A Temporary Truce

The disciples present were stunned for a moment before quickly becoming enraged.

"The monthly resources were already scarce, and now they're being cut? What are we supposed to use to cultivate?"

"Exactly! Why are they cutting resources!"

"We spend so many hours on tasks every day, and our resources are decreasing instead of increasing. Where is the logic in that?"

"Five years is already a very short time. This is cutting off our hope of entering the Outer Sect!"

"You're right! They can't cut resources!"

"Right! They can't cut resources!"

Listening to the indignant voices below, Chen Jinhai's expression grew heavy.

Yang Chen stared at Chen Jinhai in shock. Was this guy that bold?

Area 8 had over three thousand disciples, with an even split between the Qi Martial Realm and Blood Martial Realm. Based on what he just said, Chen Jinhai could extract over 4,000 Spirit Crystals from this group of disciples every month.

This was an astronomical figure.

The sect would absolutely not do something so foolish. Even if resources were tight, they would implement changes gradually. The safest approach would be to start with newly recruited disciples, not this blunt and direct method.

If even he could understand this logic, the higher-ups in the sect couldn't possibly not.

Therefore, this had to be Chen Jinhai's own idea. The method was crude and showed too much eagerness.

"He's simply insatiably greedy!"

Huang Tianyu sneered softly. Wei Xiao nodded in agreement, also realizing this wasn't the sect's doing.

"He paid a heavy price to compete for the position of Steward of Area 8. It's understandable that he'd want to recoup his losses after taking office, but his methods are too unsightly."

Xu Qingqing revealed some information, which didn't surprise Huang Tianyu and Wei Xiao, as they had apparently learned it beforehand.

"Just wait and see. Someone who can secure the position of Steward of Area 8 can't be an idiot. This person must have a backup plan."

About five minutes passed. Seeing the increasingly agitated disciples, Chen Jinhai pressed his hands down, and an irresistible aura swept out. Everyone felt as if they were being targeted by some terrifying entity, and the entire plaza fell into a silence so profound it was as if no sound could be heard.

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

Chen Jinhai's face was grave, his voice filled with sympathy and understanding. "It's not just you; I'm also feeling very heavy-hearted. This news came too suddenly. Supervisor Huang just informed me that this is Steward Han's order. I don't know the reason."

"Today is my first day in office, and it should have been a joyous occasion. Instead, this unpleasant incident has occurred. I apologize."

His tone was sincere, demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of a steward. He continued, "I promise you that I will get to the bottom of this matter and provide a reasonable explanation. If the news is true, I will personally cover the resource cuts for all disciples next month and do my best to fight for the restoration of our original treatment."

Hearing his words, the anger among the Labor Disciples present subsided considerably.

"What a skillful move!"

Yang Chen exclaimed inwardly. None of these Outer Sect disciples were simple folk.

First, he released the bad news to incite everyone's anger, then used a delaying tactic to stabilize their emotions.

When it officially started next month, the resistance would be much smaller because Chen Jinhai had already prepared everyone.

The most brilliant part was that Chen Jinhai had completely absolved himself. As the instigator and beneficiary, he wasn't resented; instead, he had left everyone with the impression of being a dedicated and responsible official.

"It seems I need to go deliver a gift."

Yang Chen had been considering whether to pull some strings to secure the spirit field inspection task. Now, he didn't need to think about it. Chen Jinhai wasn't someone easy to deal with. If he didn't pull some strings and offer some benefits, he might be targeted.

This was the burden of fame.

If he were an unknown nobody, Chen Jinhai wouldn't have paid him any mind. But he was fourth on the newcomer cultivation rankings, clearly having some resources. If Chen Jinhai didn't try to extort some resources from him, it would be a disservice to the act he put on today.

In short, Yang Chen was willing to pay a price to get a good assignment, at least to avoid being sent to the mining area.

That was Zhou Han's territory. Who knew how dangerous it would be there.

Compared to his own life, he was willing to pay a price to ensure his safety, especially with his ample Spirit Crystals.

After appeasing most of the disciples, Chen Jinhai left with a heavy expression.

His departure marked the end of the meeting. Many people began to discuss the matter, while Yang Chen returned directly to his residence, not participating in the discussion.

It was meaningless. The facts couldn't be changed unless an Inner Sect Uncle-Master intervened.

This was clearly impossible. Inner Sect Disciples were extremely busy and wouldn't stoop to care about the lives of Labor Disciples.

Moreover, Chen Jinhai's actions were unlikely to have been done without the tacit approval of someone more powerful.

For example, Steward Han, who resided at the peak of Nineteen Peaks. He was the king of Nineteen Peaks and also a powerful Transcendent Realm martial artist.

Yang Chen sat on his bed, contemplating how much was appropriate to send.

Giving gifts also had its nuances. Too little would definitely not work and might even backfire.

Too much wouldn't work either, as it could reveal too much information and even make him a target.

After much thought, Yang Chen made his decision: he would send 15.

Wang Feng had mentioned that each supervisor had to pay 30 Spirit Crystals to continue in their position. Chen Jinhai obviously wouldn't give that much. 15 Spirit Crystals perfectly matched his status as fourth on the newcomer rankings.

After making up his mind, Yang Chen stopped thinking and took out his Sword Technique Essays to begin his comprehension.

The next afternoon, after eating, Yang Chen headed straight to the training grounds on the mountainside. After stating his purpose, he successfully met Chen Jinhai.

Chen Jinhai sat imposingly and said in a gentle tone, "Ah, little Yang. What brings you to me?"

Yang Chen respectfully replied, "This disciple has some doubts about a mission and wishes to seek guidance from the Steward."

"Mission matters?" Chen Jinhai chuckled. "I recall you're doing a mission in the spirit fields. I'm not very familiar with mission matters. You can go directly to Huang An. He's currently in charge of the spirit field affairs."

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

"I didn't do much, why thank me?" Chen Jinhai waved his hand and said casually, "Little Yang, where are you from? Do you have anyone in the Sun Moon Sword Sect in your family?"

Yang Chen's heart skipped a beat. He knew something was wrong.

This was him starting to probe his background. Yet, he couldn't lie, because his family background was recorded when he joined the sect. Chen Jinhai could easily check it later.

He might even know the answer now and was just asking to confirm.

Yang Chen hadn't considered this beforehand and could only brace himself. "This disciple is from Feng Country, from Fulong County in Yuzhou. No one in my clan is currently in the Sun Moon Sword Sect."

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Jinhai's eyes. He said calmly, "I have heard of Feng Country's Yuzhou, but I haven't heard of Fulong County. I suppose a family that can nurture such an outstanding individual must be quite extraordinary?"

"I dare not accept the praise!"

Yang Chen knew he couldn't avoid it any longer and could only answer truthfully, "My family's circumstances can only be described as passable. My current cultivation is due to the full support of my clan."

A strange smile appeared on Chen Jinhai's face, and his gaze made Yang Chen feel a chill.

"Good, good."

Chen Jinhai praised him and said with a smile, "Huang An is in the side room right now. Go find him to consult about your mission."

"This disciple takes his leave!"

Yang Chen got up to bid farewell and quickly walked out, feeling as if his back was being watched.

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