Five Policies for Ordering the People

After Lu Yunniang and Military Officer Fu found the place, they found that a lot of people had already gathered there, most of them were the heads of various families who had been ordered to take command.

This time, Sect Leader Kang Da didn't choose a specific place for the murder; he just did it at the entrance of the county temple.

The simple array plate made by Wei Gu proved useful, isolating the inside from the outside and bringing all the leaders of each family into the array. A Qi Refinement cultivators knelt on the ground with their heads bowed, some sobbing, some with furious rage, and some begging for mercy.

Kang Dabao simply watched coldly, without saying a word or showing the slightest sign of sympathy.

There are always some people in this world who won't listen to advice. Sect Leader Kang Da has said everything he could, and there's no other way, so he has no choice but to pick up a knife and teach them a lesson.

Kneeling before the county temple, these sinful monks felt that Kang Dabao's gaze was sharper than an executioner's blade; a single sweep sent chills down their spines. In an instant, they all stopped what they were doing and began to shiver.

There were still a hundred people in the room, but it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The pale-faced county magistrate, still in office, spoke up, relying on his status as a fellow townsman of Fei Household and Foundation Establishment True Cultivator: "Your Excellency, these men are merely acting on a temporary assignment. Considering their past merits, I urge Your Excellency to reconsider and refrain from drastic measures."

"Oh?" Kang Dabao let out a soft exclamation and turned to look at the pale-faced county magistrate. The latter could see a faint golden glint in the magistrate's eyes, and a sense of unease arose in his heart.

But then they heard Sect Leader Kang Da cough lightly and say in a cold voice:

"Since the county magistrate wants to save these three families of traitors, it's easy to do. Please ask a high-ranking official to come and piece together the heads of the three military officers I sent out, so they can breathe a little more and make their final arrangements."

These words left the pale-faced county magistrate speechless, his face turning red. Those three severed heads were more fragmented than the map of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty; how could they possibly be pieced back together?

The pale-faced county magistrate understood that Kang Dabao was mocking him, and although he was displeased, he did not retaliate. He only glared fiercely at the leading criminals kneeling on the spot.

"You son of a bitch, I've been killing people for so many years and I still don't understand why. I can't even clean up the mess properly, and all these loose ends are being seized upon by this scoundrel."

But if these criminals are not rescued, when they return to the state government in the future, they will likely be condemned by their fellow villagers.

"This fellow is utterly clueless!" The pale-faced county magistrate secretly glanced at Kang Dabao again, cursing inwardly while forcing a smile on his face. He pulled the latter aside and whispered to him:

"Your Excellency, could you please tell me that some of these families have traveled all the way from the Capital Circuit to seek refuge with you, Lord Earl, and have settled on the border? Even if they have committed one or two minor offenses, it is not appropriate to be too harsh. Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain not only to the two prefectures, but also to what extent the Lord Earl might personally intervene."

"Besides these outsiders, which household in Pingrong County would dare to outwardly comply with Lord Nai's wishes while inwardly defying him?!"

Kang Dabao sneered, thinking to himself, "Using the pretext of bandit suppression to slaughter ordinary people and exploit fellow comrades, you call that 'minor mistakes'?"

However, these words were too harsh, so Sect Leader Kang Da didn't say them aloud. He simply looked the pale-faced county magistrate up and down, from head to toe, then glanced at him sideways with a hint of contempt in his eyes, waved his hand lightly, and said in a calm voice:

"Then please, County Magistrate, hurry back to the prefectural court to file a complaint. If you can fly there within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, you might actually be able to save the lives of your fellow villagers. Go quickly, don't delay."

"This brat is not worth discussing things with! He's so stubborn and won't listen to reason!" The pale-faced county magistrate was so angry at these mocking and contemptuous words that his face turned red. He flicked his sleeve, almost cursing out loud.

The words were practically touching his teeth, but after thinking it over, a sense of apprehension arose in his heart, and in the end, he closed his mouth and said nothing more.

Even those who had reached the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator dared not speak further, let alone the two minor cultivators, the Registrar and the County Commandant.

The pale-faced county magistrate was actually right. These unruly people in the arena had something to rely on: they had intricate connections with many high-ranking officials in the prefectural government.

The Sect Leader Kang Da is currently pacifying the land and suppressing evil cultivators, not to make room for these people from the capital.

If Kang Dabao were to hesitate and turn a blind eye to even these small Lineage that haven't even reached the Foundation Establishment, then all his hard work would be in vain, merely a change in name only.

It's just a change of the people who cruelly oppress and abuse the populace. Who knows when Ping and Jin counties will truly be cleaned up?

Kang Dabao had long ago figured these things out. The pale-faced county magistrate's words couldn't make him back down in the slightest. The Golden Light in his eyes slowly faded, his tone became indifferent, and his words struck like a hammer blow:

"Cut it down!"

The market patrolmen, who were temporarily appointed as executioners, did not hesitate at all after receiving the order.

The blades flashed like snow, and the cultivators held by the spirit shackles were just like the common people under their command, powerless to resist. Twenty or so heads rolled to the ground in a row.

Fragments of flesh and bone flew everywhere, and streaks of blood crisscrossed, forming a dark red rivulet on the ground. The color was not bright, but it stung the eyes of many of the cultivators present.

Most of these Lineage have come from the capital region in the last two or three years. They used to know to keep a low profile back in their hometowns, but after coming to this poor and remote place, Cloud Horn Prefecture, they have started to think about becoming the overlords of the south.

They ignored Kang Dabao's Three Words of advice beforehand, thinking that even if they went too far, they could still get away with it thanks to the white-faced county magistrate, whom they had already bribed enough.

Unexpectedly, the pale-faced county magistrate had no respect whatsoever from Magistrate Kang. The latter, without a second thought or even a report, simply beheaded him.

The cultivators present were instantly chilled, and many of them immediately felt extremely fortunate.

There were far more than just these few families who intended to kill the military magistrate, and even more who actually succeeded. But after seeing these heads today, perhaps everyone will know to be more restrained in the future.

The already cracked official boots stomped heavily on the stream of blood, splashing blood onto the ground with a barely audible sound, yet it resonated deeply with all the cultivators present.

"The corpses were buried in the county government's fertile fields, and their heads were hung on the city gate. Their three Lineage were all sold off by special agents; they only wanted Spirit Stone, regardless of their intended use."

Objectively speaking, this method is far too ruthless.

As soon as he finished speaking, Kang Dabao could see that many people in the room were already feeling a sense of shared sorrow, but his next words greatly changed the opinions of the cultivators present.

"Confiscate the property of the three families as soon as possible, and keep all the sacred lands within them, allocating them to meritorious officials; the grain supplies should also be confiscated from the county, converted into Spirit Stone, and distributed to each family according to regulations."

"As long as there are Spirit Stone to be gained, why should we care whether other people live or die?" The heads of the various families present immediately thought.

The pale-faced county magistrate watched coldly from the side, without uttering a word.

He could see clearly that Kang Dabao's ability to quickly take control of the situation wasn't due to any particularly clever methods. His actions were simply a case of playing one faction against another—a tactic that had been used to death long ago.

Even if the prescription is ordinary, it's good as long as it treats the symptoms.

These families in Pingrong County are shameless, only interested in immediate petty gains, and lack any sense of the bigger picture. It's not surprising that they were manipulated by Kang Dabao using such simplistic methods.

The pale-faced county magistrate's eyes revealed a hint of resentment, Kang Dabao noticed clearly, but he didn't bother to pay attention to it.

He was now Yixin on completing the task entrusted to him. Although the pale-faced county magistrate was also a fellow townsman of Sima Fei, his family was of low social standing and could hardly be considered even a poor family in the capital region.

Kang Dabao felt that he was much more valuable than this man in Sima Fei's eyes, so he had nothing to fear. If he dared to cause any more trouble, as long as he could get solid evidence, he would kill him on the spot.

Even if his horse is utterly worthless, in the eyes of the high-ranking officials in the state court, it is still far superior to such a worthless piece of trash.

Don't underestimate the fact that Sect Leader Kang Da has only been at the Foundation Establishment for a few years; he has True Cultivator quite a few Foundation Establishment. In his eyes, this pale-faced county magistrate is no more capable than those who have perished.

"Your Honor, the rebellious villain has been executed; it is time to reward him and provide him with compensation." The newly appointed county lieutenant, who had taken over Kang Dabao's position, timidly stepped forward to smooth things over. After Kang Dabao agreed, the lieutenant took out a scroll and began to chant loudly.

"Ingenious Craftsman Fort"

Perhaps because Kang Dabao was watching him intently, the county magistrate became somewhat nervous and read faster and faster.

The cultivators in the arena gradually relaxed.

Those who can manage a household are rarely foolish, and they could naturally tell from these reward reports that the rewards promised by Sect Leader Kang Da earlier were not inaccurate, which made them happy.

The phrase "keeping one's word" sounds simple and unremarkable, yet few in positions of power can actually achieve it.

After the county magistrate finished his performance and distributed the provisions and rewards he had promised, Sect Leader Kang Da seized his position and drove him off the platform.

He then bowed respectfully. "In this campaign, we eradicated 107 bandit strongholds and captured or killed over 500 people. The fact that we were able to pacify the county and villages in just over a month is entirely due to the concerted efforts of all of you. Your contributions are truly remarkable, and your hard work is immense!"

Many people in the room found these flattering words rather grating, and cursed inwardly, "Now you realize how hard the boss has worked, how come you were able to finish so quickly? It's all because you, surnamed Kang, pressured him too much!"

Despite their dissatisfaction, they still needed to maintain appearances to avoid being held against them by some petty person.

Chongming Sect, the various families in Pingrong County had dealt with Kang Dabao quite a bit, and few did not know that he had a dog-like face and could turn on them in an instant. Therefore, upon seeing Kang Dabao's actions, all the cultivators present could not help but feel a chill in their faces, their hearts filled with unease, but they tried to remain calm.

Few dared to accept the greeting from Foundation Establishment True Cultivator without a word. After a moment of panic, a docile leader emerged from the crowd, and the other cultivators returned the greeting. "It is all thanks to the magistrate's strategic planning."

Having put on a good show, Sect Leader Kang Da was no longer bothered with the pretense of politeness with the others. With a flick of his Storage Bag, the map from before expanded again, spreading out in mid-air.

Unlike a month or so ago, most of the dense markings of malicious repairs that were originally on the map have been erased.

After all, some bandits received news too quickly and were able to flee to other places in time. For the time being, Sect Leader Kang Da did not have the energy to deal with them. He just marked them on the map, thinking that he would check on them from time to time in the future.

"Thanks to your hard work, most of the evil sects in the county have been eliminated. However, for long-term peace and stability, everyone must mind their own business."

With a flick of his Sect Leader Kang Da, the thick lines on the map marking the various territories widened further, shimmering with fluorescent light.

"This is a rough map drawn up based on the existing spheres of influence of each faction. Although there was a tacit understanding among the factions in the past, there were inevitably times when things were unclear. Today, with the leaders of each faction present, this will be the final version from now on."

These words immediately caused an uproar in the room.

Kang Dabao remained silent. He knew perfectly well why the families were arguing, but he ignored it and softly murmured, "Silence."

The enormous clamor in the arena was quickly silenced by those two words. The leaders of each faction were clearly resentful, but Sect Leader Kang Da simply said calmly, "Even if there are errors or omissions, this shall be the standard."

These words only aroused more discussion in the room.

Kang Dabao knew why, but there was nothing he could do.

If these land disputes among the various families were to be resolved, it would probably take another sixty years to complete. Sect Leader Kang Da doesn't have that much energy right now, so it would be better for him to make a decision unilaterally and save a lot of trouble.

"If I can't even quell this little bit of public opinion, then what's the point of building my Jade Leaf Dao Foundation?!"

This grumbling didn't last long before being silenced by Kang Dabao's bright golden eyes.

There was nothing they could do. The two Foundation Establishment forces, Hemu Dao and Ingenious Craftsman Fort, had clearly been fed up. Mo Wen and Li Mingyuan stood still from the very beginning of the discussion, not even bothering to utter a single syllable.

The fact that these Qi Refinement cultivators could speak loudly in this place and at this time was only because they believed that the law would not punish the masses.

Sect Leader Kang Da is truly ruthless; the blood from those twenty or thirty headless corpses that just lost their heads hasn't even dried yet. Who wouldn't be afraid?!

After a moment of silence, Mo Wen stepped forward first and replied, "Your Excellency commands from Ingenious Craftsman Fort."

"It's good that someone takes the lead," the heads of each household replied one after another.

"Order of Hemu Dao."

"The Caishi Lu Household hereby commands."

With Lu Yunniang was last in line, responding crisply, the map of Pingrong County, drawn by Kang Dabao based solely on his personal impressions, was considered finalized.

This was clearly just an appetizer. Kang Dabao leaped into the air, pointed at the enormous map, and said:

"There are still matters that require your attention. First, all past transgressions will be overlooked. From this day forward, each household must diligently protect the territory and ensure the safety of the people. If any further acts of evildoers harming the people or bandits oppressing the populace occur, I will pursue and hold them accountable; if any household colludes with evildoers or bandits and conceals such acts, then I will confiscate their property and exterminate their entire clan!"

"Wow!" For a moment, countless people were filled with apprehension.

Like the Shi Household of yesteryear, they could all be considered historians, but in order to avoid attracting too much attention, they all kept Ghost Horse Owls around to amass wealth.

The same was true of those households that appeared clean on the surface but were actually filthy and corrupt. Many of the evil cultivators and bandits wiped out in this battle were actually just vicious dogs they kept outside.

I thought it wouldn't be long before he reverted to his old ways and went back to his old ways, but who knew that guy surnamed Kang would pull this stunt.

And that's just one example! A large portion of the people in the room were already full of complaints and anxiety.

"Secondly, the people within the jurisdiction must not be left to their own devices; they must be carefully looked after and encouraged to reproduce according to certain rules. The county clerk must supervise the household registration officials to conduct annual performance evaluations, and the heads of the three households with the lowest population growth must serve a year of service at the county office."

"Why bother with such trivial matters?!" This is the attitude of someone who dislikes trouble.

"That's fine too. Who knows, there might be even more fairy seedlings in the future." This is a family with good ideas.

Discussions arose again in the room, but Kang Dabao ignored them and announced loudly, "Thirdly, every year on the fifteenth of the ninth month, each family must send newly promoted immortal descendants (excluding those of their own surname and lineage) to Little Ring Mountain for selection by the Chongming Sect."

"Fine, all the good seedlings will be picked over." Many families who had just started to have ideas quickly lost interest and couldn't help but give up in despair. "Still bothering with mortals? Still going to pick out immortal seedlings for your family? What a load of rubbish!"

"If any of the seedlings brought by each family are selected, Chongming Sect will pay them Spirit Stone as compensation."

"Lord Kang is truly worthy of being called my parents; he is indeed kind and benevolent!" The broken jar was repaired in an instant.

Fourthly, all spiritual fields, mineral veins, and other resources must first be reported to the county temple for inspection and assessment to determine taxation. Those who illegally mine or exploit resources will be punished and held accountable.

"Damn it!" someone in a hurry almost cursed out loud, but then they heard Sect Leader Kang Da add, "From now on, all usual customs and practices will be abolished. The county and temple will only determine taxes based on family wealth. From this day forward, miscellaneous taxes and levies will be permanently abolished."

If this can really be done, it would be a really good thing.

"Fifth, no one shall henceforth engage in any acts of attack or conquest, lest a tragic accident occur where innocent bystanders are caught in the crossfire." The Sect Leader Kang Da paused mid-sentence, glancing at several ambitious individuals he had previously monitored.

Seeing that they were now all meek and submissive among the crowd, without the slightest arrogance, he continued, "If there is any dispute, it must first be reported to the county court. The county magistrate will then send an official to act as mediator before a battle can be fought to determine the victor. Anyone who dares to fight privately will have their entire clan exterminated."

This was a matter of mixed fortunes, with the cultivators present reaching a consensus, their opinions divided. As a result, it was difficult for dissenting voices to arise. With Sect Leader Kang Da Kang's pronouncement, everyone had no choice but to submit.

After Kang Dabao finished speaking, Han Wo, the head of the Hemu Dao sect, who was standing in the crowd, felt extremely complicated.

"From now on, Pingrong County will truly be dominated by the county temple and Chongming Sect. No, no, no, to put it bluntly, this vast Pingrong County will practically be the private property of the Kang family! Even my family and Ingenious Craftsman Fort will find it difficult to share any of the profits!"

He wasn't the only one with mixed feelings; the pale-faced county magistrate, who had been waiting to see Sect Leader Kang Da make a fool of himself, was also filled with mixed emotions.

"To turn one's hand to create clouds, and another to create rain—truly a skillful tactic!"

Even at the height of the Immortal Dynasty's power, it never forced its various forces to look after ordinary people. It's truly rare and precious that this man surnamed Kang has such a thought!

The pale-faced county magistrate was no fool; he clearly saw that if these five points could be implemented, within half a century, all the cultivators in Pingrong County would be under the Double Brightness control of Sect Leader Kang Da, who, through his dual identities as the Chongming Sect Leader Pingrong County, would be able to command them with ease.

This is quite frightening. Although the Yue Household has been in charge of Han City for hundreds of years, they may not have such control over the forces under their jurisdiction.

The pale-faced county magistrate turned his gaze to Li Mingyuan and Mo Wen, the two Foundation Establishment, thinking to himself, "These two are really cowards. Why don't they dare to fight that guy surnamed Kang?!"

"County Deputy Gui?!" The county magistrate, who had been Orthodox God snapped back to reality. Before he could answer, he heard Sect Leader Kang Da speak up, "The county will be peaceful and quiet from now on. County Magistrate Gui is a man of great talent and should not waste his time. I request that Fu Prefecture court. I will report this to the two prefectures, and they will surely give you an important position."

"Then I'll leave?!"

County Deputy Gui really didn't want to stay. He was already no match for them, so there was no point in staying. However, he didn't want to be sent back in such a humiliating manner.

But looking around, even his two colleagues who had shared the same boat were now cowering under the pressure of Kang Dabao's imposing aura. If they were like that, no one else dared to speak up for County Deputy Gui.

He was decisive, without the slightest hesitation, readily admitting defeat and bowing deeply, saying, "Your Excellency is benevolent; I dare not disobey!"

Seeing that County Deputy Gui was so obedient and sensible, Sect Leader Kang Da gave up the idea of trying to persuade him manually. It's always better not to take action.

" With the Pingrong complete, Jin County is impoverished and weak. From now on, we only need to send people to follow the map and find the key points; there's no need to expend so much effort. I can finally focus on raising my children and then retreat into seclusion to cultivate my spiritual practice!"

Sect Leader Kang Da thought to himself, "I really need to get rid of worldly affairs as soon as possible. There's still a great opportunity waiting for me with Uncle Black Shoes."

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