Chapter 342: A Way Out

“This is the Lánlíng State, an invitation from the Second-Rank Lánshān Sect.”

Master Luo said, “Lánshān Sect is a well-known sect in Lánlíng State. They have Golden Core cultivators stationed inside, so compared to a Third-Rank sect, they’re just a bit behind in time. As for their formation legacy… it’s still pretty decent.”

Originally, Master Luo wanted to say “their formation legacy is profound,” but seeing the mysterious, unfathomable formation expert behind Mò Huà, he found the word “profound” hard to say and settled for “pretty decent.”

“Lánshān Sect is established on formations, so the atmosphere for array arts is strong. There aren’t as many entanglements or scheming politics as in other sects.”

Master Luo continued, “I have some connections with them. Coincidentally, I’m planning to join Lánshān Sect myself this time, so I took the liberty of recommending you, Mr. Mò, to them. I hope you won’t mind.”

Mò Huà quickly waved his hand. “Master Luo, you’re too polite.”

Master Luo then handed him the invitation. “Mr. Mò, you can take a look first.”

Mò Huà politely accepted it.

The invitation was made of some unknown type of paper, elegant and delicate, with the characters written in gold-infused ink.

Opening it, Mò Huà glanced at the contents.

The invitation was concise and respectfully worded, essentially inviting Mò Huà to serve as a tutor at Lánshān Sect. Once he broke through Foundation Establishment, he could become an elder.

It was an extremely formal sectal appointment, not a private arrangement.

This was very serious.

Holding it in his hands, Mò Huà felt the weight and couldn’t help but furrow his brows.

Seeing Mò Huà’s expression, Master Luo quickly said, “Mr. Mò, don’t rush to decline.”

Mò Huà was taken aback. “I haven’t said I’ll refuse…”

“Nor are you in a hurry to accept.”

Mò Huà was even more confused. “Master Luo…”

Master Luo smiled faintly. “Everything can be negotiated…”

He was adept at handling people and situations, navigating every angle precisely.

“If you want to accept, I can negotiate the terms with them again.”

Master Luo explained in detail, “Within a sect, not all tutors are the same, and not all elders are the same. Titles may be identical, but actual authority and status can differ greatly.”

“The invitation doesn’t specify, but the tutor and elder positions mentioned are likely outer sect positions. In terms of authority and treatment, outer sect members don’t compare to the inner sect.”

“Some peripheral guest elders may not even outrank senior inner sect tutors.”

Master Luo looked at Mò Huà and said softly, “Mr. Mò, the biggest disadvantage you face is being a wandering cultivator.”

“Being a wandering cultivator means being an outsider. To the sect, you’re not ‘one of us.’ Even if the Lánshān Sect leadership treats you with respect, some of the disciples and formation masters below may still not accept it…”

“Are all sects exclusionary?” Mò Huà asked.

“Not all sects, but everyone in the world tends to exclude outsiders…” Master Luo said.

“So what’s the usual approach in such situations?” Mò Huà asked humbly.

He wasn’t really intent on joining Lánshān Sect; he was simply curious to hear Master Luo’s perspective.

Master Luo didn’t really care whether Mò Huà actually wanted to join.

Mò Huà asking questions was exactly what he expected.

If Mò Huà asked and he answered, that was enough to earn some favor. Even if it wasn’t much, it was still a good impression.

Master Luo patiently said,

“The best approach is not to take an outer sect tutor position, but to enter the inner sect directly. Endure some grievances, start as an inner sect disciple.”

“With Mr. Mò’s talent in formations, no one in the inner sect will be able to teach you for long. Eventually, it will be your turn to teach others. By being part of the inner sect and teaching, you naturally become an inner sect tutor.”

“At that point, every branch of Lánshān Sect will try to win you over. You can choose one, show some goodwill, or choose none and focus on learning formations—it’s fine either way.”

“Formations are the foundation. As long as your formations are exceptional, you’ll gain an elevated status, and others won’t dare offend you.”

“Once you reach Foundation Establishment and become a sect elder, you will hold real power and influence.”

“And you’re still so young. Even the sect leader will try every means to win you over. Not just the sect—well-known cultivators in Lánlíng State will also show you respect…”

As he spoke, Master Luo clicked his tongue, secretly envious.

A prominent formation master in a powerful sect…

Unfortunately, he lacked the talent and ability, so he couldn’t hope for such treatment.

“What if I don’t want to join the inner sect?” Mò Huà asked.

Master Luo wasn’t surprised; he understood.

“Joining the inner sect binds you to Lánshān Sect and restricts you too much. If you ever want to leave or seek higher positions, Lánshān Sect won’t let go. You might even turn against each other…”

Others would be eager to join the inner sect, but he knew Mò Huà was different.

He knew Mò Huà’s talent; even in a Third-Rank State, Lánshān Sect was influential but not exceptional in the wider cultivation world.

This pond may not be enough to hold Mò Huà.

Master Luo continued,

“If you don’t want the inner sect but only a temporary place to stay, or to use Lánshān Sect as a stepping stone for higher positions…”

“Then start as an outer sect tutor, eventually become a guest elder, but negotiate for better conditions and treatment.”

“This way, you don’t have to grow too close to the inner sect, at least don’t take the initiative to do so.”

Mò Huà frowned. “Shouldn’t I build good relations?”

Master Luo shook his head. “Too close is disrespectful, too distant is submissive. No need to deliberately distance yourself or get close.”

“If you distance yourself, they may harbor resentment. If you get close, they may look down on you. Even if they don’t say it, they’ll think less of you.”

“Just focus on your formations, avoid causing trouble, remain detached, and you won’t offend anyone.”

“And what if there’s inner sect infighting and they try to force me to take sides?” Mò Huà asked.

“That depends on the situation,” Master Luo said.

“Depends on what situation?”

Master Luo considered carefully.

“Depends on whether you want to stay, who’s forcing you, whether their methods are excessive, and whether they cross your principles.”

“If it’s minor, tolerate it. If they overstep, you can resign and use that as leverage.”

“Would that work?” Mò Huà asked, surprised.

“Not always,” Master Luo thought silently, “for example, me…”

“But you would definitely be useful!”

Master Luo looked at Mò Huà and said,

“As I said, as long as your formations are good, you’ll be respected anywhere. If you resign, the ones worried will be them…”

“First, skilled formation masters are rare and hard to recruit. Second, if others know that the sect is forcing a formation master to resign through internal conflicts, the sect loses face and reputation, so they won’t dare go too far…”

Mò Huà nodded, then noticed a problem.

“Master Luo, you said Lánshān Sect doesn’t have much ‘entanglements or scheming,’ but now it sounds like you’re teaching me how to ‘scheme’…”

Master Luo was caught. In explaining, he had contradicted himself.

He awkwardly laughed and said,

“Not much, just enough that if people exist, scheming is inevitable.”

Mò Huà smiled, knowing Master Luo was speaking the truth.

He pondered for a moment, feeling hesitant.

Joining Lánshān Sect seemed good, but Mò Huà felt this might not be the path he was meant to choose.

Master Luo continued, “Mr. Mò, if you go to Lánshān Sect, your father and mother can come too. The sect will give them positions—not prestigious, but comfortable and leisurely.”

Mò Huà was surprised and felt a little tempted.

He didn’t want his parents to suffer. If they could have a stable post in the sect, it would at least give them a peaceful life.

“What about the other wandering cultivators in Tōngxiān City?”

Master Luo sighed. “Mr. Mò, to be honest, you may not like what I’m about to say…”

“The paths for other wandering cultivators aren’t something we can consider. If we can look after ourselves, that’s already good enough.”

“And even though you are a wandering cultivator, you actually… aren’t really one anymore.”

“If you’re willing, many sects will recruit you, many clans will seek your favor. Your status is already different from ordinary wandering cultivators.”

“In a great calamity, wandering cultivators have only one uncertain, thorny path…”

“But Mr. Mò, you are different. You have many paths, and any of them is excellent…”

Mò Huà’s feelings were complicated. He remained silent for a while, gradually lowering his gaze.

Master Luo watched carefully. Seeing that Mò Huà wasn’t upset, he relaxed.

His words might be seen as subtly provocative.

He had personal interests in mind.

In his eyes, Mò Huà was very important, far more than other wandering cultivators. He sympathized with others but didn’t concern himself too much.

But how Mò Huà chose was very important to him.

He hoped Mò Huà’s future would be bright, smooth, and that he would become a renowned formation master.

Then he could “attach himself” and advance further in formation arts.

As for other matters, he was just an ordinary formation master, with no time or ability to care.

“Mr. Mò, you can think it over. If you wish to go to Lánshān Sect, I’ll negotiate for better treatment.”

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine too. I can politely decline for you.”

Master Luo had thought it all through.

Mò Huà nodded, grateful. “Thank you, Master Luo. I’ll remember this favor.”

Master Luo humbly said, “It’s nothing, Mr. Mò.”

But inwardly, he let out a long sigh.

If Mò Huà joined Lánshān Sect, his recommendation would have been a big help; if not, Mò Huà would still remember his kindness.

Either way, he’d come out well.