Debt Weighing Him Down

Jinao Island.

Iron Abacus stood atop a boulder with his hands on his hips, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings. His eyes gleamed with excitement, like a wild wolf that had gone hungry for three days and suddenly spotted a flock of fat sheep.

"From this moment on, this island belongs to our Farm Teachings!"

He announced it in a booming voice that carried across the entire island.

"The stones on the ground, the mines underground, and the fish in the water!

They all belong to our Farm Teachings!"

The several thousand Disciples behind him collectively took three steps back, putting some distance between themselves and Iron Abacus. Their faces were full of disdain.

Iron Abacus did not notice at all. He jumped down from the boulder and strode forward.

"Over there! There must be treasure over there!"

He pointed toward a dense forest on the island's eastern side and called back to the Disciples.

"Move!"

The Disciples exchanged looks. The one in front finally forced himself to speak.

"Hall Master, the Sect Master sent us here to plan the grounds—"

"Planning the grounds doesn't conflict with looking for treasure!"

Iron Abacus waved a hand, cutting him off.

"Think about it. Once the grounds are planned and the competition is held, the Sect Master's reputation will rise. Then we'll gain more Merit, and more Merit means more Contribution Points. With more Contribution Points, we can exchange them for even more treasure!"

The Disciples were dizzy from his logic, but after thinking it over carefully, they found that it did not seem wrong.

Iron Abacus had already plunged into the forest. A series of crackles and snaps came from within, mixed with his delighted shouts.

"Hey! This rock is Profound Iron Ore! Damn, it's as big as a fist!"

"This tree!