Chapter 555: Founding the Sect and Academy, Educational Reform

Another array master remarked with emotion: "I never imagined the Reform Alliance would have such strong cohesion; everyone is willing to contribute their strength for a common ideal."

"This is the power of 'Harmonious Symbiosis'," Muerxiu said while calibrating the array, "When everyone strives for the same goal, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome."

After working day and night without rest, the new Void sound-transmission array was finally completed. This communication network, with its wider coverage and faster transmission speed, provided a powerful guarantee for the rapid development of the Reform Alliance.

Inside the main hall of the Star Moon Sect, Lin Xuan looked at the latest statistical report, his mood both excited and apprehensive.

"Everyone," he said, scanning the core members present, "According to the latest statistics, our alliance membership has exceeded thirty thousand, including eighteen formal sects and over two thousand rogue cultivators. This growth rate far exceeds our expectations."

Xiao Yuan said joyfully: "Senior Brother, this shows that our philosophy is being recognized by more and more people. Especially those rogue cultivator friends; their enthusiasm has deeply moved me."

Muerxiu also nodded in agreement: "During the expansion of the Void sound-transmission array, I deeply felt everyone's unity. Every sect provided support without reservation; this spirit is admirable."

As the Sect Leader of the Star Moon Sect, Xingchenzi raised a realistic concern: "Xuan'er, the rapid expansion of the alliance is certainly gratifying, but we must also consider the issues of management and training. With so many new members joining, how can we ensure they all truly understand and practice our philosophy?"

This question plunged Lin Xuan into deep thought. Indeed, as the scale of the alliance continued to expand, the difficulty of management and training was also increasing sharply. How to ensure the alliance's cohesion and combat effectiveness while maintaining rapid development was a question that needed serious consideration.

"Sect Leader Master is right," Lin Xuan finally said, "We need to establish a more perfect training system and management structure. We must not only teach cultivation techniques but also spread the correct philosophy."

He paused, then continued: "In addition, we must be prepared to meet even greater challenges. The Nascent Soul Stage Ancestors of the Eight Great Sects are about to emerge from seclusion; this will be the most severe test we face."

Hearing this, everyone's expression became grave. Although the alliance's strength was growing rapidly, their chances of winning against the combined attack of Nascent Soul Stage powerhouses were still not high.

As the first light of dawn appeared, the Qinglong Peak on the east side of Wangyue Valley was bustling with noise and excitement, with colorful flags fluttering. Today was a day of historical significance—the foundation-laying ceremony for the Harmony Academy was about to be held here.

Qinglong Peak stood nearly a thousand zhang high, its mountain form tall and beautiful, surrounded by mountains that formed a natural place for gathering Spirit Qi. The mountain was covered with ancient trees reaching the sky, filled with dense Spirit Qi, and from time to time, spirit cranes flew and auspicious beasts appeared; it was indeed an excellent place to build a cultivation academy.

As early as three days ago, the various sects of the Reform Alliance began building the ceremonial platform and viewing seats on the mountain. Disciples of the Wuji Sect were responsible for building the main platform, practitioners of the Qingfeng Sect arranged ribbons and flags among the mountains, and the female cultivators of the Bishui Sect decorated the venue with various spirit flowers. The entire mountain was dressed up to be solemn yet full of vitality.

As the sun rose, the attendees of the foundation-laying ceremony arrived one after another. The Sect Leaders of all eighteen sects of the Reform Alliance were present, and thousands of disciples and rogue cultivators also rushed from all over to observe the ceremony. Even more surprisingly, some sects that had originally remained neutral also sent representatives, clearly wanting to observe this historical moment of educational reform at close range.

As the chief designer of the Harmony Academy, Yunyou Zhenren had been busy on the mountain since early morning. He wore a cyan Daoist Robe and held an ancient compass, surveying the key positions of the mountain.

"The ley lines here are indeed excellent," Yunyou Zhenren praised while stroking his beard, "The Azure Dragon raises its head, the White Tiger lies on the ground, the Vermilion Bird spreads its wings, and the Xuanwu guards the rear. With all four symbols complete, this is truly a geomantic treasure land for establishing an academy."

As he spoke, he began to set up the Spirit Gathering Array. He took out glowing array stones from his Cunwudai and buried them into the ground according to specific orientations. With each array stone buried, the surrounding Spirit Qi would produce subtle fluctuations, as if the entire mountain were breathing slightly.

"Senior's mastery of arrays is truly peak perfection," Lin Xuan said, standing by and watching with sincere admiration.

Yunyou Zhenren laughed: "Little friend is too kind. This 'Nine Heavens Spirit Gathering Array' was something I learned when I traveled the four seas in my youth. Being able to use it to build the academy today can be considered putting it to good use."

With the placement of the final main array stone, the entire Qinglong Peak suddenly burst into a soft light. Countless specks of spirit light gathered from all directions, forming a huge vortex of Spirit Qi above the mountain. The concentration of Spirit Qi in the surroundings increased at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"How magical!" the observing practitioners exclaimed, "With such dense Spirit Qi, even the core areas of some major sects are no better than this!"

"Cultivating in such an environment, the efficiency can be increased by at least three times!"

"The students of the Harmony Academy are truly so fortunate!"

When the time arrived, the foundation-laying ceremony officially began. Lin Xuan, Xiao Yuan, and Muerxiu, as the founders of the academy, stood in the center of the main platform.

Lin Xuan spoke first: "Fellow Daoists, today is a day of historical significance. The construction of the Harmony Academy is not only an important measure for the Reform Alliance but also a revolutionary change in the history of education in the entire Cultivation World."

His voice spread across the entire mountain through the sound-transmission array specially made by Muerxiu: "Traditional cultivation education has always been monopolized by major sects, with knowledge and skills passed down only within a small circle. This closed model has seriously hindered the overall development of the Cultivation World. The founding of the Harmony Academy is to break this monopoly and allow everyone who aspires to cultivate to have a fair opportunity to learn."

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience, especially from those rogue cultivators, who were so moved that their eyes filled with tears.

Next, Lin Xuan elaborated on his teaching philosophy: "I will be responsible for the martial arts cultivation courses of the academy, but what I want to teach is not just moves and techniques; more importantly, it is the Taiji philosophy of 'valuing harmony above all'. The purpose of cultivation is not for fighting and killing, but for pursuing the realm of unity between heaven and man."

Xiao Yuan took over: "I am responsible for the academy's temperament cultivation courses. On the path of cultivation, many people will develop feelings of inferiority due to lack of talent or slow progress. What I want to teach everyone is how to face and accept one's own imperfections, because everyone has their own unique value and potential."

Her words resonated with many practitioners, especially those with mediocre aptitude, who were deeply touched.