Since matters had reached this point, the cards were essentially on the table. Both sides possessed their own measure of confidence.
"Since that is the case, do the other Elders have any objections?"
Seeing that the Grand Elder had agreed to a vote, Lin Tiancheng turned his gaze toward the remaining Elders.
Everyone indicated they had no objections; after all, this was not yet the moment for them to speak.
"This old man has one more condition. As the person involved, Qin Xiao cannot be allowed to vote, even as the Peak Master of Seven Stars Peak."
To secure a definitive victory, Yao Tiansheng moved immediately to disqualify Qin Xiao.
"That is only natural. As the Sect Leader, I hold two votes, and each of you nine Elders holds one, making a total of eleven votes. A draw will not be possible, which is certainly for the best."
Even without Qin Xiao's vote, Lin Tiancheng remained confident, so he gladly granted the Grand Elder this concession.
"Then this old man has no further objections."
Seeing that Lin Tiancheng had agreed, Yao Tiansheng found no remaining grounds to stir up trouble and sat back down.
"Since there are no objections, the vote begins. I vote in favor of Qin Xiao, and the Grand Elder votes against. That makes it two to one. What is the Second Elder's decision?"
Observing that the Grand Elder had taken his seat, Lin Tiancheng addressed Second Elder Yao Yongzhi.
"Sect Leader, I also feel that Qin Xiao is unworthy of such a great responsibility. I vote against."
Naturally, Yao Yongzhi stood firmly behind the Grand Elder. As brothers, they maintained a united front against outsiders.
"Very well. That makes it two to two. It is the Third Elder's turn. How does the Third Elder vote?"
Lin Tiancheng was hardly surprised by the Second Elder's choice, as it fell entirely within his expectations. He then looked toward Third Elder Kang Zhengye.
"In my view, while Qin Xiao is certainly capable in his own right, he is clearly still not enough to serve as one of our Sect's three disciples competing externally for the Secret Realm Quota. Therefore, I also vote against."
Third Elder Kang Zhengye had never held any fondness for Qin Xiao and had long cast covetous eyes upon Seven Stars Peak, naturally aligning himself with the Grand Elder.
"It appears the Elders are unanimous that Qin Xiao is unworthy of this quota. The Sect Leader would do best not to persist; it is entirely unnecessary."
Having secured two consecutive votes and feeling victory within his grasp, the Grand Elder addressed Lin Tiancheng.
"Grand Elder, there is no need to rush. The votes are not yet finished."
Lin Tiancheng replied unhurriedly.
"The count is now three to two. What is your stance, Fourth Elder?"
Without lingering, Lin Tiancheng turned his attention to Fourth Elder Du Jiancong.
"Sect Leader, I have nothing against anyone personally, but it is a fact that Qin Xiao cannot cultivate. To appoint him as one of our Sect's three combat disciples is truly inappropriate. I must support the Grand Elder and vote against."
Though Du Jiancong leaned toward the Grand Elder, he genuinely believed Qin Xiao was unsuited for the role.
"It truly seems as the Grand Elder said-the first four Elders are entirely of one mind. But since we have begun, we must see it through. The score is now four to two. Fifth Elder, what are your thoughts?"
Acting as though he accepted the outcome, Lin Tiancheng proceeded to address Fifth Elder Wan Rongyang.
"I, however, believe that Qin Xiao possesses extraordinary qualities and is worth a try. I vote in favor."
Wan Rongyang cast his vote in support without hesitation.
Just yesterday, Wan Rongyang had learned from his disciple, Chu Sheng, that Li Cheng of Immortal Sword Peak had deliberately sought to make trouble for Qin Xiao, with Yao Tiansheng even stepping in-an act of overbearing bullying. Coupled with the lengthy discussion the Sect Leader had held with him the day before, Wan Rongyang had come to believe that Seven Stars Peak was on the rise, and he was keen to establish favorable ties.
"Fifth Elder, what is the meaning of this? We have always aided one another; how could you stab me in the back?"
Taken aback by the approval vote, Yao Tiansheng demanded an explanation with evident displeasure.
"Grand Elder, choose your words carefully. We belong to the same Sect; such talk hinting at factionalism is entirely uncalled for."
Wan Rongyang replied without a trace of politeness.
"Very well, very well. Brother Wan is right; this old man misspoke.
Uttering three repetitions of assent, Yao Tiansheng swallowed his anger. Factionalism within the Sect was no minor charge.
"The Fifth Elder is a man of reason. The score is now four to three. Sixth Elder, how do you vote?"
Confident in his strategy, Lin Tiancheng had initiated the vote with firm assurance.
"Naturally, I support the Senior Brother."
Wen Yuanying did not even bother to feign impartiality, openly declaring her allegiance to Lin Tiancheng. As fellow disciples under the same master, pretense was unnecessary.
"Grand Elder, you see? I told you there was no need to rush."
With the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Elders hailing from the Main Peak, Lin Tiancheng considered victory all but secured.
"The tally is now four to four, and Qin Xiao's Seven Stars Peak holds no vote. That brings us to the Eighth Elder. Does the Eighth Elder vote in favor or against?"
Lin Tiancheng continued the roll call.
"Since this is the Sect Leader's decision, I naturally support it."
Eighth Elder Zuo Hongcai declared his backing outright.
Though ostensibly a simple vote, this was a test of allegiance for every Elder. While Zuo Hongcai held only the eighth position, he managed the Sect's rewards and punishments, wielding authority that matched any Peak Master. Thus, he felt no fear toward Yao Tiansheng.
Regardless of a Peak Master's influence, they remained bound by the Sect. Within the walls of the Tianyuan Sect, the Sect Leader reigned supreme. There was no hesitation to be had regarding where true loyalty lay; his authority derived entirely from the Sect, and he would never oppose the Sect Leader for the sake of a single Peak Master.
Furthermore, he believed that Seven Stars Peak was truly ascending. Whether it was Qin Xiao's peculiar Body Refinement technique or Yun Man's monstrous talent, both were weighty enough to warrant serious consideration. While other Peak Masters might have cast opposing votes out of personal factional interests, his duty was solely to the Sect's welfare.
"Grand Elder, the score is now five to four. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Lin Tiancheng had anticipated the Eighth Elder's support, having discussed the matter thoroughly with him beforehand to gauge his character.
"Hmph. There are still two Elders who have not voted. The Sect Leader should not rejoice too soon."
Apart from the unexpected loss of the Fifth Elder, Yao Tiansheng had made other arrangements.
Knowing the Eighth Elder's unyielding nature, he had bypassed him and instead held private discussions with the Ninth and Tenth Elders, securing their commitments through various promises. He still retained hope.
Both factions had quietly lobbied the Elders in preparation for this contest.
Lin Tiancheng sought to secure Qin Xiao's position as a battle participant, while Yao Tiansheng aimed to use suspicion as a pretext to strip Qin Xiao of his identity, cast him into the dungeon, and investigate further at leisure.
Because Lin Tiancheng had made the first move, the affair had evolved into this formal vote-a decisive test of where the Elders' allegiances lay.
If the Grand Elder lost this vote, his scheme to strip Qin Xiao of his status would fall through. If he won, casting Qin Xiao into the dungeon would become a certainty. Although it took the form of a simple vote, it carried two entirely divergent outcomes.
"Since the Grand Elder wishes to proceed, let us continue. Ninth Elder, what is your decision?"
Seeing that the Grand Elder refused to yield, Lin Tiancheng turned to the Ninth Elder.
Ninth Elder Yu Tianlu, the Hall Master of the Immortal Treasure Hall, managed the Sect's finances and treasures, making him one of the most influential powerbrokers among the Elders.
"Sect Leader, my sincerest apologies. While Qin Xiao is extraordinary, he is still not suited to serve as a battle participant for our Tianyuan Sect. Therefore, I vote against."
Yu Tianlu cast his vote in opposition without hesitation.
He had little choice; the benefits promised by the Grand Elder were simply too substantial to refuse.
"Sect Leader, the score is five to five-a draw. How does the Sect Leader feel now?"
True to their prior agreement, the Ninth Elder cast his opposing vote, prompting the Grand Elder to wear an expression of absolute certainty.