Standing once again before the solemn, ancient gate of the Royal Study, Li Fan's state of mind was vastly different from his first visit. He felt less apprehension and more cautious deliberation. He tidied his brand-new Hall of One Hundred Arts disciple robes, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.
Sect Leader Situ Hong was still seated behind the purple-sandalwood desk, but beside the scrolls, there was now a Sect terrain sand table emitting a faint light. Upon seeing Li Fan, the Sect Leader's face retained that spring-breeze-like gentle smile, and he waved his hand to dismiss the need for formalities.
"It seems that old stubborn bull Chen Xuan finally approved of your 'heterodox' method concerning the Water Condensation Spell." Situ Hong got straight to the point, a hint of knowing amusement in his eyes."No need to be surprised. Not much happens within the Hall of One Hundred Arts that can escape this seat's notice."
Li Fan's heart slightly tightened. He replied respectfully,"It is all thanks to the opportunity granted by the Sect Leader and Elder Chen's impartial judgment."
Situ Hong gave a noncommittal nod, then gently tapped the sand table before him. Lights and shadows flickered across the table, focusing on the Outer Sect area. Regions representing functions like task assignment, resource allocation, and disciple residences were blinking with varying density, accompanied by floating simple numbers.
"Although your previous suggestion was... unique in its wording, its core idea of 'optimizing resource flow' and 'enhancing overall efficiency' reminds this seat of an old, chronic ailment," his tone was calm, as if discussing trivial matters."My Azure Cloud Sect's Outer Sect has thousands of disciples, and the daily turnover and consumption of various resources are enormous. However, in recent years, the efficiency has felt increasingly sluggish, like an old, ill-maintained waterwheel, creaking loudly but producing little output."
His gaze settled on Li Fan, carrying scrutiny and a hint of imperceptible expectation:"This seat knows you are good at observation and that your thinking is... unconventional. I summoned you today because I wish to hear your opinion. If, in your view, one wished to pinpoint the root cause of the Outer Sect's operational inefficiency, where should one begin?"
This wasn't an examination of spellcraft; it was an inquiry into Sect management! Li Fan instantly grasped the true purpose of this summons. The Sect Leader hadn't fully accepted his modern theories but saw them as a potentially new approach to problem-solving.
［Emergency Task Issued: Preliminary Diagnosis of Sect Resource Flow］
Task Description: Propose a feasible research and analysis plan for the Azure Cloud Sect Outer Sect's operational efficiency problem.
Task Reward: 30 Research Points, increased Sect Leader favorability.
Failure Penalty: Possible loss of the Sect Leader's attention, restricted future development.
The pressure mounted like a mountain, but Li Fan's brain was spinning rapidly. This was an unprecedented opportunity and a massive trap. A successful answer meant a bright future; a poor one could negate all his previous efforts.
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a step forward, his eyes fixed on the constantly changing sand table. He urgently called out in his mind:"System, scan the sand table data! Establish a preliminary model of Outer Sect resource flow! Quickly!"
［System: External data stream received… Building simplified model… Analysis in progress…］
［System: Preliminary Diagnosis: Sand table data indicates a resource scheduling response time difference exceeding 300% across Outer Sect function areas. Task backlog rate is up to 45% in certain regions. Clear workflow bottlenecks and resource mismatches exist. Recommend systemic process mapping and in-depth data collection.］
With the System's preliminary analysis to back him up, Li Fan felt calmer. He organized his thoughts, looked up to meet the Sect Leader's gaze, and spoke with a steady tone:
"Reporting to the Sect Leader, this disciple believes that to diagnose the problem, one must first employ the four methods of examination:'Looking, Listening, Questioning, and Palpation'(望闻问切)."
"Oh?" A flicker of interest appeared in Situ Hong's eyes."Explain in detail."
"The 'Looking' is observation," Li Fan pointed to the sand table."As shown here, the speed of light flow and the degree of task backlog are the most direct 'pulses.' But this alone is insufficient. It must be supplemented by 'Listening' and 'Questioning.'"
"This disciple suggests designing a simple... ahem, a 'Statement of Grievances' or an 'Interview Outline'," he carefully chose his words."These should be distributed to Outer Sect disciples and deacons at different levels to anonymously collect their experiences and specific problems encountered in every link—such as resource collection, task assignment, and cultivation aid. Concurrently, trustworthy individuals should be dispatched to secretly record details at key nodes, such as the daily flow of people and the time taken to process affairs at the Materiel Hall and the Mission Hall. This is the 'Questioning' and 'Palpation.'"
He paused, then presented the core idea:"Once the data is collected, a cross-analysis can be performed. For example, correlate the feedback from disciples in the most severely backlogged areas with the management style of the deacons there and the speed of resource allocation; or analyze the average completion cycle for specific types of tasks to identify the bottleneck. In this manner, we may be able to move from the surface to the interior and discover the true 'disease' causing the inefficiency, rather than merely treating the symptoms."
He did not propose any specific conclusions, but instead presented a complete, actionable methodology for research. This approach transcended the limitations of personal experience, strongly advocating for the use of data and facts.
A brief silence fell over the Royal Study. Situ Hong gently tapped his finger on the desk, his gaze deep, seemingly digesting Li Fan's vastly unusual perspective.
He had governed the Azure Cloud Sect for many years and seen countless talented individuals. Some advocated strict governance to boost efficiency, while others suggested gentle appeasement to foster unity. But Li Fan, who proposed coldly "collecting data" and "cross-analysis," dissecting Sect management as if analyzing an artifact, was a first.
The method sounded tedious, even clumsy, yet it carried an undeniable sense of rigor and... objectivity.
"From surface to interior, seeking the root cause... Cross-analysis..." Situ Hong slowly repeated the words, his eyes gradually brightening. His management of the Sect mostly relied on reports from Elders and his own spiritual sense patrols. While he could grasp the big picture, these systemic blockages in the fine details were indeed hard to perceive clearly. Li Fan's method offered a new perspective, one that drilled down to the specifics.
"This method, though time-consuming and labor-intensive, is indeed a viable path," Situ Hong finally spoke, making his decision."Li Fan."
"Disciple is present."
"I shall entrust you with this duty. You are to collaborate with the Discipline Office, using the Outer Sect's Green Bamboo Garden and three surrounding compounds as a pilot area, and conduct a one-month 'Research' according to your proposal." His tone was calm but held undeniable authority."You may apply to the Discipline Office for any necessary personnel. After one month, I expect to see a detailed 'Diagnosis Report.'"
"This disciple... accepts the order!" Li Fan forcibly suppressed his excitement and bowed in acceptance. He understood that this was no longer a simple assessment but a genuine appointment to a serious responsibility!
"Remember," Situ Hong's gaze slightly sharpened."This matter concerns thousands of Outer Sect disciples and even the Sect's future efficiency. You must be cautious and discreet. Every conclusion you present must be verifiable by evidence."
"This disciple will not fail the Sect Leader!"
Leaving the Royal Study, Li Fan felt the flagstone path beneath his feet was somewhat unreal. Collaborate with the Discipline Office? Pilot research? This authority and responsibility had come too quickly and were too great!
［System: Task "Preliminary Diagnosis of Sect Resource Flow" stage completed! Reward: 15 Research Points issued! Current point balance: 43 points!］
［New Task Issued: Execute "Outer Sect Resource Efficiency Pilot Research"］
Task Description: Complete the resource flow efficiency research for the designated Outer Sect areas and submit a diagnosis report within one month.
Task Reward: 50-100 points, depending on report quality, plus Sect Contribution.
Failure Penalty: Loss of Sect Leader's trust, severely hampered future development.
Pressure and motivation filled his heart simultaneously. Li Fan returned to his small room in the Hall of One Hundred Arts and immediately began to plan.
Personnel was key. The first person he thought of was Wang TieZhu. This man was physically strong, honest, and reliable with strong execution skills—the best candidate for collecting grassroots data and running errands. Furthermore, involving him in this task would be a form of training and opportunity for Wang TieZhu himself.
He immediately contacted Wang TieZhu via his identity token. In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the tower-like figure appeared outside Li Fan's door, a simple, excited smile on his face.
"Senior Brother Li! You were looking for me?" Wang TieZhu's voice was still muffled, but his complexion was rosy, and his eyes were bright, indicating that Li Fan's previous guidance had been significantly effective.
"TieZhu, I have an important Sect task that requires your help." Li Fan brought him inside, closed the door, and solemnly explained the Sect Leader's appointment and the pilot research.
Wang TieZhu's eyes widened. Although he didn't quite understand what "research" and "data analysis" were, he clearly understood the words "Sect Leader's appointment" and "important task"! Senior Brother Li was so highly regarded by the Sect Leader!
"Senior Brother! Whatever you say to do, I'll do it! No second thoughts!" Wang TieZhu loudly thumped his chest.
Li Fan nodded, taking out several sheets of paper with simple tables he had prepared:"Good! The first step is for you to find some trustworthy and discreet Senior Brothers. Following the questions on these sheets, you need to secretly inquire and record…" He began to lay out the first step of data collection in detail.
However, at the very moment Li Fan was giving Wang TieZhu instructions and outlining the preliminary research framework...
Outer Sect, a secluded wing room in the Discipline Office.
A grim-faced middle-aged man in a Discipline Deacon's robe was listening to a hushed report from a trusted disciple.
"Uncle-Master Zhao, it's been confirmed. The Sect Leader summoned that Li Fan today, seemingly... to delegate him some task concerning the inventory and scheduling of resources in the Outer Sect compounds. And after that Li Fan returned, he immediately summoned Wang TieZhu, the one who is very close to him…"
The Deacon, referred to as Uncle-Master Zhao, instantly turned icy. His fingers gripped the teacup, knuckles slightly white.
"A mere peasant who happened to catch the Sect Leader's eye, daring to touch these matters? Reckless." He scoffed, his tone full of disdain and a hint of subtle apprehension."Go, and find our newly promoted 'favorite' some 'things' to do. Let him understand that the waters of the Outer Sect run deep."
The trusted disciple understood instantly and quietly asked,"Uncle-Master, are you suggesting...?"
Deacon Zhao curled a cold, grim smile:"He likes 'research,' doesn't he? Then let him... properly research what human malice is, and what rules are!"