Reallocating the Quotas

When Sect Leader Kang Da emerged from seclusion this time, his eldest son, Changyi, was already six months old. At this time, Sect Leader Kang Da was nearly fifty years old, and he had only had one son in two lifetimes combined, so he was naturally overjoyed.

The baby's face looks more like its mother's, with rather handsome features.

It was his first time seeing his father, but he wasn't shy at all. He climbed onto Kang Dabao and made a fuss, giving the Sect Leader Kang Da a fresh dose of tea before being picked up by the somewhat frightened Huo Ying.

"Has Madam come to see you?" Kang Dabao shifted his gaze from the spirit-nourishing jade pendant hanging around Changyi's neck and asked Zhou Yixiu, who had been in charge of general affairs these days, in a low voice.

Zhou Yixiu was a proper elder of Spirit Plant. If it weren't for the fact that his senior brothers were all on the path to immortality and were all in seclusion cultivating, even the oldest, Chu Huer, was busy running around and accumulating Merit Points for Foundation Establishment spirit objects, and had no time to spare.

This matter of managing general affairs was indeed not his responsibility.

However, he did possess this skill; upon hearing Kang Dabao's question, Zhou Yixiu immediately replied:

"He came to see the baby once when he was a month old and gave Madam Huo a sum of Spirit Stone. A maid named Yu'er comes frequently, once every ten days or half a month, and every time she comes, she brings some good things for Brother Yi."

A distant relative of the Fei Household also visited when our child was 100 days old, bringing a generous gift. He also brought a message from Sima Fei: "The silk scroll and gift list are here; please open them personally, Senior Brother."

Kang Dabao nodded and accepted it, but didn't look at it immediately. After pondering for a while, he asked, "Before you went into seclusion, my junior brother told me that the planting of the Glazed Treasure Tree was making some progress? What's the situation now? Are there any resources needed?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yixiu's brows finally showed a hint of joy. "Junior brother has come up with a simple method: plant twelve Fortune and Prosperity Vine on the side of the Glazed Treasure Tree to provide the Seven Treasures Qi, and then collect the Great Sun Dawnlight and the Cold Moon Refreshing Qi to turn into water and dew. Water the roots of the tree once every ten days, and you should see results within ten or eight years."

However, gathering qi and collecting light is a difficult task. If a Qi Refinement cultivator is unlucky, it may take a month to gather enough for ten days.

Therefore, the reward for the tasks assigned to my junior brother at the Merit Points Hall is also higher. Currently, with Junior Brother Sun Fu and Junior Brother Li Bing working on the task regularly, they can barely meet the demand.

Sect Leader Kang Da looked slightly surprised. Although the Great Sun Dawnlight and the Cold Moon Refreshing Qi were renowned spiritual items, they were the most fair spiritual items in the world. Whether one was a Qi Refining Qi Refinement or Mahayana Ascension Earth Immortal, they could all collect them.

The sun and moon are impartial, their blessings extending to all things; this is no exaggeration.

These two spiritual items are generally used for refining weapons and cultivating pills, but Zhou Yixiu actually came up with this method to cultivate Spirit Plant, which is quite ingenious.

Kang Dabao suddenly felt a pang of regret for Zhou Yixiu. With such talent, Master Jia was a highly valuable asset in Cloud Horn Prefecture. If Zhou Yixiu had studied under a major sect in his early years and hadn't wasted these years, his achievements would likely have been far more dazzling.

"Junior brother, you've worked hard." Sect Leader Kang Da, feeling he'd struck gold, offered a word of comfort. After a moment's thought, he asked again, "Where are Wanying and the others?"

"Junior Brother Chu is looking after her. Uncle Black Shoes came to see Senior Sister once last month. Senior Sister begged Uncle Black Shoes to let her go, but he refused, saying only that she would go to see Senior Brother Sect Leader after he comes out of seclusion, if she has time."

"Then I'll set off now. It concerns our martial uncle; you should have told me sooner, junior brother."

Kang Dabao didn't linger; he got up and left immediately, arriving at the Jade Toad cave abode shortly afterward.

Recently, every time Sect Leader Kang Da saw the Daoist Black Shoes, he felt that the latter's aura had become more and more restrained. If the Daoist Black Shoes of the past was like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, with its sharpness fully revealed, then the Daoist Black Shoes of now is like a heavy sword without a blade or edge, with great skill but without artifice.

Kang Dabao wasn't particularly perceptive, so he couldn't figure out the cause of this change; he only knew it must be a good thing.

The Daoist Black Shoes stopped Sect Leader Kang Da from offering his pleasant but empty greetings and asked directly, "What's your opinion on the matter of Wanying?"

Kang Dabao thought for a while before speaking, "The Third had already gone to Jingnan Prefecture before, and destroyed the Qi Refinement Gang that was extorting the couple, slaughtering the entire gang."

As for their harm to a member of the Jingnan Yuan Household, since it hasn't been exposed yet, my nephew wants to keep it a secret for a while longer. Even if the Yuan Household finds out and comes knocking, we can simply hand over Feng Wan and pay compensation. We can always protect our junior sister."

The Daoist Black Shoes remained expressionless and said calmly, "I'm afraid Wanying won't do it."

The Sect Leader Kang Da, said solemnly, "The Yuan Household has produced False Core cultivators; we cannot afford to offend them. My niece was first Double Brightness leader Chongming, and then Wanying. This matter is not up to her."

After nodding, the Daoist Black Shoes asked again, "It's a pity I was born twenty years too late, otherwise I'm afraid I would have used my flying sword to reason with that Pill Master family in Jingnan Yuan Household. Da Bao, do you know why that couple was targeted by the minor members of the Yuan Household family?"

Kang Dabao frowned upon hearing this. When cultivators are robbed, it's usually for money or sex. But since the Daoist Black Shoes asked this question, it must be more complicated than that.

"That Feng Wan possesses Clear Spirit Physique. The second daughter of the Yuan Household family cultivates the Buddha Mother Wisdom Consort Dao. She needs to absorb his essence to strengthen herself and serve the Dharma King," the Daoist Black Shoes said slowly.

"Buddha Mother Wisdom Consort Dao, Daoxue, the esoteric Buddhist family?" Buddhism is not prevalent in Cloud Horn Prefecture. If it weren't for the fact that Sect Leader Kang Da reads a lot of books, he probably wouldn't understand a single word of the lineage described by the Daoist Black Shoes.

However, even though Shannan Circuit is clearly the area of the Star-Picking Pavilion, Zen Buddhism is rarely seen there, let alone the Xuemi Buddhism, which is considered a niche school of thought within Buddhism.

As a prominent local clan in Jingnan Prefecture, how could the Yuan Household family have the connections to select their second eldest daughter to study this art?

Just as he was thinking this, the Daoist Black Shoes spoke up to explain, "Half a century ago, a protector abbot of Original Response Temple in the Snow Mountain Circuit went on a journey. After paying homage to the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion with a letter from the Dharma King, he traveled through the twenty-six prefectures of Shannan Circuit and selected nine female Foundation Establishment stage to pass on the Dharma and cultivate the seed."

He declared that after sixty years, he would return to the Mountain South to share joy and Golden Core Formation Pill with the most profound Buddhist among the nine. This Yuan Xiyue was one of those nine.

"Both Golden Core Formation Pill? A mere temple protector is already so accomplished? Original Response Temple truly deserves its reputation as the foremost temple on the Snow Mountain Circuit." Sect Leader Kang Da was astonished and asked, "Then this temple protector must be a disciple of Original Response Temple?"

"That's hard to say, it depends on what kind of Golden Core he forms. However, if Feng Wan's Clear Spirit Physique is genuine, then she is truly Higher Vehicle furnace. If Yuan Xiyue can cultivate the Pure and Wondrous Wisdom Consort Aspect after Yuan Xiyue's cultivation, and then have intercourse with that Khenpo, she might actually be able to further improve the quality of the golden core," the Daoist Black Shoes said calmly.

"Clear Spirit Physique," a bitter smile appeared on the face of the Sect Leader Kang Da, who thought to himself that his junior sister was quite lucky to have encountered such a rare spiritual body.

This spirit has a prestigious name, but it is of no benefit to cultivation. It is only very useful in dual cultivation, and can be called a natural furnace.

This kind of spiritual body usually only appears on female cultivators. It is truly rare that Feng Wan, a male cultivator, was also born with this body.

"According to what my master said, Feng Wan's involvement is so significant that I dare not keep her alive. As long as Yuan Xiyue can ensure my junior sister's safety, I can hand over her useless husband." Kang Dabao pondered for a long time before speaking in a hoarse voice.

The Daoist Black Shoes showed no surprise and said bluntly, "I knew it. Even if you achieve the Ice Leaf Foundation Establishment, your cowardly nature will be hard to change. The temple protector abbot won't arrive for another thirty years. What's there to be afraid of? Let's plan this out in the long run."

Now that you are a legitimate son-in-law of the Fei Household, you can't escape this cause and effect relationship in the slightest. It's not worth it to hesitate and look back. You might as well ask your Yue Household for more benefits.

Chongming Sect now has two Foundation Establishment, so it has some weight and won't be as disliked as before. Among your fellow disciples, there are few mediocre talents. If they all achieve Foundation Establishment within twenty or thirty years, then it can be considered a prosperous sect in Cloud Horn Prefecture.

"At that time, Green Lotus Courtyard will also be under your control, and the Fei Household's She Mountain Hall will provide strong support. The prestige of the Chongming Sect will not be much less than that of the Dingnan Niu Household back then, and it will be just around the corner for it to become a major sect on par with the Han City Yue Household."

"My master really thinks highly of my family." Kang Dabao gave a wry smile. The Dingnan Niu Household has a history of at least a thousand years; how could he possibly catch up to them in just a few decades?

The Daoist Black Shoes said no more; let's just settle this matter according to his wishes for now.

The bond between the Daoist Black Shoes and the old sect leader was genuine. Since he wanted to protect He Wanying and her useless husband, then so be it.

Judging from his tone, as long as the False Core Yuan Household doesn't appear, no one in the Jingnan Yuan Household can rival the Daoist Black Shoes; even if that False Core does enter the fray, if the sky falls, my uncle will step in to hold it up, so what can we, as juniors, say?

Thinking of this, Sect Leader Kang Da heard the Daoist Black Shoes say, "After you go back, find some time to visit the Book and Sword Gate and ask Ye Zhen to convene an alliance meeting. You will attend on my behalf. Tell him that the recent income from the Spirit Stone mines in Tanggu County is somewhat inconsistent and needs to be discussed."

Kang Dabao was taken aback upon hearing this, "They wouldn't dare steal my martial uncle's Spirit Stone, would they?"

The Daoist Black Shoes sighed softly, "Most of those Foundation Establishment in the New Cloud Alliance are mediocre; of course they wouldn't dare. But this quota was set long ago and needs to be revised. Otherwise, what difference would it make whether you and Brother Qing, these two Ice Leaf Foundation Establishment, succeed in Foundation Establishment or not?"

Kang Dabao thought to himself that the Spirit Stone mine in Tanggu County had finally been built with great difficulty, and the profits of the past few years had been used by various families to pay off their advances. Just when it seemed that they would finally see a return on their investment in the next year or two, the Daoist Black Shoes's suggestion to change the quotas for each family would likely provoke a huge reaction.

It's normal that the New Cloud Alliance, which already lacked cohesion, would fall apart so quickly.

Tie Liuyun considered the establishment of the New Cloud Alliance as one of his political achievements. If he really ruined this matter, it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't be resented by the Deputy Commander of the Demon Correction Office Cloud Horn Prefecture.

The Daoist Black Shoes could see the worry in Kang Dabao's eyes and explained, "Don't think too much. Tie Liuyun's previous promises are not valid. He made them to deceive everyone and make them turn away from the Two Instruments Sect in order to pave the way for his position in the Cloud Horn Prefecture Court."

Kuang Liuting never granted a fifty-year mining right; he only granted twenty. Furthermore, the Spirit Stone production from that Spirit Stone was less than sixty percent of what Tie Liuyun had previously stated.

"This..." Sect Leader Kang Da was taken aback at first, but then found it quite normal.

After all, officials in this dynasty have always been fond of deceiving their superiors and concealing the truth, painting a rosy picture of peace and prosperity. What wouldn't they do to climb the ranks and secure their future?

Upon reflection, compared to a certain county magistrate who had long neglected his duties, Commander Tie's boastful behavior was nothing out of the ordinary in the officialdom of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty.

However, the five forces of the New Cloud Alliance were essentially dragged onto a pirate ship. They emptied their coffers, spent tens of thousands of Spirit Stones, spent three or four years setting up the formation, and it took another three or four years to recoup their investment.

It took nearly eight years to break even. In the remaining twelve years, there was some profit, but the amount was far less than expected, and it might not be worth the risks they had taken.

It should be noted that the various factions of the New Cloud Alliance had already offended the Two Instruments Sect and submitted to the Immortal Dynasty when the situation was still unclear.

In this way, Tie Liuyun's price isn't considered high, and there's no need for everyone to be grateful to him.

As for going to Kuang Liuting to complain about Tie Liuyun, that man is now a true pillar of the Earl's household; is it really worth it?

At least for now, the state court in Cloud Horn Prefecture can enforce its orders without fail. The various factions of the New Cloud Alliance did not bet on the wrong horse; they just earned less but did not lose much capital.

If Commander Tie still has some sense of shame and feels he owes the various families something, and decides to accept a favor, then the families might actually feel they've gained something.

"So, what do you think of this quota, Uncle-Master?" Sect Leader Kang Da pondered the shares previously set by each family: the Book and Sword Gate took 25%, Zi Maple Valley and Jade Moon Shan Household each took 20%, Chongming Sect and Daoist Black Shoes each took 15%, and Hemu Dao took 0.5%.

The quotas for the latter three families were initially held by Daoist Black Shoes alone. This included the Spirit Stone used to raise funds for the construction of the mine array. These funds were also raised by Daoist Black Shoes after he killed four Foundation Establishment from Auspicious Brocade Gate.

It wasn't until later, when the Daoist Black Shoes completely severed ties with the Hemu Dao, that he returned his half-percent share of Spirit Stone to the Hemu Dao.

"One person needs to take 20%, Hemu Dao's half-share also needs to be kept. Chongming Sect, you can negotiate yourself. I won't interfere with the rest." The Daoist Black Shoes spoke casually, as if he didn't think it was a problem at all.

"Yes," Sect Leader Kang Da replied without hesitation.

This share isn't unreasonable, and the increase isn't too large; it should be negotiable.

It would be best to bring the Third along this time, so that his voice can be heard more clearly.

However, before that, we need to go to the Fei Household first, according to Sima Fei's letter.

The Chongming Small Pavilion was quite lively that day. As usual, several patrolmen from the Bad Guy Commander's Mansion gathered there after their shifts, drinking the rare Golden Deer Wine.

This wine is brewed from the Essence Blood of a young Grass Deer, First Tier spirit beast. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, nourishing body fluids, and strengthening the body.

Since Duan Anle handed over the management of the caravan to Ming Zhe and Pei Que, he was finally able to free himself up and sort out many things about the Beast Garden.

The long-standing practice of breeding spirit beasts by the Chongming Sect has finally gotten on track, with the first success being the breeding of Grass Deer.

Grass Deer and similar spirit beasts reproduce extremely quickly, giving birth to seven litters every ten years, with seven to ten cubs per litter, and are not particularly valuable. However, they have the advantage of having beautiful lovers, so they are quite popular among low-level female cultivators and don't have much trouble finding buyers.

However, in every litter of Grass Deer, there are always one or two with withered yellow fur, a color that is not pleasing to the eye, and even at a discount, few people buy them.

Duan Anle then discussed with Jin Shilun the possibility of extracting his Essence Blood to brew wine.

Unexpectedly, the Golden Deer Wine sold very well. If these patrolmen hadn't had some connection with Jin Shilun, the head chef of the Chongming Small Pavilion, they probably wouldn't have been able to taste this highly sought-after spirit wine.

Among the patrolmen were Master Fu and Master Guo, who had gone to the Illusory Sword Alliance's shop to collect their usual Master Fu last time.

They were Bandit Cultivator who came with the Shao siblings after they were recruited by the government. They could be considered Sect Leader Kang Da's direct subordinates when he was the market magistrate of Double Brightness Trade Market. They had some skills, but not many.

From being two lackeys in Ma Household Stronghold to two patrolmen in the first market of Pingrong County, their cultivation resources have increased dramatically.

From a Bandit Cultivator who was hated by everyone, to a respectable and upright official in the temple, his identity has undergone a complete transformation.

So what did those so-called leaders from before matter? Now, in their eyes, there is only the sun—Magistrate Kang.

If these people knew that the Shao Brother and Sister had set a honey trap for Sect Leader Kang Da in the past, they would be in deep trouble. They would probably tie Shao Meng up and send her to Master Kang's bed the very next day.

As everyone was talking, Jin Shilun personally carried a food box into the private room. The patrolmen, who were quite drunk, immediately stopped their commotion. Master Fu and his men stood up, cupped their hands, and bowed.

"How could we trouble Fellow Daoist Jin to do such chores personally! If you are short-handed, just let us brothers know. Although we are unskilled, we can still do a good job of serving dishes and pouring tea."

"Haha, I heard something interesting, so I came to ask you fellow cultivators about it." Jin Shilun, as a direct disciple of the Foundation Establishment, was very approachable. He pulled Master Fu down to sit and asked in a low voice.

"Ah? Is it about what happened at the Mandarin Duck Hall today?" Before Master Guo could even ask, Jin Shilun's eyes lit up. He personally poured Master Guo a cup of wine, patted him on the shoulder, and asked slowly:

"Brother Guo, you really do know! Please tell me. I've tried several channels, but haven't been able to find out anything. Please tell me, brother."

Don't let Master Guo's haughty demeanor fool you; he doesn't even put the wealthy steward of Foundation Establishment sect like the Illusory Sword Alliance in his eyes.

Hearing Jin Shilun address him as "Brother Guo," she narrowed her eyes in delight, her face turning a deep jujube color. Her right hand, holding the wine glass, trembled slightly, and she hesitated to swallow for a long time.

"Brother Fu and I arrived afterward. By the time we got there, that Lady Chong had already been kidnapped." Master Guo took a small sip of his wine. "We only heard from the other guests that the one who did it was a middle-aged cultivator with incredibly high cultivation; he was probably a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator."

"Commander Deng asked Attendant Lan to chase after them for a while, and they did catch up, but they almost didn't make it back." Master Fu was kicked by Master Guo halfway through his sentence. How dare he talk so carelessly about matters involving Foundation Establishment? This guy must be drunk.

"I've heard that the Lady Chong was sold to the Mandarin Duck Hall by the Shen Household of Zi Maple Valley," another patrolman interjected at this moment, but was stopped by Master Guo.

However, upon hearing this, Jin Shilun realized who the Foundation Establishment who had appeared was, thanked him, and left.

Jin Shilun returned to his room and sent two letters, one to the clan and the other to the City Commandant's Temple.

City Commandant Deng Baichuan had just returned to the official residence after visiting Attendant Lan at the Alchemist's place. The latter was from the wife's family of the Acting Sima Gun and could be considered a direct descendant of the State Court Sima Office.

Unexpectedly, this pursuit of the Foundation Establishment who caused trouble resulted in severe injuries, almost severing their Dao Path. Now, the vast Double Brightness Trade Market is left without Foundation Establishment to guard it.

Immediately after the incident, Deng Baichuan reported to the Sima Office and requested that a highly skilled Foundation Establishment be sent to garrison the area. Although it was true that this Attendant Lan was loyal and reliable, his abilities were far inferior to those of the Fire Dragon Daoist from back then.

Deng Baichuan also needed to prepare for his own Foundation Establishment, so he had no time to spend too much energy on this market. After seeing Jin Shilun's letter, Deng Baichuan became even more anxious and sent another letter to the Sima Office.

The reply regarding the new offerings arrived quickly, but it didn't come from the Sima Office. Deng Baichuan sensed something was amiss, and upon reading the letter, his brows furrowed even more.

"It was him! Something's not right! I need to go find Kang Dabao and have a serious talk with him."

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