Chapter 492: Yin Elder Presents the Sunflower Treasure Classic

Inside the conference hall of Taiyin Shengdi, although it was already past midnight, it was still brightly lit.

A group of Taiyin Shengdi elders sat around a huge round table, their faces showing different expressions—some contemplative, some excited, some worried.

In order to stop the recent turmoil stirred up by the Nine Yin True Scripture within the sect's base,

They wanted to discuss an important matter—whether they should directly open the Cangjingge to disciples of the sect.

All disciples could borrow and read the cultivation techniques therein, so they would not need to cultivate the Nine Yin True Scripture.

"Everyone," said the Xuan Zhen Elder seated at the head, breaking the silence.

His voice was calm and powerful: "Taiyin Shengdi has always taken pride in the techniques within the Cangjingge, but these precious resources have always been controlled by a few."

"Now is the time to consider letting more disciples benefit."

"Xuan Zhen Elder, I disagree with your view," said an elder named Qingsong, immediately retorting.

"The techniques in the Cangjingge are the foundation of the holy land; if we open them casually, wouldn't that cause disciples to lose their motivation to strive?"

"Without competition, how can they grow quickly?"

"Qingsong Elder, your words make sense, but have you considered what those disciples without background or resources should do?"

"They too yearn to become stronger and yearn to contribute to the holy land," said a female elder named Ziyan, her voice gentle yet dissatisfied: "As elders of the holy land, we must consider the overall situation and cannot deprive disciples of growth opportunities out of fear of competition."

"Ziyan Elder, I understand your concern."

"But have you considered that if all techniques were provided for free, disciples would eventually get something for nothing and surely become lax?" said the Qingsong Elder, relentlessly.

"This is exactly the issue to be raised today," said the Xuan Zhen Elder, picking up the thread: "Can we find a compromise?"

"For example, let disciples exchange their contribution points for techniques, but the price can be lowered—for instance, to half of the original contribution points."

"That is a viable plan," said an elder named Tieshi, nodding: "This way we can ensure the operation of the Cangjingge while motivating disciples to complete tasks and earn contribution points."

"But if the price is lowered too much, wouldn't disciples who already have enough contribution points be able to easily exchange for all the techniques?"

"Wouldn't that create another kind of unfairness?" said the Qingsong Elder, still having reservations.

"We can set a limit, restricting the number of techniques each disciple can exchange per month," proposed the Ziyan Elder: "This would ensure reasonable distribution of resources while motivating disciples to keep striving."

"I agree with the Ziyan Elder's proposal," said the Tieshi Elder, supporting: "Moreover, we can also set some special techniques that require completing specific tasks to be exchanged."

"This would both increase disciples' motivation and allow them to grow through practice."

"This proposal is good, but we need to ensure the tasks' difficulty is appropriate—neither too easy, letting everyone complete them easily, nor too hard, causing most disciples to shy away," supplemented the Xuan Zhen Elder.

"This is simple; the Hall of Law Enforcement can organize a dedicated team to design these tasks, ensuring their fairness and reasonableness," suggested the Ziyan Elder.

"Alright, let's decide that," said the Xuan Zhen Elder, slamming the table: "Let's try it for a period, see how it works, then make adjustments."

The elders, after a heated discussion, finally reached a consensus.

The next day.

Taiyin Shengdi decided to open the Cangjingge, allowing disciples to exchange techniques using half of their original contribution points, and announced the monthly exchange limit and the special tasks.

The disciples of Taiyin Shengdi were all jubilant.

Many disciples who previously could not exchange for their desired techniques due to insufficient contribution points now saw hope.

They threw themselves into various tasks, hoping to earn enough contribution points.

"Great, finally I can exchange for that technique I've always wanted!" exclaimed a young disciple excitedly.

"Yeah, this is really good news. I heard the Cangjingge contains many powerful techniques; before we could only stare at them longingly." Another disciple also chimed in excitedly.

"But we must not let our guard down," warned an older disciple: "Although the cost to exchange techniques has been lowered, we still need to strive to improve our strength; otherwise, even if we obtain the techniques, we cannot unleash their full power."

With the opening of the Cangjingge, the cultivation atmosphere of Taiyin Shengdi became even richer.

The disciples' enthusiasm was greatly mobilized; they not only worked harder in cultivation, but also became more proactive in completing tasks.

The elders also closely monitored the policy's implementation effects, regularly checking the Cangjingge's operational status to ensure reasonable resource distribution, while also paying attention to disciples' growth and feedback.

"It seems this decision was correct," said the Xuan Zhen Elder from the high platform of the Elder Hall: "The disciples' progress is very obvious, and their strength is increasing rapidly."

"Yeah, the competition among disciples has also become healthier," said the Ziyan Elder with a smile: "They are no longer fighting over limited resources, but striving to achieve their own goals."

"We must continue to supervise to ensure this policy is implemented effectively in the long term," reminded the Tieshi Elder: "At the same time, we must also guard against those who might exploit this policy for improper conduct."

However, not long after the implementation of the Cangjingge's opening in Taiyin Shengdi, Huang Daxian and Heifeng began to incite some disciples with ulterior motives within the holy land to secretly spread rumors, provoking other cultivators to question the elders' practices.

"Have you heard? The Nine Yin True Scripture is a supreme classic; its divine abilities are far stronger than the techniques exchanged for contribution points in the sect," whispered a disciple named Lifeng on the training field to a few other cultivators.

"Really or fake?"

"Doesn't the Nine Yin True Scripture have problems? Weren't there elders who said cultivating it could lead to deviation?" asked a cultivator doubtfully.

"That's just the elders fearing that holy land cultivators would become too strong, threatening the status of their own disciples," scoffed Lifeng: "Think about it—if the Nine Yin True Scripture were truly that dangerous, why would so many cultivators become immensely powerful after practicing it?"

"But didn't the elders say that improper cultivation of the Nine Yin True Scripture carries risks?" another cultivator hesitated.

"Risks?"

"What cultivation doesn't have risks?"

"Those elders just want us to stay content with the status quo and not seek progress," said Lifeng disdainfully: "Don't you want to become stronger and stand out in the holy land?"

"This..." the cultivators began to waver.

"Don't hesitate—look at those cultivators who have practiced the Nine Yin True Scripture; how fast has their strength increased? Moreover,"

"It's better to use contribution points to exchange for elixir resources to quickly boost cultivation speed than to waste them on those junk techniques."

"Or exchange for various magic treasures to enhance combat power."

"Isn't that better?" Lifeng continued to incite.

"Senior Brother Lifeng is right; we shouldn't waste contribution points on those ordinary techniques," said a cultivator who had been convinced, eyes flashing with excitement.

"Exactly, to become stronger we must not be bound by the elders' thoughts," another cultivator firmly nodded.

As Lifeng and others incited, more and more cultivators began to think that rather than exchanging contribution points for ordinary techniques, it was better to use them for resources that could quickly enhance strength.

"Look, we recently exchanged some elixirs, and our cultivation speed has noticeably increased," bragged a cultivator on the training field about his progress.

"Also, I exchanged contribution points for a magic sword; my combat power is now much stronger than before," said another cultivator, not to be outdone.

"Looks like, the previous worries were all unnecessary."

"The Nine Yin True Classic is truly what should be cultivated." One cultivator, like being doused with nectar, suddenly enlightened.

"That's right, we can't waste contribution points." Other cultivators echoed in agreement.

As this sentiment spread, many cultivators began to forego exchanging for the newly opened techniques, instead using their contribution points to exchange for elixirs and magic treasures.

Their strength indeed showed a significant increase in a short time, which further strengthened their belief.

"Look, as I said, the Nine Yin True Classic is the proper path." Li Feng watched his plan gradually succeed, a smug smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

However, they didn't realize that this short-sighted, profit-driven approach was gradually eroding their foundation.

Although their strength increased quickly, lacking a solid cultivation foundation, they were prone to bottlenecks and even cultivation problems.

The elders also noticed this phenomenon; if this trend continued, the cultivators of the Taiyin Holy Land might fall into a false prosperity, neglecting the essence of cultivation.

"Indeed, one wave hasn't settled before another rises, obstructing the disciples' initial success in cultivating the Nine Yin True Classic, only to be cut short!"

"Alas!" Elder Xuan Zhen said solemnly at the Elder Council.

"Yeah, if we let this situation develop, the holy land's future will be perilous." Elder Zi Yan also worried deeply.

"We need to formulate a more reasonable policy to guide the disciples' all-around development." Elder Tie Shi proposed.

The elders began to decide to strengthen guidance on the disciples' cultivation, while adjusting the contribution point exchange rules to ensure reasonable distribution of resources.

"Disciples, you must understand, cultivation has no shortcuts." Elder Xuan Zhen said to all the disciples on the holy land's plaza, "Only by staying grounded can one go further."

"Yeah, don't let immediate benefits blind your eyes." Elder Zi Yan also advised, "Although the Nine Yin True Classic is powerful, it also carries risks; you need to treat it cautiously."

"The elders' words make sense; we can't only look at immediate benefits." Some disciples under the elders, Dai Feng, reflected.

"That's right, we should follow the elders' guidance and comprehensively enhance our strength." Also a portion of other cultivators likewise expressed.

However, in the Taiyin Holy Land, under the elders' patient persuasion, the cultivators' inner unrest was not completely quelled.

"Do you know?"

"I personally saw Elder Qing Song's disciple cultivating the method of the Nine Yin True Classic late at night!" A cultivator whispered to a companion in private.

"What?"

"How is that possible?"

"Elder Qing Song has always emphasized the dangers of the Nine Yin True Classic, hasn't he?" Another cultivator responded in shock.

"Hmph, these elders, one thing on the surface, another behind the scenes."

"They fear that if we cultivate the Nine Yin True Classic, our strength will surpass their disciples, affecting those disciples' promotion opportunities." The third cultivator said indignantly.

These rumors spread like wildfire among the cultivators, and many began to doubt the elders' motives.

They felt anger and betrayal, believing the elders were using their power to suppress other cultivators' growth.

The elders soon learned of these rumors, feeling both angry and helpless.

Sect rumors claimed that the elders' disciples were secretly cultivating the Nine Yin True Classic, and the elders' prohibition of other cultivators cultivating it was because they feared that once the holy land's cultivators became strong, they would overshadow their own disciples.

Some elders even went berserk, never expecting that their own disciples were secretly cultivating the Nine Yin True Classic and had been seen—this wasn't a covert slap to their faces?

Elder Xuan Zhen said angrily: "Banning cultivation of the Nine Yin True Classic is to protect all cultivators' safety; how do they not understand?"

"Yeah, the profundity of the Nine Yin True Classic indeed far surpasses the sect's ordinary cultivation methods, but its risks are also huge."

"One cannot, because of a temporary strength increase, overlook the potential dangers." Elder Zi Yan said worriedly.

"We must do something; we can't let these rumors continue to spread." Elder Tie Shi said firmly.

The elders decided to convene a general cultivator assembly to clarify the facts and reemphasize the dangers of the Nine Yin True Classic.

However, when they announced this decision, the cultivators' response was lukewarm.

"Another meeting?"

"Aren't the elders just trying to fool us with those clichés again?" A cultivator said disdainfully.

"I think they just want to keep controlling us, not let us get stronger." Another cultivator echoed.

On the day of the assembly, Elder Xuan Zhen stood on the high platform, his voice heavy and powerful: "Fellow cultivators, I know some of you are dissatisfied with our decision, but please believe, our purpose is for the future of the entire holy land."

"Hmph, future?"

"Is our future just to be controlled by you elders?" A cultivator shouted loudly.

"Please everyone, calm down and listen to me finish." Elder Xuan Zhen tried to maintain order, "The Nine Yin True Classic is indeed powerful, but its danger is truly present."

"One cannot, because of temporary benefits, overlook the long-term risks."

However, the cultivators' dissatisfaction had accumulated to a breaking point; the holy land's disciples began to loudly protest, causing the venue to descend into chaos.

The efforts of the Taiyin Holy Land's elders were utterly ineffective.

Because the cultivators who enter the Tianji Holy Realm are all at the Heavenly Spirit Realm, even the elders are no exception; under the same major realm, it's impossible to suppress these sect's disciples.

Moreover, some cultivators still secretly practice the Nine Yin True Classic, yearning for greater power.

Some of them indeed felt a rapid increase in strength, which made them more firmly believe in the value of the Nine Yin True Classic.

"Look, my strength has already surpassed my fellow sect's senior brothers. This is the power of the Nine Yin True Classic!" A cultivator who had cultivated the Nine Yin True Classic said proudly.

"Yeah, those elders fear us becoming stronger, but why should we be limited by them?" Another cultivator's eyes flashed with ambition.

However, as cultivation deepened, some cultivators began to feel the side effects of the Nine Yin True Classic.

Their minds became dazed, emotions unstable, and some even began to show signs of going berserk.

"How come I've been feeling restless lately, and while cultivating I often feel a cold qi surging inside my body?" A cultivator said worriedly.

"Me too, I suspect it's the Nine Yin True Classic's fault." Another cultivator echoed.

These cultivators began to realize that the elders' warnings were not baseless.

Although the power of the Nine Yin True Classic is strong, not everyone can master it; yet under the temptation of rapid strength increase, many find it hard to relinquish the allure of the Nine Yin True Classic.

The elders saw this situation, their hearts filled with worry; they must find a way to resolve this problem, otherwise the Taiyin Holy Land may fall into a greater crisis.

"We must strengthen supervision of the Nine Yin True Classic, and also provide assistance to those cultivators who have already cultivated the True Classic." Elder Xuan Zhen said solemnly.

"Yeah, we can't abandon them. We need to find a way to let them cultivate safely, or at least reduce the impact of the True Classic on them." Elder Ziyan's eyes were filled with determination.

The elders began to study the Nine Yin True Classic, trying to uncover its secrets and find a solution.

Suddenly, a sturdy disciple with a sharp gaze burst into the council hall—none other than Elder Yin's favored disciple, Luo Xiong.

"Disciple Luo Xiong has an important report!" Luo Xiong's voice boomed, breaking the council hall's tranquility.

The elders' gazes all turned to Luo Xiong. Chief Elder Xuan Zhen, as the chief elder, asked: "Luo Xiong, what is the urgent matter?"

"Reporting to the elders, I recently learned that the Nine Yin True Classic was obtained by Huang Daxian and has been spreading within the sect."

"Now this cultivation method is incomplete and flawed; I suspect Huang Daxian did this intentionally, aiming to harm the sect's disciples and endanger the sect's foundation."

"I believe Huang Daxian should be severely punished to serve as a warning to others!" Luo Xiong's words were resonant and forceful, full of righteous indignation.

As soon as he finished, the elders in the council hall whispered among themselves, discussing heatedly.

"Luo Xiong, this is no trivial matter—do you have solid evidence?" Chief Elder Xuan Zhen asked in a deep voice.

"I have witnesses and material evidence."

"This is evidence of Huang Daxian colluding with the outside world." Luo Xiong said, producing a letter and some miscellaneous items from his bosom and handing them to Chief Elder Xuan Zhen.

The elders passed around the evidence Luo Xiong provided, their faces growing increasingly solemn.

If what Luo Xiong says is true, then Huang Daxian's actions are undoubtedly a betrayal of the sect.

"Summon Huang Daxian to the hall for questioning!" Chief Elder Xuan Zhen ordered.

Not long after, Huang Daxian was brought to the elders' council hall.

As soon as he entered, he fell to his knees with a thud, weeping bitterly.

"Elders, I know I was wrong!"

"I shouldn't have brought the Nine Yin True Classic into the sect, let alone spread it." Huang Daxian's voice was full of remorse.

"Huang Daxian, do you know your guilt?" Chief Elder Xuan Zhen's voice was like a winter wind, chilling to the bone.

"I know my guilt."

"But I originally did it for the sect's disciples to have a better cultivation method." Huang Daxian cried while explaining, "I endured countless hardships in the outside world, barely escaping death to obtain this True Classic."

"I intended to bring benefits to the sect's disciples, but who knew it would invite such disaster." Huang Daxian, tears streaming, recounted in detail how he had suffered hardships outside, battled strong foes with wit and courage, and finally obtained the Nine Yin True Classic.

His account was full of emotion, moving everyone to tears.

"Elders, I shouldn't have brought this True Classic back, no matter what."

"I thought it was an opportunity for the sect, but it turned out to be the root of disaster."

"I am willing to accept any punishment, only hoping the elders can forgive those innocent disciples." Huang Daxian's tears soaked his collar, his remorse spilling over.

The elders listened to Huang Daxian's lament, their hearts filled with mixed feelings.

Originally we thought Huang Daxian had done this intentionally, but now it seems he also acted out of good intentions.

"Huang Daxian, though your original intention was good, the result brought disaster to the sect."

"Do you know how many disciples have gone berserk from cultivating the Nine Yin True Classic?" Elder Ziyan sighed, his tone carrying a hint of blame.

"I know, I deserve death ten thousand times over." Huang Daxian buried his head deeply, his voice filled with despair.

"Sigh, Huang Daxian, get up." Chief Elder Xuan Zhen sighed and waved his hand, letting Huang Daxian rise.

"We cannot deny a person over a single mistake."

"Huang Daxian, we will give you a chance, but you must guarantee that from now on you will never secretly bring outside cultivation methods into the sect, nor secretly spread them." Chief Elder Xuan Zhen said solemnly.

"I guarantee, I will never offend again." Huang Daxian nodded repeatedly, tears of gratitude streaming.

"As for the Nine Yin True Classic, we will assign specialists to study it, see if we can find its flaws and improve it."

"During this period, all disciples are forbidden from practicing this technique." Chief Elder Xuan Zhen announced.

"But, Elder, when I obtained this scripture, I also received another cultivation method."

"It is said to be able to reverse yin and yang, making the fleshly body's yin and yang swap, and after achieving great mastery, one can even return to youth." Huang Daxian said, and then took out an old, damaged scroll.

As Huang Daxian's words fell, all the elders present were stunned, never expecting him to do such a thing.

"This scripture is called the Sunflower Treasure Classic, because opening it causes harm to one's very body at the outset, so I dared not give it to others, only keeping it secretly, intending to hand it over to the elders for a decision later." Huang Daxian said this, then wiped his eyes, twisted his sleeve in front of everyone, and water dripped down with a splashing sound.

The elders present all felt a surge of guilt, "What a fine disciple."

Huang Daxian obtained two scriptures, but he gave the Nine Yin True Classic, which he thought harmless, to the sect's cultivators for practice, and kept the harmful Sunflower Treasure Classic to himself.

From this we can see that Huang Daxian is not the intentional harm-doer to the disciples of Taiyin Shengdi as Luo Xiong claimed.

Chief Elder Xuan Zhen gave Luo Xiong a harsh glance, recalling recent events involving Elder Yin and the Moonflower Lineage, and suddenly understood.

Elder Yin was taking the opportunity to use them as a pretext to kill such a fine disciple as Huang Daxian.

Fortunately they were wise and did not make a grave mistake.

Such a fine disciple, who imparts ancient scriptures without reservation, could harbor any ill intent?

Chief Elder Xuan Zhen thought of this, looked at Huang Daxian's eyes, and instantly felt much more admiration.

He then slowly opened the old scroll; the first line on it made his face twitch violently, his eyes almost popping out.

"To cultivate divine skill, one must first castrate oneself with a blade…"

He then slowly opened the old scroll, and the first line on it made his face twitch, his eyes nearly popping out.

"To master divine skill, one must first castrate oneself with a blade..."