Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 434 Added Value

Silence fell over the hall for a moment. Song Xian did not urge him, but waited quietly for his reply.

"I might not be able to spare two or three months each year. I also have my own things to do. Sometimes I go out to find things, which can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Sect Leader Song requires me to refine a batch of Yin Soul Pearls every year, but I'm afraid I can't do that." After thinking for a while, Hu An replied.

Song Xian smiled and said, "That's no problem. If Fellow Daoist Hu has important matters to attend to, you can attend to your own business first. When you have free time, you can come and refine the Yin Soul Pearl with the materials collected by our sect. In fact, Fellow Daoist Hu does not necessarily have to refine the Yin Soul Pearl himself."

Juan frowned slightly: "What do you mean by that, Headmaster Song?"

“It’s very simple. Fellow Daoist Hu can pass on the method of refining Yin Soul Pearls to your son. In this way, your son can refine Yin Soul Pearls in your place, and Fellow Daoist Hu can go about his own business with peace of mind. Wouldn’t that be killing two birds with one stone?”

Juan shook his head: "The way of weapon crafting is not so simple. Although my son has some talent in this field, he can only craft some low-level magic weapons at present. He is far from being able to craft Yin Soul Pearls. This is not something that can be accomplished overnight."

“If your son is not up to the task, our sect can select a few promising talents. If Fellow Daoist Hu can teach them diligently, once they have learned how to refine Yin Soul Pearls, you will not need to trouble yourself with your time. You can then focus on your own work.” Song Xian immediately added.

This was his true purpose; he needed a group of talented people capable of refining Yin Soul Pearls, not just one or two.

When Xiao Ling proposed appointing Hu An's son, Hu Yue, as a guest elder of the sect, he was already planning this.

Although Juan can refine Yin Soul Pearls, his energy is limited, and it is impossible for him to not cultivate all year round and spend all his time refining this item. In order to form a large-scale trade, it is necessary to cultivate a group of his own people.

However, if you directly ask Juan to pass on the method of refining Yin Soul Pearls to the disciples of the sect, he definitely will not agree.

Whether they are alchemists, weapon refiners, or talisman makers, they will not easily pass on their skills to others, because this is their livelihood.

The saying goes, "Teach your apprentice, and you'll starve."

The more people who know a skill, the less valuable it becomes. No one would do something so short-sighted and thankless.

Therefore, he hired Hu An's son as a guest elder, offering him generous rewards and promises, so that he could win over Hu An and make him willingly pass on this skill to his own sect's disciples.

In addition, Juan himself is a very valuable person, and by using this relationship, he can ask for help if he needs anything else in the future.

Juan then realized what Song Xian was planning, and he snorted disdainfully.

"So, Sect Leader Song wanted me to teach your sect's disciples how to refine Yin Soul Pearls. This is not something just anyone can learn. Although Yin Soul Pearls are not high-level artifacts, they are still far superior to ordinary magic artifacts. Not only do you need to have strong artifact refining skills, but your cultivation level cannot be lower than the Foundation Establishment Realm. If your spiritual power and mental strength are insufficient, it is simply impossible to refine this item."

“I will find the right person, as long as Fellow Daoist Hu agrees to teach this skill.”

Although Song Xian didn't know much about the art of weapon crafting, he was a talisman maker himself and knew that there were thresholds to mastering both talismans and magical artifacts. Not just anyone could learn or craft them, and the higher the level of the item, the higher the threshold.

Therefore, he was neither surprised nor disappointed by what Juan said.

If all disciples at the Qi Refining stage could refine this item, then it wouldn't be scarce.

Although the sect currently lacks Foundation Establishment cultivators with weapon-refining skills, it can cultivate them. As long as Hu An is willing to teach this skill, a suitable person will appear sooner or later.

“Teaching you how to refine Yin Soul Pearls is fine, but I want to make it clear beforehand: First, I am only responsible for teaching how to refine Yin Soul Pearls; I am not responsible for anything else. Second, once someone can successfully refine a qualified Yin Soul Pearl, I will no longer refine this item for Headmaster Song every year.” Hu An agreed without hesitation; it was a win-win situation.

Teaching others how to refine this item would not threaten his own position and would allow him to extricate himself from this matter. Of course, this was on the premise that Song Xian had promised that no matter what happened, his son Hu Yue would not be stripped of his status as a guest elder.

Otherwise, he wouldn't feel at ease passing on this method to others, lest Song Xian betray him after using it.

“Alright, it’s settled then. But until a suitable candidate is found, I still need you to refine a Yin Soul Pearl for me.” Song Xian flipped his hand and took out a fist-sized Yin Soul Pearl he had obtained earlier: “I require that the quality of the Yin Soul Pearl you refine must not be lower than this one. Can you do that?”

Juan took the Yin Soul Pearl and examined it carefully for a while: "It is a superior quality Yin Soul Pearl. Don't worry, Sect Leader Song, as long as you can get the materials, I can refine it."

"Then I'll trouble Fellow Daoist Hu to provide a list of materials, and I'll send someone to collect them."

The two reached an agreement, chatted for a few more minutes, and then Juan and his son took their leave.

.........

As night fell, Song Xian returned to the inner courtyard of his residence, where Su Zhirou was already waiting for him. Upon his return, she went to greet him.

Before she could speak, Song Xian said, "You received Xiao Bao's invitation, right? You can go to Tianshan on my behalf to attend his child's one-month celebration. I won't be going."

"My husband is pushing this kind of thing onto me again, and I don't want to go." Su Zhirou was somewhat dissatisfied upon hearing this.

“How can you not go? He is an elder of the sect and is related to us. If one of us doesn’t go, the sect will gossip and say that there is a problem between us and him.”

“Then it should be my husband who goes. He’s my husband’s uncle. What nephew doesn’t go to his uncle’s banquet?” Su Zhirou complained softly. “Everyone else has had children. Lin Zixiang, Jiang Zichen, and Hu Xiaobao all have children. We’re the only ones who don’t. I can’t face going.”

Song Xian laughed: "That's your fault. I've sown plenty of seeds, and you've grown such a fat ass, but you're all show and no substance, you haven't even laid a single egg."

Upon hearing this, Su Zhirou glared at him and sat on the edge of the bed, somewhat sullen.

“You’re not happy when I tell you, and you keep bringing it up. It’s their business to get married and have children, why compare yourself to them in this way?”

"If my husband wants me to go, then I have to promise him one thing."

"what's up?"

"Ling'er has been busy searching for Hu An, who can refine the Yin Soul Pearl, for her husband. She even made two trips to Anfeng County. Shouldn't you reward her with something?"

What does she want?

Su Zhirou's eyes lit up: "Ling'er was in charge of finances at Luoyun Sect before, so let's make her the head of the Finance Hall! That's her nature, she'll definitely do a good job."

"She's quite ambitious! She's only been in the sect for a few years, and she already wants to control the sect's finances. Did she propose that herself?"

"She didn't say she wanted to work in the Finance Hall, she just said she wanted to change positions. Isn't there a vacancy for the Head of the External Affairs Hall in the sect right now? Husband, why don't you just transfer Qi Xiaobai to the External Affairs Hall?"

Song Xian shook his head: "To make room for her, you transferred Qi Xiaobai from the Finance Department to the Foreign Affairs Department. How could you even think of that? Besides, the Finance Department head has always been the second-in-command of the cabinet. Does that mean she should be promoted to the second-in-command of the cabinet as well?"

"Aren't those rules all inflexible? Transferring Qi Xiaobai to the Foreign Affairs Department doesn't necessarily mean we're taking away his position as the second-in-command of the cabinet."

"You really dare to say that. Don't even think about it, it's impossible."

"Then let her be in charge of all affairs of the Foreign Affairs Department!"

"That's something we can consider."

The sky was clear and the weather was fine.

In the spacious and brightly lit council hall of Luoyun Mountain, everyone gathered together.

Song Xian sat upright on the stone steps in the main seat, with Jiang Zichen, the chief of the cabinet, sitting in the first seat on the left below, and Qi Xiaobai, the second chief of the cabinet, sitting in the first seat on the right. Also present were Yu Lian, the head of the Internal Affairs Hall, Huang Ye, the head of the Supervision Hall, and Qi Ming, the head of the Punishment Hall.

"I have gathered you fellow disciples today for two main matters. The first is the selection of the head of the External Affairs Hall. Since Junior Sister Feng Yan failed to establish her foundation and unfortunately died, the position of head of the External Affairs Hall has been vacant for several months. It is time to appoint a specific person in charge."

"Junior Brother Zichen, you are the chief of the Inner Cabinet, and the head of the External Affairs Hall is a member of the Inner Cabinet. Tell me your thoughts! Who in the sect do you think is suitable for this position?"

Jiang Zichen coughed lightly, his tone calm and unhurried: "I believe that the position of Director of the External Affairs Hall should not be selected from among the disciples of the External Affairs Hall. Just like me, I was not originally a disciple of the Personnel Hall."

"Now that the sect has so many Foundation Establishment cultivators, many of them hold sinecure positions, while the position of the Head of the External Affairs Hall is very important. According to their abilities, it is appropriate for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to take over the position."

“I propose that Junior Sister Xiao Ling take over this position. Since joining our sect, Junior Sister Xiao has worked diligently and conscientiously to assist Senior Sister Su in managing the affairs of Bianxi City. Everything is well-organized, and her abilities are evident to all.”

"The External Affairs Hall is mainly responsible for the sect's external affairs, which has many similarities with Junior Sister Xiao's previous management of Bianxi City's affairs. Therefore, I think it is most appropriate for her to serve as the head of the External Affairs Hall."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the group varied.

Qi Xiaobai was somewhat surprised, Huang Ye stole a glance at Song Xian, Yu Lian maintained his smiling expression, and Qi Ming stared at the ground without any expression, sitting upright like an old monk.

Song Xian observed the group discreetly. The reason Jiang Zichen nominated Xiao Ling was, of course, at Song Xian's behest. He had discussed this matter with Jiang Zichen before the meeting.

Previously, when Chung Man-yuen and George Lam were the first and second-in-command of the cabinet, they would occasionally compete with him.

Now, his prestige within the sect is unmatched, and no one dares to oppose him.

Let alone open opposition, very few people even offer him suggestions unless he asks for them.

Jiang Zichen was originally a smooth and easy-going person.

Qi Xiaobai and Huang Ye both obeyed him without question.

Yu Lian was even more obsequious; while the others at least put on a show, he was the most sycophantic of all.

As for Qi Ming, after Feng Yan's death, he was the only Qi Refining cultivator in the inner cabinet, so he didn't have much say to begin with. Now that he's old, he always acts like he's detached from everything.

"What do you all think of Junior Sister Xiao Ling being appointed as the Head of the External Affairs Hall? Or are there any other candidates you would like to suggest?"

“Xiao Ling is the most suitable. I can’t think of anyone else who would be suitable.” Yu Lian agreed with a smile. He was quick-witted and knew that Jiang Zichen’s words were Song Xian’s idea as soon as he heard them, so he took the lead in expressing his opinion.

The others nodded in agreement.

"Since everyone thinks Junior Sister Xiao is suitable, then it's settled. Junior Sister Xiao Ling will serve as the head of the External Affairs Hall. Junior Brother Jiang, later you will gather the leaders of the External Affairs Hall, announce this appointment, and notify the entire sect."

Song Xian gave the final approval.

In fact, Xiao Ling's position as the head of the Foreign Affairs Hall does not necessarily mean that she has more power than when she assisted Su Zhirou in managing the affairs of Bianxi City; it is just a promotion.

Previously, he needed Su Zhirou to handle many things, but now that he has become the head of the Foreign Affairs Hall, she is fully responsible for the affairs of the Foreign Affairs Hall, which also prevents others from saying that she is a fox borrowing the tiger's power.

Of course, being appointed as the head of the Foreign Affairs Hall and being able to intervene in the affairs of Bianxi City are not contradictory. Although she has been relieved of her management position in Bianxi City, she still has influence due to her relationship with Su Zhirou.

"The second matter, after careful consideration, I have decided to specially appoint Fellow Daoist Hu Yue as a guest elder of the sect. This Fellow Daoist Hu Yue is the son of Fellow Daoist Hu An, a famous weapon refiner in Anfeng County. Although his cultivation is not high, his weapon refining skills are superb."

“Originally, I wanted to appoint Fellow Daoist Hu An as a guest elder, but unfortunately he has already served as a guest elder of the Huaxuan Sect and cannot serve in this sect. So I specially appointed his son. In fact, appointing his son is just a nominal appointment, mainly to win over Fellow Daoist Hu An.”

"Our sect has always been weak in weapon crafting, lacking any pillars of strength. Now that Fellow Daoist Hu An is helping us, we won't be looked down upon anymore. If any disciples in the sect have talent in weapon crafting, we can ask Fellow Daoist Hu An for guidance in the future. This will be beneficial for the long-term development of the sect."

"There's no need to announce this to the sect in a big way; it's enough for everyone to know."

After Song Xian finished speaking, apart from Jiang Zichen, who knew beforehand, and Qi Ming, the old monk who was sitting in meditation, the others showed varying degrees of curiosity. They did not know who Hu An and Hu Yue were, and were inevitably surprised to hear that a guest elder had been recruited.

Qi Xiaobai, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Sect Leader, what is Hu Yue's cultivation level? What kind of treatment should a guest elder receive?"

“As I said, Hu Yue’s cultivation level is not high; he is only at the Qi Refining stage. As for his treatment, he will only be given a private cultivation room and 10,000 spirit stones per year. He will not stay at the sect often, and may even be away from home for most of the year.”

Upon hearing that the recruited guest elder was merely a Qi Refining cultivator, the group's expressions turned somewhat strange.

"Hiring him as a guest elder is just a gimmick to win over Fellow Daoist Hu An, because I need Fellow Daoist Hu An to do some things for me. Hu Yue's annual salary of 10,000 spirit stones does not need to come from the treasury; I will bear it personally, so it will not be a burden on the sect."

Song Xian always cherished his reputation and valued his image in the sect. Seeing the others in this state, he took the initiative to assume the salary of 10,000 spirit stones.

Even if he didn't do this, no one would dare to say anything, but it would inevitably damage his prestige.

People might not say it to your face, but they'll definitely gossip behind your back. After all, hiring a Qi Refining cultivator as a guest elder of the sect is indeed a bit unreasonable.

Ten thousand spirit stones were nothing to him; it wasn't worth ruining his reputation for fairness and integrity in the sect over the years for such a paltry sum.

Moreover, with Juan refining Yin Soul Pearls for him, every four pearls could be exchanged for a low-grade ghost crystal core, which, after being converted into spirit milk, would be worth at least tens of thousands of spirit stones on the market.

No matter how you calculate it, this deal is incredibly profitable. There's absolutely no way he could lose money.

“How can the sect leader personally pay the salary of a guest elder hired by the sect? That’s absolutely unacceptable. With the sect’s financial resources, what’s a mere ten thousand spirit stones a year to support a guest elder? Besides, this person can bring significant progress and development to the sect’s weapon-refining techniques. It’s definitely a worthwhile deal.” Yu Lian chimed in with a smile.

Song Xian waved his hand: "Do it as I say, no more discussion. Junior Brother Jiang, I'm giving you a task now."

"Master, please give your instructions."

"You are responsible for recruiting a group of cultivators with basic weapon-refining skills and considerable cultivation levels. There is no limit to the number. In addition, if there are any cultivators in our sect's weapon-refining hall who have reached the late stage of Qi Refining, select them for focused training. Those who meet the requirements will be given a private training room for their cultivation. Since we have already hired Hu Yue as a guest elder, we must maximize the benefits. We need to build our own elite weapon-refining team, select the best from among them, and have Hu An be responsible for teaching them."

"Yes, I understand."

After discussing these two important matters, Song Xian listened to the recent reports from each palace and made some arrangements and instructions. After the meeting, everyone left.

(End of this chapter)