Published at 15th of January 2026 7:51 am

Chapter 2012: Research Materials? An Attempt to Sideline? (2)

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Master Xuan Yang’s voice was full of decisiveness.

"This group will be directly led by me."

"The Supreme Elder, Elder Xiao, Elder Qin Mingyuan, and several elders within the sect skilled in formations, ancient tomes, and celestial phenomena will all be members of the group."

He paused, his gaze landing on Luo Qingchen.

"Luo Qingchen, you will also be one of the core members of this group."

"Your understanding of the Star Map, along with your special connection with Bai Ling’er, is crucial to the entire research plan. You will have equal speaking rights and decision-making power with the other elders in this group."

Upon hearing this, the elders present, including Luo Qingchen himself, felt deeply surprised.

Allowing an Inner Sect Disciple to participate in such a core and important decision-making group and granting them equal power with the elders is unprecedented in the history of Qingyun Sect.

"After the group’s establishment, the primary task will be to thoroughly decode all the information on the Star Map bronze plate, to determine the exact conditions and methods for opening the Star Gate. Simultaneously, organize personnel immediately to conduct a secret investigation of the location indicated by the Star Map, suspected to be a Star Altar, in the Myriad Beast Mountain Range."

"This matter concerns the future glory and disgrace of our Qingyun Sect; all must work together in unity without any error!"

Master Xuan Yang’s decision to establish the "Star Map Research Special Group" and to include Luo Qingchen as a core member caused a stir at the highest level of the sect, a ripple yet to subside.

Even though the specifics of the Star Map and Star Gate remain strictly confined to a very few, the Sect Leader’s personal announcement about the establishment of a special research body to investigate the recently discovered "Ancient Relics and celestial abnormalities connected to the sect’s future fate" was already enough to set the entire Qingyun Sect abuzz with discussion.

Especially Luo Qingchen, an Inner Sect Disciple who, despite not having been in the sect long, repeatedly made waves, was now able to participate in such high-level confidential research alongside sect giants like the Supreme Elder and Elder Xiao of the Elixir Medicine Hall. This incited incredulity and a strong curiosity among countless Inner Sect Disciples and even some less experienced elders.

Several days later, deep within the main peak of Qingyun Sect, inside a secluded hall rarely visited and surrounded by dozens of powerful protective restrictions, the first formal meeting of the "Star Map Research Special Group" was secretly convened.

The hall was simply yet solemnly decorated.

Besides Master Xuan Yang seated at the head, the Supreme Elder, Elder Xiao, and Elder Qin Mingyuan sat on either side, along with three other elders exuding calm presences and wise glances, all notably present.

One of them was Elder Wen, with whom Luo Qingchen had crossed paths several times at the Scripture Pavilion, having received guidance on consulting the "Fragments of the Ancient Secret Records".

Elder Wen, with white hair and beard, bore a gentle demeanor and was acknowledged within the sect as having the deepest expertise in the verification of ancient tomes and ancient language research.

Another elder was a square-faced, stern-looking elderly man named Gu, one of the Supreme Elders of the sect’s Array Hall, renowned for his mastery of the Array Technique, noted for his rigor and scrutiny.

Lastly, there was a somewhat stooped yet bright-eyed old woman, whose gaze seemed capable of discerning the trajectories of celestial movements. Her surname was Feng, the head of the sect’s Observatory, possessing a sensitivity to astrological changes and Star Force beyond ordinary comprehension.

Luo Qingchen, being the only disciple-level and youngest member of the group, was arranged to sit at the end of the table.

Though Master Xuan Yang had previously stated that Qingchen had equal speaking rights within the group, this seating arrangement silently underscored the strict hierarchy and seniority of the cultivation world.

At the beginning of the meeting, the atmosphere was somewhat delicate.

Aside from Elder Xiao, Elder Qin Mingyuan, and Elder Wen, who regarded him with approving smiles, Elder Gu from the Array Hall scrutinized Luo Qingchen with a gaze filled with undisguised examination and doubt.

After Master Xuan Yang briefly reiterated the group’s purpose and importance, Elder Gu was the first to clear his throat and speak, his voice carrying a metallic quality much like his character.

"Sect Leader, fellow Daoists."

Elder Gu’s eyes, like a sharp carving knife, scraped over Luo Qingchen.

"Nephew Luo indeed contributed to the incident at Heavenly Desperate Cliff, which is indisputable. However, this Star Map bronze plate is of great significance, involving ancient secrets. Its complexity and peril probably exceed our imagination."

"Given Nephew Luo’s current cultivation and experience, even if fortuitously glimpsed a portion of it, to claim he can truly comprehend and control such divine objects, or even lead their research direction, is debatable in this old man’s opinion."

Although Elder Gu’s words were polite enough, the implication was clear.

He believed Luo Qingchen’s qualifications were too shallow to bear the responsibility, potentially introducing unknown risks to the sect due to his insufficient understanding.

Another elder, usually responsible for the allocation of sect resources and known for his steady nature, slightly nodded and concurred: "Elder Gu’s concerns are not without reason. Such a vital treasure affecting the sect’s fate demands utmost caution during the research process."

"This old man suggests that the Star Map bronze plate should be kept under the sect’s unified custody. Nephew Luo may participate in research, but his specific operations and access to core data must be conducted under the joint supervision of all the elders to ensure nothing goes wrong."

This elder’s proposal directly challenged Luo Qingchen’s actual control over the Star Map, attempting to sideline him into a nominal participant.

The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat oppressive.

Elder Xiao and Elder Qin Mingyuan furrowed their brows, about to speak in Luo Qingchen’s defense.

However, Luo Qingchen gently shook his head at them, signaling them to remain patient.

He understood that such doubts were things he would inevitably encounter.

Rather than having others speak for him, it was better to prove his value through strength and facts.

Luo Qingchen slowly stood up and respectfully bowed to Elder Gu and that Resource Elder, his demeanor neither humble nor arrogant.

"Elder Gu, Elder Zhou, I fully understand the concerns of you both."

Luo Qingchen’s voice was calm and clear, without any panic or dissatisfaction from being questioned.

"This disciple’s cultivation is shallow, experience limited. In the paths of formations and resource coordination, indeed far less profound than the two seniors."

Initially admitting his inadequacies, which slightly eased the expressions of the two elders.

He then shifted his tone, his voice filled with confidence.

"However, my understanding of the Star Map bronze plate is neither baseless speculation nor superficial."

"As I mentioned before, in the Scripture Pavilion, under Elder Wen’s guidance, I consulted the ’Fragments of the Ancient Secret Records’ and other relevant ancient tomes. There are sparse yet crucial records about the Ancient Star Altar, Star Gate Transmission, and even the special connection between True Dragon Bloodline and Star Force."

He glanced at Elder Wen, who nodded with a smile, and continued: "These records in the ancient tomes align with the insights I’ve personally gained from the Star Map bronze plate, as well as the various anomalies experienced at Heavenly Desperate Cliff."

"I can assure you, this Star Map bronze plate is not merely a guiding object. It resembles a key, a key that can unlock an Ancient Star Inheritance, communicating with unknown realms. The unique bloodline of Bai Ling’er is indeed the catalyst needed to trigger this key."

From his Storage Bag, Luo Qingchen retrieved a Jade Slip he had prepared beforehand, carefully presenting it with both hands.

"Sect Leader, esteemed elders. Although I am unworthy, within the few days since returning to the sect, by combining the ancient records with my own insights, I have preliminarily organized a research proposal on the Star Map bronze plate, including some conjectures about its potential functions and risks. I humbly request you all to review and provide corrections."

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