Eight sect representatives arrived at the research institute today, for reasons both sides understood implicitly.
Perhaps to save time, perhaps to see Lin Ziying's capabilities sooner, or possibly to avoid arousing suspicion from Lü Xin, everyone wished to see what they wanted to see quickly and make their choice of allegiance.
At this very moment, Yan Shouyi stood outside the assembly hall, straining his ears attentively.
He had initially intended to greet these sect representatives alongside Lin Ziying, but she had refused.
Her reason was that these representatives were here to assess whether she, Lin Ziying, possessed the capability to oppose Lü Xin. If Yan Shouyi were present, they would simply believe she relied on men, thus losing confidence in her.
Therefore, Lin Ziying had asked everyone who wanted to help to return to their own affairs and not worry about her.
However, Yan Shouyi remained uneasy and waited outside for the outcome.
Facing the sect representatives' sharp questions, Lin Ziying calmly and composedly replied:
"I am very grateful for your presence. Your coming here signifies that you still hold some expectations for me."
A sect leader nodded and said, "Sect Leader Lü Jingsheng treated us well in the past, and you are his final disciple. We believe in Sect Leader Lü Jingsheng's judgment, but regarding you..."
"The last time Sect Leader Lü Jing brought you to visit us, we were only reciprocating Sect Leader Lü Jing's favor, but we know nothing about you."
"That's right, we want to see your own abilities this time. After all, we are all small sects. To establish ourselves in the long term, choosing the right side is crucial."
The sect representatives spoke frankly, revealing their inner thoughts. It seemed they were still showing Lin Ziying considerable respect.
Lin Ziying declared loudly, "As you all know, I am Sect Leader Lü Jingsheng's final disciple. After my master disappeared, Sect Leader Lü Jing succeeded him as sect leader, and then the position was designated to me by him. Legally and morally, I am the one who should be the sect leader of the Lüshan Sect. Furthermore, I have the Li City Lin Family backing me, and if I take office, I will certainly not forget your assistance. Lastly, I have many friends among prestigious sects and folk sects. With me leading the Lüshan Sect, it will surely elevate the Lüshan Sect to new heights!"
She listed three points, each of critical importance, and was confident she could persuade these sect representatives.
However, the eight representatives frowned.
It seemed Lin Ziying's points were not enough.
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Lin Ziying asked softly, "Do you still have any dissatisfaction with me? Or, in what way am I inferior to Lü Xin?"
Sun Tangzhi stepped forward and cupped his hands in salutation:
"Miss Lin, I'm afraid you don't understand Lü Xin. Lü Xin is Sect Leader Lü Jingsheng's biological granddaughter, and her succession as sect leader is equally legitimate. Secondly, once she takes office, she can secure more benefits for our sects, even allowing them to break free from the Lin Family and stand on their own. Lastly, Lü Xin has already gained the support of many prestigious sects."
Lin Ziying narrowed her eyes. She had indeed not expected Lü Xin to possess all three of her advantages.
She was unable to verify how Lü Xin had acquired her sect connections at this moment, but judging by the expressions of those present, Sun Tangzhi was likely not lying.
At this moment, Sun Liuying said in a sweet voice, "Moreover, you are too young. Lü Xin is more experienced than you, her strength is greater, and she is more suitable to be sect leader!"
"Liuying!" Sun Tangzhi frowned. He did not want Sun Liuying to speak carelessly, yet deep down he agreed with her words.
Lin Ziying glanced at Sun Liuying, seeing her full of youthful innocence, a picture of a fearless newborn calf. She was too lazy to argue with her.
However, a necessary explanation was still needed.
"Being young does not mean lacking experience, capability, or courage," she stated calmly.
"Then how will you prove it?" Sun Liuying pressed, enjoying seeing Lin Ziying speechless when confronted by her.
Sun Tangzhi did not wish to completely alienate Lin Ziying, so he came up with a plan:
"Miss Lin, this Folk Custom Research Institute should be your territory, correct? How about this, you give us a tour of the institute, let us see what it's like under your management. If we are satisfied, it will naturally prove your leadership ability. But if we are not satisfied, please understand, Miss Lin. You should grasp the principle of a good bird choosing its tree."
Lin Ziying nodded slightly, "No problem."
If there was anything she was confident about, it was her companions.
The disciples of folk sects were all tempered and resolute individuals. Even without supervision, they would diligently cultivate.
If these sect representatives saw everyone in the institute diligently practicing and living in harmony, they would surely gain great confidence in her.
Thus, Lin Ziying immediately stood up and led everyone out of the assembly hall.
Upon hearing the movement, Yan Shouyi quickly hid himself.
"They're going to tour the institute?" Yan Shouyi breathed a sigh of relief. "Then I can rest easy. Apart from Xiao Long, everyone is very reliable. I just saw Old Jin diligently refining pills in his courtyard. If they see this, they'll surely approve of that girl."
As everyone exited the assembly hall, Lin Ziying thought for a moment and decided to take them to Old Jin's place first.
Old Jin was the oldest. Although his personality was somewhat lewd, his status as a successor of the Qihuang School of Ancient Medicine was highly respected. Using him as an appetizer would be best.
Sun Tangzhi actually had a good impression of Lin Ziying, but the sect leader of the Tianhai Society and he had differing opinions.
The sect leader of the Tianhai Society believed that the past Lüshan Sect only limited the Tianhai Society's potential, whereas the current Lü Xin would allow the Tianhai Society to flourish.
It was precisely due to his father, the sect leader, that Sun Liuying naturally harbored hostility towards Lin Ziying and constantly sought to oppose her.
"Alas, I hope to see the brilliance of Lin Ziying and those around her this time, otherwise, I don't know if I should stick to my own convictions," Sun Tangzhi sighed inwardly.
Everyone followed Lin Ziying, slowly touring the institute, and they were once again struck by its magnificence and ingenuity.
Truly a complex of buildings designed by a descendant of Lu Ban!
They all felt a shared sense of envy and jealousy, regretting that they did not have such a son-in-law, and their sects could only be situated in ordinary locations with no prestige whatsoever.
As they walked, everyone arrived outside a courtyard.
The plaque outside bore the three large characters "Hui Chun Tang" – Hall of Returning Spring. Old Jin had brought it from his pharmacy in the suburbs that morning. From now on, this courtyard would be his place for refining pills.
Lin Ziying stood outside the door and introduced, "The person inside is a successor of the Qihuang School of Ancient Medicine. I wonder if you can smell a faint medicinal aroma. It's likely that this ancient medicine successor is currently refining some powerful pill."
Upon hearing this, everyone took a deep breath and indeed detected a refreshing medicinal scent.
Well... truly excellent!
Miss Lin having an ancient medicine successor by her side was a definite bonus!