From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 142 Skillful Resolution of the Conservative Dilemma

The setting sun cast its last rays upon me, staining my clothes crimson. I didn't turn around; I knew who it was.

"Senior Brother Lin," I called softly.

Senior Brother Lin walked to my side and stood beside me, gazing at the distant mountains.

"Xiao Yao, your actions today were far too risky," Senior Brother Lin said with a hint of worry in his voice.

I smiled slightly: "I know, but some things just have to be done by someone."

Senior Brother Lin sighed and said nothing more. We stood there quietly, letting the evening breeze flutter over our clothes.

Back in my cave, I sat cross-legged and began to cultivate. However, I couldn't calm my mind. The cold gazes of the elders in the council hall, and Deacon Wu's shifty eyes, were like thorns piercing my heart.

I know that although the matter concerning Elder Xuanfeng has temporarily subsided, the dissatisfaction of those conservative elders towards me has not disappeared; on the contrary, it has intensified. They believe that I am young and impetuous, disrespectful to my elders, and even suspect that I have ulterior motives.

Over the next few days, I could clearly sense that the elders were becoming increasingly cold towards me. In the council chamber, they deliberately isolated me, ignored my speeches, and even avoided eye contact.

I knew in my heart that this was their silent protest, and also a warning to me. But I was not afraid, because I knew that everything I did was for the Immortal Sect, for justice.

What chilled me to the bone was Deacon Wu. He was always cautious and adept at navigating social situations. Now, he actually took the opportunity to slander me to the conservative elders, deepening their misunderstanding of me.

I tried to communicate with them and explain my thoughts, but they simply wouldn't listen. Their eyes were filled with prejudice and suspicion, as if I had become their enemy.

This feeling of isolation and helplessness made me feel incredibly depressed and painful. I felt like a lone wolf surrounded by a pack of hounds, ready to be torn to pieces at any moment.

I began to reflect on my behavior. Had I really done something wrong? Was my approach too aggressive, infringing on their interests?

I asked myself the same question over and over again, but I could never find the answer.

One evening, I was practicing my sword outside my cave when Junior Sister Chu came into view. She glanced at me disdainfully, then turned and left.

My heart sank, and a sense of foreboding washed over me. I had a feeling that something was about to happen… Then, I saw her walk towards Elder Mingyue's cave…

Junior Sister Chu's figure disappeared at the entrance of Elder Mingyue's cave, and my heart sank. I knew what she was going to do. She had always disliked me, and now that she saw me isolated and helpless, she naturally wanted to kick me when I was down. A chill rose from the soles of my feet and spread throughout my body.

Over the next few days, I felt the pressure around me growing stronger. The elders' hostility towards me became more obvious, and they even began to openly criticize my mistakes, no matter how small, magnifying them infinitely. Deacon Wu went even further, spreading rumors that I was disrespectful to my elders and had ulterior motives. I felt as if I were in a quagmire, and the more I struggled, the deeper I sank.

I understand now, I have to do something. If things continue like this, I will completely lose people's hearts and there will be no chance of recovery.

An idea flashed through my mind. I took a deep breath and decided to take the plunge.

I personally visited each of the conservative elders and sincerely invited them to gather at the training ground in three days. Although they remained indifferent to me, they eventually agreed to my request.

Three days later, numerous disciples and elders gathered in the training ground. I stood in the center, took a deep breath, and slowly began to speak. I did not defend myself, nor did I refute the rumors. I began by recounting the history of the Immortal Sect, from ancient texts to the teachings of past masters. I used my own understanding to elucidate the essence of the Immortal Sect's traditions and its importance to the sect's development.

My voice was clear and firm, every word brimming with power. I spoke eloquently, drawing on a wide range of sources, leading those conservative elders into a world that was both familiar and unfamiliar to them.

I didn't deny their persistence; on the contrary, I affirmed their determination to uphold tradition. I told them I understood their concerns and respected their ideas. But I also pointed out that times are changing, and the immortal sects also need to keep pace with the times. Sticking to old ways will only lead to stagnation and eventual decline.

I proposed a series of reform plans that retained the essence of the Immortal Sect's traditions while incorporating new ideas and methods. I explained the significance and feasibility of each plan in detail and patiently answered the elders' questions.

Gradually, I sensed a change in the elders' gazes. A hint of wavering appeared in their previously indifferent eyes. They began to listen attentively to my speech and to consider my suggestions.

A glimmer of hope ignited in my heart. I knew my efforts had not been in vain.

Just then, a highly respected elder stepped forward. He stroked his long beard and slowly said, "Xiao Yao, your idea is very innovative, but..." He paused, staring sharply at me, "I still think that your plan is too radical and too risky."

His voice echoed across the training ground, and my heart sank. I knew this was the real test.

“Elder Xuanfeng, I understand your concerns.” I took a deep breath and tried to keep my tone calm. “But times are changing, and we cannot be complacent. If we blindly stick to the old ways, we will only fall behind other sects and even decline.”

I paused, pointed to the disciples training in the distance, and continued, "Look, these disciples are full of energy and vigor. They are eager to learn new knowledge and explore new fields. If we don't give them opportunities and platforms, their potential will not be fully realized and will ultimately be wasted."

I turned to Elder Xuanfeng, my gaze resolute: "My plan is not an impulsive decision, but a well-thought-out one. It retains the essence of the Immortal Sect's traditions while incorporating new concepts and methods. It can help us better cultivate disciples, enhance the overall strength of the Immortal Sect, and ultimately achieve long-term development."

I began by recounting the history of the immortal sects, analyzing the reasons for their rise and fall throughout the ages. Then, considering the current situation in the cultivation world, I explained the necessity and feasibility of my plan. I cited numerous classical texts and extensively referenced various sources to ensure that every point I made was valid.

Elder Xuanfeng stroked his beard, his brow furrowed, seemingly still hesitant. The other conservative elders also did not immediately express their opinions; they exchanged glances and whispered among themselves, creating a somewhat tense atmosphere.

I stood there, my palms slightly sweaty. I knew they were discussing my proposal privately, weighing the pros and cons. I didn't know what their final choice would be, and my heart was pounding with anxiety.

Time ticked by, and the air seemed to freeze. I felt as if I were standing on a judge's bench, awaiting the final verdict.

Just then, Senior Brother Lin stepped forward. "Elders," he said loudly, "Since joining the Immortal Sect, Junior Sister Xiao Yao has been working diligently and has made many contributions. Although her proposal is somewhat novel, it is aimed at the future of the Immortal Sect. We should give her a chance to prove her ideas."

Senior Brother Lin listed all the contributions I had made to the Immortal Sect, from refining elixirs to improving formations, from training disciples to maintaining order within the sect, recounting everything in detail. His words were powerful and resonant, filled with trust and support for me.

The conservative elders' expressions gradually softened as they listened to Senior Brother Lin's words. They began to re-evaluate me, their eyes showing more appreciation and recognition.

Elder Xuanfeng's gaze swept back and forth between me and Senior Brother Lin. Finally, he slowly spoke: "Xiao Yao, your proposal..." He paused, and my heart jumped into my throat, "...we need to think about it some more."

After he finished speaking, he turned and left the training ground, followed by the other elders. They didn't give a clear answer, but they didn't directly refuse either, which gave me a glimmer of hope.

I let out a long sigh of relief, feeling all my strength drain away. I knew I had made some progress in this game, but the battle was far from over. I turned to look at Senior Brother Lin and nodded gratefully to him.

Suddenly, I saw Deacon Wu appear at the entrance of the martial arts arena. He was whispering something to Junior Sister Chu, a sinister smile on his face... My heart sank again.

Senior Brother Lin's words resonated powerfully throughout the training ground. I could sense a subtle shift in the conservative elders' gazes towards me, moving from suspicion and scrutiny to a growing sense of appreciation and approval. I smiled gratefully at Senior Brother Lin, who returned a firm look, which calmed my previously anxious heart somewhat.

"Senior Brother Lin, thank you," I said softly, my voice trembling slightly.

"Junior sister, you did very well. There's no need to belittle yourself," Senior Brother Lin encouraged me gently. "These elders may be stubborn, but they are not unreasonable. As long as you persevere, you will definitely gain their approval."

Senior Brother Lin's words gave me tremendous encouragement. I took a deep breath and suppressed my unease. I knew that this game had only just begun, and I couldn't let my guard down.

Just then, I saw Deacon Wu and Junior Sister Chu walk in from the entrance of the martial arts arena. Deacon Wu wore a fake smile, while Junior Sister Chu looked disdainful, as if victory was assured. My heart sank again, and an ominous premonition welled up inside me.

They walked straight up to me, and Deacon Wu said with a forced smile, "Junior Sister Xiao, congratulations! It seems you've convinced the elders."

His tone was full of sarcasm, and I could tell he wasn't genuinely congratulating me.

"Deacon Wu, you flatter me," I said, trying to keep my tone calm. "The elders have only temporarily agreed to consider my proposal, and the final outcome is still unknown."

"Is that so?" Deacon Wu gave me a meaningful look. "However, even if the elders agree to your plan, you still need to be able to implement it."

His words were loaded with meaning, and I immediately became alert.

"What does Deacon Wu mean?" I looked him straight in the eye, my tone turning cold.

“It’s nothing,” Deacon Wu shrugged, trying to sound casual. “I’m just reminding you that some things aren’t so easy to accomplish.”

After saying that, he and Junior Sister Chu turned and left, leaving me standing there alone, my heart filled with doubt and unease.

Their actions made me very uneasy; I had a feeling they were up to something behind my back. I needed to figure out what they were up to as soon as possible in order to prepare a response.

As I pondered, my gaze involuntarily fell upon the supplies piled up in the corner of the training ground. Those supplies were meant to improve the living conditions of ordinary disciples and were part of my plan. I suddenly remembered that the management of these supplies was overseen by Deacon Wu… A chill ran through me, and I quickly walked towards the pile of supplies.

Upon closer inspection, I carefully examined the supplies and found that the quantity and type matched the list perfectly; there was nothing unusual. However, I still felt something was amiss, and a vague sense of unease lingered in my mind.

I crouched down and picked up a bundle of cloth to examine it closely. The cloth was rough in texture and dull in color, completely different from what I had requested. My heart sank, and a bad premonition washed over me... I reached out and touched the cloth, and a sharp pain shot through my fingertips.

"What is this..." I muttered to myself, bringing my finger to my nose to smell it, and a faint musty smell wafted up.