Xia Jiye’s expression was uncertain, and then he began pacing back and forth in the room.

The other elders exchanged glances but remained silent.

After a moment, Xia Jiye suddenly stopped and spoke sinisterly.

"No, if we don’t eliminate this kid, he’ll become a major threat. I’ll contact someone now and find an opportunity to get rid of him."

An elder hesitated for a moment, then said, "It’s a critical time right now. If we send someone to kill Zhao Ya, won’t it be too conspicuous?"

"Don’t worry, the people I contact are specialized in this. I guarantee Zhao Ya will die flawlessly. Even if Guan Xuejiang suspects us, without evidence, he can only watch helplessly," Xia Jiye sneered, then recalled something.

"How’s the communication with the other elders been going recently?"

"Yes, it’s ongoing, and there’s been some progress. Some of the previously neutral elders are now leaning towards us."

"Keep at it. As long as we hold the majority, no matter how much Guan Xuejiang and Guo Luming may disapprove of us, they won’t be able to do anything."

"Understood."

-----------------

"Senior brother, are you going down the mountain now?" Gui Xuanqing asked.

"Yes." Zhao Ya packed his belongings and looked at Gui Xuanqing’s reluctant face, smiling.

"The Outer Sect is just ten miles down the mountain, a round trip takes no time at all. Are you really that upset?"

"You say that, but once you leave, I feel an emptiness inside. Besides, we both joined Azure Dragon Temple together, and now we’ve been split into Inner and Outer Sects. Sigh..." Gui Xuanqing spoke with increasing sadness.

Zhao Ya was both amused and exasperated, patting his shoulder.

"It’s actually a good thing for me to go. Otherwise, staying in the temple, I’d eventually have a major conflict with Xia Jiye."

Hearing this, Gui Xuanqing felt a bit better and nodded firmly.

"You must be careful outside, senior brother."

"You too."

At this moment, Tian Yixin arrived.

His master, Qin Jianji, was going to the Outer Sect at the foot of the mountain to take up the position of chief elder, so naturally, he had to accompany him as a disciple.

He also carried a large bundle, calling Zhao Ya to head down the mountain together.

Gui Xuanqing escorted them to the mountain gate, then watched them descend.

After they left the mountain, Tian Yixin and Zhao Ya each used their Lightweight Body Technique, swiftly heading towards the Outer Sect.

The mere ten-mile distance was nothing for them.

Zhao Ya deliberately restrained his speed; otherwise, he could have arrived in just a few minutes.

Upon reaching the newly built Outer Sect, it turned out to be a large manor. Being newly constructed, it appeared very fresh, and even the vermilion paint on the main gate had not completely dried.

A large plaque hung above the gate with five big characters written on it.

Azure Dragon Temple Outer Sect.

The calligraphy was vigorous, though it wasn’t clear who the writer was.

Zhao Ya and Tian Yixin exchanged glances and then stepped inside.

Qin Jianji had arrived earlier than the two of them and was currently sitting in the newly built main hall.

Upon seeing Zhao Ya and Tian Yixin, Qin Jianji gave a wry smile.

"You’ve come at a good time. Now that everyone’s here, it’s time to start recruiting disciples. What are your thoughts?"

Besides the three of them, the large manor was only staffed by a few young disciples assigned to clean the courtyard, cook, and chop wood.

To get the Outer Sect up and running quickly, the top priority was naturally to recruit suitable students.

Upon hearing Qin Jianji’s question, Tian Yixin remained silent, looking towards Zhao Ya.

He was very clear that although Master Qin Jianji was addressing both of them, the question was mainly directed at Zhao Ya.

Zhao Ya had been considering this matter even before arriving, so there was no reason to hold back now. After organizing his thoughts, he spoke.

"As far as I know, the Outer Disciples of all sects in the areas Beyond the World generally fall into two categories. One is those related to the Inner Sect but are temporarily placed in the Outer Sect due to insufficient talent. These are few. The majority belong to the second category."

"These are the offspring of wealthy noble families. They may lack talent or may not be suited for martial arts, but their families are wealthy and seek credentials for their children."

The sect needs money, and these disciples need credentials. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, causing the Outer Sects of many major sects to become mere amusement places for noble offspring, resulting in their virtual demise."

When Zhao Ya went to the Library yesterday, apart from viewing the Secret Manual, his primary focus was researching various sects, with a focus on Outer Sects.

Only then did Zhao Ya realize, although Azure Dragon Temple was in decline, its problems were just more evident than those at seemingly prosperous major sects, which also faced similar issues.

Take nepotism, for example.

This has become a chronic issue in almost every sect, and it’s hard to eliminate.

After all, anyone who reaches a certain position naturally thinks of their children and family first.

This stems from human nature and is nearly unsolvable.

After hearing Zhao Ya’s analysis of the various sects, Qin Jianji couldn’t help but nod.

"I hadn’t thought of it until you mentioned it; upon reflection, it’s indeed true."

"Now that the grand elder is advocating reform, even going to great lengths to rebuild the Outer Sect, it’s certainly not to create another refuge for noble sons or those getting in through connections."

"Therefore, I think we should focus our recruitment on children from ordinary families."

"The main reason for this approach is twofold: First, these children from ordinary backgrounds are generally not spoiled and are hardworking, which is a great advantage."

"Certainly, they might lack talent due to insufficient family exposure and nurturing. However, I believe that given an opportunity, they will surely strive harder."

While saying this, Zhao Ya thought of himself.

Admittedly, having the Golden Finger made cultivation easier for him than others.

But it also stemmed from his relentless persistence, working diligently day after day for years.

Without that, he couldn’t have achieved Meridian Opening at his age.

Zhao Ya completely understood the mindset of disciples from humble backgrounds.

"Absolutely. What’s the second point?" Qin Jianji felt even more reassured that recruiting Zhao Ya was the right choice.

"The second point is simple. Given the current situation of Azure Dragon Temple, even if we extend an olive branch to the noble families, it likely won’t yield much. Instead, we should focus on paving our own way. That’s my thought. I hope Elder Qin can consider its validity."

After Zhao Ya laid out his perspective, he awaited Qin Jianji’s response.

Without much hesitation, Qin Jianji made a decision on the spot.

"Alright, let’s do it."

In any endeavor, once the general direction is set and a clear target is established, the rest becomes straightforward.

Zhao Ya and Tian Yixin each took responsibility for a region.

Zhao Ya was responsible for the area around Xiushui Town and Nandian Town.

Nandian Town could wait for now; Zhao Ya decided to go there last for recruitment.

Zhao Ya had been to Xiushui Town before and remembered the innkeeper vividly.

Though slightly older, the innkeeper was steady and decent. If Zhao Ya could recruit him, he’d likely be a valuable addition.

With this plan, Zhao Ya decided to visit Xiushui Town first.