CHAPTER 63: CHAPTER 62 ACCIDENTAL REUNION

Three days, just three days!

It took just one idea from Wu Wang and the concerted efforts of the entire Annihilation Sect. Elixirs from tens of thousands of miles around were bought in bulk at low prices. Then, in several bustling market towns a little further from the Annihilation Sect’s gates, they were all sold out at standard prices using a ’raffle’ method!

Earning Spirit Stones is fine, but not adding extra burdens to Human Domain cultivators is indeed a reflection of a certain Sect Master’s conscience.

When some cultivators began to imitate, with various promotions like ’buy Elixirs for a chance to win mines,’ ’buy Elixirs for a chance to win magic treasures,’ or ’buy Elixirs for a chance to win a cultivation partner,’ the Annihilation Sect, upon the Sect Master’s order, somewhat inexplicably withdrew from the Elixir market.

At this moment, inside the grand hall of the Annihilation Sect, layers of treasure light filled every corner, making the Demonic Sect cultivators within somewhat restless.

In front of the crowd, two small hills formed by stacks of boxes stood to the left and right.

Wu Wang sat on the steps. Although he wore a mask, he looked rather tired and couldn’t help but raise his hand to yawn. He had indeed been busy rushing around and was quite exhausted.

"Where is Elder Mao?" Wu Wang asked.

Below, a group of Demonic Cultivators took a step forward in unison. Then, fearing they might startle the Sect Master who was merely at the Condensation Establishment Realm, they hastily stopped in their tracks, creating a surprisingly spectacular scene.

A female Elder immediately spoke out, "Sect Master! Elder Mao is still in closed-door cultivation healing his injuries. Should we summon him?"

"Let it be," Wu Wang said. "Later, arrange for more Spiritual Medicine that nourishes vitality for Elder Mao."

"Thank you, Sect Master!"

"The Sect Master is truly considerate! So considerate of us!"

"Sect Master, I have composed a poem praising your wisdom. May I recite it?"

"There’s no need for that," Wu Wang raised his hand, indicating the tall and skinny Elder need not do so, then asked, "Where did the Grand Elder go? Didn’t we come back together?"

An Elder immediately responded and turned to invite the Grand Elder over.

The atmosphere in the main hall at this moment did not at all betray that they had just replaced their Sect Master less than half a month ago. Presumably, if the old Sect Master’s spirit were present, he would also feel gratified by this scene—gratified enough that his ashes would condense into a leg to kick open his coffin lid.

「Deep within the grounds of the Annihilation Sect, in front of a gravestone.」

The Grand Elder stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with boundless emotion.

"Junior Brother, you departed before me, yet you pointed the way for the Sect. I must admit, I am not as capable as you," he said.

After speaking, the Grand Elder turned and said, "Bring it up."

A few burly Body Cultivators carried a colorful, round canopy and carefully placed it behind the gravestone, setting up an obviously expensive... grave adornment.

Touching.

The Grand Elder patted the gravestone. Having already heard the calls from the main hall, his figure leaped onto the cliff face and entered the spacious hall.

Someone brought a chair, but the Grand Elder waved his hand, indicating he would stand.

Wu Wang said, "Grand Elder, please take a seat. You will need to preside over the next part."

"Thank you, Sect Master." The Grand Elder cupped his hands in a salute, glanced at the mountain of Spirit Stone Boxes, and settled into the armchair.

Wu Wang smiled and said, "Everyone, after three days of arduous and exceptional struggle, we have achieved quite satisfactory results. The Spirit Stones laid out here are only a part of our gains. I previously proposed to divide our earnings into three parts: forty percent to the Sect’s reserves, thirty percent as seed money for the next Spirit Stone-earning plan, and of the remaining thirty percent, half to be distributed among the Sect members and disciples. The other half is right here, all exchanged for high-grade Spirit Stones... to be divided among you all."

"Oh, my!" an Elder hurriedly spoke up. "Sect Master, this won’t do! This should all go to the Sect!"

"Indeed, Sect Master. We didn’t contribute much this time, there wasn’t even a Duel. We just ran some errands. How can we take so many Spirit Stones?"

"Sect Master, this isn’t appropriate! This is absolutely inappropriate!"

"I knew the old Sect Master would never appoint a mediocre talent to us! Great wisdom, Sect Master! Great wealth, Sect Master! Tremendous fortune, Sect Master!"

"Everyone, everyone!"

Wu Wang raised his hands and pressed down, and the grand hall immediately quieted.

He laughed and said, "The foundation of a Sect is its Cultivation Techniques. But what is the essence of the Sect?"

The Demonic Sect members were puzzled.

"The essence of the Sect is its people, the very individuals who uphold this Sect!"

Wu Wang declared loudly, "If a Sect wants to grow and become strong, it doesn’t rely on the number of powerful experts, nor on how it bullies others, but on whether it can be united in purpose! Previously, you all were not adept at earning Spirit Stones. It just so happens that I have some experience in this from my family, so I put it to use here."

After a pause, Wu Wang said directly, "Grand Elder, please establish the rules to distribute these Spirit Stones according to positions within the Sect and Cultivation Realms. The difference between the highest and lowest tiers should neither exceed double nor be less than fifty percent."

"Good."

The Grand Elder stood up and called several Elders over to do the calculations. Soon, they distributed box after box of Spirit Stones to the several hundred people present; each person received more than one box.

Besides the Spirit Stones, there was also a batch of Top-notch Pills to enhance understanding of the Great Dao, and a batch of quality magic treasures and magical artifacts.

The atmosphere in the hall immediately felt somewhat different.

Leaning against the steps, Wu Wang smiled and said, "This is just the beginning. The road to building the Sect is long and arduous. Does anyone have any questions?"

"Sect Master," an Elder said with a smile, "why didn’t we earn for a few more days?"

Wu Wang shook his head and said, "Everyone must remember, when you get a taste of sweetness, you must be prepared to retreat. Desire is limitless, and so is greed. Do you think there are any problems with the method I used to sell Elixirs?"

"What problem could there be? We didn’t charge exorbitant prices, and the prizes were genuine."

"The problem is we prepared too little."

The Demonic Sect members burst into laughter.

"Actually, there are some issues."

A cold voice came from the corner, and the laughter in the hall abruptly stopped.

Hiding in the shadows, Elder Miao spoke slowly, "Our methods themselves are not problematic. The Elixirs were only slightly marked up, and the prizes given out offset that markup. In fact, the Spirit Stones we earned came from the reduced prices we negotiated when buying Elixirs in bulk. But others are not like this. Other cultivators who imitate us, after tasting the sweetness, will likely alter the method and increase their profits. Although I didn’t show myself before, I observed in secret for a while. By the time the Sect Master told us to return, many similar stalls had already appeared in the market towns, and some disputes had even arisen at those stalls."

"Correct."

Wu Wang’s eyes brightened as he looked toward the corner and praised, "Elder Miao actually has such discerning eyes... Grand Elder, for the newly established Hall Master of the Treasure Hall, isn’t this the most suitable candidate?"

The Grand Elder stroked his beard and hummed thoughtfully, while Miao Cuijiao merely snorted and said no more.

Wu Wang continued, "The method we used today should not be overused in the future—at most once a year. And next time, we can’t sell just Elixirs. The future direction for the Sect’s industrial development must shift towards sustainability and stability. Elder Wang has already gone to the largest market town within ten thousand miles, Floating Jade City on Floating Jade Mountain, where the forces of Immortal Sects and Demonic Sects intersect. He’ll use some of the Spirit Stones we earned this time to acquire several large shops. In half a year, we will open three shops there, selling magical artifacts, precious materials, and... loneliness."

"Loneliness?"

"How do you sell loneliness? By weight or some other measure?"

The Demonic Cultivators’ eyes lit up with interest.

Wu Wang extended a finger and gently shook it. "Cultivation is tedious, and there are many cultivators stuck at bottlenecks. In their daily lives, won’t they feel lonely? Won’t they feel empty? Won’t they feel cold?"

The Demonic Sect members couldn’t help but nod in agreement.

Elder Miao, however, immediately spoke out, "The disciples of my Dark Desire lineage are not those self-degrading practitioners of seductive arts! Sect Master, isn’t it too much to ask us to curry favor with men like this?"

Wu Wang was taken aback by her words. He had spent two days devising this complete plan; how could it be too much?

Knowing some of the inside details, the Grand Elder stood up, his eyes carrying a hint of sternness. "Elder Miao, is that any way to speak to the Sect Master?"

"This is how I speak! He’s already asking us to sell our bodies, so what’s wrong with me speaking like this?"

Miao Cuijiao’s face was cold as she declared firmly, "Even if the female disciples of the Black Desire Door are willing, I will never agree to this! We are a Demonic Sect, that’s true, but we cannot debase ourselves to such an extent!"

"How dare you!"

The Grand Elder’s face flushed red with anger, a precursor to the imminent eruption of his Wind Blood Killing technique.

The Elders and Deacons looked towards the corner where Miao Cuijiao stood. Each wanted to speak up and persuade her, but the words wouldn’t come out. Although they felt Elder Miao had a point—that they shouldn’t sacrifice the female disciples of the Black Desire Door to earn Spirit Stones—the Spirit Stone Boxes just placed into their Storage magic treasures were still warm. The new Sect Master had just taken office and had already led them to an unprecedented success. It wasn’t appropriate to voice outright opposition at this time...

"Elder Miao," Wu Wang said with a smile, "could there be some misunderstanding?"

Miao Cuijiao snorted, "You’re talking about emptiness and loneliness. What else could I misunderstand?"

"This is what I mean."

Wu Wang snapped his fingers. The bald and sturdy Yang Wudi immediately jumped over, carrying a signboard with several large characters on it!

[Pure Desire Female Performance Troupe]!

"Of course, this is not the main pillar of our industry."

Wu Wang smiled, "Having a few female disciples dance and sing, tempering their seductive arts in the mortal world—what’s unreasonable about that? The situation Elder Miao is worried about will absolutely not happen. On the contrary, if anyone dares to target them, as long as we can defeat them, we will fight them to the death."

Yang Wudi, still holding the signboard, asked puzzledly, "Sect Master, what if we can’t beat them?"

"Then, naturally, we have methods for when we are outmatched."

Wu Wang winked at Miao Cuijiao and said, "Elder Miao, don’t be hasty. We can discuss the specific operations later. Although I am only your temporary Sect Master, as long as I am your Sect Master for even a day, I will not allow any female or male disciple in the Sect to suffer any grievance because of me."

With that, Wu Wang stood up and, without saying much more, walked towards the side door of the main hall.

After Wu Wang left, the hall instantly buzzed with voices.

"Temporary Sect Master? Does that mean he’ll stop leading us after a while?"

"Grand Elder, what’s this all about?"

"I truly admire the Sect Master’s many ingenious ideas. Only now do I realize how vast the heavens and earth are. I can’t bear to see him go."

The Grand Elder just shook his head and sighed lightly. He briefly explained the three-year agreement with Wu Wang and mentioned that Wu Wang felt his own cultivation was too low to command respect, so he didn’t actually want the position of Sect Master.

Thus, a fervor of ’finding ways for the Sect Master to cultivate’ quickly swept through the Annihilation Sect. Since they couldn’t even see the Sect Master’s shadow when it came to earning Spirit Stones, they would do their best in their area of expertise to help him!

In the following half-year, Wu Wang’s original plan for peaceful Cultivation was constantly interrupted by Demonic Cultivators from the Annihilation Sect who proactively came to lecture him, imparting various Cultivation insights unrelated to the Dao of Fire.

The effects were actually quite good; Wu Wang was almost ready to break through to the Golden Core Realm.

And during this half-year, he also accomplished a few small things.

He consulted with the Grand Elder and established a system of rewards and punishments within the Annihilation Sect. He also set up the Treasure Hall, allowing Sect Elders, deacons, members, and disciples to receive a fixed ’stipend’ of treasures annually.

After discussing with Elder Miao, from several hundred disciples practicing the Dark Desire technique, he selected five female disciples with exceptional looks, distinct personalities, and cultivation at the Nascent Soul or Jumping God Realm to become the first generation of the Black Desire Door’s ’girl group.’

Selecting the candidates was just the first step. Wu Wang had to oversee almost everything, from choreography and dance practice to instrumental training, vocal coaching, and music arrangement.

As for other minor matters, like recruiting a Master of Refining or establishing stable channels for purchasing precious materials, Wu Wang paid them little mind.

Finally, on the eve of Wu Wang’s breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm, the preparations for the three shops in Floating Jade City were complete.

As Sect Master, and the one primarily in charge of the Sect’s economic development, Wu Wang gave it sufficient attention, even though he didn’t plan to stay in the role long-term.

He, along with the Grand Elder, led dozens of female disciples from the Black Desire Door and dozens of powerful Demonic Cultivator guards, and hurried to Floating Jade City to oversee the crucial grand opening.

A large, three-decked ship, enveloped in layers of Formations, slowly approached Floating Jade City.

Wu Wang and the Grand Elder stood at the bow, gazing at the magnificent city nestled in the river valley, both with faint smiles.

The Grand Elder smiled and said, "I just received a message from within the Sect. Elder Mao has come out of seclusion. Seeing the Sect’s residence completely transformed, with stone huts replaced by multi-story pavilions, he’s clamoring to come find us."

"His timing is perfect," Wu Wang said with a smile. "It’s just right for him to step forward and invite a few seniors from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion to come and support us. It will also serve as a protective talisman."

The Grand Elder pondered for a moment and then cupped his hands in salute. "The Sect Master is indeed thorough in his considerations."

"By the way, Grand Elder, there’s a question I’ve actually been wanting to ask."

The Grand Elder smiled, "What is it?"

"What is your Daoist title or real name?"

"Blood Hand Demon Lord."

"Not the title, your name..."

"Just Blood Hand Demon Lord."

The Grand Elder stated calmly. Wu Wang blinked, suddenly understanding something, and didn’t press further.

I’ll just buy some rouge and powder later and pay a visit to Miaocui.

「A few days later...」

After they arrived in Floating Jade City, they were busy for several more days.

News of two new shops and a restaurant opening in Floating Jade City had already spread throughout the city. The grand opening was scheduled for noon today.

Initially, this news hadn’t attracted much attention; only some curious onlookers planned to join the excitement. But as handwritten flyers circulated within the city, the topic gradually gained traction.

"Fellow Daoist, look at this. What does this mean? Spend one hundred medium-grade Spirit Stones on magic treasures and receive ten high-grade Spirit Pills free; spend three hundred medium-grade Spirit Stones and receive one transcribed volume of Spells (your choice)."

"This is quite rare. It feels like we’re actually getting a good deal, doesn’t it?"

"Old Devil, look here. Does this say that if you buy a thousand Spirit Stones’ worth, you only pay seven hundred?"

"Is there really such a good deal?"

"Restaurant VIP event... Obtain a VIP Token to become a VIP. Besides enjoying delicacies at half price, you also get one free ticket for a song and dance performance annually? What does this mean?"

"All flash and no substance. There’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. I advise you, fellow Daoist, to be sensible and not be fooled."

"Isn’t this Annihilation Sect from the Demon Path? What good intentions can Demonic Cultivators have?"

"That’s not necessarily true. Look what it says here—’We humbly ask for our fellow Daoists’ forgiveness for our delay. May Immortals and Demons enjoy prosperity together, and may the Human Domain flourish alongside.’"

「In a corner of a teahouse...」

A sword-carrying, masked female Cultivator clutched the cloth flyer in her hand, so excited she was on the verge of tears.

There’s hope! With the Spirit Stones I have, only enough for five magic treasures, I can buy ten magic treasures to complete my mission!

Her eyes held a hint of distress, but she merely sighed softly, lowered her head to put away the flyer, and prepared to hurry and queue outside the Annihilation Sect’s magic treasure shop early.

However, after standing up, she looked at the cup of tea she had barely sipped from and felt it was a waste. She sat back down, lifted her veil, and took a couple of gentle sips.

Still, the Young Master’s tea tastes the best.