Chapter 661 - 448: Sect Deficit (Part 3)

Jiang Tianfang spoke eloquently and at length, demonstrating a masterful grasp of the sect’s finances, every detail committed to memory. But as Fang Qingyuan listened to the report, he couldn’t help but think, ’If not for that huge gamble back then, the sect would already be in the red.’

Given how profitable the Qingyuan Sect was, and with the support of the Immortal Mansion, supporting its thousand or so Cultivators should have been easy. Everyone could have lived quite comfortably. But those good days came to an end when Bear Wind and his clan of Bear Beasts were integrated into the sect.

Two to three thousand Bear Beasts... the sheer volume of Spiritual Objects and spirit-infused meals they consumed each day could only be described as needing to be shipped in by the cart and boatload.

The problem was, these Bear Beasts only consumed resources and didn’t contribute. They weren’t like human Cultivators, who were expected to create ten times the value of any stipend they received. Could anyone really expect Bear Beasts fresh out of the Barbaric Wilderness to work?

The sudden addition of over two thousand freeloaders caused the Qingyuan Sect’s expenditures to skyrocket. Fortunately, under the supervision of Qiqi and the other Golden Core Bear Beasts, these Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment Bear Beasts were relatively docile. Otherwise, the adjustment period alone would have likely led to a great deal of bloodshed.

As for Qiqi and the others, as members of the Qingyuan Sect, they naturally received a stipend—and a top-tier one at that. It was a fundamental rule of the sect: one’s benefits corresponded to one’s position. One couldn’t refuse a stipend just because they were on good terms with Fang Qingyuan, nor could he deliberately withhold it.

Otherwise, when Liu Xun and Jiang Wanqin achieved their Golden Cores, would he withhold their stipends as well?

Including Fang Qingyuan himself, the monthly expenditure for the sect’s five Golden Core members alone was three to four hundred Top-grade Spirit Stones. And that wasn’t even the largest salary expense. The true lion’s share of the cost was for Bear Wind.

Even though Bear Wind wasn’t demanding anything at the moment, and even though he hadn’t yet begun to formally practice cultivation through meditation, the Qingyuan Sect still had to provide him with the standard accoutrements. This was because he was a Nascent Soul, and he needed to be afforded the dignity befitting a Nascent Soul Cultivator.

A fourth-rank Sitting Meditation Cushion, market price of seven hundred Top-grade Spirit Stones? Buy it.

Eight sets of fourth-rank Daoist Robes for daily wear—two for each of the four seasons, each woven from the finest Spiritual Silkworm Silk and crafted by a Nascent Soul Cultivator from Qi Yun Immortal City, priced at three hundred Top-grade Spirit Stones per set? Buy them.

The Qingyuan Sect couldn’t skimp on expenses like these. If word got out, people might think the sect couldn’t afford to support him.

In truth, the current Qingyuan Sect really was struggling to support a Nascent Soul Cultivator. But could they admit that?

They had to grit their teeth and provide for Bear Wind. So, now everyone could understand where all the Spirit Stones from the Qingyuan Sect’s many profitable ventures had gone.

This was the price the Qingyuan Sect had to pay for straining to accommodate a Nascent Soul Power with the stature of a newly-ascended Golden Core Sect. It was, as they say, a painful pleasure. That was the Qingyuan Sect’s current situation.

But after hearing Jiang Tianfang’s report, Fang Qingyuan remained firm in his decision. Preparations for the war of expansion had to be pushed forward now, even if it meant the sect would operate at a deficit.

Only Liu Xun looked unconvinced. He explained his position tactfully.

"The war of expansion is still thirty-three years away. Isn’t it a bit early to start gathering materials for Battle Arrays and practicing the formations now?

"Every Spirit Stone in the sect is currently accounted for. If we expend too much on this, then over the next few decades, some disciples’ cultivation will be delayed. A disciple who might have otherwise reached Foundation Establishment could fail for want of that last bit of resources.

"Besides, with the ongoing war, the prices for all kinds of Battle Array materials have skyrocketed. If we buy now, we’ll just be treated like suckers and get fleeced. Why not wait until the situation at White Mountain stabilizes before we make these preparations?"

Fang Qingyuan nodded, acknowledging Liu Xun’s point, but it didn’t change his resolve. He scanned the room and said frankly:

"Let’s be honest—no one here, myself included, has ever truly experienced a war of expansion. Since we lack experience, it’s only right that we prepare early. Every extra bit of preparation now might save a life later.

"Furthermore, the Qingyuan Sect’s target in this war of expansion is a Fourth-rank Spiritual Land. To achieve a goal that massive, how many battle merits will we need? How many lives will it cost? Remember, the last time a Fourth-rank Spiritual Land was claimed—Silver Elephant Mountain—the Pill Alliance fought a bloody war that lasted a full twelve years.

"How does our strength compare to the Pill Alliance? We’re far inferior! That’s why I’ve been raising funds for the sect from every possible source. The income from Spiritual Silkworm Silk and Spirit Wine isn’t meant for Qingyuan Sect disciples to complacently enjoy lavish benefits. It’s meant to be converted into Arrays, Talismans, and Elixir Pills—tools to carve out new territory for ourselves."

After Fang Qingyuan finished, Liu Xun had no further objections. He could now appreciate the pressure Fang Qingyuan was under. In a war of expansion, not even a Nascent Soul Cultivator could guarantee their own safety.

A moment later, seeing that there were no more dissenting opinions, Fang Qingyuan dismissed the meeting. Just as everyone was filing out, however, he spoke to Jiang Wanqin.

"Wanqin, stay behind for a moment."

At his words, a pained look crossed Jiang Wanqin’s face. She felt like a schoolgirl being held after class, watching everyone else leave as she awaited her own tragic fate.

Sure enough, once everyone else had gone, Fang Qingyuan got straight to the point with Jiang Wanqin.

"Wanqin, you’re one hundred and ten this year, aren’t you? How is your pill treatise coming along?"

Jiang Wanqin cried, "Huh? A pill treatise? I don’t know how to write one!"