Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

Chapter 735: Passion!

On the way back to Mount Shu, Di Nufeng voiced her doubts to Chu Liang.

"I already burned down their entire gate. Why did you still spend so much money acquiring the Talismanic Sect?" she asked, her face full of confusion.

Just moments ago, when Chu Liang declared his intent to take over the Talismanic Sect, both Di Nufeng and Huan Leisheng were stunned.

Huan Leisheng was shocked. I just want to borrow some money, but you want my everything?

Di Nufeng, on the other hand, was baffled. She simply couldn’t understand what use a ruined sect could have.

Almost the entire Mount Nao had been reduced to ashes! Even if it was restored, the place was so remote that it wasn’t even suitable for a graveyard.

However, what Chu Liang said next moved Huan Leisheng.

Chu Liang explained that if he merely asked for a share of the Celestial Talismanic Wheel’s profits, no matter how much he took, it would be for personal gain. However, as someone who had inherited the Celestial Talisman Master’s legacy within the hidden realm, it was his duty to contribute to the advancement of the Dao of Talismans in this world.

Therefore, no matter how many resources it required, he was determined to see the Celestial Talismanic Wheel completed—even if it meant losing all his wealth.

This unwavering determination struck a chord with Huan Leisheng. Now that the discussion had reached the level of the Dao of Talismans, continuing to haggle over money would seem petty.

However, passion was one thing—debts were another. No matter how devoted Chu Liang was to the Dao of Talismans, it didn’t change the fact that Huan Leisheng still owed a substantial debt to Red Cotton Peak. And with the vast resources needed for the future, Chu Liang decided that the most secure approach was to take full control of the Talismanic Sect.

"Of course, I won’t interfere with the sect’s teachings or internal affairs," he assured. "In fact, Mister Huan, you will remain the sect leader."

"I’m still the sect leader?" Huan Leisheng was dumbfounded. "Then how are you in charge of the Talismanic Sect?"

"You’ll remain the sect leader, but I will be the Chief Executive Overseer," Chu Liang replied with a serious expression. "I won’t involve myself in daily matters, but when it comes to major decisions, I will have veto power. I will only commit to fully investing in the Talismanic Sect if you agree to this condition."

After Chu Liang patiently explained everything, Huan Leisheng finally understood the meaning of a Chief Executive Overseer.

Chu Liang wouldn’t meddle in the sect’s daily operations. In fact, even if he wanted to, he simply didn’t have the time—managing Red Cotton Peak was already a massive responsibility.

As long as the funds were used appropriately, the Talismanic Sect could request resources from the Chief Executive Overseer whenever necessary.

In return, if the Talismanic Sect generated any profit in the future, Chu Liang would have full authority over its allocation. And when necessary, the entire sect would be obligated to follow his orders.

Simply put, the Talismanic Sect had just secured itself a wealthy backer.

All of its outstanding debt to Red Cotton Peak would now be considered part of the acquisition cost and effectively erased. Not only was Talismanic Sect no longer burdened by debt, but they could now openly receive funding from Red Cotton Peak.

Huan Leisheng hesitated for a moment. After some deliberation, he eventually accepted this Chief Executive Overseer who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

He did not have any other choice. Where else in the world could he find someone who was as passionate about the Celestial Talismanic Wheel and even had the power and resources to support its development?

The Talismanic Sect had already reached the end of its rope. If he still wanted to complete the Celestial Talismanic Wheel, he had no choice but to rely on Chu Liang.

As for the control over the sect… Huan Leisheng wasn’t the least bit concerned about it.

If Chu Liang wanted it, he could have it. That authority was the least valuable part of the deal.

This was the leader of Red Cotton Peak—a man who might one day take over the Mount Shu Sect itself. Why would someone like him need to scheme against a mere Talismanic Sect?

Huan Leisheng saw no reason to worry. In fact, if the Mount Shu Sect were to completely absorb the Talismanic Sect into their own ranks, Huan Leisheng would exclaim out loud and celebrate it as a double blessing.

He wouldn't even bother with asking for investments. A simple greeting would settle everything.

If his ragtag group of disciples had the chance to join one of the Divine Nine, why would they choose to stay in the struggling Talismanic Sect?

Having figured it all out, Huan Leisheng immediately put on an eager, bootlicking expression and assured Chief Executive Overseer Chu that he would complete the Celestial Talismanic Wheel as soon as possible.

"No need for such a mouthful. Just call me CEO Chu from now on," Chu Liang said with a wave of his hand, smiling warmly.

After leaving the Talismanic Sect, Chu Liang could only chuckle in response to his teacher’s lingering confusion.

"Think about a hen on the verge of starvation," he explained. "Even if we kill it now, there’s barely any meat to gain. But if we save it, feed it, and let it grow, it will start laying eggs. Those eggs will hatch into more chickens, giving us even more meat. In the end, we’ll have an endless supply of eggs and meat."

Hearing this, Di Nufeng nodded thoughtfully.

She remained silent for a long time, deep in thought, all the way until they returned to Silver Sword Peak.

Then, out of nowhere, she turned to Chu Liang and exclaimed, "Oh! You mean the Talismanic Sect is the hen?!"

"…" Chu Liang fell silent for a moment before looking at her with admiration. "As expected of my teacher! I can’t hide anything from you!"

"Hehe." Di Nufeng grinned mischievously. "I figured it out instantly."

Gazing at the bustling prosperity of Red Cotton Peak in the distance, she couldn’t help but sigh from the bottom of her heart. "You people really know how to make money."

…

"OOOOOOOOW!!!"

Inside a lavish palace on Starhold Island in the East Sea, Hong Jufeng lay groaning in pain, surrounded by attendants.

"Who dares to harm my son!" An enraged voice roared through the hall. "I will flay his skin, tear out his tendons, and grind his bones to dust!"

A hulking figure strode in, his heavy footsteps rumbling like thunder. Compared to him, Hong Jufeng was merely a mound of flesh.

The man’s features bore a striking resemblance to Hong Jufeng’s, but his presence was far more oppressive—like a gathering storm looming over the hall.

This was Hong Zhenyuan, the Lord of Starhold Island.

"Father!" The moment Hong Jufeng saw him, he wailed even louder. "It was that Di Nufeng from Mount Shu! Father, you must avenge me—"

"Hmm..."

The rage in Hong Zhenyuan’s eyes visibly froze—like snow melting under the first warmth of spring.

After sobbing for a while and receiving no response, Hong Jufeng called out hesitantly, "Father?"

"Why did you have to provoke her…" Hong Zhenyuan said, his deep voice carrying a hint of helplessness.

"It was the people of Penglai who told me to be tough with the Mount Shu Sect! Otherwise, why would we, out of nowhere, pick a fight with one of the Divine Nine?" Hong Jufeng replied indignantly.

"Those people from Penglai…" Hong Zhenyuan paused, sweeping his gaze across the room. "Penglai had a conflict with Mount Shu a while back. Now, they want to use us to make things difficult for them. We’ve been caught in the middle, and it’s a tricky position to be in."

"Hmph!" Hong Jufeng snorted angrily. "Then let’s just ignore them both and let them fight it out themselves!"

"That won’t work either…" Hong Zhenyuan sighed again. "The Terrestrial Ten's Selection is coming up. If we want to secure a spot, we might still have to rely on the Penglai Supreme Sect and Fog-Hidden Mountain of Immortals. They’re the two dominant immortal sects in the East Sea."

Hearing this, Hong Jufeng instantly perked up and asked, "It’s happening soon?"

He usually oversaw the operations of a few spirit stone mines, lording over the East Sea as he pleased, but he was already growing bored of it. If Starhold Island could be a sect in the Terrestrial Ten, then his status and future as the junior sect leader would be completely different.

"It won’t be that easy," Hong Zhenyuan said, "but Daoist Xuan Lu mentioned that the Penglai Supreme Sect will be pushing us forward this time. They don’t have many other pieces to play."

Hong Jufeng laughed heartily. "Hehe, then surely no sect can match our strength!"

With Taotie City’s downfall, a vacant spot had opened in the Terrestrial Ten, drawing the attention of countless ambitious sects.

If this were the selection of a sect in the Divine Nine, there wouldn’t be as many contenders. After all, to be in the Divine Nine, one had to at least have the strength to be considered one of the Terrestrial Ten. As for the vacant spot in the Terrestrial Ten, far too many sects had a shot at claiming it.

For now, wolves and tigers lurked on all sides.

To be ranked among the Terrestrial Ten meant a massive leap in status, resources, influence, and decision-making power. Even the slightest opportunity would push sects into fierce competition, and none would hesitate to fight for it.

"It won’t be that simple." Hong Zhenyuan shook his head. "From what I’ve heard…

"The Endless Sword Sect and Greater-Yin Cult of the Northern Regions are supporting the Ice Soul Sword Sect.

"The Celestial King Sect and Celestial Pivot Pavilion are backing the Great Lunar Dao Sect.

"The Ascending Dragon Academy and Noblemen’s Hall are championing the Yushan Academy.

"The Buddhist Cloud Monastery and Monastery Tower are advocating for the Xuantian Monastery of the Buddhist Order…"

"That many?" Hong Jufeng exclaimed. "They’re all competing against us?"

The factions Hong Zhenyuan listed were all major forces—just a step below the Terrestrial Ten. Many of them had remained neutral for years, seemingly detached from worldly struggles. Yet, they were all stepping forward to vie for the coveted spot now.

"It’s an unparalleled opportunity to expand their influence. Who would let that slip away?" Hong Zhenyuan muttered. "Even the Great Astral Sect, which seemed like a house of fools, is pushing for the War Tomb Mountain to compete for the Terrestrial Ten ranking…"

Hong Zhenyuan furrowed his brows as he counted the contenders. "These are all formidable contenders. This isn’t just a fight between us and them—the greater forces behind all of us will clash as well. Even Penglai can’t guarantee our success. This battle for a place in the Terrestrial Ten will be like a struggle between dragons and tigers!"

GLTD Alternate Universe's Thoughts

Translator: GT