, hearing of the purple-robed old Daoist's demise, had all rushed to Maoshan.
This was not only because of the purple-robed old Daoist's passing but also because the next leader of the Shangqing Sect was to be chosen.
Therefore, Uncle Jiu and the others had to arrive within the specified time, wearing their ceremonial robes, to make full preparations for the rituals in the coming days.
"Understood. We will now prepare for the rituals. We will discuss other matters after the ceremony concludes."
Then, led by Shi Jian, the ritual for the purple-robed old Daoist began.
Several hours later, the ritual finally concluded.
After burying the purple-robed old Daoist, everyone proceeded to the Nine Heavens Palace.
Among those present were several of Shi Jian's martial uncles!
"The Sect Leader has passed away. We must quickly choose the next leader to preside over the Shangqing Sect."
"I believe Shi Jian, possessing the Taiqing Whisk and the Sect Leader's Jade Pendant, is the undisputed next leader. Does anyone have any objections?"
An old Daoist in yellow robes was the first to speak in front of everyone, supporting Shi Jian as the next Sect Leader.
Several junior disciples present nodded in agreement, highly endorsing these words.
They did not want to cause internal strife within the sect over the position of Sect Leader.
Besides, the position of Sect Leader had always been for the most capable, and none of them were Shi Jian's match.
"Martial Uncle speaks wisely. We all support Eldest Senior Brother as the next Sect Leader."
Several junior disciples in yellow and red robes unanimously supported Shi Jian's selection as Sect Leader.
Among the assembled disciples, Sikong Yu, who had always been unconvinced, was displeased.
"Martial Brother Sikong, why the glum expression? Could it be that you are unhappy with my becoming the Sect Leader?"
Faint purple-red lightning flickered in Shi Jian's hand!
"I dare not, I dare not. Senior Brother becoming the Sect Leader, I am overjoyed. How could I possibly be unhappy?"
The purple-red light was precisely what Sikong Yu saw, and he abandoned his thought of challenging Shi Jian.
He had made some progress in his 'Shrinking Ground into an Inch' technique and had intended to challenge Shi Jian.
Unexpectedly, Shi Jian presented him with a great surprise on the spot by revealing the Evil-Slaying Divine Thunder, which was even more powerful than the Purple Heaven Divine Thunder.
Fortunately, he hadn't voiced his dissent, or he would have surely faced another beating.
"Since you all agree, Martial Nephew Shi Jian will be appointed the next leader of Maoshan starting next month."
An elder in yellow robes, of higher seniority, officially announced the selection of the Sect Leader in front of everyone from the Nine Heavens Palace.
Upon seeing the Sect Leader's successor determined, everyone quickly stood up and congratulated the present Shi Jian.
"May blessings be boundless. Congratulations, Eldest Senior Brother, on being selected as the leader of Maoshan Shangqing Sect."
"May blessings be boundless. Congratulations, Martial Nephew, on being selected as the leader of Maoshan Shangqing Sect."
At this moment, Shi Jian felt both excitement and sorrow.
After years of hard work and dedication, he had finally become the leader of Maoshan with the Taiqing Whisk today.
Once a teacher, forever a father. At the same time, he had lost someone extremely important in his life.
Despite being appointed the Sect Leader of Maoshan Shangqing Sect, there was no smile on his face; instead, there was more sadness and remembrance.
"Martial Nephew, you shall prepare yourself during this period."
"We will inform other sects during this time to come and witness the ceremony of the Shangqing Sect's new leader."
Standing within the Nine Heavens Palace, Shi Jian returned the salutes to his martial uncles and junior disciples.
He then left the Nine Heavens Palace to make ample preparations for the Sect Leader succession ceremony a month later.
Sikong Yu, Uncle Jiu, and the others also became busy, sending invitations to various sects.
Among them were the Heavenly Master's Mansion, the Dragon Gate Sect, the Divine Firmament Sect, Jingming, and Gaze Soap Mountain, among others.
Considering the slight differences between Quanzhen and Zhengyi Daoist priests, the accompanying ingredients for their reception also needed to be prepared in advance.
Throughout that month, the entire Maoshan was bustling with activity, and the preparations were nearing completion with the arrival of the various sects.
"Master, all the major sects have arrived!"
"I am aware. You may wait outside for now!"
Within the Nine Heavens Palace, Shi Jian, clad in black and white Daoist robes, held the Taiqing Whisk, and the Shangqing Sect Leader's Jade Pendant around his neck, was paying homage to the statues of the Three Immortals of Maoshan.
After paying respects to the three founding ancestors, he turned around to welcome the impending Sect Leader succession ceremony.