C1509 Choice
C1509 Choice
Reluctant as they were, the other forces had to acquiesce. It was certainly a more palatable option than facing the wrath of the Devil Cloud Sect, which would have meant the obliteration of their sects and families, and the loss of all their savings. Had the Devil Cloud Sect not initiated a war and wreaked havoc across the continent, this mission would have undoubtedly incited widespread resentment and provoked collective retaliation. While such resistance might not have been particularly effective, it would have impeded the mission's progress, significantly slowing down its completion.
However, with the precedent set by the Devil Cloud Sect, the mission, though still a bitter pill to swallow, became somewhat more tolerable. Consequently, the actual difficulty of accomplishing the mission was not as great as it might have seemed. There were plenty of underhanded tactics and loopholes to exploit.
Lin Xuan, being a newcomer, naturally lacked trusted confidants. The individuals under the five great halls, seeing an opportunity, conspired to deceive Lin Xuan and embezzle a share of the profits. This time, their actions weren't in the interest of their own sects but rather for Lin Xuan. Even if it were for their own kin, many would still resort to such measures. It's simply human nature to let greed cloud judgment in the face of substantial gain.
Consider that the targets of this mission were those just below the six great forces, serving as their henchmen and local tyrants, wielding power and influence in their domains. Although these Emperor Level forces didn't match up to the likes of the East Saint Sect or the Devil Cloud Sect, their wealth was not to be underestimated, far surpassing that of most Emperor Level Martial Cultivators. Moreover, their numbers were more than tenfold that of the six great forces, providing ample opportunity for pilfering a portion for personal gain.
The items were selected randomly, with a one-in-three or one-in-five chance, and a few were tucked into a pouch at the waist. Given the sheer volume, it was hard to notice any missing. Yet for an Emperor Level Martial Cultivator, such a sum represented a vast fortune. It could potentially elevate their cultivation to the next level or allow them to purchase talismans, Spirit weapons, and Spell Formations, significantly boosting their strength. With such blatant temptations, few could resist the lure of greed.
Lin Xuan remained unfazed by this. Only a handful, such as those from the East Righteous Hall and Elemental Spirit Hall, succumbed to temptation. Surprisingly, not a single individual from the Canglan Hall was implicated. The extent of the integrity was unexpected for Lin Xuan.
That's why Lin Xuan had the Martial Puppet oversee operations, to prevent collusion and deception among the lower ranks that could lead to a substantial decrease in revenue. The Martial Puppet proved to be effective, identifying even the few who had succumbed to greed. It remained impartial, not swayed by attempts from individuals like Wei Zhengzhen and Yang Mao, who sought to bribe it into silence. The Martial Puppet clearly understood its role, much to Lin Xuan's satisfaction.
Lin Xuan valued subordinates who were obedient and diligent in their duties over those who were sly and overly clever. The former, though perhaps not capable of extraordinary feats, were at least thorough and reliable. The latter, on the other hand, risked making grave errors with unforeseeable severe consequences. Lin Xuan prioritized and needed the former.
Now, even though the Martial Puppet had reached the pinnacle of Emperor Level, its utility to Lin Xuan was nearly exhausted. Lin Xuan had considered leaving the Martial Puppet behind on the Dongyuan Continent, where he lacked close allies. Tianyuan Palace was in its infancy, and once Lin Xuan departed, it would be left with little more than its name. Lin Xuan planned to entrust the Martial Puppet with the guardianship of Tianyuan Palace, where it would act as his proxy and temporarily take the reins of power.
He had ascended to the pinnacle of the continent, his status unparalleled.
Yet, this very elevation meant that further advancement in his cultivation would be a formidable challenge.
The peak of the Emperor Level might very well be the zenith of his cultivation for the remainder of his life.
The Dongyuan Continent was devoid of resources for reaching the Emperor Level, much less a treasure that could facilitate an upgrade for an Indestructible Puppet.
This position was, in essence, Lin Xuan’s final gift to the Martial Puppet—a token of appreciation for years of loyal service.
As for the Emperor Level Treasure, it would be no more.
It was, in a way, a choice for a dignified retirement.
Lin Xuan himself, along with the Fire Spirit, Tian, Lin Shiyun, and the Jade Dragon Empress, had a pressing need for Emperor Level Treasures.
He couldn't afford to part with them lightly.
For the Martial Puppet, this was a considerable boon.
Once a mere Level 7 Elder of the Martial Monarch Stage within the Devil Cloud Sect, the Martial Puppet's innate potential and fortune suggested that breaking through even one or two more levels would be its ultimate limit.
The peak of the Emperor Level had seemed unattainable.
Now, however, it had not only reached that peak but had also surpassed its peers.
It had become an entity revered by countless martial cultivators across the entire continent—a notion previously inconceivable to the Martial Puppet.
The offer was exceedingly generous.
Those once lofty figures, such as Wei Zhengzhen and the Elemental Spirit, were now compelled to prostrate themselves before it.
If it were Wei Zhengzhen or Cang Shuiyue, they would likely leap at the opportunity with ecstatic fervor.
This had been Lin Xuan’s initial intention.
However, Lin Xuan had since reconsidered.
He decided to present the Martial Puppet with an alternative path.
That was to remain by his side and venture forth from the Dongyuan Continent to the Central Essence Continent.
Despite relinquishing the status and comforts of the Dongyuan Continent, the Martial Puppet would still be tasked with handling various minor matters for him.
Yet, this path offered the prospect of further advancement.
At the very least, reaching the apex of its tier was within the realm of possibility.
Despite reaching the pinnacle of the Emperor Level, the Martial Puppet had only recently broken through and was considered average in that realm. It couldn't confidently claim victory over the likes of Wei Zhengzhen and Yang Mao from the Dongyuan Continent, let alone the top-tier Emperor Level experts who stood just below the Half-level Emperor status.
In the Central Essence Continent, the powerhouses such as sect masters, hall masters, and mountain lords were in a league of their own. Take, for instance, the master of Jade Dragon Mountain who had once made a move against Golden Sun Mountain. His strength was exceptional, even among his peers.
When confronted by the Martial Puppet, these formidable opponents would force it into a defensive position, where it could only manage to stave off defeat for a limited time, focusing solely on preserving its life. Moreover, by harnessing the might of Emperor Level Treasures, the Puppet could tap into an even greater level of power.