Chapter 342: A Way Out
Chapter 342: A Way Out
"This is an invitation from the Second-Ranked Lanshan Sect of Arling State." Master Luo introduced, "The Lanshan Sect is a renowned sect in the Arling State, housing a Golden Core expert. They are just a hair's breadth away from becoming a Third-Ranked sect, and their formation heritage is... decent."
Master Luo had originally wanted to say "profound formation heritage," but thinking of the mysterious and profound formation master behind Mo Hua, he found it hard to utter the words "profound." Thus, he could only settle for "decent."
"The Lanshan Sect established its reputation through formations, and the atmosphere of formation techniques is quite strong there. They don't have as many entanglements of interests and scheming as other sects."
Master Luo continued, "I have some connections with them, and coincidentally, I'm also planning to seek refuge with the Lanshan Sect. So, I took the liberty of recommending you, Mister Mo. I hope you don't mind."
Mo Hua quickly waved his hand and said, "Master Luo, you're too kind."
Master Luo then handed the invitation to Mo Hua. "Mister Mo, please have a look."
Mo Hua politely took the invitation.
It was unknown what kind of paper the invitation was made of, but it was elegant and exquisite. The words on it were written with golden ink, giving it a luxurious touch.
Mo Hua opened the invitation and glanced at the document inside.
The content was concise and respectful, inviting Mo Hua to take up the position of an instructor at the Lanshan Sect. Once he achieved the Foundation Establishment stage, he would be eligible to become an elder.
It was a formal invitation from the sect, not a privately agreed-upon document.
This was indeed a solemn offer.
Mo Hua felt the weight of the invitation in his hand and couldn't help but furrow his brows.
Noticing Mo Hua's expression, Master Luo quickly said, "Mister Mo, there's no need to rush into a decision."
Mo Hua was taken aback, "I wasn't planning to refuse..."
"And there's no need to rush into accepting either."
Mo Hua became even more confused, "Master Luo..."
Master Luo smiled faintly and said, "Everything is negotiable..."
Master Luo was adept at navigating interpersonal relationships and maintaining a balanced approach. He had a good grasp of the intricacies of such situations.
"If Mister Mo is inclined to accept, I can go back and discuss the conditions with them."
Master Luo explained to Mo Hua, "Within the sect, there are differences between instructors, and there are also differences between elders. Although the titles may be the same, the actual power and status they hold can vary greatly."
"It's not explicitly stated in the invitation, but this offer of an instructor and elder position is likely for the outer sect. In terms of authority and treatment, the outer sect is not as well-off as the inner sect."
"Some marginal guest elders may not even hold a higher status than a senior instructor from the inner sect."
Master Luo looked at Mo Hua and said softly, "Mister Mo, your biggest disadvantage is actually your identity as a wandering cultivator."
"As a wandering cultivator, you are an 'outsider' to the sect. To them, you are not one of their own. Even if the higher-ups of the Lanshan Sect treat you with great respect, there will still be some disciples and formation masters below who will be dissatisfied..."
"Are all sects in this world exclusive?" Mo Hua asked.
"It's not just the sects, but all people in this world tend to be exclusive..." Master Luo replied.
"In such a situation, what would be the best course of action?" Mo Hua asked humbly.
He wasn't genuinely considering joining the Lanshan Sect; he was merely curious about Master Luo's perspective.
In fact, Master Luo didn't care whether Mo Hua truly wanted to join the Lanshan Sect or not.
As long as Mo Hua was willing to ask him questions, it would align with his expectations.
With Mo Hua asking and him providing answers, a connection would be formed, even if it wasn't a significant one. It could still earn him some goodwill from Mo Hua.
Master Luo patiently explained, "The best approach would be to bypass the position of an outer sect instructor and directly join the inner sect. Endure some grievances and start as an inner sect disciple."
"With Mister Mo's talent in formations, the inner sect will soon run out of people capable of teaching you. At that point, it will naturally be your turn to teach others. As a member of the inner sect, if you can teach others, you will naturally become an instructor of the inner sect."
"Then, the various branches of the Lanshan Sect will definitely try to woo you. You can choose to show goodwill to one of them or not choose any at all and focus on studying formations. Both options are viable."
"Formations are the foundation of your standing. As long as your formation skills are unparalleled, you will hold a superior position, and others will not dare to offend you."
"Once you reach the Foundation Establishment stage and attain the position of an elder in the sect, you will be a figure with power and influence."
"Moreover, given your young age, even the sect leader of the Lanshan Sect will go to great lengths to curry favor with you. Not just the Lanshan Sect, but prominent cultivators in the Arling State will also give you some face..."
As Master Luo spoke, he couldn't help but smack his lips, feeling a twinge of jealousy.
To be a prominent formation master, how glorious that would be...
Alas, he didn't have the strength, talent, or the opportunity to enjoy such treatment.
"What if I don't want to join the inner sect?" Mo Hua asked.
Master Luo was not surprised and instead expressed his understanding, "Joining the inner sect means binding yourself to the Lanshan Sect, which comes with too many restrictions. If you ever want to leave or seek better opportunities in the future, the Lanshan Sect will definitely not let you go and may even turn against you..."
Others would be eager to join the inner sect of the Lanshan Sect, but Master Luo knew that Mo Hua was an exception.
He was aware of Mo Hua's extraordinary talent, and while the Lanshan Sect was a powerhouse in the Third-Ranked state, it was not that significant in the broader cultivation world.
The Lanshan Sect might not be able to accommodate Mo Hua's potential.
Master Luo continued, "If you don't want to join the inner sect of the Lanshan Sect and only wish to temporarily find a place to stay or use the Lanshan Sect as a stepping stone to seek a higher position..."
"Then you can start as an outer sect instructor and then become a guest elder, but you can add more conditions and request better treatment.
Master Luo shook his head. "Excessive familiarity breeds contempt, while keeping your distance breeds disdain. There's no need to deliberately alienate yourself, nor is there a need to actively seek closeness."
"If you distance yourself from the inner sect, you might arouse their resentment. If you get too close, they will look down on you. Even if they don't say it outright, they will despise you in their hearts."
"It's best to just focus on studying formations and avoid causing trouble. Remain detached, and you won't offend anyone."
"What if there's infighting within the Lanshan Sect, and I'm forced to take a side?" Mo Hua asked Master Luo for guidance once more.
"That depends on the situation," replied Master Luo.
"What situation?"
Master Luo pondered for a moment before answering, "It depends on whether you want to continue staying, who is forcing you, if their methods are reasonable, and whether or not it violates your principles."
"If it's a minor matter, you can yield appropriately. But if their behavior crosses the line, you can directly resign and use it as leverage."
Mo Hua was taken aback. "Will that work?"
"It might not work for others," Master Luo added silently in his heart, "...but it will definitely work for you."
"It will definitely work for you!"
Master Luo looked at Mo Hua and continued, "Remember what I said before. As long as you excel in drawing formations, you will be welcomed wherever you go. If you decide to resign, they will fear losing a talented formation master like you."
"First, true formation masters are rare and hard to come by. Second, if others find out that their internal strife drove a formation master like you to resign, the Lanshan Sect would lose face and their reputation would suffer. So, they wouldn't dare to go too far."
Mo Hua nodded, then pointed out a contradiction: "But Master Luo, didn't you say that the Lanshan Sect doesn't have that much 'scheming and infighting'? Now it seems like you're teaching me how to 'scheme and plot'..."
Master Luo was caught off guard by this question, realizing that he had inadvertently contradicted himself.
He let out an embarrassed laugh and could only say, "Well, there isn't that much, but wherever there are people, there will always be some scheming and plotting."
Mo Hua also smiled, knowing that Master Luo was speaking the truth.
He pondered this new information for a moment, feeling hesitant.
Going to the Lanshan Sect seemed like a good option, but Mo Hua felt that it wasn't the path he should choose.
Master Luo added, "Little Mister Mo, if you go to the Lanshan Sect, your father and mother can come with you. The Lanshan Sect has agreed to offer them positions within the sect. Although the positions might not be very prestigious, they will have comfortable and easy jobs."
Mo Hua was surprised, then his heart stirred at the thought.
He didn't want his parents to suffer. If they could enter the sect and have stable jobs, they would be able to enjoy a peaceful life.
"What about the other loose cultivators in Tongxian City?"
Master Luo sighed. "Little Mister Mo, let me be frank with you, and you might not like what I have to say..."
"The fate of the other loose cultivators is not something we can consider. We can only look after ourselves, and that's already a challenge."
"Moreover, although you are a loose cultivator, you are no longer an ordinary one. Your status has changed."
"If you are willing, numerous sects will try to recruit you, and influential families will seek to curry favor with you. Your identity and status are already very different from those of other loose cultivators."
"In the face of a major disaster, loose cultivators only have one path, and it's a path filled with uncertainty and obstacles..."
"But Little Mister Mo, you are different. You have many options, and each one of them is an excellent opportunity..."
Mo Hua's emotions were mixed, and he remained silent for a while, his gaze gradually lowering.
Master Luo observed Mo Hua's expression, relieved to see that he wasn't angry.
These words might be seen as "inciting discord."
And indeed, Master Luo had his own agenda.
In his eyes, Mo Hua was extremely important, far more so than the other loose cultivators. Thus, while he felt sympathy for their plight, he didn't let it weigh on his mind.
However, Mo Hua's decision was of utmost importance to him.
He hoped that Mo Hua would have a smooth and illustrious path ahead, eventually becoming a renowned formation master who shook the world.
That way, he could also benefit from Mo Hua's success and improve his own formation skills.
As for the rest, he was just an ordinary formation master, and he didn't have the capacity or time to worry about such things.
"Little Mister Mo, you can take some time to consider it. If you are willing to join the Lanshan Sect, I will negotiate with them to ensure you get better treatment."
"If you are unwilling, that's fine too. I can put in a good word and politely decline on your behalf."
Master Luo had thought of everything.
Mo Hua nodded and expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Master Luo. No matter what, I will remember this favor."
Master Luo humbly replied, "It's no trouble at all. You're too kind, Little Mister Mo."
But in his heart, he breathed a sigh of relief.
If Mo Hua joined the Lanshan Sect, his introduction would be a great help. And if Mo Hua declined, he would still appreciate his gesture.
Either way, he had played his part well, and his efforts wouldn't go to waste.
(End of Chapter)
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