Chapter 3: Chapter 3: People Compete for the Scapegoat Position
Translator: 549690339
Wanting to lead the investigation, this matter isn't difficult. Jiang Qingyun called Zhang Chi over, intending to hand the task to him.
Zhang Chi knew very well, this choice was inevitable.
It wasn't that the elders in the sect couldn't handle every sort of issue.
But if Jiang Qingyun handed the task to an elder, and should they fail to handle it properly, it would lose face for the Sword Sect.
So, him taking charge as the Senior Brother was the most suitable choice.
If it works, it shows that the sect's teaching is correct.
If it doesn't, the young disciple's inefficiency can hardly be considered a big issue.
So, who else could bear the heavy responsibility other than him as the Senior Brother?
Letting himself investigate himself, wouldn't it be an investigation of his choosing?
As expected, Jiang Qingyun quickly mentioned Zhang Chi and asked, "Zhang Chi, what's your opinion on this matter?"
As long as Zhang Chi gives a normal answer, he can naturally become the person in charge of the case.
But he knows, it's not enough to satisfy only Jiang Qingyun; he needs to gain the trust of others as well,
"There are very few clues at present, but I already have some thoughts."
As Zhang Chi finished speaking, he attracted everyone's attention instantly.
No wonder he is both intelligent and courageous, and unparalleled in benevolence and righteousness. They had been wrestling with the thief for so long without any solutions, but just after coming out, Zhang Chi had some thoughts with just a few words. Impressive!
Tang Feng is looking at him excitedly; he is anxious and wants Zhang Chi to speak quickly, but he is also afraid that his urging will disturb Zhang Chi's thoughts, making his face turn red.
Under the expectations of everyone, Zhang Chi announced confidently, "The thief struck several times in a short period without leaving any clues, which means the thief must know us well, which also means that the thief must be a thief within the sect."
With these words, the whole room was shocked.
Young man, you really dare to say it!
Not everyone from other sects is a fool; there are many intelligent people who can think of this, but no one dares to say it in front of everyone.
Without capturing the scene first, suspicion falls on one's own people, which would give a bad impression.
But it is through such comparisons that Zhang Chi's integrity is highlighted.
The face of Chong Xu, the Great Elder of the Sword Sect, turned black on the spot. He said solemnly, "Don't speak about anything that is not conducive to unity without evidence."
Everyone present was either an elder or a sect leader with high status, but none dared to back up Perfected Chong Xu's words at this moment.
The Sword Sect of the Great River was the most powerful sect of the Hezuo Alliance. It could be said that it was the Sword Sect's alliance, not the Alliance's Sword Sect.
At this time, Tang Feng, who was concerned about his daughter, wanted to speak up in support of Zhang Chi. As he was about to speak, Jiang Qingyun picked up where Daoist Chong Xu left off, saying to Zhang Chi, "You should listen to what the Great Elder has said.
I also know that there are not many clues in these cases, so you can investigate slowly, but rescuing Miss Tang is the most important thing. Do you understand?"
As for the things from other sects that were stolen, it's not a big deal. There is not much benefit in helping them catch the thief.
But Tang Feng has said that he wants to use the Spirit Medicine Valley as a reward.
Of course, it was partly because his emotions got the better of him, and he said something inappropriate. However, there were people present with high status, and a group of strong onlookers outside the hall.
Something said in front of so many people should not be treated as a joke.
Jiang Qingyun was reminding Zhang Chi to grasp the key points.
At the same time, she was publicly entrusting him with authority.
Zhang Chi had already established his character, and naturally followed his master's words with a bow to the Grand Elder, showing that he heeded the teachings.
Unexpectedly, the Grand Elder started causing trouble again at this moment.
"Zhang Chi is still too young and slightly impulsive in words and actions. Besides, his cultivation level is not high. I'm afraid it's not suitable for him to take charge.
Compared to him, Zhou Ran, the second elder, is older and more reliable in handling affairs. Besides, Zhou Ran has made great progress in his cultivation recently. It might be better if he takes charge and Zhang Chi assists."
As the grandson of Chong Xu, Zhou Ran had previously competed with Zhang Chi for the top position and lost. After that, Zhang Chi was sent to manage the market, while Zhou Ran began his closed-door cultivation.
It can be said that Lao Liu is resorting to tricks when he can't win normally.
Grand Elder's tactics were simple, having worldly affairs hinder Zhang Chi's growth while allowing Zhou Ran to quietly work hard. When the time came, he would amaze everyone.
However, Zhang Chi also didn't lose out.
In the world of cultivation, combat wasn't everything, as personal relationships and worldly dealings also mattered.
There were many factions within the Hezuo Alliance, and the dominant Great River Sword Sect also had many factions.
The two largest factions were the Sect Leader's and the Grand Elder's.
Thanks to their struggle, Zhang Chi could grow so fast.
The knowledge gained from his previous life wasn't wasted, as he mastered the Art of War.
From the beginning, Zhang Chi joined Jiang Qingyun's team. With the Sect Leader's support, his situation was much better than that of many disciples who only focused on cultivation.
The more Grand Elder tried to suppress Zhang Chi, the more support he'd gain from the Sect Leader.
While it seemed that his time in the market had delayed his cultivation, Zhang Chi had greatly increased his prestige and had gotten many overt and covert subsidies from the Sect Leader.
He was sitting stably in the position of the Elder Brother of the Sword Sect.
Of course, the Grand Elder did not want to see this situation. He couldn't let Zhang Chi and his apprentice get closer to Tang Feng, nor allow them to gain more accomplishments and establish influence.
So, he had to sabotage.
This move was ingenious, making Zhou Ran the leader and allowing him to do nothing, while having Zhang Chi assist from the side. Even if Zhang Chi were to do everything, the majority of the benefits wouldn't go to him.
If things didn't work out, his losses would be minimal. As long as Zhang Chi didn't succeed, it would be fine.
Zhang Chi naturally saw through this handiwork at a glance.
While he pondered, Gu Youyou, who could listen to inner voices, watched the situation unfold like a live broadcast and couldn't help but comment inwardly.
The people in this broken place weren't particularly high in cultivation, but their wits were plentiful. Even a youngster like Zhang Chi was cunning.
Gu Youyou didn't think highly of these people, but couldn't help but see Zhang Chi as a talent.
If she'd been as cunning in the past, she wouldn't have fallen victim to others' schemes.
It was decided then, the position of the number one demon servant would be reserved for Zhang Chi.
While Gu Youyou was making plans, the internal conflict continued.
Grand Elder's plan was to make a big noise, and of course, Jiang Qingyun would be the first to object.
"If I remember correctly, while Zhou Ran is five years older than Zhang Chi, he is still weaker. Moreover, despite Zhang Chi's straightforward personality, he has gained experience in the marketplace. His skills are obvious to all. Though Zhou Ran seems to have little experience. Lives are on the line. Grand Elder, please consider this."
Grand Elder's face darkened, and he said solemnly, "In just a few days, one should look at each other with new eyes. After failing to become the Chief disciple, Zhou Ran worked even harder and has now surpassed Zhang Chi in cultivation."
With that, he called out to the outside, "Zhou Ran, come into this hall so that the Sect Leader and other seniors can see."
When Tang Feng proposed a reward, he had quietly sent someone to ask Zhou Ran to wait outside the hall.
So, well-prepared Zhou Ran heard the summons and walked in from outside.
Looking at him, he seemed quite handsome, but he lacked vigor. In comparison, Zhang Chi, with his thick eyebrows and righteous face, was more trustworthy.
However, as this was the candidate that Perfected Chong Xu pushed for, others didn't have much to say.
"Disciple Zhou Ran pays respect to all seniors."
After Zhou Ran saluted everyone, he gave a provocative look at Zhang Chi.
When the rain stopped and the sky cleared, some people thought they were worthy again.
Zhang Chi naturally responded with a gentle smile.
He had always been generous, seeking to use kindness to repay enmity.
First, he'd endure, waiting for the right time to strike and bring down their entire family...
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone