The Demonic Cultivator In Zombie World novel Chapter 333

Chapter 333 - Appointing the Worthy Without Favoritism

In the Cave World, another decade passed. Lie Xin was now seventy years old.

Over these ten years, she had remained steadfast in executing her strategies. On the one hand, she continued to strengthen the Fire Ant Tribe. On the other, she worked diligently to weaken the Holy Ant Tribe, laying the groundwork for her eventual ascension to its leadership.

She knew very well that the current patriarch of the Holy Ant Tribe had little time left to live. It was imperative to swiftly designate a young patriarch.

According to the Holy Ant Tribe's tradition, the patriarch and the five elders each selected one candidate. Together, these six individuals would compete for the position of the young patriarch.

The Fifth Elder had no candidate, and Lie Xin, after decades of hard training, had risen to the rank of a top-tier Golden Insect Master. If all went according to plan, she would be one of the six.

However, the Holy Ant Tribe's patriarch held great power. He intended to appoint his young great-grandson as the young patriarch. How could Lie Xin turn the situation in her favor?

At present, the overall strength of the Fire Ant Tribe had expanded significantly. But even so, it was only on par with the Holy Ant Tribe. If she were to force an attack, the outcome would surely be disastrous.

How could she achieve the greatest victory with the least cost?

Lie Xin furrowed her brows in deep thought.

Just then, Sheng Jie hurried over.

"Master, important intelligence!" he exclaimed. "The Great Elder, the Third Elder, and the Mad Spider Tribe have secretly met and, in the dark, replaced the guardians of the tribe with their own people."

Lie Xin raised an eyebrow.

What was this about? A rebellion?

The Third Elder, usually the most vocal, had always claimed that he would annihilate the entire Mad Spider Tribe. Yet, to her surprise, this bold, brash individual had already betrayed them.

Lie Xin pondered for a moment.

This could be an excellent opportunity. If she played her cards right, she might just be able to secure the position of young patriarch. Ultimately, once the current patriarch passed, she could take control of the Holy Ant Tribe!

After thinking for a while, Lie Xin issued her command.

"Pass the orders. The elite insect masters of the Fire Ant Tribe are to immediately set up ambushes at the caves outside the Holy Ant Tribe, awaiting my signal. Also, inform the agents I have placed under the Great Elder and the Third Elder to do the same and wait for my signal before they act together."

Sheng Jie bowed respectfully. "Understood."

...

A few days later, the Fifth Elder indeed sent word.

The patriarch's time was short, and a meeting was to be convened to decide the candidate for the young patriarch. The patriarch and the five elders would each select one candidate, who would immediately travel to the Holy Ant Tribe to compete for the position.

The Fifth Elder's chosen candidate was Lie Xin.

Since Lie Xin had demonstrated the strength of a Golden Insect Master, no one dared to underestimate her anymore. Moreover, though she was seventy, given the lifespan of a Golden Insect Master, she still had many years ahead of her. She was also the Fifth Elder's great-granddaughter, which made her the natural choice in both sentiment and reason.

Several more days passed.

Lie Xin, escorted by the insect masters of the Fire Ant Tribe, arrived at the Holy Ant Tribe's hall. There, she met the other five candidates for the young patriarch position.

Patriarch Sheng Wei was sitting in his chair, his body supported by four robust insect masters as they carried him into the hall.

"What's your name? I don't recall seeing you before," he suddenly asked, noticing one of the insect masters guarding the entrance.

The insect master appeared flustered but still respectfully responded, "I am Sheng Zixiong, newly assigned to guard the hall."

Sheng Wei nodded slightly, not giving it much thought, and entered the hall.

"Ahem... Since everyone is here, let's begin," the patriarch said, clearing his throat several times before speaking slowly.

He sat in the highest chair, his entire body sunk deep into the soft furs. Though his figure remained tall and his frame still strong, there was an air about him, like a flickering candle on the verge of going out.

Sheng Wei calmly spoke, "As per tradition, each of you will first present your candidate and explain your reasons. Once everyone has spoken, I will make the final decision."