Chapter 543: Winds Rise and Clouds Surge, the Alliance is Formed

The heated debate on the Lundaotai had just ended, and the entire Cultivation World was like a calm lake into which a giant boulder had been thrown, sending ripples layer upon layer. Yunyou Zhenren's public support was like a detonated signal flare, instantly igniting long-suppressed enthusiasm for reform.

At the foot of Wudaofeng, before the various cultivators had fully dispersed, some had already begun to gather together to discuss the content of the debate just held.

"Senior Yunyou has already expressed his support; it seems this Reform Alliance truly has some substance," a rogue cultivator said in a low voice.

"Indeed, those three young people spoke with reason, especially that concept of 'Harmonious Symbiosis'; it sounds more persuasive than the traditional way of saying things," another cultivator nodded in agreement.

A group of disciples from the Qingfeng Sect gathered together, their faces filled with excitement.

"Senior Brother, did you hear? That Shi Lei mentioned by Lin Xuan, growing from an Outer Sect Disciple into a new star of the sect—isn't this exactly the fair opportunity we have been longing for?" a young disciple's eyes sparkled with the light of hope.

"Don't get excited," the older Senior Brother cautioned, "The Sect Leader has not yet stated his position; we must not act rashly."

But even so, his tone revealed obvious wavering.

The speed at which the news spread completely exceeded everyone's expectations. The Cultivation World had always possessed a well-developed network of Sound Transmission Talismans, and combined with various spirit birds delivering messages, within a mere three days, the content of the debate on the Lundaotai had spread across more than half of the Cultivation World.

And even more shocking was that voices supporting the reform emerged like a rising tide.

The first to publicly declare their position was the Liuyun Sect, not far from Wudaofeng. Sect Leader Liuyunzi formally announced at the sect assembly: "The Liuyun Sect is willing to support the Reform Alliance's philosophy, hoping to contribute a share of strength to the transformation of the Cultivation World."

Following closely were more small and medium-sized sects. After consulting with the Elders, Qingfeng Sect Leader Qingfengzi dispatched Great Elder Qingsongzi as a representative to take the initiative and head to the Xingyue Sect to seek cooperation.

"Elder Qingsong," Lin Xuan received this visitor in the guest room of the Xingyue Sect, "I already understand the purpose of the Qingfeng Sect's visit. To be able to obtain your sect's support is truly a great honor."

Qingsongzi was a cultivator who looked to be over sixty years old; although his cultivation was not top-tier, the wisdom revealed in his eyes was impressive.

"Young Master Lin is too polite," Qingsongzi said with a bow, "To tell you the truth, in the three hundred years since the Qingfeng Sect was founded, we have always been suppressed by the surrounding large sects. Even if disciples under our banner have outstanding talent, it is very difficult for them to obtain real opportunities for development. Hearing the Young Master's reform philosophy this time, we have seen hope."

"Elder Qingsong's candor is something I admire," Lin Xuan said earnestly, "Reform is never a matter of a single day; it requires the joint efforts of all people with lofty ideals. The Qingfeng Sect's willingness to join is a huge encouragement to us."

The two discussed the specific methods of cooperation in detail. Although the Qingfeng Sect was not strong in power, it was located at a major transportation hub and could provide the Reform Alliance with important information transmission support.

Similar meetings were constantly being staged all over the Cultivation World. Xiao Yuan was responsible for communicating with the young disciples of various sects, and her "Accepting Imperfection" philosophy resonated strongly among the younger generation.

In the Wangling Ta, Xiao Yuan was receiving young representatives from over a dozen different sects.

"Senior Sister Xiao Yuan, although we come from different sects, we all have common troubles," a female disciple from the Clear Water Sect said, "Our talent is no worse than those disciples from aristocratic families, but just because of our background, we are never valued."

"That's right," another male disciple said indignantly, "I have cultivated in the sect for ten years and am still only an Inner Sect Disciple, while those junior brothers with connections became direct disciples just two years after entering the sect."

Xiao Yuan listened patiently to everyone's grievances, then said gently: "I understand everyone's feelings, because I have also experienced similar troubles. But I want to say that although anger and resentment are normal emotions, we cannot let them control us."

She stood up and walked to the window to look at the garden outside: "Does everyone see these flowers? Some bloom brilliantly, some appear ordinary, but every flower has its own beauty. What we must do is not complain about the barrenness of the soil, but learn to bloom with our own radiance in any environment."

"Then what should we do?" someone asked.

"First, we must accept the status quo, but not compromise with it," Xiao Yuan turned around, her eyes sparkling with firm light, "Then, we must prove our own value. Not through anger and confrontation, but through practical action."

She elaborated in detail on how to practice the reform philosophy within their respective sects. These young cultivators listened very carefully; they realized that reform was not just a political game for the upper echelons, but required everyone to make an effort in their own position.

At the same time, Muerxiu was using his Void Path to build a rapid communication network covering the entire Cultivation World.

At the reconstruction site of the Guixu Sect, Muerxiu stood at the top of a high tower, his hands forming seals, his mouth chanting words. Following his movements, tiny void nodes formed in the air and then rapidly spread in all directions.

"Void Sound Transmission Array, complete!" Muerxiu opened his eyes, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

The beauty of this sound transmission array lay in the fact that it utilized the characteristics of the Void to achieve almost instantaneous long-distance communication, and it was not easily intercepted or interfered with. For the Reform Alliance, this was a crucial strategic advantage.

"Senior Brother, your Void Path has improved quite a bit again," a junior brother from the Guixu Sect exclaimed, "The coverage range of this sound transmission array can actually reach a thousand miles away."

"This is just the beginning," Muerxiu said modestly, "Once the network is fully built, we will be able to achieve real-time communication across the entire Cultivation World. By then, any force supporting the reform will be able to quickly obtain information and coordinate actions."

Just at this moment, Lin Xuan's voice came from the sound transmission array: "Brother Mu, the traditional forces have made a new move; Yunxiaozi is calling an emergency meeting."

Muerxiu responded immediately: "Received, I will contact the liaison points in various places now to collect more intelligence."

Indeed, in the base camp of the traditional forces—the Heavenly Sword Sect—an emergency meeting was underway.

Inside the Sect Leader's main hall, Yunxiaozi looked at the several Sect Leaders before him with a livid face. The defeat on the Lundaotai made him feel unprecedented humiliation, and more importantly, the influence of the reformists was expanding at an alarming speed.

"Everyone, the situation is much more serious than we anticipated," Yunxiaozi said, suppressing his anger, "In just three days, more than twenty small and medium-sized sects have publicly declared their support for the Reform Alliance. If we do not take action again, I fear the entire landscape of the Cultivation World will be overturned."