Chapter 145

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Chapter 145: Giving Up Illusions

Outer Sect of the Five Elements Sect – Cold Crow Mountain

Lin Jiang saw Zhang Wanjing return in a state of confusion and knew that Zhang Wanjing had not succeeded. Fortunately, he had already dispersed the crowd earlier, leaving only a few representatives behind.

"Master, how is the situation?"

"I’m tired and want to rest."

Zhang Wanjing shook his head, feeling very sad. The leader’s words destroyed his years of hard work. Everything he did as an outsider seemed like a joke now.

"It seems like this matter has been decided, and it wasn’t caused by corruption in the Internal Affairs Hall, Master. It was an order from the top of the sect, right?"

"How do you know?"

"If someone in the Internal Affairs Hall was corrupt, they wouldn’t need to increase the workload so much all at once. They would find a way to balance the books. Just adding ten extra pounds per acre would be enough. Is the sect foolish to suddenly increase the workload by two hundred pounds?!"

Lin Jiang said, it’s not difficult to guess. If it was caused by corruption, it wouldn’t make sense logically.

"You are right, the leader told me…"

Zhang Wanjing repeated the words that leader Qin Quan had said, and Zhang Shuhua became angry after hearing them.

"How can the leader speak like that? Are the outer disciples destined to only become Qi Refining Period? Are they always going to be treated as inferior?"

"Master, you must have convinced the leader, but actually, he convinced you, didn’t he?"

Lin Jiang was very calm at this time because he had heard this theory before, and it was just nonsense.

"The sect leader seems to make sense."

Zhang Wanjing nodded sadly. This was the most painful part for him. He couldn’t argue with the sect leader. He knew that without a significant increase in resources for the Five Elements Sect as a whole, it would be impossible to have more Foundation Building and Core Formation cultivators. However, the sect needed more powerful cultivators than just Foundation Building cultivators. Reality clashed with his ideals.

"Master, let me tell you, the sect leader’s theory is nonsense. Do you believe it?"

"You…"

"Don’t worry, listen to my analysis. The sect leader’s point is that the sect’s resources are limited. If these low-level disciples break through to Foundation Building, it will dilute the resources for the talented disciples in the inner sect, burdening the entire sect, right?"

"Yes."

"This may seem reasonable, but it’s still nonsense because this idea is based on the assumption that the outer sect disciples are truly untalented and the inner sect disciples are true geniuses. But are all the inner sect disciples really geniuses? I don’t deny that there are a few true geniuses, but can we be certain that all inner sect disciples are geniuses?

Also, does that mean that all outer sect disciples are untalented? Senior brother also came from the outer sect, and aren’t there any Golden Core Ancestors from the outer sect? What about Nascent Soul Elders?"

Lin Jiang said. Do inner disciples have geniuses? Yes, but definitely not all inner disciples are geniuses. The definition of genius is not just about Spiritual Root, but also about understanding, aptitude, and opportunities.

"Um…"

"There is one more thing, which is fairness. No one can determine someone else’s life. It is unfair for the sect to label all outer disciples as mediocre. Whether someone is mediocre or not needs to be verified with time, rather than the sect abruptly cutting off their hope."

Lin Jiang said, as an outer disciple, he can empathize with this moment. He doesn’t believe he is worse than others, even though he is cheating.

"Xiao Yi, what you said makes sense. I was deceived."

"It’s not being deceived, it’s that the high-level members of the sect look down on outer disciples from the bottom of their hearts. That’s how they think, so they believe the sect leader’s words are right."

"Then what should I do?"

"Argue based on reason. I think there can still be some room for negotiation with the sect. The workload might increase, but not by this much."

"Then what’s the difference?"

"Yes, the difference lies in the Master."

"Me?"

Yes, this matter should alert the Master. The higher-ups of Five Elements Sect cannot be relied upon. If the Master still clings to ideals, then abandon illusions and prepare for a fight.

If the Master is not prepared to persevere with ideals, then they can choose to give up and not help any outer disciples. Giving them a chance to earn more money would only benefit the higher-ups of the sect. Of course, the Master could also join them.

If we can’t beat them, we can join them. It’s not shameful. With the Master’s abilities, joining them would ensure he isn’t treated poorly. The three of us can live well.

Lin Jiang said. The ruling method of Five Elements Sect has destined most people to be sacrificed. No matter how they struggle, it’s useless. They can strip away the wealth of most people with a single command.

Lin Jiang secretly hoped Zhang Wanjing would join them because in doing so, he would become a true beneficiary. They could also stand in a superior position and ruthlessly exploit the lower disciples. The money they earn through hard work would mostly end up in his pockets. Isn’t that wonderful?

"Let me consider it."

Zhang Wanjing was greatly shocked. On this day, his thoughts were shaken multiple times, and his mind was in chaos.

······

"Junior brother, are you serious about the last sentence?"

Coming out from inside Cold Crow Mountain, Zhang Shuhua said to Lin Jiang.

"Yes, I am serious. Human nature is inherently selfish. Seeking benefits and avoiding harm is instinctive. If I were the master, I wouldn’t be so selfless."

"Then why have you been so dedicated these past few years?"

"Just hoping for good luck, what else can I do?"

Lin Jiang said, if it weren’t for Zhang Wanjing’s sake and being moved by his charisma, would he do such foolish things?

"But I hope my father can help those people. Cultivating immortality goes against the natural order. We don’t even fear the heavens, let alone the powerful."

"You say such things are laughable, really."

"Junior apprentice, you…"

"Go back and focus on your training. The cultivation world is all about strength. Do you remember what I told you? If you become a Soul Changing Ancestor, you will be the leader of the Five Elements Sect. Speak and the rules will follow. Who dares not to listen?"

Lin Jiang left with a word and continued his cultivation. Strength is more important than anything else.

Three days later, the sect issued new regulations. The amount of work for farming disciples increased from 300 kilograms per acre to 400 kilograms, which is slightly less than the 500 kilograms mentioned earlier.

As the news spread, some people continued to protest, but it was ineffective. Others accepted silently, with mixed reactions. Zhang Wanjing, in particular, seemed less spirited than before and was clearly affected.

Lin Jiang didn’t pay much attention. He was just a junior disciple in the Building Foundation Period, and couldn’t handle the sect’s affairs. It would be good enough if he could take care of his own three acres of land.

It was only after a month of not seeing Lin Jiang that Zhang Wanjing finally found him and said. Xiao Yi, I’ve thought about what you said and realized that many of your words are profound. I was wrong before.

"Master, just listen to what your disciple says, don’t take it too seriously."

"No, I am serious. You’re right. Let go of illusions, prepare for battle. I haven’t given up, I can still fight on."

"Has the master thought it through?"

"Yes, in two years, the sect will have a treasure for forming infants. I will prepare to go and compete for it."

"How big is the chance?"

Lin Jiang immediately became interested. A treasure for forming infants, master, you better form the infant quickly. This opportunity is too good to miss.

"If Soul Changing Ancestor doesn’t come back, the probability of me obtaining the treasure is zero. It’s impossible for me to obtain it, but I will still strive for it. I want the higher-ups to know that Zhang Wanjing hasn’t given up yet."

"What if you lose?"

"I will personally request to go guard the Wilderness town. Either I die in Wilderness or seize resources and achieve the realm of Nascent Soul. At that time, are you willing to follow me, master?"

"Disciple is willing to follow the master."

Lin Jiang said, Lin Jiang doesn’t have much savings left. He also plans to go to Wilderness and make money. It may not necessarily be by hunting monsters; he needs to see if there are other opportunities.

Besides, he heard many stories about the Wilderness in Yunzhong City, and he really wants to go and see it. He hasn’t been to many places yet.

"Alright, for the next two years, prepare well with your flying sword, shield, magical robe, spiritual charm, and elixirs. You should also practice more spells since the Five Elements Sect is known for its magic."

"Yes, Master. Will Senior Brother go too?"

"I haven’t asked him yet, but he probably will."

Zhang Wanjing said that his son is highly skilled in combat, so going to the Wilderness would be like a fish in water for him. He will definitely go.

"That’s settled then! The three of us will bravely venture into the Wilderness and create a bright future."

"Great!"

"I will go back first."

Lin Jiang nodded. He needs to start preparing now as the Wilderness is not a place to fool around. He is going there to make money, not to risk his life.