Chapter 492 Nine Mountains Manufacturing, Overtime Pay
When Old Freak Li was escorted back to the Nine Mountains Realm, Zheng Fa was inspecting Industrial Development Island.
He was accompanied by Senior Sister Zhang, Uncle-Master Pang, and Madam Xuanhua.
What came into his view was an industrial park with a mixed style:
To the left is a square factory building, where the machines are running loudly.
On the right, however, stands an ancient-looking cauldron, within which a silent, ethereal flame burns.
In the distance, a row of tall chimneys rises from the ground, with wisps of mist curling above their openings.
Madam Xuanhua explained from the side, "Thanks to the Secret Method weapon-refining techniques of Vast Sun Mountain provided by the Venerable Shi, we have already achieved automated transformation of the production processes for eighty-four common Law Artifact."
"Currently, the average manufacturing cost of Law Artifact will be reduced to 70% of what it was before, and the production speed will be more than double." Seeing that Zheng Fa was listening attentively, Madam Xuanhua continued, "If we include the costs of research and development, factory buildings, and machine tools, based on the current transaction volume, we can probably recover the costs in about a year."
Before Zheng Fa could speak, Uncle-Master Pang exclaimed softly, "Eighty-four kinds?"
Madam Xuanhua smiled and nodded, confirming, " Vast Sun Mountain has existed for three eras, and its accumulation in weapon crafting is extremely profound. Many Law Artifact actually originated from Vast Sun Mountain's inventions."
"For example, the Black Tortoise Shield, the Divine Fire Hood, the Spirit-Sundering Bell... if Venerable Shi hadn't told us, we wouldn't have known that these Law Artifact were created by disciples of Vast Sun Mountain."
"Throughout these eras, they have also studied these Law Artifact thoroughly, and some can even be manufactured directly using machine tools."
Upon hearing this, Uncle-Master Pang laughed and said, "Then should we thank Vast Sun Mountain?"
He then realized another problem and asked Madam Xuanhua, "Are all the Law Artifact we can currently manufacture using machine tools from Vast Sun Mountain?"
"Around 70%."
Uncle-Master Pang twitched his lips, looked at Zheng Fa, and murmured:
"That's it, we'll never let Vast Sun Mountain get away with this."
That makes sense. They learned the Secret Method of Vast Sun Mountain and even produced Law Artifact from Vast Sun Mountain.
It would be strange if Vast Sun Mountain wasn't blown up.
Senior Sister Zhang said coldly, "We were sworn enemies from the start."
Uncle-Master Pang was taken aback, turned to look at Zheng Fa, and asked, "You... did this on purpose?"
Zheng Fa shook his head and smiled:
"Just a coincidence."
"The method of refining treasures at Vast Sun Mountain is the best, so naturally we should learn it. Besides, we have Shi Nandang to help us."
Uncle-Master Pang and Madam Xuanhua exchanged a glance, their faces conveying the same message:
Do you think Vast Sun Mountain believes it's just a coincidence?
Not only does Vast Sun Mountain not believe it, but Supreme Dao does not believe it.
"This Alliance Leader Zheng is incredibly vengeful, yet he's also astounding!"
Immortal Li sat in a Daoist temple.
This Daoist temple Supreme Dao at the summit of Dao-Seeking Peak, standing on a large rock.
The Daoist temple was only about ten feet long and wide. On the inner wall hung a portrait of the Dao Venerable, and in front of the portrait were two prayer cushions, nothing else.
Sitting in the temple, one can look up and see a sheer cliff and a bottomless abyss.
Opposite Immortal Li sat a middle-aged Daoist priest with his eyes closed.
Upon hearing his words, the middle-aged Daoist priest didn't even lift his eyelids, seemingly showing no reaction whatsoever.
Immortal Li seemed quite accustomed to the manners of this Patriarch Xuanding, and added, "Every item on his list is a magical Law Artifact Vast Sun Mountain is most skilled at making, yet they're all cheaper than those from Vast Sun Mountain!"
The middle-aged Daoist priest then spoke, "Alright?"
Immortal Li knew that this Patriarch Xuanding's Dao Path enlightenment was peculiar; he was extremely stingy and even considered speaking a waste. If something could be explained in one word, he would never use two.
"Very good." Immortal Li nodded. "I asked the disciples in the sect, and they all said that although the quality of these Law Artifact from the Nine Mountains Sect cannot be said to be top-notch, each one is of Higher Vehicle. Although we bought them at market price, Law Artifact of the same quality should actually be 20% more expensive on the market."
Patriarch Xuanding slightly opened his eyes, pondered for a moment, and said, "Loss?"
"They should be breaking even," Immortal Li replied. "On the contrary, the amount increases each time. Now, 60% of the magical Law Artifact in our Marketplace come from the Hundred Immortals Alliance."
Patriarch Xuanding thought for a while before slowly nodding.
Immortal Li understood that this meant the business with the Hundred Immortals Alliance could continue.
To buy the same magical Law Artifact at a lower price... this deal is exactly what Patriarch Xuanding likes.
But he came here with another matter to discuss:
Vast Sun Mountain is not very willing.
Patriarch Xuanding opened his eyes and looked at him.
Immortal Li took out a Communication Talisman from his sleeve and shook his head, saying, "That Cloud True Immortal is anxious."
He handed the Communication Talisman to Patriarch Xuanding, explaining as he did so:
" The Hundred Immortals Alliance sells a lot of Law Artifact at low prices. Some of us bought Law Artifact and took them to Vast Sun Mountain to resell..."
"At first, because the Law Artifact were of high quality, they hadn't noticed."
As he spoke, Immortal Li couldn't help but laugh:
"Several months later, they realized that their Law Artifact hadn't sold, but there were plenty of Law Artifact on the market."
"They initially thought some disciple had broken the rules, but after investigating, they ended up tracing it back to us!"
Upon hearing Immortal Li's oath, a strange smile appeared in the eyes of Patriarch Xuanding.
He also thought it was outrageous.
How could he have imagined that the breakthrough point in the conflict between the Hundred Immortals Alliance and Vast Sun Mountain would actually be Law Artifact!
Vast Sun Mountain, with its weapon-refining skills, has firmly established itself among the top sects of the Xuanwei Sect.
Even the Supreme Dao had to admit that, when it came to weapon crafting, they were no match for Vast Sun Mountain.
On the other hand, Vast Sun Mountain also relies heavily on artifact crafting; otherwise, how could a mere few Law Artifact entice a True Immortal to write a letter?
" Zheng Fa... this is digging up the very roots of Vast Sun Mountain." Immortal Li sighed slightly. "Right now, these are just magical Law Artifact. If they were Law Treasure, or even Spirit Treasure..."
Those who can cultivate to the point of attaining the Dao Fruit naturally understand the significance of the various arts of immortal cultivation to their sect.
"If this continues, by the time True Immortal Lu attains the Golden Immortal, Vast Sun Mountain will likely decline as well."
Patriarch Xuanding shook his head and said, "Difficult."
"It is difficult, but even Vast Sun Mountain can't sit still now, can it?" Immortal Li pointed to the Communication Talisman and laughed, "It's clear they're a bit panicked."
To be honest, he racked his brains but never expected Zheng Fa to have this trick up his sleeve!
If a more powerful Dao of Alchemy sect than the Supreme Dao were to appear on the market...
When Immortal Li thought about it, his heart skipped a beat. He knew all too well how much the Pill Formula!
The Four Sects of Xuanwei are all large and powerful. Losing such a source of income would drive even the Supreme Dao crazy.
It is only because Zheng Fa is not afraid of Vast Sun Mountain that he is not afraid of it. Otherwise, Cloud True Immortal would probably have already attacked the Nine Mountains Sect.
" Founder, how should we reply?" asked Immortal Li. "They want us to restrain our disciples from selling these Law Artifact."
At this point, Immortal Li couldn't help but complain, "To be honest, it's not really our people who go to Vast Sun Mountain to sell; it's mostly them who come to Supreme Dao to buy."
"And then I couldn't even tell the difference between what was real and what was fake."
"How can you blame us?"
Patriarch Xuanding smiled, and the Communication Talisman at his fingertips spontaneously combusted without fire, turning into ashes that drifted off the cliff.
"Yes! Why bother with him!"
Immortal Li with a loud laugh, bowed to Patriarch Xuanding, and departed.
He flew into Heavenly Lake Peak and took out the Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government).
" Immortal Li?"
Zheng Fa's face appeared in the light screen, his expression surprised, clearly not knowing why Immortal Li would suddenly seek him out.
"Do you know that we've earned you Spirit Stone from Vast Sun Mountain?"
Zheng Fa was taken aback, and then listened to Immortal Li explain the reason.
Vast Sun Mountain and the Hundred Immortals Alliance are now enemies, and with the border Spirit Vein destroyed, there is actually not much trade between them.
Zheng Fa never considered the Vast Sun Mountain market.
Who would have thought there was such a thing as entrepot trade?
What was even more unexpected was that, judging from Cloud True Immortal's reaction, this matter had a great impact on Vast Sun Mountain.
Upon hearing that Immortal Li was ignoring Vast Sun Mountain's request, Zheng Fa understood that firstly, these were minor matters; frankly, the value of the Law Artifact was not high for Immortal Li and the Supreme Dao, so there was really no need to concern themselves with them.
Secondly... the more the Hundred Immortals Alliance attacks Vast Sun Mountain, the more pleased the Supreme Dao becomes.
Immortal Li added, "Rest assured, Vast Sun Mountain wouldn't dare to touch you. As for Thunderclap Temple, if they dare to attack you now that they're sending people to the Eastern Continent, my Supreme Dao will not stand idly by."
Zheng Fa frowned and asked, " Thunderclap Temple is coming to the Eastern Continent?"
"Not only Thunderclap Temple, but also the True Immortal of Jade Pool will be coming, also for the sake of the Tianhe Sect."
Zheng Fa understood; this was preparation for a siege against the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor.
Then Immortal Li slapped his forehead, as if suddenly realizing something. "I forgot again, that's why I came to find you!"
"Ah?"
" Jade Pool Nishang Yuanjun to visit the Nine Mountains Sect and asked me to convey her message beforehand."
This was unexpected by Zheng Fa, who asked, " Nishang Yuanjun, is she coming to the Nine Mountains?"
"She's not going there specifically, but just passing by," Immortal Li explained. "She's True Immortal who oversees the grand formation at Jade Pool, and she's also going to the Tianhe Sect."
" True Immortal..."
Zheng Fa frowned slightly, still somewhat wary.
"Don't worry," Immortal Li smiled, "It's not a bad thing."
"Um?"
" Jade Pool and Thunderclap Temple are sworn enemies. They are unwilling to stand idly by while True Immortal Lu attains enlightenment."
Zheng Fa nodded, and he believed what he heard.
After all, he had long discovered that Jade Pool and Supreme Dao had a close relationship, but no True Immortal had ever come to the Nine Mountains Realm yet.
However, with the Immortal-Trapping Sword and now that his Yang Spirit Body has merged with the Sun and Sun-Moon Bell, his strength is three times greater than before.
Within the Nine Mountains Realm, he indeed didn't need to be so wary.
Especially since the Jade Pool's Nishang Yuanjun had specifically asked the Supreme Dao to make arrangements, she was probably not an uninvited guest.
Before hanging up, Spirit Message Immortal Li brought up the old matter again. "I must say, the move to imitate the Law Artifact Vast Sun Mountain was brilliant! If Vast Sun Mountain can be defeated without a fight, then True Immortal Lu probably really won't be able to attain the Golden Immortal..."
Zheng Fa shook his head slightly, speaking his mind, " Immortal Li, whether you believe it or not, I didn't mean to do this."
Immortal Li frowned, seemingly feeling that Zheng Fa's words were not sincere.
"My true intention was simply to create more and better Law Artifact; as for the rise and fall of Vast Sun Mountain... that's irrelevant."
After hanging up the Spirit Message, Immortal Li was stunned for a long time before chuckling:
"That's irrelevant... This Alliance Leader Zheng, what an arrogant tone."
To be honest, Zheng Fa wasn't as surprised as Immortal Li.
To him, this was simply an inevitable process in the development of the Nine Mountains Sect, Vast Sun Mountain just happened to be in his way.
On the other hand, he also understood that in the Xuanwei Realm's weapon-refining market, the majority of profits were actually taken by Law Treasure, and even Spirit Treasure.
The wealth of the Xuanwei Realm is extremely concentrated; cultivators below the Golden Core possess less than one-tenth of the resources.
Only cultivators above the Nascent Soul are truly wealthy.
For Nascent Soul Cultivator, Law Artifact are no longer useful; Law Treasure are much more suitable.
Therefore, despite Immortal Li's excitement, Zheng Fa estimated that this matter would likely have less than a tenth of the impact on Vast Sun Mountain's weapon-refining revenue.
The reaction of Vast Sun Mountain Cloud True Immortal was simply because... the knock-off had defeated the original, and the Nine Mountains Sect had mastered their own Law Artifact even better, which was a real slap in the face.
On the other hand, there was naturally unease about the Nine Mountains Sect -refining capabilities.
To put it bluntly, it's not very harmful, but extremely insulting.
But to be honest, in the end, you can't defeat Vast Sun Mountain through trade alone.
Zheng Fa looked up at the sky.
At the Nine Mountains Market Wharf, more than 700 Divine Firmament Flying Vessel Divine Firmament Flying Vessel were rising and falling, carrying various magical Law Artifact produced in the Nine Mountains Realm to the Hundred Immortals Alliance and to the border of the Supreme Dao.
They also sent spiritual materials from various parts of the Hundred Immortals Alliance and elixirs from the Supreme Dao to the Nine Mountains Sect.
These elixirs were then distributed to various factories, Nine Mountains University, and Nine Mountains Military Academy within the Nine Mountains Sect, where they were used to enhance the cultivation of the Nine Mountains Sect members.
He then looked towards the Medicine Garden. Beside the Sun-Moon Bell, the Incense Power offerings were growing increasingly dense, changing almost daily, and even visibly increasing.
Zheng Fa knew that this was because the population of the mortal realm in the Nine Mountains Realm was becoming increasingly prosperous.
He is also a disciple of the Nine Mountains Sect, and his strength is improving rapidly.
This is the kind of thing that could kill Vast Sun Mountain.
"Unfortunately, we're still more than 30% short."
Zheng Fa sighed inwardly, but suppressed the impatience in his heart.
After all, it often takes thousands or tens of thousands of years for others to go from Yang Spirit to Corpse Liberation, even with the help of the Grotto-Heaven Method. Now, his Yang Spirit Body has only been condensed for a short time, but the power of Incense Power has already exceeded half of what is needed for Corpse Liberation.
If he were in a hurry, the others probably wouldn't be alive today.
If Zheng Fa hadn't been One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones and sever the desires associated with Incense Power, he wouldn't have dared to so recklessly exploit the power of Incense Power.
If Zheng Fa hadn't learned many methods for developing a sect and earning Spirit Stone in modern times, the sect's Incense Power offerings wouldn't be so abundant.
His speed of cultivation in the Grotto-Heaven Method is probably the fastest in the entire history of Xuanwei!
If it weren't for the threat posed by the True Immortal Lu of Vast Sun Mountain, he wouldn't be so anxious.
Thinking of this, Zheng Fa glanced at Industrial Development Island again, slowly closed his eyes, calmed his mind, and began to refine and revise the < Yellow Court Scripture > through the insights gained from his Yang Spirit Body.
He knew that most of the Incense Power offerings came from the disciples of the Nine Mountains stationed by the Hundred Immortals Alliance, the thousands of ordinary people, and the workers on Industrial Development Island.
They have already given so much, so much that Zheng Fa can no longer bear to rush them.
On Industrial Development Island, Old Freak Li stared blankly at the machine tool in front of him.
He was captured and brought to the Nine Mountains Realm, where he was sent to the Law Enforcement Hall.
The group of about a hundred people were all sentenced to forced labor.
The disciples below the Foundation Establishment fared better; they were all sent to various factories and sentenced to fifty, a hundred, or even lifelong labor service, depending on the severity of their crimes.
The disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall explained it clearly: those who have never killed anyone can have their sentences reduced by accumulating Merit.
If there's blood on their hands, it's difficult; they'd need to have made some significant contributions.
The problem is... this only applies to the Foundation Establishment Realm disciples.
His type is completely different.
Not only did Old Freak Li have countless dead souls under his control, but he was also Nascent Soul Cultivator. As soon as he arrived in the Nine Mountains Realm, he was forced to hand over his Soul Seal, and from then on, he could no longer control his own life and death.
He also understood that if it weren't for his knowledge and cultivation, the Nine Mountains Sect would never have spared his life.
But now, things aren't going too well for him either:
On one hand, he had to explain all his Cultivation Method and experiences to the Nine Mountains Sect.
On the other hand, he and several other captured Nascent Soul were placed in a research group to study the creation of Law Treasure.
Escaping is impossible. At most, he'll end up like the Blood River Ancestor, his Soul Seal in the hands of the Nine Mountains Sect for life—and even then, he'd have to achieve something truly great.
During his time on Industrial Development Island, Old Freak Li had come to understand the true nature of the place.
He had never imagined that Law Artifact could be made like this!
On the other hand, he also realized that the Nine Mountains Sect's manufacturing method was only useful for creating Law Artifact artifacts; it had many problems when used to create Law Treasure.
In the Xuanwei Realm, crafting Law Treasure is actually the exclusive domain of Nascent Soul Cultivator —the only exception being the Life-bound Dharma Treasure of Golden Core cultivators.
Therefore, the Life-bound Dharma Treasure Method has become widely known and practiced by everyone.
To some extent, this gives Golden Core cultivators some of the abilities of Nascent Soul cultivators.
Things that even Golden Core cultivator cannot accomplish, require the use of this machine tool-like device to achieve, presenting numerous difficulties:
Firstly, the researchers are mainly composed of Nascent Soul.
Secondly, this machine tool probably needs to be Law Treasure in itself, or even that Law Treasure not be enough!
Old Freak Li secretly felt that the Nine Mountains Sect was indulging in wishful thinking.
However, the cultivators of the Nine Mountains Sect did not think so.
His research group consisted of three Nascent Soul Nascent Soul from the Nine Mountains Sect, four Nascent Soul who had been captured, and more than twenty Golden Core disciples.
The work ethic of these Nine Mountains Sect disciples...
He glanced at a Nine Mountains Golden Core Elixir to the side and was puzzled:
Why aren't these people resting?
These cultivators from the Nine Mountains Sect only leave the factory once every three days on average, and some even return after only one day of rest!
Their diligence made Old Freak Li and his companions even more reluctant to slack off or even leave, and they could only work day and night, resting only once every few days.
As time went on, I became utterly disheartened.
Looking at these cultivators from the Nine Mountains Sect, they were all radiant with energy.
To be honest, Old Freak Li was truly puzzled—he had lived for thousands of years and had never seen a disciple so eager to dedicate himself to the sect.
He was even deeply moved.
Perhaps the confusion in his eyes was too obvious, for the Golden Core disciple looked over, his expression showing little hostility, only great bewilderment.
Although they were initially unfamiliar with each other, these people had worked together for quite some time and were already acquaintances.
"I'd like to ask..."
Old Freak Li didn't want to hide it, after all, he knew he wouldn't be able to see the Nine Mountains Realm any longer, and he didn't care.
But halfway through their conversation, a girl's voice rang in their ears.
The disciple from the Nine Mountains waved his hand, signaling him not to speak yet.
Old Freak Li also knew that this was the True Person Yuan who hosted the Nine Mountains News, but it wasn't the time slot for Nine Mountains News to be broadcast...
"Disciples of the Nine Mountains, disciples of the Nine Mountains, we have an urgent news briefing!"
The factory fell silent for a moment.
"Just now, Huang Yun, a disciple of the Nine Mountains Military Academy, successfully advanced to the Nascent Soul!"
"This is the fiftieth disciple to Nascent Soul the Nascent Soul stage since the 'First Fifty Years' plan was launched!"
"Although we still have a long way to go to reach our goal of five hundred Nascent Soul, the Nine Mountains Sect is confident and determined to achieve it!"
" The Sect Leader has decided that the entire sect will suspend all work and classes for ten days!"
Upon hearing the news, Old Freak Li couldn't help but beam with joy, but then he felt ashamed of himself. A dignified Nascent Soul Cultivator, he felt like crying when he was given a ten-day holiday.
However, he was also somewhat shocked. According to the news, these fifty Nascent Soul were created after the " First Fifty-Year Plan ".
He had been in the Nine Mountains Realm for some time, so he was naturally aware of the plan and understood that it would take at most ten years for it to be implemented.
In other words, the Nine Mountains Sect has gained fifty Nascent Soul in just over ten years?
What incredible speed!
But when he looked at the Golden Core disciple beside him, his expression was somewhat sullen.
"You..."
The Golden Core disciple sighed, "Ten days of rest means losing a lot of Merit and pills."
Old Freak Li sensed something was wrong. His lips trembled as he asked, "You're not resting, is it for Merit and elixirs?"
"That's right." The Golden Core disciple didn't hide anything. " The Sect Leader stipulates that if someone works more than five hours a day, they will receive double the Merit. If there is progress in the research, there will also be various elixir subsidies."
Old Freak Li's heart trembled. "So that's why you only go back once every three days..."
"Oh, we've calculated it. Working three days straight and resting one day won't harm the body. If we convert that into pills, it won't affect cultivation at all; in fact, it'll be twice as fast as not working overtime!"
"With the addition of various pills to restore spiritual power and Divine Soul, cultivation is much faster than before."
"Many of the disciples who have achieved the Nascent Soul in recent years accumulated Merit and elixirs while working in the factory."
"I've done the math. If I work hard for another eight or nine years, I should also have a chance to Nascent Soul."
Old Freak Li understood.
They work so hard because they have access to all sorts of Cultivation Resources, and it's much faster than if they just tried to cultivate on their own!
"By the way, what did you want to ask just now?"
Old Freak Li remained silent for a moment, thinking to himself, "What's the point of asking?"
The more you do, the more you earn. After ten years of hard work, you might even accumulate enough resources to reach the Nascent Soul, which grants Nascent Soul immortality...
If it were him, he'd be happy to come every day too!
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but turn his head to look in the other direction.
Standing beside him was his old nemesis, the middle-aged Nascent Soul Nascent Soul who had been captured with him. This man used to be an elder of a sect in the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
If Vast Sun Mountain were like this, wouldn't it be better for him to stay at Vast Sun Mountain instead of coming to the Hundred Immortals Alliance?
He no longer wanted to ask this disciple of the Nine Mountains.
He wanted to ask this middle-aged Nascent Soul, "As an elder of the Hundred Immortals Alliance, why are you running away?"
The middle-aged Nascent Soul glanced at him, his spiritual energy fluctuating. Old Freak Li found that expression somewhat familiar...
It seems like he's about to self-destruct again.
(End of this chapter)