Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

"Second-tier regional... Tianyuan Tournament..." Shen Mo muttered to himself. This was information he had stumbled upon while recently perusing the few remaining ancient travelogues and anecdotes of his sect.

The Tianyuan Conference is said to be a grand event held only once every sixty years in the Eastern Wilderness. It is jointly initiated by several top sects and aims to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and redistribute resources. It can be called the largest stage in the cultivation world of the Eastern Wilderness.

The next conference, according to records, should be held more than thirty years later.

More than thirty years! For high-level cultivators who often go into seclusion for decades or even centuries, it is just a blink of an eye, but for the Qingyun Sect with its shallow foundation, these few years will be the key to its life and death!

If they can stand out at the conference, even if they only make it onto a certain sub-ranking, Qingyun Sect will be able to truly gain a foothold and obtain broader development space and resources.

If not... I'm afraid they'll be lost in the dust of history of the vast world of cultivation before the conference even begins.

The goal may be far away, but it is essential! A person without foresight will have immediate worries.

"System, calculate the approximate time and key milestones required for the sect's overall strength to reach the second-tier level in the region and cultivate at least one Foundation Establishment disciple under the current conditions."

[During the simulation... Based on the current rate of development and expected resource acquisition, and considering potential risks and opportunities... Simulation result: Optimistically, it will take thirty to fifty years.]

Key milestone one: Within five years, the host or Han Lin will successfully establish their foundation.

Key milestone two: Within ten years, a second Foundation Establishment cultivator will emerge, and a preliminary Foundation Establishment combat force system will be formed.

Key Node Three: Within fifteen years, the overall cultivation level of disciples will improve, with at least five Foundation Establishment cultivators, and a regional comparative advantage will be established in at least one auxiliary field such as formations, alchemy, and spiritual plants.

[Warning: This simulation does not account for major external crises (such as faction wars, loss of resource territories, etc.) or unpredictable opportunities. Actual developments may deviate significantly from the expected outcome.]

Twenty years... thirty years... Time is still pressing! But at least, there is a clear and visible goal to strive for.

He opened his eyes, the last trace of confusion gone, replaced by an unwavering resolve. He turned and strode towards the brightly lit main hall at the foot of the mountain. It was time to give everyone a clear direction.

The next morning, as the sun rose in the east, casting its rays across the sky, all the inner disciples and guest elders, including Han Lin, gathered in the Qingyun Hall. A hint of confusion lingered on their faces; they wondered why their sect leader had suddenly summoned everyone.

Shen Mo stood at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over the young yet energetic faces below. He saw Shi Tie's bravery, Su Xiao's competence, Zhao Qingyan's focus, Li Xiaocao's tranquility, the expectations of Zhang Daniu and other disciples, and Han Lin's composure after weathering many storms.

This is all he has now, and the foundation of his future ambitions.

"I have gathered you all here today," Shen Mo began, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable authority, "because there is a matter of great importance concerning the development of our Qingyun Sect for the next few decades, which I wish to discuss with you all."

The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone held their breath.

"Since I took over the helm of this business, though the time has been short, it has been a long and arduous journey, one that you have all witnessed firsthand." Shen Mo's tone was slow and deliberate, carrying a sense of melancholy and reflection.

"From the sect being on the verge of disbanding, the spirit stones being exhausted, and the disciples being scattered; to the meteor falling from the sky and being saved from the brink of death; to the Black Wind Stronghold pressing for debts, the Blazing Sun Sect's pressure, and the Xuanbing Pavilion's probing... this journey has been fraught with difficulties, like walking on thin ice."

With each word he spoke, the disciples below the stage grew more solemn, as if those difficult years had just happened yesterday.

"Thanks to the protection of our ancestral master, and with the unwavering unity and courage of everyone present, our Qingyun Sect was able to turn the tide in the face of imminent collapse. We not only regained our footing but also gained the favor of the Tianji Pavilion, ranking last on the potential list!"

Shen Mo's tone shifted, rising slightly, "However, beneath fame lurks hidden danger. We are now nothing more than ants, soaking wet, that have just crawled ashore in the cultivation world of the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness! The slightest storm could send us back to our original state, or even to utter ruin!"

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over them, sending a shiver down the spines of some disciples who had become complacent due to recent successes.

"Stagnation leads only to death!" Shen Mo's gaze sharpened. "Our Qingyun Sect cannot be content with a small corner of the world, nor can we be intoxicated by this insignificant, empty fame!"

"We must become stronger! Strong enough that no one dares to covet us! Strong enough that in this resource-scarce, dog-eat-dog world of the Dharma-ending Age, we can truly take control of our own destiny!"

"Sect Leader," Shi Tie couldn't help but ask in a deep voice, "how can we become stronger? We'll definitely train like crazy!"

"Relying solely on hard work isn't enough; we need clear goals," Shen Mo said in a deep voice. "I hereby announce that, from this day forward, the mid-term goal of our Qingyun Sect is: within sixty years, to rank among the second-rate sects of the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness! And to make full preparations for participating in the 'Tianyuan Conference' thirty years from now!"

"The Heavenly Yuan Tournament?"

"A second-rate sect?"

A murmur of surprise and discussion immediately arose from the audience.

For most disciples, the Tianyuan Assembly is just a legendary term; a second-rate sect in a region means having at least several Foundation Establishment cultivators and an influence that covers thousands of miles of territory!

This is simply unbelievable for the Qingyun Sect today!

Even Han Lin's eyes flashed with shock.

Having spent many years in the cultivation world, he knew all too well the enormous gap that needed to be crossed to develop from an insignificant sect to a second-rate one in the region!

This young sect leader's ambition is far too great!

"Sect Leader," Su Xiaoxiu frowned slightly, her tone filled with worry, "Is our goal... too ambitious? Our sect has a shallow foundation, limited resources, and our disciples' cultivation levels are generally not high. Thirty years... I'm afraid..."

"I know this is difficult," Shen Mo interrupted her, his tone unusually firm. "But it's precisely because it's difficult that it's worth the effort! If the goal were within reach, what would be the difference between us and salted fish?"

He walked to the center of the hall, looking into every pair of eyes: "Resources are scarce? Then we'll fight for them, we'll seize them! We'll use our elixirs, our formations, our skills to exchange for them! Our disciples' cultivation is too low?"

"Then we'll devise the most rigorous training plan, provide the best guidance, and use elixirs, formations, and every available resource to push it forward!"

"No foundation? Then we'll turn every battle, every victory, and every setback into our foundation!"

His voice grew louder and louder, carrying a powerful infectiousness: "I believe that as long as we are on the right track and united in our efforts, our Qingyun Sect may very well be able to create a miracle!"

"Are you all willing to follow me, to risk our remaining sixty years, to fight for a true future for the Qingyun Sect?!"

The hall was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was stunned by Shen Mo's words.

That is not just a goal, but a heavy responsibility, a vow that requires a lifetime of dedication to fight for!

"I'm willing!" Shi Tie shouted first, his dark face flushed with excitement. "Wherever the sect leader points, I'll fight! I'll risk my life!"

"Qingyan is willing to follow Senior Brother Headmaster and dedicate herself to the cause!" Zhao Qingyan clenched her small fists, her beautiful eyes shining with determination.

"Little Grass... Little Grass will definitely grow the best medicinal herbs and support everyone!" Li Xiaocao's voice was soft, but unusually firm.

"Su Xiao, I am willing to do my utmost for the great cause of the sect!" Su Xiao suppressed the turmoil in his heart and solemnly declared.

"Now that I have entered this gate, I am a man of high status! I am willing to follow in his footsteps and join him in this great undertaking!" Han Lin stepped forward, clasped his hands and bowed, his voice resounding.

He seemed to have rediscovered the fighting spirit he had in his youth.

"We're willing too!" Zhang Daniu and his disciples shouted excitedly.