A Useless Person's Rise to Power

Chapter 17 Sect Power Struggle, Secret Medicine Exchanged as a Bond of Love

The news that Qin Zhan had outmaneuvered Zhao Tianyou in three moves on the training ground and then punished him as a negative example for the outer sect spread like wildfire throughout the three peaks of the Qingyun Sect in less than half an hour.

Some people laughed at Zhao Tianyou for overestimating his abilities and bringing shame upon himself.

Some people praised Qin's brilliant military tactics, which combined kindness and force.

But most people know in their hearts—

This battle was not just about saving face, but also a power struggle between Zhao Canghai's faction and Qin Zhan.

Qin Zhan and Su Qingyuan returned to the inner sect's head disciple's residence side by side. As soon as they sat down, a close disciple came to report.

"First Master, Elder Zhao Canghai has already headed straight for the Elder Hall, looking furious. He threatened to publicly question you, saying that you publicly humiliated a core direct descendant, disregarded the elders' dignity, and disrupted the sect's order."

Qin Zhan picked up the spiritual tea on the table, took a sip, and looked as indifferent as if he were listening to a trivial matter.

"He got angry out of embarrassment."

Su Qingyuan frowned slightly, sitting to the side, her white robes flowing, her demeanor aloof: "Zhao Canghai has been in charge of punishments in the sect for many years, with trusted disciples throughout the inner and outer sects, and he is also on good terms with several veteran elders. If he makes trouble in the Elder Hall, he will definitely unite with everyone to put pressure on you. At best, he will make you withdraw your punishment of Zhao Tianyou; at worst, he will take the opportunity to weaken your power of punishment and shake your foundation as the head of the sect."

Her words were full of worry.

Although Qin Zhan now has strength and prestige, in terms of sect seniority and factional foundation, he is still far inferior to Zhao Canghai, who has cultivated his roots for decades.

If things really escalate to a heated debate in the Elders' Hall, they might not have the upper hand.

Qin Zhan put down his teacup, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, but his mind was already fully prepared:

"If he wants to fight, I will fight with him. But Zhao Canghai is cunning and calculating, and he won't just rely on the excuse of 'the grandson being humiliated'. He will definitely take the opportunity to bring up old grievances, saying that I act domineeringly, act arbitrarily, win people over, and cultivate a private faction, making a big fuss about a small matter and escalating the private feud to the point of shaking the stability of the sect."

He sneered inwardly:

The old man wants to play politics and use sect rules to suppress this rising force. He's certainly got a clever plan.

Unfortunately, he forgot one thing—

Now, I not only have the support of the Grand Elder and the favor of the Holy Maiden, but also the support of all the disciples in the sect.

If things really come to a head, it will only be his Zhao family who lose face.

Su Qingyuan said softly, "I will go to the Elder Hall with you. As the Holy Maiden, I have a voice and can say a few words on your behalf."

Qin Zhan glanced at her, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

The power struggles within sects are extremely dangerous; one wrong move could lead to utter ruin. Knowing the danger, she was still willing to stand by his side and face it together.

This sentiment goes far beyond the bond between fellow students.

"With you here, I naturally feel more confident." Qin Zhan smiled slightly and said no more.

The two straightened their clothes and headed straight for the Elder Hall on the main peak.

Along the way, the disciples all turned their heads to look at him with awe, but also with a hint of wanting to watch the spectacle.

Everyone knows that the factional strife within the Qingyun Sect, which has been dormant for many years, will be brought to the forefront because of today's events.

Many disciples secretly thought to themselves:

On one side is Elder Zhao Canghai, who holds real power and is deeply entrenched in the sect; on the other side is the newly emerged Inner Sect Leader with unparalleled combat prowess.

Who will emerge victorious in this clash?

Now that Qin Zhan has just secured his position as the top leader, will he be kicked out by the established forces as soon as he has gained a foothold?

Zhao Canghai was already waiting in the Elder Hall.

The atmosphere inside the hall was oppressive. The seven elders stood on the left and right, with the eldest elder sitting upright on one side of the main seat, his face solemn.

Zhao Canghai, dressed in a gray robe and with a livid face, slammed his hand on the armrest and spoke sharply as soon as Qin Zhan and Su Qingyuan entered:

"Qin Zhan! Do you know your crime?!"

The voice was loud and clear, causing the spiritual energy inside the hall to fluctuate slightly, clearly indicating that the speaker intended to seize the high ground of momentum from the very beginning.

Qin Zhan bowed respectfully, his expression neither humble nor arrogant: "I don't know what Elder Zhao means by this. What crime have I committed?"

"What crime have you committed?" Zhao Canghai stood up abruptly, pointing at Qin Zhan, his voice stern and fierce. "As the head of the inner sect, instead of setting a good example, you publicly humiliated your own disciple, sent Zhao Tianyou to the outer sect as a negative example, and wantonly trampled on the dignity of the direct line! Do you still have any regard for the sect's rules, for me as the enforcement elder, or for all the other elders?"

He paused, then his voice suddenly rose, getting straight to the heart of the matter:

"I think you're not punishing Zhao Tianyou, you're punishing me! You're using this as an excuse to provoke the authority of my Enforcement Lineage! You're already so arrogant and domineering now that you've just taken office, won't you try to control everything and run rampant in the future?"

What a big hat!

They detained Qin Zhan in public and directly characterized his actions as provoking the elders, disrespecting the sect, and attempting to seize power.

Once confirmed, the punishment ranges from being stripped of the head disciple's position to having their cultivation abolished and being expelled from the sect.

Several elders who were on good terms with Zhao Canghai immediately nodded in agreement.

"Elder Zhao is absolutely right. Qin Zhan acted too hastily and was unfair."

"Punishing disciples is acceptable, but such humiliation is inappropriate and damages the sect's reputation."

"The punishment against Zhao Tianyou should be immediately revoked, and he should personally visit Zhao to apologize before this matter can be considered closed."

Each word was like a sharp blade, stabbing directly at Qin Zhan.

Su Qingyuan's heart tightened, and she was about to speak when Qin Zhan spoke first, his voice calm yet clear, each word piercing the heart:

"Elder Zhao's words are too biased and too hasty."

His gaze swept across the entire room, unhurried and composed:

"First, Zhao Tianyou blocked the road in public and provoked the head of the inner sect. According to the sect's rules, he should have had his cultivation abolished and been expelled from the sect. I spared his life and only punished him with a lecture and reflection, which is already an act of leniency."

"Secondly, he challenged me first and was defeated later. He was less skilled and had ulterior motives. He attempted to use his power to undermine my authority as the head disciple and sow discord among the sect's disciples. My punishment of him as a negative example is precisely to warn future generations. What is wrong with that?"

"Third, Elder Zhao, without even asking right or wrong, immediately accused me of 'abuse of power.' Is this in accordance with the sect's rules, or is it to protect your own and show favoritism, for the private benefit of your Zhao family?"

Three consecutive rhetorical questions directly blocked Zhao Canghai's offensive and even countered with a strike, directly accusing him of abusing his power for personal gain and favoring his relatives.

Zhao Canghai's expression changed, and he shouted angrily, "That's sophistry! Utter nonsense!"

The Grand Elder spoke slowly, his voice booming like a bell, silencing the clamor of the room: "Enough!"

He looked at Zhao Canghai with a stern gaze: "Qin Zhan acted according to the rules, and his handling of the matter was fair and appropriate. Zhao Tianyou violated the rules first and then provoked others; Qin Zhan's lenient punishment was already more than enough. As an elder in charge of law enforcement, why did you not restrain your disciple but instead take this opportunity to cause trouble? What is your intention?"

The Grand Elder's lineage had always been strongly supporting Qin Zhan, so they naturally stood on Qin Zhan's side without hesitation.

The hall instantly split into two factions: one supporting Qin Zhan and the other favoring Zhao Canghai. They argued endlessly, and the atmosphere became tense.

Qin Zhan stood in the hall, calmly observing:

This is the true face of power struggles within sects.

There is no right or wrong, only positions; there is no justice, only interests.

The Grand Elder needs me as a sharp weapon to suppress Zhao Canghai's faction; Zhao Canghai wants to suppress me to protect his power and territory.

And I am at the center of this game.

He sneered inwardly:

You want to use me as a pawn?

Then I will be the one holding the chessboard, stepping out of the game and turning the tables on my opponent.

Qin Zhan spoke again, his voice steady and resolute:

"Elders, the Great Dynasty Tournament is approaching, and the surrounding sects are eyeing us covetously. The Blood Shadow Sect and other hostile forces are also waiting for an opportunity to strike. If the sects do not unite and work together at this time, but instead fight each other for their own selfish interests, it will only deplete our strength and make our friends suffer while our enemies rejoice."

His gaze fell on Zhao Canghai, carrying a faint hint of pressure:

"If Elder Zhao truly cares about the Qingyun Sect, he should restrain the disciples and strictly abide by the sect rules, instead of showing favoritism and inciting factional strife. If you insist on making things difficult for me, then I, Qin Zhan, will fight to the end. But if the sect's reputation is damaged and morale is low, can you bear that responsibility?"

In short, it stands directly on the high ground of the sect's greater cause.

In an instant, Zhao Canghai was cornered.

Zhao Canghai's face turned pale and then red, and he was so angry that he trembled all over, but he was speechless.

He dared to target Qin Zhan, but dared not bear the infamy of "bringing chaos to the sect".

In the end, he could only angrily flick his sleeve and shout, "Fine! What a sharp-tongued Qin Zhan! I'll remember this! We'll see!"

Having said that, he turned away angrily and stormed off.

Upon seeing this, the elders from various factions in the Elder Hall dispersed one after another, and Qin Zhan effortlessly defused a fierce power struggle.

The elder looked at Qin Zhan with admiration in his eyes: "Good lad, you are brave and resourceful, and have a calm temperament. You will surely achieve great things in the future. The Zhao Canghai lineage will definitely not let this go. You must be careful and guard against their underhanded tricks, poisoning, assassination, framing and other dirty tricks."

Qin Zhan nodded: "Disciple understands, thank you for the reminder, Elder."

After leaving the Elder Hall, only Qin Zhan and Su Qingyuan remained on the mountain path.

A gentle mountain breeze stirred, and the setting sun cast long shadows of the two figures, creating a quiet yet ambiguous atmosphere.

Su Qingyuan breathed a soft sigh of relief, a hint of relaxation appearing on her beautiful face: "It's all over now. Zhao Canghai suffered such a huge loss, he will definitely hold a grudge. You must be extra careful in the future. Their lineage is most skilled at secretly poisoning and setting traps, making them impossible to guard against."

Qin Zhan felt a slight stirring in his heart as he looked at her worried expression.

From guarding the Black Wind Canyon to supporting him in the Elder Hall, and now to always thinking of him.

This woman had already taken him to heart.

As if remembering something, Su Qingyuan flipped her hand, revealing a small, pure white jade bottle in her palm.

The bottle is engraved with fine cloud patterns and emits a faint, refreshing fragrance, making it instantly recognizable as an extraordinary product.

She gently handed the jade bottle to Qin Zhan, her earlobes slightly red, her tone soft yet incredibly earnest:

"Please accept this."

Qin Zhan raised an eyebrow: "What's this?"

"This is a secret medicine passed down through my Su family, the Qingxuan Poison-Avoiding Pill," Su Qingyuan explained softly. "Taking one pill internally can neutralize seventy percent of the world's rare poisons; wearing it close to the body for a long time can ward off evil spirits and miasma, stabilize the mind, and warn of impending danger. Zhao Canghai's lineage will definitely use poison to harm you, so having this on you can at least keep your life safe."

Qin Zhan was startled.

He was well aware of how precious this ancestral secret medicine was; it was the Holy Maiden's most treasured life-saving artifact, its value comparable to ancient spiritual objects.

Su Qingyuan, however, did not hesitate and gave it to him directly.

This is not just a bottle of medicine; it is clearly a sincere heart and a deep concern.

The surroundings were deserted, and the atmosphere quietly warmed up.

The setting sun was gentle, the mountain breeze was tranquil, and feelings silently spread between the two.

Looking into her clear and earnest eyes, Qin Zhan did not refuse and reached out to take the jade bottle.

His fingertips brushed against hers unintentionally, and a soft, delicate touch came over him, causing them both to pause slightly.

Su Qingyuan's cheeks flushed instantly. She quickly withdrew her hand, lowered her head, and her heart began to race.

Qin Zhan gripped the jade bottle tightly in his hand, feeling a warm current flow from his palm straight to his heart.

He looked at the stunningly beautiful, shy woman before him, his voice low and sincere:

"I accept this generous gift. Qingyuan, I will remember this kindness."

There were no boastful vows, no sweet words, but every word was solemn.

Su Qingyuan looked up and gazed into his deep eyes, seeing the warmth and earnestness within them. Her heart warmed, and she nodded gently, "As long as you are safe, that's all that matters."

Six simple words are worth more than a thousand.

From the initial surprise and admiration during their chance encounter in the sect, to fighting side by side in Black Wind Canyon, and now to their unwavering loyalty amidst the power struggles.

The feelings between the two had already naturally developed, only a thin veil remained between them and what was revealed.

Qin Zhan thought to himself:

Zhao Canghai, you want to fight me with power struggles and schemes.

Then I will grant your wish.

Today you sow evil seeds, tomorrow I will make you swallow bitter fruit.

Once I have complete control of the sect's power, I will definitely eliminate this cancer that has plagued the Qingyun Sect for so many years.

He looked at Su Qingyuan, his eyes filled with tenderness: "It's getting late, I'll take you home."

Su Qingyuan gave a soft "hmm" and did not refuse.

The two walked side by side on the Qingyun Mountain path, no longer speaking, yet there was no awkwardness.

Their figures were close together, their steps in sync, like a pair of Daoist lovers who had long understood each other.

They walked in silence, yet it spoke volumes.

Qin Zhan knew clearly in his heart:

This battle brought the power struggle within the sects to the surface, revealing that Zhao Canghai's lineage was irreconcilably at odds with them.

The road ahead is fraught with danger, and danger lurks everywhere.

But he had Su Qingyuan by his side, the support of the Grand Elder, and the support of all the disciples of the sect.

He is certain to win this battle between sects.

And his relationship with Su Qingyuan became clear in this storm, and they quietly fell in love.

The prestige of the inner sect leader has been established, the initial victory in the power struggle within the sect has been achieved, a beautiful woman has offered him her heart, and a secret medicine is kept close at hand to protect his life.

Qin Zhan's path in the Qingyun Sect became increasingly smooth, and he drew ever closer to the core of power.

Little did he know that after Zhao Canghai returned to his residence, his face dark and brooding, he coldly gave orders to his trusted disciples:

"Since we can't do anything to him openly, we'll have to do it secretly."

Prepare the rare poison "Spirit-Eating Powder" and find several assassins to ambush him on the path he must take during his seclusion.

I want Qin Zhan to live no more than three days!

An even more sinister assassination plot is quietly brewing...