The plot unfolded at a breakneck pace. Shen Qingmang followed Gu Suihan away, soon hearing rumors that the spiritual energy between heaven and earth was too thin to support the ascension of cultivators. Some said Yun Xuzhou's serious injury was due to this, and the Taichu Sect was in a state of panic, with discussions growing about whether to reduce the number of cultivators.
Initially, this wave of voices was extremely weak, but the words of Yang Zhidu, the "Daughter of Destiny," stirred the world. She said that through deduction, she had discovered the key to the thinning of spiritual energy: it lies in people. It was precisely because there were too many cultivators that spiritual energy was becoming increasingly scarce.
Shen Qingmang felt like rolling her eyes again when she heard this statement. To her, it was sheer nonsense. In the modern society she'd lived in, the Earth supported billions of people, yet its resources remained largely untapped. How could such an ancient society have stagnated due to resource scarcity? Furthermore, Yang Zhidu's statement was clearly an excuse for a future war.
However, not everyone shared her vision, and more and more people were falling for her advice, including Hao Xin. Qiong Ju, already weary of government affairs, now faced with the constant task of reinforcing the shield's seal, threw all the responsibilities onto Hao Xin. Shen Qingmang, siding up behind Hao Xin, became increasingly anxious as he watched the child's increasingly close ties with the radicals.
One day, she actually saw An Yanxiang, whom she hadn't seen for many years. He came to Linyuan Palace with a leisurely look on his face. She couldn't guess what he was up to, and Hao Xin couldn't guess either.
"What is Peak Master doing here?"
"Of course, I came to see our young and promising master of Hao Xin Peak." An Yanxiang said with a smile.
"Are you confused? I'm not some peak master."
"Perhaps soon. I see you are becoming more and more adept at handling government affairs."
Shen Qingmang thought: That's because there was nothing big going on at Wuya Peak. When she was the peak master, she handled it casually without even delaying her lesson preparations. Qiongju was too lazy to take care of it probably because she thought it was too trivial.
Hao Xin wasn't moved by his praise. "It's not a big deal. Someone else can handle it."
"There is a big thing happening right now." An Yanxiang pointed to the sky.
"What on earth are you here for, Peak Master? Don't keep me in suspense. I don't have that much patience."
"Master Nephew, you are so straightforward. Since that's the case, I will also speak frankly. Currently, all sects are in a predicament of spiritual energy scarcity. My Taichu sect has suffered particularly hard, with even the Sect Leader unable to ascend. Only by resolutely reforming can we escape this predicament. I heard that Master Nephew also has this intention."
"What's the point? Those old men at Wendao Peak keep saying 'The heavens don't change, the Dao doesn't change', and they cling to the old rules, refusing to tolerate any changes."
"My nephew is still young and doesn't understand that they just don't want to be the first to do something."
"What does this mean?"
"The elders are highly respected and have the greatest potential for ascension. They must be hoping for a full restoration of spiritual energy. But if they directly advocate for reform, wouldn't it appear that they are sacrificing the other disciples for their own selfish gain?"
"What kind of disciples are the outer sect disciples? They are useless and should be expelled. Those low-level inner sect disciples who rely on their years of cultivation to act arrogantly are equally ridiculous, especially those from our Wuya Sect. They only have a long lifespan, but they are not proficient in magic or martial arts, wasting spiritual energy in vain."
"Great minds think alike. I also think that instead of letting these people just sit there doing nothing, we should streamline the sect and give those with real talent room to display their talents."
"But it's not enough for both of us to think this way. You can represent Wuwei Peak, but I can't represent Wuya Peak."
"You've done so much on behalf of Wuya Peak. Otherwise, why would the elders be willing to discuss matters with you? Junior Sister trusts you and has entrusted you with authority. You should live up to her expectations."
"But Master may not agree..."
"Go ask her, she will definitely be on our side." An Yanxiang said confidently.
Shen Qingmang sneered.
As expected, Hao Xin went to ask Qiongju, and Qiongju's answer to him was "The strong should provide protection for the weak, not bully the weak." Although it was not stated explicitly, it had already shown her disapproval.
So Hao Xin went to An Yanxiang in dejection.
"I told you that Master wouldn't agree. She's been with Senior Brother for so long, even if she's been influenced by him, she's become much gentler than before. Senior Brother will definitely not agree to reducing the number of people."
An Yanxiang's eyes flashed fiercely, but he quickly returned to a smile. "It seems that Junior Sister has changed a lot. But nephew, you are able to stand on your own in the outside world, but you are very respectful to the master in the sect. It must be because Junior Sister has done you so much good."
"How can she be so kind..." Hao Xin muttered softly, "She doesn't care about me at all."
An Yanxiang showed a surprised expression. "But didn't you say that she and your senior brother are often together?"
"Big Brother has the Master's favor, but I don't. Even though I'm the leader, I'm just a laborer in her eyes."
"It's actually very easy to change her mind."
"How?"
"She's now favoring your senior brother because she thinks what he did was right. If you can prove that you're right and your senior brother is wrong, won't you be able to gain her favor?"
"It doesn't matter if she doesn't favor me. I'm not begging her to look up to me."
"Well, then you'll always live in the shadow of your master and live a miserable life." An Yanxiang turned and walked out. "I misjudged you. I thought you were someone who would be brave enough to fight. Unfortunately..."
"Master!" Hao Xin hurriedly called out to him. "Well... let me think about it and make a decision."
An Yanxiang curled his lips. "Then, Master-Uncle will... wait patiently for good news."
"You are so bold! You even considered such obvious provocation? Didn't I teach you... Oh, yes, no one teaches you here." Shen Qingmang pointed at Hao Xin's nose and cursed, then she remembered that this was Hao Xin in the original novel, not the little apprentice she taught personally.
But someone else did the job for her.
"You shouldn't believe what he said." Gu Sui Han walked into Linyuan Palace with a gloomy face.
"Big Brother?" Hao Xin's expression was a little unnatural. "Why are you here?"
"If I hadn't come, you would have been sold out by An Yanxiang. Do you think he was saying good things? He just wants the world to be in chaos."
"How could that be? Master An is a good man. He's more courageous than Master Qi and Master Shi. I admire him."
"You are incorrigible, no wonder Master dislikes you," Gu Suihan said, extending his hand. "Hand over the proxy order. You are acting recklessly and cannot drag Wuya Peak into this any longer."
"I think Senior Brother is jealous of me," Hao Xin snorted. "Even though Master dotes on you, didn't he still give me the power of attorney? If you want to take it, you'll have to step over my dead body first!"
Gu Suihan drew his sword, and Shen Qingmang rushed forward to stop him. He couldn't fight with others, or he would be retaliated!
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