You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

His statement was like lighting a fuse.

The other immortals and temple masters also stood up one after another, chatting away, creating an unprecedentedly lively atmosphere.

"That's right! Senior Brother Chiyang is right! Give us people if we need them, and give us money if we need money!"

"Our Qingwei School has a thousand-year-old heritage and profound foundation. Are we afraid we can't accomplish this?"

"Sect Leader, just give the order! We'll all obey!"

"We're fed up with having to put up with other people's attitudes! Let's do it ourselves!"

Chen Yang felt gratified as he looked at the enthusiastic crowd before him.

That's the spirit he's after!
He raised his hand to signal everyone to calm down, and then turned his gaze to Xuan Shui Zhenjun, who was sitting below Xuan Shui Zhenjun and had been stroking his beard in deep thought.

"Elder Xuan Shui."

Chen Yang called out the roll.

"Elder Liu just mentioned that you have traveled overseas for many years and have made many acquaintances with...non-official research talents and related channels. I wonder if you could use your connections to secretly introduce a group of truly capable research experts for us? Especially top talents who are proficient in fields such as bioengineering, materials science, and energy weapon system design."

Everyone's attention immediately focused on True Monarch Xuan Shui.

Xuan Shui Zhenjun lowered his hand from stroking his beard, pondered for a moment, and slowly nodded.

"Sect Leader, you are wise. In my past travels, I did come into contact with some research groups and individuals who were outside the official systems of various countries."

They gather in special areas or privately funded research institutes, whether due to differing ideologies, a pursuit of pure research freedom, or a desire to avoid constraints for various reasons.

Among them are many truly talented, insightful individuals, and even mavericks or geniuses who have gone far in certain fields. Contacting them and persuading them to serve the Qingwei School is not entirely impossible.

He changed the subject and looked at Liu Yu and Chen Yang.

"However, just as Elder Liu worried, this matter must be kept extremely secret."

How to safely and discreetly bring these personnel into the country, while ensuring they don't leak secrets while working for us, is a major challenge. The various factions within the country are deeply entrenched, and the Special Administration has numerous informants; completely concealing their activities is extremely difficult.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu frowned slightly.

"Elder Xuanshui is quite right. Unless... we stop conducting core research within the country."

"Not in the country?"

True Lord Chiyang was taken aback.

"Where is that?"

A glint flashed in Xuan Shui Zhenjun's eyes as he replied.

"Elder Liu means... to emulate that black-clad organization and establish the core research and development base directly overseas!"

He looked at Chen Yang and analyzed.

"Sect Leader, there are many advantages to setting up a base overseas."

Firstly, being far removed from the complex web of power dynamics within China, especially the Special Administration Bureau's eyes and ears, greatly enhances security.

Secondly, it allows for easier access to international resources, and the procurement of sensitive equipment and technologies is less restricted.

Third, overseas researchers themselves prefer to work in environments they are familiar with or that offer them a relatively free environment.

Fourthly, in case... I mean in case something goes wrong, the risk can be kept outside the country's borders, preventing direct involvement of the Qingwei Sect.

Chen Yang tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his chair, lost in thought. Establishing a base overseas was undoubtedly a bolder, but also more challenging, plan. Risks and opportunities coexisted.

A moment later, he raised his head and looked sharply at True Lord Xuan Shui.

"Elder Xuanshui, if this matter were entrusted entirely to you—to establish a secret overseas base and recruit, house, and manage the necessary research team—how confident are you? What kind of support do you need?"

Xuan Shui Zhenjun sensed the trust and entrustment in Chen Yang's eyes, his expression turned solemn, and he straightened his back.

"If the sect leader trusts me and entrusts this matter to me, I will do my utmost! I dare not say I am 100% sure, but I am at least 70% confident."

As for support... the most important thing is sufficient funding! Operating overseas, especially something as clandestine as this that requires smoothing things over with numerous connections, purchasing advanced equipment, and maintaining a high-level team, requires massive financial support.

Secondly, reliable personnel are needed to assist, as base construction, personnel management, and security are complex matters that cannot be handled by one person alone.

"money is not a problem!"

Chen Yang was resolute.

"Our Qingwei Sect has accumulated wealth over a thousand years. I dare not say that our worldly wealth is comparable to that of a country, but it is more than enough to support the initial construction and operation of several overseas bases!"

If that's not enough, any of the unused antiques, paintings, calligraphy, and spiritual materials in the storeroom could be auctioned off for astronomical sums. Just tell me how much you need, and I'll have Elder Liu fully cooperate in allocating it.”

He paused and continued.

"As for manpower... it is indeed hard for you to do it all by yourself."

In this way, in addition to the necessary financial and material support, I will also select half of the twelve inner disciples present to accompany you overseas, to be at your command, and to assist you in handling various affairs.

how is it? "

These words moved not only True Monarch Xuan Shui, but also the other True Monarchs. To expand overseas and establish secret bases—this was an unprecedented undertaking! It would allow them to avoid domestic turmoil and simultaneously bring great merit to their sect!

"Sect Leader, count me in!"

A master of formations and a calm demeanor immediately volunteered.

"Sect Leader, I am quite familiar with some places overseas, and I am willing to go with Senior Brother Xuan Shui!"

Another person who had also traveled overseas in his early years also stood up to express his opinion.

Soon, five or six real people volunteered to go.

Chen Yang nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the few who had volunteered, and then looking at Huang Zhenren and Li Zhengguo, the elders who needed to stay in the country to oversee the overall situation. He had already made up his mind.

"Alright! Elder Xuan Shui will be in full charge of the overseas base. Elder Qian, Elder Sun, Elder Zhao... the six of you will accompany him and follow Elder Xuan Shui's arrangements."

Chen Yang selected several proactive and capable individuals.

"Remember, this mission is arduous, and must be carried out in a secretive and secure manner. The base location must be remote and safe, personnel recruitment must be strictly screened, and management must be under absolute control. In the early stages, the primary goals are to establish a firm foothold, build a basic framework, and recruit core talent."

"Yes! I will obey the sect leader's orders!"

Xuan Shui Zhenjun and the six named True Immortals responded in unison, their faces filled with excitement and solemnity.

At this moment, Liu Yu spoke up again, proposing a new idea.

"Sect Leader, Elder Xuan Shui, now that we've decided to establish a core R&D base overseas, does that mean we can be more unrestrained domestically, and even... act openly?"

Master Huang's eyes lit up.

"What does Elder Liu mean?" Liu Yu asked.

"My idea is to keep the overseas bases secret, focusing on tackling cutting-edge core technologies and conducting sensitive experiments."

Domestically, our Qingwei School can openly and legitimately establish an "Applied Research Institute" or "Technology Transfer Center" for its disciples, and even for some external collaborations.

The more she talked, the clearer her thoughts became.

"We can publicly declare that, in order to enhance the overall strength of our disciples and cope with the increasingly complex external environment, the Qingwei Sect will invest resources to study how to combine modern technology with cultivation methods and develop new types of medicines, armor and weapons to assist cultivation and enhance combat power."

In this way, we can legitimately cultivate our own technical team and craftsmen in this field, and attract more ambitious and innovative young talents to join the Qingwei Sect. After all, we can provide cultivation methods, resources, and even 'technological weapons' with huge potential, which will inevitably increase our attractiveness.

Thirdly, it also serves as a cover for the overseas base. This 'public' research institute in China can handle less sensitive technology applications and tests, diverting external attention.

Elder Li Zhengguo clapped his hands in approval.

"Elder Liu's plan is brilliant! Openly repair the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass! We are carrying out 'applied research' in a big way in China. Even if the Special Administration Bureau finds out, as long as we don't touch their real core secrets, they can't say anything. After all, this is our internal affair."

Moreover, this can indeed greatly enhance our competitiveness in recruiting disciples!
Think about it, other sects can only offer cultivation techniques, while our Qingwei Sect can also provide high-tech equipment and enhancement potions. Which is more attractive?

After listening, Chen Yang smiled approvingly.

Elder Liu's considerations are thorough.

That's settled! Overseas, establish a top-secret core R&D base, overseen by Elder Xuanshui. Domestically, within our Qingwei Sect, openly establish the 'Qingwei Lingshu Research Institute,' focusing on the application, transformation, testing, and initial R&D and manufacturing of disciple equipment, spearheaded by Elder Li Zhengguo, with Elder Huang and Elder Liu assisting.

The two complement each other and are mutually reinforcing!

His tone shifted, revealing an undeniable resolve.

"As for what the Special Administration Bureau thinks, let them think what they want! It's only natural for us to develop our own strength and research our own technology! Do we, the Qingwei Faction, need to submit a report and get their approval before we can do anything? This matter is settled!"

"Master is wise!"

Everyone agreed without further objection.

In this way, by secretly attacking overseas and openly developing domestically, a two-pronged approach can ensure core security while rapidly enhancing the sect's overall strength and appeal, making it a perfect strategy.

Next, the meeting entered a more specific and heated discussion phase. Li Zhengguo began to discuss with everyone the site selection for the "Qingwei Lingshu Research Institute," the initial construction plan, the types of secular technical personnel to be recruited, and the cooperation methods with traditional departments such as the Danqi Hall and the Fulu Hall.

Xuan Shui Zhenjun then discussed in hushed tones with the other True Immortals who were about to travel with him the possible locations overseas, the disguises they needed to prepare in advance, the laundering and transfer channels for the funds, and so on.

Everyone has found their role and task, and they are all eager to get started and make a big splash.

Looking at the bustling scene before him, Chen Yang knew that the people's hearts were at stake and the time was ripe.

He concluded.

"Gentlemen, the plan is set, and the direction is clear. Whether the 'Hidden Dragon Plan' succeeds, and whether the Qingwei Sect can truly rise in the new era and not be controlled by others, depends on our next actions!"

"There's no time to lose! From this moment on, everyone should take responsibility and act immediately! Don't wait until other families, sects, or even the Special Administration Bureau have exhausted all the paths and resources before we realize what's happening. By then, it will truly be too late!"

"Yes! Leader!"

Everyone rose solemnly and responded in unison, their voices echoing in the magnificent council hall, filled with determination and strength.

The meeting concluded in a spirited atmosphere. The attendees filed out, their faces showing excitement and urgency, whispering amongst themselves before quickly dispersing to begin preparing for their respective tasks.

Chen Yang was the last to leave the main hall. He did not immediately return to the sect leader's pavilion, but instead strolled to the back mountain.

The back mountain is serene and secluded, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and a spiritual atmosphere pervading the area.

On a clearing made of bluestone beside a waterfall, a young figure sat cross-legged in meditation, surrounded by a faint aura of spiritual energy that rippled slightly with each breath. It was none other than his personal disciple, Wang Xuan.

As if sensing someone approaching, Wang Xuan slowly stopped his practice, opened his eyes and saw Chen Yang. A bright smile immediately appeared on his face, and he leaped up.

"Master! You've finished your meeting? When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me beforehand!"

Chen Yang walked closer and looked at his only disciple.

After some time apart, Wang Xuan's aura was noticeably more solid and substantial, and his eyes were brighter and more determined, clearly indicating that his cultivation had improved again.

"I just got back and have some things to take care of."

Chen Yang nodded slightly, his eyes filled with approval.

"Not bad, it seems you haven't been slacking off during this time. Your cultivation is stable and has made significant progress."

Upon receiving praise from his master, Wang Xuan scratched the back of his head and chuckled.

"Master's teachings are excellent, and I dare not slack off! I feel that it won't be long before I can try to challenge the next level!"

"Avoid arrogance and impatience. The path of cultivation is long, and a solid foundation is of utmost importance."

Chen Yang gave a reminder, and then said.

"Talk is useless. Let your master see how your Qingwei Yuanjiang Great Law works."

Right here, it completes a full cycle.

"Yes! Master, please take a look!"

Wang Xuan straightened his expression, immediately sat down cross-legged again, closed his eyes, and concentrated. After a moment, he slowly activated the internal energy technique within his body.

Instantly, the spiritual energy in the surrounding world seemed to be drawn towards Wang Xuan from the center, slowly converging on him.

Although it was far less impressive than when Chen Yang channeled his energy, it was still quite remarkable for a cultivator at his stage.

The spiritual energy seeped into his body like a stream, flowing smoothly along specific meridian routes. With each cycle, his aura became more refined, and a faint, hazy light flickered around him, a testament to the solid foundation and pure aura of the Pure Subtle Primordial Descent Technique.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Wang Xuan completed a full cycle of Qi circulation. He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, which turned into a small cloud of white mist as it left his body and then dissipated.

He opened his eyes and looked at Chen Yang expectantly.

"Master, how is it?"

Chen Yang's eyes showed even greater satisfaction, and he patted him on the shoulder.

"Very good! The spiritual energy is drawn to nature and flows smoothly and steadily, laying a very solid foundation. If you continue to cultivate diligently in this way, your future achievements will be limitless. Remember, cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you will fall behind. Never be complacent because of temporary progress."

"Your disciple will remember your teachings, Master!"

Wang Xuan nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with determination.

"I will definitely work harder and never let my master down! One day, I will become as strong as my master!"

"Ambitious!"

Chen Yang smiled. (End of Chapter)