A Delaying Tactic

The disciples present were stunned for a moment, then quickly erupted in outrage.

"We barely get any resources every month as it is, and now they want to cut them further? What are we supposed to cultivate with?"

"That's right! Why should our resources be cut?"

"We spend so long doing tasks every day, yet our resources are decreasing instead of increasing. What kind of logic is that?"

"Five years is already a very short time. Are they trying to snuff out our hopes of entering the Outer Sect?"

"Well said! They can't cut our resources!"

"That's right! They can't cut our resources!"

Listening to the furious cries below, Chen Jinhai's expression turned grave.

Yang Chen stared at Chen Jinhai in shock. This fellow had some nerve.

Area 8 had more than three thousand disciples, split roughly evenly between the Qi Martial Realm and the Blood Martial Realm. By Chen Jinhai's calculations, he could squeeze more than four thousand spirit crystals out of these disciples every month.

That was an astronomical figure.

The sect would never do something so foolish. Even if resources were tight, it would proceed gradually. The safest approach would be to start with newly recruited disciples, not to make such a blunt and direct move.

Even he could understand that much. There was no way the sect's higher-ups had failed to think of it.

So this could only have been Chen Jinhai's own idea. The method was far too crude, and his eagerness showed too clearly.

"He's simply insatiably greedy!"

Huang Tianyu sneered under his breath. Wei Xiao, standing beside him, nodded in deep agreement. He too could tell that this was not the sect's handiwork.

"To seize the position of Area 8 manager, he paid a heavy price. It's understandable that he'd want to recoup his losses after taking office, but his table manners are truly ugly."

Xu Qingqing revealed a piece of information. Huang Tianyu and Wei Xiao were not surprised, clearly having learned it beforehand.

"Just wait. Anyone who could seize the position of Area 8 manager could not be a complete fool. He must have another move waiting in the wings."

About five minutes passed. Seeing the disciples grow increasingly agitated, Chen Jinhai pressed both hands down. An unstoppable aura swept out, and everyone felt as though some terrifying existence had fixed its gaze upon them. The entire square instantly fell so silent that a needle dropping could be heard.

"I know this news is difficult for you to accept."

Chen Jinhai wore a solemn expression, his voice filled with sympathy and understanding. "Not just you—my heart is heavy as well. This news came far too suddenly. Supervisor Huang informed me just now that this was Steward Han's order. I do not know the reason behind it."

"Today should have been a joyous day, my first day in office, yet something so unpleasant has happened. I am deeply sorry."

His tone was sincere, displaying the responsibility and bearing of a manager. He continued, "I promise you that I will get to the bottom of this matter and give you a reasonable explanation. If the news proves true, then next month I will pay out of my own pocket to make up the resources cut from every disciple, and I will do everything I can to fight for the restoration of your original treatment."

Upon hearing this, much of the anger in the labor disciples' hearts dissipated.

"What a skillful move!"

Yang Chen sighed inwardly. Not a single one of these Outer Sect disciples was simple.

First, he threw out the bad news and stoked everyone's fury. Then, he used a delaying tactic to stabilize their hearts.

Once it was officially implemented next month, there would be far less resistance, because Chen Jinhai had already given everyone a warning beforehand.

Most brilliantly, Chen Jinhai had even removed himself from the matter. As the instigator and beneficiary, not only did he avoid being resented, he even left everyone with the impression that he was diligent and responsible.

"Looks like I should go give a gift."

Yang Chen had originally been considering whether to pull some strings to keep the spirit field patrol task in his hands. Now, there was nothing left to consider. Chen Jinhai was not someone easy to deal with. If Yang Chen did not make some connections and offer a little benefit, Chen Jinhai might very well set his sights on him.

This was the burden of fame.

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If he had been some insignificant nobody, Chen Jinhai would not have set his sights on him. But he was fourth on the Newcomer Cultivation Ranking, making it obvious that he had some family wealth. If Chen Jinhai did not squeeze a few resources out of him, it would be a waste of the whole performance he had put on today.

In short, Yang Chen was willing to pay a certain price for a good task. At the very least, he could not be sent to the mining area.

That was Zhou Han's home turf. Who knew how dangerous it would be over there?

Compared to his own life, Yang Chen, who possessed ample spirit crystals, was willing to pay a price to make himself a little safer.

After soothing most of the disciples, Chen Jinhai left with a grave expression.

His departure also marked the end of this meeting. Many people began discussing the matter, while Yang Chen returned directly to his residence without joining them.

There was no point, because the facts could not be changed unless an Inner Sect Uncle-Master intervened.

That was clearly impossible. Inner Sect Disciples were occupied with countless affairs every day. Why would they lower themselves to care about the lives of labor disciples?

Moreover, it was hard to say that Chen Jinhai's actions had not received the tacit approval of someone stronger.

For instance, Steward Han, who sat high atop the summit of Nineteen Peaks. He was the king of Nineteen Peaks, and also a powerful Transcendent Realm martial artist.

Yang Chen sat on his bed, pondering how much he should give.

There were rules to giving benefits as well. Too little would certainly not do; it might even have the opposite effect.

But too much would not do either. It would reveal too much information and might even cause him to be watched.

After pondering for a long while, Yang Chen reached a decision. He would give fifteen.

Wang Feng had said that every supervisor had to hand over thirty spirit crystals to remain a supervisor. Naturally, Yang Chen could not give that much, while fifteen spirit crystals perfectly suited his identity as fourth place on the newcomer ranking.

Having made up his mind, Yang Chen stopped dwelling on it. He took out the Sword Technique Essays and began studying them.

The following afternoon, after eating, Yang Chen headed straight for the Training Ground halfway up the mountain. After stating his purpose, he successfully met Chen Jinhai.

Chen Jinhai sat firmly in his seat, his tone gentle as he said, "Little Yang, what brings you to see me?"

Yang Chen respectfully said, "This disciple has some doubts regarding tasks and wishes to ask for Manager's guidance."

"Matters concerning tasks?" Chen Jinhai smiled. "I recall that you work on the spirit fields. I am not particularly knowledgeable about matters related to that task. Go find Huang An later. He is currently responsible for affairs concerning the spirit fields."

Yang Chen said happily, "Thank you for your guidance, sir!"

"I did not say much. Why thank me?" Chen Jinhai waved a hand, then seemed to ask casually, "Little Yang, where are you from? Does anyone from your family serve in the Sun Moon Sword Sect?"

Yang Chen's heart tightened, and he silently thought that things were bad.

Chen Jinhai was beginning to probe into his background. Yet Yang Chen could not lie, because his family background had been recorded when he entered the sect. Chen Jinhai could easily look it up afterward.

Perhaps Chen Jinhai already knew the answer and was merely asking despite knowing it.

Yang Chen had not considered this beforehand. He could only brace himself and say, "This disciple comes from Feng Country, from Fulong County in Yuzhou. At present, no one from my lineage is in the Sun Moon Sword Sect."

A sharp gleam flashed through Chen Jinhai's eyes, but his expression remained unchanged. "I have heard of Yuzhou in Feng Country, but I have never heard of Fulong County. A lineage capable of raising an outstanding person such as you must be rather extraordinary, I imagine?"

"I dare not accept such praise!"

Yang Chen knew he could not avoid it, so he could only answer truthfully. "This disciple's family circumstances can only be considered decent. I have attained my current cultivation because my lineage supported me with all its strength."

An indescribable smile appeared on Chen Jinhai's face. His gaze made Yang Chen's scalp prickle.

"Not bad, not bad."

Chen Jinhai praised him with a smile. "Huang An is in the side room at the moment. Go consult him about task-related matters."

"This disciple takes his leave!"

Yang Chen rose and bid farewell, quickly walking outside. As he left, he felt as though thorns were pressing against his back.

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