Chapter 554: Accepting Imperfection

"I support the Sect Leader's decision!" the Third Elder was the first to state his position.

"I support it too!" the Second Elder followed closely behind.

Soon, the majority of the Elders expressed their support. Even the Fourth Elder, who had opposed it at the beginning, finally nodded in agreement: "Since everyone thinks so, I have no objections either. I only hope our choice is the correct one."

That afternoon, the Wuji Sect officially held a sect assembly. Wujizi stood on a high platform, facing the hundreds of disciples below, and solemnly announced: "After careful consideration, the Wuji Sect has decided to join the Reform Alliance to create a new era for the Cultivation World together with all fellow Daoists!"

This news was like a stone hitting the surface of water, immediately causing a huge shock in the Cultivation World. Although the Wuji Sect was not a top-tier sect, it still held considerable influence in the Cultivation World. Their stance undoubtedly carried significant demonstrative importance.

Following closely behind, a chain reaction began to manifest.

After receiving the news from the Wuji Sect, Linghezi, the Sect Leader of the Linghe Sect, immediately convened an emergency meeting: "Fellow Elders, everyone has heard of the Wuji Sect's decision. I feel their choice is a wise one."

"The Sect Leader's words are absolutely correct," the Great Elder echoed, "Our Linghe Sect has always had a close relationship with the Wuji Sect, and their judgment has always been accurate. Since they have chosen the Reform Alliance, it shows that this is indeed the correct direction."

The situation at the Qingzhu Sect was similar. Sect Leader Qingzhu Zhenren said at the sect meeting: "The Qingzhu Sect has lived in seclusion in the mountains for generations and originally did not wish to participate in such struggles. But the philosophy of the Reform Alliance has allowed me to see hope; perhaps the Cultivation World can truly become better."

More than a dozen medium-sized sects, including the Liuxing Sect, Bixia Sect, Tianyin Sect, and Ziyun Temple, also expressed their positions within just a few days and officially joined the Reform Alliance.

What was even more surprising was that internal divisions began to appear within some traditional sects.

Inside a side hall of the Feiyun Sect, dozens of young disciples were holding a secret gathering.

"Senior Brother, what do you think of the Reform Alliance's philosophy?" a disciple at the Foundation Establishment Stage asked in a low voice.

"To be honest, I think it makes a lot of sense," that Senior Brother at the Golden Core Stage looked around to confirm there were no outsiders before continuing, "We disciples work hard to cultivate, but because our backgrounds aren't good enough, many opportunities never come our way. And the fair competition advocated by the Reform Alliance is truly tempting."

"But the sect has already clearly stated its support for the Righteous Alliance; what do we do?" another disciple asked worriedly.

"Those Elders only consider the interests of the sect and don't care at all about the thoughts of us ordinary disciples," a female disciple said indignantly, "Why should we have to pay the price for their decisions?"

Similar discussions were quietly taking place in every corner of the Feiyun Sect. The younger generation of disciples showed strong identification with the reform philosophy, creating intense ideological conflicts with the sect's elders.

When Feiyunzi learned of this situation, he was immediately furious: "Preposterous! These rebellious disciples actually dare to spread heretical ideas within the sect! Someone, seize those ringleading disciples and lock them in Siguo Ya to reflect for three years!"

However, this heavy-handed way of handling things not only failed to calm the internal differences but instead incited even more dissatisfaction among the disciples. Some young disciples even began to consider leaving the sect to defect to the Reform Alliance.

Similar situations occurred in other traditional sects, just to varying degrees. The ideological conflict between the younger generation and the older generation was tearing apart the internal unity of these sects.

At the same time, the response from the rogue cultivator community was even more enthusiastic.

In the valley outside the Xingyue Sect, it was densely packed with all kinds of tents. Thousands of rogue cultivators had rushed over from all parts of the Cultivation World, waiting here for an opportunity to join the Reform Alliance.

"Is it true that the Reform Alliance is really willing to accept us rogue cultivators?" a middle-aged cultivator asked excitedly.

"Of course it's true!" a young rogue cultivator replied, "I have a friend who has already joined the Qingfeng Sect and is currently learning authentic cultivation techniques."

"That's great! I've been cultivating for twenty years and have always been looked down upon because I have no master. This time, I finally have a chance to prove myself!"

In the crowd, a youth who looked only in his teens said timidly: "But my talent is very poor, and my ability isn't strong either; will they want me?"

An old man nearby smiled kindly: "Child, you don't need to worry. I heard the Reform Alliance has a philosophy called 'Accepting Imperfection', specifically to help those of us abandoned by traditional sects."

The valley was filled with such conversations everywhere. These rogue cultivators carried anxiety and hope, waiting for a chance to change their fate.

As the main person in charge of receiving new members, Xiao Yuan was busy every day. She set up multiple reception points in the valley and personally interviewed every cultivator who came to defect.

"May I ask your name? Where are you from?" Xiao Yuan asked a cultivator in front of her gently.

It was a man who looked to be in his thirties, with traces of weathering on his face: "Little Immortal, my name is Wang Tie, and I am a rogue cultivator from the Western Regions. I... I know my aptitude is dull, but I really want a chance to learn authentic cultivation methods."

Xiao Yuan carefully observed Wang Tie's cultivation and discovered that although he was not young, his cultivation was only at the late stage of Qi Refining. According to the standards of traditional sects, such aptitude was indeed difficult to accept.

But she still smiled and said: "Brother Wang, the level of aptitude is not the most important thing; what matters is a heart that seeks the Dao. The philosophy of our Reform Alliance is 'Accepting Imperfection', believing that everyone has their own value."

Hearing this, tears instantly welled up in Wang Tie's eyes: "Little Immortal, are you really willing to accept someone like me?"

"Of course," Xiao Yuan nodded firmly, "We believe that as long as one cultivates with heart, even the most ordinary person can radiate their own light."

Similar scenes were staged every day. Those cultivators who had been rejected by traditional sects due to their background, talent, or age reignited their hope here. Xiao Yuan's "Accepting Imperfection" philosophy nourished these wounded souls like sweet dew.

Muerxiu, on the other hand, was busy with another important task—expanding the Void sound-transmission Array. With the continuous addition of new members, the original communication system could no longer meet the demand.

At the back mountain of the Xingyue Sect, Muerxiu was discussing improvement plans with several Array masters: "Masters, we need to add at least ten nodes on the existing foundation to ensure we can cover all the newly joined sects."

An old Array master frowned: "Little Friend Muer, such a large-scale expansion requires consuming a massive amount of spirit stones and precious materials; are our reserves enough?"

"No need to worry about that," Muerxiu said confidently, "The newly joined sects are all willing to provide support. The Wuji Sect even took the initiative to contribute a batch of high-grade spirit stones."