Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

After arranging the two most important branch halls, Shen Mo turned his gaze to everyone: "The Eagle Beak Gorge branch hall is strategically extremely important, but currently has the weakest foundation and the highest risk. Therefore, the position of hall master needs to be filled by someone resilient, adept at expansion, and skilled in array formations or business management. Does anyone have a recommendation? Or has anyone volunteered?"

The group exchanged bewildered glances. Eagle Beak Gorge was a remote and harsh place, requiring them to start almost from scratch—a truly arduous task. For a moment, no one spoke.

At this moment, a newly promoted Foundation Establishment disciple who was usually quiet and standing in the back row hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Sect Leader, Elders, your disciple... your disciple Zhao Yuanming, is willing to go to Eagle's Beak Gorge to expand the eastern frontier for the sect!"

All eyes turned to Zhao Yuanming, the former head of the Zhao family of Blackstone City. After joining the Qingyun Sect, he had always been diligent and low-key, and his cultivation had steadily improved to the early stage of Foundation Establishment. His self-recommendation at this moment was somewhat unexpected.

Shen Mo gave him a deep look: "Junior Brother Zhao, Eagle Beak Gorge has harsh conditions and is surrounded by powerful enemies. Have you thought this through?"

Zhao Yuanming raised his head, his eyes resolute: "Sect Leader, the Zhao family has been taken in by the sect, a kindness akin to being reborn. I have no way to repay this favor but to do my utmost! Although Eagle Beak Gorge is harsh, it is a crucial point for the sect's eastward expansion."

"Yuan Ming managed the family affairs in his early years and has gained some experience in general matters. Recently, he has been studying formations under Elder Zhao and has also gained some insights. He is willing to do his utmost to help the sect drive a nail into the east!"

Shen Mo pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhao Qingyan. Zhao Qingyan nodded slightly, indicating that Zhao Yuanming did indeed have some talent in array formations. Han Lin and Su Xiao also nodded slightly, believing that this person was steady and worth a try.

"Alright!" Shen Mo made the decision. "Effective immediately, Zhao Yuanming will serve as the acting head of the Eagle's Beak Gorge branch! His treatment will be the same as Sun Hao and Xiong Meng. I hope you will live up to the sect's expectations, proceed steadily and surely, and gradually open up new possibilities!"

"Yuanming obeys! I will certainly live up to the expectations of my senior brother, the sect leader!" Zhao Yuanming bowed deeply in excitement.

With the branch leaders chosen, Shen Mo turned his gaze to Han Lin and Su Xiao again: "Elder Han, Junior Sister Xiao."

"I (Xiao'er) am here."

"Establishing branch halls is merely the skeleton. The flesh and blood lie in the laws and resources." Shen Mo's tone was solemn. "Elder Han, I hereby appoint you to oversee all internal affairs and immediately take the lead in drafting the detailed rules of the 'Qingyun Law,' clearly defining the responsibilities of each level, the rewards and punishments for contributions, the allocation of resources, and the rules for the promotion of disciples."

"Everyone must know what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior within the Qingyun Sect's territory, what the rewards are for doing it, and what the punishments are for breaking it! The rules must be clear, and their enforcement must be strict!"

Han Lin solemnly replied, "Sect Leader, rest assured, I will do my utmost to come up with a plan as soon as possible."

"Junior Sister Xiao," Shen Mo looked at Su Xiao again, "I'm assigning you to assist Elder Han and coordinate internal and external intelligence. In this new territory, various forces are deeply entrenched, and undercurrents are surging. You need to have sharp eyes and keen ears."

"I need you to know exactly who you can use, who you need to be wary of, who are your friends, and who are potential threats."

"When resources are scarce, prioritize those most needed. When manpower is insufficient, select the best among the best and establish a mechanism for selection, evaluation, and supervision. In short, manage people with systems, incentivize with resources, and provide early warnings with intelligence!"

A wise glint flashed in Su Xiaomei's eyes, and she nodded solemnly: "Xiao'er understands. We must sort things out as soon as possible to provide a basis for the Sect Leader and the elders' decisions."

Shen Mo stood up, walked to the center of the hall, and slowly swept his gaze across the faces of each core member. His voice was deep and powerful: "Gentlemen, today's discussion is not simply about assigning duties. This is a crucial step in whether our Qingyun Sect can truly take root in the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness and even flourish! With more territory comes more challenges, but also greater opportunities!"

"I don't want a bloated, crippled Qingyun Sect! What I want is a Qingyun Sect with smooth-running laws, abundant resources, a wealth of talent, and a united front! This requires each of us here to fulfill our responsibilities and work together!"

He paused, his tone carrying an undeniable resolve: "Starting tomorrow, everyone will take their duties! Elder Han will oversee internal affairs and legislation, Su Xiao will manage intelligence and personnel, Qingyan will plan the formation defense, and Xiaocao will ensure the supply of pills and artifacts."

"Sun Hao, Xiong Meng, and Zhao Yuanming, the three of you must immediately begin preparations for the branch halls. Within ten days, I want to see the framework of the three major branch halls up! Junior Brother Shi Tie, the battle hall training must not be relaxed, and at the same time, it must serve as a mobile force to support all sides at any time!"

"We will obey the sect leader's decree!" Everyone stood up in unison and solemnly agreed. Their fatigue was dispelled, replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility and high morale.

The meeting adjourned, and everyone left in haste, carrying heavy tasks and pressing deadlines.

......

Qingyun Mountain, Battle Hall Martial Arts Arena.

As dawn broke and the thin mist lingered, the air still carried the unique chill of the mountains. However, the training ground was already filled with a murderous aura, the chilling atmosphere almost solidifying into frost.

More than a hundred elite disciples of the Battle Hall, all dressed in black close-fitting clothes, covered with simple spirit armor, and carrying standard blue steel swords, stood silently in three neat square formations.

Everyone had a solemn expression, their spiritual power hidden, yet a chilling aura of someone who had survived countless battles emanated from them.

Standing at the very front of the group was Shi Tie, the leader of the Battle Hall. He wasn't wearing heavy armor today, only a close-fitting black training uniform. His bulging muscles stretched the uniform taut, and his bronze skin gleamed with a metallic sheen in the morning light. His large, bell-like eyes burned with undisguised fighting spirit and impatience.

Before him stood Shen Mo, his hands clasped behind his back, his blue robe fluttering gently in the breeze, his expression serene. Su Xiaojing stood beside him, still dressed in simple, elegant clothes that allowed for easy movement, her eyes clear and focused, as if she could see through everything.

"Sect Leader! The brothers are itching to fight!" Shi Tie's voice boomed like thunder in the silent training ground, filled with barely suppressed excitement. "The celebration is over, the territory has been divided, it's time to let those rats hiding in the gutter know who owns this 600-mile stretch of land now! Give the order!"

Shen Mo's gaze slowly swept over the young yet resolute faces below. Most of these disciples had experienced the bloody battles in the secret realm and were the true backbone of the sect.

He saw the longing in their eyes—a longing for battle, a longing to defend their sect's honor with the sword in their hands.

"Junior Brother Tie," Shen Mo spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears, "This purge is not to show off our military strength, but for the sake of 'peace and tranquility.' I want merchants to be able to travel safely within this 600-mile territory, people to live and work in peace, and resource points to be mined with peace of mind."

"Anyone who disobeys orders, plunders, causes chaos, or is instigated by foreign enemies with malicious intentions will be the target of your swords."

He paused, then his tone turned stern: "However, remember three things. First, plan carefully before you act. Elder Su Xiao's intelligence is your eyes and ears; do not act rashly."

"Second, coordinated operations, a mix of experienced and new personnel, with veterans mentoring newcomers; the power of a battle formation lies in combined strength."

"Third, a swift victory to minimize unnecessary casualties and losses. Is this even possible?"

"Yes!" More than a hundred disciples roared in unison, their voices shaking the surrounding area and startling the birds in the forest.