Chapter 544: Undercurrents Surge, Conspiracies Emerge

Feiyun Sect Leader Feiyunzi nodded in agreement: "That is indeed the case; the appearance of that Void sound-transmission array has wiped out our information advantage. Now, the Reformist faction's news spreads much faster than ours."

Leiyin Temple Abbot Master Huikong pressed his palms together and said: "Amitabha, this poor monk believes we should perhaps re-examine our stance. While the ideas of those three young people are radical, they are not entirely without merit."

"Huikong, what do you mean by this?" Yunxiaozi glared at the Abbot, "Are you also going to betray tradition?"

Master Huikong shook his head and said: "This poor monk does not intend to betray tradition, but rather believes that tradition also needs to adapt to the changes of the era. The Buddha Sect emphasizes compassion; if our actions go against this original intention, then we need to reflect."

"Enough!" Yunxiaozi slammed the table and stood up, "It seems some people have already been bewitched by those flowery words. Since that is the case, those sects willing to uphold tradition must be even more united."

The atmosphere of the meeting became exceptionally tense; some representatives of originally neutral sects began to waver, fearing to offend the powerful traditional sects while also unwilling to completely miss out on the opportunities of reform.

Meanwhile, in the Star Moon Sect, Lin Xuan was receiving a special guest—a rogue cultivator senior named Baiyun Daoren. Although this Daoist had no sect background, his cultivation was profound, and he held high prestige among rogue cultivators.

"Little Friend Lin, this old Daoist has come today to tell you an important piece of news," Baiyun Daoren said with a grave expression, "The traditional forces have already begun planning a strike against the Reform Alliance. As far as I know, they are preparing to start with an economic blockade, cutting off the supply of resources to sects that support reform across various regions."

Lin Xuan frowned: "Thank you for the warning, Senior. It seems we must prepare to respond."

"Not only that," Baiyun Daoren continued, "they are also secretly contacting some mercenary cultivators, preparing to assassinate important figures in the Reform Alliance. Little friend, you must be careful."

This news made Lin Xuan realize that the path of reform was far more difficult than he had imagined. But at the same time, he also felt an unprecedented sense of determination.

"Senior," Lin Xuan stood up and bowed deeply, "No matter how treacherous the road ahead may be, we will not retreat. Reform is for the future of the entire Cultivation World; it is worth any price we pay."

Baiyun Daoren nodded with satisfaction: "Good, having this determination is enough. Although this old Daoist is merely a rogue cultivator, I am willing to contribute my strength to the cause of reform."

The night was as dark as ink; in a secret chamber of the Heavenly Sword Sect, several dark shadows were holding a secret meeting.

"Fellow junior brothers, this mission is of great importance," said the Heavenly Sword Sect's head disciple, Jian Wuhen, whose cultivation had already reached the late Golden Core stage, making him a top-tier expert among the younger generation, "The Sect Leader's orders are very clear: we are to infiltrate the various sects that support reform, collect their internal intelligence, and simultaneously create some 'minor trouble'."

"Senior Brother Jian, what exactly should we do?" a junior brother asked.

Jian Wuhen sneered: "It's very simple. We will enter the target sects under the guise of visiting for study, and then spread some 'inside information' within them regarding the true motives of the Reformists. For example, we can imply that Lin Xuan and his group are actually trying to build their own power and are using other sects as stepping stones."

"Also," another senior brother added, "we must pay special attention to the existing conflicts within those sects and then exploit them. For instance, the generation gap between new and old disciples, or the disagreements between Elders of different factions—these are all excellent entry points."

Jian Wuhen nodded in agreement: "Well said. Remember, our goal is not direct destruction, but to make them develop suspicion and division internally. That way, even if it is discovered later, it will be very difficult to trace it back to us."

At the same time, in the commercial headquarters of the Feiyun Sect, Sect Leader Feiyunzi was discussing another plan with several Elders.

"Everyone, the setback at the Lundaotai has made us realize that mere verbal debate can no longer stop the expansion of the Reformists," Feiyunzi's tone was gloomy, "but the influence our Feiyun Sect holds in the commercial sphere of the Cultivation World is something they cannot compare to."

As he spoke, he unfolded a detailed map marked with the major trade routes and resource production areas of the Cultivation World.

"Most of these sects that support reform need to purchase cultivation resources from the outside. We can control the supply chain to force them into a predicament of resource shortages," Feiyunzi traced circles on the map with his finger, "Without sufficient spirit stones, Pills, and Dharma Artifact materials, let's see how they continue their so-called reform."

"The Sect Leader is wise," an Elder suggested, "We can also raise the price of resources for them while granting preferential policies to those sects that lean toward us. In this way, economic interests can become the best lobbying tool."

"Very good," Feiyunzi nodded with satisfaction, "Notify the commercial chambers in all regions immediately to begin executing the blockade plan. Remember, do it discreetly; you can use market fluctuations or supply tensions as an excuse."

Meanwhile, in a meditation room at Leiyin Temple, Abbot Huikong was holding a secret discussion with several Core disciples.

"Master, the wavering you displayed at the Heavenly Sword Sect meeting should have already made Yunxiaozi and the others lower their guard," a monk said.

Huikong nodded: "Amitabha, although this poor monk does not personally approve of these methods, in order to maintain the purity of traditional Buddha Sect teachings, sometimes it is necessary to take some special measures."

He paused, a trace of imperceptible gloom flashing in his eyes: "You must spread news in all regions, implying that the Reformists have an unclear relationship with the Demonic Path. Especially that Muerxiu's Void Path—it is already easy to associate it with Demonic Path techniques."

"Master, will this...?" a young monk appeared somewhat hesitant.

"Namo Amitabha," Huikong pressed his palms together, "The Buddha Sect emphasizes great compassion; sometimes, in order to save more sentient beings, one must do things that appear uncompassionate. If the evil doctrines of the Reformists are allowed to spread, more people will suffer in the future."

These conspiratorial methods indeed produced immediate results.

Inside the Liuyun Sect, a fierce argument was underway.

"Sect Leader, I feel our decision to support the Reform Alliance was somewhat rash," an Elder said with a worried expression, "In the past few days, disciples have sent news saying that this Lin Xuan is actually trying to use us small and medium-sized sects to pave his way, and once his power is strong enough, he will kick us aside."

Liuyunzi frowned: "Is this news reliable?"

"It shouldn't be false; the disciples who sent the news were the ones we sent to the Star Moon Sect for exchange and study, and they heard it with their own ears there," another Elder also expressed concern, "Moreover, we have recently encountered difficulties in purchasing cultivation resources, and the prices are more than thirty percent higher than before."