37 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

"Senior Brother Headmaster, regarding the cultivation of the [Xiangpu Pig Fish], I believe we can start preparing for it," Zhang Shishi suggested as he stepped into the grand hall and approached Qi Xiu. "Excellent, excellent," Qi Xiu replied, his smile so broad it seemed it could swallow his face. Zhang Shishi's proactive stance was, indeed, the best outcome for this endeavor. Qi Xiu produced a prepared map, pointing to three circled locations. "These are the three potential sites I've selected for the aquaculture. Each has its pros and cons, and I would appreciate your input as well." The three locations Qi Xiu had earmarked were as follows: one at the southern end of the Heihe River, with the optimal environment but furthest from Heihe Peak; one close by but with less favorable conditions; and the third at the northern end, closest to the Wang family's [Military Station Market], with the least conducive environment. Zhang Shishi pointed at the northernmost location and asked, "Why did you mark this spot despite its poor conditions and distance from the mountain gate?" "Well," Qi Xiu explained, "with the end of the year approaching, the immigrants will soon arrive. I've searched up and down the Heihe River for suitable habitation areas but found none. My plan is to establish several households midway up Heihe Peak once our protective formation is complete. These families can cultivate grains and vegetables and assist us with various chores, allowing everyone to focus more on cultivation rather than mundane tasks. The rest will temporarily reside in the Wang's [Military Station Market], and we can manage the farm's location to be nearby, making it easier for us to tend to. Moreover, the poisonous mist of the Heihe River dissipates for about a month in winter, coinciding with the harvest season of the pig fish, making it practical for these common folk to assist, thereby reducing our workload," Qi Xiu responded thoughtfully. "That sounds like the best plan," Zhang Shishi rejoiced. Although he assented to breeding pig fish, he harbored some reluctance towards the farming profession. With the prospect of having commoners assist, he was more than pleased. Consequently, he strongly advocated placing the aquaculture facility near the northern end, close to the [Military Station Market]. Understanding his sentiments, Qi Xiu agreed, "Since we've settled on a location, you all should rest for a few days. We aim to plant the [Wuxin Water Lilies] before winter sets in." Zhang Shishi concurred with these plans. Outside, the continued noise of stones and sand filled the air as the residents eagerly awaited the completion of their new home. Gu Ji dashed in and out, updating everyone on the progress. With a faint pop, the power of the talismans exhausted, causing the soil energy to disperse into nothingness. Initially, a few first-tier earth spirits completed their tasks, followed by two more substantial second-tier spirits dissipating an hour later. "Headmaster, Senior Brothers, the house is complete!" Gu Ji jubilantly announced as he leapt in, prompting everyone to rush outside eagerly. Exiting the grand hall, they were greeted by an imposing new structure facing southward, overshadowing the modest monastery behind it. The interior comprised a single large hall fronting a spacious stone-paved plaza, smooth as a mirror. On each side stood rows of side rooms identical to the arrangement at their old Chu Qin Mountain home. Limited usable timber on Heihe Peak, coupled with feng shui and aesthetic considerations, prohibited widespread logging. The construction used similar stone walls as the small monastery, with timber forming the roof and interior beams, covered with gray tiles. The scale was undeniably smaller than their former Chu Qin Peak abode. Zhan Yuan possessed a subtle determination not to be outdone by Zhang Shishi; thus, he poured tremendous effort into the building project, from preparing materials to directing the earth spirits. This effort, however, took a physical toll, leaving him pale, with sunken eyes and dark circles. Nevertheless, seizing the moment to shine before his peers, he maintained a spirited demeanor as he led the group, introducing each part with clear enthusiasm, "This is the main hall and the east-west wings. The main hall of the small monastery houses the Spirit Gathering Formation, which is inconvenient for hosting guests. Henceforth, the headmaster can receive esteemed visitors here. I've partitioned a large area in the east wing for entertaining guests and added guest rooms on either side. Future visitors, like Senior Master Kan Lin, can stay there, relieving the headmaster from offering up his quarters each time. The vacant west wing can be adapted into alchemy rooms or crafting workshops as needed, currently serving as a storage warehouse." "The roof and exterior walls remain untouched for now. I plan to embellish them with paint and glazed tiles for a finer look. Please follow me to the living quarters," Zhan Yuan added while guiding everyone. Qi Xiu and his disciples were very impressed, dutifully following Zhan Yuan as he led them around the small monastery towards the back hill. The gravel walkway was primly laid, with pre-dug pits along both sides for future tree planting. As they reached the back hill, a pavilion came into view, partially concealed among trees. "There's some leftover timber, so I erected a pavilion. Most trees have already yellowed, and soon there will be red leaves to admire. It's ideal for enjoying tea and chess while savoring the autumn scenery," explained Zhan Yuan as he paused, then continued onward. As they ventured deeper into the backwoods, pathways split off to isolate courtyards, each leading to detached residences—twenty in total. "Everyone can choose their own place; no more communal sleeping arrangements," Zhan Yuan announced, eliciting jubilant cheers from the disciples who had endured shared quarters for the past three months. Zhan Yuan led the group to a small courtyard where stone served as the foundation, while rammed earth formed the walls and roofing matched the gray tiles, albeit more modest in size and stature compared to the larger wings. The layout echoed the former outer disciples' lodgings at Chu Qin Mountain. Except for Qi Xiu and Zhang Shishi, everyone else felt a wave of nostalgia, finding the accommodations ample given the circumstances. At the very edge of the back hill stood a more extensive courtyard, complete with kitchen and other living facilities. "That's about it. Near the caves where Junior Brother He practices at the mountain's base, I've carved out new, more secluded caves for resting after training without needing to hike up and down each day." "That's wonderful!" He Yu noted with relief, as the cold near the pool in the cave previously posed health concerns for prolonged stays. The inconvenience of climbing daily for rest had long been a grievance. "Heh, don't get too excited just yet. You'll still be in charge of carrying water up the mountain regularly," Qi Xiu chuckled gently. He Yu puffed out his chest theatrically, playfully responding, "Yes, sir!" His fortunes had turned, guided by the wisdom of Master Kan Lin and Zhang Shishi's mentorship, allowing his personality to blossom, aided by his slightly younger peer, Gu Ji. The laughter and camaraderie continued as Zhan Yuan led the group down the mountain toward the newly established gates of Chu Qin Sect. (To be continued)