Chapter 423: The Operational System of the Alchemy Saint Hall

Hua Changxi was so blocked by Gu Xing that she nearly choked; she simply could not understand what Gu Xing's purpose was in appearing at the Assembly Hall.

If one said he came to disrupt affairs, he had oddly agreed to her proposal; if one said he came to support her, every word he spoke was a challenge to her.

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

As the Gatekeeper of the Alchemy Saint Hall, Gu Xing undoubtedly held a transcendent influence within the Sacred Land; even the lineage of the Sacred Land's successors treated him with great respect.

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

With fire in her heart, Hua Changxi spoke bluntly: "I have already stated my proposal, which you have questioned and negated; so then what? What are you trying to indicate? That everything in the Sacred Land should remain as it was?"

Gu Xing did not even blink: "This old man has not negated you; I merely feel that such a massive change cannot rely on momentary impulse, nor can it be rashly implemented based on a proposal that has not been thoroughly considered."

Speaking thus, he looked seriously at Hua Changxi.

"You have seen the crux of the Sacred Land's problems; very good."

"But to prescribe a cure for an illness, must one not first understand the properties of the medicinal ingredients and the roles of ruler, minister, assistant, and guide?"

"You only speak of replacing the old medicine, yet you have not even figured out the ruler-minister compatibility of the new formula; what if it kills someone?"

"Is this not irresponsibility?"

"Heh—" Hua Changxi let out a short, snorting laugh, her tone clearly defiant: "Then why don't you tell us a foolproof strategy?"

Gu Xing fell silent for a moment, then looked at the others present: "Since today we are discussing who should govern the Sacred Land, let this old man explain how the Alchemy Saint Hall operated in ancient times."

At these words, everyone perked up; even Hua Changxi pricked up her ears.

Gu Xing said: "The five great Sacred Lands of the Central Continent exist solely because of the Divine Tree taking root; therefore, the Divine Tree is the foundation of the Sacred Lands."

"The five great Sacred Lands, built relying on the Divine Tree, are in essence its guardians."

"Therefore..."

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

Hearing this, the eyes of everyone present flickered with light.

Meng Qingyao's eyes trembled; she quickly glanced at Hua Changxi, who seemed lost in thought, then lowered her gaze to hide the worry in her eyes.

Gu Xing continued: "The Alchemy Saint Hall consists of 72 Secret Realms, 36 Peaks, 18 Qihuang Halls, and 9 Streets, operated collaboratively by five major systems: Law Enforcement, Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Production, and the Academy."

"The Law Enforcement system includes: the Hall Master (highest decision-maker) → the Elder Hall (adjudication) → the Law Enforcement Hall (responsible for investigation and acceptance of cases) → the Saint-Guarding Guards (execution of arrests)."

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

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

"The Academy system includes: the Alchemy Dao Institute and the Medical Dao Institute."

"Foreign Affairs: External diplomacy and sales are all managed by the Honglu Hall."

"These five departments each have their own responsibilities and cooperate with one another."

Gu Xing looked at Hua Changxi: "The Secret Realm Masters manage the resources of the Sacred Land, so it is reasonable for them to serve as the stewards of the Sacred Land; in ancient times, among the five operational systems, the others were also primarily centered on the Production system."

"Since the masters of the 36 Peaks are basically all Secret Realm Masters, the Spirit Realm Pavilion formed by the Secret Realm Masters, the Qihuang Pavilion formed by the masters of the Qihuang Halls, and the Nine Streets Hall formed by alchemists of ranks one through nine are essentially no different from what we have now."

"The current problem with the Sacred Land is that many matters are in chaos; the Spirit Realm Pavilion, the Qihuang Pavilion, and the Nine Streets Hall still belong to a single operational system."

Hua Changxi felt the ancient operational system was quite good; seeing Gu Xing looking at her, she followed up: "Then let's just rebuild the management system according to the ancient operational system."

Gu Xing said: "That is indeed a good method, and the most effortless one, but have you considered one problem?"

"If we do this, won't the authority of the Secret Realm Masters become too great? Won't the new rulers become new dictators?"

This question truly stumped Hua Changxi; seeing Gu Xing look at her again, she immediately felt immense pressure: "Senior Gu, could you please stop looking only at me?"

"Look at everyone else; how much can I think of on my own? The specific regulations need to be discussed and perfected by everyone together."

Gu Xing turned to Meng Qingyao and the other Secret Realm Masters: "Before I arrived, it seemed many Secret Realm Masters had not yet stated their positions; now, let everyone speak their views."

The Secret Realm Masters who had not yet taken a stance fell into collective silence.

Gu Xing said: "The operational system of the Sacred Land must sooner or later be discussed; if you do not state your positions, we will take it as your tacit approval."

Meng Qingyao spoke up: "Senior Gu, this is a matter of great importance; must it be discussed today?"

Shen Qianfan also echoed: "Yes, Senior Gu, we are completely unprepared and our minds cannot turn fast enough; could you allow us to go back and think carefully?"

Gu Xing looked at the two of them, then turned to the Secret Realm Masters of the five Dao-Protecting families—Xia, Bai, Wu, Zhu, and Long: "What about you几位? Do you also feel this should be discussed at a later date?"

Long Chenyi spoke: "Choosing a day is not as good as stumbling upon one; let us discuss it today."

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

The five great Dao-Protecting families often advanced and retreated together; in the five great Sacred Lands, the Dao-Protecting families had all placed people inside, and in the Alchemy Saint Hall, it was primarily the Xia family.

Did Long Chenyi not know that supporting all Secret Realm Masters governing the Sacred Land together meant supporting the weakening of the Xia family's control over the Sacred Land?

Seeing that the other four had not yet spoken, Gu Xing stated directly: "According to the principle of the minority obeying the majority, it does not matter whether you state your positions or not."

"The matter of the Secret Realm Masters governing the Alchemy Saint Hall will be discussed today."

"Now, if anyone has anything to say, please speak."

Hearing Gu Xing's decisive tone, the air in the Assembly Hall fell silent, leaving only the rustling of wind blowing through leaves outside the window and the breathing of the crowd.

Seeing that things had reached this point, Wen Shouren had to speak: "I also agree that the Secret Realm Masters should manage the affairs of the Sacred Land, but there must be two conditions."

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

"There must be a transition period; during this time, the Secret Realm Masters and the original three departments shall deliberate together, gradually transferring authority and responsibility, observing the effects, and making adjustments at any time."

"Second, clear rules for the operation of power and mechanisms for mutual supervision must be established. Who supervises the rulers? How is the abuse of power prevented? How are resources allocated? How are tasks coordinated? How are disputes resolved?"

"The process of formulating these regulations and their implementation must be open and transparent to all disciples of the Alchemy Saint Hall!"

After these words were spoken, the entire Assembly Hall was deathly silent.

Seeing Hua Changxi frown, Gu Xing asked: "Does Peak Master Hua seem to have a different opinion?"

Hua Changxi seriously considered the feasibility: "Alchemist Wen's suggestion is good, but won't it waste too much time? Moreover, implementing it probably won't be that easy."

Gu Xing asked again: "Then does Peak Master Hua have any good proposals?"

Hua Changxi was very straightforward: "Isn't the goal just to restrict the Secret Realm Masters from abusing their power? Let the Secret Realm Masters swear a Heart Demon Oath, and that will suffice."

At these words, Huo Yunxiao and Tang Yufeng simultaneously covered their faces, while Gu Jinfan's mouth twitched; she shot a quick glance at Gu Xing—was this man doing it on purpose?

The various Secret Realm Masters: "......." Is an Inner Demon Oath something one can swear so casually?

Just as everyone's thoughts diverged, a sudden mutation occurred!

In the center of the Assembly Hall, spatial ripples suddenly spread, overflowing with soft, jade-green radiance that carried overwhelming vitality and the weight of ages, instantly capturing the gaze of all present.

The next instant, a segment of emerald branch materialized, floating in mid-air.

Dark green patterns flowed along the branch, while a mysterious aura swirled around it like mist—it was the Divine Wood!

The Divine Wood branch drifted slowly in a circle through the air before finally coming to a halt before Hua Changxi, who stood dumbfounded.

Hua Changxi stared at the emerald branch right before her eyes, bewildered and at a loss: "What... what does this mean?" She hadn't done anything!