Chapter 987 - 839: Fallen Leaves, No Turning Back

Surveying the spirit vein loci across the entire domain is no small task; months have flown by as we braved the elements.

Indeed, Spiritual Energy is a wondrous thing. In the once murky and stagnant Heavenly Domain, the land now exhibits burgeoning vitality.

After months of toiling and cross-verification, nearly two hundred thousand people finally completed the task, forming a comprehensive distribution map of the spirit vein loci.

In truth, this matter is not absolute. Spirit vein loci may migrate, deplete, or even new ones may appear elsewhere with the passage of time.

These are concerns for the future. In the long run, it all comes down to one's fortunes.

Shi Chun had some regrets about this; his right eye's superpower could detect Spiritual Energy, but unfortunately, it couldn't see afar. Otherwise, he might have pinpointed the spirit vein path, gaining an early advantage.

He originally wanted to ask Qilin A San to try, as A San's eyesight was quite extraordinary. However, A San had fallen into a deep slumber inside the Qiankun Bag, and no amount of calling could wake him. It was a mystery.

It seemed to be related to the Dragon Ball, which had disappeared. Presumably, A San couldn't resist the temptation and ended up consuming it.

Having such a great steed run into trouble did bring some regret. Though A San had mentioned that the Qilin Clan doesn't eat meat, he still gave the Dragon Ball to A San—leading it into a pit deliberately.

In any case, based on the consolidated spirit vein loci distribution map, the four divisions began the formal territorial division.

Of course, the best spots with the most Spiritual Energy naturally became the site chosen for the Domain Master's Central Hub.

The remaining territories were fairly divided into four roughly equal, albeit not absolutely equal, parts by Manxi. Given that some places used mountains or rivers as borders, absolute equality was impossible. Thus, the four Commanders drew lots, and wherever they drew, they led their troops to establish their offices and cities.

The area that Shi Chun drew wasn't particularly good or bad. He didn't dispute this, as neither Northern Commander Wu Jinliang nor Western Commander Tong Mingshan, both being allies, would he have a chance of winning any dispute with someone like Dongguo Shou. Accepting the draw was inevitable.

The four divisions formally parted ways, and Shi Chun, with his troops, headed to their Southern land to start building from scratch.

His method of dividing territory wasn't much different from Manxi's; naturally, the Southern area with the most concentrated Spiritual Energy became the site for his Southern Commander's office, which also became the site for Feng Chi to establish a city.

One reason was Feng Chi wanted to stay by Shi Chun's side, and Shi Chun needed her to facilitate communication with the Demon Path. Aware of being entangled with the Demon Path and unable to extricate himself, he chose to take the initiative.

Outsiders had their misinterpretations, suspecting an affair between the two, not excluded the doubts in the eyes of Mulan Qingqing when she looked at Shi Chun and Feng Chi.

The other City Lords sensibly drew lots and headed to whichever region they got to prepare their cadres.

Once the locations were finalized, city names decided, and structure levels arranged, Shi Chun submitted a detailed report, awaiting the Domain Master's approval.

If a city name chosen was unsatisfactory, the Domain Master might change it. According to what was learned from Feng Chi's inquiry with the Demon Path, the naming of regions, such as making a mark in history, wouldn't be monopolized by Manxi being that the Heavenly Court would make the ultimate decisions.

Shi Chun didn't care much about this.

After all, the more cumbersome naming tasks were still ahead. Naming the mountain ranges, rivers, plains, not to mention the minor details of tributaries and hills, broadly required names and had to be reported for record-keeping with the Heavenly Court.

Shi Chun never realized how many trivial matters there were until he reached this position.

He had no experience with this, nor did Wu Jinliang and the others; they turned to him for help. Shi Chun straightforwardly passed it on to Feng Chi to handle, advising her to consult the Demon Path for assistance.

Of course, his prime concern now was the construction of his Commander's Mansion.

No choice, the lofty Southern Commander of the Heavenly Domain was still residing in a cave, his Heavenly Soldiers and Generals all roughing it outdoors. The formal armor from the Heavenly Court hadn't been issued yet, stating the mass production needed time, making them look less like Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, more like vagabonds.

Fortunately, everyone was optimistic about a hopeful future, with no grievances voiced.

Shi Chun wanted his first legitimate residence well-crafted; the Heavenly Domain, being directly subordinate to the Heavenly Court, held a rank above other domains, validating a more splendid residence.

Moreover, the Heavenly Court, in this rare case of generosity, provided sufficient infrastructure funding, so Shi Chun naturally wanted to make it good. As to how, he was clueless, so he passed it on to Feng Chi, asking her to contact the Demon Path for solutions.

The idea was to have the Demon Path seek out the best craftsmen nationwide to design and construct it. If the Demon Path became perfunctory over such minor matters, it would indeed be disheartening.

Following orders to connect with the Demon Path, Feng Chi handed back their opinion, "Master, the higher-ups suggest that a Commander's Mansion doesn't need to be too luxurious, given the transient nature of official ranks. In case of a promotion, it ends up being a wedding dress for someone else."

Shi Chun replied, "I see others serving in one position for decades or centuries. If I don't make it good, I am bound to be living with regret for years."

Already on the brink of fatigue and dark circles, Feng Chi forced a smile, "Alright, I'll reach out again. It's no big deal; the issue shouldn't be too difficult to resolve."

"Oh, by the way," Shi Chun suddenly spoke earnestly, "In the future, refrain from calling me Master. It sounds like banditry, and it doesn't sound good."

"..." Feng Chi fell silent, eventually nodding in acceptance, "Yes."

While yearning for a good residence, Wu Jinliang also had the same desire, even specifically asking Shi Chun for tips. Shi Chun ignored him, telling him to find his way. They were equals now; it wasn't Shi Chun's problem anymore.

Currently, Domain Master Manxi of the Heavenly Domain's Central Hub wasn't much better off, either. He too lived in a cave, albeit a more spacious one. Building the official residence takes time.

Manxi dared not pursue lavishness in his residence, aiming for decency and moderation; the site had already broken ground.

At this moment in the cave, an Angel arrived, delivering the monthly payout for the Heavenly Domain's personnel and the first batch of newly tailored ceremonial armor.

Holding the list for a long time in contemplation, Brother Man frowned after repeatedly confirming it, and looked up at the Angel who was sipping tea, "Brother Huang, is the monthly stipend for this month mistaken?"

The Angel sighed softly, "This is the decision from above."

Brother Man expressed surprise and doubt, "How is this possible? The monthly stipend for my division's twenty thousand troops, I've calculated several times, averages to eleven thousand gold per person per month, totaling only six hundred million gold, which is less than a third of other domains."

The Angel put down the teacup and stood up, "Brother Man, normally a domain is only allocated ten thousand troops. Here, you have twenty thousand. The Heavenly Domain's status is higher than other domains, so the higher allocation is recognized by the Heavenly Court. However, the Heavenly Domain has no tax revenue. Others pay upwards, but you take directly from the Heavenly Court's purse. Furthermore, a large sum for establishing the mansion and building the city was allocated recently — wasn't that sufficiently generous? Was there any slightest bit of mistreatment? Was there any intention to make things difficult for you? That big sum you took was quite comfortable, yet the Heavenly Court's ledger is also tight. It was squeezed out, and a large amount is spent on manufacturing armor for you. Now, there's really no solution left."

Brother Man looked upset, "Brother Huang, in such a vast Heavenly Court, I find it hard to believe not even this small sum can be spared? How can I explain to twenty thousand brethren with this meager stipend?"

The Angel patted his shoulder, "It's not as harsh as you think. Most are just released from prison and suddenly elevated, which is already immensely fortunate. Furthermore, there's no such thing as free gifts in the world. If you want it, you'll have to earn it. Strive to bring in large numbers of people to reside, as soon as prosperity is achieved, copious returns will follow. Why care about this little stipend then? If lazy and unwilling to put in the effort, only wanting freebies, then this stipend may as well go unissued. Those unwilling can leave; it's not forced. Brother Man, the people above are also distressed, they're not withholding indefinitely, just tightening for now and will make up later."

He pointed at the list in Brother Man's hand and glanced at Mo Hei on the side, "Brother Man, if counting is accurate, please sign, as I must report back."

Brother Man had little choice, unable to refuse and receive nothing, and reluctantly signed for what was given first.

After sending off the Angel, Mo Hei crouched beside Brother Man who was staring into the distance, whispering, "Master, this doesn't feel right, there might be something else going on?"

Brother Man shook his head slightly, "Logically, it shouldn't be. Previously, the establishment and city funds were so generous..." As he spoke, he turned to say, "Go handle the distribution matters, hold off the stipend, distribute other goods first. I'm heading to the Heavenly Court to inquire about the situation."

"Yes," Mo Hei bowed and accepted the order.

When the departing Angel arrived at the Heavenly Domain, others also came, now reached the Southern Central Hub.

Elder Ji Qinghe of the Su Yuan Sect had arrived in person, the same who witnessed the Sky Rain Meteor Conference years ago; Shi Chun was not unfamiliar with him, having met before.

However, Ji Qinghe did not meet Shi Chun but summoned Mulan Qingqing out instead.

With the Elder present personally, Mulan Qingqing couldn't evade and had to face him bravely.

After some exchange in the wilderness, nothing else remained; Elder Ji had come to take her back, communication with the Heavenly Court having already cleared the way, allowing a straightforward departure.

Mulan Qingqing couldn't refuse, knowing that refusal would lead to a forcible escort back, and could only bow respectfully, "Elder, those friends protected me once, may I bid them farewell?"

Ji Qinghe considered silently; given his personal presence, any attempt to escape would surely fail, so he uttered slightly, "Go quickly and return."

After expressing gratitude, Mulan Qingqing turned and departed rapidly.

"Master, Elder Ji of the Su Yuan Sect has arrived, Miss Qingqing..."

The rapidly entering Feng Chi, mouth agape at the title slipped, abruptly halted as she noticed the honored guest within the cavern and stood frozen.

Sitting composedly was Mulan Jin in a green robe, exuding exceptional charm, and coldly sweeping her gaze over.

Accompanying Shi Chun standing nearby with a wry smile, thinking neither is Ji Qinghe the only visitor this time, but also this Xuanji Token Master.

Feng Chi could only correct herself, "Master, Miss Qingqing wishes to see you."

She finally understood why the guards outside had stopped Mulan Qingqing.

Mulan Jin stood up, walked to the back hall, and casually tossed a line, "I shall not face her."

Shi Chun acknowledged with a nod and waved to Feng Chi, "Alright, let her in."

"Yes," Feng Chi left.

Soon, Mulan Qingqing arrived gracefully adorned in white attire like blossoming lotus, her appearance still fresh, dignified, and unique.

This time she stood before Shi Chun, facing him, saying, "Elder Ji from the Sect has come; he intends to take me back."

Shi Chun gave a wry smile, "I've heard."

It was, in fact, what Mulan Jin had related.

Mulan Qingqing fixed her gaze into his eyes, "Do you... believe I should go back?"

Shi Chun sighed, "Elder Ji's personal arrival, do you think you have the choice?"

Mulan Qingqing, "If truly staying, there is still a way."

Shi Chun puzzled, "His personal visit leaves no room for negotiation; what way exists? Fleeing? It seems unavoidable..."

"As long as you're not afraid, there's a way, once the... die is cast, even if departing, returning is possible... It's not truly intending anything, merely saying so outwardly."

As she spoke, Mulan Qingqing's eyes flittered evasively aside, her voice slightly trembling, fingers gripping the skirt hem tightly.

She had been waiting for Shi Chun to say something he once frequently told her, but Shi Chun had stopped saying it, waiting until today without hearing it, forcing her to ask outright.