Before any official document arrived from the Immortal Realm—
The doubt had already begun to spread.
Not loudly.
Not openly.
But precisely.
"Have you heard?"
"The Immortal Realm says the Mortal Sect Master has no orthodox cultivation lineage."
"He's just a mortal emperor."
No names mentioned.
Yet the blade struck directly at the core.
Council Hall — Mortal Sect
Shen Yan's brows furrowed.
"They're attacking legitimacy."
Su Wan scrolled through her phone lazily.
"Classic move."
"When they can't beat you…"
"…they question whether you deserve to stand there."
She looked up at Xiao Xuanyin.
"They're hinting the Mortal Sect needs a 'more qualified' leader."
Silence filled the hall.
Everyone understood the implication.
Replace him.
Xiao Xuanyin smiled.
Calm. Almost amused.
"And by what standard…"
"…do they intend to judge?"
Before anyone could respond—
A messenger rushed in.
"Sect Master! A joint petition has been submitted by several cultivators!"
Shen Yan's expression darkened.
"That fast?"
The petition was presented.
One line only:
Should the Sect Master publicly verify his cultivation qualifications and leadership legitimacy?
Su Wan burst out laughing.
"Wow."
"This is basically a thesis defense."
Shen Yan pinched the bridge of his nose.
"…Don't say that out loud."
Too late.
Whispers were already spreading.
"Maybe we should hold a public defense?"
"Open session. Let everyone feel reassured."
Shen Yan: "???"
Su Wan turned to Xiao Xuanyin.
"Your Majesty."
"Public sentiment has formed."
He was silent for a moment.
Then—
He sat down.
Not retreating.
Not conceding.
But in the manner of someone who had just decided—
Fine. Let's do this properly.
"Very well."
Two simple words.
The hall trembled.
Shen Yan nearly stood up.
"Your Majesty?!"
Xiao Xuanyin raised a hand.
"This is not a defense."
"It is an opportunity."
"For my people…"
"…to confirm for themselves."
Three Days LaterMortal Sect — Public Deliberation Grounds
The scale surpassed even a coronation ceremony.
No elevated throne.
The Sect Master's seat was placed at the center.
Xiao Xuanyin wore no dragon robes.
Only a dark sect uniform.
Simple.
Unadorned.
Su Wan sat at the side, phone recording.
Title clearly displayed:
"Sect Master Public Inquiry — Full Recording"
First Question
A young cultivator stepped forward.
"Sect Master."
"You are both Emperor and Sect Master."
"Will mortal authority interfere with cultivation fairness?"
Sharp.
Precise.
The Immortal Realm observers raised their brushes.
Ready.
Xiao Xuanyin did not answer immediately.
Instead—
He asked back.
"Do you believe I have?"
The young man froze.
Thought carefully.
"…No."
"Then your concern comes from where?"
"…From outside voices."
Xiao Xuanyin nodded.
"On the path of cultivation…"
"…outside voices will always be the loudest."
Second Question
"You were not born with the finest spiritual roots."
"You are not the strongest."
"Why do you deserve that seat?"
Su Wan almost laughed.
"Textbook question."
Xiao Xuanyin looked at the speaker.
"Why do you cultivate?"
"To become stronger."
"Is strength dependent solely on talent?"
Silence.
Xiao Xuanyin's voice remained steady.
"I am not the strongest."
"But I do not evade responsibility."
"When the sect faces crisis—"
"I am present."
"When the Mortal Realm trembles—"
"I am present."
"When the Immortal Realm presses down—"
"I am present."
No aura burst.
No suppression.
Yet something heavy settled in every heart.
Final Question
At last—
An Immortal Realm observer spoke.
"If one day…"
"The Immortal Realm formally denies your authority as Sect Master—"
"What then?"
The air froze.
Xiao Xuanyin answered without hesitation.
"Then let them deny it."
"Deny the one…"
"…already chosen by the Mortal Realm."
Su Wan added softly—
"And we have the recording."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
Tension shattered.
No Vote Was Held
Yet as the crowd dispersed—
Nearly every cultivator stopped.
Turned.
And bowed—
To the Sect Master's seat.
That Night — Immortal Realm
The full recording was received.
Reviewed.
Silence lingered for a long time.
Finally, someone spoke.
"He does not sit there because of qualification."
"He sits there because the people placed him there."
Deeper Still
In a chamber hidden beyond most celestial perception—
The true mastermind finally smiled coldly.
"If ideology cannot crush him…"
"Then we create a situation…"
"…where neutrality is impossible."
"A situation where he must choose a side."
Back in the Mortal Realm
Su Wan lowered her phone.
"Your Majesty."
"They're going to force us to pick."
Xiao Xuanyin rose.
His gaze was clear.
Unwavering.
"Then tell them this."
"The Mortal Sect…"
"…belongs to no realm."
"And kneels to none."