Starting from iron smelting

He replied calmly, "Elder Xuanhuanzi, I understand the importance of Beiya Cave, but as a cultivator in the Qi training stage, I still need more time and experience to improve my cultivation. It is tempting to become an outer disciple, but I don't think now is the time for me to pursue personal interests. I am willing to work silently in the sect and contribute my strength to the sect's rise and fall." These words not only showed his self-confidence and rationality, but also avoided direct confrontation with Xuanhuanzi and maintained his position and dignity in the sect.

Seeing that Lu Xiuyuan was determined and unwilling to follow his advice, Xuanhuanzi began to try his best to retain and recommend him. He tried to persuade Lu Xiuyuan and tempted him to become an outer disciple with various benefits, trying to move his heart. However, Lu Xiuyuan still insisted on his position and decided not to be influenced by Xuanhuanzi.

Xuan Huanzi's expression became even gloomier, and he began to put pressure on Xuan Jizi, trying to persuade him to make concessions.

"Xuan Jizi, I understand your intention, but I cannot put my disciples in danger." Xuan Jizi's voice was firm and calm, and he was unwilling to compromise.

Xuan Huanzi was unmoved, with a cunning light flashing in his eyes: "Brother, don't you think this is a rare opportunity? The North Cliff Cave is opened once every 500 years. This is the fate of our sect!"

Xuanjizi took a deep breath, his face showing a hint of heaviness: "But I can't take risks with the lives of my disciples. They are my responsibility."

Xuan Huanzi's mouth curled up into a cold smile: "Are you giving up just like that? Do you really not want to see our sect become more powerful?"

"Of course I hope that the sect will become stronger, but I don't want it to come at the cost of such strength." Xuanjizi answered without hesitation, his heart had already made the decision.

"Then have you ever thought about what the consequences will be if you don't agree now?" Xuan Huanzi's tone was full of threats and warnings.

Facing Xuanhuanzi's threat, Xuanjizi's voice remained firm: "Are you threatening me?" He was calm and determined, and was unwilling to be forced to succumb to Xuanhuanzi's pressure.

Xuan Huanzi's smile seemed to hide a dark conspiracy, and his eyes flashed with greed, like a venomous snake staring at its prey. He shook his head gently, with a hint of threat in his voice: "Do you think I'm kidding? As the second elder of the sect, if your disciples don't go, will others go? Don't you think this will affect your reputation?"

After hearing Xuanhuanzi's words, Xuanjizi felt an ominous feeling in his heart, but he remained calm, without showing any panic on his face: "I understand what you mean, but I can't put my disciples in danger."

Xuan Huanzi's smile became even more cunning. His eyes scanned Qingying's body like a greedy beast. The corners of his mouth twitched unintentionally, revealing his inner darkness and viciousness.

"I know that your disciple Qingying is also a good choice." Xuanhuanzi's voice was full of venom and scheming, "If your disciple is unwilling to go, then let her reduce her cultivation level to the Qi training stage, so that she can go to Beiya Cave."

"Do you dare to let Qingying cut her own cultivation and reach the Qi training stage?" Xuanjizi's voice revealed determination and anger.

Xuan Huanzi sneered, his eyes flashing with a sinister light: "See if I dare."

The two sides fell into an endless quarrel, and the atmosphere in the room became increasingly tense. Xuanjizi's rejection and Xuanhuanzi's threats intertwined with each other, like an undercurrent storm that could erupt at any time. Xuanjizi adhered to his principles, while Xuanhuanzi used his methods without fear, and the conflict between the two sides became increasingly fierce. Their voices became louder and louder, and their words were full of anger and provocation, as if a fierce conflict could break out at any time.

Lu Xiuyuan's mood was like a ripple, surging, his heart was filled with contradictions and entanglements. The figure of Senior Sister Qingying emerged in his mind, her gentle smile, her selfless care, all clearly displayed in front of him. He remembered the scene where Senior Sister Qingying helped him solve his doubts and the scene where she lent a hand when he encountered difficulties, and a feeling of gratitude welled up in his heart.

However, at the same time, Lu Xiuyuan was worried about Senior Sister Qingying. He knew that if there was an internal conflict in the sect, Senior Sister Qingying would be implicated and might even be involved, which he did not want to see. Senior Sister Qingying's status and reputation in the sect made him worry that she might be harmed. Although he was hesitant in his heart, Lu Xiuyuan decided not to embarrass his master and stepped forward to represent his master to go to Beiya Cave.

He stood up and faced Xuanjizi and Xuanhuanzi. He felt that his heart seemed to have calmed down a lot, and his eyes were firm and resolute. He took a deep breath, and his voice was full of firm power: "Master, Elder Xuanhuanzi, I am willing to represent our sect to go to Beiya Cave." His words were clear and resolute, without the slightest hesitation.

Xuanjizi and Xuanhuanzi were both a little surprised. They didn't expect Lu Xiuyuan to make such a decision. Xuanjizi's eyes flashed with a touch of emotion and relief. He sincerely appreciated Lu Xiuyuan's choice. Xuanhuanzi showed a cold smile, as if he was satisfied with Lu Xiuyuan's decision, because this was exactly the result he expected.

Xuan Huanzi was filled with uneasiness and anxiety when he saw Lu Xiuyuan's performance. He knew that if Lu Xiuyuan really went to Beiya Cave, it would be his best chance to realize his conspiracy, but it would also mean facing greater risks. However, he did not intend to let this opportunity slip away.

"Good, you have guts, you're a real man!" Xuan Huanzi's tone was filled with a hint of false admiration, but more of it was filled with trickery and conspiracy, "You're the one who's going to Beiya Cave."

His words were full of provocation and ridicule, as if exerting an inescapable pressure on Lu Xiuyuan, trying to force him to make the choice he envisioned. At this moment, Xuan Huanzi's inner darkness and cunning were exposed, his scheme was quietly unfolding, and Lu Xiuyuan became his chess piece, being manipulated under his control.

Xuan Huanzi was secretly glad to see Lu Xiuyuan agreed, but he was not satisfied with only the disciples of Juling Sect going to Beiya Cave. He knew that if he could use people from other sects to go together, the chances of success would be greatly increased.

"It's not just the people from the Juling Sect who went to Beiya Cave this time," Xuanhuanzi suddenly said, with a subtle hint of conspiracy in his tone, "there are also people from other sects."

His words shocked Lu Xiuyuan. He realized that Xuan Huanzi's plan was becoming more and more far-reaching. He did not intend to let the Juling Sect enjoy this opportunity alone. Instead, he wanted to use the power of other sects to put himself in a more dangerous situation.

"People from other sects?" Lu Xiuyuan repeated this sentence in disbelief, his heart filled with anxiety and doubt.

Xuan Huanzi raised the corner of his mouth lightly and listed the other sects one by one, "In addition to the Juling Sect, there are also the Xuantian Sect, the Jujian Sect, the Mingyue Palace, the Lingshou Mountain..." His voice echoed in the room, and every time a sect was mentioned, the atmosphere became more solemn.

When Lu Xiuyuan heard the names of these sects, his heart tightened. These sects not only had a large number of people, but were also very powerful. If he went to Beiya Cave with them, it would definitely increase the danger of the journey.

Seeing that Lu Xiuyuan looked a little shaken, Xuanhuanzi continued, "This opportunity not only concerns the fate of the Juling Sect, but also other sects. As a member of the Juling Sect, you have the responsibility to protect the interests of the sect and strive for more opportunities for the sect."

Lu Xiuyuan was shocked. He didn't expect Xuan Huanzi to let other sects get involved. This situation surprised and worried him because it meant they would face more competition and threats. In this place that was supposed to be a place of opportunity within the sect, people from other sects actually showed up. This made Lu Xiuyuan feel confused and uneasy. He began to re-evaluate his preparations and how he could stand out in this competition.

At the same time, Lu Xiuyuan also knew that Xuan Huanzi's intention to kill him through someone else's hands was already obvious. His sinister and vicious mind had been hidden beneath the surface, but now it was exposed. This made Lu Xiuyuan angry and dissatisfied. He was deeply disgusted with Xuan Huanzi's tricks and was determined to protect himself and the sect from harm.

Xuanjizi was also furious. He believed that the sect's opportunities should be an internal matter and outsiders should not be allowed to interfere. He was angry and dissatisfied with Xuanhuanzi's actions, believing that this was a betrayal and harm to the interests of the sect. Xuanjizi was determined to prevent this from happening and safeguard the dignity and interests of the sect. He firmly believed that the future of the sect should not be affected by external forces, and that the interests of the sect must be given priority and decisive action must be taken.

The argument between Xuanjizi and Xuanhuanzi became more and more intense. Their words were as sharp as a blade, piercing the originally calm atmosphere. Xuanjizi's face was full of anger, and his voice was low and firm: "Xuanhuanzi, you are betraying the interests and principles of the sect by doing this! The opportunity of Beiya Cave belongs to our Juling Sect. How can we allow people from other sects to interfere? This is a blasphemy and insult to our sect!"

Xuanhuanzi did not show any weakness, but became more aggressive: "Xuanjizi, your narrow-minded thinking will only restrict our development! The opportunity of Beiya Cave is of utmost importance to our Juling Sect, but can we enjoy it alone? Wouldn't it increase our strength if disciples from other sects participated? Don't you want to see the sect become stronger?"

When Xuanjizi heard this, he immediately became furious and his voice became even sharper: "You are so cunning that you don't even care about the dignity of the sect! If you insist on this selfish behavior, I will never sit idly by!"

Xuanhuanzi sneered, with a hint of coldness in his eyes: "Xuanjizi, do you think you can control the fate of the sect? If you are unwilling to conform to the overall situation, then be prepared to bear the consequences!" His words were full of threats and provocations.

Xuanjizi stood there angrily, his eyes filled with anger and dissatisfaction, and fiercely accused Xuanhuanzi: "You are a traitor! You sold out the interests of the sect and betrayed our mission and beliefs!"

His voice shook the entire room, as if he was venting his inner anger.

When Xuan Huanzi heard this accusation, his face changed from gloomy to bright. His brows were knitted tightly, and with a hint of sneer on his lips, he fiercely retorted: "The Juling Sect is weak and has long been unable to monopolize the opportunity of Beiya Cave. The man is innocent, but he is guilty of possessing a treasure. Do you know that?"

His voice was full of sarcasm and provocation, as if he was mocking Xuanjizi's stupidity and ignorance.

When Xuanjizi heard these words, the fire of anger in his heart burned even more fiercely. His eyes flashed with anger and grief, and he said to Xuanhuanzi angrily: "You are talking nonsense! How can the fate of the sect be decided by you alone? What you did is simply a betrayal and harm to the sect!"

His words boomed in the room like thunder, filling people with fear and shock.

Seeing Xuanjizi's firm attitude, Xuanhuanzi's face darkened and he said coldly, "This is also what the Great Elder meant. What's the point of you objecting? Do you still want to put the sect in danger?"

Xuanjizi felt heavy-hearted. He felt that he had a great responsibility, but he was powerless. His voice sounded a little hoarse, as if he was suppressed by this sudden blow: "How many people are participating?"

Xuan Huanzi was talking about the names of the sects with a mocking smile on his face. His tone was confident and arrogant. Every name of a sect was like a heavy blow to Xuan Jizi, hitting the softest part of his heart. He listed them like a treasure: "Xuantian Sect, Jujian Sect, Mingyue Palace, Lingshou Mountain..."

Every time a name was mentioned, it was like a knife piercing Xuanjizi's heart. He felt extremely painful. These names of the sects were once allies of their sect, but now they have become opponents. For him, this is an unavoidable challenge.

Xuanhuanzi continued, each sect can send out 5 disciples, while the Juling Sect can only send out 10. Such a gap made Xuanjizi feel extremely heavy, and he understood that it would be a difficult test to stand out in this competition.

An indescribable feeling of frustration and powerlessness welled up in Xuanjizi's heart. He felt that the sect he was protecting had already entered a dangerous path, and he was helpless and unable to reverse it.

Xuanjizi's voice was a little low, revealing a kind of helplessness and frustration: "I understand, you can go back, no need to notify me again. Lu Xiuyuan will participate."

Xuan Huanzi nodded slightly, with a hint of pride in his eyes. He knew that he had achieved his goal, and Lu Xiuyuan's participation was crucial to him. He smiled and said, "That's good."

After saying that, Xuan Huanzi walked away with his head held high. His figure gradually went away, leaving behind a menacing back, like a lion with proud eyebrows raised, conquering the territory and winning. This kind of confidence and pride filled his every move, making people sigh at his confidence and decisiveness.

Xuanjizi stood there silently, feeling powerless and helpless. He knew that he could not change the facts that had already happened, so he could only accept the reality and try his best to protect his sect and disciples.