33 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Sitting together, the disciples gave Qi Xiu a sense of familial warmth. He wondered if the old sect leader had felt the same watching over him back then. Having traveled all the way from [Qi Nan City] without rest for over a day, Qi Xiu nonetheless chose to distribute the procured goods immediately upon his return. The formation tools were all retrieved from the [Ten Directions Storage Bag] and handed to Zhang Shishi to organize manpower for their prompt setup. Although still a first-level formation, its strength differed greatly from the [Desert Mirage Formation]. Constructing such a large-scale array would be a strenuous task for the manpower and capability of the Chu Qin Sect. Learning the various tools and their combinations would require time, and haste was not an option—it had to be done gradually and steadily. The talismans like [Construction Warriors], along with various books and miscellaneous items, were handed over to Zhan Yuan for proper filing and storage. Plans for constructing housing could commence immediately. The rocks on Black River Peak were hard and unsuitable for mass use; hence, the disciples' future residences would rely primarily on rammed earth, supplemented by wood and stone. As for aesthetics, it would be ideal to balance beauty with function, but given the limited summoning duration of low-level talismans, the priority was to build comfortably and solidly before considering other aspects. Next, there were the items intended for his disciples’ use. The [Flowing Water Bodhi Beads] were entrusted to He Yu, and Qi Xiu offered him some comforting words, hoping to gently resolve his disappointment at not advancing to an inner disciple. Then, each disciple was given a set of [Gentle Breeze Robes]. Though not aesthetically pleasing, none had ever worn a mid-grade first-level robe before. Excitedly, they touched the fabric repeatedly, examining it over and over. If not for the dignified presence of their leader, someone like Gu Ji would have already donned his. With twenty-seven robes in total, each disciple receiving one left a surplus of seventeen, which Qi Xiu instructed Zhan Yuan to store. They would save them for welcoming new members or replacing damaged robes. Despite the enthusiasm, Qi Xiu had necessary matters to address, “These robes, though good, bear the insignia of a certain family. In Black River, wearing them poses no issue, but outside or when receiving guests, switch back to our Chu Qin Sect’s red robes.” The disciples acknowledged his directive in unison. Finally, Qi Xiu took out two third-level spirit stones. He handed one to Zhang Shishi with instructions, “Carry this spirit stone. Use it for any disciples’ purchases or material needs for setting up formations.” The other stone was given to Zhan Yuan, with similar instructions, “You’re in charge of logistics. For daily necessities or anything required for the array’s operation, feel free to make your own decisions. Also, document each disciple’s contributions to sect duties, providing appropriate compensation to keep their hands busy. If anything is needed for constructing housing, purchase it from this spirit stone.” He continued, “Although expenditures are at your discretion, keep clear records. I will review them regularly. Uphold integrity and avoid personal bias or mismanagement, lest I deal with it harshly.” “Yes, Sect Leader!” replied Zhang Shishi and Zhan Yuan, each committing to their tasks. “Hmm...” Qi Xiu wanted to say more, enjoying the authority and camaraderie of addressing his disciples, but suddenly felt a wave of dizziness and a depletion of spiritual energy. Acknowledging the physical strain from prolonged use of spiritual power, he realized he needed rest to avoid damaging his vital essence. Waving his hand, he said, “Alright, take your belongings and disperse.” “Oh!!” Gu Ji cheered as he jumped up, unable to resist putting on the robe. The robe, being of magical grade, adjusted to Gu Ji’s frame. The ash-grey robe paired with Gu Ji’s pointed features and lively movements made him resemble a mischievous mountain monkey, drawing laughter from all present. Qi Xiu shook his head with a wry smile at Gu Ji’s antics, wondering how the once slightly lively boy had become such a character. Perhaps the current environment allowed him to embrace his nature; this was not necessarily bad—at least among a bunch of stern faces, there was someone like Gu Ji to lift the mood. Entrusting the spiritual monkey to Zhan Yuan for care, Qi Xiu turned to rest. Just as he shut his chamber door, a new burst of laughter erupted outside. It seemed his offerings brought everyone joy, raising morale significantly. Having slept merely two hours each day in [Qi Nan City] and feeling drained from the long journey, Qi Xiu quickly succumbed to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Over the next few days, the sect bustled with activity. The disciples were deep into setting up formations and construction work, even the usually dutiful He Yu helped Zhang Shishi survey and install formation platforms tirelessly. Zhan Yuan frequently ventured out for preparations before any groundbreaking. This left Qi Xiu feeling idle, though he’d rested enough. He prepared to leave, sending his instructions before setting off eastwards on a spirit boat. “Having solved the sect's livelihood problems, can I say we've truly established a foothold here?” Qi Xiu pondered, only for his logic to swiftly dismiss this notion. For a cultivation sect to truly establish itself, several factors were crucial. Safety was paramount. Chu Qin Sect managed this by leveraging the reputation of powerful allies, under the protection of the Nascent Soul-level Nan Chu Sect. So far, this association proved effective—keeping most would-be troublemakers at bay. Once the [Broad Morality Golden Light Array] was established, it would ensure even the weakest low-ranking cultivators couldn’t breach it, securing further peace. Next was sustainability. A congregation of cultivators living off reserves would not work. Arrays needed spirit stones, cultivators’ lives consumed resources, and practice required pills. Social obligations would soon become substantial expenses. Common sects typically relied on revenues from cultivating spirit herbs, pill forging, equipment crafting, making formations and robes, or establishing markets. Presently, Chu Qin Sect could accomplish none of these. Qi Xiu's meeting with Zhao Liangde aimed to resolve this survival issue. Then, there’s development. There’s no shortcut here, only progress through cultivation. Currently, He Yu seemed the closest to reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, marking potential growth for Chu Qin Sect. Whether they could retain this talented and diligent disciple was another concern entirely, one that gave Qi Xiu a headache. Finally, there was continuity. A sect's legacy depended on people. The Black River land had yet to provide a habitable area for mortals, without which cultivation efforts are cut short. Without a human presence for agriculture or fishing, Chu Qin Sect would be like a family line with no heirs. If the Black River failed to support any new settlers by the year’s end, when Qin Ji’s immigrants arrived, there might not be a place for them. According to customs, sects could only recruit from within their territory. If Black River couldn’t sustain mortal life, the sect would eventually fade, lacking successors. “After these tasks wrap up, immediate efforts must go towards finding a settlement for new immigrants. Alas, days spent idle in the small studio are replaced by ceaseless toil since taking Qin Siyans’s sect leader token. Such is fate!” Qi Xiu lamented to himself. The Black River stretched long north to south yet was narrow east to west, soon bringing Qi Xiu to the domain of the Beast-Taming Sect. Like the Nan Chu Sect, towering trees blanketed the land, lush and green. He pulled out a fireworks signal from Wang Guan, igniting and launching it toward the sky. “Boom!” The firework exploded high above, bursting into a colorful halo. (To be continued)