Chapter 537: Actual Combat as Proof, Subverting Concepts

What gave Xingchenzi an even worse headache was that the Elders within the sect had also begun to split.

At the Elder meeting, the atmosphere was exceptionally tense.

"Sect Leader, I feel Lin Xuan's ideas are too radical," a Conservative Elder spoke up first. "Our Star Moon Sect's current status relies heavily on our good relationships with the major clans. If we destroy this balance because of one young man's impulsiveness, the losses will be enormous."

"I oppose this view," Elder Li Qingfeng immediately retorted. "We cannot abandon our principles just because we are afraid of offending the clans. What is the foundation of the sect? It is to cultivate outstanding cultivators, not to serve the clans!"

"Brother Li speaks easily," another Conservative Elder sneered. "Do you not see the resources those clans provide to the sect every year? Without their support, what would we use to cultivate disciples?"

"Resources are important, but they cannot be the reason for our compromise," a Reformist Elder stood up. "If we always bow to power, then what is there to speak of regarding the Great Dao of cultivation?"

The argument grew increasingly intense, and in the end, they parted on bad terms.

Facing this situation of being besieged on all sides, Lin Xuan felt unprecedented pressure. He had not expected a simple reform proposal to trigger such a massive shock, nor had he expected that even the Sect Leader and the Elders would be divided because of it.

In the dead of night, Lin Xuan sat alone in his cultivation room and took out the Dao Heart Relic left behind by Taijizi. The gentle light flickered in the darkness, as if comforting his restless heart.

"Senior, this disciple has encountered difficulties," Lin Xuan whispered to himself. "The resistance to reform is much greater than imagined. Is there a problem with this disciple's methods?"

The Dao Heart Relic seemed to sense his confusion, emitting an even softer glow. A warm power surged into Lin Xuan's consciousness, and Taijizi's voice seemed to ring in his ears:

"Child, true reform is never simple confrontation. You must remember that everyone has their own stance and hidden troubles, even those seemingly stubborn opponents."

"Inclusivity is not compromise, and unity is not submission. What you must do is find the common ground among everyone and seek solutions based on understanding."

Lin Xuan closed his eyes, carefully contemplating the meaning of these words. Gradually, he began to understand the deep meaning Taijizi wanted to express.

The reason those clans opposed reform was that they feared losing their vested interests; the reason the Conservative Elders opposed it was that they feared the sect's stability would be impacted; and the reason the Reformists supported it was that they hoped the sect could develop better.

On the surface, these stances were diametrically opposed, but their deep-seated motivations shared a common point—all were considering the future of the sect, just from different angles.

"So that's it," Lin Xuan realized with a start. "My previous line of thinking was indeed flawed. I only saw the necessity of reform, but did not fully consider the reasonable concerns of all parties."

Early the next morning, Lin Xuan took the initiative to find the Sect Leader, Xingchenzi.

"Sect Leader, this disciple wishes to discuss adjustments to the reform plan with you."

Seeing the determination and wisdom in Lin Xuan's eyes, Xingchenzi could not help but be moved: "Tell me about it."

"This disciple believes we should not view reform as an overthrow of the existing system, but rather as a return to and development of the sect's traditions," Lin Xuan elaborated on his new ideas in detail. "We can keep the current disciples' treatment unchanged while simultaneously opening new upward channels for those ordinary disciples with potential."

"This way, it will not harm the interests of the clans, and it will also allow truly talented disciples to be cultivated. More importantly, we can package this reform as the inheritance and promotion of the founding ancestor's philosophy, which will give it sufficient legitimacy."

Xingchenzi's eyes lit up; he found that Lin Xuan's thinking was indeed more mature.

"How do we operate this specifically?"

"First, we assure the major clans that the current status and treatment of their descendants will not be affected in any way. Second, we establish a specialized 'Potential Disciple Cultivation Plan' to provide extra opportunities for those buried talents. Finally, we position the entire reform as the inheritance and promotion of the sect's fine traditions."

Lin Xuan's proposal received Xingchenzi's approval. That afternoon, the Sect Leader summoned all the Elders to re-discuss the reform plan.

This time, the focus of the debate was no longer whether to reform, but how to reform. Under Lin Xuan's clever design, all parties found a balance point they could accept.

Even those most stubborn Conservative Elders had to admit the rationality of this new plan. After all, a plan that neither harms vested interests nor hinders the sect's development is indeed worth supporting.

When the news was conveyed to the major clans, their attitudes also underwent a subtle change. Although still vigilant, the threatening tone had softened significantly.

Watching the situation gradually ease, Lin Xuan felt deep gratitude for the wisdom left behind by Taijizi.

After several days of negotiation and preparation, the sect-wide actual combat competition was finally confirmed to be held. Once the news broke, the entire Star Moon Sect was in an uproar.

The rules of the competition were simple: no distinction between inner and outer sects, regardless of background, all disciples could freely sign up to participate. The competition was divided into three stages: Basic Cultivation Test, Actual Combat Confrontation, and Comprehensive Ability Assessment. The final winners would receive extra cultivation resources and opportunities for personal guidance.

In the Martial Arts Arena, disciples signing up were endless. What was surprising was that many usually obscure Outer Sect Disciples participated enthusiastically, while some clan descendants who originally held high status appeared somewhat hesitant.

"Senior Brother, are we really going to participate?" a disciple from the Murong family asked in a low voice.

Murong Ya gritted her teeth: "Of course we must participate! If we don't participate, wouldn't that be admitting we are inferior to those disciples from loose cultivator backgrounds?"

At the same time, the Outer Sect Disciple dormitory was a different scene.

"Shi Lei, are you really going to participate?" a disciple asked worriedly. "Those clan descendants have received the best cultivation guidance since childhood; how could we possibly be their opponents?"

Shi Lei was an ordinary disciple from a remote mountain village who had entered the sect seven years ago, but because of his humble background, he had always been assigned to the most menial chores. Hearing his companion's words, he shook his head firmly:

"Precisely because of that, we must participate even more. This might be the only chance in our lives to prove ourselves."

On the night before the competition began, Lin Xuan came to the Outer Sect Disciple dormitory area. He wanted to provide some pre-match guidance for these brave disciples who had signed up.

"Senior Brother Lin!" Seeing Lin Xuan's arrival, the Outer Sect Disciples were both excited and nervous.

"Everyone, do not be nervous," Lin Xuan smiled gently. "I came today to share some insights on cultivation with everyone."