From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 135 A Turning Point Arrives, Hope Rises

Deacon Wu's words were like a bolt of lightning, cleaving away the gloom that had settled in my heart. Senior? Could it be that Supreme Elder who has been in seclusion for many years? My heart pounded, and a strange hope welled up within me.

On the way to the cave, my steps were much lighter, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Along the way, I could still hear my disciples talking about me, but at this moment, their comments could no longer affect my mood.

When I arrived at the cave dwelling, the senior had been waiting for quite some time. He had white hair but a youthful face, and possessed an air of otherworldly wisdom; his deep eyes seemed to see through everything. I didn't beat around the bush and gave a detailed report of my plan, explaining my thoughts and reasons.

The senior listened quietly without saying a word. After I finished reporting, he pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Your plan is indeed bold, but it is not impossible."

My heart was in my throat, and I held my breath, waiting for his final verdict.

“However,” the senior paused, “it will be very difficult to implement and will require a huge price to pay.”

I quickly replied, "I'm willing to pay any price to save the Immortal Sect!"

My senior colleague looked at me, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "Good, it's good that you have this determination. I will support your plan."

The support from my seniors was a huge boost to my morale. I was so excited I could barely speak, and could only express my gratitude repeatedly.

However, things didn't go as smoothly as I had imagined. While I waited for the senior to officially announce his support for my plan, Elder Xuanfeng wasn't idle. He began to promote his own war plan within the sect and vehemently denigrate mine. Many disciples were incited by him and began to question my abilities and motives. My supporters dwindled, and even some disciples who had initially remained neutral began to side with Elder Xuanfeng.

I felt unprecedented pressure, as if a mountain was pressing down on me, making it hard for me to breathe.

What chilled me to the bone was that Junior Sister Chu had also joined the ranks of those opposing me. She led a group of opponents in a demonstration outside the council hall, demanding that Elder Xuanfeng take control of the Immortal Sect's affairs as soon as possible and completely oust me from the core of the Immortal Sect's power.

Looking at Junior Sister Chu's hostile face, I felt a deep sadness and helplessness. We were once best friends, but now we are like strangers.

I stood alone at the entrance of the council chamber, looking at the noisy crowd outside, feeling incredibly lonely and helpless.

Just then, the doors to the council hall opened, and Elder Mingyue walked out. She walked up to me, sighed, and said, "Xiao Yao, you..." She hesitated, then finally said only, "Come in."

I followed Elder Mingyue into the council hall. The atmosphere inside was solemn. Elder Xuanfeng sat upright, with Deacon Wu standing beside him, a smug smile on his face.

Elder Mingyue gestured for me to sit down, then slowly began, "Xiao Yao, regarding your proposal..."

Elder Mingyue's gaze swept back and forth between Elder Xuanfeng and me, finally settling on me with a hint of weariness and helplessness. "Xiao Yao, your plan, while having its merits, is too risky. The Immortal Sect is currently facing numerous crises both inside and outside the sect, and we cannot afford any failure."

My heart sank, and an ominous premonition welled up inside me. Elder Mingyue's tone was clearly beginning to waver.

Seeing this, Elder Xuanfeng immediately pressed his advantage. "Elder Mingyue is right! Xiao Yao's plan is simply child's play! What right does a novice like her have to influence the important affairs of the immortal sect?" He turned to me, his eyes filled with contempt and mockery. "Xiao Yao, I advise you to give up as soon as possible to avoid humiliating yourself!"

Deacon Wu also stepped forward and echoed, "Junior Sister Xiao Yao, Elder Xuanfeng is also thinking of the Immortal Sect. Your plan is indeed too risky. We cannot gamble with the future of the Immortal Sect." He once gave me a glimmer of hope when I was most helpless, but now he has completely sided with Elder Xuanfeng, which makes me feel extremely disappointed and heartbroken.

I gritted my teeth, suppressing the grief and indignation in my heart. "My plan is not child's play! I have given it careful consideration and have the support of my seniors!"

"Senior?" Elder Xuanfeng sneered. "Are you talking about that Supreme Elder who has been in seclusion for many years? He has been detached from worldly affairs for many years. How could he understand the current situation? Are you perhaps using the name of a senior to deceive us?"

His words pierced my heart like a sharp knife. I knew he was deliberately slandering me, but I was powerless to refute him.

Just then, a commotion arose outside the door. Senior Brother Lin stumbled in, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his face pale.

"Senior brother!" I exclaimed, rushing over to support him. "What happened? Who hurt you?"

Senior Brother Lin, panting heavily, pointed outside the door and said, "It's...it's Elder Xuanfeng's men! They said...that I colluded with you and plotted a rebellion..."

My anger, which I could no longer suppress, flared up fiercely. I abruptly raised my head, glaring at Elder Xuanfeng, "How dare you..."

Senior Brother Lin grabbed my hand and said weakly, "Xiao Yao, don't be impulsive! They outnumber us and we..."

Seeing my senior brother Lin injured filled me with anger and helplessness. I hated myself, hated my incompetence, hated that I couldn't protect my friend.

Elder Mingyue sighed and said, "Xiao Yao, you should step down for now. We will handle this matter."

Her tone had lost its previous hesitation and was now filled with resolve. I knew she had completely given up on me and my plan.

I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug deep into my palms, yet I felt no pain. I looked at Elder Mingyue, at Deacon Wu, at Elder Xuanfeng, at everything in this council hall, and my heart was filled with despair.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. I can't give up, I can't fall. For the Immortal Sect, for Senior Brother Lin, for everyone who supports me, I must persevere!

I slowly raised my head, my gaze fixed firmly on Elder Xuanfeng. "Elder Xuanfeng, do you think this will stop me? Let me tell you, I won't give up! I will prove that my plan is correct!" I turned and, supporting Senior Brother Lin, walked step by step out of the council hall. Outside, the sunlight was blinding, yet I felt no warmth.

Just when I was about to despair, an old and dignified voice came from behind me...

Outside, the sunlight was blinding, yet I felt no warmth. My anxiety for Senior Brother Lin's injuries was burning, and Elder Xuanfeng's arrogance fueled my fury. Was all my effort truly going to be in vain? Was the Immortal Sect truly destined to be destroyed by these stubborn individuals?

Just when I was about to despair, an old and dignified voice came from behind me: "Who dares to touch my people?"

I turned around abruptly and saw an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face slowly descending from the sky. He was dressed in a white Taoist robe, exuding an air of otherworldly grace, like a banished immortal.

"Supreme...Supreme Elder!" Everyone in the council hall was shocked. Even the usually arrogant Elder Xuanfeng showed a look of shock and fear.

This old man is none other than the Supreme Elder of the Immortal Sect, and the sole supporter of my plan. He has been in seclusion for many years, detached from worldly affairs, but I never expected him to emerge from seclusion today for my sake.

The Supreme Elder's gaze fell upon me, carrying a hint of appreciation and encouragement. "Xiao Yao, you have done very well. I have already reviewed your plan, and it is very insightful. Only your plan can resolve the current predicament of the Immortal Sect."

At this moment, my heart finally found peace. I took a deep breath and bowed deeply to the Supreme Elder, "Thank you for your support, Senior!"

The Supreme Elder turned to Elder Xuanfeng, his tone suddenly becoming stern, "Xuanfeng, as an elder, instead of contributing to the immortal sect, you make things difficult for the younger generation at every turn. What kind of behavior is this!"

Elder Xuanfeng's face was pale, and he stammered, "Grand...Grand Elder, I...I just..."

"What are you? You're only concerned with protecting your own rights, disregarding the safety of the Immortal Sect!" The Supreme Elder's voice, like a resounding bell, shook everyone present. "Xiao Yao's plan is the best option at present. If you dare to obstruct it again, you will be going against me!"

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Elder Xuanfeng's forehead. He hadn't expected the Supreme Elder to defend me so much, and he was momentarily flustered. He tried to refute, but under the Supreme Elder's imposing presence, he lacked confidence and could only lower his head, daring not to speak again.

As I watched this scene, my heart was filled with gratitude and excitement. I knew I had won. I had won the support of the Supreme Elder and won this debate.

Upon seeing this, Deacon Wu immediately changed his tune, and said to the Supreme Elder with a fawning expression, "Supreme Elder is wise! Junior Sister Xiao Yao's plan is indeed far-sighted. We were foolish before and failed to understand its profound meaning. Please forgive us, Supreme Elder!"

Elder Mingyue also came over and said to me, "Xiao Yao, I misunderstood you before. Your plan does have its merits. I will fully support you from now on."

I nodded, my heart filled with hope. I knew that my plan could finally be implemented.

I helped Senior Brother Lin to the Supreme Elder and explained the details of the plan to him one by one. The Supreme Elder listened attentively, nodding in agreement from time to time.

Those disciples who had initially opposed me were now silent. They knew that the appearance of the Supreme Elder had changed the situation. They dared not oppose me any longer and could only silently accept my plan.

Junior Sister Chu stood in the crowd, her face grim. She glared at me fiercely, then turned and left. I knew she wouldn't let it go so easily.

I took a deep breath and looked resolutely ahead. I knew my journey was long, and my challenges had only just begun. The Grand Elder patted my shoulder and said earnestly, "Xiao Yao, the road ahead is arduous. You must be prepared..." He paused, looked into the distance, and said meaningfully, "Some things are more complicated than you imagine..."

I helped Senior Brother Lin sit down beside me. The appearance of the Supreme Elder was undoubtedly a shot in the arm. The previously noisy council hall was now completely silent. Although Junior Sister Chu and the others looked displeased, they dared not act presumptuously in front of the Supreme Elder. I took a deep breath to calm my excited emotions and unfurled the scroll of the plan again. This time, everyone's eyes were focused on me, with scrutiny, inquiry, and a hint of... awe.

"My plan, named 'Strategic Alliance,' aims to unite with other immortal sects to jointly resist the demon invasion..." I began to explain the details of the plan, from which immortal sects to unite with, to how to allocate resources, and how to formulate a battle plan. To make it easier for everyone to understand, I also specially drew a map, clearly marking the geographical location and sphere of influence of each immortal sect.

As I explained, I observed everyone's reactions. Elder Mingyue nodded frequently, clearly agreeing with my plan; Deacon Wu, though still cautious, also showed a hint of appreciation in his eyes; even some disciples who had initially opposed it began to seriously consider it.

I know that the support of the Supreme Elder is only the first step; there is still a long way to go before my plan can be truly implemented. First, I need to persuade other immortal sects to join the alliance, which is no easy task. Each sect has its own interests to consider, and getting them to put aside their prejudices and unite will require tremendous effort. Second, some specific measures in the plan, such as resource allocation and combat command, also need to be approved and cooperated with by all parties. The slightest carelessness could trigger new conflicts and contradictions.

"My plan is not perfect; there are still many details that need to be improved. I hope that all the elders and fellow disciples can offer valuable suggestions to improve this plan together, and contribute our strength for the future of the Immortal Sect and for our common home!" I said sincerely, my gaze sweeping over everyone, trying to arouse their sense of responsibility and mission.

The Supreme Elder stroked his beard and nodded approvingly, "Xiao Yao, your plan is very insightful and shows great courage. I believe you will succeed!"

A warmth filled my heart; the Supreme Elder's support had given me immense encouragement, but I dared not let my guard down. I noticed that although Elder Xuanfeng outwardly obeyed the Supreme Elder's instructions, a sinister glint flickered in his eyes, which made me vaguely uneasy.

After the meeting, I saw the Supreme Elder off from the council hall. He patted me on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Xiao Yao, you have a long way to go. Be careful and cautious, and never underestimate your enemies."

"I will keep your teachings in mind," I replied respectfully.

The Supreme Elder's figure gradually disappeared into the clouds. I turned back to the council hall, only to find that Elder Xuanfeng was the only one left. He was standing by the window with his back to me, gazing at the distant mountain peaks, lost in thought.

I stepped forward, about to speak, when I heard him mutter to himself, "Hmph, a little girl, daring to dream of changing the landscape of the immortal sects..."

My steps faltered abruptly, my heart sank, and an ominous premonition washed over me. What... was he saying?