Is It Reasonable for Me to Start a Sect at 12?

The next day, Lin Xiao gathered everyone in the sect for a meeting. Even the members from the Lin family's old residence were present.

He started by introducing everyone to the newly constructed Heart-Testing Path. Although most of them had already experienced it while going up and down the mountain the previous afternoon and that morning, except for Liao Pantou, who hadn't left the sect. He had heard about the changes to the mountain path and had wanted to try it out. However, after hearing about others' experiences, he hesitated and ultimately decided against it. Over the past 500 years, Liao Pantou didn't see himself as particularly virtuous or upright. Knowing what kind of person Lin Xiao was, he worried that Lin Xiao might have set the bar too high, and he feared that if he entered, he might not be able to return to the sect.

For most of the attendees, Lin Xiao's introduction served only to inform them of the path's name. Upon reflecting on their own experiences on the Heart-Testing Path, they found the name quite fitting. To their relief, everyone standing in the sect's main hall had successfully passed the Heart-Testing Path's trial. The only one who took a bit longer was Lin Yun, but even he emerged successfully by dusk.

Lin Xiao then explained how the Heart-Testing Path worked. Those who passed could traverse the path without any obstacles, while those who failed would be sent back to the entrance at the foot of the mountain.

Hearing this, Sun Yigao seemed puzzled. He hadn't experienced the same vivid and realistic dreams that others described when they entered the path. However, he decided not to interrupt Lin Xiao's explanation and planned to ask him privately later.

After explaining the Heart-Testing Path, Lin Xiao announced his intention to go into seclusion to advance his cultivation. He also informed everyone that he would be entrusting the management of the sect to Liu Yunan, with Liao Pantou and Sun Yigao assisting him.

During Lin Xiao's journey to the cultivation world, Liu Yunan had managed the sect's affairs well, and everyone had witnessed his competence. Sun Yigao, as a scholar, was known for his integrity, and Liao Pantou, with his deep cultivation and knowledge of the cultivation world, would provide valuable insights. The trio seemed like a perfect fit for managing the sect, and no one had any objections to Lin Xiao's arrangement.

Lin Xiao then assigned roles within the sect. Sun Yigao would be in charge of the Pill Refining Hall, Mo Yuanjiao would oversee the Array Formation Hall, and Liu Chun would head the Talisman Room. For the Weapon Forging Hall, Lin Xiao decided to entrust it to his brother, Lin Yun. These four individuals were the most skilled in their respective arts, aside from Lin Xiao and Liao Pantou.

Next, Lin Xiao addressed the sect's future, "From now on, everyone must increase their vigilance and always be mindful of our sect's safety. Our sect will inevitably attract attention as it grows. And with attention comes potential danger. Just within the Pusi Kingdom, there are three major sects that have been established here for years. When they discover our sect's existence, they may try to suppress us. That's one of the reasons I've decided to enter seclusion."

After saying this, Lin Xiao took a deep breath and continued, "But there's no need to be overly anxious. Just live your lives as usual. If danger arises, use the teleportation talisman to return to the sect. Our sect is well-protected."

He then shifted the topic, "Now that we've officially embarked on the path of cultivation, our bodies and lifespans are no longer the same as ordinary people's. I know many of you might be thinking about bringing your loved ones into the sect to cultivate alongside you. That's how I feel, which is why my entire family is here."

As he spoke, Lin Xiao gestured towards the members of the Lin family standing below.

Everyone smiled knowingly, and Lin Xiao continued, "So, I want to make it clear that our sect is open to accepting new disciples. We're not hiding anymore. If you want to bring your loved ones here to cultivate, as long as they pass the Heart-Testing Path, the gates of Lingxian Sect will always be open to them."

After hearing this, many people in the audience felt reassured. Previously, they hadn't fully understood cultivation, and with the sect's desire to remain hidden, they hadn't dared to discuss it openly with their friends and family. But with Lin Xiao's words, it was as if they had received a reassuring guarantee. They could now bring their loved ones into the sect without worry.

With the security of their livelihoods no longer a concern, bringing friends and family to cultivate alongside them would be much easier. For those who hadn't yet experienced cultivation, this would be a stabilizing force, like an anchor in a stormy sea. After all, who wouldn't want to seize the opportunity for longevity if they could still manage their daily tasks?

Lin Dayou watched from below as his son, standing above, calmly and methodically arranged the sect's affairs. For the first time, he realized that his son, who had grown so much taller, had truly matured. He felt immense pride and comfort, wondering if his late wife could see this. If she hadn't yet reincarnated, she must have seen it by now. The son she had protected with all her might had grown up.

Lin Xiao noticed his father lost in thought, his eyes red. He knew his father was quietly reminiscing about his mother. He didn't interrupt his father's thoughts; after all, if his father missed anything from the meeting, he could always explain it to him later that evening.

After giving everyone some final instructions, Lin Xiao concluded the meeting. As the crowd dispersed, he called Liu Yunan aside, asking him to use the location-tracking communication talisman to inform Qin Jianghe of the recent developments within the sect.

Lin Xiao then went to the rarely visited back area of the sect to find a suitable location for his seclusion. Initially, he had planned to seclude himself in his room at Guiyuan Mountain Residence. However, after setting up the sect's treasury, he reconsidered his plan.