After addressing the craftsmen, Yellow Wind returned to his camp and waited for Great Rat General and Six-Tusk Elephant to arrive from Thousand Caves Mountain.
When the Seven Generals gathered, he convened a meeting to review their respective tasks and progress.
Reporting on Progress
The first report came from Old Black Fox, who was responsible for two major tasks:
1.Educating the Monsters
2.Overseeing Construction of Wu Zhen Mountain's Daoist Grounds
Both tasks were progressing smoothly.
1. Educating the Monsters
The literacy campaign was a slow but rewarding endeavor.
Yellow Wind knew that cultivating a generation of intelligent and skilled demons was a long-term investment.
"Ten years to grow a tree, a hundred years to nurture talents," he mused.
2. Construction Plans
The Daoist Grounds project was nearing its next phase.
Thanks to the "Black Jing", three distinct construction plans had been drafted:
Plan 1: The mountain designed as a fortress, with camps and banners dominating the landscape.
Plan 2: A harmonious retreat of pavilions and mist, resembling an immortal's haven.
Plan 3: A blend of palace structures atop the mountain and a lively township with fields below.
The proposals were so well-crafted that even the defensive arrays were listed as optional add-ons:
Yin-Yang Dual Sword Array
Celestial Star Array
Five Peaks Guardian Array
Yellow Wind scrutinized the plans, impressed by their meticulous detail.
Suspicion Averted
"Did Great White Planet truly create these?"
"Or did he secretly collaborate with Heaven's Construction Department?"
Standing nearby, Great White Planet realized the oversight. The designs were far too professional for a "mortal" craftsman.
"If he sees through me, my cover's blown!"
Just as he prepared to confess his true identity, Yellow Wind chuckled.
"Old Master Hei, you are truly talented. No wonder you were trusted by Liusha Country's royal family."
"These must be closely guarded royal secrets—or perhaps ancestral techniques passed down through your family?"
Great White Planet froze for a moment, then quickly nodded.
"Yes, yes, indeed. My family traces its roots to a practitioner of the mystical arts."
Yellow Wind smiled knowingly.
"Ah, that explains it. These plans shall remain with me. I'll deliberate carefully before making a decision."
"Understood!" Great White Planet bowed and exited the tent, his thoughts swirling.
"Did he see through me or not?"
"If he did, why didn't he call me out?"
"Forget it. If he's not exposing me, I'll just play along and observe for a bit longer. Besides, time moves slowly in Heaven—a year here is just a day above."
Outside the camp, Great White Planet noticed the mysterious beautiful woman glancing his way.
Uncertain of her intentions, he smoothed his robes and offered a polite smile.
She, however, looked unimpressed and walked away.
"Hmph, for an old immortal, Great White sure fancies himself charming," she thought, mentally noting his behavior.
Unaware of her disdain, Great White stroked his beard and congratulated himself:
"Even in my old age, I still hold a certain allure. The mortal realm truly has its perks!"
Reflections on the Mortal Realm
Like many deities, Great White Planet appreciated his time in the mortal world.
The constraints of Heavenly law were strict, forcing even the most powerful gods to behave cautiously.
But here?
A deity could relax, free from the oppressive gaze of Heaven's laws.
Administrative Updates
Back in the meeting, the Seven Generals continued their reports.
Thousand Caves Mining Operations
Great Rat General and Six-Tusk Elephant oversaw the mountain's iron mines and steelworks.
They reported a daily output of 50,000 catties of steel.
To address a shortage of workers, they had begun recruiting miners and smiths from neighboring mountains and caves.
The incentive package included:
Room and board
Clothing and silver wages
Exceptional workers were even taught monster cultivation techniques.
The strategy was proving effective. Many underprivileged demons, unable to afford cultivation resources, flocked to join. Even older demons, tempted by the promise of learning advanced techniques, came to offer their services.
Yellow Wind nodded approvingly.
"The key to leadership is making people see the benefit of following you."
Security Matters
The Golden Lion and Silver Wolf generals were in charge of security.
Silver Wolf raised a troubling report:
"Your Majesty, a cluster of ghosts and demons have taken over the ruins of Liusha Country. They're led by a Ghost King and are actively expanding their influence."
"Yesterday, the Ghost King's envoy approached Poison Fang's Lair, demanding its submission."
Yellow Wind narrowed his eyes.
"And this Ghost King—do we know its origins?"
Old Black Fox explained,
"It's likely a rogue spirit from the underworld. Reports suggest it possesses the remains of a former Liusha monarch, reanimating as a Ghost Immortal."
"A Ghost Immortal?" Yellow Wind sneered.
"No matter. I'll rally the troops and wipe out its so-called kingdom soon enough."
The casual tone of his declaration reassured his generals.
Agricultural Projects
Turning to Iron-Eating Bear and Hua Lu Gu, Yellow Wind inquired about their agricultural endeavors.
Iron-Eating Bear reported,
"Your Majesty, the Golden Bamboo Grove now spans 100 acres."
This particular bear had brought its own Golden Bamboo Root, a rare treasure, upon joining Yellow Wind's forces.
The root produced bamboo with a variety of uses—from weapons to instruments—and its shoots were known for their life-extending properties.
Yellow Wind assigned the bear to care for the grove, knowing its lazy nature. Its Blessed Fate (Purple) trait ensured its luck in such endeavors, though he envied not having claimed that trait himself.
Hua Lu Gu, the only female among the Seven Generals, handled the cultivation of spiritual peach and plum trees.
"Your Majesty," she reported,
"The orchards are thriving. With the mountain's increasing spiritual energy, we expect a harvest within three years."
Yellow Wind beamed.
"Excellent work. Your contributions will not be forgotten. Come New Year's, there will be rewards for all!"
An Ominous Distraction
Though he had originally intended to distribute traits to reward his loyal followers, the unexpected presence of Great White Planet and the mysterious woman gave him pause.
"Better to wait," he thought.
"Rushing might lead to mistakes."
For now, his priority remained stability—steady progress toward his vision for Huang Feng Ridge.
"Slow and steady," he murmured to himself.
"We'll grow, but on my terms."
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