As part of the Three Sects' Group, Xuandu held the top rank amongst all potential successors to the leaders of the Three Sects.
Although the South Pole's Emperor Changsheng was a powerful competitor and the only competitor, and his popularity within the disciples of the Three Sects surpasses that of Great Mage Xuandu, the problem lies in that the chairman of the Three Sects' Group is Saint Taiqing, not Heavenly King Yuan Shi.
Also… the support from the lower ranks doesn't hold much weight.
Voting is simply a display for others. Whether a vote matters or not, it's all down to what the chairman says.
Of course, what's most important is that Great Mage Xuandu and King Yuqing get along very well.
They remain uncompetitive with each other.
Great Mage Xuandu doesn't care about the title of being the chairman of the Three Sects' Group.
And all the authority enjoyed by the South Pole's Emperor Changsheng, Great Mage Xuandu can access and use at any time.
...
Lower Realm.