221: Chapter 221 Moonlit Shadows and Hundred Flowers (Part Two)

Tianyuan Peak, Sect Main Hall.

When Yu Lingshuang led the five members of the Hundred Flowers Sect into the Sect Main Hall and they took their seats, the figure of Ling Hao happened to appear at the entrance of the hall.

Upon his appearance, his handsome, ethereal features and the faint, calm smile at the corners of his mouth instantly became the focus of the hall.

Yu Zhaohua's eyes fell upon Ling Hao, her gaze calm and unruffled.

On the beautiful face of Nangong Mei (Hong Shao), the languor was replaced by a trace of amazement, and her full chest rose and fell with her breath.

"What a handsome appearance, no wonder... the Disciples of the Moonshadow Sect..."

Baili Qiao (Zi Su) was also slightly dazed.

As for Yu Lingling, she felt a trace of curiosity.

When Ling Hao's gaze swept over, Yu Linglong subconsciously straightened her back, meeting his gaze with her charming peach-blossom eyes.

The smile at the corners of Ling Hao's mouth seemed to deepen, as if he had seen through the turmoil in her heart.

This made Yu Linglong's heart skip a beat, her earlobes heated up, and she subconsciously looked away.

Ling Hao walked slowly toward the main seat with a calm gait.

He sat down, his gaze sweeping gently over the members of the Hundred Flowers Sect, not rushing to speak.

Unexpectedly, Yu Zhaohua spoke first, her voice as clear and cold as an ice spring resonating in the hall:

"Sect Master Ling, we have reached a decision. The Hundred Flowers Sect is willing to join the Moonshadow Sect, and we humbly request your acceptance."

Upon hearing these words, not only was Ling Hao slightly stunned, but a trace of surprise also flashed in Yu Lingshuang's eyes.

Her Revered Master had clearly been resistant to moving into Wangyue Mountain directly before, and was deeply concerned about the Disciples "freely joining" the Moonshadow Sect, so why was her attitude so direct now?

Ling Hao's thoughts turned slightly, but his expression remained calm:

"Oh? You have made up your minds? I recall previously..."

Yu Zhaohua briefly stated the reason:

"Last night, we gathered all our Disciples and honestly explained the current predicament and the choice of the Moonshadow Sect. The Disciples... not one left."

Her words paused slightly, and deep in her eyes, a warm current seemed to pass,

"They are willing to follow us through life and death. However, as Elders, we know better. The Hundred Flowers Sect... this broken boat... is no longer able to provide them with shelter, nor can it provide the massive resources needed to repair their Foundation and pursue the Dao. Forcing them to be bound here is not protection, but a burden."

Her gaze swept over Yu Linglong, Yu Lingling, Nangong Mei, and Baili Qiao, finally returning to Ling Hao:

"This is the first reason. Secondly, as we have seen upon entering your Sect, there is no debauchery, but rather order and a thriving path of cultivation. The Disciples perform their duties and focus on cultivation; their mental state and bodies show no signs of being controlled, which proves that your Sect is not the pit of fire we previously speculated."

"Thirdly, the original purpose of the Linglong Blessed Land was to provide a pure sanctuary for female cultivators, offering them protection and hope. Observing the atmosphere of the Moonshadow Sect, this mission is not only inherited but even grander and more profound."

"Finally..."

Yu Zhaohua's voice changed,

"The hatred for the Golden Crow Holy Land is carved into our bones. However, with our broken bodies, there is no hope of restoring our Sect, and revenge is distant. Only by relying on the heritage of the Moonshadow Sect and the power of the Sect Master can we hope to settle this score."

These four points were clear and logical, elevating the Hundred Flowers Sect from a passive choice of "living under another's roof" to an active decision to "seek survival for the Disciples and support for the blood feud."

They did not come for profit; they came for responsibility and hope.

After listening, a smile flashed in Ling Hao's eyes.

This was reasonable, and they even had a little scheme.

However, what did that matter? You need me, and I need you.

He nodded slightly: "Very well. The Moonshadow Sect welcomes the members of the Hundred Flowers Sect to join."

Yu Zhaohua bowed slightly and continued: "Since we are joining the Sect, there are two matters that require the Sect Master's clarification."

"Please speak."

"First, the concern regarding our Legacy. Although the Linglong Blessed Land is a thing of the past, its Cultivation Technique, skills, and spiritual lineage are the lifeblood of countless predecessors. If the Legacy is severed after the Disciples join your Sect, we... would have no face to face our Ancestral Masters and the fellow Disciples who sacrificed themselves."

Ling Hao immediately understood her concern, and his gaze fell on a woman dressed in light green robes.

This must be Ling Shuang's Junior Sister.

He said loudly:

"Agreed. Legacy is the soul of a Sect. I promise that you can choose a suitable mountain in the Moonshadow Sect or Wind Spirit Sect, name it 'Hundred Flowers Peak,' and appoint a Peak Revered Master to be responsible for the placement and management of the original Hundred Flowers Sect Disciples. On Hundred Flowers Peak, you may continue to research and teach the unique Cultivation Technique and skills of the Linglong Blessed Land, continuing its Legacy."

"At the same time, I have heard that as the Grand Elder of the Linglong Blessed Land, you are held in high esteem. I cordially invite you to serve as a Guest Elder and Teaching Elder of the Moonshadow Sect. Any Moonshadow Sect Disciple, regardless of origin, who is interested in the Linglong Blessed Land's Legacy and wishes to learn about it, can seek your guidance, and you will decide whether to teach them."

"In this way, your Sect's Legacy will not only be preserved but can flourish in a broader world. How about that?"

Yu Zhaohua's expression did not change, but her heart was surging.

Ling Hao's promise not only gave space for the Legacy to continue but also granted her a transcendent status and control, which greatly resolved her greatest inner concern.

Although she was the one who decided whether to teach, could she really refuse?

"Second,"

"The Sheng-Sheng Creation Spring is a life-saving spring. Many Disciples under our Sect have severely damaged Lunar True Essences and are on the verge of losing their path or even dying. For them, this spring is the only hope to reignite their vitality and continue their path. May I ask if, after joining the Sect, this spring... can be used by them for healing?"

Baili Qiao (Zi Su) and Nangong Mei (Hong Shao) also looked at Ling Hao with earnest eyes.

Ling Hao said solemnly:

"The Sheng-Sheng Creation Spring is one of the Foundations of this Sect. While all Disciples who join the Sect can use it, but..."

He scanned the women,

"The rules of this Sect: All Disciples who join must pass the six levels of the Nine-Turn Corridor to be eligible to use it."

"And it cannot be said that all of you from the Hundred Flowers Sect will be able to pass the six levels."

Seeing the look of worry instantly appear on the faces of Yu Lingling and the others, Ling Hao changed the subject:

"However, considering that your Sect's Disciples have severely damaged Foundations and the situation is special, I can make an exception: Anyone who passes the Ten Thousand Flower Heavenly Steps, regardless of their progress in the Nine-Turn Corridor, can receive a pre-allocation of the Sheng-Sheng Creation Spring to repair their Lunar True Essences."

"Subsequent required contribution points can be gradually repaid by completing Sect missions. This is the greatest convenience I can offer for Ling Shuang's sake."

He paused, his expression meaningful:

"As for deeper resources such as Cultivation Technique research, Body Tempering in the Five Elements Chaos Spirit Pool, and secluded meditation in the Heaven-Reaching Tower, they must pass the six levels of the Nine-Turn Corridor to be eligible for exchange. This is the Foundation of our Sect and cannot be shaken."

Finally, Ling Hao's tone became serious:

"I have made an exception, and that is the limit. One year! After one year, if any of the original Hundred Flowers Sect Disciples have neither passed the six levels of the Nine-Turn Corridor nor the Ten Thousand Flower Heavenly Steps, they will be considered as having no intention to integrate into this Sect, or lacking potential, and at that time... please leave on your own. The Moonshadow Sect does not raise idlers, nor does it keep those who have no heart for it."

"During this period, you must also undertake the obligations and duties of the Sect."

"That is only natural."

Yu Zhaohua and the others felt this was no problem.

This arrangement not only gave the endangered Disciples a glimmer of hope but also upheld the core principles of fairness and motivation within the Sect, while setting a clear time limit.

Although Yu Lingling, Nangong Mei, and Baili Qiao felt the pressure, they also understood that this was the best solution Ling Hao could offer for Yu Lingshuang's sake, and it was much more reasonable than they had expected.

Yu Lingling asked: "Sect Master, I wonder how contribution points are calculated? And what tasks are there?"

Nangong Mei also asked: "Is the daily output of the Sheng-Sheng Creation Spring sufficient? If a large number of Disciples need repair at the same time..."

Yu Lingshuang spoke at the right time:

"I will explain the contribution system and task details to Junior Sister Ling Ling and the two Elders later. As for the output of the spring water, you do not need to worry; the Xuanyin Peak has abundant spiritual springs, which is sufficient for supply."

In the following discussion, Yu Lingshuang occasionally fought for some convenience in details for the Hundred Flowers Sect, such as adjusting the difficulty of initial tasks and arranging guidance for new Disciples. Ling Hao mostly nodded in agreement; as long as it did not touch the two bottom lines of "fairness" and "core resource acquisition rules," he appeared quite generous.

Yu Lingshuang's well-reasoned arguments and Ling Hao's tolerance and trust gave the Hundred Flowers Sect members a deeper understanding of this Deputy Sect Master's actual authority.

Unknowingly, the golden-red sunset shone through the tall hall windows, dyeing the inside of the hall with a warm tone.

Ling Hao stretched, stood up casually, and said to Yu Lingshuang:

"That is the general framework. As for specific detailed terms, Disciple placement, resource handover, peak affairs arrangements... you can take full responsibility for these trivial matters, Ling Shuang."

His tone was relaxed, as if he had unloaded a heavy burden.

"As for me... I need to go back and see how Little Yingying and the others are cultivating. That girl's Cultivation Technique has reached a critical point recently, so I need to keep an eye on it."

After speaking, he actually flicked his sleeve, and his figure turned into a stream of light, instantly disappearing from the main hall.

The hall was silent.

Yu Zhaohua and the others looked in the direction where Ling Hao had disappeared, their faces showing astonishment. They were truly shocked by this Sect Master's thorough "hands-off" style.

One moment he was deciding the major policies of the Sect, and the next moment he could throw all the complicated details to the Deputy Sect Master and run off to "guide a little Disciple"?

Were you really not afraid that your Deputy Sect Master would do something?

Nangong Mei (Hong Shao) was the first to react, covering her lips and laughing softly in a languid manner, her full chest trembling slightly:

"Oh my, now I've seen it. Our Sect Master is really... living up to his reputation. Little Ling Shuang, you will have to work hard for everything in the Moonshadow Sect from now on! However..."

She blinked mischievously, "Rounding it up, since you are the Deputy Sect Master and manage so many things, doesn't that mean... you are our Sect Master again?"

Yu Lingling and Baili Qiao also couldn't help but laugh, their eyes filled with sympathy and a hint of amusement as they looked at Yu Lingshuang.

Yu Lingshuang was long used to this; there was no ripple on her cold face, only a trace of helplessness flashed in the depths of her eyes as she nodded slightly to her Revered Master and fellow Disciples:

"It is my duty. Revered Master, Senior Sister, two Elders, let us move to the side hall to discuss the follow-up matters in detail."

Yu Zhaohua nodded gently to Yu Lingshuang:

"Ling Shuang, later... I will have to trouble you."

"Why must Revered Master be so polite." Yu Lingshuang said respectfully.

Everyone stood up, ready to follow Yu Lingshuang to the side hall to handle the subsequent details.

Just then, Yu Linglong suddenly spoke:

"You go ahead. I... I want to look around the Moonshadow Sect."

Upon these words, everyone's gaze instantly focused on her.

Yu Linglong felt uncomfortable being watched by them, so she stubbornly raised her chin:

"What? Can't I?"

A trace of a smile flashed in Yu Lingshuang's eyes:

"Of course you can. Senior Sister, please feel free."

Yu Linglong snorted, ignored the others, and her moon-white figure flashed, floating out of the main hall like a gust of wind, disappearing into the afterglow of the sunset.