"Without engaging in production but making a huge profit, it's likely there are issues in nine out of ten cases."
Elder Su's expression grew solemn, "What issues could the Lu Family have?"
Sect Master Zhao shook his head slightly, "It's just some idle rumors without any solid information, I shouldn't speak carelessly."
He looked at Elder Su and continued,
"I know you have quite a relationship with Lu Chengyun, and I called you here to entrust you with some matters."
Elder Su said respectfully,
"Please, Sect Master, give me your instruction!"
Sect Master Zhao nodded slightly, then lowered his voice and said,
"Our South Yue Sect, from top to bottom, has good relations with the Lu Family, is related by interests, and has received no small amount of Spirit Stones from them..."
Elder Su frowned and asked,
"Does the Sect Master mean that, because we've received Spirit Stones from the Lu Family, we should form an alliance with them?"
Sect Master Zhao shook his head, his voice carrying significant meaning,
"What I mean is, even though we have accepted the Lu Family's Spirit Stones, we must not be single-minded and stand on the same boat with the Lu Family..."
Elder Su was taken aback, "Isn't that somewhat... dishonorable?" .com
Sect Master Zhao shook his head, "Sect interests come before honor."
"But aren't the Spirit Stones from the Lu Family also interests?"
Sect Master Zhao explained,
"Spirit Stones are indeed interests, but they are only short-term profits. The survival and continuation of the Sect are the fundamental interests."
"The abundance of Spirit Stones can indeed bring temporary prosperity."
"But if we compromise our moral and ethical stances on good and evil for Spirit Stones and it affects the life and death of our Sect, we must decisively forgo the lesser profits for the greater good!"
Elder Su pondered deeply, struck by the realization.
Sect Master Zhao sighed,
"Many Cultivators don't understand this principle."
"That's why in South Yue City, sects and families rise and fall, but only our South Yue City has survived for hundreds of years."
"The Lu Family won't last as long as we have."
Sect Master Zhao looked at Elder Su and reminded him,
"Speak of interests when it's time to discuss interests, and uphold principles when it's time to talk about principles."
"Do not sacrifice principles for profits, or it will lead to great disaster!"
Elder Su nodded solemnly, "Sect Master, I have taken it to heart."
Sect Master Zhao breathed a sigh of relief and exclaimed with satisfaction,
"I'm past my prime, and the position of Sect Master will have to be passed on sooner or later. You might not be as cunning as others, but you are loyal and proficient in Formations. With some honing, perhaps the position of Sect Master of our South Yue Sect will be yours one day..."
Elder Su never expected to hear such words, and couldn't help asking,
"Sect Master, are you... just leading me on?"
Sect Master Zhao glared at him, "Do you think I make such gestures to just anyone? I have high hopes for you!"
Elder Su quickly bowed and said,
"Yes, yes!"
Afterward, Sect Master Zhao gave him a few more instructions.
Before leaving, Elder Su was still somewhat puzzled,
"Sect Master, regarding the matter with the Lu Family, what exactly should our South Yue Sect do?"
Falling out with the Lu Family would be unwise.
Acting in complete collusion with the Lu Family was not very secure either.
Sect Master Zhao then gave specific advice,
"If the Lu Family doesn't cause a stir, we'll pretend as if nothing happened, continue to take the Spirit Stones, doing business as usual when it's time to discuss interests."
"But if the Lu Family does stir trouble, we must distinguish ourselves clearly from them, and even be prepared to suppress them at all costs. This is adhering to principles when it's time to talk about principles..."
Elder Su finally understood.
He was truly worthy of being the Sect Master; he was very flexible in handling interests and principles.