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Chapter 267: Division
🕑 Added 2024-09-30 08:17:09 +0000 UTCThe current state of Shangyang Sect belonged to those who controlled the spirit stone mine, with all the resources benefiting them alone. Now that Elder Luo and his group had returned, they would undoubtedly reclaim the mine.
However, those who had stayed behind couldn’t refuse, as their cultivation levels were too low to oppose them. Seeing the elders return, many were filled with reluctance rather than relief.
The leading Foundation Establishment cultivators were particularly disgruntled. After barely surviving under the oppressive rule of Wei Hai, they had finally been able to freely use the spirit stones. Now, these deserters, who had fled the sect in its darkest hour, were returning without having lifted a finger and would reclaim the mine without any effort.
They felt they were the true heroes of Shangyang Sect, having held the fort while the so-called leaders abandoned the sect. Now, these cowards shamelessly returned to seize control once again.
Though filled with anger, they dared not voice their discontent openly. The gap in cultivation was simply too great. Even with all their resentment, they could only express their dissatisfaction through subtle actions.
As for Elder Luo and his group, they couldn't care less about the opinions of those they had abandoned. For them, it was generous enough not to demand that the current occupants return all the spirit stones they had mined during their absence. What more could they want?
After conducting a headcount, Elder Luo and the others realized that more than half of the sect’s members had fled. Coupled with those killed by Wei Hai, there were now only about 200 people left in the entire Shangyang Sect.
But Elder Luo wasn’t too concerned. Recruiting new members would be an easy task.
There were plenty of people in the world.
With renewed determination, the returning elders and elite disciples launched their plan to restore Shangyang Sect, swiftly reorganizing the sect and taking control of its operations with an iron fist.
What they didn’t realize, however, was that from the moment they returned, the sect had already split into two factions in the hearts of the disciples they had once abandoned.
In secret, these remaining disciples had formed their own group, with their own leaders.
——
“Teacher, you’ve become an immortal, so why do you still read, teach, and act as a scholar?”
With the New Year celebrations over, spring had arrived, and the private school at the foot of North Mountain had resumed formal lessons.
It was break time, and a dozen or so students sat around a small bamboo grove, surrounding their teacher, chatting noisily with him.
Today was a rare occasion. Instead of heading up the mountain during the midday break, their teacher had chosen to stay with them.
Sitting upright in a green robe, Sun Yigao smiled at the student who asked the question and replied, “I don’t read because I love books. I read to understand and learn from the thoughts of the great thinkers of the past and to grasp the principles they conveyed.
Similarly, cultivation is not my life’s goal. It is merely a way for me to gain more abilities to pursue my true goals in life.”
“What’s your goal in life, Teacher?” another student asked.
Rather than answering directly, Sun Yigao smiled and said, “Everyone’s goals are different. At your age, you don’t need to rush to define your own. Take time to observe, reflect, and explore. The process of searching for a goal is in itself a very meaningful journey.”
Sun Yigao knew that these young students admired him deeply. If he were to share his own life goals, they might adopt them blindly, making his goals their own.
That wasn’t what he wanted.
While he believed his own life goals were worthy, he preferred that his students discover their own path, rather than simply following his.
Since deciding to become a teacher, Sun Yigao had always seen himself as a guide, someone who would show his students the diversity of the world. He didn’t want to influence their decisions more than necessary.
Hearing his words, the students fell silent, pondering for a moment.
Then one bright-eyed student stood up and bowed respectfully to him, saying, “Teacher, I understand! From now on, I will work hard to find my own path!”
The other students, inspired by this, followed suit, bowing and making similar vows.
Sun Yigao smiled, nodding in approval. For these newly enrolled students, he didn’t expect them to fully grasp the concepts yet. As their guide, it was his responsibility to nurture their understanding, slowly and steadily.
This process couldn’t be rushed.
Then, the most energetic student of the group suddenly asked, “Teacher, when will Master Mo return?”
While the private school bustled with activity during the lunch break, Lin Xiao was descending the mountain, heading toward the village chief's house in Xiushui Village.
Spring had arrived, and with the ice on the mountain streams melting, it was time for planting again.
The village chief’s family was out working in the fields, leaving only the chief, Du Village Chief, at home, sitting in the courtyard with his grandson, Dou’er. They were sorting through a basket of dried beans.
“Village Chief, keeping busy, I see?” Lin Xiao called out from the gate as he greeted Du Village Chief.
Hearing the familiar voice, the old chief squinted toward the gate, and when he saw it was Lin Xiao, he smiled warmly and waved him over. “Ah, Xiao’er, come in, come in!”
He turned to Dou’er and said, “Dou’er, go fetch a stool for your Brother Lin Xiao.”
Dou’er obediently scampered into the house, returning with a small stool, which he placed beside his grandfather.
Lin Xiao stepped into the courtyard, thanked Dou’er, and sat down on the stool. Seeing the pile of beans before the chief, he naturally extended a hand to help sort them.
Du Village Chief didn’t stop him, continuing to smile as he worked.
As he busied himself with the beans, Lin Xiao casually asked, “Village Chief, do you think our village should continue to develop further?”
Hearing this, Du Village Chief nodded, “Yes, I think the time has come.”
He understood Lin Xiao’s meaning.
While Xiushui Village had transformed dramatically compared to its former state, it was still a small operation—mainly a few market stalls and a handful of inns for passing travelers.
In the past, they had been cautious about expanding too quickly, fearing that it might lead to problems. The chief had even worked with a few other clan leaders to deliberately slow down growth to prevent the villagers from becoming overambitious and taking reckless steps.
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