Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 323 Creating Weaknesses

At the Luoyun Sect's mountain gate, in the brightly lit hall, Tao Jinyuan and a thin man sat down as host and guest.

"Master Tao, I wonder what your sect thinks about the matter I mentioned last time?"

"Thank you for your respect, but this matter is of great importance and requires our consideration. Regardless of the outcome, we guarantee that we will never become your enemy."

"Is Sect Master Tao still worried about retaliation from the Beastmaster Sect? Anyuan City and Yongning City have both declared independence from the Beastmaster Sect, and the Beastmaster Sect hasn't done anything to them. When the Beastmaster Sect called on the cultivators of each city to attack Anyuan City, our sect promptly dispatched troops to protect it. Sect Master Tao is aware of this. The Beastmaster Sect is now a grasshopper in autumn. Anyone with a discerning eye can see that it won't be able to jump around for much longer. If your sect doesn't sever ties with them now, it will probably be too late to jump ship later."

Tao Jinyuan remained calm and evasive, saying, "Our sect needs to discuss this matter further."

"I'm impressed by your sect's influence in Bianxi City, which is why I've visited you so many times. My intentions are good. If your sect can lead the Bianxi City sects to independence, breaking away from the Beastmaster Sect's control, not to mention the taxes it would pay, the Beastmaster Sect's resources and industries alone would be enough to enrich your sect. If Sect Master Tao doesn't seize this opportunity and someone else takes the lead, your sect's leading position in Bianxi City will be in jeopardy."

"Fellow Daoist Xie, are you referring to the Kong family?"

The man smiled faintly: "The Kong family is not the only one who wants to replace your clan?"

Tao Jinyuan raised his head slightly, his eyes firm, and spoke with a stronger tone, revealing his determination: "Whether it's the Kong family or the sects in other cities, if anyone wants to disrupt Bianxi City, our sect will not agree."

"Then your sect must make a decision sooner rather than later. Forgive my frankness, but if you are so hesitant, it will be difficult for Bianxi City to maintain stability."

The two men looked at each other, their gazes sharp as a needle against a thorn, and the hall seemed to be filled with the smell of gunpowder.

.........

In the empty room of Tianshan, Song Xian stood in front of the desk with his hands inserted into the steaming sand basin, his fingers jumping like a dancer. This was the key to practicing the basic finger-softening technique of Qianji Sect.

Dong Xuanchen's memory fragments contained the method of making a second-level puppet. He only needed to follow the steps, but because his basic skills were too poor, he might not be able to succeed even if he followed the images in the memory fragments. So he decided to consolidate his basic skills first and improve himself step by step according to Dong Xuanchen's practice back then.

Dong Xuanchen is a master in puppet making and has made innovative improvements to many puppets. This is the most valuable part of his memory.

Although Song Xian has the basics of refining puppets, he is far different from Dong Xuanchen, who has received orthodox training since childhood. He can only barely refine low-level puppets.

But if he wants to refine high-level puppets, he can't just rely on his own trial-and-error approach. He needs to start with formal training in various basic skills. This is why the disciples of the sect's Puppet Hall find it difficult to successfully refine even first-grade, top-quality puppets.

Although they have the methods of refining puppets recorded in the Puppet Secret Records, they have not received the corresponding professional basic training. They rely on their own unconventional methods to explore and stumble through trial and error. They can barely make low-level puppets, but it is definitely impossible to refine high-level puppets.

It's like playing the piano. Even if you are given the music score, if you have not practiced professionally, you will never be able to play beautiful music.

Song Xian originally regarded puppet refining as an accessory, and would participate in it for fun when he had free time. With his level, he could only refine a first-grade mid-quality puppet.

In fact, he did not regard puppets as very important, and he set up the Puppet Hall just with the mentality that something is better than nothing. After all, he had the puppet secret records in his hands, and it would be a pity to waste them.

What if there is a disciple who is gifted in the art of puppetry? Wouldn’t that come in handy?
As his cultivation level improved step by step, he rarely participated in puppet affairs, especially after breaking through the foundation building stage, he never touched puppet refining again, because the first-level puppet could no longer bring him combat help, so he no longer wasted time participating in the puppet refining process.

Who would have thought that during this treasure hunt in the ruins, he would actually obtain the memories of Dong Xuanchen, the leader of the Thousand Machines Sect. It can be said that fate is playing tricks on him.

He had no talent for puppet-making, but he inherited the legacy of the puppet master. Now that he had obtained Dong Chenxuan's memories, he couldn't let them go to waste. However, it was a pipe dream for him to refine a high-level puppet with his mediocre skills, so he had to start practicing from scratch.

Train and practice according to the orthodox method of puppet refining.

From the second day after returning to Tianshan, Song Xian began practicing finger flexibility and other basic training.

Originally, Su Zhirou was very talented in the art of puppetry, but since she had now reached the tenth level of Qi Refining and was only one step away from the Great Perfection, Song Xian asked her to concentrate on her cultivation, and building the foundation was the top priority.

If she can successfully establish her foundation, it won't be too late to slowly carry out the orthodox puppet training.

.........

After finishing the fingering training, Song Xian left the room. As he walked out of the door, a disciple came up to him and bowed to him: "Master, Elder Zhong has returned. I just came to pay my respects to you."

"Oh! Where is he now?" Song Xian usually does not allow anyone to disturb him when he is practicing martial arts or making talismans. Therefore, his disciples will not report to him unless there is something extremely urgent.

"already left."

"Please invite Senior Brother Wenyuan over." Song Xian knew that Zhong Wenyuan must have come back with news about Alan Tam's foundation-building.

He had previously sent him to Xijiang County to make arrangements. According to information from Jiang Feng, the Beastmaster Sect had approved Lin Zixiang's application to build a foundation, but it was not known whether he had succeeded.

Soon, Zhong Wenyuan came into the room and bowed to him.

"Brother Wenyuan is finally back. No need to be polite. Please take a seat. How is Brother Zixiang?"

"Junior Brother Lin has successfully established his foundation and has now joined the Beastmaster Sect's coalition forces."

"That's great." Upon hearing this, Song Xian smiled from the bottom of his heart. Having one more foundation-building cultivator in the sect would be beneficial both publicly and privately. Moreover, so many spirit stones had been invested in his foundation-building this time.

Although George Lam is currently serving in the Beast Taming Sect's coalition forces and is temporarily prohibited from returning to the sect, as long as he does not die on the battlefield, even if he does not return, the sect's influence and status will increase accordingly.

"Master, regarding Junior Brother Lin's foundation-building, there is something I don't know whether I should say or not." Zhong Wenyuan still had a solemn and serious look on his face.

After hearing what he said, Song Xian knew that it must be a tricky matter. The two of them had always been open and honest with each other, but he used the word "dang" to say it. Obviously, something was wrong.

"There's no one else here, so there's nothing we can talk about. Just tell me what you want to say."

"Currently, Tianshan only has one lower-grade, second-level training room. What should we do after Junior Brother Lin returns? We can't let him continue using a higher-grade, first-level training room. I suggest renovating the training rooms, reducing the number of first-level training rooms and adding a lower-grade, second-level training room. What do you think, Master?"

Song Xian did not answer immediately. This was indeed a problem. He himself was a foundation-building cultivator, so of course he needed a second-level training room.

Now that the sect has one more foundation-building cultivator, we have to make arrangements, otherwise it will be difficult to keep him.

Cultivation is the most important thing for a cultivator. No matter how big the pie you draw, you must first satisfy the other party's need for food. If you can't even solve the problem of cultivation, then no matter how big the pie is, it will be meaningless.

The main peak of Tianshan Mountain is home to a low-grade, second-tier spiritual vein, insufficient to support numerous second-tier training rooms. The current structure of the training rooms is a relic of the previous Tianshan Sect, consisting of only one low-grade, second-tier training room and dozens of first-tier training rooms. This arrangement was made because the Tianshan Sect previously had only one Foundation Establishment cultivator, Wu Yaozu.

If the training room is to be rebuilt and an additional second-level training room is to be built, it means that more than half of the first-level training rooms will be reduced, which is bound to cause dissatisfaction among the disciples of the sect.

The main peak is the sect's key defense location, with many disciples stationed there all year round. If the needs for cultivation cannot be provided, it will be fine in the short term, but in the long run, chaos will inevitably arise.

"This is what Senior Brother Zixiang meant, right?" After a moment of silence, Song Xian finally spoke.

"Junior Brother Lin didn't mention it, but I thought of it, so I brought it up with the Sect Leader. I want to add another second-level training room, and the Qi-refining disciples can go to other spiritual veins to practice. They should understand."

"The sect concentrates its resources on high-level cultivators to ensure its development. Cultivating a Foundation Establishment cultivator requires a significant amount of resources. If we can't provide for a renowned Foundation Establishment cultivator, and they leave, this loss is unacceptable."

In addition to the second-grade low-grade spiritual vein on the main peak, the entire Tianshan Mountains also have several first-grade spiritual veins for disciples to practice, but there are only so many toilets. Although they can be sent to other spiritual veins, it will inevitably affect their practice.

For example, the training room that originally had two people completing a cycle once a month, now that the first-level training rooms like those on the main peak of Tianshan Mountain are gone, other people sent to other spiritual veins may have to complete a cycle every two months.

The key point is that Zhong Wenyuan's words also revealed some hidden meanings, especially the last sentence, if the cultivation needs cannot be provided, it will cause the foundation-building cultivators to leave, which is undoubtedly an allusion to Alan Tam.

Song Xian immediately thought of his experience after successfully building his foundation. The Beastmaster Sect had extended an olive branch to him and invited him to join the sect.

Even he, the sect leader, was invited, let alone others.

Lin Zixiang must have been invited by the Beast Taming Sect. Zhong Wenyuan said this, could it be that Lin Zixiang is hesitating? Want to join the Beast Taming Sect?

Song Xian didn't want to believe it, but couldn't help thinking so.

Did George Lam use this as a bargaining chip and put forward the condition that the sect should prepare a training room for him, otherwise he would join the Beast Taming Sect, so Zhong Wenyuan took on the role of middleman.

Logically speaking, it shouldn't have come to this. After all, the sect was built and developed by everyone, and everyone has put in a lot of effort for it.

As an elder of the sect, George Lam has fought countless fierce and bloody battles. He never left Solitary Peak despite the harsh environment back then. It would not be worthwhile for him to leave now when the sect is thriving.

But then again, people change, just like Song Xian didn't believe that George Lam would sell out the sect's interests for his own selfish reasons and manipulate his disciples to secretly resell the sect's supplies.

"Brother Wenyuan, tell me the truth. Did the Beastmaster Sect invite Brother Zixiang to join their sect, which made Brother Zixiang waver?"

Seeing Song Xian's expression become serious, Zhong Wenyuan knew that he had guessed the whole story and quickly gave an explanation.

"That's not true. The Beastmaster Sect did invite Junior Brother Lin, but he flatly declined, stating that he would not leave the sect. Junior Brother Lin can still distinguish right from wrong when it comes to major issues."

"There's no rush for this matter. Senior Brother Zixiang is currently in Xijiang County and can't come back for the time being. Let's wait until the war is over and he returns to the sect before we discuss this!"

"Master, if you have nothing else to say, I will take my leave now."

Song Xian was about to nod when an idea suddenly struck him: "Wait a minute. Since we've mentioned Senior Brother Zixiang, let's talk about him personally!"

"Personal matters? What do you mean, Master?"

"Brother Zixiang is old enough, it's time for him to start a family. Before, he was so focused on cultivation, his mind was full of thoughts about building his foundation. I couldn't say much if he didn't have that intention. Now that he has successfully built his foundation, it's time for him to consider his personal affairs. You have a close personal relationship with Brother Zixiang, so please help him with some advice and find out what kind of woman he likes and find him one."

"This..." Zhong Wenyuan didn't expect him to bring this up so suddenly. For a moment, he didn't know how to respond. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Based on my understanding of Junior Brother Lin, he shouldn't be interested in this."

"That's why he needs your help and advice. You have a good relationship with him, so you can give him some advice."

"I'll do my best! Junior Brother Lin is currently serving in the Beastmaster Sect's coalition forces. It's inappropriate to discuss these matters now. I'll talk to him after he returns."

"It's not about trying your best, it's about having to. We must treat this as an important task." Song Xian put away his smile and looked serious.

Seeing him like this, Zhong Wenyuan finally reacted and understood why he brought up this matter. The reason he wanted to find a partner for Lin Zixiang was not because he cared about his personal life, but to create a weakness.

The monks themselves are free. Even if they are disciples of a sect, as long as they do not covet salaries and cultivation needs, they can leave at any time. There are very few restrictions on monks in this world, especially for high-level monks. It is even more difficult to restrict them.

There are generally three ways for sects to discipline their disciples. The first is to lure them with benefits and provide them with the needs for practice.

The second is to intimidate them with force, formulate sect rules, and intimidate them with powerful military force.

The third is to use relatives and family members as hostages to make them have some concerns.

Lin Zixiang has now broken through the Foundation Establishment Realm and his strength in the sect is second only to Song Xian. However, the sect cannot provide him with favorable conditions for cultivation. In addition, he is an orphan, without a father or mother and no relatives.

In other words, the sect has no effective means of restraining him. If he wants to do something detrimental to the sect, the sect will basically have no way to deal with him.

Song Xian mentioned finding a partner for him so seriously because he wanted to use this as a breakthrough point to create something that could restrain him.

A single man may be fearless and indifferent.

But it’s different now that I have a wife and children. I become hesitant to do anything.

A wife and children are a man's weaknesses. As long as George Lam gets married and has children, he is handing his weaknesses over to the sect.

After figuring this out, Zhong Wenyuan nodded solemnly: "Okay, I will communicate with Junior Brother Lin and find a suitable partner for him."

"It's not just Senior Brother Zixiang. The other disciples in the sect should be taken care of as well. Those who are destined to marry should marry, and those who are destined to marry should marry, especially those disciples with outstanding talents and who hold important positions. Let's put it this way! The sect will set up an organization specifically to manage this matter. In the future, when making personnel arrangements, add this clause: Under the same conditions, those with wives and children will be given priority for promotion."

Lin Zixiang's foundation-building incident served as a wake-up call to Song Xian. There were too many bachelors in the sect, which was an extremely unstable factor. To resolve this situation, institutional changes must be made.

They must get married while they are in the Qi Refining stage, and preferably have children. Otherwise, when they reach the Foundation Establishment stage, there will be no good way to control them. This can be considered as preparing for a rainy day.

(End of this chapter)