Chapter 536: Undercurrents Surging, A Game of Interests

Finally, Xingchenzi spoke: "This idea is very good, but are you certain you can shoulder such a responsibility? Guiding disciples is not a simple matter; it requires a great deal of time and energy."

"This disciple has confidence," Lin Xuan replied firmly, "and besides, this is also a form of repayment from this disciple to the sect."

"Very well," Xingchenzi stood up, "I agree to your proposal. Three days from now, we shall hold this sect-wide competition. However," his tone turned serious, "if this experiment fails, you must bear the corresponding responsibility."

"This disciple understands," Lin Xuan bowed deeply.

After the meeting ended, Lin Xuan walked out of the great hall, his heart feeling both excited and nervous. He knew that this competition was not only an opportunity for those buried disciples, but also a test of his own abilities.

The news quickly spread throughout the entire Star Moon Sect.

"What? A sect-wide competition is to be held?"

"And there are no restrictions on cultivation level; any disciple can participate?"

"Doesn't this give those Outer Sect Disciples a chance to climb up?"

"I heard this was an idea proposed by Junior Brother Lin Xuan; it seems he really wants to change something."

Various discussions rose and fell. Some were excited, some were worried, and some were disdainful.

In the living quarters of the Outer Sect Disciples, a group of disciples who were usually not valued gathered together, the flames of hope burning in their eyes.

"This is our chance," a disciple named Shi Lei said excitedly, "finally, there is a chance to prove ourselves!"

"That's right," another disciple echoed, "we have been in the sect for so many years and have never received any decent guidance. This time we must perform well!"

Meanwhile, in the gathering place of the Inner Sect Disciples, the atmosphere was completely different.

"Hmph, a bunch of Outer Sect Disciples want to turn the tables? What a pipe dream."

"Lin Xuan is just grandstanding, thinking he can win prestige by putting on an act of pleading for the people?"

"Just wait and see; when these Outer Sect Disciples make a fool of themselves in the competition, let's see how he cleans up the mess."

Less than a day after the news of the sect-wide competition spread, subtle changes began to appear within the Star Moon Sect.

Inside the Murong Mansion, the head of the Murong Family, Murong Tianxing, was discussing countermeasures with several elders of the clan. As one of the top families in the Cultivation World, the Murong Family had deep foundations in the Star Moon Sect, and three disciples from the family held important positions in the sect.

"Family Head, this Lin Xuan is simply going too far," one elder said indignantly, "he is digging up our foundations!"

Murong Tianxing picked up his teacup and took a slow sip, a chill flashing in his eyes: "It's not just digging up foundations; he wants to completely change the rules of the game for the entire Cultivation World."

"Then what should we do? We can't just sit and wait for death, can we?" another elder asked anxiously.

"Of course not," Murong Tianxing set down his teacup, his expression serious, "immediately send a message to Xingchenzi, saying that our Murong Family needs to reconsider our cooperative relationship with the Star Moon Sect. At the same time, contact the other families to see what their attitudes are."

At the same time, similar discussions were taking place in several other cultivation families. The Ouyang Family, the Shangguan Family, the Dongfang Family... these forces that usually acted independently were quickly uniting in the face of a common threat.

Within the Star Moon Sect, Murong Ya, as a Core disciple of the Murong Family, was conspiring with several senior brothers and sisters who also came from prominent families.

"Senior Sister, news has already come from the family," Murong Ya said in a low voice, "if this competition really proceeds according to Lin Xuan's idea, our status might be greatly impacted."

"This Lin Xuan really doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth," a senior brother surnamed Shangguan sneered, "he thinks he can do whatever he wants just because he made a small contribution? He doesn't stop to think, without the support of us families, could the Star Moon Sect have its status today?"

"Talk is useless; we must find a way to stop this," a hint of viciousness flashed in Murong Ya's eyes, "or... let those Outer Sect Disciples have some 'accidents' during the competition?"

As soon as the words fell, the few of them fell silent. They all understood what this meant, but in order to protect their own interests, there seemed to be no other choice.

However, their conspiracy was not completely hidden. Within the Star Moon Sect, those who supported Lin Xuan's reforms were also acting in the shadows.

Inside the Library Pavilion, an inconspicuous management Elder was communicating with several like-minded colleagues.

"Everyone, Junior Nephew Lin Xuan's approach is indeed a bit radical, but the direction is correct," this Elder was named Li Qingfeng; although his cultivation was not the highest, he was highly respected in the sect, "our Star Moon Sect truly needs some changes."

"Senior Brother Li is right," another Elder nodded in agreement, "over these years, those family disciples have become increasingly arrogant, while ordinary disciples with real talent are buried. If this continues, the sect will sooner or later lose its vitality."

"However, the pressure from those families cannot be ignored either," a third Elder said worriedly, "if they really cut off cooperation, the loss to the sect will be great."

Li Qingfeng sighed deeply: "Precisely because of this, we must support Junior Nephew Lin Xuan even more. If we retreat this time, there will be even fewer opportunities for reform in the future."

Inside the Sect Leader's great hall, Xingchenzi was dealing with the news coming from all sides with a headache.

"Sect Leader, the Murong Family Head requests an audience, saying there is an important matter to discuss." A disciple came to report.

Xingchenzi rubbed his temples; he knew this moment had finally arrived.

Murong Tianxing's arrival was faster than expected. As soon as this big figure of the Cultivation World entered the great hall, he carried a majesty that brooked no refusal.

"Sect Leader Xingchenzi, we have known each other for so many years, so I will be blunt," Murong Tianxing went straight to the point, "our Murong Family cannot accept this reform proposal of Lin Xuan's."

"Brother Tianxing, why is that?" Xingchenzi asked, knowing the answer.

"Why?" Murong Tianxing sneered, "He is trying to smash the foundation our families have built over thousands of years! Xingchenzi, you must think clearly: without the support of us families, could the Star Moon Sect have its status today?"

Xingchenzi was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Brother Tianxing, I understand your concerns, but the development of the sect cannot remain stagnant either."

"Development?" Murong Tianxing's tone became even more severe, "I don't see this as development, but as self-destruction of the foundation! Xingchenzi, I will warn you one last time: if you insist on supporting Lin Xuan's nonsense, our Murong Family will reconsider our relationship with the Star Moon Sect."

After saying this, Murong Tianxing got up and left, leaving Xingchenzi alone in the great hall to contemplate.

Such threats arrived one after another in the following days. The Ouyang Family, the Shangguan Family, the Dongfang Family... one cultivation family after another expressed similar stances. They not only threatened to cut off cooperation but even hinted that they might transfer their family disciples to other sects.