Chapter 87: The New System!
Yun Fei left, taking his younger brother with him.
The two of them did not mention the puppet sale at all. They only invited Lu Qingyang to visit the Thousand Bamboo Sect for a puppet exchange after the demon tide passed.
Their attitude was extremely amiable, showing no intention of using their power to bully anyone.
It looks like Yun Fei is planning to learn from me?
But… sooner or later, the Chaotian Sect’s puppet business will infringe on their interests.
When that time comes, friction will be inevitable…
With this thought, Lu Qingyang sighed inwardly and shook his head without speaking.
On the other side, above the Seven Stars Sea Region.
The Third Elder of the Thousand Bamboo Sect, Yun Qi, also a Void Return cultivator, was hurrying along with a cold expression on his face.
“Why did you insist on inviting this brat to join the Sect Management Council?”
“This brat has already offended our sect. Now that he’s joined the council, how are we supposed to deal with him in the future?”
Yun Qi’s brow furrowed slightly, clearly deeply confused.
“What do you understand? In all the years of the Seven Stars Sea Region, have you ever seen anyone make puppets that exquisite?”
“And those puppets on the beach, as tall as small mountains — good heavens, that didn’t look like a refined puppet at all. It was clearly a divine ability!”
“With puppet-crafting talent like that, who in the entire Central Region could compare?!”
The Thousand Bamboo Sect’s Second Elder, Yun Fei, had completely changed his usual demeanor. His tone actually carried excitement and fervor.
“I’ve looked into this brat’s background. I heard he came from some small place in the Eastern Region.”
“In the Central Region, he has no relatives and no one to rely on. If we recruit him, wouldn’t it be like giving wings to a tiger?”
Hearing this, Yun Qi also came to a realization, but he still did not quite agree.
“But that Lu Qingyang is the master of an entire sect. How could he possibly be willing to join our Thousand Bamboo Sect?”
“Hmph! You blockhead!”
“Even if he’s unwilling, craftsmanship doesn’t lie.”
“We only need to build a good relationship with him and maintain frequent contact. It will definitely bring enormous benefits to our sect!”
“Given enough time, our sect’s puppet craftsmanship will definitely be no weaker than his. But if we do as you say and use force, heh…”
At this point, Yun Fei glanced at Yun Qi and let out a cold laugh.
“You saw that silver mark between his brows. What, did you not sense anything from it?”
“That silver mark…”
Yun Qi was startled, as if he had suddenly remembered something.
“Among Great Vehicle cultivators, the invincible may be called Supreme. Legend has it that a Supreme Great Vehicle can leave behind a Dao mark called the Mark of Inheritance. Could it be…”
“Exactly!”
“This brat can only be befriended, never antagonized. Otherwise, the sect will be destroyed and the Dao extinguished. It will be too late for regret!”
Hearing these words, Yun Qi suddenly felt a chill down his back, and all the hairs on his body stood on end.
“Second Brother, rest assured. I understand what to do now.”
……
With the departure of the two Yun brothers, the Chaotian Sect’s camp on the southeastern coast once again fell into silence.
The demon beasts had not appeared for several days.
Seeing this, Lu Qingyang summoned Zhu Gangkai again to ask the reason.
“Reporting to the Sect Master, this must be because the Demon Race has already consumed their quota for this operation. I estimate the attacks are about to end.”
Zhu Gangkai scratched his head, thought for a moment, and then said with certainty.
“Oh?”
Lu Qingyang’s brow arched slightly.
He had almost forgotten what the Demon Race’s purpose was in coming here.
After completing their predetermined task of consuming the population, the other side would definitely not waste any more resources on spatial transmission.
After all, the resources consumed by cross-region teleportation arrays were simply too great.
Otherwise, the Demon Race would not have been so gentle in consuming the population.
They probably would have taken all Five Regions in one fell swoop long ago.
Thinking of this, Lu Qingyang secretly let out a breath of relief.
This demon tide was finally about to end. Although the Chaotian Sect had gained enormously this time.
Just the materials from demon beasts of all ranks added up to no less than five million spirit stones.
They had also incidentally subdued a fifth-rank great demon comparable to late-stage Soul Transformation.
The sect’s puppets had gained comprehensive combat experience, and even many disciples in the sect had broken through realms.
However, the casualties among low-rank disciples were also considerable.
Especially during that period when Jiangxin advanced.
No, on this trip back to the sect, I must increase the training of the sect’s disciples.
And the sect’s system also needs reform. Otherwise, at this rate, we won’t be able to cultivate pillars capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities.
Lu Qingyang’s eyes flickered. He had already made up his mind.
Seven days later, the transmission jade talisman issued by the Sect Management Council suddenly flickered.
Lu Qingyang raised his hand and sent out the message within.
“The demon tide has receded. All sects may return to their stations. Demon-slaying scores can be exchanged for supplies at the Vast Sea City Sect Management Council in a few days.”
The Demon Race has retreated?
Looking at the warm jade talisman in his hand, a smile appeared at the corner of Lu Qingyang’s mouth as he murmured to himself.
That evening, on the southeastern coast.
A mighty procession set out toward the Seven Stars Sea Region.
At the head was a massive Floating Dharma Ship.
Lu Qingyang stood at the bow alongside Jun Moyan, Chao San, Old Huang, Ma Han, Li Buqun, and several other core figures of the sect, gazing into the distance.
“Hoo~ it’s finally over.”
Old Huang let out a long breath of turbid air, his expression considerably relaxed.
Lu Qingyang clapped him on the shoulder. “You’ve all worked hard during this demon tide.”
“It’s what we should do. Sect Master, you praise me too much.”
Old Huang chuckled.
“However, after returning to the sect this time, it’s time to reform the sect’s system as well.”
“Reform?” Everyone blinked in surprise.
“Mm, reform.”
“This demon tide has sounded an alarm for us. Many disciples in the sect, though diligent in their cultivation, are sorely lacking in practical combat experience.”
“If we don’t make adjustments, I’m afraid the future situation will not be optimistic.”
Lu Qingyang pondered for a moment, then slowly began to explain.
“Ever since Jiangxin appeared, the area within a thousand li of Tiangong Island has enjoyed favorable weather and calm seas.”
“Not to mention the demon beasts on the island, even the demon beasts in the nearby seas have been swept clean one by one.”
“As a result, the sect’s disciples have increasingly lacked actual combat experience.”
“This time, when the demon tide erupted, I discovered that many disciples have weak foundations. Even if their cultivation reaches Foundation Establishment, they cannot hold their own.”
“So…”
Lu Qingyang paused for a long while, then turned his head to look at everyone.
“So I have decided to reform the sect’s system!”
“But… where do we even begin?”
“Currently, our sect still follows the old system of the Chaotian Sect. Spiritual treasures and pills are all obtained by disciples through labor.”
“Apart from a very small number of Inner Gate disciples who can exchange for them using demon-slaying gains, most disciples still rely on labor for their livelihood.”
Jun Moyan furrowed his brow and raised the question.
Chao San also nodded in agreement.
If anyone in the sect had the richest combat experience, it was none other than their War Execution Bureau.
But with the large-scale application of puppets, even the disciples of the War Execution Bureau now had few opportunities to participate in actual combat.
Under those conditions, the sect’s practical combat experience was indeed somewhat lacking.
Lu Qingyang waved his hand, signaling everyone to calm down.
“As for that…”
“I have my own considerations.”
Lu Qingyang’s eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a glint of sharpness.
“You all know the Seven Stars Sea Region is rich in resources, but it is also fraught with danger. Not only are there fierce demon beasts in the waters, there are also many alien sea clans entrenched there.”
“So on this trip back to the sect, I have decided to abolish the various bureaus. From now on, the sect will establish only three halls.”
“The first hall shall be called the Exchange Hall, responsible for the exchange and distribution of the sect’s artifacts, pills, and even puppets!”
“All cultivation resources shall be exchanged using the disciples’ merits.”
“As for these merits… they are obtained by completing missions at the Mission Hall.”
“Even resource trade missions can be split into several parts, completed by teams of many disciples! Of course, the prerequisite for such high-level missions is that they must be led by a core disciple.”
“Furthermore, disciples unwilling to take missions may also go to the Seven Stars Sea Region on their own to find resources, then return to the sect to exchange for merits and what they need.”
Lu Qingyang casually tossed out a bombshell.
Everyone instantly erupted into an uproar.
“Isn’t… isn’t this a bit too harsh?”
“After all, the Central Region is not like the remote backwater of the Great Zhou. It’s extremely dangerous.”
Everyone looked at each other, clearly not expecting Lu Qingyang to completely delegate the sect’s authority downward.
“True, but this move can clearly greatly enhance the strength of the sect’s disciples. It’s a strong medicine.”
Jun Moyan spoke in a low voice, clearly also agreeing with Lu Qingyang’s strategy.
“Then what about the other hall? What does that hall do?”
Chao San’s eyes darted around as he asked curiously.
“Heh, the other hall…”
Lu Qingyang’s mouth curved slightly, revealing a mysterious smile.
“This hall shall be called the Punishment Hall. It remains a sharp blade aimed inward!”
“Those who enter this hall may have low cultivation, but the most important requirement is absolute integrity!”
In truth, the most critical part of this reform was the Punishment Hall.
Only with internal stability could there be long-term peace and order.
To this end, Lu Qingyang had long since thought it through.
He was going to refine a castrated version of the Simulator!