Chapter 577: Wei Yanzhou’s Attitude

“Good.”

Wei Yanzhou nodded slightly in agreement. “Chief Qiu, do you have any other suggestions?”

“The Primordial Sect and the Star-Picking Sect are supposed to be allies. I propose we attack the Star-Picking Sect. The various Halls of our Sect should each form an army and launch interwoven attacks, all while maintaining contact. This will ensure that even in a protracted siege, they won’t gain an easy advantage, allowing us to strive for the greatest possible benefits.”

Qiu Tianshui seemed to have studied this matter in depth. He took a step forward and declared in a clear voice:

“Moreover, by not consolidating into a single force, we avoid being wiped out by a Mist Rain Tower ambush. If any one unit runs into trouble, the others can provide timely aid. This also allows us to remain vigilant against the Star-Picking Sect itself.”

Hearing his words, the Chiefs present all grew pensive.

The immensity of Mist Rain Tower was an undeniable fact. Their territory was vast, they had numerous Golden Core Cultivators, and they even had a Fake Infant Ancestor.

However, they would be on guard against our Nascent Soul True Monarchs and wouldn’t make a move lightly.

Of course.

The biggest problem facing the Primordial Sect right now was whether their supposed ally, the Star-Picking Sect, would betray them once more.

After all.

Flip-floppers who chase after profit are all too common.

From the Sect’s perspective, Qiu Tianshui’s proposal was exceptionally fair, without the slightest hint of favoritism.

As for how much could be gained from the war, that would depend on their individual abilities.

Everyone present was old and shrewd. They either made their own calculations internally or communicated privately using their Divine Sense.

Deeming the proposal not unfavorable to them, they all tacitly remained silent. Only Duobao was slightly dissatisfied. He could naturally see the situation clearly, which was why he had suggested letting Jinyun Valley act as the vanguard.

Meanwhile, after Qiu Tianshui finished speaking, he sat back down on his Pumpon and simply turned to give Chen Che a smile.

‘Damn it, has he completely sided with the Pill Hall?’

Unfortunately, Duobao was paying close attention, his heart seething with resentment.

Back in Huang Shiwo’s time, the Internal Affairs Hall and the Pill Hall had been close. Now, even with a new master in charge, the situation remained unchanged. Though Qiu Tianshui’s every word was framed around the Primordial Sect’s best interests, they effectively served as a rebuttal to him.

“Very well.”

After a moment of contemplation, Wei Yanzhou gave a slight nod.

Indeed.

Considering the good of the Sect, this was the most suitable course of action.

“Everyone, make your preparations. We attack the Star-Picking Sect in seven days.”

“Yes.”

The crowd immediately rose to their feet in acknowledgment.

Next, Wei Yanzhou announced several internal matters. From Chen Che’s perspective, most of the procedures were similar to those in Jinyun Valley, such as mobilizing subordinate territories and assigning tasks to various Halls.

For instance, the Pill Hall was to ensure a continuous supply of Pill Pills, certain resource-rich regions were to be prioritized for capture, and the Internal Affairs Hall was to document the resources and deployment in newly conquered territories…

Chen Che was sitting there listening intently when he suddenly heard Wei Yanzhou call his name.

“Chief Chen.”

Chen Che started.

“I hear the Pill Hall is undertaking major construction, building Alchemy Chambers.”

“That is correct.”

Chen Che rose, adopting a posture similar to Qiu Tianshui’s. “I merely wish to improve the Alchemy environment for our disciples by building eight hundred Alchemy Chambers. However, we have a significant shortfall at present, so it will take around three months to complete.”

“Excellent.”

Wei Yanzhou nodded slightly. “The Internal Affairs Hall will allocate one million Spirit Stones to the Pill Hall.”

‘What? He’s just giving them away?’

Upon hearing this, many of the Chiefs were stunned, their gazes toward Chen Che filled with envy.

It was important to understand that.

This was an allocation from the Sect’s central accounts, which was tantamount to drawing from Wei Yanzhou’s private treasury. In the two hundred years since the Sect’s founding, nothing like this had ever happened for any of the Halls. It was clear that Wei Yanzhou was openly supporting the Pill Hall.

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

Chen Che cupped his hands.

This move was no different from his own support for Li Changqing of the Talisman Hall.

Still, Wei Yanzhou willingly providing the Spirit Stones was far better than having to squeeze them out of the Pill Hall’s own coffers.

Wei Yanzhou looked relaxed as he turned to Qiu Tianshui. “Furthermore, Chief Qiu, when we attack the Star-Picking Sect, please look after Chief Chen. This is his first time participating in such a large-scale campaign…”

Qiu Tianshui’s expression flickered. He cupped his fist and bowed his head.

“This subordinate understands.”

…

Attacking Mist Rain Tower was a long-decided plan.

But the specifics of the assault were left for the Chiefs to decide. Wei Yanzhou would not micromanage the battle; at most, he would lay out the grand strategy, leaving the rest to be negotiated among the Chiefs.

Although they were attacking independently, they still had to form offensive and defensive alliances among themselves. Otherwise, what was the difference from acting alone?

“Mist Rain Tower won’t be an easy fight. We also have to guard against the Star-Picking Sect backstabbing us. But the most urgent task is to deal with those Mist Rain Tower Cultivators on the front lines. We’ll start with them to show the might of our Primordial Sect, heh heh…”

As if dismissed from an imperial court session, the crowd left the main hall, with many Chiefs continuing their discussions along the way.

Of course.

Those who were acquainted with one another were also busy seeking out alliances.

But this required careful consideration. The various Halls differed in strength. Ally with a group that was too powerful, and you might not get a taste of the spoils. Ally with one that was too weak, and you risked being dragged down. The calculations were complex.

Chen Che, on the other hand, was contemplating the discussion in the hall earlier.

‘Is he really dead set on propping up the Pill Hall?’

He could certainly feel the change in Wei Yanzhou’s attitude. When he had first been chosen as a Tributor, the Sect Leader had treated him like an external contractor. Now, however, he was being treated as a true insider.

Seemingly sensing the change in the Sect Leader’s attitude, even those Chiefs who were adept at reading people became much more enthusiastic, no longer greeting him with the same false warmth as before.

Chen Che responded with a pleasant smile of his own.

A few others, while greeting him, brought up the banquet for Qiu Tianshui’s five-hundredth birthday, lamenting that Chen Che hadn’t come. They even enthusiastically invited him to sit down for a drink sometime; all of them had intentions that had little to do with the wine.

“I still have to make a trip back to Jinyun Valley.”

Chen Che cupped his hands to each of them in turn. “There are matters back there that await my attention…”

He wasn’t like these Chiefs, whose entire fortunes were within Primordial City. Many of his matters still needed to be arranged through Little Chick.

This attack on Mist Rain Tower was a major event.

Although the potential profits were huge, the risks were equally great. The fact that Wei Yanzhou wasn’t personally leading the campaign was proof enough.

“Chief Chen, the Sect Leader told us to look out for each other on the road. If something happens, I hope you’ll lend me a hand, little brother!”

Qiu Tianshui squeezed through the crowd, a smile on his face. “As for the allocation from the Internal Affairs Hall, you don’t need to worry, little brother. When we get back, I’ll have someone deliver it directly to the Pill Hall and have Huang Baishong receive it.”

This was the art of diplomacy.

Despite being his senior in both age and power, Qiu Tianshui acted with great humility. Even Chen Che, who was accustomed to flattery, found it pleasant. Besides, this was a man who actually delivered; he had immediately spoken up for Chen Che in the council.

Therefore, Chen Che’s response was equally amiable:

“Of course. If you need anything, just let me know.”

The passing Duobao heard this and just snorted coldly, his posture a throwback to when Chen Che first arrived at the Primordial Sect. He was well aware that if he couldn’t eliminate Chen Che back then, it would be even harder now.

‘However, he can’t do anything to me either.’

At this thought, Duobao felt much better. He glanced at Chen Jiyuan, who was beside him, and said flatly, “Why aren’t you leaving? You think he’ll dare to try something with us?”

“I’m not the one who gravely offended him,” Chen Jiyuan replied.

Duobao, who had just started to feel a bit better, froze. He then stormed off in a rage.

…

…

He needed to go back and instruct Huang Baishong. First, to receive the Spirit Stones from the Internal Affairs Hall and continue building Alchemy Rooms. Second, to gather some combat-proficient disciples from the Alchemy Hall to join the attack on Mist Rain Tower.

Since they were like children from a previous marriage, Chen Che naturally wasn’t as invested in them.

Jinyun Valley was his real concern.

After returning to the valley, Chen Che held a small meeting of his own, much like Wei Yanzhou’s. Fortunately, he had already made the necessary arrangements before his departure. His people were ready and waiting for his command.

“It’s a pity the Spiritual Boat was destroyed, and the Lu Family’s Spiritual Boat hasn’t been built yet. I can only use these few shabby little boats from the Primordial Sect to keep up appearances.”

Before leaving, he had also requisitioned four Spiritual Boats from the Internal Affairs Hall.

Of course, every Hall had its own Spiritual Boat, but Huang Shiwo had been too poor and only had one. It couldn’t fit all the people from Jinyun Valley, so they had no choice but to borrow.

During his few days in Jinyun Valley, Chen Che spent most of his time on Alchemy, mainly making some healing Pill Pills or crafting Divine Court Incense. When the time came, the four Spiritual Boats, packed with Jinyun Valley Cultivators, headed directly for the front lines.

“Che’er, we’ve arrived.”

In the blink of an eye, several more days passed. Meng Qianxun’s voice sounded from outside the cabin.

Straightening his clothes, Chen Che took a deep breath and pushed the door open:

“Coming!”