Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

"Keep a low profile and be cautious?" Master Chixiao sneered. "A lurking venomous snake is often more dangerous than a roaring tiger. If we allow it to grow too powerful, it may become a major threat."

"Although the sect leader is in seclusion consolidating his cultivation and has no time to attend to other matters, he has still issued a decree that the situation in the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness should prioritize stability. Any signs that may disrupt the balance must be nipped in the bud as soon as possible."

He pondered for a moment, a wisp of crimson flame flickering at his fingertips: "Since direct violence is not advisable, let's try another method. Issue my decree:"

"First, effective immediately, all merchant guilds and markets under the Lieyang Sect shall suspend all large-scale transactions with the Qingyun Sect and its related forces (with particular emphasis on Black Stone Village and Shadow Moon Valley), especially strategic materials such as 'Lieyang Refined Gold,' 'Earth Core Fire Lotus,' and 'Breakthrough Talisman' raw materials, and implement limited supply and price increases."

"Second, notify the 'Flowing Fire Valley' and 'Blazing Sun Sect' and other forces affiliated with our sect to implement the embargo simultaneously. Third, have Chen Hao of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion 'remind' his partners that having too close ties with the Qingyun Sect is probably not a wise move."

Zhao Yan understood immediately; this was an attempt to impose an "economic blockade" and "invisible isolation" on the Qingyun Sect! By cutting off some of its key resource sources, their development speed would be restricted, trapping them in an isolated island and making it difficult for them to continue to grow.

"Master Uncle's insight is brilliant! This plan is excellent! We can make their advance extremely difficult without shedding a drop of blood! I will go and carry it out immediately!"

Master Chixiao nodded slightly, closed his eyes, and remained silent, as if he had only done a trivial matter. In his eyes, the Qingyun Sect was merely a slightly larger pawn, which could be rendered immobile with a little manipulation.

If it weren't for the fact that Jin Yan Zhenren was suppressed by Xing Jian, the "Starry Sword Immortal," at the Liuyun Water Mansion, which caused him to lose face and damage his mental state, leading him to go on a journey shortly after returning to the sect and causing the Lieyang Sect to lose a powerful Golden Core warrior, the Lieyang Sect would not be as constrained as it is now.

It was precisely because of this cause and effect that the Qingyun Sect was a thorn in the side of the Lieyang Sect, but they couldn't bring themselves to do it, so they directly took action against them.

The laws of the Lieyang Sect spread rapidly, like invisible shackles.

Several days later, at Qingyun Mountain, in the main hall of the sect leader.

Su Xiao rushed in, her brows furrowed, holding several of the latest communication jade slips in her hand: "Sect Leader, the situation is dire! Chen Hao from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion sent a secret message that the Blazing Sun Sect has begun to exert pressure on us, restricting our transactions."

"Our order of 'Blazing Sun Refined Gold' for refining the core of the 'Flowing Cloud Boat' and 'Earth Core Fire Lotus Petals' for refining high-grade 'Foundation Building Pills' has been indefinitely postponed due to 'supply shortage'."

"In addition, several small and medium-sized chambers of commerce that are on good terms with us have also written to us, with evasive words, indicating that there may be difficulties in future cooperation."

Almost simultaneously, Han Lin arrived with a worried expression: "Sect Leader, the disciple in charge of procurement reports that several commonly used talisman papers and refining auxiliary materials, which were originally readily available at the 'Liu Huo Market' at the foot of the mountain, have not only seen their prices skyrocket by 30% today, but are also subject to purchase restrictions, supposedly due to problems with upstream supply."

"Some small families that we have dealings with have also hinted at feeling pressure."

Shen Mo took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, his expression calm, as if he had expected it. He put down the jade slip and lightly tapped the table with his fingertips: "They really came. The Blazing Sun Sect has realized that force isn't working, so they're starting to use soft tactics. They're blocking key resources, raising costs, isolating us, trying to trap us and let us die."

"Sect Leader, what should we do now?" Su Xiao asked worriedly. "The Blazing Sun Refined Gold is the key to refining flying magic weapons and large array plates, and the Earth Core Fire Lotus Petals are also related to Junior Sister Xiao Cao's attempt to refine a high-level Foundation Establishment Pill."

"If the supply is cut off for a long time, the sect's development will inevitably be hindered. Moreover, once this trend is set, other forces may follow suit, and we will be in an even more passive position."

Shen Mo stood up, walked to the map on the cave wall, and glanced at the triangular area formed by Qingyun Mountain, Black Stone Village, and Shadow Moon Valley. He slowly said:

"The Blazing Sun Sect's move was expected. They dared not easily start a war, so they wanted to use this method to slow our progress. But this also exposed their apprehension. It shows that our development has already caused them unease."

He turned around, a cold glint in his eyes: "A blockade? Let's see who can lock down whom! Pass down the order to activate the 'Type B' response plan!"

Soon, a high-level meeting of the Qingyun Sect was convened in the council hall. The atmosphere was somewhat heavy; the suppression from the Lieyang Sect weighed on everyone's hearts like a boulder.

"Damn it! Those bastards from the Blazing Sun Sect, they resort to underhanded tactics when they can't win!" Shi Tie was the first to slam his fist on the table, furious. "Sect Leader! We can't just let this go! If they blockade us, we'll rob them! I, Old Shi, will lead my men to wipe out the mines of Flowing Fire Valley!"

"Junior Brother Tie, calm down," Han Lin quickly advised. "Liu Huo Valley is a vassal of the Lie Yang Sect. To attack it would be to directly wage war against the Lie Yang Sect, playing right into their hands! Our sect is still weak and cannot afford to fight head-on!"

"Elder Han is right." Su Xiao analyzed calmly, "The Blazing Sun Sect's move is intended to force us to take action, so they have an excuse to suppress us with force. We must not lose our composure."

"But we can't just sit here and wait to die, can we?" Sun Hao frowned. "The refining of many pills and magical artifacts is stuck on materials, which will greatly affect the disciples' cultivation progress."

The crowd was in an uproar, with some advocating for forbearance and others for covert revenge; no consensus could be reached.

Shen Mo raised his hand, silencing the murmurs, his voice steady: "Does the Blazing Sun Sect think they can control Qingyun by controlling a few resources? They underestimate us! They have their clever plans, but we have our countermeasures!"

His gaze swept over everyone, analyzing the situation meticulously: "First, diversify resource sources. Junior Sister Xiao, increase communication with Chen Hao of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, and have him utilize more covert channels to try and procure scarce resources from more distant regions, such as the northern part of the Eastern Wilderness or even the edge of the Central Region. Even if the prices are higher and costs increase, we must ensure a continuous supply!"

"At the same time, secretly contact those forces that have a grudge against the Blazing Sun Sect to see if there is any possibility of a deal."

"Yes! I will contact Chen Hao immediately and activate the backup channels." Su Xiao accepted the order.

"Secondly, tapping into internal potential and finding replacements. Xiaocao." Shen Mo looked at Li Xiaocao.

"Sect Leader, Senior Brother!" Li Xiaocao quickly stood up.

"The primary task of the Pill Hall is to research alternative pill formulas! Without the Earth Core Fire Lotus petals, can we use other Yang-attribute spiritual herbs such as the 'Heavenly Sun Flower' or 'Crimson Essence Grass' as substitutes, or reduce their dosage? The efficacy might be slightly inferior, but as long as the pill can be successfully formed, it will be a victory!"

"At the same time, we will intensify our research on the unique Yin-attribute spiritual herbs in our sect's herb garden and Yin Wind Valley, and develop new types of elixirs to ensure that we have what others don't!"

Li Xiaocao's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously: "Yes! Xiaocao understands! I've recently been researching the 'Ghost Flower' of Yin Wind Valley and discovered that when combined with 'Mind-Concentrating Grass,' it might be able to create a unique 'Tranquil Mind and Evil-Repelling Pill,' which is remarkably effective in resisting inner demons and can perfectly compensate for the deficiencies of Yang-attribute pills! I'll go test it right away!"

"Good!" Shen Mo praised, then looked at Zhao Qingyan, "Qingyan, the same goes for the Array Hall and the Weapon Hall. With the shortage of Blazing Sun Refined Gold, the forging of large array plates and flying magic weapons can be postponed."

"The focus shifts to optimizing existing formations, improving defensive efficiency, and utilizing copper ore and existing materials to mass-produce standardized flying swords and shields to arm our disciples. Meanwhile, alternative spiritual materials may be found in the Flowing Cloud Secret Realm, so we should increase our exploration efforts!"

Zhao Qingyan nodded solemnly: "Qingyan understands. I can try to simplify some modules of the 'Small Nine Palaces Flowing Cloud Formation' and replace some of the Blazing Sun Essence with a mixture of 'Red Copper Essence' and 'Sinking Gold'. Although the power will be slightly reduced, the cost will be greatly reduced, and it can be quickly deployed to new strongholds."

"Third, cost-saving and incentives." Shen Mo looked at Han Lin, "Elder Han, the internal contribution point system needs some adjustments. Significantly increase the rewards for disciples who save resources, innovate alternative solutions, and discover new resource points."

"I urge all disciples to diligently cultivate and improve their cultivation. Cultivation is the foundation, while external forces are merely supplementary."

"Yes, sir! I will certainly refine the regulations and encourage my disciples to overcome these difficult times together!" Han Lin said solemnly.