137: Chapter 137: Ning Chenzhou's Bet

The main hall of the Qingheng Sect was once again shrouded in an oppressive and solemn atmosphere.

It was not an argument, but a cold severance.

On both sides of the long table, the Elders wore varying expressions. Some looked relieved, feeling that the Sect had finally found a way to survive; others had gloomy faces, their fingers digging tightly into the tabletop as if suppressing immense resentment; still others had flickering eyes, calculating what benefits this sudden turn of events could bring them.

Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou sat at the head of the table, his face flickering in the dancing candlelight, making it difficult to discern his expression.

After three hours of fierce confrontation, he finally stood up and, in an unquestionable tone, announced the final three decisions.

"Everyone, regarding the aftermath of The Grand Exam and matters related to Hengchuan Peak, the Elder Council has reached a consensus."

Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou's voice echoed through the main hall, each word striking like a hammer on stone.

"First, effective immediately, we officially recognize the 'Hengchuan Peak Model' (SOP operational method) as the sole pilot program for the Qingheng Sect's reform. All peaks within the Sect must gradually learn and implement the resource management and battle damage control System of Hengchuan Peak."

As soon as these words were spoken, a low buzzing sound filled the main hall. This was equivalent to stamping the highest official seal of authority onto Shen Xingzhou's 'Worker Theory.'

"Second," Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou continued, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "Given the efficient resource utilization capabilities demonstrated by Hengchuan Peak during The Grand Exam, the Sect will transfer partial decision-making power from the 'Outer Sect Affairs Department' and the 'Logistics and Supply Division' to Hengchuan Peak for assisted management."

This was an even riskier move. Allowing a peak previously considered marginalized to intervene in core finances was something that had never happened in the hundred-year history of the Qingheng Sect.

"Third..."

At this point, Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou paused. The air in the main hall seemed to freeze. Everyone knew that this was the most crucial point. It concerned that hot potato—the issue of Shen Xingzhou's identity.

Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou's expression became indifferent, as if he were discussing a trivial matter that had nothing to do with him.

"Regarding the issue of Shen Xingzhou's own Demon Race Bloodline, and the related public opinion fallout, it shall be handled as a separate case."

After saying those seven words, he sat back down, picked up his teacup, and gently blew away the foam.

"Meeting adjourned."

These two simple words felt like lifting a heavy boulder from everyone's hearts, yet also like hanging another, even heavier stone on the edge of a cliff.

A few Elders exchanged glances. One Elder who usually supported reform let out a sigh of relief and whispered, "Thankfully, they didn't expel him from the Sect on the spot. As long as it is 'handled as a separate case,' it means the Sect Head still intends to protect him."

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the corner, Law Enforcement Elder Lu Guhuai sneered, his eyes as venomous as a viper.

"Hmph, 'handled as a separate case'?" He stood up, and while adjusting his sleeves, he whispered to the person beside him, "You are too naive. In the political arena, 'handled as a separate case' simply means 'temporarily shelved.' It means the blade is hanging over one's head; when it falls depends on the mood and the situation."

[System Language Analysis: Political Context]

Entry: "Handled as a separate case"

Surface Meaning: Not to be pursued for now, reserved for subsequent investigation.

Deep Meaning: No Affirmation: The Sect will not publicly endorse his Bloodline. No Guarantee: His safety no longer falls under the "normal protection category" but is in a gray state of "extra-legal territory." Reserved Space for Sacrifice: When reform encounters resistance, or when the Sect needs to provide an explanation to the outside world (such as the Heavenly Dao or the Central Continent), this "case" can be reopened at any time to be used as a sacrifice.

Conclusion: This is not a protective amulet; it is a suspended sentence.

Half an hour later, in the Sect Head's study. There were no outsiders, only Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou and Shen Xingzhou.

The night outside the window was thick, and a quiet, dim green lamp was lit in the study. Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou did not put on airs as a Sect Head; he even personally poured a cup of tea for Shen Xingzhou.

"Xingzhou, you have been wronged." Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou's voice was gentle and mellow, very much like a kind Elder. "The Elder Council has many stubborn old men. To protect your reform plan, I could only suppress the issue of your identity for now and handle it with a vague statement."

Shen Xingzhou took the teacup; it was warm to the touch, but his heart was icy cold.

He looked at Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou's face, which was written with "this is for your own good," and did not show any signs of being moved to tears. He simply asked calmly, "Senior Brother Sect Head, 'handled as a separate case'... if one day the Central Continent truly makes trouble, or the Sect faces accountability from the Heavenly Dao, how will this 'case' be concluded?"

Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou's hand paused slightly as he set down the teacup, then he looked up and gazed deeply at Shen Xingzhou.

He stopped acting. The mask of gentleness faded away, revealing the rock-hard, ruthless rationality that a Sect Head should possess.

"Xingzhou, you must understand." Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou said earnestly, "The Sect has its own way of survival. Your model is currently the Sect's lifeline. As long as the Qingheng Sect exists, and as long as the reform is being pushed forward, the Sect will be your backing."

Having said this, he paused slightly, a flicker of imperceptible coldness flashing in his eyes.

"But if one day, the Sect's survival conflicts with your safety... for example, if the Heavenly Dao's Lightning Tribulation were to strike down, or if outside public opinion were to drown the Qingheng Sect. At that time, in order to preserve the Foundation of these five thousand Disciples of the Sect, the Sect Head must make a choice."

Shen Xingzhou understood.

Translated, this meant: *I can protect your "ledger," but I cannot protect your "life." When needed, I will throw you out to block the lightning without hesitation. After all, destroying the entire Sect for one member of the Demon Race is not a calculation that adds up.*

"This Disciple understands." Shen Xingzhou lowered his eyes and replied softly, "This Disciple is merely a manager, not a savior. Since I am a shareholder, I must naturally bear the risks."

Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou looked at him, a trace of appreciation flashing in his eyes, along with a faint touch of pity. This child was too smart—smart enough to make one's heart ache, yet smart enough to put one at ease.

"It is good that you understand." Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou sighed. "Work hard. As long as the reform succeeds and you have enough bargaining chips in your hands, even if the Heavenly Dao wants to move against you, it will have to weigh whether or not it will shake the Foundation of the Qingheng Sect. Make the pie bigger, and only then can you survive."

Shen Xingzhou took his leave.

The moment he stepped out of the study, a cold wind rushed toward him. He stood under the corridor, looking at the cold, clear full moon above, and the System's cold and precise notification sound rang in his mind.

[Safety Assessment Update: Sect Level]

Qingheng Sect's Strategy Analysis toward Host: Reform Plan (SOP): Core asset, extremely high value (will use full force to protect). Shen Xingzhou (Individual): Agent, limited protection (determined by risk-to-reward ratio). Host Survival Risk: Upgraded from "Medium" to "Medium-High."

Risk Sources: When external pressure (Central Continent / Heavenly Dao) exceeds the threshold, the Sect will choose to "sacrifice the rook to save the king." When reform touches too deeply into internal core interests, there is a possibility of being purged by internal forces under the pretext of "Demon Race."

System Comment: "What they value is the wisdom in your brain and the abacus in your hands. But they have not yet decided whether, when real trouble happens, they will bear all the consequences for you. In their ledger, human life (even yours) is always a variable cost, while the continuation of the Sect is the fixed capital."

Shen Xingzhou looked at that line of text, a faint trace of self-mockery curling the corner of his mouth.

He did not feel angry, nor did he feel disappointed. The cultivation world was just like this—interests came first. If not for this reform plan, he might have already been thrown into the Soul Refining furnace.

That Sect Leader Ning Chenzhou could agree to give him this opportunity was already the greatest concession he could make from his position.

"Limited protection, huh..." Shen Xingzhou tightened his grip on the teacup in his hand, then loosened it, letting the tea spill onto the railing.

This meant that he could no longer rely on the "Sect" as his big tree. Or rather, the Sect was just one of his shareholders, not his backer. If this shareholder went bankrupt, or wanted to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs, he must have the ability to turn the tables, or... find other shareholders.

He needed to turn Hengchuan Peak into a nail that could not be easily pulled out.

He needed to make those bottom-level Disciples and those Loose Cultivators who benefited from the reform his other layer of flesh-and-blood defense.

Furthermore, he had to make good use of the Central Continent's mentality of "wanting to use me."

"It seems this path can only be walked until the end."

Shen Xingzhou took a deep breath and turned to walk into the darkness. His back looked somewhat lonely, but his steps were exceptionally firm.

On the bottom bar of the System interface, a line of scarlet text slowly appeared, looking exceptionally glaring in the night: "Do not misunderstand. You are not the savior of the Qingheng Sect, nor are you the favored godson in the Sect Head's hands. In this high-stakes gamble, you are merely a chip placed on the gambling table. If you win, the house eats the meat; if you lose, the chip is shattered to pieces."