Xiuxian: Start with the medicine boy

at this time···
The old monk in the moon-white robe clasped his hands together, lowered his eyes, and seemed to be in deep meditation.

Sitting upright on his throne, Cheng Buzheng looked at the scene before him, having already anticipated it.

When he constructed this framework, he had already taken into account the issue of balancing the interests of all parties.

While adding more positions might appease more people, can the monks' association afford to do so?
This is also a big problem.

He sighed inwardly. These cultivators only saw the power and resources that came with their positions, but they never thought about how much resources it would take to maintain the operation of such a large organization.

but!

He wasn't angry that these monks wanted to modify the framework; on the contrary, he thought it was a good opportunity.

Cheng Buzheng sighed softly, his voice tinged with helplessness:

"I had considered your suggestion before, young friends."

Adding positions for deputy hall master and deputy minister may seem simple...

At this point, his tone changed, and he continued:
"However, after reviewing the revenue of the three major alliances in the past, and combining it with my calculations of the future expenditures of the Cultivator Association, I found that the two cannot be balanced at all."

There shouldn't be any problems in the short term.

Over time, the monks' association's finances will inevitably fall into a stalemate.

That's why I reduced the number of spots.

This is the truth.

During the three major alliances, each went its own way, resulting in serious internal resource consumption.

Integrating them into one entity now would require a huge initial investment, and if too many positions are created, salary expenditures would become a heavy burden.

Hear the words.

The Blood Demon Lord's eyes flashed, and he suddenly stood up, bowed deeply to Cheng Buzheng, and said loudly:
"The senior's considerations are not without reason!"

However, we are willing to follow our predecessors to establish the world, not for this small salary.

Therefore, I believe that the fellow Daoists present will support reducing the corresponding salaries and increasing the number of positions.

That's a well-chosen statement; it demonstrates loyalty while also offering a solution.

However, many cultivators from top sects inside the hall cursed inwardly.

They didn't want any more cultivators of the same level to share in the power.

Those cultivators from ordinary sects were also extremely hesitant for a moment...

Obviously.

If you want power, you have to cut salaries!
It's simply impossible to have your cake and eat it too.

However, those who can cultivate to such a level must also possess extraordinary mental fortitude.

A moment later, they made their decision.

The moment the Blood Demon Lord finished speaking...
Dozens of late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators immediately stood up and echoed:

"senior!
"Fellow Daoist Blood Fiend is right. We voluntarily agree to reduce our salaries."

"For the greater good of the cultivation world, personal gains and losses are insignificant!"

"Please grant my request, senior!"

These cultivators understood that adding more spots would naturally increase their chances of succeeding in the competition.

If one can compete for a high position...

The pay cuts won't affect them much!

Moreover, this move would also win the favor of a senior cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage, so why not do it?
With these people taking the lead, the remaining unwilling cultivators were now in a difficult position.

If we don't express our support, wouldn't it make us seem like we're only concerned with our own interests and not the bigger picture?

How can someone who leaves such an impression on a Nascent Soul cultivator expect to have a good future?
Then, one by one, the cultivators stood up and shouted in unison:
"Please grant my request, senior!"

"Granted!"

"···"

The sound was like a tidal wave, almost sweeping across the entire hall.

Only a few cultivators remained seated, their expressions complex, but given the prevailing trend, they dared not openly oppose it.

Those cultivators from top sects, though displeased at the sight, knew that the overwhelming trend was unstoppable.

To object now would mean making an enemy of the majority of the cultivators present.

It might even offend a senior cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage.

They only had one choice: to follow the trend.

This time!

A look of satisfaction appeared deep in Cheng Buzheng's eyes as he sat on the throne.

'really!
Compared to directly cutting salaries, a more subtle approach is more effective.

Now, no one can say that the person in question is harsh.

After all, this was a voluntary reduction in their salaries, not something imposed by the Emperor himself.

Cheng Buzheng thought to himself.

He had already planned to cut salaries at all levels to save resources for association expenses.

Now that these monks have brought it up, it's a perfect opportunity to push things along.

Immediately.

Cheng Buzheng said calmly:

"In that case, the salary shall be paid in accordance with the stipends of you young friends."

The number of deputy positions at the palace and ministerial levels has increased to six, making it an odd number when combined with the number of full-time positions.

Even when presiding over important meetings and conducting votes, a tie will not be reached.

This statement was perfectly worded, agreeing to the increase in positions while also providing a reasonable explanation.

To prevent a tie in the vote.

"Your senior is wise!"

"wise!"

A cheer erupted inside the hall.

Although salaries were cut, the number of positions increased, and more people had opportunities.

This can be considered a form of compensation.

Cheng Buzheng waved his hand to quell the commotion and continued:

"Alright, does anyone have any suggestions next?"

Let's share our thoughts and discuss it.

As soon as he finished speaking, an old man dressed in a purple-gold Taoist robe and wearing a seven-star crown stood up.

This person is the Supreme Elder of the Beidou Sect, with the Daoist name "Tian Shu Zi". He is a half-saint and highly respected in the cultivation world.

Tian Shuzi bowed deeply to Cheng Buzheng, his voice resonant:

"Senior, do all the members of the Hall Committee mentioned in the jade slip have one vote?"
Are all members of the Hall Committee the Hall Masters and Deputy Hall Masters?

This question is critical.

The Temple Committee is the highest decision-making body of the monks' association.

Its composition and voting rules are directly related to the distribution of power.

This statement came out.

The hall fell silent as all the cultivators looked at Cheng Buzheng, awaiting his answer.

Cheng Buzheng also fell into thought.

To be honest, he didn't think too deeply when he constructed this framework.

That's because he never intended to turn the monks' association into a one-man show.

Once the situation in the cultivation world stabilizes, Cheng Buzheng plans to reclaim this Dharma body.

After all, the efficiency of comprehending the laws is vastly different when the true spirit is not perfect.

Cheng Buzheng naturally wouldn't leave this Dharma body here forever.

same!

He also didn't want this soon-to-be-established behemoth to fall into the hands of certain individuals in the future.

Power must be checked and balanced; otherwise, over time, it will inevitably deviate from its original purpose.

therefore!

After some thought, Cheng Buzheng decided to build a relatively balanced power structure based on his experience with the previous system and the actual situation in the cultivation world.

He said in a deep voice:

"Too many members on the Hall Committee is not a good thing."

Therefore, not all deputy hall masters are qualified to become a member of the hall committee.

Each hall master at the hall level is a member of the hall committee.

To become a member of the Hall Committee, a Deputy Hall Master must make sufficiently significant contributions.

Only those promoted to members of the Hall Committee are eligible to compete for the position of Hall Master when it becomes vacant.

After a pause, Cheng Buzheng continued:

"If I go into seclusion in the future, all major matters of the Cultivator Association will be decided by the Hall Committee."

Each member of the Hall Committee has one vote, and major resolutions require the approval of more than two-thirds of the members to pass.

The president has veto power, but can only use it three times every hundred years.

This design is ingenious.

The temple master automatically becomes a member of the temple committee, thus ensuring the interests of each temple;
The promotion of deputy hall masters is based on contributions, which provides an upward channel for middle and lower-level cultivators.

The president has veto power, but it is limited, thus retaining the final decision-making power while preventing the abuse of power.

Cheng Buzheng's gaze swept across the entire room, and he suddenly chuckled:
"Of course, if any of you young friends break through to the Nascent Soul Realm, you can directly serve as the vice president of the Cultivator Association."

"Even if he wants the position of president, I'm willing to relinquish it."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic response.

"We admire your noble character, senior!"

"Senior is righteous!"

"···"

Inside the hall, thousands of powerful figures rose to their feet, their faces filled with admiration, and shouted in unison.

But what they really think is another matter.

At least some of the cultivators did not believe that Cheng Buzheng would really abdicate.

Otherwise, would the elaborate establishment of the Cultivator Association really be for the purpose of stabilizing the overall situation?

Putting ourselves in their shoes, they certainly don't have that kind of kindness.

He will not relinquish the position of president unless this senior Nascent Soul cultivator achieves his goal.

This is also the idea of ​​most monks.

However, they also realized that this senior's style was not very domineering, and as long as their core interests were not touched, he should not make things difficult for them.

Moreover, the framework design is relatively fair, giving everyone a chance.

After reaching a conclusion, the atmosphere inside the hall became noticeably more lively.

The cultivators offered their opinions on the framework and conditions within the jade slip.

Regarding the task reward system,

Regarding the rules for redeeming contribution points,
Regarding association discipline,

Regarding the allocation of resources for conquering demons...
In this regard.

Cheng Buzheng listened attentively and discussed the matter with the other cultivators present.

He adopted reasonable suggestions on the spot;
He patiently explained anything that was unreasonable.

When it comes to matters of principle, he sticks to his own opinion.

However, he did not back down on the fundamental principles of protecting spiritual veins, allocating resources, and the core system of decentralization.

This is the foundation of the monks' association, and it cannot be shaken.

Once, twice...

Even those who have cultivated for thousands of years have seen this point, so they have not mentioned modifying similar core rules and organizational frameworks since.

As time passed and the sun rose high in the sky, the discussion inside the main hall grew increasingly heated.

However, under Cheng Buzheng's guidance, they never strayed from the right path.

Finally, after three hours of discussion, the basic framework and charter of the monks' association were finalized.

Next comes the most crucial step – job assignment.

The atmosphere inside the hall became subtle once again.

Half-Saint level experts compete for the positions of Hall Master and Deputy Hall Master, while late-stage Nascent Soul level experts vie for the positions of Minister and Deputy Minister.

Although Cheng Buzheng was present and no one dared to act recklessly, the witty remarks and the confrontation in their eyes were more dangerous than actual fighting.

"The position of Lord of the Law Enforcement Hall..."

I believe that Fellow Daoist Qu of the Ten Thousand Immortals Sect should be appointed.

The Ten Thousand Immortals Sect is known throughout the cultivation world for its strict enforcement of the law.

An elderly woman with white hair slowly spoke. She was the Supreme Elder of the Yaoguang Immortal Sect and had always been on good terms with the Wanxian Sect.

"Fellow Daoist Yaoguang, you flatter me."

Qu Banzun stroked his beard and smiled, without declining.

The Enforcement Hall wielded immense power, which he naturally desired.

"Hmph, the head of the Law Enforcement Hall must be impartial. Fellow Daoist Qu has good relations with many sects, so I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to be impartial, right?"

Leng Feng, the Half-Venerable, sneered.
"In my opinion, this position should be held by the Supreme Elder of the Blood Fiend Sect."

The Blood Fiend Sect always acts based solely on right and wrong, regardless of personal relationships.

"Fellow Daoist Leng Feng is joking. Who doesn't know that the Blood Fiend Sect is vengeful?"

A high-ranking Buddhist monk said calmly,

"The Lord of the Law Enforcement Hall should have a compassionate heart and the wisdom to distinguish right from wrong."

This old monk recommends Fellow Daoist Fu of the [Rongshen Immortal Sect].

"Fellow Daoist Fu's cultivation is insufficient, making it difficult for him to win over the masses."

Immediately, some people objected.

All of a sudden!

The debate over the position of Master of the Law Enforcement Hall intensified.

Cheng Buzheng sat on the high platform, not interrupting, letting them argue.

He wanted to see how these monks would balance the interests of all parties.
Ultimately, after some negotiation, Qu Banzun from the Ten Thousand Immortals Sect was chosen as the head of the Law Enforcement Hall.
The two deputy hall masters are from the Blood Fiend Sect and the Merging God Immortal Sect, respectively, representing top-tier sects with deep foundations and large-scale sects...

This balanced the various forces.

Regarding this result...
While not all parties were entirely satisfied, they could accept the outcome.

The competition for the positions of other hall masters and deputy hall masters was equally fierce.

But with the precedent set by the Hall of Law Enforcement, all parties learned to compromise and maintain a balance.

Cheng Buzheng would occasionally say a word or two at crucial moments to guide the direction and prevent one side from becoming too dominant.

With the allocation of positions at the palace level complete, it's time for the ministerial level.

The competition is even fiercer, as there are hundreds of ministerial-level positions available...

Inside the main hall, over a thousand Nascent Soul stage experts participated in the competition.

It's so noisy!

If it weren't for Cheng Buzheng overseeing things, a fight would probably have broken out long ago.

"Minister of the Elixir Department? Our Hundred Herbs Valley will not shirk our responsibility!"

"joke!
"The head of the Alchemy Pavilion hasn't even been appointed yet, and your Hundred Herbs Valley already wants to monopolize the Spirit Herbs Department?"

"Our Taihuang Immortal Clan is skilled in weapon crafting; the weapon crafting department is none other than our clan's!"

"We cultivators who were once part of the Zhenhai Alliance are most familiar with the allocation of overseas resources..."
The Ministry of Foreign Trade should be headed by us!

Arguments rose and fell.

Cheng Buzheng was not in a hurry. He watched quietly and occasionally mediated any overly intense conflicts.

He wanted to use these arguments to understand the relationships, demands, and bottom lines of all parties involved.

The sun's shadow is setting in the west...
The sunset glow streamed through the skylight in the dome of the main hall, turning the entire hall golden.

The debate gradually subsided, and the initial allocation of positions in each department was completed.

Although it's impossible to satisfy everyone, a general balance was maintained through Cheng Buzheng's coordination.

"All right."

Cheng Buzheng finally spoke, his voice echoing throughout the hall.

That's all for today.

The founding ceremony of the Monks' Association will be held here tomorrow, where the association will be officially announced and appointments will be issued.

All those in office must be present at that time.

"I will obey the instructions of my predecessors!"

Thousands of cultivators responded in unison, their voices resounding throughout the hall.

Cheng Buzheng nodded, his figure slowly fading until he finally disappeared.

The cultivators breathed a sigh of relief when they learned that their senior had left.

Although Cheng Buzheng remained calm, the pressure from the Nascent Soul Venerable always weighed on his heart like a mountain.

"Fellow Daoist, congratulations!"
The Enforcement Department is a directly subordinate department of the Enforcement Hall; it's an extremely powerful and influential department!

Yunhe Zhenjun walked to Xue Sha Mojun's side, cupped his hands and smiled.

The Blood Demon Lord glanced at him with his blood-red eyes and said indifferently:
"Didn't Fellow Daoist Yunhe also obtain the position of Deputy Minister of the Inspection Department?"
There will be many more opportunities to interact in the future.

The two exchanged a smile, each smile carrying a deeper meaning.

...(End of this chapter)