Tianlin was surprised. He thought Ning Fengzhi would try to counter Qian Renxue, but instead, he chose to wait—perhaps he, too, felt a genuine connection.
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Surprised? Don't misunderstand—we're not alike. My bond with Xue Qinghe is only superficial; she's worth less to me than even a strand of your or Rongrong's hair. But Spirit Hall's operation can't be just a spur of the moment. They must have backup plans."
"Since we know Plan A, why force them to use Plan B, which we don't know? Knowing the enemy is the key to victory. Besides, with preparation, this might be an opportunity to counter Spirit Hall, not a sect-destroying crisis."
Tianlin realized Ning Fengzhi always thought further ahead.
There was another reason—Ning Fengzhi guessed the false Xue Qinghe's identity, knowing she was linked to Spirit Hall's most untouchable figure. If they harmed her, they'd bring disaster upon themselves.
"Uncle Ning, do you plan to keep cooperating with Heaven Dou Empire?" Tianlin asked.
"Why not? With the empire's backing, we can develop better," Ning Fengzhi replied.
"I've seen many evils while traveling—bandits are few, but corrupt nobles and evil soul masters are many. The empires' laws are too lenient on nobles and soul masters. I understand that in a world of strength, equality is impossible. Privilege comes with responsibility. Yet many nobles take resources without giving back. Our sect helps the people, so I accept these resources with a clear conscience. But can other nobles say the same?"
For the first time, Tianlin questioned Ning Fengzhi, shaking his worldview. Nobles and soul masters have always been privileged, with no responsibility to the people.
But thinking deeper, if you want more, you should give more in return.
"Uncle Ning, Heaven Dou is corrupt, Star Luo is tyrannical, and Spirit Hall is mixed. How can the continent thrive? What it needs is change—unification under someone truly for the people. Among everyone I've met, only one can do this."
"Xue Qinghe!" Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened. Though now he knew Xue Qinghe was fake, she had improved politics greatly.
"You want to cooperate with Spirit Hall!"
Tianlin didn't deny it. "Yes. But I won't seek them out—I'll force them to seek us. The sect-destroying crisis is the perfect opportunity. I'll first destroy the rotten elements within Spirit Hall."
With Ning Fengzhi's intelligence, he understood: "So you want to weaken Spirit Hall but not destroy it—until Xue Qinghe realizes that she cannot unify the continent by opposing us. But what if she never realizes? And after unification, what if she turns on us?"
Tianlin smiled. "If she never realizes, we'll keep fighting and destroy Spirit Hall. I want unification, but my family comes first—especially Rongrong. If I had to choose between her and the continent, I'd choose her every time.
"As for the second point, if we survive this crisis, we'll have a period of peace. I'll use that time to grow stronger. When I reach rank 70, with my attributes, I'll enter a rapid growth phase and become Spirit Hall's counterweight."
Seeing Tianlin had prepared for his concerns, Ning Fengzhi was satisfied. "Good, but Xiao Tian, your goals are greater than I thought. But you still lack many things: determination, confidence, patience, and wisdom. Without them, even with power, you're just a brute."
"Especially in temperament—you have a major flaw. If you don't overcome it, your ideals are just a joke."
"Temperament?" Tianlin was puzzled.
"Yes, but you must discover it yourself," Ning Fengzhi said.
"I'll remember your advice!" Tianlin promised. "But since you've told me so much, you agree with my plan, right?"
"You've already acted—would my objection matter?" Ning Fengzhi laughed. Tianlin had outmaneuvered him—by delaying the revelation about Xue Qinghe until now, he'd forced the sect into a position where, once the truth came out, the imperial family would never trust them again. Only by not exposing Qian Renxue could they avoid disaster.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "Fine. You and Rongrong will lead the sect's future. But remember: unless you have all those qualities I mentioned, don't reveal your plans to anyone else—not even Uncle Sword or Rongrong."
"Rest assured, Uncle Ning, I understand," Tianlin nodded. He knew his plan was a betrayal of the nobility and soul master class; it must remain secret.
Qian Renxue's purpose was to gather faith for cultivation; Tianlin simply wanted to make the continent better.
After so many adventures, Tianlin began to find his purpose—perhaps influenced by the Holy Spirit Pearl. The kindheartedness of the Nuwa descendants in the Sword and Fairy world inspired him.
But Tianlin knew he'd never reach their level of selflessness. He would always put his family first—even if it meant destroying Spirit Hall or abandoning unification.
PS: The MC is still so soft. Need more character development.