Mount Tai, Yaoguang Realm.
When Su Miao stepped out of the Teleportation Array, it was raining on Mount Tai.
Fine rain drifted down from the gray sky, splashing into tiny droplets as it fell upon the Bluestone Slab road.
The spirit plants on either side of Lingxing Gate gleamed after being washed by the rain. Droplets rolled across their leaves like transparent pearls.
Several disciples on duty saw her approaching from the Teleportation Array. They froze for a moment, then immediately straightened up and eagerly saluted her.
Su Miao nodded at them, exchanged a few greetings, then headed straight into the Yaoguang Realm and toward Myriad Manifestations Hall.
Fortunately, Farm Teachings had already gotten on track over the past few years, and the hall masters and elders had gained experience handling affairs. The sect matters left for her were no longer as overwhelming as when she had first taken over.
Su Miao flipped through the stack of Jade Slips on the table. There were only a dozen or so, easily manageable at her pace.
"Sect Master, you're finally back."
Iron Abacus entered from outside the hall, carrying a thick ledger in his arms.
"The number of applicants has already exceeded ten billion! Taking advantage of this momentum, the deposits from selling materials and merchandise within the sect alone have brought in—"
He reported a figure.
Su Miao blinked in surprise. The number was nearly thirty percent higher than their previous estimate.
"...How long will that cover the sect's expenses?"
Iron Abacus was trembling with excitement as he tapped the ledger with his finger.
"At the current rate of spending, it'll last ninety thousand years!"
"...Then why are you still so stingy?"
Iron Abacus straightened his chest with perfect confidence.
"If we spend less, it can last another ten thousand years!"