"The rules are set. Now it's time to get to work."
Zhou Xuan turned to Ji Chen.
"How far does the Heavenly Strategy Pavilion's intelligence network reach now?"
Ji Chen stepped forward, his expression solemn.
"Token Master, we have hidden spies throughout the core areas of the Seventy-Two Immortal Veins and in over eighty percent of Central Province's gathering places for independent cultivators."
"Good." Zhou Xuan tapped the table.
"Spread the new rules."
"Tell everyone that, starting today, the Immortal-Burying Abyss will offer unlimited exchanges for top-grade crystal stones."
"As long as they bring back qualifying turbid qi scrap from the forbidden zones, there will be all the crystal stones they need."
"And make sure you put that bottom line in bold red letters."
Zhou Xuan gave a cold laugh.
"Tell those Immortal Vein masters that we're partners now. I supply the resources, and they do the work."
"But if anyone dares break the rules and use living people to fill their quotas, they'd better not blame me when I turn on them and show no mercy."
Ji Chen cupped his fists and nodded firmly.
"Understood. I'll see to it at once."
"Go." Zhou Xuan waved a hand.
Ji Chen turned and strode out of the stone chamber.
The heavy stone gate opened and descended once more.
Zhou Xuan leaned back in his chair and looked at the remaining men.
"Emperor Jiang Wu, keep watching the outer defensive line. With the teleportation arrays fully open, more and more people will be coming to deliver scrap. Don't let anything go wrong."
"Cangwu, take the Sword Sect's people and stand guard beside the Purifier. If anyone dares cause trouble in the plaza, cut them down."
"Dark Nether, keep handling the accounts. Keep your eyes sharp. Don't let anyone fool you with fake