Today You Take Pride in the Sect; Tomorrow the Sect Takes Pride in You

"Is the Moon Grasping Sect going to rise again from the ashes?" Elder Zhou's expression darkened as he stood on the Peach Blossom Sect's airship.

Elder Wu pondered, "This Xiao Ling'er might have joined with pre-existing skills, but to have such strength and character at her age is indeed the mark of a genius. However, a genius before they mature is just that—a potential yet unrealized."

"We could look for an opportunity..." Elder Zhou nodded. "Indeed. Maybe I am worrying too much. After all, even if she does grow stronger, what of it? A sect's strength never relies on one person alone. Which of the five elders of the Moon Grasping Sect is weak? Yet, they remain at the bottom of third-rate sects."

"The Moon Grasping Sect has few disciples, and their quality is inconsistent. This year, they only recruited Xiao Ling'er. Even if she matures, she will only help them barely survive."

"And even that survival is not guaranteed."

"What do you mean, Elder Zhou?" Elder Wu asked.

"Human nature."

"We cultivators measure everything by strength. With Xiao Ling'er's talent, the Moon Grasping Sect might not be able to support her growth in a few years."

"When that time comes, who can say if she will still care for the Moon Grasping Sect?"

"True," Elder Wu agreed, but both knew they were merely comforting themselves.

Their hopes were pinned on uncertainties, and who knows what the future holds?

"If given a chance, we must..." Elder Wu raised his hand and made a cutting motion across his neck.

"Absolutely!"

***

"Return to the mountain," Lin Fan commanded, waving his hand for everyone to head back. 

On the way, he spoke calmly, "You all have seen it. On the Immortal Martial Continent, strength is respected above all. If you have strength, even if you slap their disciples in front of their elders, they will swallow their anger. But if you lack strength, the outcome of today's events would have been entirely different."

The disciples nodded deeply in agreement, a burning desire to grow stronger taking root in their hearts.

At the same time, the seven mascots looked at Xiao Ling'er with envy. 

Lin Fan continued, "For now, when we encounter these third-rate sects, we have the five elders shielding us from the wind and rain. Yet, elders are also human. They age, get injured, and die. There are countless others stronger than them. If one day they grow old, pass away, or exhaust their lifespan, what will become of us?"

Everyone felt a weight settle on their hearts, falling into deep contemplation.

Xiao Ling'er took a deep breath and said, "Today, the sect shelters us from the wind and rain. In the future, it will be our turn to shelter the sect and the generations that follow!"

"Exactly," Lin Fan smiled. "The sect's legacy is passed down through the generations. One generation selflessly sacrifices for the next, and the next generation takes on its own mission. Today, you take pride in your elders and the sect. Tomorrow, the sect will take pride in you!"

These words thundered through the disciples' minds, sending chills down their spines.

"I hope that one day, you too will become elders, sheltering the sect and removing all obstacles for future generations. I truly look forward to that day."

Lin Fan's words were heartfelt. Since he had taken on the role of Sect Master, he felt a deep sense of responsibility.

The healthy development of a sect relies on the collective efforts of everyone. Perhaps the seven mascots were initially destined to achieve nothing, but from the moment Lin Fan became Sect Master, everything changed.

Now, the Moon Grasping Sect had a disciple with the potential of a protagonist.

As the saying goes, when one person ascends, all associated rise with them. Even if they don't reach the peak, even a slight benefit can be enough for them to rise.

Becoming top-tier experts might be difficult, but becoming the backbone of the sect was entirely feasible! Moreover, with a bit of luck, more disciples with protagonist potential would join in the future. With their leadership, how could the sect not prosper?

"We look forward to it as well," Wu Xingyun spoke up, full of emotion. "In terms of combat power, I am currently the strongest in the Moon Grasping Sect, but I sincerely hope you all can grow quickly, surpass us, and leave us far behind, so much so that we can't even see your shadows. On that day, I won't feel sad or jealous. Instead, I will be smiling, even in death."

Su Xinghai smiled, "I feel the same."

Li Changshou, hands behind his back, said, "So, train hard, young ones."

Chen Erzhu chuckled, "I'm not very educated and my words are clumsy, but... I agree."

Duan Qingyao cast a spell, gathering a large cloud to lift everyone ten thousand meters high, "The view from the top is far more spectacular than at the base. Even if it's not for the sect, just to stand higher, you must not slack off."

The disciples were deeply moved. Xiao Ling'er's eyes reddened with emotion.

Unbeknownst to them, the elders standing in front felt the same way.

They knew more than the disciples did, which also meant they had more doubts and uncertainties.

Why had Lin Fan been so assertive earlier? Now, they had a better understanding.

They finally realized this was the last chance for the Moon Grasping Sect.

They were convinced that Lin Fan was the first sect master in many years to truly give them hope.

Could it be that before we die, we will actually see the Moon Grasping Sect rise again?!

The mere thought of such a future left them breathless with excitement.

Even if we don't see its full resurgence, just witnessing the sect's growth and upward trajectory would allow us to die without regrets.

***

After that day, the disciples' dedication to their cultivation noticeably intensified.

Xiao Ling'er, naturally, required no further motivation. With the life of a protagonist fueled by passion, it wouldn't be surprising if she suddenly declared, "Do not underestimate the youth!" Lin Fan would not be taken aback at all.

Even the seven mascots seemed to have unlocked their potential. While their cultivation levels did not skyrocket and their talents remained unchanged, hard work could compensate for some of their shortcomings.

Xiao Ling'er's progress as their junior sister deeply inspired them, driving them to grit their teeth and push forward.

With the addition of the Grade Seven Condensation Realm Pills, their progress naturally exceeded previous expectations.

Li Changshou also successfully accomplished his task.

By selling a portion of the Grade Seven Condensation Realm Pills, he managed to acquire tens of thousands of spirit stones, sufficient to support the sect and maintain the protective formation for a considerable time. At least for now, there was no need to worry about a shortage of spirit stones.

The five elders became even busier...

Because Xiao Ling'er required more spiritual herbs and materials.

However, despite the increased workload, they all did it gladly.

Perhaps the only issue currently facing the Moon Grasping Sect was the small number of disciples and the limited scale, resulting in an overly quiet and less competitive environment.