It's been several days again, within the Hall of Deliberation at the Fenghua Pill Alliance.

Chen Sheng sat in the main seat, holding a jade token engraved with pill patterns in his palm, listening to the stewards below report on the recent procurement of elixir materials.

These days, he maintained a warm demeanor, handling both the old tributor's probing and inquiries from newly promoted Tier Two Alchemists with composure.

Even upon discovering a few minor discrepancies in the accounts, he merely smiled and instructed the stewards to verify later, never resorting to harsh words.

Conversely, Yu Linqing, sitting beside him, maintained a stern expression throughout, as he evidently knew his purpose in being there.

At this moment, he tapped the dossier on the desk with his fingers, his voice carrying a hint of authority:

"This entry list for tier two spirit grass is missing thirty percent compared to the actual inventory. Where is Steward Wang, who is responsible for procurement?"

A cultivator sporting a mustache instantly went pale and hurriedly bowed:

"Vice Alliance Leader Yu, forgive me! It was... it was due to demon beasts encountered during transport, resulting in some losses..."

"Losses?"

Yu Linqing sneered and threw a jade scroll in front of him.

"Clearly, you privately misappropriated twenty percent of the spirit grass for your nephew in the Qi Cultivation Stage to practice alchemy. According to the rules of the Pill Alliance, you should be expelled from the Immortal City!"

Steward Wang broke out in a cold sweat, continually kowtowing and admitting his mistake.

Only then did Chen Sheng speak, his tone still gentle:

"Since this is your first offense, compensate for the misappropriated spirit grass at cost price and pay a fine, and we will not pursue the matter further. If you offend again in the future, do not blame the Pill Alliance for showing no mercy."

As Steward Wang retreated in embarrassment, the atmosphere in the Hall of Deliberation became noticeably heavier, and the gaze toward Chen Sheng carried a bit more awe!

This new alliance leader may seem gentle, but together with Vice Alliance Leader Yu, they make a perfectly complementary team of toughness and softness, clearly not easy to deceive.

...

After handling the Pill Alliance's affairs, Chen Sheng and Yu Linqing rose and headed to the residence in Fenghua Immortal City.

The two transformed into two streaks of rainbow light, sweeping over the cobblestone streets of the Immortal City.

The guards along the way, upon seeing the golden token at Chen Sheng's waist, all bowed in salute, allowing them passage without obstruction.

Inside the main hall of the residence.

Dragon Void Daoist sat on the main seat, wearing a red Daoist robe. Even though his spiritual pressure was restrained, it exuded an aura of long-standing authority.

He was now the garrison of Fenghua Immortal City — the previous garrison, Elder Lin, had gone to the Western Border to oversee.

For this reason, Chen Sheng was assigned to take turns as the Pill Alliance Leader, gaining practical experience, as well as allowing Dragon Void Daoist to guide him nearby.

Chen Sheng bowed in salute:

"Greetings, Master!"

Yu Linqing followed closely, extremely respectful:

"Greetings, Grandmaster!"

Dragon Void Daoist gestured for them to rise, his gaze falling on both:

"You two may rise."

"How have things been at the Pill Alliance these past days?"

Chen Sheng looked toward Yu Linqing, signaling him to report first.

Yu Linqing stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said:

"Master, the Pill Alliance's accounts are fairly clear. Although there have been a few instances of corruption and oversight, most of them have been commanded for timely rectification without causing significant loss."

"I have compiled a list of the problematic stewards and will enhance supervision in the future."

Dragon Void Daoist nodded slightly:

"These are minor issues, no need to dwell on them."

His tone shifted, becoming more serious:

"Lately, signs of demon cultivator activity have been emerging at the Southern Wilderness Market."

"Their demon techniques require a large amount of cultivator essence blood, and their methods are ruthless."

"I am worried Fenghua Immortal City might have similar hidden dangers. While you two oversee the Pill Alliance's affairs, make sure to strictly monitor the flow of Blood Essence Flower, Purple River Vehicle, and other materials easily exploited by demon cultivators."

"Report immediately upon discovering anything abnormal."

"I understand!"

"Granddisciple understands!"

Chen Sheng and Yu Linqing responded in unison.

Dragon Void Daoist nodded, giving a few more important instructions, then looked at Yu Linqing:

"Linqing, you may leave first. I have words for your uncle-teacher."

"Yes!"

Yu Linqing bowed and took his leave.

Only the master and disciple remained in the hall.

Dragon Void Daoist picked up the spirit tea on the table and took a slow sip before speaking:

"I asked Yu Linqing to oversee the Pill Alliance with you, not to hinder you."

"Yu Linqing is your second senior brother's prized disciple, straightforward in nature, with no strong foundation within the Pill Alliance, perfectly suited to act as your sword."

He paused, continuing to explain:

"The factions within the Pill Alliance are complex, with Zuo Hanlin and Liu Qiyan having deep roots. If you remain overly gentle, they might look down on you, hindering the implementation of matters in the future."

"Allowing Yu Linqing to find faults and hold others accountable can both deter those with lucky thoughts and help you gather support as the 'Harmonizer.'"

"This is the way of managing people: combining hardness and softness, leveraging strength."

Chen Sheng nodded lightly, realizing this: "Disciple understands."

Dragon Void Daoist's face showed a faint smile:

"I've heard of your and his performance; you're doing well, but you're still a bit too gentle in your demeanor, even with Linqing."

"In some matters, you must push him to act, just like investigating and dealing with demon cultivators, because no one wishes to offend."

Chen Sheng hesitated: "What about Second Senior Brother?"

Dragon Void Daoist raised his hand:

"Don't worry about it. In a few years, when your second senior brother achieves a fake pill, he will be transferred to the Precepts Hall."

"By then, Linqing will naturally become his right-hand man; it's merely early grooming now."

Chen Sheng, hearing this, nodded slightly:

"Disciple understands."

Dragon Void Daoist spoke earnestly in the end:

"I know you're focused on cultivation, uninterested in mundane matters."

"If you were of Celestial Spirit Root or even Earth Spirit Root, I would let you immerse in cultivation without involving you in these disputes."

"But your aptitude..."

Dragon Void Daoist sighed:

"You're of lower grade spiritual root. Even with the assistance of the Dragon Vein physique, your cultivation cannot compare to those geniuses."

"To walk further on this path, relying only on alchemical talent is insufficient; you lack the chance to transcend mundane affairs."

He stood up, walked to Chen Sheng, and patted his shoulder:

"While I'm still around, you must quickly learn these things—how to wield power, balance factions, and pave your path."

"Your alchemic talent surpasses your senior brothers'. Someday, you will become a Tier Three Alchemist, a leading figure in the Pill Hall and a pivotal figure in the Sect."

"By then, these seemingly cumbersome mundane matters will become your foundation."

Hearing this, Chen Sheng's heart skipped a beat. Master still had over two hundred years left...he dared not question, only bowed solemnly:

"Disciple understands Master's well-meaning intention and will not disappoint your expectations."

Dragon Void Daoist showed an appreciative smile:

"Good."

"You may manage the Pill Alliance's affairs as you see fit. If you encounter insurmountable difficulties, come to me anytime."

Chen Sheng nodded, agreeing. After seeking advice on handling the factions within the Pill Alliance, he bowed and took his leave.

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