Human beings are inherently fragile. It is often said that "those who succumb to this nature are weak," but this definition is misleading. There is no comprehensive understanding of weakness and strength; however, one thing is clear: both types of individuals harbor fears.
A person's fears often define their weakness. Someone who fears trivial matters is indeed weak. Weak individuals grapple with many fears, most of which are mere illusions. They manifest their weaknesses and flee from them.
Conversely, strong individuals confront greater fears. An unwritten law suggests that the larger a person's fears, the greater they are. Remember, only the dead and the foolish fear nothing; every living person carries some fear. And the greatest fear is death.
Even great individuals fear death, not for the cessation of breath but for the loss of their ability to showcase their greatness. The world is ruthless. In hardship, it cultivates great individuals; in comfort, it delivers weak ones. This cycle continues endlessly: great individuals end hardships, while weak ones initiate them. This is the world's ruthless and poetic nature.
No one wishes to be weak. Weak individuals are prey; they lack true allies and become stepping stones for stronger forces. They perish in their weakness. The greatest mistake of the weak is their delusion of strength, leading them to associate with those they shouldn't.
No strong individual would consider themselves equal to the weak. If a strong person sides with a weak one, it sends a clear message: either the weak person pretends to be weak or is about to be dominated. Some claim, "We align with the strong to progress!" Yet, no powerful force willingly creates a rival.
True power comes only from one's will. Those who fear becoming strong hide behind a facade of conservatism; they are the true enemies, the lowest beings who must be eradicated.
This lesson is exemplified by the Mist Sect, caught in a dilemma with fearful leaders unable to confront greater forces like the supreme Moon Sect. They had enough power to survive independently, but the conservatives always sided with the supreme Moon Sect.
Such weak individuals are pitiable. Some see the supreme Moon Sect's advancements and believe they can progress by aligning with them, failing to question why the Grand Moon Sect would assist them.
Was it because they were a righteous sect or because they were all immortal?
They closed their eyes to the truth. To the supreme Moon Sect, the Mist Sect was merely a field to be cultivated, and any benefit gained was negligible compared to their potential losses.
The Daoma texts state: "Cultivators trade with the universe's spiritual energy. The higher a person's spirit, the greater their power."
This is the universe's deal with cultivators.
A person with a weak spirit seeking more energy would destroy themselves; receiving less, the universe would mock them. Everything in this world operates under laws.
Though many cultivators have read these words, they often fail to grasp their meaning. These phrases embody the essence of negotiation—principles that can help the weak grow strong and avoid powerful traps. Understanding weakness, need, and strategy are key in negotiation.
Those who become prey do not recognize these principles. They fail to see the wolf in sheep's clothing and are abandoned in times of hardship. But what can be done in such conditions? Nothing! One must learn from these experiences.
In a large room filled with fragile porcelain and decorative items, a man sat behind a wooden table. Before him lay a scroll bearing the red seal of the supreme Moon Sect. The letter "recommended" that the Mist Sect refrain from interfering in Murim's affairs and the battles among lower-tier immortals.
The man, leader of the Mist Sect, clenched his fist and, displeased, picked up his cup of tea.
[This is ridiculous. Why should I obey their orders when the battle is at my doorstep? Robberies are increasing, and unrest is rising. My newly established market might face a terrible recession.]
[Why should the Grand Moon Sect interfere in another sect's affairs? They've given many excuses in this letter and even sent three venerable elders to ensure a response.]
The previous letter, while using respectful language and the term "recommendation," was essentially an order.
[They are busy battling other major sects and want to avoid giving any excuses to their rivals. If I, as an ally of the supreme Moon Sect, enter this conflict, the other sects will push us toward an all-out war with Murim. This is just a hypothesis, but the supreme Moon Sect stands to lose significantly and wants to avoid being dragged into this battle.]
[But this way, only my sect will suffer. I hope they have a good proposal. If I'm to suffer serious harm for their sake, I'd rather ...]
"Sect Leader! The venerable elders from the supreme Moon Sect are here."
"Very well. Please escort them to the meeting room with utmost respect."
The sect leader stood up, straightened his clothes, and ran a hand through his black and white hair.
[Now it's time to see what proposal the supreme Moon Sect has for me. Perhaps I can achieve two goals in this meeting: abandon this foolish alliance and rid my sect of their supporters. As the old saying goes, there's a blessing hidden in every disaster!]