38 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

The path descending the mountain was poorly constructed, built only by compacting a well-trodden trail into uneven steps. Everyone trudged down, finally reaching a plateau midway, where the view suddenly opened up. Along the mountain wall stood a row of even cruder earthen houses, intended for future migrants. Further down lay the mountainside usually shrouded in black mist. It was the first time the members of Chu Qin Sect saw the mountain beneath the dark fog, barren and desolate, with bare rocks that appeared both unsightly and incongruous. "Though it's barren now, I've tested it. As long as the black mist is absent, trees can grow here. If the Black River is navigable to mortals in winter, I plan to bring in hardy trees and plants from villages near the western 'Ninety-Three Sect' to transform the landscape," Zhan Yuan explained. Behind him, Zhang Shishi frowned and said, "Our Daoist sect values tranquility and non-intervention. We shouldn't exert ourselves for external things, nor should we rely on the Chu family. I believe it’s better to sow seeds and let nature take its course." Zhan Yuan was taken aback by Zhang Shishi’s direct contradiction of his suggestion, implicitly accusing him of being too ambitious and not considerate of labor. Feeling both awkward and resentful, he bit his tongue and chose to remain silent. Zhang Shishi spoke without malice, and Qi Xiu nodded in agreement, "Shishi makes a valid point. Tomorrow, when I meet with Senior Zhao Liande, I'll bring back some plant seeds from the Beast-Taming Sect. I noticed their ornamental plants are quite distinct, favoring bright reds and purples. It's a different aesthetic, and our new Chu Qin Sect site could benefit from some vibrancy." Everyone agreed, finding the idea of bright, lively flowers aligned with their hopes for a life at Heihe Peak, different from the old Chu Qin Sect. Continuing downward, they reached the boundary of the great formation at the foot of the mountain. At the road’s end stood a new archway—stone bases, giant wooden pillars supporting a timber lintel. The centerpiece inscription space was still blank, awaiting varnishing. The old Chu Qin Sect gate, crafted by a founder who was a Golden Core cultivator, was naturally more ornate and majestic. Yet, the one at Heihe Peak exuded a primitive grandeur, each having its own merits. Still recovering from Zhang Shishi's earlier reprimand, Zhan Yuan briefly introduced the site and then bowed to Qi Xiu, saying, "The inscriptions on this gate and on the plaques of the mountain's halls need you, Sect Leader Brother, to engrave them. Only after the inscriptions can we varnish them." "Certainly, certainly," Qi Xiu replied with excitement. Although ten years of seclusion hadn't improved his cultivation, his calligraphy had flourished. The sight of blank plaques along the way scratched his itch to write. Zhan Yuan's request hit the mark; he wished for pen and paper at that moment to draft on the ground as a makeshift desk. Visitors to Heihe Peak would usually arrive at the summit, but with the formation in place, that was no longer possible. This gate, as the first point of arrival and departure, must bolster the Chu Qin Sect's reputation. Qi Xiu and his disciples discussed further modifications, which Zhan Yuan noted. Returning to the main hall, Qi Xiu dismissed his disciples to choose their quarters. He then wrote inscriptions for each plaque: 'Chu Qin Sect' at the main gate, 'Embrace Origin Hall' for the central hall at the square, 'Tranquility Hall' and 'Virtue Hall' for the east and west wings, among others. Qi Xiu's literary talent was average, but his couplets expressed continuity and new beginnings. He even inscribed names like 'Kind Water' and 'Wishful Sound' for the disciples' quarters. Finally, he officially named the small tantric temple 'Chu Qin Temple' with three bold characters. After finishing, his hand sore from writing, Qi Xiu reluctantly stopped, feeling content and fulfilled. Storing the papers carefully, he gave them to Zhan Yuan. Turning to Zhang Shishi, he said, "You all rest now. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange with Zhao Liande the timing for planting the 'Black Heart Lotus' and then we can proceed." Noticing Zhan Yuan rushing out, eager to carve the inscriptions, he quickly called him back, "You’re exhausted too. Rest first; there’s no need to rush these tasks. They can be done slowly." Zhan Yuan, indeed weary, agreed, put the inscriptions in the great vault and went to rest, as did Zhang Shishi and the others. Once everyone had gone to their new quarters, the once bustling hall fell into a silence so deep a pin drop could be heard. Qi Xiu felt a twinge of melancholy he'd rather not face. He sighed and mumbled to himself, "It's my desire to always be at their side, but young eagles must eventually fly alone..." Regaining his composure, the next day he visited Zhao Liande, who was the same as ever, diligently attending to the endless line of cultivators seeking his counsel, while yet another new maid stood at his side, each one uniquely charming. Qi Xiu couldn't help but admire Zhao Liande, despite his greed and indulgence. His capability was unquestionable, surpassing the likes of Chu Youmin and Wang Guan. While Zhao Liande is greedy, he never outright sacrifices his sect's interest. Though the Chu Qin Sect obtained spirit stones, the Beast-Taming Sect gained breeding rights, holding a tight monopoly on the annual sale of pigfish fry, never allowing them to operate independently. "Oh, is that the lad from Black River?" Zhao Liande teased with a squinting grin. Since receiving Qi Xiu's 'Ten Directions Storage Pouch,' he had warmed considerably toward him. After hearing Qi Xiu’s request, he called over a disciple, issued a few instructions, and then addressed Qi Xiu, "Head back and wait. In three days, I'll send people to assist with the planting and enclosure construction. Just give them the payment for the 'Black Heart Lotus' seeds and the advance for the 'Fluffy Pigfish' fry when they finish the job." Qi Xiu thanked him with a bow, noting Zhao Liande's gaze had already moved past him. He requested some ornamental plant seeds and took his leave, their entire exchange scarcely lasting a quarter of an hour. "If Chu Qin Sect could someday operate like this daily, how powerful it would be!" Qi Xiu mused, turning envious and resentful before chuckling bitterly. With a shake of his head, he summoned the 'Wind Array Spirit Boat' and flew westward. Soon he returned to Chu Qin Peak, handing the seeds to Pan Rong and others, instructing them to scatter them across the mountains with the 'Spirit Bamboo Kites,' without particular care. As Zhang Shishi advised, it was preferable to let nature take its course. He then summoned Zhan Yuan, instructing him to purchase two more 'Wind Array Spirit Boats' from 'Ninety-Three Sect.' He, along with Zhang Shishi, would join those from the Beast-Taming Sect to prepare the northern pigfish breeding ground. "Didn’t we decide not to engage with Chu Youmin's family at 'Ninety-Three Sect'? Should I head to 'The Stationary Plaza' instead?" Zhan Yuan asked, puzzled. Qi Xiu replied, "Going there would mean being on the road for two days without rest. You've been too worn out recently, no need to push yourself. An occasional trip won't hurt, and the markup on something as common as a spirit boat won’t be significant." "Well…" Zhan Yuan paused in thought before continuing, "Recently, during my trips to the mortal villages there, I met a Loose Cultivator from Baishan. He mentioned the 'Wind Array Spirit Boat' was originally produced there and is cheaper. He's been trading between the two areas for some time. Why not ask him?" "Oh? Can he be trusted?" Qi Xiu queried. Zhan Yuan answered, "Should be reliable. Chu Youmin’s family has been pressuring him with low prices as they do us, so he’s dissatisfied too." "Then buy from him. Saving spirit stones is always good," Qi Xiu decided, pondering a bit more before suggesting, "Invite him over for a meeting. I've surveyed the eastern, western, and northern areas over the past months, but lack insight on the south. Kan Lin, being a senior, isn’t someone easy to inquire deeply." "Alright!" Zhan Yuan gladly agreed. (To be continued)