C5 Chen Ping's Explanation.

Su Yinjian was completely baffled as he stared at Chen Ping in astonishment.

'Has he actually grasped something?'

"Does the Sect Master see anything amiss with this situation?"

Others nearby, noticing Su Yinjian's shocked expression, couldn't help but inquire. Su Yinjian quickly regained his composure, masking his surprise before responding.

"I truly didn't anticipate that we had someone in the sect with such remarkable talent, capable of swiftly grasping the deeper meaning of my teachings. Chen Ping, share with us what insights you've gained."

Chen Ping beamed with excitement as he looked at Su Yinjian. He was the only one in the entire sect who had deciphered Su Yinjian's profound intentions, which filled him with joy.

"Elder Chen, perhaps you'd like to enlighten us on your newfound understanding?"

Elder Hsu spoke up, eyeing Chen Ping with a look that said, 'I'm eager to hear what you've figured out.'

Su Yinjian was at a loss for words. Was this really turning into a confrontation?

"I, too, am curious to hear what Elder Chen has deciphered," Su Yinjian said, joining the conversation.

Chen Ping swelled with pride at Su Yinjian's inquiry. He stepped forward, approaching Su Yinjian, and respectfully bowed.

"Initially, I couldn't fathom why the Sect Master would impart such a technique that could lead the sect's disciples astray. I even feared that the Sect Master intended to ruin us..."

Su Yinjian felt a chill run down his spine. Chen Ping's speculation hit close to home; Su Yinjian had indeed contemplated the destruction of their sect in some respects.

Before he could conjure up a deflection, Chen Ping continued.

"However, I refuse to believe that our Sect Master would be so callous. After much contemplation, I've finally unraveled the Sect Master's profound intentions."

Chen Ping's gaze was filled with respect as he looked at Su Yinjian, causing a slight discomfort for the Sect Master. Su Yinjian glanced at the others, who were intently listening to Chen Ping, before turning his attention back to him.

"Well then, enlighten us with your understanding. Let's see if your words hold truth, or if you've merely concocted an excuse to appease me and garner praise."

Chen Ping moved closer to Su Yinjian with great reverence.

"I believe the Sect Master has taught us this technique to remind us that, regardless of our cultivation, our character is ultimately what matters most."

He scrutinized Su Yinjian's reaction, trying to gauge his thoughts. Su Yinjian, however, simply offered a smile, leaving his true feelings a mystery.

"I interpret the Sect Master's actions as a means to identify our shortcomings and to make us aware of the dangers of succumbing to harmful indulgences. This way, the sect's disciples will understand what actions are permissible and learn the value of restraint."

A smile of satisfaction spread across Su Yinjian's face. He had been concerned about how to address the sect's concerns, but Chen Ping had unexpectedly provided the perfect rationale.

Su Yinjian had been apprehensive that Chen Ping's insights might bring complications or even threats. Now, it seemed he had gained a valuable ally.

As he saw contented smiles on the faces of those gathered, Su Yinjian silently rejoiced, confident that the issue had been smoothly resolved.

"Since the Sect Master's actions are all for the benefit of the sect's disciples, we cannot allow his diligent efforts to be in vain. From now on, we will abstain from frivolous pursuits and strive to meet your expectations."

A sudden remark caused Su Yinjian's smile to stiffen on his face.

Su Yinjian's lips curled in a wry twitch upon hearing the news. This was hardly a cause for celebration. After all, he had gone to great lengths with the sole purpose of bringing down the sect.

Now, with the disciples ready to abandon their frivolous pursuits for diligent cultivation, his plan was in jeopardy. Stepping forward, Su Yinjian addressed the gathered crowd.

"While Chen Ping has grasped the extent of my efforts, there are others who haven't. This matter must be kept from them, particularly those previously lost in hedonism."

In this way, they might persist in their indulgences, neglecting their training, and Su Yinjian's scheme could still bear fruit. Yet, his directive left the assembly somewhat perplexed.

Chen Ping, in particular, found it most puzzling. Knowing the Sect Leader's wishes, he thought it only right to inform the others. Why the secrecy?

"Sect Leader, the disciples have already been neglecting their training due to their indulgences. Why not enlighten them, so they might dedicate themselves to cultivation? Isn't that our duty?" he asked.

Su Yinjian shot Chen Ping a veiled glare—so many questions. Nevertheless, he had to address the confusion. With an air of inscrutable wisdom, he replied,

"You've overlooked the feelings of the disciples. While I'm pleased you've quickly understood my intentions, imagine the shame those ignorant of their folly will feel upon realizing their indulgence."

Rising abruptly, Su Yinjian approached Chen Ping, hands clasped behind his back, and gently patted him on the shoulder.

"Consider the ordinary disciples, unaware of what's transpired. Should they be stricken with guilt, inner demons may arise, hindering their progress. How will they break through then?"

Chen Ping's eyes widened with understanding.

"I see now. There's much I haven't considered. Indeed, Sect Leader, you possess greater wisdom."

A sly smile flickered across Su Yinjian's face. The young one dares to challenge him.

"We're not afraid. After all, the fault is ours to bear."

Suddenly, a voice rang out, and to Su Yinjian's astonishment, more disciples emerged from behind the door, having overheard the entire conversation.

"Sect Leader, you've been acting in our best interest all along. We won't let your painstaking efforts be in vain."

"Exactly! We were wrong to lose ourselves in pleasure. We owe you an apology, Sect Leader. You needn't concern yourself with us."

"From now on, we pledge to commit ourselves to our training and forsake our former distractions. Trust us, Sect Leader."

As the disciples voiced their commitments, Su Yinjian was rendered speechless. He hadn't anticipated their eavesdropping, nor that they would hear his entire plan.

At this point, he couldn't reveal his true intentions to the faces before him. With no other choice, he offered an awkward smile and a look of feigned satisfaction.

Casting another glance at Chen Ping, he couldn't help but think how different things might have been without his interference. Yet, with his fury simmering beneath the surface and nowhere to direct it, he felt stifled.

Thankfully, the system hadn't docked any points for foolishness this time. He needed to devise a new strategy to lead the sect astray—and swiftly.

It was clear that if he wished to topple the sect, he'd have to come up with a different approach. He was capable of devising a truly destructive plan, but next time, he'd have to ensure Chen Ping didn't throw a wrench in the works.