Chapter 426: Siren City Executive Meeting

= Siren City, a Day after the Birth of Cernun World Tree =

"Thank you very much, Master Mao. We are looking forward to working with you in the future."

"Likewise. Please send my regards to the other scholar clans and merchant guilds. Tell them that I won't bite or eat them."

"Hahahaha! You sure know how to make a joke!"

In front of Siren City's east gate, which was the main entrance of the city, Sima Fang, Xun Yu, and Xun You cupped their fists and bowed to Miaomiao. Behind the latter, Jia Wenhe and Ju Shoufen saluted back.

The scholars got to meet Miaomiao after the latter had finished terraforming a grassland to a rain forest, and they had come to an agreement.

The three scholars bought ten thousand bottles of elixir for only 10,000 essence cores and obtained a trade agreement with Siren City. Furthermore, they could migrate their families here if they wanted to!

Miaomiao was surprisingly kind and generous, which impressed the scholars. He simply gave them what they wanted without asking many things in return, which was different from other lords.

As the three scholars were about to leave, Miaomiao remembered something. He called them, "Oh, by the way, senior Sima. I forgot to tell you. Could you relay my words to your families and your friends in your hometown?"

Sima Fang was interested, "Yes? Is there something we can help you with?"

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"Siren City will be establishing a new sect, and there will be seven divisions that new disciples can choose to apply. The first branch focuses on hand-to-hand combat, and they will study under Huangjin Monastery. The second division is a swordsman branch under Jia Shan. The third one is a spearman division, and Ma Ping will take care of that. The fourth branch belongs to the beast tribe, and they are willing to share their physique cultivation techniques. The fifth branch, Sun Wentai and Jiangdong White Tiger Sect will handle them. Ma Moxi will take care of the... espionage and special weaponry unit. As for the last division, it will be under my jurisdiction."

The three scholars widened their eyes in shock.

"A new sect!? You are creating a new sect soon!?"

Miaomiao nodded, "We have the best environment for the sect. We have this Qi tower, we have the world tree that emits wood Qi, and we have support from various experts, including Huangjin Monastery and Jiangdong White Tiger Sect. We also have a 9th-stage expert and the protection from the higher existences."

Xun Yu, Xun You, and Sima Fang frantically took notes while their bloodshot eyes couldn't hide their astonishment and excitement.

The news was huge. If everyone in their hometown could hear this, they would instantly understand how this new sect would shake the power balance of Aves Continent.

Moreover, Siren City had just defeated Yuan Shaoqing's alliance in the war game. They secured the 5-year grace period of peace, and they had already capitalized on this.

"Of course, this is huge! We'll definitely inform our friends and families. But, Master Mao, when will you be accepting disciples?"

Miaomiao rubbed his chin and turned to Jia Wenhe and Ju Shoufen behind him, "Shouldn't Holy Land Tournament thingy be starting soon? When does it usually begin?"

Ju Shoufen's PTSD experience was rekindled, and she was petrified. However, the loli grandma managed to calm down as Jia Wenhe patted her back and answered Miaomiao in her stead.

"It happens every four to ten years, depending on the Immortal Union Sect at the Central Holy Land."

Jia Wenhe explained - Immortal Union Sect had been created by the vessels of various dao gods to nurture promising mortals. Any mortal, who could catch the attention of the dao gods behind this sect, would be recruited as their servants, vessels, knights, or apostles if they were lucky.

Every disciple of this sect would be pampered by the world guardians, who always gave them preferential treatment with their mild Heaven Tribulation, allowing them to absorb various power, energy, or elemental Qi without harming them.

In addition, this sect always smuggled soul stones from the higher worlds to train their disciples and pay their elders. As a consequence, their limitless wealth attracted many top experts to work for them. Even Great Clans on the Holy Land bowed to this sect because of the difference in wealth and support from dao gods.

Thirdly, the environment on the Central Holy Land Continent was ideal for cultivators as Life Essence, Elemental Essence, and natural resources were abundant. Even on a side road, one could easily find wild grasses with advanced element attributes.

And lastly, Immortal Union Sect was the only mortal organization in this world that could freely import immortal-grade pills, immortal-grade weaponry, and unique artifacts from higher realms. In short, they were the trading hub between the Heavenly Goose Planet and the higher worlds!

Thus, Immortal Union Sect was the pinnacle of this mortal world and the ultimate goal that most cultivators of this planet wanted to join.

Then, there was this Holy Land Tournament, which was held randomly every four to ten years. All top experts from all continents on Heavenly Goose Planet would be invited to the Holy Land Continent to take part in the tournament, and promising experts that performed well would be scouted to join the sect or rewarded.

It sounded glorious and enticing at glance, but it had a dark side as well. As the tournament was held by immortals and world guardians behind the founders of this sect, they treated mortals from weaker continents as livestock. As such, many representatives from various continents usually died in the event.

Ju Shoufen lost Ju Hu in this tournament as Yuan Shaoqing mercilessly killed her during the competition. Yet, Yuan Shaoqing only won a 1st-grade soul stone as a reward from the cruelty, which enraged the loli grandma.

"I think the next tournament might start soon. I'm guessing this year's winter."

Miaomiao smiled at Jia Wenhe as he appreciated the info. He turned to Sima Fang, "You heard him. We'll start accepting disciples by then."

The three scholars looked at each other in excitement as they thought that Miaomiao wanted to participate in this event as a representative of his sect.

Little did they knew, Miaomiao had another idea.

...

After Sima Fang, Xun Yu, and Xun You left, Miaomiao gathered all executive members of Siren City to the arena platform. He also allowed bystanders and local people to eavesdrop on their conversation as he wanted them to spread the rumor.

Sun Wentai, Zhao Bao, Zhang Jue, Huang Gongfu, Jia Wenhe, Ju Shoufen, Fogan, Hopea, Dian Wei, Ma Moxi, Qiongqi cub, Mao Xueyan, and Wei Yuan sat around the wooden round table, which had been created by Hopea.

The women were properly dressed this time as Wei Yuan took care of them. Even the glutton arachne behave herself in front of the crowd as she was well-fed.

Miaomiao gazed at Sun Wentai and cupped his fist.

"I'm so sorry that I've been neglecting you and your sect. I was so busy that I didn't have enough time to spare."

Sun Wentai warmly smiled at Miaomiao. His attitude changed after he had witnessed the fight, "It's alright. You're the ruler of this city, so it's natural to be busy. On the other hand, we're merely freeloaders."

"You're too humble, senior Sun," Miaomiao was also polite. He exchanged pleasantry with Sun Wentai for a moment before he got to the point.

Miaomiao gazed at everyone and retold what he had chatted with Sima Fang. Again, Miaomiao politely saluted to all elders, "Everyone, I'm planning to make a new sect, and I would like your organizations to merge with me."

The expression of Zhao Bao, Sun Wentai, Huang Gongfu, and Mao Xueyan turned solemn. They stared at the upstart lord in awe, surprise, and doubt.

Ma Moxi, Dian Wei, Fogan, Qiongqi cub, and Hopea had no problem integrating their forces with Miaomiao's new sect. After all, they respected him, his strength, and his connection network.

Wei Yuan, Jia Wenhe, and Ju Shoufen had no comment, but they fully supported this idea. Miaomiao was with them from the very beginning, and they trusted him.

As for the newcomers, they had concerns. Even Zhao Bao hesitated whether serving Miaomiao was a good idea.

Zhang Jue stood up and questioned the young lord, "Master Mao, what are you trying to achieve by creating a new sect? At your age, are you looking for a successor already?"

"Wrong," Miaomiao shook his head.

"If you aren't looking for a successor, then why?"

"I don't care about successors since they will eventually inherit my cultivation techniques whenever our population is strong enough. What I want right now is an organization that rivals Immortal Union Sect!!"

The eavesdroppers and the elders widened their eyes in astonishment.

From Miaomiao's statement, he declared that he wanted to compete against the Holy Land Continent's top sect, which was supported by various immortals and dao gods!

It was like a declaration of war or a rebellion!

Fogan got goosebumps as his orc's fighting spirit was ignited. He stood up and cupped his fist without hesitation, "Whatever you wish to achieve, I'm with you!!"

Dian Wei was disinterested in the power struggle. She tilted her head, "Does having a sect fill your stomach?"

Miaomiao laughed, "Indeed. Once we conquer the Aves Continent and become the sole lord, we can start farming and breeding livestock for food. Heck, I'll show you something special after the meeting."

"Really!? Then, I'm with you!"

Dian Wei cackled as she voiced her support as well.

After Dian Wei gave her vote, Hopea, Wei Yuan, Ma Moxi, Ju Shoufen, and Jia Wenhe followed suit. Even if they were close, they saluted Miaomiao to show that they approved his idea.

Seeing the supporters of Miaomiao, Sun Wentai and Huang Gongfu glanced at each other.

Had they agreed to this request, Jiangdong White Tiger Sect would have submitted under Miaomiao by default, which was something they didn't want.

They still valued freedom after all.

"Master Mao, could you elaborate how your sect will operate? We can't make our decision with just words alone. We need a solid organization chart and more detail."

"I knew that you would ask me that. I've already prepared the rough draft of the new sect," Miaomiao laid out a large scroll on the round table, which contained the draft of his sect and branches.

As Miaomiao had explained to Sima Fang, Jiangdong White Tiger Sect would become one of the sect's divisions, and they could retain their freedom. However, they had to conform to Miaomiao's rules and regulations.

"Seven divisions?" Huang Gongfu gazed at the organization chart and frowned, "So, you're allowing us to teach our disciples as we used to?"

"Not exactly. I... no, we will reform your organization to integrate with our city's system. Your flying island will still be yours, but we will have to filter out some of your disciples and reeducate some of the hoodlums."

"In short, some of our personal will be fired."

"More like, we will have them take another exam if they are suited to join our new sect. The failed candidates will be kicked out while the hidden talented individuals will be nurtured. Of course, even if they are talented, if their personality is shitty, we'll kick them out, too."

"..."

Huang Gongfu's frown deepened as he disapproved of this idea.

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Meanwhile, Sun Wentai, who had always envied Miaomiao's culture, was inspired. He smiled and laughed, "We'll do it! We'll reform our personal and organization together!"

"My lord!" Huang Gongfu stared at his lord in shock.

"Gongfu, I always wanted to do something about our sect's culture and our way of teaching our disciples. So far, I hate it. I always dreamt of changing it, but I always had cold feet."

"..."

"I want to raise youngsters to grow up as a proper adult, Gongfu. I don't want them to grow up as cruel cultivators in this harsh world anymore. I want them to learn about love and compassion."