Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

By drawing a line with the Blood Blade Sect and temporarily eliminating the imminent conflict, the Qingyun Sect finally gained a precious respite and opportunity to develop in its two bridgeheads in the southwest corner of the Black Wind Mountains: "Black Stone Village" (copper mine, Eagle Beak Pass) and "Shadow Moon Valley" (Yin Wind Valley herb garden, Dark River ferry).

However, establishing a foothold is only the first step. The key next step is to truly digest and absorb these two new territories and transform them into the sect's strength.

Inside the main hall of the sect leader, the lights were on. Shen Mo summoned core elders such as Su Xiao, Han Lin, Zhao Qingyan, and Li Xiaocao, and remotely connected with Shi Tie (Black Stone Village Chief "Shi Gandang") and Su Xiao (Shadow Moon Valley Master "Moon Shadow Lady") who were stationed at the front line, to hold an important meeting concerning the future.

"Although the Blood Blade Sect has temporarily retreated, the hidden dangers have not been eliminated. The Earthly Fiend Gang is eyeing us covetously in the east, and the shadow of the Blazing Sun Sect looms over the entire Southern Region."

Shen Mo cut to the chase, lightly tapping the two new markers on the map, "These two territories are the first foot that Qingyun Sect has taken to extend into the outside world. If our foot isn't firmly planted, everything else is just empty talk. Our core task going forward is to 'digest' and 'establish roots'."

He glanced at everyone and said, "Please feel free to share your specific suggestions on how to proceed."

Elder Han Lin, who was in charge of internal affairs and resources, spoke first, with a long list spread out in front of him: "Sect Leader, I have made a preliminary inventory of the resources of the two new strongholds. The copper mine has abundant reserves of medium to high quality. If it can be mined stably, it can produce copper ore worth no less than 50,000 low-grade spirit stones every year."

"Although the Yin Wind Valley herb garden mainly consists of Yin-attribute spiritual herbs, some of them, such as the 'Ghost Flower' and 'Cold Smoke Grass,' are rare materials for refining specific elixirs and are quite valuable. The underground river crossing can serve as a secret passage connecting to the southern region. The most urgent task is to restore and expand production, but... there is a severe shortage of manpower."

Shi Tie's rough voice came through the communication array: "Elder Han is right! Most of the undisciplined miners from our mine have run away, and those who remain are just going through the motions! Relying solely on our brothers from the War Hall to take turns mining is not a long-term solution! We need to quickly find some reliable people!"

Su Xiao's cold voice followed: "The situation here in the herb garden is similar. The original herb farmers had rudimentary skills and a lack of understanding of the habits of spiritual herbs, resulting in many rare seedlings not growing well. We need skilled spiritual plant growers, preferably those who understand some alchemy principles."

"Population is the foundation." Shen Mo nodded. "Elder Han, how's the progress on the admission criteria you were asked to set?"

Han Lin immediately presented a jade slip: "A preliminary plan has been drafted. Priority will be given to recruiting the following categories: First, independent cultivators or members of small families with skills in mining, spiritual cultivation, forging, etc., who must pass the 'Heart-Testing Array' to assess their character;"

"Secondly, rogue cultivators with a cultivation level of at least the mid-stage of Qi Refining, a solid foundation, and no history of misconduct can supplement combat power and manpower;"

"Third, the conditions may be appropriately relaxed for exiled monks who carry special skills or knowledge."

"All recruits must sign a soul contract and undergo a three-year observation period. Only those who make outstanding contributions and demonstrate unwavering loyalty during this period can be gradually recruited into the outer sect and eventually the inner sect."

"Alright!" Shen Mo agreed. "You will be in charge of this matter, with Junior Sister Xiao assisting. Recruit secretly in the surrounding area through the Hundred Treasures Pavilion. Remember, quality over quantity; prioritize assessing character and foundation. Once recruited, disperse and settle them under the guidance of senior disciples, observing them while they work."

"I (Xiao'er) understand!" Han Lin and Su Xiao replied in unison.

"Having people isn't enough," Zhao Qingyan interjected, with simple array diagrams of two strongholds floating in front of her. "The defenses of the two strongholds are too rudimentary, relying only on a few temporary array plates. They can only defend against small-scale harassment and are insufficient to withstand true experts."

"We need to build a complete defensive array system as soon as possible, echoing the main array of Qingyun Mountain. In addition, we also need to establish short-distance teleportation arrays to facilitate emergency support and resource allocation."

Shen Mo looked at her: "Qingyan, this is the perfect job for you. Just ask if you need any resources."

Zhao Qingyan pondered and said, "Constructing a permanent defensive array requires a large amount of earth and metal elemental spiritual materials, especially 'Sinking Gold' and 'Earth Vein Stone'. Short-distance teleportation arrays are even more costly, and the core material 'Void Stone' is extremely scarce."

"Fortunately, 'Void Stone' is occasionally found as a by-product in copper mines, so we can keep an eye out for collecting it. Also, setting up the formation requires a lot of manpower, and we can't rely on newly recruited people."

"In terms of resources, prioritize them." Shen Mo made the decision. "Draw elite disciples from the Battle Hall and Array Hall, and you will be in command. Produce a plan as soon as possible to protect the core area first."

"Qingyan obeys!" Zhao Qingyan nodded solemnly.

Li Xiaocao also raised her small hand and said weakly, "Senior Brother Sect Leader, the growth and harvesting time of some Yin-attribute spiritual herbs in the herb garden seem to be slightly different from those recorded in the classics. This may be related to the unique Yin energy of the local earth veins."

"I'd like to take a few disciples from the Pill Hall there to conduct on-site research and see if we can improve the cultivation methods to increase yield and efficacy. In addition, the miners and guards need pills for their daily cultivation and injuries, so we also need to set up a branch of the Pill Hall there."

"Approved!" Shen Mo gave her an approving look. "It's good that Xiao Cao can apply what she's learned. You will be in full charge of the Danfang branch. Make a list of the manpower and supplies you need and give it to Elder Han. As for security, I will have Sun Hao lead a team to protect you."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Sect Leader!" Li Xiaocao replied happily.

With the strategic direction set, the entire Qingyun Sect, like a sophisticated instrument, began operating at high speed once again.

Heishizhai (copper mine).

Under Shi Tie's command, the disciples of the War Hall revealed another side of themselves beyond combat. They organized the surviving miners, repaired the tunnels, erected supports, and improved mining tools.

Sun Hao led a team to survey the earth veins in the dangerous areas around the mine, following Zhao Qingyan's instructions, and drove in the foundation piles for the formation.

Xiong Meng led another team, organizing the prisoners and newly recruited rogue cultivators who had passed the initial assessment into patrol teams, keeping watch day and night, and clearing out any scattered monsters and restless creatures in the surrounding area.

Deep within the mine, in a newly excavated cave, a roaring fire blazed. Several disciples transferred from the sect's weapon-making hall were attempting to forge standard flying swords and defensive shields using the newly mined copper ore.

Although its quality cannot compare with the meticulously refined products within the sect, its advantage lies in its ability to be replenished locally at a low cost.

"Hey! Old Zhang, you need to push the fire a bit harder! Look, this copper molten metal isn't pure enough!" A young weapon-making disciple, his face covered in coal dust, shouted at a newly recruited old miner who used to work in Blackrock City.

"Yes, yes, yes, the little immortal master's guidance is correct!" Old Zhang hurriedly adjusted the bellows, but a smile was on his face. Here, although the work was tiring, the food was plentiful, there were spirit stones to be earned, and no one could kill anyone at will. It was much better than the days when he was on tenterhooks.

Shadowmoon Valley (Yinfeng Valley Herb Garden).

The atmosphere here is much quieter. Under Su Xiao's direction, the herb garden has been reorganized, with different types of spiritual herbs planted in separate areas.

Li Xiaocao, along with several disciples of the Pill Hall, spent their days immersed in the medicinal herb field. Sometimes they would squat down to carefully observe the veins of the leaves, sometimes they would take out jade slips to record data, and sometimes they would discuss things in hushed tones.

"Senior sister, look! This 'Ghost Flower' glows faintly when the Yin energy is at its peak at midnight. Picking it at this time seems to yield the best medicinal effects." A young female disciple excitedly pointed to a swaying black flower that emitted a faint fluorescent glow.

"Okay, write that down. Also, try irrigating it with diluted 'Moonlight Dew' to see if it can neutralize some of the Yin energy and enhance its mild medicinal properties," Li Xiaocao carefully instructed.