Gracious Sword Sect can easily be considered an average power in terms of power in the Lower Heavens. However, this Sect had its uniqueness.
Due to one of its previous Sect Leaders being an esteemed Sword Saint and traversing through all the heavens, the Gracious Sword Sect had some tricks and defense mechanisms that could even overpower top sects and organizations of the Lower Heavens.
Like the complex array system for the Inner Court and the hibernating Gracious Sword Spirit whose power equaled that of a Sword Saint.
However, for Grand Elder, who is just lower than the Sect Leader in terms of authority, to kneel in front of a Core Disciples and talk respectfully like a servant talking to his master, will be a shocking scene for anyone to witness.
Seeing his head still lowered, Yuan Shuchun frowned in annoyance and said, "Stop your bootlicking. I already told you, as long as you help me in achieving my goal, you will get the elixirs you want. I find it quite hilarious that such a 'wise' man like you is now begging to increase his lifespan. Let me promise you once again, as soon as I get the Gracious Sword and the Gracious Sword Manual, you will become the Sect Leader of this sect."
Grand Elder was thrilled to hear these words and smiling like a child getting his favorite candies. He thanked, "Thank you for your pity, my lady. This servant is willing to sacrifice his life for you."
Yuan Shuchun rolled her eyes after hearing such words, "You really this I will believe your bullshit? Didn't I remind you that you're heeding my calls because you want to extend your life?"
Seeing no response from Grand Elder Xuan, Yuan Shuchun continued, "Well, whatever. Tell me about the things I told you to investigate."
Grand Elder nodded his head and replied, "My lady, I have made all of my informants look into the backgrounds of the top disciples. Except for a few special cases, almost all of them come from prestigious clans. Especially Fang Chen from the Seventh Peak. His background turned out to be the biggest."
Seeing Yuan Shuchun nod her head, Grand Elder Xuan continued, "However, in my humble opinion, I still believe that Fang Chen is of no use for us. His background is too complicated."
"Oh? How so? I do know that there's some bad blood between the sect and the Fang Clan, and by sending Fang Chen here, Fang Clan has basically abandoned him. So why should we even consider the Fang Clan under Fang Chen's background?"
"It's now the Fang Clan who is making this complicated. My lady, I once told you that Fang Chen is actually the adopted son of the Fang Clan Patriarch, however later, I found out who his real father is."
"Oh? And the real father is…?"
"Sect Leader Su."
"What!?"
"Yes, my lady, Sect Leader Su is the real father of Fang Chen, and his mother is none other than the younger sister of Fang Clan Patriarch."
"Oh? So, Fang Chen is one of the many bastard sons of Sect Leader Su?"
"You're half right, my lady. Fang Chen is indeed the bastard son of Sect Leader Su since he and the Fang Clan's Second Lady never had the chance to get married. However, the thing you got wrong is that Fang Chen is not one of the many, but he is the only offspring of Sect Leader Su. The Fang Clan orchestrated all the rumors surrounding the perverted nature of Sect LEader Su."
"Oh, that's quite surprising. But then, why do you think Fang Chen is not a good tool? With his 'real' background, you can use him against Sect Leader Su."
Grand Elder shook his head. "My lady, the main reason behind me not thinking that Fang Chen can be of any use is his talent. It's pathetic. He even suffered from Qi deviation a few months back. I was quite surprised that he was allowed in the Sect."
"What? Didn't he rank first in the Inner Court Entrance Hunt?"
"He may have ranked first. However, many core elders were doubtful of this and suspected that he somehow got help from the Fang Clan and won through cheating. Even his luck during the final round was quite unprecedented. This led to a big argument in the Sect Meeting Hall. Even though this was a good chance for me, I had to suppress this incident."
"What? Why would you suppress it?"
"Uh.. lady… you do remember that Fang Chen is from Seventh Peak, right?"
"So?"
"Um… and do you remember Kang Bai?"
"Who?"
"Kang Bai. The guy who 'sacrificed' his life to kill the high-tier Qi Stealing Mole."
"Ah, that guy, I remember now. Well, nevermind. What about the other top disciples?"
Grand Elder nodded and replied, "From the seventh peak, there's Zheng Xiang and Hou Xing. While Hou xing is from the Hou Clan which comes under the Fang Clan's vessels, Zheng Xiang is from Silver Mist City and was adopted in the Zheng Clan."
"What? Another guy who is adopted? How many are there?"
"My lady, so far, only these two kids."
"Hmm, then what about Zheng Xiang and Hou Xing? Are they worth investing in?"
"Absolutely. Especially Zheng Xiang. That kid not only had strength but also had the intelligence to back it up. However, it seems like he may not join our Heavenly League."
"What do you mean? Is he gonna join the World League?"
"I don't think he will join any of the top leagues. He is strongly influenced by his clan and will most probably join his own clan's league."
"Oh, then we don't need to bother about him. He better not join the World League or any of their vessels, or else I will make him wish that he was dead."
...
A/N: Could only write one chapter today. We are five-six chapters behind schedule.. I will try my best to get back on track by tomorrow evening.