Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: I Have Acquaintances in the Heavenly Realm - Chapter 16

Wei Wuxian hadn’t expected Jin Guangyao’s death to have such a profound impact on Lan Xichen, to the point where Jin Guangyao had become a “heart demon.” Once a heart demon is formed, if it is not exorcised, it will eventually consume the person entirely. Wei Wuxian could not let that happen.

Taking their leave from the Hanshi, Wei Wuxian said as they walked, “Lan Zhan, Zewu-jun’s heart demon has taken hold. We must find a way to exorcise it as soon as possible.”

Lan Wangji’s brow furrowed. “Brother’s heart demon… is Jin Guangyao.”

Wei Wuxian nodded. “Yes. Lan Zhan, you go to the Yashitsu to see your uncle. I’ll head back to the Jingshi and wait for you. We need to plan Zewu-jun’s matter carefully.”

“Mhm,” Lan Wangji agreed.

As soon as Wei Wuxian returned to the Jingshi, he sat at the desk and began writing and drawing. The Twin Jades of Lan were truly too devoted and righteous—and Jin Guangyao knew this. Even in death, he wouldn’t let Lan Xichen go, forcing him to live in guilt so that Zewu-jun would never be able to forget him for the rest of his life.

The Yashitsu

After performing the customary salutation, Lan Wangji stood silently. Lan Qiren looked at him for a long time, his expression one of deep distress.

“Wangji, Wangji… you see Xichen’s current state. Many things are now beyond my strength. You must take on more of the clan’s responsibilities.”

“Yes, Uncle,” Lan Wangji replied.

Lan Qiren continued, “Since you have brought Wei Ying back to Cloud Recesses, he must strictly follow the sect rules. He cannot be allowed to act willfully anymore.”

Lan Wangji hesitated. “Uncle…”

Lan Qiren raised a hand. “Wangji, I know what is in your heart. But do not forget: you are Hanguang-jun! You are the Second Young Master of the Gusu Lan Clan! You are not just ‘Lan Zhan’ for Wei Ying alone.”

Lan Wangji lowered his head and remained silent.

“If Wei Ying can stay here quietly, without causing trouble or acting out,” Lan Qiren said, “then I will not make things difficult for him.”

“Uncle!” Lan Wangji’s voice carried a hint of urgency.

“Enough, Wangji. We shall put the matter of Wei Ying aside for now. There is a more pressing issue.” Lan Qiren took several letters from the table.

“Uncle, what is the meaning of this?” Lan Wangji asked, puzzled.

“After Jin Guangyao’s death, the position of Chief Cultivator is vacant. The cultivation world is currently like a dragon without a head. These are letters from various sects, hoping the Lan Clan will step forward to host a Discussion Conference to deliberate on the new Chief Cultivator.”

Following the Jin Guangyao scandal, the Lanling Jin Clan was left with only the young Jin Ling as Sect Leader. Fortunately, when Jin Guangyao took the position, he had kept the clan’s finances and assets distinct, so the Lanling Jin Clan hadn’t suffered too much financial damage. However, there were many voices opposing Jin Ling’s leadership; only with the support of his uncle, Jiang Cheng, was he able to hold the position. For Jin Ling, just managing the Jin Clan was exhausting enough; he had neither the heart nor the strength for the role of Chief Cultivator.

As for the Qinghe Nie Clan, the current leader was the man once known as “Head-Shaker” (I-Don’t-Know). But after the battle at Guanyin Temple, Nie Huaisang had shown everyone his deep schemes and resourcefulness. Though he had meticulously planned to tear off Jin Guangyao’s mask and bring him to justice, he had only done so to avenge his brother, Nie Mingjue. He had no interest in the Chief Cultivator position.

Then there was Lotus Pier. Jiang Cheng had worked hard to restore the Jiang Clan’s glory. While their current strength was greater than the Nie or Jin clans, they were still far behind the Gusu Lan. Furthermore, Jiang Cheng only wished to protect Lotus Pier; he too had no desire for the position.

Among the Four Great Clans, only the Gusu Lan stood dominant in all aspects. Moreover, during the rescue at Burial Mound and the battle at Guanyin Temple, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had played indispensable roles. Though Wei Wuxian was not a Lan disciple, everyone knew his deep connection with Lan Wangji.

Therefore, every sect was now finding ways to curry favor with the Lan Clan. The next Chief Cultivator would almost certainly be one of the Twin Jades.