Chapter 423: Operation of the Alchemy Saint Hall

Hua Changxi was so choked by Gu Xing that she almost couldn't breathe. She just couldn't understand—why had Gu Xing shown up in the council hall? What was he here for?

If you said he came to cause trouble, he actually agreed to her proposal; if you said he came to support her, every word he said was a challenge to her.

Not only Hua Changxi, but everyone else was also confused by Gu Xing.

As the gatekeeper of the Alchemy Saint Hall, Gu Xing undoubtedly held transcendent influence in the Sacred Land; even the lineage of Sacred Land successors held him in great esteem.

It could be said that his attitude could, to a large extent, truly sway some major decisions.

Hua Changxi was furious, so she spoke bluntly: "I've already stated my proposal, and you've questioned and denied it. So what now? What are you trying to say? That everything in the Sacred Land should stay the same?"

Gu Xing didn't even blink: "I haven't denied you. I simply feel that such a major change cannot be carried out on impulse, let alone recklessly implemented based on a proposal that hasn't been thoroughly considered."

As he spoke, he looked seriously at Hua Changxi.

"You've identified the crux of the Sacred Land's problems. That's good."

"But when prescribing medicine to treat an illness, you must know the properties of the ingredients and the roles of the primary and secondary components, right?"

"You only said to replace the old medicine, but you haven't even figured out the master-subordinate compatibility of the new formula. What if it kills someone?"

"Isn't that irresponsible?"

"Heh—" Hua Changxi let out a short scoff, her tone still carrying obvious defiance: "Then why don't you propose a foolproof plan for us to hear?"

Gu Xing was silent for a moment, then looked at the others present: "Since today we are discussing who should take charge of the Sacred Land, let me share how the Alchemy Saint Hall operated in ancient times."

As soon as he said this, everyone perked up, and even Hua Changxi pricked up her ears.

Gu Xing: "The reason the five sacred lands of the Central Continent exist is entirely due to the rooting of the Divine Tree. Therefore, the Divine Tree is the very foundation of the Sacred Land."

"The five sacred lands built relying on the Divine Tree are, in essence, its guardians."

"So..."

Gu Xing's gaze slid over Hua Changxi and Meng Qingyao: "To become the master of the Sacred Land, one must first obtain the recognition of the Divine Tree."

Hearing this, everyone's eyes flickered.

Meng Qingyao's eyes shook. She quickly glanced at the thoughtful Hua Changxi, then lowered her gaze to conceal the worry in her eyes.

Gu Xing continued: "The Alchemy Saint Hall is composed of 72 Secret Realms, 36 Peaks, 18 Qihuang Halls, and 9 Streets. It operates through the coordinated efforts of five systems: Law Enforcement, Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Production, and Academy."

"The Law Enforcement system includes: Hall Master (supreme decision-maker) → Elder Hall (adjudication) → Enforcement Hall (responsible for review and acceptance) → Guardian Defenders (execute arrests)."

"The Internal system includes: Mission Hall → Merit Hall → Logistics Department."

"The Production system includes: Mystic Realm Pavilion → Qihuang Pavilion → Nine Streets Hall."

"The Academy system includes: Alchemy Academy and Medicine Academy."

"Foreign Affairs: Diplomatic relations and sales are all managed by the Honglu Hall."

"The five departments each have their own responsibilities and cooperate with each other."

Gu Xing looked at Hua Changxi: "The Secret Realm Masters control the Sacred Land's resources; it makes sense for them to serve as the Sacred Land's overseers. In ancient times, among the five operational systems, the other systems were also centered on the Production system."

"Because the masters of the 36 Peaks are essentially all Secret Realm Masters, the Mystic Realm Pavilion composed of Secret Realm Masters, the Qihuang Pavilion composed of Qihuang Hall masters, and the Nine Streets Hall composed of alchemists from grades one to nine are basically no different from what we have now."

"The current problem with the Sacred Land is that many things are in chaos, and the Mystic Realm Pavilion, Qihuang Pavilion, and Nine Streets Hall are all still part of one operational system."

Hua Changxi thought the ancient operational system was quite good. Seeing Gu Xing looking at her, she went along: "Then let's rebuild the management system according to the ancient operational system."

Gu Xing: "That's indeed a good method, and the most trouble-saving one. But have you considered one problem?"

"In that case, wouldn't the Secret Realm Masters' authority become too great? Could the new power holders become new dictators?"

This question truly stumped Hua Changxi. Seeing Gu Xing look at her again, she suddenly felt immense pressure: "Senior Gu, could you please not look only at me?"

"Look at everyone here. How much can I think of alone? The specific regulations need to be discussed and perfected together by everyone."

Gu Xing looked at Meng Qingyao and the other Secret Realm Masters: "Before I came, it seemed many Secret Realm Masters hadn't expressed their views. Now, everyone, please share your opinions."

The Secret Realm Masters who hadn't spoken collectively fell silent.

Gu Xing: "The Sacred Land's operational system will have to be discussed sooner or later. If you don't express your views, we'll take it as your tacit consent."

Meng Qingyao spoke up: "Senior Gu, this is a major matter. Does it have to be discussed today?"

Shen Qianfan also chimed in, "That's right, Senior Gu, we haven't made any preparations at all; our minds can't even wrap around it. Could we be allowed to go down and think it over carefully?"

Gu Xing looked at the two, then turned to the Secret Realm Masters of the five guardian families—Xia, Bai, Wu, Zhu, and Long: "And you all? Do you also feel this should be discussed later?"

Long Chenyi spoke up: "Better to pick a day than to stumble into one. Let's discuss it today."

As soon as he spoke, Meng Qingyao looked over in surprise.

The five guardian families often advanced and retreated together; they had all planted people in the five sacred grounds, and the Dan Saint Hall was primarily led by the Xia family.

Didn't Long Chenyi know that supporting all Secret Realm Masters in jointly governing the sacred grounds meant supporting the weakening of the Xia family's control over them?

Seeing that the other four had not yet spoken, Gu Xing directly said, "Following the principle of majority rule, it doesn't matter whether you express your stance or not."

"The matter of the Secret Realm Masters taking charge of the Dan Saint Hall will be discussed today."

"Now, if anyone has something to say, speak up."

As Gu Xing's firm decision echoed, the air in the meeting hall fell silent, leaving only the rustling of leaves blown by the wind outside the window and the breathing of those present.

Seeing that it had come to this, Wen Shouren had no choice but to speak: "I also agree with the Secret Realm Masters overseeing the sacred grounds' affairs, but there must be two conditions."

"First," he looked at Hua Changxi, "after the proposal is passed, the old system cannot be completely overturned immediately."

"There must be a transition period, during which the Secret Realm Masters and the original three departments will deliberate together, gradually transferring authority and responsibilities, observing results, and making adjustments at any time."

"Second, clear rules for the exercise of power and a mutual supervision mechanism must be established. Who will supervise those in charge? How do we prevent the abuse of power? How are resources allocated? How are tasks coordinated? How are disputes resolved?"

"The process of formulating and implementing these regulations must be open and transparent to all disciples of the Dan Saint Hall!"

After he finished speaking, the entire meeting hall was dead silent.

Seeing Hua Changxi frown, Gu Xing asked, "Peak Master Hua seems to hold a different opinion?"

Hua Changxi seriously considered the feasibility: "Alchemist Wen's suggestion is good, but wouldn't it be too time-consuming? And implementing it probably won't be easy."

Gu Xing asked further, "Then does Peak Master Hua have any good proposals?"

Hua Changxi was very straightforward: "Isn't it just to limit the abuse of power by the Secret Realm Masters? Why not just have them swear a Heart Demon Oath?"

At these words, Huo Yunxiao and Tang Yufeng both covered their faces, while Gu Jinfan's mouth twitched as he quickly glanced at Gu Xing—was he doing this on purpose?

The assembled Secret Realm Masters: "..." Was a Heart Demon Oath something you could swear lightly?

Just as everyone's thoughts were diverging, a sudden change occurred!

In the center of the meeting hall, spatial ripples spread out, and a soft, verdant light overflowed, carrying a vast vitality and a sense of age, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

The next moment, a jade-green branch materialized in midair.

Deep green patterns flowed along the branch, and an aura of profound mystery swirled like mist—it was the Divine Tree!

The Divine Tree branch slowly drifted a full circle in the air before finally hovering in front of the stunned Hua Changxi.

Hua Changxi stared at the green branch so close to her, utterly bewildered: "This... what does it mean?" She hadn't done anything!