The identity token for "Special Invited Researcher" was now in Lin Xuan's hands. Its smooth, warm surface held the unique spiritual authority of Biyou Palace. Lin Xuan (Xuanyuanzi) knew this was more than just a title—it was a weighty responsibility and a sign of the expectations Sovereign of the Heavens and the upper ranks of the Interception Sect had placed in him. He had to produce practical results as soon as possible and prove the value of his "Scientific Thinking."
His first priority was to win the full support of the Interception Sect's de facto administrator, Daoist Duobao. The senior disciple had profound cultivation, handled affairs efficiently, and commanded great respect within the sect. If Lin Xuan could earn his sincere approval, many things would become much easier.
The opportunity came soon. On the third day after Lin Xuan had settled in, Daoist Duobao sent a young attendant to summon him, saying he wished to discuss the researcher's specific duties and initial areas of work.
In a side hall of Shangqing Hall, the fragrance of tea drifted through the air. Daoist Duobao dismissed his attendants and sat across from Lin Xuan. Unlike their formal first meeting, the atmosphere now carried a more practical air.
"Researcher Xuanyuanzi," Daoist Duobao began, his tone calm but his words going straight to the heart of the matter. "Your vision is grand and far-reaching. Master and I both approve. But however fine the blueprint, it must eventually be put into practice. The sect's affairs are complicated, and even the smallest change can affect everything. Where do you intend to begin this 'reform'?" His gaze was clear, both scrutinizing and expectant. This was a test, but also a chance for Lin Xuan to show what he could do.
Lin Xuan was prepared. Unhurriedly, he took out a blank jade slip and traced a design with his Divine Sense. A moment later, he handed it to Daoist Duobao. "Please take a look, fellow Daoist. This is my preliminary proposal for the 'First-Phase Interception Sect Administration Optimization Pilot.'"
Daoist Duobao accepted the jade slip and let his Divine Sense sink into it. The contents were clearly organized and laid out:
One, pilot objectives: Test the feasibility of "standardization" and "Modularization" in refining Low-grade Magic Treasures and teaching Basic Cultivation Methods, improving efficiency and lowering the barrier to entry.
Two, pilot scope: Limited to Jin'ao Island, and to disciples with less than a hundred years in the sect whose cultivation was below the Refining Essence into Qi stage (approximately three hundred people).
Three, specific measures:
1.
Magic treasure refinement pilot: Select the most commonly used low-grade Flying Sword, the "Qingfeng Sword," as the test case. Break down its refinement process into three core modules: "Sword Embryo Casting (standardized molds)," "Rune Engraving (modular formation disks)," and "Spiritual Power Infusion (procedural guidance)." Design standardized sword-embryo molds and Rune Formation Disks. The disciples would only need to follow the steps and infuse spiritual power to complete the basic refinement, greatly reducing dependence on individual talent in artifact refining.
2.
Cultivation method teaching pilot: Select the basic Breathing Exercises, the "Qi Guiding Art." Break down its key points into standardized units: "Posture Guidance," "Breathing Rhythm," and "Mindful Visualization." Then produce supporting tools such as guidance diagrams, rhythm stones, and visualization charts. Disciples could focus on practicing whichever areas they were weakest in, rather than trying to swallow everything at once.
Four, expected results: Increase the success rate of magic treasure refinement to over eighty percent and reduce refinement time by one-third; cut the time needed to learn a basic cultivation method in half and improve the stability of the disciples' foundations.
Five, required support: Assign some personnel from the Artifact Refining Hall and Merit Transmission Hall to form a project team, and grant Class C Resource Authority for producing the molds and formation disks.
The proposal was not long, but it was clearly structured, with well-defined goals and concrete measures. In particular, the use of concepts such as "standardization," "Modularization," and "proceduralization" made the management expert Daoist Duobao's eyes light up. He keenly sensed that what seemed like a minor change targeting low-level disciples was underpinned by a completely new, reproducible approach to management.
However, Daoist Duobao did not immediately express his approval. Instead, he raised pointed questions, true to his practical nature. "Researcher, your proposal has excellent intentions. However, I have two concerns. First, wouldn't this kind of 'standardized' refining stifle the disciples' creativity? If this goes on, we may never produce great artifact refiners. Second, although Basic Cultivation Methods can be broken down into parts, Daoist Magic is profound and depends on insight. Would following instructions step by step leave the disciples with solid foundations but deprive them of the chance to comprehend the Dao?"
This was a true "debate"—not simple agreement or opposition, but a thorough examination of potential drawbacks.
Lin Xuan had anticipated these concerns and answered calmly. "Your concerns strike at the heart of the matter, fellow Daoist. That is precisely why we are conducting a 'pilot,' rather than implementing this across the board. As for the first point, standardization is not meant to replace creativity, but to lay a solid foundation. It's like mortal children learning how to write strokes before they can wield a brush and create calligraphy. The standardized process is meant to let even those of ordinary talent master the basics of artifact refining and ensure a minimum level of competence. At the same time, the proposal leaves room for 'customizable modules,' encouraging talented disciples to explore rune combinations and material ratios on their own once they have mastered the fundamentals, thereby awakening their creativity. It ensures a minimum standard without placing a ceiling on achievement."
He paused, then continued, "As for the second point, insight is certainly important. But for those just starting on the path, the elusive idea of 'insight' can be hard to grasp and may instead lead to frustration. We can first use standardized tools to help them quickly develop Qi Sensation and establish a solid foundation. Once they have learned the basics, we can gradually guide them to put the tools aside and pursue Divine Intent. It's like learning the proper swimming strokes before venturing into the open sea. First learn the rules, then learn how to break them."
Daoist Duobao pondered for a moment, lightly tapping his fingers on the table before speaking again. "Even if the approach is viable, producing these 'standardized molds' and 'modular formation disks' will probably consume a great deal of resources. Wouldn't that be wasteful if the results are poor?"
"That is why it's a 'pilot,'" Lin Xuan emphasized. "We'll test it on a small scale and at low cost. The molds and formation disks can be reused. Once their effectiveness is proven, the cost per disciple will be very low, while the overall improvement in efficiency will be substantial. It's a short-term investment for long-term gains. Besides, if it succeeds, these standards can be extended to other low-grade magic treasures, creating economies of scale and lowering costs even further."
A look of approval flashed through Daoist Duobao's eyes. Lin Xuan's answers were well-reasoned: he acknowledged the risks while explaining how they could be controlled and what substantial benefits might follow. This kind of rational weighing of pros and cons suited him well.
"Very well," Daoist Duobao finally said with a nod. "We'll proceed with your pilot proposal. I'll order the Artifact Refining Hall and Merit Transmission Hall to give you their full support in forming the project team. The resource authority will be granted as outlined." Then his tone turned stern. "However, during the pilot, you must carefully record all the data, including success rates, time spent, disciple feedback, and any problems that arise. Three months from now, I want to see a detailed evaluation report."
"Of course!" Lin Xuan replied solemnly. "Data is the only standard for testing truth."
"Data... the only standard..." Daoist Duobao savored the phrase, his eyes shining even brighter. With a smile, he said, "Good! Let's see whether this 'scientific' method of yours can take root and flourish in the soil of the Interception Sect!"
Their first "debate" ended in a practical and efficient atmosphere. Daoist Duobao was not entirely convinced yet, but he had given Lin Xuan his full trust and a stage to prove himself. For Lin Xuan, this was not only the beginning of his work, but also a valuable opportunity to put modern project-management thinking into practice in the prehistoric world.
The seed of theory had been planted. Now came the time to nurture it with sweat and wisdom until it blossomed and bore fruit.
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