Chapter 280

At this moment the sky just brightened, misty clouds swirled into existence, distant mountains were veiled in a thin gauze, hazy and indistinct, appearing and disappearing in the ethereal mist, now far now near, as if a few strokes of light ink were brushed on the blue horizon.

Mountains rose and fell continuously like green waves; faintly one could see the small village at the mountain's base, which looked ordinary, yet the people living there were anything but ordinary.

Everyone in the Longyuan Immortal Sect gathered together, and seated in the chief position was Sect Leader Hu Xiaocao.

Although the sect had been established, it was not much different from the former Longyuan Village; after all, everyone temporarily lacked the conditions, so they could only make slight changes to the existing foundation.

Under Hu Xiaocao's guidance and with systematic study, the villagers could be said to have been reborn; they already had a foundation, being close to Longyuan Mountain where spiritual energy was abundant, and now they could better control the power within their bodies.

They could not match the many great demons in the mountains who possessed such mighty abilities, but they were far stronger than ordinary people; the highest cultivation among them was Hu Xiaocao, who had many ties with Ye Qin.

Hu Xiaocao's use of spiritual power could be described as effortless; her divine abilities were already unfathomable. Although people did not know what realm she had cultivated to, occasionally the aura emanating from her was not to be underestimated.

Seated beside her were the sect's elders, who were also the venerable figures of the original village; among them, the Great Elder was the village chief.

Although his temples were white, his vital essence was abundant, and his face looked young, appearing to be only about forty or fifty years old.

This meeting was very grand; not only had all the villagers arrived, but also Qingwei Daoist Priest, the monks of Xiguangsi, and Sun Zhenbang and Xie Yixuan were present.

Everyone from the immortal sect was present.

"I don't know why the sect leader has summoned us together today; what is the matter?"

Facing the village chief's inquiry, Hu Xiaocao slowly opened her mouth and said:

"Now Longyuan Mountain has successfully held talks with the state; the Mountain God has bestowed cultivation techniques upon the high officials, so that we may cooperate with humanity to resist the cosmic cultivation civilization."

Ye Qin knew of the establishment of the Longyuan Immortal Sect, and the sect up and down wholeheartedly believed in him; they could be said to be his most devout followers. Moreover, everyone in the sect got along harmoniously with the great demons, and Ye Qin was pleased to see that.

Once the sect develops further, it will also count as an expansion of his own strength; moreover, once the Longyuan Immortal Sect emerges, it can serve as a mediator between humanity and the monster race, helping both sides communicate better.

Upon receiving the news, Hu Xiaocao and the others were initially panicked, but thinking of the Mountain God's great power, they gradually calmed down; the Mountain God would certainly not stand idly by, and they needed to swiftly strengthen their own abilities.

"The Mountain God has already taken action; we cannot lag behind."

The village chief nodded beside her and asked, "What do you think, Sect Leader?"

Although Hu Xiaocao was young, everyone held her in great respect, showing how high her prestige was; in everyone's heart she was second only to the Mountain God.

"The Mountain God's meaning is to gradually bring the monster race before the world, which is why he contacted the authorities; our Longyuan Immortal Sect is the same—we merely follow the Mountain God's steps."

Aside from those who were previously on good terms, most people did not know of the Longyuan Immortal Sect's establishment; Hu Xiaocao had also considered whether to enter the public eye, recruit more disciples, and expand the sect's influence.

However, the sect is closely tied to Longyuan Mountain; if they rashly entered the world, they would inevitably attract many probes and troubles, breaking the mountain's tranquility once more, and if it displeased the Mountain God and the many great demons, it would not be worth the loss.

All along Hu Xiaocao dared not act rashly; she merely led the villagers, Qingwei Daoist Priest, and the people of Xiguangsi to cultivate silently, leaving the matter of going public to be discussed later.

But now things are different; the great demons of Longyuan Mountain and the authorities have already made contact and talked, and the authorities also know that many great demons exist in the mountains and believe those matters.

There is no need to keep the existence of the Longyuan Immortal Sect hidden.

Although the sect is hidden deep in the great mountains, Hu Xiaocao has always closely monitored external developments; any stir does not escape her eyes.

Hu Xiaocao's expression was cool and composed, like an immortal seated on a divine platform: "We can also contact the authorities, using their power to recruit disciples; I imagine the authorities still do not know of the Longyuan Immortal Sect's existence."

Hu Xiaocao's expression was icy cold, like an immortal seated high on a divine platform, "We can also contact the authorities, using their power to recruit disciples; presumably the authorities still don't know of the existence of the Longyuan Immortal Sect."

"The sect leader's idea is excellent; currently the 749 Bureau has been incorporated into the Supernatural Cultivation Bureau, and the higher-ups also plan to establish a Cultivation Academy in Wu Du, build training halls across the country, intending to popularize cultivation techniques among the populace, outwardly claiming it is for strengthening the body."

Although many high officials already knew of this, they intended to suppress the news from the public for now and reveal it gradually; prior to this there had been many tests, and even the college entrance exam had included questions on basic cultivation law.

The 749 Bureau had repeatedly dealt with Longyuan Mountain; Sun Zhenbang also had considerable contact with them, so after some back-and-forth they became acquainted, and later the two sides exchanged information, from which he learned many secret matters.

However, he did not inform the 749 Bureau people about the establishment of the Longyuan Immortal Sect; nevertheless, Sun Zhenbang managed to uncover much recent information.

"It is evident that the authorities already believe in the cultivation civilization and have taken a series of measures; I feel this is a good opportunity for us."

"The sect leader's idea is not bad; we can't always stay hidden in mountain gullies."

"How could the authorities' Cultivation Academy compare to our sect? The cultivation techniques they received are merely the most basic, not worth mentioning."

"I think we can cooperate with the authorities; they want more people to cultivate, and we also want to recruit disciples—it's a perfect match."

"We have abundant spiritual energy and our cultivation techniques are not lacking; what we lack are disciples and repairs to some internal buildings. If we could cooperate with the state, wouldn't that be a win‑win?"

"Moreover, the immortal sect has the Mountain God behind it, so we need not fear the authorities going back on their word or having other ideas; whether for the sect's development or the future, it brings only benefits and no harm."

Everyone chattered in discussion, and their words inside and out all showed strong support for cooperating with the state.

If, before the great demons appeared, a Longyuan Immortal Sect suddenly emerged and entered the state's view, it would certainly be deemed heretical; not to mention receiving support, even not being suppressed would be considered good.

But now the monster race has already appeared; although the general public still does not know the details, the high officials are already aware. With such groundwork, plus their relationship with Longyuan Mountain, the authorities will certainly give some face.

Hu Xiaocao nodded, and her clear voice instantly silenced the previously noisy room; everyone's gaze fell upon her incomparably beautiful face.

"It seems everyone's thoughts are the same as mine."

"It seems everyone thinks the same as I do."

"If the sect wants to further expand, establishing a cultivation ground is very necessary, but with our current conditions it's hard to achieve; however, if the state steps in, it's different."

"The advantage of Longyuan Immortal Sect is abundant spiritual energy, and they have basic cultivation methods; the drawbacks are obvious—it's too poor, not at all like a proper sect, many buildings haven't been erected, and outwardly it looks like a remote, poor mountain village."

"After all, the conditions of Longyuan Village are as they are; building the sect on that foundation can't be much better."

"Hu Xiaocao and the villagers have long been accustomed; this is the place that sustains them, so naturally they don't despise it, and Daoist Priest Qingwei and the monks of Xiguangsi also don't care about external possessions or the environment."

"They too have walked the path of bitter cultivation; no matter where they are, as long as they can cultivate, there's no difference for them."

"But what about newly recruited disciples?"

"With such an appearance it definitely won't do; the people of Longyuan Immortal Sect haven't yet reached the point of raising towers from flat ground, turning stone into gold, or casting beans into soldiers, so cooperating with the state is the best choice."

"The state helps build Longyuan Immortal Sect, widely recruiting disciples; in return they will also help provide cultivation methods, so both sides can profit."

"After the rough framework was settled, Hu Xiaocao, the village head, and others continued to discuss the minor details."

"Cooperating with the authorities is no trivial matter; we must consider everything thoroughly, cannot act rashly, need to take everything into account, only then can we keep the initiative in our own hands and strive for more benefits."

"If the Mountain God knows, he will surely support our actions."

"Longyuan Immortal Sect and Longyuan Mountain share the same breath and branches; expanding our power also strengthens the Mountain God's strength, so we must plan well."

"Previously, due to insufficient resources we couldn't build the cultivation ground, nor other structures; this time we can also ask the state to step in."

"Everyone excitedly discussed, already beginning to plan a beautiful blueprint for the future."

"Right."

Daoist Priest Qingwei seemed to have thought of something, his tone pausing as he said: "Since we are to cooperate with the authorities, in the future when we recruit disciples, everything we have must follow the proper procedures; this form of address also needs to be changed."

Many people showed puzzled looks, glancing at each other and saying: "What do you mean, Daoist Priest? Is there something wrong with our form of address?"

Although the Longyuan Immortal Sect had been established for some time, since everyone was familiar with each other and most were villagers, they didn't stand on ceremony, and most of their forms of address were simply using each other's names.

Only when addressing Hu Xiaocao would they call her Sect Leader; everyone had grown accustomed to it and hadn't noticed anything wrong.

Daoist Priest Qingwei shook his head and said: "As the saying goes, the state has its laws, the family its rules, and a sect also has its regulations. Although we don't fuss over trifles, speaking nicely of it as being carefree and bold, to outsiders it inevitably seems ignorant of etiquette."

"It's like the village head is clearly the Great Elder, but we're used to calling him village head; putting that in the sect is inappropriate, and even among the elders calling each other by name isn't ideal either."

The villagers' names are all very down-to-earth; in former times, humble names were easier to live with.

Imagine if, inside the Longyuan Immortal Sect, a few rough male voices suddenly rang out, shouting names like Li Tiezhu, Zhang Ergou, Wang Dahai, and the like—however you listen, it would feel rather awkward.

It doesn't look like cultivation at all; instead, the next second they'd roll up their sleeves, hoist a hoe, prepare to go work the fields, completely destroying the original ethereal immortal atmosphere.

Originally everyone didn't think it was a problem, but after carefully listening to Daoist Priest Qingwei's explanation, they also found it quite reasonable.

Zhang Dahai, who serves as the Second Elder, couldn't help but scratch his head, saying: "It seems to be that kind of reasoning."

Everyone had grown used to it and didn't find their own names unpleasant, but if more and more people join the sect in the future, being shouted at in public like that really wouldn't do.

The village head's expression also grew somewhat complicated: "Then we can't just change our names because of this, can we?"

The villagers looked reluctant; everyone had grown accustomed to their names, and suddenly changing them would be forgetting their roots, and besides, they couldn't think of a good name on short notice.

"Changing names might not be a good idea; at worst we could just address each other by our sect positions."

"That's not a long-term solution either; it's still rather inconvenient."

Daoist Priest Qingwei seemed to see the villagers' dilemma, stroking his beard as he said: "This is easily settled; we never said we had to change our names—we can just adopt a Dao Name."

Just as his original name wasn't Qingwei either; this is merely his Dao Name.

After hearing his explanation, many people's eyes lit up, all thinking this was a good approach.

Hu Xiaocao gave a slight nod: "Elder Qingwei has considered this very thoroughly; I think the proposal is excellent and also makes it easier for us to interact with outsiders."

"You call me Sect Leader, and in the future you may also address me by my Dao Name, Heavenly Pivot."

Hu Xiaocao had, even when she was studying abroad long ago, attracted much surprise, for her name truly did not match her appearance and temperament, and some even thought she was joking.

But she is calm as water, never taking such things to heart; they're just fleeting clouds—no matter how unpleasant the name, still Daoist Priest Qingwei's words make sense.

After all, they are part of the Longyuan Immortal Sect, representing the sect's image as a whole, so they still need to establish a good one.

With Hu Xiaocao leading the way, the other villagers also racked their brains; right after, the village head spoke up second: "Then my Dao Name shall be Great Void."

"My Dao Name is Impetus Spirit!"

"My Dao Name is Carefree Wanderer!"

Many people promptly chose their own Dao Names; those who really couldn't think of one asked Daoist Priest Qingwei for help.

The Dao Name was just a minor interlude; after the names were decided, everyone's attention returned to the previous main topic, most of the discussion having been roughly settled, while the remainder would wait until they met the Greater Xia High Officials to finalize things.

This time, as representatives of the Longyuan Immortal Sect for talks with the Greater Xia High Officials, the selected persons were Hu Xiaocao and the village head along with a few others.

Sun Zhenbang volunteered, saying: "I'm familiar with the people at the 749 Bureau; I'll first make a phone call to mention this, so that the Greater Xia High Officials on the other side can also be prepared mentally and arrange the meeting details."

He immediately contacted Wang Xuehao and Xu Tiancheng of the 749 Bureau.

The person on the other end of the line thought Sun Zhenbang was joking.

"Longyuan Immortal Sect? Old Brother Sun, it looks like your police bureau has been idle lately; at this time of day, you still have the mood to joke?"

On the other end of the line came Wang Xuehao's weary voice; recently, due to the establishment of the Supernatural Cultivation Bureau, the 749 Bureau has been merged into it, a mountain of things keeping him on his feet, and he hasn't had proper rest for days.

"I don't have time to talk about this; I've got a pile of things to attend to—if there's nothing else, I'll hang up first——"

Sun Zhenbang hurriedly interrupted Wang Xuehao's words.

"I'm not joking; I've already resigned. Our Sect Leader hopes to cooperate with the higher-ups—we'll let you cultivate better, and you'll help us build the sect."

"The Longyuan Immortal Sect was founded on the basis of Longyuan Village; you must know how extraordinary those villagers are. Those they previously interacted with worship the Mountain God, who is precisely what you call the master of all demons!"

"The villagers were actually the first humans to come into contact with Great Demons, and their relations with many Great Demons are quite harmonious. Their previous low-key secrecy was merely because Longyuan Mountain had not yet manifested; now that you know of Longyuan Mountain's existence, the Longyuan Immortal Sect has no need to remain hidden."

Hearing Sun Zhenbang's serious words, Wang Xuehao's expression gradually grew solemn; he even thought Sun Zhenbang's character would not joke about such a matter.

The voice on the other end of the phone gradually faded; if not for the screen showing the call was still connected, Sun Zhenbang would have thought the other side had hung up.

Wang Xuehao's breathing gradually grew heavy, his throat feeling extremely dry, and after a long while he finally broke the silence.

"Wait a minute, let me catch my breath—good grief, you've hidden yourselves deep enough to found a sect without a sound, and you're actually an elder inside it!"

Wang Xuehao was incredulous; a huge surprise struck him, but over these days he has received so many shocks that he can now adjust quite quickly.

Even monsters exist, so having a cultivation sect isn't surprising either; thinking this way, it actually becomes reasonable.

"In short, it's hard to explain over the phone; our Sect Leader hopes to hold talks with the higher-ups, to reach a cooperative relationship that benefits everyone."

Wang Xuehao also understood the importance of the matter: "Rest assured, I'll report this upward right away."

After hanging up, he dared not delay, immediately heading to the Supernatural Cultivation Bureau.

The Supernatural Cultivation Bureau had just been established; everything was rudimentary, with many things still unfinished. As Bureau Chief, Hua Tiancheng could be said to be as busy as a spinning top, not even having time to drink water.

Although the heavenly and earthly catastrophe is still months away, for him time is still pressing, with too much to do, wishing he could make one minute count as two.

Hua Tiancheng hadn't slept well for several nights, each time only dozing for half an hour before getting back to work; under such workload, even an ironclad body couldn't endure, yet he managed to pull through.

Not only Hua Tiancheng, but other departments cooperating with the work are the same; it is precisely because everyone is united top to bottom that orders can be swiftly issued and completed immediately, showing their terrifying execution and coordination.

Hua Tiancheng's eyes were bloodshot from staying up, his pupils filled with red veins; after drinking several cups of coffee, taking a deep breath and gazing into the distance, the soreness in his eyes lessened considerably.

Just as he was preparing to continue handling work, a sudden urgent knocking sounded at the door.

"Bureau Chief, this is Wang Xuehao; I have an important matter to report!" (End of chapter)