The Embryonic Form of Myriad Immortals Paying Homage: The First Jie Sect Seminar

Lin Xuan's (Xuanyuanzi's) debate with Guangchengzi, which stemmed from vastly different philosophies, did not dampen his spirit. Instead, it acted as a catalyst, strengthening his resolve to push for innovation within the Jie Sect. He deeply understood that isolated efforts would never amount to much; only by spreading new ideas and forging consensus could a torrent of change be gathered. The successful pilot programs in the Artifact Refining Hall and Array Court, along with the endorsement of core disciples like Turtle Spirit Holy Mother, provided him with sufficient practical experience and initial prestige.

A bolder idea began to mature in his mind—to host an open "Departmental Innovation Seminar" for the entire Jie Sect.

He submitted a detailed proposal to Duobao Daoist. In it, he suggested that the seminar would have no entry barriers or status limitations; any Jie Sect disciple could participate voluntarily. The agenda would revolve around the application of "Standardization, Modularization, and Logicalization" across the myriad arts of cultivation, aiming to exchange experiences, discuss problems, solicit ideas, and collectively plan the future development of the Jie Sect.

Duobao Daoist's eyes flashed as he read the proposal. He keenly realized that this was more than just a meeting; it was an excellent opportunity to unify thought, gather strength, and showcase the Jie Sect's new outlook! If successful, it would significantly boost morale within the sect, consolidate the results of the reforms, and even attract more insightful individuals from the outside. He immediately approved it, pledging full support, and, in his capacity as Head Administrator, issued a meeting notice to Jin'ao Island and all its branch residences and caves scattered throughout the Primordial Era.

News of the seminar sent ripples of shock throughout the Jie Sect. Reform directives from the top down and communication and discussion from the bottom up were fundamentally different in nature. Many disciples who had been observing, or even resisting, the reforms were piqued by this unprecedented openness. Not to mention those who had already benefited from the pilot programs or were keenly interested in new technologies; they were eager to voice their opinions.

Half a month later, the seminar was held as scheduled on the newly expanded "Dao Discussion Peak" in front of Biyou Palace. The peak had been temporarily modified, with its summit flattened and widened to serve as the main stage and podium. Surrounded by mountains, it formed natural tiered seating, capable of accommodating tens of thousands amidst swirling clouds and mist.

On the day of the meeting, as the sun rose with golden rays, Dao Discussion Peak was thronged with people—an unprecedented sight! Not only did nearly all the disciples from Jin'ao Island attend, but many also came from distant branch residences, and even some rogue cultivators and Demon Tribe cultivators who had heard the news and traveled out of admiration, arriving on various streams of light. Human Race, Demon Tribe, Ling Clan... beings of all forms and auras converged here, drawn by the name "Jie Sect" and their curiosity about the "new methods." Though not yet the grand spectacle of Myriad Immortals Paying Homage, it already held the nascent form of encompassing all under heaven with a vibrant atmosphere.

Duobao Daoist personally presided, seated at the center of the main stage, flanked by his personal disciples and the heads of various halls and pavilions. Lin Xuan, as the specially invited keynote speaker and initiator of the meeting, had a seat immediately next to Duobao.

At the beginning of the meeting, Duobao Daoist's voice boomed like a bell as he briefly explained the purpose of the seminar, emphasizing the aim of "mutual exchange, mutual learning and teaching, and the joint prosperity of the Jie Sect," before officially declaring the meeting open.

First, Lin Xuan delivered the keynote speech. Instead of repeating theories, he used the pilot programs in Room Bing of the Artifact Refining Hall and the "Minor Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation" in the Array Court as examples. With detailed data and clear comparative charts (manifested through magical arts), he showcased the significant improvements in efficiency, success rates, and resource conservation before and after the reforms. Tangible achievements were far more convincing than any empty rhetoric.

Next, he posed a series of open-ended questions to guide the discussion:

"Does standardization mean stifling creativity? How can we balance regulation and innovation?"

"What should be the standard for the universal interfaces of modular magical treasures?"

"How should formation 'construction manuals' address complex and varied terrain environments?"

"In the new inheritance model, how should the role of teachers transform?"

After the keynote speech, the venue fell silent for a moment before erupting into heated discussion. Many disciples looked at the intuitive data with fervent eyes. So, cultivation could also be "calculated" this way!

During the free discussion period, the atmosphere became even more fervent. A Bear Demon disciple who had benefited from Room Bing in the Artifact Refining Hall excitedly took the stage, his booming voice recounting how he went from repeated failures to consistently producing qualified flying swords, expressing his utmost admiration for "standardization." A Plant Spirit who had spent many years studying alchemy proposed an initial concept for applying the idea of "modularization" to the improvement of alchemical formulas, sparking lively debate among disciples from the Alchemy Hall. Wuyun Xian from the Array Court personally took the stage to share a successful case of simplifying a complex warning formation using a "logicalization" approach and proposed the establishment of a "Formation Module Library."

Of course, there were also doubts and debates. A veteran artifact refiner raised the concern that over-reliance on standard molds might cause disciples to lose their delicate perception of material properties. An elder skilled in runes worried that fixed Rune Formation Disks would limit disciples' understanding of the original essence of runes. Lin Xuan did not directly refute these sharp questions but instead guided everyone to explore them together. Disciples who supported the new methods spoke up, pointing out that standardized foundational training actually laid a more solid groundwork for subsequent personalized exploration, creating a positive interactive atmosphere on the spot.

The meeting lasted for three full days. During this time, ideas clashed, and sparks flew. Many ingenious ideas were born, and many technical challenges found solutions. More importantly, a new spirit of "daring to question, willing to share, and respecting empirical evidence" quietly took root in the hearts of countless Jie Sect disciples.

At the end of the meeting, Duobao Daoist delivered his concluding remarks. He highly praised the achievements of the seminar and announced the formal establishment of the "Jie Sect Hundred Arts Innovation Committee," with Lin Xuan as the chief consultant, responsible for coordinating and promoting various reform measures, and establishing regular communication mechanisms and a Contribution Points reward system to encourage innovation within the sect.

When the closing bell of the meeting rang, countless disciples were still gathered, discussing enthusiastically, reluctant to leave. Their eyes shone with unprecedented brilliance, reflecting their hope for the future and their confidence in their own capabilities.

Standing at the summit of Dao Discussion Peak, looking down at the bustling, vibrant scene below, Lin Xuan's heart surged. This was no longer a loose gathering of disciples, but the nascent form of an "organization" beginning to share common ideals and a common methodology.

The first Jie Sect Seminar concluded successfully. It was not just an exchange of techniques, but an enlightenment of thought and an evolution of organization. The grand tapestry of Myriad Immortals Paying Homage had quietly begun its first stroke.