Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 147: Contribute Money and Effort
Song Xian said calmly, "How dare I? What I said is from the bottom of my heart, not an excuse. I believe that the three of you can understand the difficulties of our sect."

"I firmly support the alliance. I also support Sect Leader Hu's proposal to establish the alliance headquarters in Lingyun Mountain. However, my sect cannot spare ten disciples to garrison there."

"However, our sect is also willing to contribute its own modest strength to the alliance. As the saying goes, those with money contribute money, and those with strength contribute strength. Although our sect cannot do so, we can contribute some of our wealth to support the alliance."

"Just now, Palace Master Ding mentioned that if we send fifteen disciples to the coalition headquarters, we might not have enough money. Sect Master Mao also mentioned the same thing at the last celebration banquet. I believe this is their practical difficulty, just like our sect's shortage of manpower."

"Do you think this would work? Since the Ding family and the Rising Sun Sect are facing financial difficulties, and my sect is short of manpower, let's mediate. My sect will pay the salaries of the monks sent by the Ding family and the Rising Sun Sect to garrison the alliance headquarters."

"I will pay them a monthly subsidy of ten spirit stones each. There are thirty disciples in total from both families. My sect will pay them three hundred spirit stones per month, which means three thousand six hundred spirit stones per year."

"I hope Sect Master Hu doesn't mind. Because your sect is financially strong, we haven't included your disciples."

"I wonder if the three fellow Taoists agree with my plan?"

This was a response strategy that Song Xian had thought of a long time ago. Ever since the Fengyao Valley Intelligence Exchange learned that Casar had left, he had made up his mind not to go down the same path with the Qingyuan Sect. He had to keep his distance and not be dragged into this vortex.

But we cannot offend the three sects and be isolated because of this, we must maintain a close but distant relationship.

In addition, Chen Zhongwen, the second in command of Luofeng Valley, had also clearly stated that if he did not send people to assist Qingyuan Sect, he would never infringe on the interests of Hunyuan Sect.

Therefore, I came up with this method of spending money without having to work.

After listening to his story, Ding Wenxiang's eyes lit up. He was worried that he had not been able to extort money from Qingyuan Sect and had not been able to reach an agreement on the issue of sending salaries to disciples. Unexpectedly, Song Xian expressed his willingness to pay these people's salaries. For him, this was only beneficial and not harmful.

The addition of ten more disciples from the Hunyuan Sect will have no impact on the combat effectiveness of the entire coalition headquarters and will not play a key role.

The subsidized spirit stones actually went into his pocket. In addition, if ten Hunyuan Sect disciples were missing, there would be ten fewer people competing for the training room.

Therefore, he immediately expressed his opinion: "Master Song's proposal is very good. Hunyuan Sect pays for it, and we provide the labor. This can be said to be a self-resolved dilemma. It not only solves the problem of Hunyuan Sect's shortage of manpower, but also makes up for the financial difficulties of our government."

Mao Jie remained silent, his eyes flickering as if thinking about something.

Hu Yingquan's face was gloomy. The Hunyuan Sect was paying to subsidize the Ding family and the Xuri Sect, which had nothing to do with the Qingyuan Sect. However, for this, the Allied Forces Headquarters would lose the combat power of ten cultivators. Naturally, he was unhappy.

"This means the Allied Forces Headquarters will be short of ten cultivators. Sect Leader Song, what should we do with these ten cultivators?"

Faced with Hu Yingquan's aggressive attitude, Ding Wenxiang refuted him without waiting for Song Xian to speak.

"What's the big deal about a few more or fewer people? You all know the situation of Hunyuan Sect. It's really too difficult for them to send ten disciples. Now they are willing to use spirit stones to subsidize us. They pay the money and we pay the labor. Isn't that the best of both worlds? Otherwise, Sect Master Hu will pay the money on behalf of Hunyuan Sect, and let Sect Master Song use it to recruit independent cultivators to replace them?"

Hu Yingquan's face froze. For the Qingyuan Sect, paying an extra 300 spirit stones a month was not a big deal. The key point was that it was a matter of face.

Their alliance not only covered all defense costs but also gave up some training rooms, which was already a huge concession. If he also subsidized spirit stones to the Rising Sun Sect and the Ding family, it would seem like he was begging the two families to form an alliance, which would not only be embarrassing to the outside world but also difficult to explain to the insiders.

Our own disciples stationed at Lingyun Mountain do not even receive any additional spirit stone subsidies, yet we are actually subsidizing spirit stones to other sects. This is totally unacceptable and will inevitably lead to dissatisfaction among the sect's disciples.

"Everyone has difficulties. The most important thing is to form an alliance as soon as possible to deter the alliance of loose cultivators. Only in this way can we ensure our safety. Sect Leader Hu, please choose a date! When will we form the alliance? What should we name it? When can I send disciples to Lingyun Mountain?" Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Mao Jie tried to smooth things over.

"I've already thought of a name. Since we are a legitimate sect, we can directly form an alliance in Xiazhen, a town outside the city. As for the date of the alliance, it's better to choose a good day than to wait for one, so let's just set it today to avoid any unnecessary complications. After you two fellow Taoists return, please send someone to Lingyun Mountain immediately. Our sect already has twenty disciples there."

"Okay. Let's do as Master Hu says." Mao Jie was the first to respond.

Ding Wenxiang and Song Xian also followed suit.

Hu Yingquan immediately ordered people to prepare incense, candles, paper, ink and other sacrificial items.

After everything was ready, everyone came to the altar of the Qingyuan Sect. They first cut their palms and signed the alliance document with blood and pressed their blood seals. Then they swore an oath of blood, drank blood wine together, and slaughtered livestock as an oath.

Finally, Hu Yingquan read the Book of Covenant aloud on the altar, and the three people echoed him.

After the ceremony, they had a banquet at Qingyuan Sect, during which they discussed the details of the alliance.

For example, when will the monthly subsidy of 300 spirit stones from Hunyuan Sect be delivered, how many training rooms will Qingyuan Sect give up, how many of them are first-grade low-quality and first-grade mid-quality, and how will the disciples of Ding Family and Xuri Sect take turns to use them.

How to supply logistical support for the coalition forces, etc.

…………

While everyone was talking, a conspiracy was also taking place in Luofeng Valley, Bianxia Town, hundreds of miles away.

Inside the dimly lit room, Second-in-Command Chen Zhongwen sat at the head of the household, his expression calm as he spoke, "Through these days of investigation, we've confirmed that the fight outside the Nanyuan Valley Marketplace was a premeditated action deliberately instigated by the Rising Sun Sect. I also learned that the Rising Sun Sect has recalled all of their disciples stationed abroad. Originally, a group of them were supposed to go to the Muhe Grassland for trade this month, but they haven't set off yet."

Luofeng Valley leader Xu Quan frowned slightly: "What are they going to do?"

"According to intelligence, in the past two weeks, the Qingyuan Sect has sent people to and from the Xuri Sect four times, but has only sent people to contact the Ding family once. With such frequent meetings, the Qingyuan Sect must be discussing something important with the Xuri Sect."

"I suspect that the conflict between the Rising Sun Sect and Mount Qixia this time was orchestrated by the Qingyuan Sect."

Xu Quan asked in confusion, "Why does the Qingyuan Sect want the Xuri Sect to provoke friction with Qixia Mountain?"

"It's simple. He wants to form an alliance with the other three families as quickly as possible. Previously, the Qingyuan Sect had been sending people to contact the Ding Family and the Rising Sun Sect, but there was no news on the alliance. It's likely that the terms haven't been agreed upon. An alliance is most beneficial to the Qingyuan Sect, so one of the parties must be taking this opportunity to make exorbitant demands, trying to get more terms that the Qingyuan Sect can't accept."

"In order to form an alliance as quickly as possible, he teamed up with the Rising Sun Sect to stage this drama. This way, they could publicize our threat, put pressure on the Ding family and the Hunyuan Sect, and force them to make concessions, thus facilitating the alliance."

"Combined with the recent movements of the Rising Sun Sect, I predict that they will launch an offensive soon, and it is very likely to be against Qixia Mountain."

Xu Quan's expression suddenly became serious: "What do you mean?"

Chen Zhongwen's voice remained steady. "Why would the Rising Sun Sect be willing to cooperate with the Qingyuan Sect in this drama? This is not in their best interest. It's the Qingyuan Sect that's anxious to form an alliance, and the one that benefits the most from the alliance is also the Qingyuan Sect. The Rising Sun Sect can completely use this opportunity to make an exorbitant request and reap even more benefits."

"But they chose to cooperate with Qingyuan Sect. There is only one possibility, that is, Qingyuan Sect promised them more and greater benefits."

"Over the past few years, the Rising Sun Sect hasn't been doing well. They have no resources, no territory, and no industry. Their capital is almost gone. Just this year, the Rising Sun Sect adjusted the salaries of their disciples, and almost everyone's salary was reduced."

"This has caused many complaints from the disciples of the Rising Sun Sect. Apparently, the Rising Sun Sect's financial situation is extremely tight."

"If the Rising Sun Sect wants to survive, it must either develop new industries or seize resources." "Besides, why did the Rising Sun Sect choose to clash with Qixia Mountain? Why not someone else, but Qixia Mountain?"

"The Xuri Sect's mountain gate borders the Qixia Mountain territory, and most of Qixia Mountain's resources are located near the Xuri Sect."

"If we have to decide which mountain is the most advantageous for plundering resources, it would definitely be Qixia Mountain, which is closest to its mountain gate. With this conflict, they can more legitimately seize Qixia Mountain's resources."

"The Rising Sun Sect's finances are already so tight, yet they've recalled all their disciples. If it's not to prepare for a war, then why else could it be?"

"Based on various factors, I believe that the Rising Sun Sect will soon launch an attack on Qixia Mountain."

"This also explains why the Rising Sun Sect gave up its own interests and chose to cooperate with the Qingyuan Sect in this drama. They need the Qingyuan Sect's support."

…………

After returning from Qingyuan Sect, Song Xian immediately took out 900 spirit stones from the treasury and sent Zhong Wenyuan to the Ding family and Xuri Sect to hand them over to Ding Wenxiang and Mao Jie. This was agreed upon when the alliance was formed. The spirit stone subsidy from Hunyuan Sect was for three months at a time.

Although it is a bit painful to lose three hundred spirit stones every month, it is still worth it to be able to escape from the center of this vortex.

The next day, he summoned Zhang Ningyuan and first explained the matter of the sect alliance to him: "Brother Ningyuan, I have an important task that I would like to entrust to you. It's a bit arduous, I wonder if you are willing to do it?"

Zhang Ningyuan immediately responded after hearing what he said, "What is it? Master, tell me! As long as I can do it, I will definitely do my best."

"I want you to go back to Changping City in Pingyuan County and bring over the families and relatives of all of you fellow disciples. Now that we've established ourselves here, it's time to bring them over so that all of you can reunite with your families. Junior Brother Shen Fan mentioned this to me before, and I agreed to bring his family over when the situation improves a little."

"Although the situation in Bianxia Town is currently tense, the conditions of this alliance can ensure that we can stay out of it."

"You are a former elder of the Qingyun Sect and a descendant of the Zhang family. It is most appropriate for you to pick them up."

Zhang Ningyuan didn't hesitate and nodded, "Okay, when should I leave?"

"Over the next few days, gather the information of your fellow disciples and have them fill in their family's names and addresses. They should also write a handwritten letter, preferably with a token of gratitude, and give it to their families. Then, you will personally escort these people here."

"Of course, whether they're willing to come or not is up to them. Our climate here is quite harsh and cold. You should tell them the truth about the situation here and let them make their own choice. There's no need to force them if they don't want to come."

"This is a very troublesome matter. Please go to Senior Brother Lu Yuan to get some funds. I have already informed him."

"You must be careful on this trip. It's best not to let Qingyun Sect know, so as to avoid trouble. Chang Jinmian hates us deeply and may do something."

Song Xian had multiple considerations for sending Zhang Ningyuan at this time.

The first is that the Zhang Ningyuan he mentioned is indeed a suitable person, and the second is that the sect is now stable and can establish itself and develop here.

There was another reason that could not be stated explicitly. He had a quarrel with Zhong Wenyuan over the matter of Zhou Ren. Although Zhong Wenyuan agreed to Zhou Ren joining the sect under his mediation, he also suggested that Zhang Ningyuan was not steady enough and that someone else should be responsible for the matter.

But replacing Zhang Ningyuan at this time seems a bit inhumane and is a major blow to his enthusiasm.

That's why he was asked to go to Changping City in Pingyuan County. This matter had to be done sooner or later. Using this reason, Ming Yan Zhengshun sent Zhang Ningyuan there, and then let Zhong Wenyuan be responsible for recruiting independent disciples, which was killing two birds with one stone.

.........

In the meeting hall of the Rising Sun Sect, Mao Jie sat solemnly at the main seat. A disciple hurried in from outside and bowed to him, "Master, all the disciples of our sect have assembled."

"Let them all come in."

"Yes." The disciple responded and left. Soon, a large group of disciples dressed in the uniforms of the Rising Sun Sect filed into the hall and stood in rows in the business houses.

"Greetings, Master." Everyone bowed.

Mao Jie suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Since our sect moved here, it has been declining day by day. Why is this so? It's because the resources and territory that should have belonged to our sect have been occupied by independent cultivators, causing our sect to be unable to make ends meet."

"This is the first time this year that the sect has lowered salaries, and it's all for this reason. Qixia Mountain has not only monopolized the surrounding resources, but a few days ago they even deliberately provoked and injured fellow disciples of our sect. How can this be tolerated?"

"I have decided to fight to the death with Qixia Mountain to avenge the death of my disciples."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent and the disciples looked at each other. The meaning of these words was obvious: they were going to go to war with Qixia Mountain, but no one was mentally prepared.

"Follow the orders of the master." At this time, a voice suddenly sounded. It was the elder of the Rising Sun Sect.

"Follow the master's orders." Another voice sounded.

The core members of the Rising Sun Sect expressed their opinions one after another, leading the other disciples, and soon, voices were heard one after another.

When the voice died down, Mao Jie continued, "I declare that from now on, salaries will be paid according to the original regulations. Today we will attack Qixia Mountain and reclaim the territory that rightfully belongs to us. Each disciple should fight bravely. Anyone who kills an enemy will be rewarded with 100 spirit stones and a salary increase of one level."

"Kill them at Qixia Mountain." It was the elder who responded first, and then voices rang out one after another.

However, this time everyone was genuinely happy, and they all wanted to make achievements and receive bonuses, so their voices were obviously much louder than before.

"Perhaps some people are worried that we can't take Mount Qixia with our strength. Indeed, Mount Qixia is a tough nut to crack. Its gate is guarded by a first-grade, top-grade formation and is garrisoned by at least twenty cultivators. It would be difficult for us to capture it, so I have requested assistance from the allied forces. The Lingyun Mountain coalition will fully assist us in capturing Mount Qixia."

"This war is a matter of life and death for the sect. I demand that everyone fight to the death. Anyone who retreats without fighting will be considered a traitor to the sect, and I will personally chop off his head."

"Those who achieve great merit will receive not only spirit stones and salary increases, but also other generous rewards. Those who can enter the Qixia Mountain Gate first, or kill three or more enemies, will be given important positions by the sect."

"Outer disciples are promoted to inner disciples, inner disciples are promoted to deacons, and deacons are promoted to elders."

"Did you hear everything clearly?"

"Yes." Everyone answered almost in unison.

"Let's go." Mao Jie waved his hand and walked out, and everyone followed closely behind him.

(End of this chapter)