Unsheathed

Mr. Zhu had visited the Lotus Root Blessed Land not long ago, and he had only retrieved a picture scroll that had been hidden in some secret location. This was an extremely long picture scroll, and it was the prized work of an eminent painter from Mr. Zhu's hometown.

It depicted the prosperous, bustling, and vibrant scene of a flourishing golden age.

Pei Qian had been quite sharp-eyed at the time, noticing that the painting contained few horses but many oxen and donkeys. Seeing this, she had remarked that there were so many small donkeys, and she had wondered aloud whether she could buy a herd of one hundred if she gritted her teeth and spent one snowflake coin.

Yuan Bao and Yuan Lai had also been present, and Yuan Lai had looked for bookshops to investigate on the picture scroll. Meanwhile, Yuan Bao had only taken a few glances at the picture scroll before chuckling coldly and commenting that the signs of decline were as clear as day.

Zhu Lian had nodded in response, affirming the young girl's assessment.

In reality, what was depicted in the picture scroll was none other than the capital where Zhu Lian had lived. In less than sixty years from the time of the painting, all of the prosperity and liveliness had been ruthlessly crushed under the thundering hooves of warhorses.

Zhu Lian had done everything in his power to resist this, yet he had still been unable to turn the tide, and it was because of this that he had eventually left the imperial court and the battlefield, returning to the martial world. He had transformed from a wealthy young master into a Confucian general, and then into a martial arts maniac.

In that past life, there were three things that Zhu Lian was most proud of.

Firstly, it was writing books. Even Cui Dongshan was incredibly impressed by Zhu Lian's compact script calligraphy.

Secondly, he had introduced the method of double-entry bookkeeping.

And lastly, he had casually composed a secret martial arts text, one with a low barrier to entry that would allow people to advance at great speed. However, it would be extremely difficult to reach the pinnacle using this secret text. He had made ninety-nine copies of this secret martial arts text, giving it to everyone he came across for free. Afterward, people in the martial world could fight over these secret texts themselves.

There were scholars, commoners, and the martial world.

Looking back at his life, both Young Master Zhu Lian and Martial Arts Maniac Zhu Lian had achieved a sense of closure.

Zhu Lian placed the white stone in his hand back inside the container and said with a smile, "Yuan Bao, victory and defeat in this Go game won't be decided anytime soon, so you'll need to wait for a long time if you want to let us finish this game first. How about you speak first?"

Zheng Dafeng started to snack on roasted seeds.

Wei Bo didn't say anything. Looking at the Go board, Zheng Dafeng could achieve victory in a few moves if Zhu Lian didn't purposely contemplate his moves for so long.

"I have some thoughts regarding the Lotus Root Blessed Land, and I'll say whatever is on my mind. Please forgive me if I say something wrong, Mr. Zhu."

Zhu Lian smiled and replied, "Please go ahead. It's also not necessarily up to me to determine if something is right or wrong, and everything can be debated, discussed, and reasoned with."

Yuan Bao was a big fan of this old senior's open-mindedness and frankness, so she was always honest and unrestrained when she interacted with him.

Her voice was solemn as she said, "We can directly compile some elementary immortal techniques into books and print them, after which we can ask the emperors of the four nations to issue imperial edicts mandating that everyone study and practice them. We can also promote secret martial arts scriptures the same way.

"There won't be any barrier to entry, and even if someone's aptitude is terrible, rendering them unable to successfully cultivate a single immortal technique, there's still the path of martial arts to walk. Regardless of whether they succeed, we've already given them the opportunity, so it's up to them to cultivate and advance. Otherwise, why are we investing so many grain rain coins into this blessed land? For the sake of enjoying a good show? We ultimately need to reap some reward, right?"

"Martial artists rely on their physical strength to flout rules — this will be very troublesome for the imperial courts and local governments," Yuan Lai said in a quiet voice.

"The Lotus Root Blessed Land will find it highly difficult to restrain these cultivators and martial artists. A moment of carelessness, and the imperial courts might become nothing more than background decorations. Once that happens and the rulers lose their might and prestige, major issues will arise across the entire system of mountains and rivers. As Cao Qinglang said before, stability is the foundation of a world, regardless of how small the world is."

Yuan Bao chuckled coldly and stated, "If those emperors and officials are unwilling to act according to our wishes, or if they're unable to complete the necessary tasks to our satisfaction, then we'll directly swap them out for some more obedient puppets — puppets who dare to kill, are able to kill, can suppress Qi refiners from the mountains, and can slaughter martial artists from the martial world.

"Taking a step back, things will be simple even if we're truly afraid that a small pond is unable to hold a flood dragon. If a good talent appears, we can directly drag them out of the blessed land and raise them at Downtrodden Mountain instead. After all, there are so many empty mountains and uninhabited immortal residences around here.

"For example, Qi refiners who have the potential to reach the Abode Tier and martial artists who have already reached the sixth tier can all become unofficial disciples of Downtrodden Mountain. They can improve their status after they accumulate enough merit, and they can even obtain better martial arts scriptures or immortal techniques to learn."

Yuan Lai's voice became even quieter as he asked, "Then what about their hearts? Things aren't so simple, Big Sis, and just the relationships at Master's mountain are already so complicated."

Yuan Bao shot a glare at her bookish little brother. How tiring and irritating! No wonder he got along so well with Cao Qinglang.

Zhu Lian remained silent the entire time.

The young girl's words weren't entirely correct, but they weren't entirely wrong either.

However, some matters were deeply intertwined, and they weren't simple matters of addition or subtraction like those managed by Foretellers. Rather, they were like the criss-crossing beams of a building, with a crooked beam potentially leading to the collapse of the entire building after enough time passed.

Even so, being able to think more and speak more was a positive thing, so Zhu Lian was in no hurry to affirm or retort Yuan Bao's suggestion. He simply smiled and looked at the young girl, encouraging her to bravely continue on and speak the thoughts in her mind.

Yuan Bao crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes, continuing, "Master is only restricted over there because the situation is far too chaotic. The Lotus Root Blessed Land is different from Downtrodden Mountain, and over here, Downtrodden Mountain represents the heavens ruling over the Lotus Root Blessed Land! Who isn't afraid of death? Who doesn't cherish their life?! Just how profound and mystical are the immortal techniques of the Majestic World? What does the human heart matter in the context of the great trend? Perhaps they'll clamor to attach themselves to Downtrodden Mountain."

Zheng Dafeng smiled with squinted eyes and remarked, "Children only fear the difficulty of studying, while youths always believe being a good person is easy."

Yuan Lai immediately committed this to memory. In reality, Uncle Zheng was a very knowledgeable person.

Zhu Lian scratched his head and said with a sigh of emotion, "Still a youth riding a bamboo horse yesterday, how have I become a white-haired grandpa tonight?"

Wei Bo smiled and asked, "I have one question, Yuan Bao. What will these people do in the future after they're brought to Downtrodden Mountain and relocated to the subsidiary mountains?"

Yuan Bao already had an answer for this, and she replied without hesitation, "They'll continue to cultivate, of course. Alternatively, they'll continue to practice martial arts. Once they become Dragon Gate Tier cultivators or seventh tier martial arts grandmasters, we can directly sell them to the various forces in the Eastern Treasured Vial Continent to make big money and earn goodwill.

"If they're too proud and unwilling to become commodities, then they can sign a contract with Downtrodden Mountain. We can make them sign a contract of several dozen years, one hundred years, or whatever arbitrary number of years, and after they leave Downtrodden Mountain, they'll need to earn enough money within this time period to buy their life and freedom back!"

"And what if someone among them commits evil and causes chaos in a region? Who will take responsibility for the mess?" Wei Bo asked.

Yuan Bao frowned and replied, "And why should we care about these things? People should take responsibility for their own actions and their own life and death once they're out in the world. Whether in the mountains or outside the mountains, it's always been the case that the incapable get trampled, and the strong represent reason! Why should Downtrodden Mountain take responsibility for their mess?"

Zhu Lian's expression remained calm and composed.

Zheng Dafeng rolled his eyes.

Wei Bo reached up and pinched his golden earring, also appearing slightly anxious.

Lu Baixiang truly didn't worry about much when teaching his disciples.

Yuan Bao clenched her hands into fists and continued in a solemn voice, "We are the heavens in the Lotus Root Blessed Land, and we can control every aspect of people's lives. Those who obey us will prosper, and those who resist us shall perish! They'll have no further ties with us after leaving Downtrodden Mountain, and the only link that remains will be a transactional one.

"As for the notion of being nurtured by heaven and earth or whatnot? Absolutely rubbish. This is a flourishing world forcefully built using thousands of grain rain coins from Downtrodden Mountain! Why should we continue to throw more grain rain coins at the Lotus Root Blessed Land in the future?"

Yuan Bao appeared slightly angry as she fumed, "Those natural treasures are forming far too slowly, so just how quickly can spiritual energy accumulate and transform into treasured lands for cultivation? Are we just going to continually bleed money like this? It's not easy for my master to earn money. In fact, it's very difficult! It's completely different from some people, who can sit atop a mountain and play Go under the sunshine, also enjoying the snowy scenery at the same time."

Zhu Lian smiled and waved a hand, saying, "Yuan Bao, disregarding this conversation between us right now, those in Downtrodden Mountain need to remember the principle of sticking to the facts, even if they're engaging in an argument. Otherwise, even legitimate arguments and reasons will become moot points."

"I understand, Mr. Zhu," Yuan Bao replied with a nod.

As Zheng Dafeng snacked on roasted seeds, his conscience truly felt a little guilty as he listened to Yuan Bao's criticism.

Yuan Bao took a deep breath, her eyes becoming resolute as she glanced at Zheng Dafeng and Wei Bo and said, "If you find any of these cultivators or martial artists an eyesore in the future, then that's fine, and I'm happy to take on the responsibility of killing them with my fists. We'll simply pretend that we raised a piece of useless trash."

Cen Yuanji hoped her good friend would shut her mouth and say less, so she signaled hard with her eyes the entire time. After doing this for a long time, however, her eyelids became so tired that she could barely move them anymore.

She started to rub her eyes.

Yuan Bao gently pinched Cen Yuanji's arm, expressing that she appreciated her friend's concern.

Out of everyone at Downtrodden Mountain, only Cen Yuanji was most pleasing to her eyes and had become her friend.

The others were either doing nothing, liked to trick people, or were always chuckling and acting immaturely. Of course, there were also those who were mentally challenged and thinking about unknown nonsense all the time.

Mhm, Little Nuanshu was an exception. She always worked diligently and never had conflicts with other people. She was a very likable person.

"I'm roughly aware of your thoughts, Yuan Bao, and I've also committed them to memory," Zhu Lian said. "Rest assured, I won't push your proposal aside on purpose, and we might even raise it explicitly to discuss in our next ancestral hall meeting. These meetings are no joke, and every word spoken needs to be recorded. So, it's best that you flesh out your thoughts more in the short-term, lest people find shortcomings later. I have a suggestion to make. Do you want to hear it?"

"Please go ahead, Mr. Zhu!" Yuan Bao said with a smile.

Zhu Lian glanced at the trembling and apprehensive Yuan Lai and said, "Yuan Lai has strong disagreements with this proposal, doesn't he? If that's the case, then do away with your ego as the elder sister when you get back, and try to calmly persuade Yuan Lai first. If you're unable to persuade even him, then will you truly have absolute confidence and conviction in this proposal even if I'm willing to raise it in the ancestral hall meeting? Does this make sense?"

Yuan Bao thought for a moment before nodding and responding, "Yes, I'll do as Mr. Zhu says!"

"Outside the ancestral hall, those in Downtrodden Mountain can cultivate their own paths of the Great Dao as they please. However, those who have a seat in the ancestral hall need to carefully think over their words again and again," Zhu Lian said. "I'm speaking factually, and I'm not taking advantage of my age or status to specifically target you, Yuan Bao. Nor am I trying to suppress you because I feel like you're too sharp and intense. There don't exist such nonsensical and backward rules in Downtrodden Mountain — not now, and not in the future."

"Mr. Zhu has always been open and honest, so I won't overthink things like this," Yuan Bao commented with a smile.

Zheng Dafeng heaved an aggrieved sigh.

The young girl was willing to listen to whatever random nonsense the old cook spouted.

All of the romance novels in Downtrodden Mountain had been purchased and collected by the old cook, so why was he, Zheng Dafeng, the only one classified as a slacker and libertine?

Comparison truly was the thief of joy.

Yuan Bao, along with her good friend Cen Yuanji and her blockheaded younger brother, had come to the courtyard in high spirits and were now leaving in high spirits.

"Such a domineering little girl," Chen Lingjun muttered.

Zhu Lian smiled and said, "These thoughts should exist in Downtrodden Mountain, allowing debates and arguments to be had. The more, the better. That being the case, let me say this first. You're not allowed to make that young girl feel sad no matter what the outcome of the discussion in the ancestral hall meeting is."

Wei Bo shook his head and said, "It's not that this method doesn't have its merits and benefits. After all, many blessed lands in the Majestic World are largely controlled in this manner. However, they're not as direct as what Yuan Bao proposed. One reason is that this method is too unscrupulous and will result in a terrible reputation, making it very difficult to be considered for, and eventually promoted to, a sect-level force.

"Another reason, just like Yuan Lai expressed, is Yuan Bao's dismissal of the human heart. The more talented a cultivation prodigy or martial arts prodigy is, the more likely they are to rebel and become enemies with Downtrodden Mountain. Using this method will risk sucking the blessed land dry and killing the goose that lays the golden egg."

"Just what martial arts cultivation base does the young girl have right now? It's already very impressive for her to have this vision," Zheng Dafeng commented.

Wei Bo's expression suddenly became solemn.

"Has something happened to Little Mili?" Zheng Dafeng asked.

Something had stirred in Wei Bo's heart just then, and he immediately channeled a mystical observation ability.

Chen Lingjun had unexpectedly soared into the sky already, transforming into a streak of azure as he directly left Downtrodden Mountain.

Wei Bo smiled and replied, "Pei Qian is already protecting Little Mili."

"Don't concern yourself with this matter, Wei Bo. Downtrodden Mountain will take care of it," Zhu Lian said in a calm voice.

Wei Bo wasn't bothered by this, and he nodded and replied, "Things will become troublesome if I get involved. I coincidentally need to visit the capital for a meeting, so I'll take my leave first. Please go ahead and do whatever you need."

Zhu Lian suddenly became hesitant and said, "That won't feel right. We'll be doing wrong by you."

Wei Bo smiled and asked, "Then I'll leave a bit later?"

Zhu Lian stood up and said, "Mountain God Wei's matters are more important, so you should leave earlier and return earlier. It's best that you bring back a hefty sum of money as well."

Wei Bo's figure vanished, instantly reappearing several hundred kilometers away.

Zheng Dafeng signaled for Chen Nuanshu to stay calm. There was no need for her to worry, and there was most definitely no need for her to rush after Chen Lingjun and follow him to Red Candle Town, where the three rivers converged.

Zheng Dafeng continued to snack on roasted seeds.

Could those at Downtrodden Mountain be bullied on their own turf? What an absolute joke.

Zheng Dafeng rubbed his chin. Thankfully, the mountain master wasn't present, or else with Chen Ping'an's temperament, he would most probably throw a punch before asking questions. At best, he would find a quiet area and sever some river before speaking reason.

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