SFS Chapter 356 Sect Conflict
Chapter 356 Sect Conflict
While Lin Changsheng was engrossed in comprehending the insights gained from creating a fourth-tier puppet, the sect leader of Liuyan Sect and Qingdan Zhenjun were vying for power, causing signs of a split within the sect.
Sect Master Huang Jia has been in charge of sect affairs for many years, with a solid foundation. Behind him are a series of families with intertwined interests, sharing both glory and disgrace.
The newly appointed Supreme Elder Chen Xingzhou, leveraging his Nascent Soul realm, has gathered many emerging forces and rising stars in an attempt to overthrow the old rules and redistribute resources.
Between the two, there is a small neutral force led by True Monarch Yunmiao.
Although True Monarch Yunmiao does not concern himself with sect affairs, he is, after all, a native cultivator of the Willow Smoke Sect and has a close family behind him.
However, these factions also chose to protect themselves, refusing to take sides or get involved in power struggles.
Regardless of the outcome of the struggle between the sect leader and Chen Xingzhou, as long as True Monarch Yunmiao is still alive, their interests will not be shaken.
In addition, from elders to disciples, everyone in the sect took sides and became hostile to each other, causing widespread panic.
Lin Changsheng remained completely oblivious to the outside world, focusing solely on his studies, occasionally offering guidance to Han Xinlan on her Foundation Establishment cultivation during his spare time.
Time flies, and years pass quickly.
Five years later, Master Lu visited again.
They also brought a third-tier puppet, which was mostly damaged.
Lin Changsheng glanced at it briefly and immediately recognized the origin of the puppet.
It was back then that he spent a long time repairing the top-tier third-order puppet for True Monarch Yunmiao.
"Hehe, I'll have to trouble Master Lin to help again this time."
Master Lu spoke politely and did not act superior just because he was working for the True Lord.
"It's been a long time. How have you been, Master Lu?"
Lin Changsheng was equally polite to Yunmiao Zhenjun's disciple and extended a warm invitation to him.
Upon arriving at the reception hall, he instructed a maid to serve tea before turning his attention to the third-tier puppet.
The puppet's surface was covered with traces of corrosion from some kind of liquid, and there were also more than a dozen marks from being brute forcefully bombarded.
There is a noticeable indentation in the chest cavity, which has affected the central control part.
"For a top-tier third-order puppet to be damaged to this extent, it seems that the attack this puppet suffered has exceeded the third-order range."
After observing the puppet in secret, Lin Changsheng was able to roughly determine the situation based on the extent of its damage.
"The damage is quite severe. Even if Mr. Lin can repair it, it will probably be difficult to restore it to its previous level."
Lin Changsheng withdrew his gaze, shook his head, and spoke frankly.
"Master instructed that Master Lin only needs to do his best to repair it."
Master Lu seemed unsurprised by this, and then took a separate storage bag from his waist, and said:
"These are the repair materials. Please take a look, Master Lin."
"Master Lu, you're too kind."
Lin Changsheng did not refuse and accepted the materials, then asked in a seemingly casual manner:
"How has True Lord Yunmiao been lately?"
Upon hearing this, Master Lu's expression faltered slightly, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled:
"Master is well."
……
But as Lin Changsheng watched Master Lu leave, a strange look appeared in his eyes.
Several years ago, one night, Lin Changsheng, who had just emerged from seclusion and was relaxing on the summit of Qingxia Peak, sensed the return of True Monarch Yunmiao.
On that occasion, True Monarch Yunmiao's aura seemed slightly unstable, accompanied by a faint smell of blood.
Others might not notice, but it couldn't escape Lin Changsheng's keen senses.
Now, with Master Lu sending this damaged puppet, one can't help but ponder this.
What kind of enemy could possibly injure Yunmiao Zhenjun, who is in the mid-Nascent Soul stage?
Unfortunately, as the pillar of the Willow Smoke Sect, the news of Yunmiao Zhenjun's injury would naturally not be spread.
Although Lin Changsheng was curious, he couldn't get involved in a battle at the level of a Nascent Soul True Monarch for the time being, so he could only secretly itch with curiosity.
He then returned to his cave and took out the puppet to begin repairing it.
To his relief, the repair materials provided by True Monarch Yunmiao were plentiful, including many rare Tier 3 materials.
It's even enough to create a brand new Tier 3 puppet.
Since it was Yunmiao Zhenjun's requirement, Lin Changsheng would not cut corners. He simply went all out and used all kinds of high-grade materials, spending half a year to completely renovate this top-tier third-order puppet from head to toe.
Afterwards, looking at the third-tier puppet in front of him, which had been pieced together from various sources, Lin Changsheng was quite satisfied.
Although it doesn't look very appealing, resembling a doll covered in patches, the willingness to invest in materials has somewhat mitigated the previous severe damage.
The performance it demonstrated was almost 90% or more accurate.
"It won't be long before I, the puppeteer, am able to create top-tier third-order puppets."
Lin Changsheng was in a great mood.
After handing the third-tier puppet over to Master Lu, Lin Changsheng reminded him, "The core of this puppet is damaged and cannot be restored. If it suffers severe damage beyond the third tier, it may be difficult to repair."
……
Another three years passed.
During this period, a major event occurred within the Liuyan Sect.
Of the two elders who were originally stationed in the immortal city, the older one was ambushed by an unknown cultivator during an outing and died.
After discussions among the sect's higher-ups, opinions differed.
Sect Master Huang Jia proposed that, in accordance with past practice, a suitable candidate should be selected from within the sect to serve as an elder.
The key is to have a clean background, with at least three generations of people being cultivators of the Willow Smoke Sect.
Those who meet the requirements can receive support from the sect and be given special training, even if their cultivation level is insufficient.
The newly appointed Supreme Elder Chen Xingzhou believed that now was the time to use people, and the vacant elder positions should be filled by selecting one from the outer sect guest elders for promotion.
In this way, not only can the sect's high-ranking members be expanded, but the enthusiasm of the outer sect elders and guest elders can also be fully mobilized, so that they can work harder to contribute to the sect.
This proposal received the support of the vast majority of guest elders.
In the end, even the sect leader Huang Jia had no choice but to compromise.
Because it involves the appointment and removal of sect elders, the Supreme Elder has the final veto power.
Since Chen Xingzhou advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, True Monarch Yunmiao has voluntarily relinquished power.
After discussion, Sect Master Huang Jia and Chen Xingzhou unanimously decided that the outer sect guest elders could be included in the assessment scope.
However, one's own strength should still be the final measure.
In theory, Lin Changsheng also meets the qualifications to run for elder.
Upon receiving the news, Han Xinlan was overjoyed and immediately informed Lin Changsheng.
She knew that Master Lin was quite capable, but in recent years, with the rise of True Monarch Qingdan, his influence in the sect had been growing day by day.
Therefore, in Han Xinlan's view, if Lin Zhenren could be elected as an elder of Liuyan Sect and his status would be elevated, then even if Qingdan Zhenjun deliberately targeted him, he could still deal with him by virtue of his elder status.
However, Lin Changsheng's reaction after learning the news was very indifferent, as if he didn't care much.
"If the elder's status was useful, how could that former elder have died without cause?"
"This position of the new elder has probably already been reserved by someone."
Lin Changsheng's eyes flickered, revealing a deeper meaning.
Han Xinlan was stunned upon hearing this. After a moment of contemplation, an expression of disbelief appeared on her face.
……
A few days later.
Suddenly, a crimson aura filled the air atop Qingxia Peak.
After a few breaths, as if drawn by some force, they instantly flowed into the cave and vanished without a trace.
Dongfuzhong.
Lin Changsheng sat calmly with his eyes slightly closed, surrounded by surging blood and qi.
A scorching heat was being expelled from Lin Changsheng's body through his pores, and under the influence of the high temperature, slightly red burn marks appeared on the surface of his body.
As time passed, these scorching auras and vital energy lingered, gradually merging together to envelop Lin Changsheng's body, transforming him into the form of a crimson ancient ape.
Before long, the red ape stood with its head raised, its mouth bared to reveal terrifying and ferocious fangs, as if it were roaring to the sky.
After years of accumulation and with the help of resources provided by True Monarch Yunmiao, Lin Changsheng's body refinement realm reached the late stage of the third level.
"Late stage of the third tier of body refinement!"
Feeling the abundant energy and blood within his body, Lin Changsheng felt exhilarated.
With his strength further enhanced, Lin Changsheng is now confident that he can deal with a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, relying solely on his terrifying physique, the domineering nature of the 'Ancient Ape Glazed Technique,' and the power of the Nine-Toothed Rake.
Not long after, Lin Changsheng, who was engrossed in improving his strength, seemed to sense something, withdrew his own blood and qi, and walked out of the cave.
A stunningly beautiful woman appeared at the Qingxia Peak Taoist temple.
It was none other than Sect Master Huang Jia, who hadn't taken the initiative to visit for a long time.
"I never expected that my visit today would be so fortunate as to witness Master Lin's breakthrough. It is truly an honor."
Huang Jiazong smiled, his demeanor graceful and poised.
Beneath the glamorous exterior, however, lay a hint of weariness.
"Heh, a mere breakthrough in the Body Refinement Realm is hardly the righteous path."
"It is a great honor for me, Master Huang, who is so busy with state affairs, to deign to grace us with his presence."
Lin Changsheng noticed that Huang Jia did not maintain her usual sect leader demeanor this time. Instead, she referred to herself as "this concubine," which seemed to make her more approachable.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Lin Changsheng led Sect Leader Huang Jia into the reception hall.
"Elder Lin has been a member of the sect for over ten years, always working diligently and conscientiously. Now, he has broken through to the late stage of the third-order Body Refinement realm, and his strength is astonishing..."
"I wonder if Elder Lin would be interested in serving as the fifth elder of this sect?"
Huang Jia's eyes flickered, and she asked a question.
As a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, Huang Jia was naturally no ordinary Golden Core cultivator. He was somewhat aware of the powerful blood and qi within Lin Changsheng's body and was secretly surprised.
He thought to himself that although this puppeteer's cultivation level was only at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, he possessed exquisite puppetry skills that far surpassed his current level.
In addition, he also possesses two third-tier great demons, and he himself has reached the late third-tier body refinement realm.
Even though she is the head of a sect, and her cultivation techniques, magical treasures, and supernatural abilities are all of the highest quality, she would probably have less than a 50% chance of winning against a cultivator like Lin Kui Shi.
"Although I don't concern myself with sect affairs, I have heard that Sect Master Huang has always valued those with impeccable lineage and advocated that sect members serve as elders. However, today's invitation seems to contradict his usual stance."
Lin Changsheng seemed slightly surprised, his face showing astonishment.
"To be honest, Elder Lin, True Monarch Qingdan has been trying to change the rules and intends to support a guest elder who has been with the sect for several years to serve as an elder."
"To eliminate any potential risks, I had no choice but to invite Elder Lin to take action. At least I can trust Elder Lin's character."
Huang Jia sighed, her face showing worry, and her words seemed to carry a sense of helplessness as she frankly stated.
Since Chen Xingzhou advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, he has been gradually relinquishing power from her.
If she loses this election for elder, the newly elected elder will naturally side with Chen Xingzhou, further weakening her control over the sect.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Huang Jia had no choice but to try to win over Elder Lin.
Although the latter was also an outsider cultivator, his position as elder contradicted her consistent beliefs.
Fortunately, Lin Changsheng had been a guest elder of the sect for many years and had not shown any interest in power. He was powerful, had a detached personality, and focused on cultivation.
Most importantly, there was a conflict between Lin Changsheng and Qingdan Zhenjun.
Therefore, the possibility of him becoming an elder and siding with Qingdan Zhenjun is very small, and he would not threaten the sect leader's authority...
"It seems I will have to disappoint Sect Leader Huang. I have no intention of getting involved in the power struggles within the sect and have no interest in the position of elder."
"Moreover, True Lord Yunmiao once made an agreement that I, Lin, will do my best to complete the True Lord's instructions for a period of time in the future, and I am afraid that I will have no mind for other things."
Lin Changsheng was decisive and refused outright.
Finally, Sect Leader Huang, still unwilling to give up, offered Lin Changsheng numerous incentives and conditions, but Lin Changsheng remained unmoved.
"Elder Lin is of noble character, which I admire. If he changes his mind in the future, I will be ready to serve him at any time."
Before leaving, Huang Jia still tried her best to persuade him one last time.
one year later.
After fierce competition, the new Zhang Lai candidate for Liu Yanzong was determined.
He was a late-stage Golden Core cultivator named Nie Xin.
Originally a rogue cultivator, he joined the sect as a guest elder four or five years ago, recommended by True Monarch Qingdan.
Now, Elder Nie has taken over the work of the previous elder, and is responsible for inspecting and guarding some immortal cities under the jurisdiction of the sect.
Lin Changsheng repeatedly refused the sect leader Huang Jia's request and did not participate in the elder election.
……
Lin Changsheng gained new insights into puppetry, and his skills improved once again.
His theoretical understanding of puppets goes beyond the ordinary third order and touches upon the fourth order.
"Once I fully understand this fourth-tier knowledge, even without a fourth-tier inheritance, I can try to create a 'quasi-fourth-tier' puppet!"
Lin Changsheng was in a good mood.
I thought that even with the experience of mastering fourth-tier puppets, improving my skills wouldn't be easy.
Unexpectedly, once he actually began to comprehend it, the process went remarkably smoothly. With the help of his special talent, Lin Changsheng made astonishing progress in his theoretical studies.
During this period, Han Xinlan seemed to be preoccupied, with a frown on her face for several days in a row, which even affected her daily cultivation.
After much hesitation, he finally triggered the restrictions on Lin Changsheng's cave.
"Master Lin, news has come from my clan that Uncle Han Feng was injured by a Golden Core cultivator from a neighboring country, and is being threatened by the Han family, who are demanding that we sell the surrounding real estate resources at a low price..."
Han Xinlan looked apologetic, seemingly feeling extremely guilty for disturbing Lin Changsheng's seclusion.
Most of her elders believed that Master Lin valued her talent or had other romantic feelings for her, and they all tried their best to facilitate this relationship in order to get closer to Master Lin.
Having followed Lin Changsheng for many years, Han Xinlan knew that when Lin Changsheng faced her, his gaze was always clear and his mind was free of ulterior motives.
Although he was tolerant and generous, it was by no means out of romantic love, nor was it out of a teacher-student affection for talent.