Every day, each member of the entire clan gives me a wisp of spiritual energy.

Chapter 11 Turning Point

Shen Qing knew that this move was somewhat risky, but he felt that this was the right way to play.

The Huang family's biggest weakness is not a lack of strength, but that they have too many concerns.

He was worried about the county magistrate, worried about Mo Wentian, worried about his own fate and his own destruction. He knew all too well that the rules of the Heavenly God Sect were just for show.

But the more aggressive, reckless, and disregardful he appeared, the less the Huang family dared to act rashly.

A rational person can be cunning, but a madman cannot.

The silence lasted for more than ten breaths.

Huang Dehou suddenly laughed, "Sect Leader Shen, you flatter me."

Next, he raised his wine glass, "I, Huang, have never intended to harm the Qingyun Sect. The previous suggestion of joint development was merely a proposal. Since Sect Master Shen is unwilling, then let it be."

"However—" Huang Dehou changed the subject, "Sect Leader Shen just said that accepting mortal disciples is to continue the Qingyun Sect's lineage. I have a suggestion, I wonder if Sect Leader Shen would be willing to listen?"

Shen Qing sat down again: "Please speak, Patriarch Huang."

"There are two direct descendants in the Huang clan who are of mediocre talent and unlikely to amount to anything in the Huang family. Since Sect Master Shen is willing to accept mortal disciples, why not also take these two children under your wing?"

"Firstly, they have some cultivation foundation, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they are well-educated and polite, which is better than being a mere mortal; secondly, the Huang family has established a good relationship with the Qingyun Sect, so if Sect Master Shen encounters any difficulties in the future, the Huang family can lend a helping hand."

The words sounded nice, but Shen Qing understood.

The Huang family is trying to plant spies in the Qingyun Sect.

The two Huang family members were ostensibly there to learn martial arts from the master, but in reality, they were keeping an eye on the Qingyun Sect's every move.

Moreover, after Shen Qing's death, these two "disciples" became the pawns in the Huang family's attempt to annex the Qingyun Sect.

Shen Qing feigned reluctance.

"This... Patriarch Huang, the Qingyun Sect has always accepted all who come to be disciples. But the Huang family members have special identities, and I'm afraid..."

"What's there to be afraid of?" Huang Dehou interrupted Shen Qing directly, laughing, "They're just two children, with poor aptitude; they can't cause any trouble. Sect Leader Shen, please give me face, okay?"

Shen Qing remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh.

"Very well. Since Patriarch Huang insists, I cannot refuse. However, let me make this clear from the outset—"

"Now that the two children have entered the Qingyun Sect, they are disciples of the Qingyun Sect. I, Shen, will treat them equally, teaching them what needs to be taught and punishing them what needs to be punished. If Patriarch Huang wants them to enjoy special treatment in the Qingyun Sect, then he should find someone else."

"Naturally, naturally."

Huang Dehou readily agreed, "Once you join the Qingyun Sect, you will naturally be a member of the Qingyun Sect. Sect Leader Shen may discipline you as he sees fit, but I, Huang, will not interfere."

Shen Qing nodded, but inwardly he sneered. They were just two spies; he had plenty of ways to deal with them.

Not enough loyalty? The system isn't bound to you, so you can't extract spiritual energy?

It doesn't matter, Shen Qing has plenty of ways to deal with the two of them. He can use them as laborers, making them do the hardest work and eat the worst food. Besides, Huang Dehou said they were "well-educated and polite," so that's perfect.

Shen Qing also felt that the peasants on the mountain were in dire need of education, and the two Huangs could serve as their teachers. It was like having free cattle and horses delivered to one's door, so why not take advantage of it?

As for gathering information? What information could a group of mortal disciples possibly have to gather?

Moreover, Huang Dehou's act of planting spies in Qingyunmen is itself a signal.

This indicates that the Huang family has temporarily abandoned its plan to take direct action and has instead adopted a strategy of infiltration.

This is exactly what Shen Qing needs: time!

Given enough time, the number of Qingyun Sect disciples can continue to increase, giving them time to grow and provide him with sufficient feedback, thus allowing his cultivation to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage more quickly.

By then, what are two mere informants? Moreover, the Huang family patriarch will not return to Qinghe for at least two years. What is the Huang family without any Foundation Establishment cultivators?

As for the magistrate of Qinghe County, Shen Qing didn't think he would personally take action against the Qingyun Sect; that would be too beneath his dignity.

"In that case, it's settled."

Huang Dehou raised his wine cup. "Sect Leader Shen, I toast you. May the Qingyun Sect's incense burn ever bright, and may Sect Leader Shen... enjoy good health."

He spoke the last four words very slowly.

Shen Qing picked up his wine cup and drank with him.

Both of them were laughing, but neither of them knew what the other's smile meant.

Outside the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, dusk was approaching.

Shen Qing walked out of the restaurant alone, his blue robe fluttering in the evening breeze. He did not linger and walked straight toward the city gate.

Behind the window of the private room on the third floor, Huang Dehou and Huang Wenyuan watched his figure disappear into the crowd.

"Brother, Shen Qing is a man..." Huang Wenyuan hesitated before speaking.

"They're quite tough to deal with!"

Huang Dehou's smile faded. "He's flexible and unyielding, unmoved by either soft or hard tactics. He's clearly a dying man, yet his backbone is incredibly tough."

"So, we're just going to call it quits like this?"

"never mind?"

Huang Dehou sneered, "I am determined to obtain the secret of Qingyun Mountain. However, he is right, now is not the time to make a move."

"Fu Shan has just died. If we make a move now, even if we gain something, Zhao can use the rules of the Heavenly God Sect to justify it, and we'll end up with nothing. Besides, we haven't even found out whether Mo Wentian is alive or dead yet. Let's wait and see."

He turned around and sat back down in his chair.

"We can wait until we find out about Mo Wentian, until Shen Qing's lifespan runs out and he dies, until the Ancestor returns. But how long can Shen Qing, a dying man, wait?"

"Those two children..."

"Send Shen An and Shen Ning from the fourth son's family. Both have pseudo-spiritual roots of four attributes, but they are quite clever. They don't have much of a future in the family. Send them to the Qingyun Sect and have them keep a close eye on them. Report any unusual activity immediately."

Huang Wenyuan nodded in agreement.

Huang Dehou picked up his wine glass, looked at the twilight outside the window, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Shen Qing, oh Shen Qing, you're tough, I admit. But how long can Qingyun Sect remain tough after you die?"

Qingyun Gate, the mountain gate.

Shen Qing returned as dusk fell. Zhao Shitou was waiting for him at the door. Upon seeing Shen Qing, he quickly came to greet him.

"Sect Master, how is it?"

"Everything's alright for now."

Shen Qing patted him on the shoulder. "Notify all disciples to assemble at the training ground after evening lessons. There's something important to announce."

After evening class, at the practice ground.

Thirty-odd disciples stood in four rows, the torchlight illuminating their young faces.

Shen Qing stood at the very front, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone.

"A few things to announce today."

"First thing. The Huang family will no longer cause us any trouble. Qingyun Mountain will still be our Qingyun Mountain."

A cheer erupted from below.

Shen Qing raised his hand and pressed it down.

"The second thing. In a few days, two new disciples will be joining us. They are members of the Huang family."

The cheers abruptly stopped.

Lin Xiaoyue frowned and asked, "Sect Master, the Huang family? What are they doing here?"

"Don't worry about what they're here for."

Shen Qing's gaze swept over everyone. "Remember, they are disciples of the Qingyun Sect, just like you. I will treat them all equally, teaching those who need to be taught and punishing those who need to be punished. You should also treat them equally. You know how to get along with each other."

Lin Xiaoyue pouted and didn't say anything more.

"The third thing."

Shen Qing took out a roll of paper from his sleeve and unfolded it.

"Three new rules have been added to the Immortal Affinity System starting today."

Shen Qing read loudly:

"First, sect missions. Fixed missions will be issued every month, and completing them will earn you Immortal Affinity Points. Missions include: clearing land and planting crops, chopping wood and carrying water, repairing houses, and patrolling. A detailed mission list will be posted at the entrance of the dining hall tomorrow."

"Secondly, cultivation assessment. Cultivation will be assessed monthly. Those who make significant progress will be rewarded with Immortal Affinity Points, while those who show no progress for three consecutive months will have their Immortal Affinity Points deducted."

"Thirdly, the wasteland behind the mountain no longer needs to be cultivated. Therefore, a mortal martial arts course will be added, which will be mandatory for all disciples. The results of the martial arts assessment will be counted towards the Immortal Affinity Points."

At first, there was silence, then an uproar erupted.

"Sect missions? You can earn Immortal Affinity Points by doing quests?"

"Great! I was just worried about not being able to get anyone to help me!"

What is martial arts training?

After a brief pause in their discussion, Shen Qing continued, "These three new rules are to ensure that everyone has a chance to gain Immortal Affinity Points. Not everyone can recruit new members, but everyone can work, cultivate, and improve. As long as you are willing to work hard, your Immortal Affinity Points will not let you down."

He paused.

"Furthermore, I have another announcement to make."

"Starting next month, the top three disciples in terms of Immortal Affinity will receive an additional Qi Gathering Pill each month. The top ten disciples will receive an additional half an hour of individual guidance from me."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

Qi Gathering Pill! Individual guidance provided!

"Evening classes are now over. Dismissed."

The disciples dispersed in twos and threes, but the chatter continued for a long time.