Ye Tian Yun shook his head, "No, that's out of the question. I don't wish to get more into Sect politics. My objective is to have a calm and disturbance-free life."
Jun Xie smirked when he heard these words, "You mean that you won't become one of the Nine Supremes because you don't want to get into the sect politics? That's the first time I am hearing this."
Ye Tian Yun just shrugged his shoulders, "I don't care what others think; I have my own reasons to think that the Nine Supremes are at the center of the political scene of the sect?"
"Oh? Well, I have been part of this League for more than five years now. Care to elaborate on why you think so?"
Ye Tian Yun didn't reply to his question; however, he repeated his earlier words, "I don't wish to be a part of your league, that's it. Case closed."
Jun Xie took a breath and used a different tactic to persuade him, "Since you were able to point out what kind of Seat Candidate I am looking for, I am pretty sure you know the reason why I even came to this banquet."
"I have come here for the disciple who has broken through the Sword Domain realm."
"And you were able to see through the first illusion, but that isn't the surprising part. For you to come forward and talk so confidently, what is it that you're backing up to? Is it your Sword Domain?"
"Imagine what would happen if I reveal this secret since you aren't complying to become my Seat Candidate?"
He stared at the Ye Tian Yun, waiting for the panic and paleness to appear; however, Ye Tian Yun just smiled at him.
"You overthink, Jun Xie. You really—!"
"That's Senior Brother Jun Xie for you."
"Ugh, don't interrupt. I was saying that. Do you really think I would be afraid of this threat?"
"Let's imagine that you do spill this baseless fact; who would believe you? In fact, you're an illusionist; why would anyone believe anything that you see in your presence?"
"Alright, let's take that no one had any issue, and they agreed with the fact that I have Sword Domain, which I would love to have. So, what will happen next? Do you think I will be allowed to join the Nine Supremes? Do you think you will be able to make me your Seat Candidate?"
"Now, for a second, let's assume you couldn't make me part of the Nine Supremes; what would happen then? The higher-ups will train me, pamper me and make me the next Sect Guardian. That's what would happen.
"And if we assume that you were somehow able to add me to the Nine Supremes, then? Well, after that, the Nine Supremes would have to publicly come out as the next contenders for the Sect Leader position. Because to everyone, it's a surety that with Nine Supreme's help and my own talent, I would be able to surpass Jiang Yun within a few years."
"Do you think Jiang Yun would let someone more powerful than him appear? He would drag down your league with him. That's a fact."
"And now, let's assume you were somehow able to make me the Seat Candidate then get me into the Nine Supremes, and also convinced the sect that I won't be going after the Sect Leader's position, but who would believe this bullshit?"
"Let's be honest, whatever you do after claiming that I have Sword Domain will only backfire. Not only that, but you will also become my enemy. I think this should be enough for you to know why this move of yours is the stupidest thing you are about to do in your life."
Ye Tian Yun closed his argument with a straight-up fact.
In front of him, Jun Xie bit his lips as he fell into thinking.
After a few moments of silence, he said, "Since you have denied me, that means you'll be looking for another league? And considering where we're, I am guessing you will join Heavenly League?"
Ye Tian Yun didn't nod or deny his assumption.
Jun Xie continued, "However, you just said you don't want to get into the sect politics. I am not sure if you are just ignorant or hypocrite?"
Ye Tian Yun shrugged, "You can think of whatever you want. I have my own reasons. Just like you have your own reasons for being in the Lower Heavens."
Jun Xie was once again confused by Ye Tian Yun's words, "You act as if you know a lot about me… and this is usually a huge mistake to let others know of your knowledge."
Ye Tian Yun smirked at those words, "It depends on who is the person in front of me. And for Liu Clan members to act like you is pretty shameful."
These words were like a thunderclap to Jun Xie; he stood still in shock as the name of the clan he hadn't heard for years once again reached his ears.
Ye Tian Yun suddenly felt a qi wave passing by, making him look around as a smile appeared on his face.
'The illusion is now gone.'
And there, he found the disciples still standing at the exact places, just confused at what was going on.
Everyone had experienced different visions, and the fact that Jun Xie was able to pull off such a feat showed his strength and capabilities.
Near the throne, Yuan Shuchun was also no exception, as she stood still in shock and disbelief.
She had also fallen prey to the illusions and was literally fighting against Jun Xie all this time.
'So I was trapped in his illusions all this time…?'
Just like her, all disciples were going through the same sense of helplessness.
'How are we supposed to defend against something like this?'
And just as everyone was trying to come back to reality, they heard a voice from the Hall entrance.
"Well, I was expecting a lively banquet; who are you guys mourning at this time of the day?"
A new guest had entered the Hall.
…
A/n: Coming closer to the end of the banquet arc.
If you find any typos or errors, please let me know through comments.