Chapter 79: Factional Undercurrents, Keeping Oneself Out of the Problem
Qin Yixuan's late-night visit and subtle reminder signaled that the turmoil within the Xuanyun Sect, stirred by the Bingpo Xuan Palace ruins, was gradually shifting from an undercurrent to an overt surge. Ye Li, a newly rising, accomplished, and controversial disciple, naturally became the focus of various forces attempting to either win him over or suppress him.
The next day, a visitor came to the door.
The person who came was a middle-aged female cultivator with a kind face and dressed in the uniform of a Danxia Peak deacon. She said her surname was Wang and she came to visit Ye Li on the orders of Miaoyin Zhenren. She brought several kinds of spiritual tea unique to Danxia Peak that nourish the soul.
"Junior Brother Ye is a prodigy, and this trip to the northern border has made tremendous contributions to the sect. He is truly a role model for our generation." Deacon Wang smiled warmly and spoke in a friendly tone. "Uncle Miaoyin often said that Yundan Peak and Danxia Peak are of the same origin, both using alchemy to assist cultivation. Uncle is also very impressed by your talent in alchemy. If Junior Brother Ye has any questions about the alchemy path or needs any kind of elixir, Danxia Peak will certainly help you."
The intention of the words to win over Ye Li was self-evident. Danxia Peak's leader, Miaoyin Zhenren, belonged to a relatively neutral but influential faction within the sect, and had a decent relationship with Lay Buddhist Muyun. This overture was both an investment in Ye Li's potential and perhaps also an attempt to gain more influence for Danxia Peak in future explorations of the ruins.
Ye Li's expression remained calm as he accepted the spiritual tea and politely replied, "Thank you, Master Miaoyin and Master Wang, for your kindness. I feel deeply unworthy of your kindness. If I have any questions about the way of alchemy in the future, I will definitely seek guidance from the masters of Danxia Peak."
She neither explicitly accepted nor flatly refused, her attitude striking the perfect balance. Seeing this, Deacon Wang didn't press her. After a few more pleasantries, he left with a smile.
Shortly after the Danxia Peak men left, a true disciple from Jianfeng Peak arrived with a handwritten note from Peak Master Lingyunzi, inviting Ye Li to visit Jianfeng's sword arena when he was free to exchange sword skills and experiences with the Jianfeng disciples. While the note didn't explicitly state this, Lingyunzi's integrity and his appreciation for talent were well known. This move clearly expressed Jianfeng's recognition and goodwill, and also served as an implicit form of support.
Ye Li also replied respectfully, saying that he had long admired Peak Master Lingyun Zi and Peak Master Jian, and that he would visit them to seek advice once he was ready.
The successive overtures from the two peaks brought a surge of visitors to Ye Li's courtyard, attracting even more attention. However, the real pressure followed.
On the third day, a deacon dressed in the uniform of the Law Enforcement Hall and with a stern face arrived. He spoke in a businesslike tone: "Ye Li, the Law Enforcement Hall has drawn up preliminary regulations regarding the examination of the candidates for the Mirror of Inquiry into the Heart for the exploration of the Bingpo Xuan Palace ruins. Because of your special situation, Elder Yan has specially ordered me to come here to ask if you have any doubts or matters that need to be reported in advance?" These words seemed routine, but in fact they contained hidden meanings. If Ye Li gave a wrong answer, it might be made into a big deal.
Ye Li sneered inwardly, knowing that this was the beginning of Situ Kuang's faction's pressure. She had already thought of a countermeasure and said calmly, "Deacon, I have no objection to the sect's rules. The inspection by the Heart Mirror is for the sect's safety, and I should cooperate. However, my cultivation method is unique, and I have refined star cores, so my aura may be different from that of ordinary people. If it causes abnormal fluctuations in the Heart Mirror, I hope the sect will be aware of it and avoid misunderstandings."
She took the initiative to point out the "special skills" and the possible impact of the "star core," which made her appear open and honest, and stopped others from taking advantage of the situation. The deacon gave her a deep look, recorded it in the file, and then took his leave to report.
The most direct attempt to win him over came from Lay Buddhist Muyun. During a private conversation between master and disciple, Lay Buddhist Muyun bluntly stated, "Li'er, within the sect, the headmaster and his followers naturally support you. I've also had frequent communications with Peak Masters Miaoyin and Lingyun, and they're quite optimistic about you. But Situ Kuang won't give up. The exploration of the ruins is fraught with danger, not only from without, but potentially from within. Do you... need me to mediate and clarify your position?"
Mr. Muyun hopes that Ye Li will completely turn to the headmaster's faction in order to obtain more comprehensive protection.
Ye Li pondered for a long time and shook his head. "Master, I appreciate your protection. But if I choose a side now, while I can gain temporary peace, I will also be completely on the opposite side of Zhan Kuangfeng, with no room for maneuver. I would rather rely on my performance and achievements in this exploration to win the position I deserve. Moreover, I have many secrets, and if I become too closely tied to a faction, it may cause complications."
She paused, then continued, "I believe that maintaining a certain degree of independence may be more beneficial to the sect, the master, and myself. I am solely loyal to the sect's interests and follow its rules. As for factional disputes, I do not wish to become too involved."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of admiration flashed in Muyun Layman's eyes. He knew this disciple had lofty ambitions and refused to be controlled by others. While this idea of ​​maintaining independence and establishing oneself through merit was riskier, if successful, it would also provide a more solid foundation.
"Well," Lay Buddhist Muyun sighed. "Since you have such determination, I will support you. However, independence does not mean isolation, and you will receive the necessary support. As for the matter of the Mirror of the Heart, I and the Sect Leader will have our own plans, so you don't need to worry too much. When exploring the ruins, you must be extremely careful, especially... beware of attacks from behind."
"Disciple understands." Ye Li responded solemnly.
Beyond these overt contacts, Youge's intelligence network also reported back more subtle information. Sun Xiaohou discovered that Zhan Kuang Peak had recently been interacting frequently with several subordinate peaks within the sect, seemingly plotting something. Gao Sheng even threatened to give Ye Li a hard time at the ruins. Meanwhile, an envoy from the Chiyan Sect had also secretly visited Situ Kuang. While the details of their visit were unknown, it was clearly not a good omen.
Faced with such a complex situation, Ye Li remained calm. She knew that until she reached a level of strength sufficient to defy the rules (e.g., reaching the Yuan Dan realm and becoming a sect elder), it would be impossible to remain completely insulated. However, prematurely becoming embroiled in factional struggles, becoming a pawn in others' struggles for power, would be a surefire way to death.
Her strategy is clear: take advantage of the situation without being dependent on it, and make achievements while avoiding disputes.
Rely on the power of the headmaster and the master to ensure basic fairness and safety; win respect and resources with your own strength and achievements; try to avoid direct participation in the struggles between factions, and focus your main energy on improving your strength and completing tasks.
She declined all overly enthusiastic invitations to court her and evaded various tentative alliances. She spent most of her time secluded, either cultivating or preparing for the ruins exploration. Using her elite disciple privileges, she consulted extensive texts on ancient formations, prohibitions, and the geography of the Northern Territory, continuously refining her "Star Silence" sword technique and "Universe Traceless Step."
At the same time, she also stepped up her support for Lin Feng and Xia Zhihe through Youge, hoping that they could break through to the Spiritual Realm as soon as possible. If they succeeded, Youge would have even greater confidence.
This low-key and focused attitude actually made some neutral elders and higher-ups look at her with a higher regard. Being neither arrogant nor impetuous, and maintaining composure, this is the mindset that those who achieve great things should have.
However, even if the tree wishes for stillness, the wind will not stop. Just before the official announcement of the ruins exploration list, a sudden incident thrusts Ye Li into the spotlight once again. An elder from the Weapon Hall, closely associated with Zhan Kuangfeng, suddenly raises a question with the Law Enforcement Hall, claiming that the Xuanbing Sword Ye Li used in the Northern Territory was forged using techniques strikingly similar to an ancient ice-based sword blank diagram stolen from the Weapon Hall. He demands that Ye Li hand over the Xuanbing Sword for investigation!
This move is undoubtedly a serious blow to Ye Li's reputation. If the charges are proven, it may even affect her eligibility to participate in the exploration of the ruins!
Clearly, this was another offensive launched by Situ Kuang's faction, beyond the Mirror of Inquiry. The vortex of factions would inevitably draw her in. Could Ye Li once again resolve the crisis and maintain her desired "independence"? The open and covert struggles surrounding the Bingpo Xuan Palace ruins had only just begun.
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