12dz 85. Reorganization
85. Reorganization
Lin Xuan's strategy of sowing discord was like a few pebbles thrown into a calm lake. Although it did not immediately create a huge wave, it quietly stirred up ripples that were difficult to quell within the seemingly stable alliance of the four great families.
First, there was the Murong family. A subtle warning from a rival power in Xichuan quickly confirmed Murong Feng's suspicions that the Beitang family had stabbed him in the back. Recalling the repeated robberies and heavy losses of jade materials three years ago, and the Beitang family's seemingly "righteous" offer of joint development followed by covert sabotage, Murong Feng's face darkened considerably. In subsequent private interactions at Junji Peak, his attitude towards Beitang Yuan became noticeably colder. Even at an informal gathering, when Beitang Yuan again attempted to exert pressure, Murong Feng nonchalantly remarked, "Brother Beitang, you should mind your own business first. Don't overstep your bounds, or you'll end up shooting yourself in the foot." This left Beitang Yuan bewildered and vaguely uneasy.
Almost simultaneously, an elder from the Five Poisons Sect of Miao territory personally visited the courtyard where the Murong family was temporarily staying. Although they didn't directly confront each other, the probing and subtle threats in their words sent a chill down Murong Feng's spine. The Five Poisons Sect was skilled in using Gu poison and was most sensitive to and abhorred evil arts like "human Gu." Although the elder didn't explicitly state it, the elder's suggestive gaze and the cold tone when mentioning "certain heinous experiments" made Murong Feng instantly realize that his family's top secret had likely been leaked. He had to expend a great deal of energy dealing with the Five Poisons Sect while simultaneously sending an urgent message back to his family, ordering them to closely guard the experimental valley and investigate any internal traitors. He was overwhelmed with work and couldn't spare the time to focus on the joint suppression of the Lin Xuan Alliance.
Nangong Ao, however, encountered even more direct trouble. Liu, the head镖师 (chief镖师) of the Wuliu Escort Agency, learned the truth about the tragic death of his confidante years ago through a "chance" encounter. This seemingly rough and magnanimous man silently wept in his room that night, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked. He didn't immediately lash out, but from then on, whenever the Nangong family proposed a joint operation, the Wuliu Escort Agency either made excuses to refuse or outwardly complied while inwardly resisting. In one argument, Liu, the head镖师, pointed at Nangong Ao's nose in front of many people, his eyes bloodshot, and roared, "Old thief Nangong, karma is a wheel, retribution is inevitable! The sins your Nangong family has committed will be repaid sooner or later!" Although he didn't explicitly state what he meant, the deep-seated hatred in his words chilled everyone present. Nangong Ao was both shocked and furious, vaguely guessing the reason, but unable to defend himself in public, he could only suppress his anger, secretly blaming where things had gone wrong.
As for the Dongfang family's collusion with officials, although it hasn't been directly exposed, the other three families were already aware of and wary of the Dongfang family's close ties with the court. Now, at this delicate moment, various unsubstantiated rumors have begun to circulate within their inner circles, deepening their mutual suspicion. Dongfang Ming could clearly sense that Nangong Ao and Beitang Yuan's gazes towards him had become more scrutinizing and distant.
The rift between the four great families quietly widened thanks to Lin Xuan's precise "poisoning." They were no longer as coordinated as before, and internal arguments and buck-passing began to increase, naturally reducing their ability to exert joint pressure on the Junji Peak Alliance.
With the external pressure decreasing sharply, the leaders of the smaller sects, who had previously been wavering, became more active again. They saw that the four great families seemed to have internal problems and were no longer a united front, which increased their courage to resist the new pact proposed by Lin Xuan.
The time is ripe.
On this day, at the summit of Junji Peak, the Alliance Conference was officially convened once again. Unlike the somber and oppressive atmosphere of the four great families exerting pressure together a few days ago, the atmosphere in the venue today was noticeably more relaxed and enthusiastic.
Lin Xuan sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the assembled leaders of various factions below the stage, noticing the renewed hope and expectation in their eyes. He knew perfectly well that the strategy of sowing discord had successfully thwarted the powerful external interference; now, it was time to offer tangible benefits to completely unite these people.
"Fellow practitioners," Lin Xuan began, his voice calm yet clear to everyone, "a few days ago, due to interference from certain forces, the alliance process was hindered, and discussions on the draft convention stalled. Fortunately, you all remained steadfast in your beliefs and were not intimidated by powerful forces. Now that the obstacles have been removed, it is time for us to work together to discuss our grand plan and reshape a new order in the martial world!"
He paused, then continued, "The previous draft mainly focused on breaking the monopoly on resource pricing, which is fundamental. However, a framework without specific details on the distribution of benefits is ultimately just a mirage. Today, I, Lin, will present a 'Preliminary Plan for the Restructuring of Interests in the Underworld' for your consideration."
These words immediately caused an uproar in the audience, which quickly turned into complete silence. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Lin Xuan to continue. Self-interest is what moves people most.
Lin Xuan gestured, and Zhao Kun, who was standing next to him, immediately hung up several large scrolls that had been prepared beforehand. The scrolls clearly outlined the core content of the interest restructuring with text and simple diagrams.
"The most important aspect of the plan is resources," Lin Xuan said, pointing to the first scroll. "We will establish a 'Jianghu Resource Coordination Committee,' composed of representatives elected by each faction within the alliance based on their strength and contributions. This committee will jointly determine the benchmark prices and fluctuation ranges for various cultivation resources, minerals, and medicinal herbs, eliminating the unilateral pricing power of aristocratic families. Simultaneously, we will establish a 'Resource Allocation Pool,' drawing resources proportionally from major resource-producing areas and prioritizing their supply to small and medium-sized sects within the alliance to support their development."
A murmur of excitement immediately rose from the audience. This meant that they would no longer have to endure the exorbitant fees charged by aristocratic families when purchasing cultivation necessities, and they might even have the opportunity to obtain scarce resources that were previously difficult to acquire.
"Secondly, it concerns territory and livelihood," Lin Xuan pointed to the second scroll. "The boundaries of Jianghu power in each prefecture will be redistributed. Previously, prime territories forcibly occupied by the four great families and their vassals, such as jurisdiction over certain prosperous towns, protection rights over important trade routes, and mining rights for specific minerals, will be redistributed based on each faction's strength, past contributions, and proximity. Yunyin Manor and the Seven Absolutes Sect are willing to take the lead and relinquish some of their interests. At the same time, the alliance will ensure that each faction's legitimate rights within its designated territory are protected from unreasonable encroachment by powerful forces."
This point caused a huge stir. Territory and livelihood are the foundation of a sect's survival and development. Many small sects have struggled to grow because they are confined to barren lands or have major sources of income controlled by larger sects. Now that there is an opportunity to get a share, how could anyone not be tempted?
"Thirdly, establish a 'Jianghu Mutual Aid Fund'." Lin Xuan pointed to the third scroll, "The fund will be jointly funded by each faction within the alliance according to their respective proportions, while also accepting voluntary donations, forming a special fund. This fund will be used for several purposes: First, to support promising but impoverished disciples in their cultivation; second, to provide relief to disciples and their families who are injured or killed while protecting the interests of the alliance; third, to provide emergency assistance to sects that suffer unexpected disasters or attacks from unknown forces; and fourth, to reward individuals or sects that have made significant contributions to the alliance."
This provision focuses on the long term and the hearts of the people. It gives hope for advancement to lower-level martial artists, provides security for those who serve the alliance, and strengthens the cohesion and resilience of the entire alliance.
"Fourth, establish a 'Jianghu Arbitration Court'," Lin Xuan concluded. "It will be staffed by respected and fair seniors who will mediate disputes between different factions in accordance with the new conventions and alliance rules. This will prevent the unfair situation of the past, where the strong prey on the weak and the disputes were resolved entirely by force, and ensure that Jianghu conflicts are governed by law and regulations, thus creating a more peaceful and just Jianghu environment."
The four proposals all directly address the shortcomings of the current martial arts world, and each one provides small and medium-sized sects with tangible development opportunities and protections for their interests.
As Lin Xuan finished speaking, the venue fell into a brief silence, followed by thunderous applause and cheers.
"Leader Lin is wise!"
"This plan is excellent! The Qingxia Sect fully supports it!"
"It should have been like this long ago! This is the kind of martial arts world we've always wanted!"
"Following Leader Lin, there's hope for the future!"
The crowd was filled with fervor; all previous hesitation and fear had been replaced by a vision of a brighter future. The proposed restructuring of interests was like an incredibly enticing blueprint, binding everyone's hearts firmly to the alliance's chariot.
Looking at the excited crowd below, Lin Xuan knew that the people's hearts were made up. The internal strife among the four great families had rendered them powerless to intervene effectively, while this practical plan for the distribution of benefits had completely won the support of the smaller sects. The reshaping of the martial arts world was now an unstoppable trend.
He slightly raised his hand, suppressing the boiling clamor, and said in a deep voice, "Since all of you have no objections, then I request that the leaders of each faction sign and confirm this detailed document of the 'Interest Restructuring Plan.' From this day forward, we will be a true community of shared interests, sharing both prosperity and adversity!"
The prepared documents were distributed one by one, and the leaders of each faction picked up their pens and solemnly signed their names and faction seals. The rustling sound of pens gliding across paper seemed to be the prelude to the end of an old era and the beginning of a new one.
The interests have been redistributed. A new alliance of martial arts practitioners has truly begun its journey.