Chapter 990 - 841: Burning Bridges After Crossing the River

After sending the people away, Shi Chun stood alone on the desolate mountain, still pondering Mulan Jin's words. The money for establishing an office and building a city was to be advanced from their salaries several years later. What does this mean? No salaries to be paid in the future?

At this moment, Feng Chi arrived, and seeing this, hesitantly asked, "Sir... sir, is everything alright?"

Shi Chun murmured in doubt, "I don't know if everything is alright or not."

Seeing that there wasn't anything wrong, Feng Chi said, "Message from Mo Xing over there. Let us go to the Domain Master's central office to receive the materials issued by the Heavenly Court. I need to go over there."

Shi Chun hummed, "Do as you see fit."

"Alright." Feng Chi took the order and was about to turn around to leave when Shi Chun suddenly called him back, "Forget it, you stay here, I'll go myself."

Feng Chi was surprised, "Such a small matter, I can handle it, no need to trouble you."

Shi Chun shook his head, "It's not that. Mulan Jin's words left me uncertain. I might as well go find the Domain Master to probe the situation."

In light of this, Feng Chi naturally had nothing to say.

Shi Chun did not rush to leave. He first returned to the cave to check on the situation of Qilin A San, trying to wake him up unsuccessfully with pats and shouts, eventually gave up, and put him back into the Qiankun Bag.

Upon exiting the cave, Shi Chun picked a few accompanying guards and left.

At the Domain Master's central office, Manxi returned from the sky and strode into the cave, sitting at the main seat, face full of lingering bewilderment.

Soon, Mo Hei arrived upon hearing the news, carefully observing before asking, "Domain Master, what's the word on salaries?"

Manxi sighed, "It's more or less what Old Huang said. They say money is tight everywhere, and the Heavenly Court is also strained. This arrangement is temporary, and it's said that when things are more relaxed, they will make up for it. Still, something feels off—can such a grand Heavenly Court really lack this petty cash? It's normal to be short a bit of money, but lacking basic salaries is hard to justify. Has there ever been such a situation?"

Mo Hei hesitated, "Perhaps as the Angel said, one issue is the personnel being oversized and overnumbered. Moreover, the Heavenly Domain currently has no income, so they are entirely pulling from Heavenly Court's pockets."

Manxi waved a hand, "Fine, whatever it is, it'll be revealed in time. By the way, how is the distribution of materials?"

Mo Hei: "It's been divided and notified for each department to pick up."

Manxi helplessly said, "Release the first month's salary even though it's just the amount given by the Heavenly Court. If any department has complaints, don't be too rigid. Just say this is the Heavenly Court's first allocation, and let's handle this month's matters first before looking at future circumstances."

Mo Hei: "Understood, I'll go have the accountants work on it."

Manxi: "Have each department commander personally come to pick it up. The fugitives can't be apprehended all at once, and the Heavenly Domain can't remain closed indefinitely. We've assessed various situations and need to formally start handling some matters."

Mo Hei nodded, "Alright, I'll go notify them immediately."

Shi Chun, upon receiving notification along the way, chuckled at the coincidence as he personally happened to be heading there.

The coincidence wasn't unique to him; Wu Jinliang and Tong Mingshan were also present.

The three commanders all arrived independently, with Tong Mingshan due to his cautious seriousness, Wu Jinliang out of enthusiasm, and Shi Chun with ulterior motives.

Dongguo Shou was dispatched to handle affairs but ultimately had to visit personally.

The Domain Master's central office remained a barren area, with everyone living as though wild men dwelling in caves.

The three, Shi Chun, arrived first but did not directly meet Manxi. Instead, they proceeded to collect the resources.

Resources primarily comprised clothing, armor, and monthly salaries. When handed to them, neither Tong Mingshan nor Wu Jinliang sensed anything amiss, accepting that the clothing and armor were prioritized for key personnel due to production constraints.

The first month's salary was only a third, explained as the Heavenly Court's first allocation, which they saw no issue with.

Only Shi Chun noticed the salary was genuinely reduced, furrowing his brows but remaining silent as he planned to meet Manxi later. Given the current clear hierarchy, it wasn't appropriate to level out inequities as before.

They chatted over tea after collecting resources until a fluttering-sleeved Dongguo Shou arrived.

Dongguo Shou was still recovering his arm, but could not refuse a summons from higher-ups.

No longer fighting battles, Dongguo Shou still displayed a carefree demeanor, casually conversing with Shi Chun's group of equal rank, without showing the airs of a Great Sect disciple.

Even after collecting resources, Dongguo Shou did not notice anything unusual and was led by Mo Hei to the temporary Domain Master cave.

In the cave, they lined up on both sides to wait, soon watching Manxi emerge from the rear hall and ascend directly to the main seat.

All four saluted together, "Greetings Domain Master."

With a slight smile and a gesture to omit formalities, Manxi began, "It's been some time since we met. With much to revive, everyone has been busy, so let's skip the pleasantries and get to business. I just returned from the Heavenly Court; they are dissatisfied with the progress on our various matters, thinking we're advancing too slowly. Of course, given our limited conditions, the Heavenly Court understands and will specifically dispatch a batch of skilled artisans to assist soon, expected to arrive shortly. They will coordinate with each department, aiming to resolve the establishment of office and city matters within a month, facilitating our future endeavors."

Wu Jinliang laughed upon hearing this, "I've been concerned about this. Lacking experience, we've struggled. With Heavenly Court's help, things should be easier."

Manxi smiled, "With money in place, naturally it is easier. Heavenly Court is organizing the setup of office and city, but we can't delay introducing population. Hence, I've decided that each department must bring in 30 million people within a year. Remember, these aren't temporary fillers; they must be formally registered residents. After returning, you can distribute this task. Failure to meet this will leave no room for leniency. Whoever drags the effort will be dismissed! Whoever first completes the task will have Xun Gate to claim."