Chapter 188: Chapter 77: Departing for Hu Mountain Country

In late April, a sudden downpour began.

Yet, the number of worshipers flocking to Qianmu Temple only increased. The plaza at the mountain’s base was nearly overflowing with sedan chairs. To the common faithful, a torrential downpour signified the fury of the gods.

In front of the Mountain Peak Dojo, Yang Hou, under the gaze of the Gatekeeper, straightened his Daoist Robe.

Ever since Zhao Qing’s failed promotion, he had become several times more cautious in all his dealings. Furthermore, the Water Spirit Vein that Zhao Qing hadn’t used for his advancement now needed to be reassigned.

Whether his branch would receive it depended entirely on Wang Ping’s decision. If they didn’t get it, they would have to wait another hundred years, as the next Spirit Vein was promised to Sanhe Temple by agreement.

"Sixth Master, if you could please hurry. Grandmaster is waiting inside."

The Gatekeeper reminded him softly.

"Right. Let’s go in."

Yang Hou composed himself and followed the Gatekeeper into the garden, which was dense with Spiritual Qi. Passing by the ancient locust tree, he saw Yu Lian sleeping on a branch. He and the Gatekeeper leading the way both bowed in respect.

Entering the small courtyard, he saw Wang Ping reading *Annotations on Heaven and Man*. He immediately lowered his eyes and cupped his fist in salute.

"Sit."

Wang Ping pointed to the stone stool before him, set down the book he was holding, and picked up a ledger from the Stone Table that was open halfway.

"Production of the Power Pills stopped while I was in seclusion. Has the price changed much over the years?"

"The black market price has skyrocketed, but in legitimate trade, we’ve maintained the price you set. After all, these have been peaceful times."

Yang Hou replied quickly and steadily, "If you intend to restart the Power Pill business, I suggest we stockpile them first. We can sell when the political climate shifts." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"An excellent idea!"

Wang Ping offered a word of praise, then asked, "Have you calculated the budget for the Alchemy Room I assigned you?"

"Yes, I have. It will require two million two hundred thousand taels."

Wang Ping nodded and asked again, "How much money does the temple have?"

"We have six million taels in cash. Expenses have risen in the past two years due to the increase in Inner Sect Disciples, but we’ve also acquired more resources through a wider range of channels. If you need Spiritual Objects now, Martial Uncle, the temple can procure over five hundred units of any attribute within three days."

Yang Hou added cautiously, "Also, our internal affairs network deployed across the lands requires an annual budget of at least two million taels."

"The funding for our internal affairs network must not be cut."

Wang Ping stated this very seriously. The internal affairs network was his eyes and ears on the world, and this money could not be spared. For example, for the upcoming trip to Hu Mountain Country, Qianmu Temple’s network had been making preparations for five months in advance.

As for the expenses for the Inner Sect Disciples, that was another cost that couldn’t be cut. The main expenditure was on Elixirs, as many disciples had poor aptitude and required them to assist with Foundation Establishment and Marrow Cleansing.

Being an Inner Sect Disciple sounded wonderful, and they even had a chance to become Entering Cultivators. Their treatment was a world of difference from those in the outer sect.

But they were also expendable—consumables for the Entering Cultivators. They were the foundational guarantee that kept the resources flowing for those very same cultivators.

"You are as diligent as your master, but you need not report every little thing. Rest assured, I am aware of everything you do. Every blade of grass and every tree within Qianmu Temple is under my watch."

When Wang Ping finished, Yang Hou started to explain himself, but Wang Ping cut him off with a wave of his hand. "I am never stingy with rewards for those who apply themselves wholeheartedly."

Hearing this, Yang Hou could only bow in salute and wait for what came next.

"As for the Water Spirit Vein that your master was unable to integrate during his breakthrough attempt, I will hold onto it for now. In the future, if you or one of your disciples wishes to integrate with it, you need only tell me."

"Thank you, Martial Uncle!" Yang Hou was overjoyed upon hearing this.

"Build the Alchemy Room according to my blueprints. Also, hollow out the mountainside west of the Fire Institute; I intend to house the newly acquired Outer Realm Demon there. And one more thing: find a way to collect a sufficient number of spirited Magical Artifacts—offensive ones, preferably."

Wang Ping needed to accumulate enough leverage for the coming turmoil. Then, regardless of whether the Xiao Shan Lord succeeded, he had to force his way to the table where the spoils were divided.

At the very least, he needed the capital to retreat unscathed.

Yang Hou accepted his orders. Seeing that Wang Ping had nothing more to say, he took his leave.

"When are we leaving?" Yu Lian landed on Wang Ping’s shoulder, habitually rubbing her head against his cheek, then slid down to the Stone Table, looking at Wang Ping with a pair of curious vertical pupils.

"Sometime in the next two weeks. I need to handle a few things here first."

Wang Ping put away the ledger on the table and took out another one to look through. This was his personal assets, already over seven million taels, with most of the income coming from Baisui Lake.

This amount of money would be depleted in an instant when it came time to craft puppets.

"Is it not enough money?" Yu Lian asked.

"It’s enough!"

Wang Ping put away the ledger and walked into the simple Alchemy Room at the Mountain Peak Dojo. He had already animated two puppets to craft Power Pills, but they would stop working within two days of his departure for Hu Mountain Country.

After a moment’s thought, Wang Ping put the puppets away. These things could be done slowly; there was no need to rush.

He then returned to the small courtyard, where he drank tea and chatted idly with Yu Lian for a while. Then, with a wave of his hand, he swept the Purgatory Banner into his sleeve.

「A courtyard on the back mountain.」

Wang Ping spoke with Yu Cheng Taoist for an hour, then descended into Liu Shuang’s courtyard.

"Master!"

Liu Shuang put down the guzheng in her hands and was about to bow in salute when Wang Ping stopped her. Yu Lian, meanwhile, ran over to play with the Spiritual Dog.

"How have you been adjusting?"

"Master, I think I’m starting to get the hang of it."

"Mm. The most important thing for the Wood Gathering Technique is confidence. If you are one hundred percent confident, there is no possibility of failure. The reverse is also true. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master. I understand."

"Good. I am leaving on a long journey. Whether it is you, Wang Li, or the others, you are all to wait for my return before attempting your breakthroughs."

"I understand the stakes."

"Good!"

Having given his instructions, Wang Ping called to Yu Lian, and his figure melted into the flowing Spiritual Qi of the world.

He first hovered in the air, gazing at the peak where Zuo Xuan was for a few breaths, then disappeared into the horizon.

Wang Ping’s first stop was Sanhe Temple, where he had matters to discuss with Guangxuan. A day passed before he left. Next, he went to Baisui Lake to give instructions to Hu Qianqian.

Finally, he arrived at the Daoist Scripture Hall. As a Patrol Envoy, he needed to file a report for any trip, whether for official business or personal matters.

After discussing with Zi Luan, Wang Ping decided to hide his identity and enter Hu Mountain Country in secret to avoid unnecessary trouble.

After all, his relationship with Xiu Yu Taoist’s branch was a bit tense right now.

「The third day of the fifth month.」

Taking with him an official document commissioning him to scout a route by sea, Wang Ping vanished from public view.