After Yun Jin departed, the great hall gradually stirred with voices of discussion.
"What does everyone think about this?"
"Is there even a need to think? The foundation of Wushuang Sect might already rival that of the Four Holy Lands. Yun Jin offering us this opportunity is clearly to give Tianxing Sect a chance at fortune."
"Indeed. This is a heaven-sent opportunity."
"Although joining Wushuang Sect may still be difficult, at the very least, we now have a real chance. If Tianxing Sect becomes a subordinate sect of Wushuang Sect, many will be drawn to us just for a chance to enter Wushuang Sect. This could be our chance to grow stronger."
"This is certainly a great blessing."
"The only concern is how the Four Holy Lands view Wushuang Sect."
"Qingxiao Pavilion is barely holding itself together now. As for the other three Holy Lands, didn't their cultivators travel vast distances at Yun Jin's request to help exterminate demons? Isn't their stance obvious?"
"Wushuang Sect may only be newly established and its name still confined to the Canglan Kingdom, but once it grows and its reputation spreads, will Tianxing Sect even have the right to become a subordinate sect by then?"
"But Qingxiao Pavilion, even in its weakened state, could crush a small sect like Tianxing Sect without effort. If we bind ourselves to Wushuang Sect, wouldn't that invite retaliation?"
Historical records noted that—
Before the Four Holy Lands possessed celestial artifacts to anchor their Luck, they too followed a similar path. They stood high above and established numerous subordinate sects beneath them. These sects became their living power, constantly supplying them with fresh blood.
Later, with immortal artifacts in place to stabilize their domains, things became more straightforward.
The immortal artifacts delineated the realms of control.
Within those boundaries, all sects became subordinate sects of the Holy Lands and were obligated to provide talent continuously.
In that sense—
Since Tianxing Sect is located in Qingxiao Pavilion's territory, it technically should be considered a subordinate sect of Qingxiao Pavilion.
Naturally, it's possible to seek affiliation with other Holy Lands.
Take Elder Jian for example—he joined the Kunlun Sword Sect as an outer disciple. But that was only because his talent wasn't outstanding, and Qingxiao Pavilion couldn't be bothered to care. If they did, they would have the right to recruit any prodigy within their jurisdiction before others could.
If Tianxing Sect chose to bind itself to Wushuang Sect, it would be a complete break from Qingxiao Pavilion. And Qingxiao Pavilion, to uphold its authority, would undoubtedly respond.
That was the only real concern.
The benefits were numerous, but the risk—just one—could prove fatal if mishandled.
Everyone turned to look at Lin Ya.
Fang Mingyue spoke directly, "Sect Master, how should we decide this matter?"
Lin Ya sat upright, mind wandering.
Suddenly hearing someone speak, he replied reflexively, "Good, good, let's do that."
A moment later—
He looked up to find a room full of speechless faces.
Lin Ya gave a soft cough and said, "I've been listening to all your discussion. The only concern is whether we will face retaliation from Qingxiao Pavilion, correct?"
Everyone nodded.
Lin Ya's eyes lifted. "Think again. Even if we don't pledge ourselves to Wushuang Sect, do you think Qingxiao Pavilion would believe it? Today, when the demons attacked, it was Xiao Jin who brought Wushuang Sect's guardian beast to save the entire sect! With that in place, do you still think it's possible to wash your hands of this and pretend neutrality? Isn't it already too late?"
Listening to their discussion made Lin Ya feel a dull ache in his head.
To him, this wasn't something that even needed debate.
"This..." The others exchanged uneasy glances.
"Becoming a subordinate sect of Wushuang Sect means gaining its protection, and many benefits besides. In the future, as Wushuang Sect continues to grow, it will inevitably challenge Qingxiao Pavilion for talent and resources. That means the number of subordinate sects under Wushuang Sect will only increase. We, a mere mid-tier sect, are being offered the chance to be the first—don't you realize how rare that is? Once Wushuang Sect gains momentum, do you think we'll still be given a place?
If not for Yun Jin and Wushuang Sect, Tianxing Sect would've already been wiped off the map. And now you're still hoping to play both sides between Qingxiao Pavilion and Wushuang Sect? How would that even work?"
Lin Ya let out a cold laugh. "Xiao Jin saved my life, and the lives of everyone in Tianxing Sect. Now she's offering us a fortune beyond measure. If all you can think about is the reward, without any willingness to bear the risk, then I'd say you're not worthy of this opportunity at all."
His words were blunt and unapologetic.
The room fell silent.
Lin Ya didn't bother with them anymore.
He poured himself a cup of wine and drank slowly.
He didn't care what they thought.
If they were unwilling—
He had no interest in staying on as Sect Master of this troublesome Tianxing Sect. He'd happily step down and bring a few disciples to follow Yun Jin instead. They could scheme all they wanted. He had no patience for it. To be honest—
His affection for Tianxing Sect had long been drained during the decades of decline.
Back then, he and Tianjian Peak were trampled by Zhao Wuji—humiliated beyond measure.
And yet no one had dared to step in.
If not for Yun Jin, he'd probably have died multiple times by now.
His disciples would have met miserable ends as well.
If the people of Tianxing Sect were willing to follow in Xiao Jin's footsteps, then he'd continue serving as Sect Master, helping manage things for her. If they weren't, so be it. He had no interest in burdening himself further with a position that cost him more than it gave.
In the midst of the silence—
Fairy Yinjun spoke gently, "Sect Master's words make perfect sense to me. Wushuang Sect may lack numbers now, but its foundation is formidable. In the future, it's bound to soar. Whether for the sake of our own future, or simply to repay the grace of having our lives saved, I support Tianxing Sect becoming a subordinate sect of Wushuang Sect."
As her words fell, the other two Grand Elders nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, the rest followed suit. "We'll do as Sect Master says."
Only then did a smile return to Lin Ya's lips.
The matter was settled.
Good. He would remain here to manage the sect and help Yun Jin scout for talent.
Lin Ya knew his own limits.
Though he had decent talent, he was far from a peerless genius.
Even with Yun Jin's help, his ceiling was capped. Rather than struggle endlessly in cultivation, helping her manage subordinate sects might be a far greater contribution.
"So it's decided, then."
Lin Ya summoned Yun Jin back into the hall and formally declared Tianxing Sect's willingness to become a subordinate sect of Wushuang Sect.
Yun Jin wasn't surprised by the outcome.
She smiled and said, "Since that's the case, I'll establish Tianxing Peak within Wushuang Sect. Disciples of Tianxing Sect who enter Wushuang Sect in the future will be placed in this peak."
Yun Jin deliberately preserved the name "Tianxing," and naturally, no one had any objections.
Once Yun Jin and Lin Ya made their oath in the names of their respective sects—
Tianxing Sect officially became the first subordinate sect of Wushuang Sect.
Yun Jin glanced at the system panel and silently thought:
"Rebind sect. Bind Wushuang Sect as the main task target."
She still had a main quest to bring a sect to the level of the Four Holy Lands.
Previously, Tianxing Sect had been temporarily bound.
But now—
Tianxing Sect was only a subordinate sect.
The one that truly needed to be bound was Wushuang Sect.
[Switching targets will cost 100 Advanced Simplification Points.]
Yun Jin resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
This system really did seize every possible chance to siphon Emotional Value!
"Deduct." She gave the order anyway.
After the deduction—
The sect for her main task officially changed to Wushuang Sect.