https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-259-The-Empress-Xiao-Clan-s-Annihilation-and-the-Holy-Land-s-Chess-Game-Part-2-/12964607/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-260-The-List-I-Have-a-Plan-Bright-Moon-Sect-You-re-Up-Part-2-/12964609/
Chapter 260: The List! I Have a Plan~ Bright Moon Sect, You're Up! (Part 1)
Chapter 260: The List! I Have a Plan~ Bright Moon Sect, You're Up! (Part 1)
The high-ranking members exchanged glances, gradually understanding the situation.
"So that's the case!"
"Your Excellency, you have a brilliant idea!"
"Hahaha, that's right! Let's see how they respond."
"I'll make the arrangements right away, Your Excellency."
...
The various resources in the Holy Land were top-notch, and the same was true for 'soft power' aspects like intelligence and information.
Soon, these high-ranking members began to compile a list of the most worthy forces in the remaining seven domains and one state.
"The Central State is the most complex, but it's also the easiest to deal with."
"Indeed, although the Central State is complex, it's actually good news for us."
"The region is vast, with numerous powers, and it's a mixed bag. But we don't need to worry about that; we can simply choose several more forces. There will definitely be some that stand out, after all, there's more than one Holy Land in the Central State. By supporting a few more, it's not a problem."
"For the Eastern Region, let's go with the Eastern Sea Commerce Alliance. Although there are many commerce alliances in the Eastern Region, the Eastern Sea Commerce Alliance is the most suitable."
"For the Western Region... how about the Great Compassion Temple? This temple has risen unexpectedly, and their actions seem to be at odds with other Buddhist sects. Logically, they shouldn't be a force supported by Mahayana Buddhism."
"Actually, I quite like the Yellow Heaven Sect. But if we support another sect in the Western Region, I'm afraid those bald donkeys there will target us."
"I also favor the Yellow Heaven Sect. Those baldies have been acting mysteriously lately. After the Little Western Heaven battle, it feels like they're plotting something. Perhaps this is an opportunity to test them!"
"Then let it be the Yellow Heaven Sect, but on the condition that they have the confidence and courage to stir up trouble in the Western Region!"
"I believe they do, otherwise, why would they choose to preach there instead of somewhere else? And they've even made some progress."
"That's true..."
"How about the Northern Region... what about the Quadrant Immortal Dynasty?"
"I think the Quadrant Immortal Dynasty is a good choice. Although their official power isn't the strongest, the 'folk' experts are exceptional. There's the one in the Imperial City, and the two 'Sword Gods'..."
"The Huanyuan Immortal Dynasty, which had a recent change, is also an option. Although their strength isn't the greatest, intelligence indicates that their new emperor has a connection with Dragon Ao Jiao. And this Dragon Ao Jiao most likely comes from the Central State's Dragon Clan. With the Dragon Clan's backing, the Huanyuan Immortal Dynasty will have an easier time."
"Moreover, it will also annoy the Holy Lands in the Central State..."
"What about the Southern Region?"
"I don't think there's much to say about the Southern Region. It's mainly inhabited by the Demon Clan, so we can just pick any decent-looking one without the involvement of other Holy Lands."
"Yes, that's right!"
"The Northwest..."
"The Northeast..."
"..."
"For the Southwestern Region, I think the Bright Moon Sect is most suitable."
They quickly discussed the last region, the Southwestern Region, and expressed their opinions.
"The situation in the Southwestern Region is also quite complex. In terms of sect numbers, among the eight domains and one state, only the Central State can compare. As a result, there are many suitable choices."
"The Bright Moon Sect, Spirit Sword Sect, Five Elements Palace, Great Harmony Palace..."
"There are over a dozen suitable first-rank sects, which is indeed a bit overwhelming."
"I think they're all similar. Why not just pick one at random?"
"There are differences. For example, the Spirit Sword Sect has the fewest disciples and seems to have recently advanced to a first-rank sect. In reality, their combat strength might be the strongest among these over a dozen first-rank sects."
"The Bright Moon Sect is also excellent. If they can produce another cultivator in the Ninth Realm, they can enter the super first-rank sect level. Choosing them would be a powerful alliance."
"You're saying... since we're picking randomly, why not choose the Great Harmony Palace?"
"The Great Harmony Palace?!"
The group was surprised and turned to the elder who made the suggestion, and many of them showed ambiguous expressions. "Old Six, we know you like women and play around a lot."
"But..."
"Is that all?"
"'Not that I play around a lot?' 'What do you mean by that?' Old Six immediately protested. "What are you all talking about?"
"You're making it seem like I'm deliberately favoring them. But you also said that these sects' strengths are similar, and picking any one of them is fine. So why not the Great Harmony Palace?"
"Is it because the Great Harmony Palace is... a sect that emphasizes dual cultivation and yin-yang harmony?"
"Is it because their business has been thriving in recent years, even competing with Joyful Hall to some extent?"
"You're being biased!"
"Do you even know what bias means?!"
"Since the Great Harmony Palace has the strength, I think we can choose them!"
"What if there are benefits after the selection... so what? Who doesn't want benefits? Besides, I haven't compromised any of our interests."
"Can't I enjoy some pleasures after serving the sect for most of my life?"
He argued rationally.
The other elders and executives burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"You're getting worked up!"
"Old Six, you're getting agitated!"
Old Six realized what was happening and rolled his eyes. "Damn it, you're playing me!"
"Hahaha, this is a happy occasion, why the rush?"
Everyone chuckled.
Old Six was speechless, his face turning red.
It was so embarrassing!
Embarrassing!
Amidst the laughter, as they were about to finalize the Southwestern Region's list with the Great Harmony Palace, the master of the sect quietly appeared. "Well?"
"It's basically decided!"
The grand elder spoke with a smile. "In my opinion, even if it's not perfect, it's definitely not bad."
"It should fulfill your plan, Your Excellency!"
"Basically?
"Which one hasn't been decided yet?" the Mansion Master asked.
"The Southwestern Domain, we were planning to choose the Great Harmony Palace..."
"The Great Harmony Palace..." The Mansion Master's eyebrows rose slightly. "It's not bad, but the Great Harmony Palace's business... Moreover, the struggle with the Joyful Union Sect's branch has drained them of too much energy."
"It's probably not the best choice."
Old Six opened his mouth but ultimately remained silent.
It made sense; the Great Harmony Palace wasn't the best choice, but it wasn't terrible either.
"Then... the Spirit Sword Sect?" Elder asked cautiously.
The elders, having lived for countless millennia and holding their positions for at least a thousand years, were masters at reading the room.
Since the Mansion Master had expressed dissatisfaction, it was likely that he had another sect in mind.
At this moment, they couldn't act on their own initiative and had to follow the Mansion Master's lead.
"The Spirit Sword Sect."
The Mansion Master nodded slightly, but said, "Their strength is not bad. Among the sword cultivation sects, few can surpass them. However, sword cultivators are too cold; they value their swords more than their Dao companions. Asking them to handle matters or do business might not be very motivating for them."
The elders were speechless.
So, nothing was suitable?
Old Six curiously asked, "Do you have a suitable target in mind?"
"Indeed, there is one." The Mansion Master smiled. "The Moon Embrace Sect."
"The Moon Embrace Sect?"
The elders suddenly realized, "The Moon Embrace Sect is indeed not bad. It is undoubtedly the top choice among the several candidate sects in the Southwestern Domain in terms of overall strength."
"Not bad, let's choose the Moon Embrace Sect..."
"Huh?!"
"Wait!"
They suddenly realized something was amiss.
That's right! The Mansion Master was talking about the Moon Embrace Sect.
But where did the Moon Embrace Sect come from on the list?
Old Six was confused. "Mansion Master, forgive my poor hearing. You said the Moon Embrace Sect? Or did you mean the Bright Moon Sect?"
The other elders nodded in agreement.
Exactly!
While they hadn't heard much about the Moon Embrace Sect, they knew that the sect had accomplished several significant feats in recent years, even within the Holy Land.
As elders, they paid attention to major events, such as reading the news.
Even so, in their opinion, the Moon Embrace Sect couldn't compare to the Bright Moon Sect.
One was a 'dark horse' that had risen from the ashes, while the other was a massive entity that had consistently moved forward.
If they had to choose, the Bright Moon Sect was undoubtedly the better option. But the Moon Embrace Sect...
"You heard correctly."
"It's the Moon Embrace Sect," the Mansion Master said with a light smile, indicating that his choice was indeed the Moon Embrace Sect.
This made the elders feel incredulous and uncomfortable.
"But... why?" Old Six was the most resistant.
"The Great Harmony Palace has its issues, but it's still better than the Moon Embrace Sect, right?"
"As far as I know, the Moon Embrace Sect does have some strength. They have many talented disciples, and it's rumored that many of them can hold their own. Some are even said to be able to compete with the Holy Land's talents..."
"Whether it's true or not, let's not discuss it for now. Let's assume it's true."
"But isn't that all the Moon Embrace Sect has to offer?"
"Apart from that, I can't think of any other advantages."
"Just a few hundred Spirit Mountains, a mere few tens of thousands of disciples, and most of them are ordinary disciples with no real potential. It's like trying to prop up a wall with mud."
"Oh, if you include the Fire Virtue Sect that merged with them, they might have more disciples. But that's it."
"In terms of overall strength, execution, background, and numbers, any sect on the list far surpasses the Moon Embrace Sect, perhaps even tenfold?"
Old Six was genuinely unconvinced.
Even when facing the Mansion Master, he argued reasonably.
The Mansion Master spread his hands, acknowledging that Old Six's words were reasonable and logical.
There was no fault in his argument!
But... should I tell you about my sudden inspiration? It would sound absurd if I said it out loud.
"Last night, I observed the stars..." The Mansion Master said.
Old Six: "..."
"And I discovered there were no stars."
Elder: "..."
"So..."
Everyone: "..."
"Let's decide on the Moon Embrace Sect for the Southwestern Domain!"
Old Six spoke up, "Do any of you have any objections?"
Elder: "No objections."
The rest: "Of course, we have no objections."
"The Moon Embrace Sect is still a good choice!"
"Although it's currently a third-rank sect, its combat power has steadily entered the first-rank level. If you include their alliance with Long Ao Jiao, they are not weak even among the first-rank sects!"
"Not bad, from all aspects, although it's not the best choice, it can still handle the task."
"Let's go with the Moon Embrace Sect."
Old Six glared, "Nonsense!"
"What do you mean it's not the best choice?"
"The Mansion Master observed the stars last night, so it must be the best choice. It's settled!"
"Mansion Master, this is the final list."
He presented the prepared list to the Mansion Master like a precious treasure.
The Mansion Master smiled slightly, "You don't have to do this; there's no need to force it."
"We're not forcing it, not at all!"
"Yes, not even a tiny bit, not even as much as a fingernail's worth of force!" The elders quickly responded, as if in fear.
"Then... let's settle on this." The Mansion Master continued to smile.
"Arrange for people to make contact and spread the news.
"Yes, Lord of the Manor!"
The Lord's smile grew even brighter.
Indeed, this set of excuses was useful.
Not even a reason was needed, hehehe.
However.
Old Six suddenly spoke up, "Lord of the Manor, I just thought, should we... give other factions a chance?"
"What kind of chance?"
"Competition!"
"We naturally hope that the chosen candidate will successfully complete the task and execute our plan. So, let them compete, and the capable one will..."
"Seems more appropriate?"
"How will they compete?" The Lord asked, "Should we let them fight and let the one with the stronger fist make the decisions?"
Old Six was about to nod.
But the Lord continued, "Superficial!"
Old Six: "..."
The elders: "..."
...
Moon Embrace Sect.
Lin Fan, holding a spiritual tea and sipping from time to time, looked at the chatty person before him who finally paused, blinked, and said, "So."
"Your Manor's intention is to entrust the Southwest Domain with the array formation, the refining of the Ethereal Realm token, and other related matters to the Moon Embrace Sect?"
"Yes!"
Old Six nodded lightly, "In addition, the selling and other matters will also be handled by you."
"To put it more directly."
"The array disk, formation method, refining technique, and other matters will be provided by our Manor. The purchasing of materials, formation casting, token refining, and selling will be handled by your Moon Embrace Sect."
"The profits will be split three-seven."
"Net profit."
Lin Fan: "..."
Well, well.
So, they're outsourcing this to me? Logically, this is a good business deal.
Lin Fan quickly estimated and felt that it would allow the Moon Embrace Sect to earn more than Foxconn in a short period.
Although it was likely a one-time deal, the Ethereal Realm was like a virtual network, or even a higher-level 'Second World'.
Once completed, its appeal would be incredibly strong.
Making money was a sure thing.
But...
For such a good business, how could it fall into their hands?
There must be a problem!
Lin Fan didn't believe that the White-Black Academy would pass up making money, especially with their Sacred Land's strength. If it were for no reason, they definitely wouldn't give up so many benefits.
"Could it be..."
"The competitors don't want them to develop and grow so easily, monopolizing the benefits?"
"If that's the case..."
"Then it's worth considering."
Lin Fan's thoughts raced, but his expression remained calm. He took another sip of tea and said, "Fu Ningna, please pour more tea for the senior."
"I won't have any more tea."
Old Six waved his hand, "I have other matters to attend to."
"Lord Lin, it's best to settle this matter quickly. For your Moon Embrace Sect, this is a great opportunity, and you must seize it!"
"It's an opportunity, but also a risk."
Lin Fan shook his head, appearing somewhat disinterested.
"My Moon Embrace Sect isn't particularly strong. To protect such a business, it would be a thousand times difficult, and I don't know how many people we might lose."
"You have to stay alive to enjoy the profits."
"Senior, you understand, don't you?"
Old Six was surprised.
This Lin Fan, faced with such a huge profit, could still maintain his rationality?
"Lord Lin, there's no need for modesty."
He smiled, "Since we've chosen the Moon Embrace Sect and you, it's natural that we trust you. So, why worry?"
"Moreover, this is our Manor's business, and it's a business that benefits the entire Central State. I believe not many would dare to cause trouble!"
"Also, I can represent our Manor in promising that within three years, if any super-first-rate factions interfere, we won't turn a blind eye."
"As for those below super-first-rate..."
"It's up to you, Lord Lin, and the Moon Embrace Sect, to handle it."
"After all, as a Sacred Land, we shouldn't bully the smaller sects too much."
"Additionally, the Moon Embrace Sect needs to demonstrate its capabilities to show us that we didn't make the wrong choice."
"That... is indeed not bad."
Lin Fan agreed, but still didn't show any signs of eagerness. He continued, "However, the risks are ultimately borne by our sect. Whether it's purchasing materials, casting formations, or refining tokens, every step involves risks."
"It requires a significant manpower, resources, and funds..."
"In the end, we only get to keep seventy percent of the profits, which seems a bit..."
Old Six was stunned.
Wow.
You're haggling with me?
For such a big business, the money is practically handed to you, and you're still negotiating? Moreover, what do you mean by only keeping seventy percent of the profits?
Did I not explain it clearly?
(End of Chapter)
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