Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

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Shen Mo's announcement of opening up access to the "Minor Myriad Laws Secret Realm" was like pouring a bucket of cold water into a boiling oil pan, causing an instant uproar throughout the entire square.

The noise, discussions, and exclamations mingled together, soaring into the sky, even seeming to disperse some of the clouds swirling around the main peak.

The area for independent cultivators was in complete uproar. Many ordinary-looking cultivators, whose cultivation levels were only in the mid-to-late stage of Qi Refining, were so excited that their faces turned red, and they were gesturing wildly.

"Did you hear that? Did you hear that? The secret realm! We rogue cultivators also have a chance to enter the secret realm!" A middle-aged man with a weathered face grabbed his companion's arm and shook him violently, his voice trembling.

"Master Shen... no, Sect Leader Shen is so benevolent! This is the true spirit of a great sect!" An old man beside him said with tears in his eyes. How could they, like rootless duckweed, have ever dared to dream of such an opportunity?

"Contribution points? Alliance missions? I'll risk my life to accumulate enough!" A young rogue cultivator clenched his fist, his eyes burning with desire.

The leaders and elders of the smaller sects were equally excited, but they still maintained some composure, whispering among themselves with gleaming eyes.

"Sect Leader Li, if this succeeds, it will be an incredible opportunity!"

"Yes, Elder Wang, in the past, the secret realm was controlled by only a few families, and we couldn't even get a taste of it. If we could truly enter based on our contributions, our disciples would have a chance to soar to great heights!"

"It all depends on how this 'contribution' is determined... I hope Qingyun Sect can be fair."

In stark contrast to the jubilation of the lower and middle classes was the somber mood of the major factions at the front.

Huo Yun Daoist of the Lieyang Sect had a livid face, his five fingers gripping the armrests of the chair tightly, the hard ironwood making a slight "creaking" sound.

Shen Mo's move bypassed these traditional major sects, using the resources of the secret realm to win over the hearts and minds of the vast majority of cultivators in the Southern Region! This was a radical solution to reshape the order!

Tianjian Sect's Jian Wuhen's eyes were sinister, and his sword energy uncontrollably overflowed, cutting through the air. He stared intently at the composed Shen Mo on the stage, his chest tight with unease.

Opening up secret realms? Easier said than done! This is clearly an attempt to undermine these prestigious sword-wielding sects! Which talented rogue cultivator would be willing to join a resource-poor small sect in the future? Even the outer disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect might become restless!

The Ghost Hand of the Xuan Yin Sect licked his lips, a calculating glint in his triangular eyes. The secret realm was open? That would make it easier for the Xuan Yin Sect to secretly scout and plunder some "high-quality materials"... However, this alliance seemed rather interesting; perhaps he could fish in troubled waters?

Chen Hao of Baibaoge clapped his hands and laughed heartily, his chubby face beaming: "Brilliant! Brilliant indeed! Master Shen's move is a meritorious act for the present and a benefit for future generations! Opening up the secret realm and promoting exchange will greatly expand the entire Southern Region's cultivation resources! Baibaoge is the first to support it!"

His mind raced, and he already anticipated that once the secret realm opened, the business of related elixirs, magical artifacts, and talismans would experience explosive growth.

Elder Ling Shuang of Xuanbing Pavilion remained aloof, but a hint of surprise and contemplation flashed in her eyes.

The Azure Cloud Sect's move is exceptionally bold; if it can be implemented, it could indeed change the landscape of the Southern Region. However… will the Blazing Sun Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect stand idly by?

On the high platform, Shen Mo took in the diverse crowd below, seemingly oblivious to the deafening clamor.

He gently raised his hand, and a gentle yet undeniable pressure quietly spread out, calming the clamor in the square as if soothed by an invisible hand. All eyes were once again focused on him.

"The quota for the secret realm is meant to encourage younger generations to explore the Great Dao together." Shen Mo's voice was calm, yet it carried a power that commanded the entire situation. "However, while the opportunity is good, it also needs rules and regulations. Without order, there will be competition, and competition will lead to chaos, which is not a blessing for the Southern Region."

He glanced at the entire room and slowly said, "Therefore, on the occasion of this Dharma assembly, I, Shen, have another matter to discuss with you fellow Daoists."

He paused, then said clearly, word by word, "I propose that we form the 'Qingyun Alliance'."

The moment the words "Qingyun Alliance" were uttered, the commotion that had just subsided in the audience resurfaced, but this time, it was more of a mixture of surprise, doubt, and solemnity.

An alliance? That's a big deal!

Before everyone could digest the information, Shen Mo continued to explain his concept: "This alliance is not for annexation or control, but for 'mutual assistance, sharing, and joint exploration of the Great Dao.' Members of the alliance will treat each other as equals, abide by the alliance agreement, and jointly resist external aggression. Internal disputes will be mediated in accordance with the alliance rules."

"Exploring secret realms, discovering resources, and eliminating evil spirits can all be done by issuing alliance missions. You can exchange resources based on your contribution points, including... secret realm slots."

He emphasized the word "spot in the secret realm" in particular, and many people in the audience immediately started breathing rapidly.

"The core of the alliance is the 'contribution system'."

Han Lin stepped forward at the opportune moment, took over the conversation, and began to explain in detail. His voice was loud and clear, "Contribution points can be obtained by completing alliance tasks, submitting specific resources, innovating cultivation techniques, and even maintaining stability within the alliance."

"Contribution points can be exchanged within the alliance to obtain cultivation techniques, elixirs, magical artifacts, and access to secret realms. Detailed rules will be announced later, and all fellow cultivators are welcome to offer suggestions."

"That's right! Support Sect Leader Shen! Support the formation of the Azure Cloud Alliance!" a rogue cultivator shouted in agreement. "With contribution points, we rogue cultivators will finally have a clear path! It's much better than running around everywhere and having to be at the mercy of others!"

"Yes! Join the Qingyun Alliance!"

"Sect Leader Shen is fair and just; we trust him!"

Small and medium-sized sects and independent cultivators erupted in enthusiastic support. They were the group that most craved order and opportunity, and the Qingyun Alliance's vision directly addressed their pain points.

"Hmph! Easier said than done!" A cold voice suddenly rang out, drowning out the voices of support.

Everyone looked and saw Jian Wuhen of the Heavenly Sword Sect. He suddenly stood up, his sword aura intimidating. "Mutual assistance? Sharing? In my opinion, it's nothing more than some people trying to take the opportunity to swallow up others and seize power for themselves!"

"We can establish an alliance, but all internal affairs must be discussed and decided by all factions. An 'Elders' Council' must be established, and major decisions must be unanimously approved by the Elders Council!"

His words directly targeted the alliance's dominance, suggesting a desire for checks and balances.

Huo Yun Daoist of the Blazing Sun Sect slowly stood up, his face grim: "Elder Wuhen is absolutely right. The alliance is no child's play; it involves the overall situation in the Southern Region. If resources are allocated according to contribution, how can our great sects, with their millennia-long heritage and profound foundation, compare to the contributions of ordinary small sects?"

"If resources are excessively tilted towards the lower levels, it may harm the interests of the major sects and shake the foundation of the Southern Region! This Council of Elders must be established, and the allocation of seats should be based on the strength of the sects!"

The two men, working in unison, clearly intended to leverage their sect's strength to gain influence in the alliance's upper echelons and turn the alliance into a tool for protecting their vested interests and even controlling the Qingyun Sect.

The voices of support from the audience faltered. Many leaders of smaller sects and independent cultivators looked worried. If the power to speak was truly distributed according to strength, wouldn't this alliance be nothing more than a change in name only, with the major sects still having the final say?

The Ghost Hand of the Xuan Yin Sect chuckled sinisterly, "Hehe, forming an alliance is a good thing. However, who will sit in the position of alliance leader? Who will assess the contributions? It can't be decided by one party alone, can it?" He was stirring up trouble and provoking conflict.

Chen Hao frowned, wanting to speak up and smooth things over, but after glancing at Huo Yun and Jian Wuhen's expressions, he swallowed his words. Baibaoge was a business; they didn't want to easily take sides and offend anyone.

Elder Ling Shuang spoke in a cool tone: "The alliance's decision is of great importance. It certainly requires caution, and establishing a consultation mechanism is necessary. However, how to ensure fairness needs careful consideration."

Her attitude was relatively neutral, but she tended to believe that checks and balances were necessary.