Translator: CinderTL
Managing Crimson Dragon Mountain was a troublesome task, yet it was also a good one, promising considerable benefits.
Though the Mad Daoist didn't interfere in matters, his share was never shorted, and no one dared to reach out and take more.
On the path of cultivation, wealth, companions, cultivation methods, and land were all indispensable. As long as Xu Sanyan smoothly took control of Crimson Dragon Mountain, he would certainly never lack wealth. With power and profit, wealth would follow.
Here, "wealth" wasn't limited to spirit stones; it also included Spirit Herbs, pills, and magical artifacts—all considered wealth.
He already possessed a cultivation method: the newly acquired Dao-Seizing Vitality Origin Sutra. This method directly pointed toward the Great Dao and could lead to immortality, truly worthy of its title as a Holy Scripture.
As for "land," Crimson Dragon Mountain itself was an excellent cultivation ground, rich in spiritual energy. However, this was the least important aspect for him, as Xu Sanyan's cultivation never relied on breathing techniques—he relied entirely on his cheat.
Finally, "companions" referred to like-minded individuals. This was the most difficult aspect for him. Given his personality, he would never completely lower his guard around anyone, let alone sit and discuss the Dao.
While lost in thought, Xu Sanyan had already returned to his cultivation cave. The cave bestowed by the sect hadn't been assigned yet, so he would likely have to stay here for a few more days.
As soon as he stepped inside, Meng Zhuer greeted him with a joyful expression. "Master, you're back!"
"Mm. Has anything happened in the sect recently?" Xu Sanyan patted her head casually.
"The new disciples entered a few days ago. Does that count?"
"Oh? How many arrived?" Xu Sanyan asked, slightly curious.
"There were quite a few this time—over three thousand in total. Crimson Dragon Mountain received seven hundred."
Xu Sanyan nodded slowly. He needed to familiarize himself with Crimson Dragon Mountain during this period to manage it effectively in the future.
At that moment, Xiang Tan's voice came from outside the cave. "Senior Brother Xu, are you back?"
"Come in."
Xu Sanyan waved his hand, opening the cave's protective barrier. Xiang Tan entered, glanced at Meng Zhuer, nodded slightly in greeting, and then got down to business.
"Elder Wu from the Hall of Affairs, Elder Qian from the Blood Refinement Hall, and twelve other elders are waiting for you at Crimson Heart Hall. Will you go?"
Xu Sanyan pondered for a moment. As the future leader of Crimson Dragon Mountain, he would inevitably have to deal with these elders sooner or later. He nodded. "Let's go."
"Mhm." Xiang Tan led the way.
Halfway there, Xiang Tan hesitated before speaking. "Senior Brother Xu, please be careful around Elder Wu later."
Xu Sanyan glanced sideways. "What do you mean?"
"Junior Sister once heard Senior Brother Luo say that our Crimson Dragon Mountain Hall Master doesn't handle mundane affairs, so most matters are managed by Elder Wu. But now that you're here..."
Though he didn't finish, Xu Sanyan understood. It all boiled down to two words: power and profit!
Xu Sanyan's rise to power would inevitably challenge the elders' authority. Take the Hall of Affairs as an example: before, a single cake was divided among three parties. First, the sect took its share. Then, the Mad Daoist took his. Finally, Elder Wu got his portion.
But with Xu Sanyan's arrival, there was now a fourth person vying for a slice. Moreover, he would be taking the share that rightfully belonged to Elder Wu—there was no other option.
No one dared touch the sect's or the Mad Daoist's portions. If Xu Sanyan wanted to eat his fill, he had no choice but to take from Elder Wu.
"Hehe... it's fine," Xu Sanyan chuckled softly, his heart already prepared for the inevitable conflict.
Where there are people, there is conflict. He had risked his life and poured his heart and soul into emerging victorious from the holy son competition. Wasn't it all for these benefits?
If they refused to let go, then break their hands!
In the blink of an eye, they arrived at the Crimson Heart Hall.
"Greetings, Holy Son!"
A group of people had been waiting outside the hall. Upon seeing Xu Sanyan, they bowed in respect. Within the sect, the Holy Son's status was above theirs.
Xu Sanyan scanned the crowd. Standing at the front was an old man in pale purple robes, wearing a purple-gold hairband and slowly turning two dragon-patterned golden gallstones in his hands. He was staring intently at Xu Sanyan without blinking.
This must be Elder Wu.
Xu Sanyan curled his lips into a smile. "Thank you for welcoming me, esteemed elders. I am deeply humbled."
Despite his words, he showed no sign of humility. He strode forward without hesitation, taking the lead as he entered the hall.
The elders exchanged glances, their brows furrowing slightly. This man didn't seem like someone who would be easy to deal with.
Xu Sanyan took the seat of honor and waved his hand casually. "Please, elders, take your seats."
"Heh, the Holy Son truly has risen to power overnight, a dragon yearning to soar to the heavens," Elder Wu said with a forced smile.
Xu Sanyan naturally understood the meaning behind Elder Wu's words: "dragon yearning to soar to the heavens." In other words, though he was a dragon, he was still just a young dragon, yearning to soar but not yet truly capable of flight.
It was a veiled warning.
After all, among those present, Xu Sanyan's cultivation level was second lowest only to Xiang Tan's. The other elders were all at least in the Initial Stage of the Soul Refining Realm.
Elders in the Dao Seeking Realm weren't even qualified to attend today's meeting.
Xu Sanyan didn't take the bait. Engaging in verbal sparring was pointless. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Elder Wu. "Why have the elders summoned me?"
Elder Wu spoke first. "Since the unfortunate demise of the previous Holy Son two hundred and seventy-one years ago, Crimson Dragon Mountain has been without one. While the Holy Son holds a prestigious position with considerable authority, Junior Nephew Xu's cultivation level is still insufficient. If he were to take over Crimson Dragon Mountain prematurely, it might be difficult to command respect."
Elder Wu adopted a concerned expression, and the elders on either side nodded slowly in agreement.
"So?" Xu Sanyan narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I propose we continue operating under the previous system until Junior Nephew Xu's cultivation improves. Then we can discuss this matter further. What do you think?"
"Of course, the Holy Son will receive his share of the annual profits," Elder Wu added with a smile.
Xu Sanyan slowly shook his head, his finger pointing at Elder Wu, his gaze icy. "First, you must address me as Holy Son, as per the Holy Sect's Sect Rules. Second, Hall Master personally declared that from now on, everything on Crimson Dragon Mountain falls under my jurisdiction. Do you want me to summon the Hall Master to repeat this to you directly?"
Elder Wu frowned slightly. If the Hall Master had spoken, things would become difficult. He quickly changed his tone.
"My words are meant in good faith, entirely for the Holy Son's benefit and for the sake of Crimson Dragon Mountain. I have no personal motives whatsoever. As the Holy Son is newly appointed, there may be areas where he struggles."
"Heh, there's no need for Elder Wu to worry. If any problems arise, I will hold those responsible accountable. If the Hall of Affairs falters, it simply means Elder Wu's abilities are limited. We can replace him with someone more capable, wouldn't you agree?"
Xu Sanyan's smile didn't reach his eyes.
Elder Wu's golden gallstone crunched in his hand. After a long silence, he slowly nodded. "Very well. I shall observe the Holy Son's methods. Farewell."
With that, he rose to leave, but Xu Sanyan stopped him.
"Wait, there's one more matter."
(End of the Chapter)
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