Liu Buli was quite pleased with Shen Muzhi's cooperative attitude. After all, he hadn't expected Shen Muzhi to do much from the start.
They were both his friends.
More than expecting them to do anything, Liu Buli actually hoped they could live carefree, happy lives.
This was something he himself couldn't achieve.
Seeing it in others, even from afar, brought him an indescribable sense of happiness.
So, having heard what he wanted to hear, Liu Buli waved his hand with relief and said, "Let's go, I'll take you to get your clothes. Then I'll have the Grand Elder arrange a gathering to introduce you to everyone in the sect, making you elders of our Dan Sect from now on."
This arrangement sounded incredibly simple.
So simple that Shen Muzhi found it hard to adapt.
After waiting for a while, sure that Liu Buli had no other plans, Shen Muzhi hesitantly asked, "Don't we need an initiation ceremony? Is it really this simple? Isn't it a bit too hasty?"
The string of three questions clearly showed how complex Shen Muzhi's feelings were at the moment.
Yet, Liu Buli, as the person in charge, appeared remarkably calm.
He chuckled and said, "Since you've joined our Dan Sect, there's one more thing I need to inform you of in advance and have you keep in mind. The Dan Sect is my sect, and since I am the Sect Master, I am the rule of this sect. What I say is permissible, no matter how strange it sounds or how unreasonable it seems. For example, your elder induction process, I've decided to simplify it, so there's no problem. With fewer complex procedures, you'll have more time for leisure and enjoyment. Isn't that great?"
Shen Muzhi was stunned by this answer.
He had always been accustomed to a life of strict adherence to rules. In his past life, apart from marrying You Siqi, he had never considered doing anything else that deviated from the norm.
As for those so-called rules, they were traditions passed down through generations of the sect. Shen Muzhi himself couldn't quite explain why they were done that way. He had pondered these questions before, and the conclusion he always reached was that people were simply used to it, so they continued to perpetuate it.
Now, it was clear that Liu Buli had given him an answer he had never dared to imagine.
Upon serious consideration of Liu Buli's words, Shen Muzhi found himself unable to identify any flaws in his reasoning.
Because Liu Buli was right.
He was the Sect Master of the Dan Sect, and therefore, he was indeed the rule here.
This was indisputable.
After a moment of silence, Shen Muzhi finally sighed. He gave Liu Buli a wry smile and said, "Siqi often says my perspective is too narrow. I used to always feel he was exaggerating, that my perspective wasn't that limited. But every time I compare myself to Sect Master Liu, I realize Siqi might not be wrong. It's truly my own issue; I've been living too rigidly."
"To know and correct one's mistakes is the greatest virtue," Liu Buli smiled and said. "You don't need to be so rigid from now on. Since you've joined the Dan Sect, live more freely. No one will say anything to you."
Shen Muzhi knew that Liu Buli's words were heartfelt and not mere polite platitudes.
It was precisely because of this that his sense of gratitude couldn't help but grow. He nodded emphatically and said, "Sect Master Liu, I can't thank you enough. Although Siqi and I often travel and sightsee, if you ever need us, just send word. I promise to return immediately and will never abandon you."
Liu Buli waved his hand.
They had been friends for so many years that even if Shen Muzhi hadn't said it, Liu Buli knew it. Even if they hadn't been invited to the Dan Sect this time, if he had encountered trouble, a message to Shen Muzhi would have brought him over to help immediately.
That was the kind of person Shen Muzhi was.
It was precisely because of his character that he deserved the title of protagonist…
With these thoughts, Liu Buli didn't say much more. He simply turned and led them to the Brocade Pavilion to retrieve the clothes that had been prepared for them. Then, as agreed, he informed the Grand Elder of their arrival.
One had to admit, when it came to efficiency, you could always count on the Grand Elder.
For instance, the matter that was only brought to the Grand Elder's attention in the morning was resolved by the afternoon. The Grand Elder found Liu Buli again, informing him that all preparations were complete and that with a single command from Liu Buli, he could quickly assemble everyone in the sect to meet their new elders.
Liu Buli had no intention of keeping Shen Muzhi and the others confined to the Dan Sect for too long. Hearing that the matter could be resolved so easily, he naturally nodded, signaling the Grand Elder to proceed with the arrangements as quickly as possible.
As dusk approached, everyone in the Dan Sect had gathered as requested in the open space on the front mountain of the sect.
Liu Buli sat on the highest platform, just as he always did. In reality, he didn't need to do anything; he only needed to be present, and the Grand Elder would handle all the affairs.
Things unfolded exactly as he had anticipated.
The Grand Elder brought Shen Muzhi and the other over and, under the shocked gazes of everyone in the sect, introduced them with a composed expression. He announced that Shen Muzhi and You Siqi would henceforth be elders of the Dan Sect, holding a high status, and that everyone should treat them with courtesy and respect when they met.
Throughout the Grand Elder's introduction, Liu Buli observed the old man's demeanor. He had to admit that the Grand Elder's composure had improved tremendously compared to before.
Perhaps it was because he had grown accustomed to Liu Buli's various illogical arrangements that he no longer showed surprise at strange measures. Instead, he could accept reality with such a calm expression. It truly showed that human resilience had no upper limit.
Liu Buli was very satisfied with this.
However, unlike the Grand Elder, the disciples and hall masters below had very colorful expressions upon seeing Shen Muzhi and the other.
Shen Muzhi was a renowned figure in the cultivation world; almost everyone knew his name and his identity.
His departure from Medicine Master Valley a few days prior had already become a widely known event throughout the cultivation world. Now, his sudden decision to join the Dan Sect left everyone bewildered, and all sorts of strange, conspiratorial thoughts began to spread uncontrollably in their minds.
By the end of the introduction meeting, the Grand Elder had said all that needed to be said.
Liu Buli nodded with great satisfaction and was about to wave his hand for everyone to disperse when, at that moment, someone from the middle of the crowd stepped forward and called out loudly, "Sect Master, accepting Shen Muzhi and his dao companion into the Dan Sect is truly inappropriate. I implore the Sect Master to reconsider!"