Chapter 420: Breaking

Whether in the former Medical Bureau or the current Pill Saint Hall, the true helmsmen have never changed; they have always been those few old powers.

The most powerful among them is naturally the noble aristocracy led by the imperial family.

Whether in the Qihuang Pavilion or the Nine Streets Hall, the imperial family and the noble aristocracy have inserted many people, capable of swaying the operations of these two departments to a great extent.

Next comes the Dao-Protecting Families, led by the Xia clan.

The Spirit Realm Pavilion is almost entirely dictated by this faction, developing according to the will of the Dao-Protecting Families; other Realm Masters, even if they control realms, possess little say.

Finally, there is the lineage of the Pill Saint Hall's successors.

This lineage should have been the most orthodox and legitimate guide of the Sacred Land, yet for some reason, they are unwilling to expose their identities as Sacred Land successors, instead secretly placing personnel in various departments, peaks, and realms.

They established the Nine Streets Hall, yet its management rights and speaking power must still be split evenly with the imperial family and the nobility.

Do not be misled by the current Pill Saint Hall having territory, resources, and many recruited disciples; its mode of operation has never changed.

The three major old powers firmly grip the helm guiding the Sacred Land's forward development, offering not the slightest opportunity for new forces to participate.

Even when opportunities are given, they are limited to matters at the execution level.

If the three major old powers, holding the helm, had wholeheartedly planned for the Sacred Land's growth and strengthening, that would be one thing; but the problem is, each has their own agenda, and the interests of the Sacred Land must rank below their private gains.

The various Realm Masters and directors of the Qihuang Halls are not unaware of these issues; the reason they have not caused an uproar is twofold: first, their own networks of connections are, to varying degrees, entangled with the three major old powers; second, although excluded from 'participating in decision-making regarding the Sacred Land's developmental direction,' they are indispensable at the execution level and can thus secure some benefits.

Does no one wish to break this old mode of operation?

Of course not.

Many have the heart for it, but lack the strength.

This is the reason the Pill Saint Hall has always been like stagnant water.

But now, the various Realm Masters, the directors of the Qihuang Halls, and some ambitious individuals have seen hope for 'breaking the old mode of operation.'

Xia Zhen, a figure in the Spirit Realm Pavilion second only to the Pavilion Master, is now being supported as he departs the assembly hall in a wretched state.

So, the three major powers are not unshakable after all!

With Xia Zhen's departure, although the assembly hall remains quiet, everyone can feel that something is quietly changing.

Everyone's gaze drifts, subtly yet unmistakably, toward Hua Changxi.

Gu Jinfan looks at Hua Changxi, burning sparks blazing in the depths of her eyes.

Hua Changxi is a variable; her existence seems to signify some kind of change.

And change represents opportunity, vitality, and infinite possibilities.

This plays a crucial role, whether for the development of the Sacred Land or for unleashing the potential of its disciples.

Only in this moment does she truly recognize the indispensability of people like Hua Changxi—she brings not only conflict but also the courage to break the deadlock.

After all, if even a deeply entrenched power like Xia Zhen can be shaken, who dares to say the old order cannot be challenged?

Huo Yunxiao's expression is equally invigorated; Hua Changxi's attendance at this meeting has stirred significant ripples in the stagnant waters of the Pill Saint Hall.

However, this is only the beginning.

Overturning an old house is difficult, and building a new mansion is equally hard.

The collision and gaming between new and old forces is a long march filled with dangers and obstacles.

Mu Qingying, Yuan Tianchou, Yan Qianying, and others also feel flames of eagerness igniting within their hearts.

Regarding many affairs of the Sacred Land, they have long been dissatisfied, but unfortunately, weighing too many considerations has kept them from moving forward.

Wen Shouren's mood, however, is much lower than that of the others.

Looking at Hua Changxi, who appears calm and composed, his gaze is complex and indecipherable.

That Hua Changxi would directly lay hands on Xia Zhen is something he had not anticipated.

Xia Zhen hails from the Xia clan, and the Xia clan is a Dao-Protecting Family of the Four Spirit Realms!

After arriving at the Pill Saint Hall, despite having private motives, Xia Zhen indeed accomplished some practical deeds for the hall; he has contributed to the Sacred Land.

Yet Hua Changxi acted against him with such utter lack of mercy...

Only at this moment does Wen Shouren truly understand Gu Xing's worry and unease regarding Hua Changxi, and why he chose not to assist her.

Hua Changxi is too vehement in hating evil and too absolute in distinguishing black from white; such a person, without change, cannot become the Master of the Sacred Land.