https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1047-Exploring-the-Ocean-Visiting-Old-Acquaintances/13146048/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1049-Seeking-the-Source-of-the-Book/13146050/
Chapter 1048: Seeking Change and Innovation
Chapter 1048: Seeking Change and Innovation
"Mr. Lu, are you a reformist within the Wilderness School?"
Chen Chuan understood the implication of his words. While it seemed like a self-defense, he had actually abandoned the traditional ways of the Wilderness School and no longer adhered to the old school's methods of cultivation.
Would the Wilderness School still be the Wilderness School then?
Perhaps only the name would remain.
Lu Tuo openly admitted, "If that's the case, I'd consider myself a reformist. The original philosophy of the Wilderness School is no longer suitable for the present times. I believe that if we don't innovate, the school won't survive for long."
He continued, "In the past, the Wilderness School wasn't as isolated as some within the school claim. Our ancestors knew how to adapt; they served the old dynasty and maintained good relations with the upper echelons. Otherwise, how could the school have survived until now? They were very flexible, and I'm just following in their footsteps. The difference is that they faced the rise and fall of dynasties, while we are facing a changing world, which is an even greater test for us."
Lu Tuo sighed, "Currently, there are still some negative voices within the school, believing that before we find a way to innovate, the Great Collision will arrive, and being detached from the world, the Wilderness School is destined to perish."
"In that case, whether we change or not seems to make no difference. Why bother causing a fuss? It's pointless to create conflict among ourselves. We might as well just wait for the world to change and accept whatever comes our way."
Chen Chuan disagreed with this sentiment. In the face of a major crisis, innovation is always better than conservatism. Doing nothing is the worst choice.
And even worse is doing nothing oneself but discouraging others who are willing to take action, forcing them to make the same choice.
Lu Tuo sighed, "We've thought about it too. We considered just minding our own business and letting others do as they please. But somehow, we can't bring ourselves to sever ties with the school. Even if we can't reform it, by taking the first step, more people will be free to go out and do things that were previously unthinkable."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment, watching the jumpers in the distance. Many were persevering, while others fell from the platform, looking disheveled. "To solve the problem, this is not enough. The best outcome would be for a faction within the school to split off, while the others remain stubborn and become even more conservative."
Lu Tuo agreed, "Yes, that's what we've been discussing. Some within our ranks suggest that before the Great Collision arrives, the best option is to affiliate ourselves with one of the Five Major Schools, if they are willing to accept us."
"In this way, no matter how we change, we will still be part of a whole, affiliated with another school."
Chen Chuan nodded, "That's one solution. Mr. Lu, which school do you think is the best fit?"
Lu Tuo became serious, "We've considered this. If we were to join, the Implant School is definitely out of the question.
Our Wilderness School values nature, and while the Implant School doesn't solely rely on implants, our philosophies are too different. Moreover, many in the Implant School are technicians," he added self-deprecatingly, "and I doubt they'd give us roughnecks a second glance."
After a brief pause, he continued, "As for the Convergence School..." He shook his head, "Although many in our school have considered it, some of their members seem like lunatics to me. It's hard to predict which side they'll ultimately choose.
And the Refinement School is even less of an option. They are filled with elites who value lineage and bloodline. They probably wouldn't spare a glance for us, who walk barefoot on the ground all day."
"What about the Nature School? Wouldn't they be a good fit for you?" Chen Chuan asked.
Among the Five Major Schools, the Nature School was the most unique. They emphasized following one's nature, believing that everyone should honor their inner selves and seek what they desire. This school was extremely individualistic, and anyone who agreed with their philosophy could join, regardless of their background.
This ideology resulted in a very loose and relaxed atmosphere within the school, as they didn't care about one's background or enforce strict rules.
This might be a good match for the Wilderness School, as some of their philosophies seemed quite similar.
Lu Tuo hesitated, "The Nature School may have few rules, but they are too rebellious and free-spirited...
I've heard from our elders that some within the Nature School hold extremely radical beliefs, even more so than other schools. They believe that we should be assimilated by the world across the rift and that humanity should be eliminated, embracing the great future transformation."
He shook his head, "We seek shelter, not uncertainty. We don't want to join a school with such unpredictable elements."
Chen Chuan nodded in agreement. The Nature School advocated for the liberation of one's nature and living according to one's desires. But when this freedom reached its extreme, individuals might act without regard for society or the world, causing chaos. While ordinary people might be manageable, those with powerful martial arts skills could become a disaster.
Lu Tuo continued, "So, our only choice now is the Purification School."
Chen Chuan glanced at him and asked, "And your reasoning?"
"The Purification School doesn't care about your background; as long as you're willing to stand against those external forces, you're considered like-minded. That's something we can accept."
Chen Chuan nodded. "Have you found a way to reach them?"
"We're insignificant, and we initially planned to convince the elders within our school to negotiate with the upper echelons of the Purification School. But this has proven difficult, and progress has been slow, so we have to find our own way."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment. This person was likely unaware of his position as the branch director of the Purification School. By discussing these matters here, he might be trying to seize the opportunity to talk to a government official. Perhaps he hoped for a successful conversation, leading to an introduction through Chen Chuan. After all, as a martial artist, Chen Chuan's daily interactions were not easily accessible to him.
This person was adept at seizing opportunities.
Despite the other party's willingness, Chen Chuan didn't rush to recruit him. He also didn't reveal his own affiliation with the Purification School, as such matters involved various considerations and couldn't be decided impulsively.
The Wilderness School, though not one of the Five Major Schools, was still a significant school in its own right. The first major issue would be how to manage and integrate them, and the government's and other schools' reactions had to be considered.
As he was on a tour, Chen Chuan didn't want to delve too deeply into these matters. However, since he had the time, he signaled for Lu Tuo to sit and chat, but the topic shifted to something lighter.
It was then that Chen Chuan learned that these people utilized their advantages to organize adventure trips for thrill-seeking aristocrats into the wilderness, using these opportunities to establish connections with the upper class and wealthy individuals. It seemed that even without his help, they had their ways of finding connections.
Later, they casually discussed the martial arts techniques of the Wilderness School. When the conversation delved deeper, Lu Tuo even demonstrated some of his skills.
Lu Tuo didn't seem concerned about secrecy, as he was well aware that his skills might not impress a martial artist like Chen Chuan. The most he could showcase were some unique features and philosophies of his school.
Chen Chuan watched for a while. He had previously witnessed a fight between the Wilderness School and the Implant School, which had been disrupted by Wei Wusheng. In hindsight, both fighters' performances were decent, but Chen Chuan noticed something distinct in Lu Tuo's techniques.
"Does your Wilderness School incorporate techniques from Yongzhou?" Chen Chuan asked.
"As far as I know, the remaining natives in the Federation aren't doing well," Chen Chuan said.
"Indeed," Lu Tuo agreed. "After all, their country and tribes were destroyed. The Dashun government once proposed to accept and resettle them, but they refused to leave their homeland. That master once wrote a book with a line that goes, 'If we leave, who will believe this was once our land?'"
"I'm quite interested in that master of yours. Can you tell me more about him?" Chen Chuan asked.
"Of course," Lu Tuo replied eagerly. He relished the opportunity to chat with a fellow martial artist like Chen Chuan, an opportunity he wouldn't normally have.
Lu Tuo was an engaging conversationalist with excellent eloquence, vividly recounting past events. However, he was also mindful of boundaries and didn't overstay his welcome. Instead, he retrieved a book from his bag and said, "This is the book written by that master. A significant portion of it details his experiences in Yong Land. Some of what I mentioned earlier is from this book. I've read it many times, and if Director Chen doesn't mind, I'd like to gift it to you."
Chen Chuan accepted, and before the other man left, they exchanged contact information. Chen Chuan then took the book and began reading, perhaps finding it easier to comprehend due to Lu Tuo's background as a martial artist.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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