With the Azure Pine Sword Seal on him and access to the Scripture Pavilion now granted, Lin Xuan (Xuanyuanzi) had the Sovereign of the Heavens' silent support as his strongest backing. His position on Jin'ao Island grew ever more secure, and the weight of responsibility on his shoulders grew heavier. The pilot project's success had only proved that the "scientific method" was effective in specific matters. To truly reform the Interception Sect, however, they had to start at the root: infuse this vast organization with a systematic core ideology that was forward-looking and capable of powerful execution.
Late that night, in the research institute's quiet chamber, jade slips lay spread out as the spiritual tea cooled. Lin Xuan closed his eyes and focused, thoughts surging through his mind. He recalled what he had learned in his previous life about organizational behavior and the principles of management. Comparing those ideas with his observations and understanding of the Interception Sect, and incorporating the Sovereign of the Heavens' grand doctrine of "seizing a thread of hope," he began drafting a groundbreaking document: <Outline for Optimizing the Interception Sect's Organization and Developing Its Doctrine (Initial Draft)>.
He had no intention of writing an abstruse, impenetrable scripture. Instead, he strove for clear logic, orderly structure, and practical applicability. The core idea was to deftly translate the "advancement" of modern organizational management into language suited to the cultivation world of the primordial wilderness.
At the outset, he first restated the Interception Sect's ultimate goal and core values:
"The Interception Sect was founded not for the private interests of one family or clan, but to seize a thread of hope for transcendence for the countless beings of the primordial wilderness. This 'interception' does not mean defying Heaven, but following Heaven's will and answering the needs of living beings, drawing out the potential of all things and breaking through established barriers. Thus, our sect's core values are the inclusiveness of 'teaching without discrimination,' the precision of 'teaching according to aptitude,' the vitality of 'mutual learning and teaching,' and the boldness of 'courage to innovate.'"
This vision elevated the Interception Sect beyond the sheer numerical advantage of "myriad immortals paying homage," giving it the mission of "leading the evolution of the primordial wilderness."
Next, he proposed three pillars for building an "advanced organization":
Pillar One: A systematic knowledge-management and transmission framework (building a learning organization).
"Knowledge is the source of strength, and transmission is the foundation of a sect. The current model of oral instruction passed from master to disciple is prone to gaps and inefficiency. I propose:
1.
Establish the 'Jie Sect Grand Library of Daoist Scriptures': systematically organize and classify all the sect's cultivation methods, divine abilities, alchemical recipes, formation diagrams, and technical skills. Create a public section for foundational knowledge, a contribution section for advanced knowledge, and a core section for secret teachings, granting access according to permissions and contributions.
2.
Promote 'standardized textbooks' and 'modular courses': as the pilot project demonstrated, break down complex Daoist magic into units that can be learned step by step, lowering the barrier to entry and improving teaching efficiency.
3.
Establish a system of 'lecture halls' and 'seminars': encourage regular exchanges. Not only should elders give lectures on the Dao, but disciples should also be encouraged to share their insights, raise questions, and debate, inspiring innovation through the clashing of ideas."
Pillar Two: Fair and efficient resource allocation and incentives (unleashing individual potential).
"Resources are limited, so they must be used where they matter most. An egalitarian, one-size-fits-all distribution system stifles initiative. I propose:
1.
Introduce a 'Contribution Points' system: quantify disciples' actions—completing tasks, exploring secret realms, creating new techniques, and sharing knowledge—as Contribution Points. These will serve as the primary currency for exchanging cultivation methods and resources, and for earning access to secret realms. Those who contribute more will receive more; those with greater ability will receive more.
2.
Establish a 'multidimensional evaluation system': cultivation level should not be the sole measure of a hero. Set assessment criteria across multiple dimensions, including 'cultivation progress,' 'contributions to technical skills,' 'task completion,' and 'moral conduct,' to evaluate each disciple's worth comprehensively and provide appropriate rewards and paths to advancement.
3.
Establish an 'innovation reward fund': offer generous rewards to those who propose effective improvements, create new cultivation methods, or solve problems within the sect, fostering an atmosphere that encourages innovation."
Pillar Three: A flat, modular organizational structure built for coordinated action (improving overall efficiency).
"A pyramid-shaped structure is rigid and slow to react. I propose:
1.
Adopt 'project-based' management, as with the pilot team. For specific tasks, such as developing a new magical artifact or exploring a new secret realm, draw personnel from different departments to form a temporary project team. Set clear goals and responsibilities, then disband the team once the work is done. This will make the organization flexible and efficient.
2.
Strengthen the development of 'functional modules': clarify the specialized responsibilities of departments such as the Artifact Refining Hall, Alchemy Room, Array Court, and Merit Transmission Hall, making them powerful technical-support modules that provide standardized, professional services to the sect as a whole.
3.
Establish 'information-sharing and rapid decision-making mechanisms': use jade-slip networks, communication arrays, and other means to ensure important information is promptly passed up and down the chain. Set up a 'Joint Council of Sect Affairs,' chaired by Daoist Duobao, with department heads and invited experts, such as researchers, taking part to discuss major matters together and avoid one-man rule."
Finally, he emphasized the importance of "organizational culture":
"Rules are the skeleton; culture is the soul. We must foster an atmosphere of openness, inclusiveness, pragmatism, and truth-seeking, where people help one another and succeed together. We must oppose factionalism and discrimination based on origin, encourage the scientific spirit of making bold hypotheses and carefully testing them, and emphasize teamwork over individual heroics. Every Interception Sect disciple should feel a sense of belonging and accomplishment, and have the drive to keep surpassing themselves."
In several thousand flowing words, Lin Xuan poured his understanding of "advanced organizations" into the outline. He knew this was only an initial draft, certain to contain many shortcomings and ideas that needed adjustment to fit the realities of the primordial wilderness. But its core principles—systematization, fairness, efficiency, and innovation—were unquestionably revolutionary.
The next morning, Lin Xuan solemnly presented the jade slip containing all his hard work to Daoist Duobao.
Daoist Duobao initially skimmed through it casually, but the farther he read, the more serious his expression became. At times he furrowed his brows in thought; at others, his eyes lit up. When he came across a particularly brilliant idea, he even tapped the table lightly. This outline completely broke free of the confines of traditional sect management and opened a new door for him! Many of its ideas, such as the Contribution Points system and project-based management, struck right at the heart of his concerns as the sect's chief steward.
It took him a full hour to read the jade slip carefully from beginning to end. Setting it down, Daoist Duobao let out a long breath and looked at Lin Xuan with a complicated expression. "Researcher Xuanyuanzi, this outline is... truly astonishing! If we can put it into practice, the Interception Sect will be transformed from the ground up! But... such sweeping changes cannot happen in a day, and they will face considerable resistance."
Lin Xuan replied candidly, "You're quite right. This is a long-term blueprint, and it must be implemented gradually, in stages. For now, we can begin by piloting the Contribution Points system and strengthening the work of organizing the Daoist scriptures. Once we see results, we can gradually roll out the rest."
Daoist Duobao pondered for a long while, then finally nodded emphatically. "Good! I'll present this outline to Master at once. At the same time, as you suggested, we'll start preparing to design the Contribution Points system and compile the Daoist scriptures! Xuanyuanzi, you truly are a blessing Heaven has bestowed upon the Interception Sect!"
The initial draft of the outline was like a boulder cast into a deep pool. It did not immediately raise towering waves, but the ripples spreading beneath the surface had already begun to quietly change the course of the Interception Sect's great vessel in the primordial wilderness.
A quiet revolution, born in the depths of thought, had begun to take root on Jin'ao Island.
Before you continue