Mingxin Hall.
Yun Jin sat upright at the main seat.
Zhai Ge, along with the sect elders who had caused trouble, all stood below.
Hong Ye stood to the side, her gaze full of admiration for Yun Jin. She had never imagined that after completing her own mission, Yun Jin would even have the energy to assist her.
These practitioners of the Evil Dao were skilled at hiding. The hardest part of such missions was locating them. Yet the Hall Master needed only a glance to pinpoint their positions with astonishing efficiency.
Most frighteningly, Hong Ye witnessed firsthand that even early Mahayana-level cultivators could not withstand a single strike from Yun Jin.
Their Hall Master had improved significantly since her days in Canglan Kingdom.
Paths that took ordinary people centuries or millennia to traverse, Yun Jin could complete in one or two months. Such talent. No wonder rumors circulated that Yun Jin might be a reincarnated Divine Being. Even Hong Ye found herself starting to believe it.
"This mission, only Shi Li has not returned yet," Yun Jin said, raising an eyebrow. "I heard your sect even sent several elders to assist Deacon Shi Li. With so many experts working together, why is the efficiency still so low? You truly disappoint this Hall Master!"
The sect elders fell silent. They wanted to argue but, recalling Yun Jin's terrifying speed in completing missions, found themselves speechless.
Compared to Yun Jin, they were far too slow.
"In my view, your inefficiency stems from Mingxin Hall being too generous to you," Yun Jin continued calmly. "High-tier sects receive fifty Mingxin Hall slots every ten years. Super-tier sects get a hundred slots every ten years. These slots require no review. Joining is easy, and enjoying the alliance's resources comes without effort, so naturally, you feel no need to strive.
Now that you are here, it is convenient. From now on, all these slots are canceled. Any disciple wanting to join Mingxin Hall must pass a unified assessment. All benefits will depend on ability alone. Sect disciples and loose cultivators alike, all treated equally. No favoritism."
Her words were blunt.
The hall erupted in murmurs.
Originally, they had planned to team up with Zhai Ge to accuse Yun Jin of incompetence and maintain preferential treatment for certain sects' disciples.
But Yun Jin outperformed them, rendering their prepared arguments ridiculous. She even turned the tables, claiming their incompetence justified abolishing the biased policies. How could this be allowed?
All eyes turned to Zhai Ge.
Expressionless, he said, "Hall Master, the affairs of this world are not a game among children. There is clear right and wrong. Without the help of multiple sects, how could we gather so many traces of Evil Dao? Let alone destroy them. The privileges these disciples enjoy are closely tied to their sects' contributions. Hall Master, if you act unilaterally, it will chill the hearts of these sects. Then, which sect would still trust or support you?"
Yun Jin replied calmly, "Vice Hall Master means that without benefits, even if the demons walked right past them, they would report nothing?"
"I did not say that," Zhai Ge answered evenly.
It was still a naked threat.
Yun Jin looked at Zhai Ge, then at the sect representatives. "What I say does not change. If you are still human, you should know that a great war between the races is imminent.
If, under such circumstances, you only think of profit and refuse to contribute, then we are divided by fundamentally different principles. You may leave if you choose." Her voice was cold.
Compared to the young sect disciples, Yun Jin saw no hope of change in these elders. She had no desire to change everyone. After living so long, they should take responsibility for their choices.
"Hope you do not regret this," Zhai Ge said, turning to leave.
The sect representatives followed. Only Hong Ye remained.
Watching Yun Jin, still composed, Hong Ye felt a surprising certainty.
Every time, the Hall Master had turned the tide from the brink.
This time would be no different.
Yun Jin looked at Hong Ye and smiled slightly. "You do not ask where the disciples who used talismans went?"
Hong Ye said calmly, "The Hall Master would not harm them."
In fact, when the disciples used the talismans, Hong Ye had sensed fluctuations in space. Considering that they could no longer communicate afterward, their destination was obvious. Only the outer-realm Wushuang Sect could block all communications.
Yet the Hall Master could still communicate with Wushuang Sect members. Hong Ye guessed that joining Wushuang Sect might allow one to bypass spatial restrictions.
Yun Jin looked at Hong Ye and laid her cards on the table. "So, what do you think?"
Without hesitation, Hong Ye replied, "If successful, it will be their honor."
Yun Jin raised an eyebrow. "The Grand Sect Ranking Conclave is approaching. Wushuang Sect is currently a high-tier sect. I plan to elevate it to super-tier before the conclave. That way, we can compete for the super-tier slots."
Hong Ye's brows furrowed in shock. In such a short time, she intended to lead Wushuang Sect to challenge super-tier status? How could it be possible?
"Currently, what we mainly lack is combat power above Unity stage," Yun Jin said. "Hong Ye, I heard you have great influence among loose cultivators."
Over the years, Hong Ye had protected many loose cultivators, not just those of Mingxin Hall but also outsiders. In this region, her influence among loose cultivators was unmatched.
"If you are willing, help me recruit some strong individuals. Those who pass the test can become Wushuang Sect disciples and fight alongside me in the sect competition," Yun Jin said.
The Grand Sect Ranking Conclave would begin in half a month. Yet it was the cultivation world's grandest event. The entire process would last six months.
During that time, Wushuang Sect disciples could train and fight simultaneously. Six months was enough for every disciple to transform. Once super-tier, competing for the top spot was conceivable. And after achieving super-tier, they could challenge the Holy Land Qingxiao Pavilion at the next conclave.
"I understand," Hong Ye said gravely, bowing slightly. "I am willing to serve the Sect Master."
She had officially changed how she addressed Yun Jin.
Yun Jin smiled faintly. Words were no longer necessary. A tacit understanding had formed between them.