Liu Yu clearly laid out both the rewards and the punishments, balancing kindness with authority and leaving no doubt about either.
As he finished speaking, he released a trace of spiritual pressure onto Lin Dayong, forcing him involuntarily to his knees.
"I shall obey your orders, Immortal Master Liu! I will spare no effort to turn in enough ore every day. Even if I must brave boiling water and raging fire, I will complete the task you have entrusted to me!"
Kneeling on the ground, Lin Dayong readily accepted his orders, looking every bit the diligent worker. He knew what mattered most: if he failed to mine enough ore each day, not only would wealth and glory be out of the question, but his life would be forfeit as well.
"That will do. You may leave."
Seeing his response, Liu Yu gave him a few more instructions, then waved him away.
He had no intention of involving himself in the mine's day-to-day management. As long as it produced the required quota of ore each month, that was enough.
As for whether Lin Dayong managed the mine through cruelty or gentler measures, he cared little.
Nearly ten years had passed since Liu Yu began cultivating at twelve. He had learned much, and changed just as much.
He had gained much, and lost much as well.
He had become better suited to this cruel cultivation world, changing beyond recognition compared to his previous life. It was all for the sake of traveling farther along the path to immortality.
Liu Yu turned his gaze back to the four men. After explaining a few details, he dismissed them to begin their work.
He kept Wu Chang behind alone. Once the others had gone some distance away, he gave Wu Chang a friendly pat on