Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

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Huoyun Daoren and Jian Wuhen's expressions remained unchanged, but their eyes darkened. Shen Mo's few casual words had put them on the line.

Agreeing would be tantamount to contradicting oneself and opening a door for such actions; disagreeing would be obstructing the alliance's "convenience for the people" efforts and losing popular support.

"Alliance Leader Shen has considered everything thoroughly," Huoyun Daoist could only reply indifferently.

Jian Wuhen snorted coldly, which was taken as tacit agreement.

The first thing, seemingly put on hold, has actually already planted the seeds of future trouble.

The second thing is the proposal regarding mandatory settlement of contribution points.

Han Lin proposed that, in order to promote the efficient flow of resources within the alliance, starting next month, all tasks, resource allocations, and even some large-scale transactions between factions officially issued by the alliance should gradually adopt contribution points as the settlement unit, reducing direct transactions of physical goods and spirit stones, so as to strengthen the authority and liquidity of the contribution point system.

This proposal was once again supported by smaller sects. They could obtain contribution points relatively easily, and using contribution points for settlement meant that they could exchange their labor and resources for what they needed more fairly, freeing themselves from the exploitation by large sects in terms of spirit stones and physical goods pricing.

"This method is brilliant! It saves us the trouble of constantly switching between different methods!"

"Exactly! From now on, we can directly exchange contribution points for items after completing tasks, which will be so convenient!"

Chen Hao's eyes lit up. This was a great opportunity to expand the influence of the Treasure Pavilion and more closely link contribution points with physical goods. He repeatedly expressed his full support and willingness to provide exchange channels.

However, Daoist Huoyun spoke up again, this time with a hint of difficulty on his face: "Elder Han, the initial intention of this proposal is good. However... the contribution system is newly established, and its value still needs to be tested by the market."

"Our Blazing Sun Sect has a vast stockpile of spirit stones and materials. If we were to suddenly switch to using contribution points for settlement, the accounting and value conversion would likely result in a huge deficit, shaking the very foundation of our sect. Could... we allow our sect to gradually transition and proceed step by step?"

Jian Wuhen succinctly replied, "The same applies to the Heavenly Sword Sect."

Their reasons sound plausible: they're not against it, they're saying there are "difficulties" and that they need to "take it slow."

Essentially, it's still a delaying tactic; it's an unwillingness to relinquish the pricing advantage and resource monopoly they, as a major sect, possess when trading with spirit stones and physical goods.

Shen Mo remained calm and asked, "The concerns of the two elders are reasonable. I wonder how long your sect expects the transformation to take? One year, or three years? Or are there any specific difficulties you may raise that the alliance may be able to assist in resolving?"

Daoist Huoyun stroked his beard and pondered, "Well... this involves a wide range of issues and requires careful consideration. A year is probably too short; it will take at least three to five years to make gradual adjustments..."

"Three to five years?" Elder Mu Chen from the small sect "Green Wood Sect" couldn't help but ask. He was grateful to the alliance for its fairness regarding the Blackwater Marsh spirit mine incident, and now seeing the major sects making excuses again, he couldn't help but speak up.

"Elder Huoyun, the exchange rate between contribution points and spirit stones/resources has long been publicized within the alliance and guaranteed by the Hundred Treasures Pavilion. It can be exchanged at any time. How can there be a deficit? Do you perhaps feel that contribution points are not as valuable as spirit stones?"

"Then, for us humble disciples, when we accept tasks from your sect in the future, should we be charged contribution points or spirit stones? If we are charged spirit stones, your sect says its reserves are insufficient; if we are charged contribution points, your sect says the conversion takes time. This... what are we disciples supposed to do?"

His words, though blunt, resonated with the sentiments of many smaller sects. This immediately drew a chorus of murmured agreement.

Huoyun Daoist's expression darkened, and he glanced at Mu Chen, a faint trace of his Golden Core aura emanating from him.

Mu Chen, whose cultivation was only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, immediately felt the pressure, his face turned pale, and the words he was about to say got stuck in his throat.

"Elder Mu Chen," Shen Mo spoke up at the right moment, his voice calm yet instantly dispelling the invisible pressure, "Speak freely, everyone is welcome to speak their mind in the council hall."

He looked at Daoist Huoyun, his gaze calm and unwavering. "The Alliance understands Elder Huoyun's difficulties. Since the Blazing Sun Sect needs time to transition, let's discuss this further. However, starting next month, all official Alliance missions will be issued and settled using contribution points. Private transactions between factions will not be mandatory for the time being."

"As for the value conversion, Elder Han could work with Manager Chen of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion to draft a more detailed floating conversion reference, which would be published regularly to ensure fairness. What do you think?"

This is another instance of strategic retreat. Official coercion, private discretion is up to the individual.

However, once official channels adopt contribution points for all transactions, their authority and liquidity will be greatly enhanced, and private transactions that want to integrate into the alliance system will ultimately have no choice but to follow suit.

As for the conversion reference, the pricing power has been partially returned to the alliance.

Huoyun Daoist and Jian Wuhen exchanged a glance, both seeing the gloom in each other's eyes.

Shen Mo proceeded cautiously, each time taking a piece of the pie just when they thought they could get away with it by using "tradition" or "difficulty," leaving them no room to retaliate.

"Alright," Huoyun Daoist squeezed out a single word through gritted teeth.

Jian Wuhen nodded silently.

The second thing, once again, was a major step forward, albeit seemingly a compromise.

The third matter concerns the exploration and allocation plan for several newly discovered, disputed resource sites (a few small mineral veins and a rare medicinal herb garden) along the border.

This matter involves real interests, making the argument even more intense.

The smaller sects hope the alliance will take the lead, distributing exploration rights and profits according to contributions. The Blazing Sun Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect, on the other hand, insist on the "principle of proximity" and "historical evolution," implying that they should take the lead because they are geographically closer and have a larger traditional sphere of influence.

Both sides cited classical texts and argued vehemently, each sticking to their own version of events. Unusually, Huoyun Daoren and Jian Wuhen stood on the same side this time, their words sharp and incisive.

Although the smaller sects have the support of the alliance, they still seem somewhat lacking in confidence in the face of the combined power of the two major sects.

Shen Mo listened quietly until both sides were at a loss for words, then he slowly spoke: "The ownership of resources is related to the stability and fairness of the alliance. Since the dispute cannot be resolved, let's compromise. The alliance will take the lead in forming a joint exploration team, and all factions can send people to participate."

"During the exploration period, costs and safety will be coordinated by the alliance."

"After exploration, the resource point value assessment will be conducted jointly by the Alliance and Baibaoge. The final mining rights will be obtained through a bidding process based on contribution, with the highest bidder winning. However, the winning bidder must pay a certain percentage of the profits to the Alliance and give priority to hiring Alliance members."

"The contribution points earned will be used partly for exploration costs and partly incorporated into the alliance's public treasury, benefiting everyone. What do you all think?"

"A bidding process?" Everyone was taken aback. This method was certainly novel.

Chen Hao was the first to react, his chubby face beaming with joy: "Brilliant! Highest bidder wins, fair! My Hundred Treasures Pavilion is willing to provide a fair assessment!"

The smaller sects thought that although their financial resources might not be as good as those of the major sects, they could join forces to bid or gain priority based on their contributions to the exploration, so they might have a chance. They all expressed that they could accept this.

Huoyun Daoist and Jian Wuhen's expressions turned even uglier.

Bidding? That means you have to spend real money (contribution points)! And you also have to share the profits with the alliance!

This is tantamount to using their wealth to benefit the alliance and those small factions!

Shen Mo's plan seems fair, and if they object again, it would be considered sophistry and an ugly act.

"Is this method... too mercenary? Does it offend the dignity of us cultivators?" Daoist Huoyun tried to make a last-ditch effort.

Shen Mo smiled slightly: "Elder Huoyun, the struggle for the Great Dao also involves the struggle for resources. Fair competition, with the highest bidder winning, is the proper way. It's better than... resorting to violence, which only damages harmony, isn't it?"

His tone was gentle, but the meaning behind his words sent a chill down Huoyun Daoren's spine.

This implies that if this "commodifying" method is not used, then an even more "unseemly" way to resolve the issue may be necessary.

Recalling the tough stance taken by Qingyun Sect during the border clashes a few days ago, Huoyun Daoist finally fell silent.