C1510 Reward and Punishment
C1510 Reward and Punishment
Lin Xuan had not only refined and mastered an Emperor Level Spirit Weapon, but he had also cultivated Emperor Level Martial Arts, and his physique had reached the Half-level Emperor status.
It's the combination of these factors that enabled him to hold his own against several Half-level Emperor experts.
Each of these aspects was beyond the reach of most peak Emperor Level practitioners.
Even the Sect Masters, Hall Masters, and Mountain Masters among the Central Essence Continent's Overlord Level forces, who represented the elite of the Emperor Level, were unlikely to achieve this.
They could harness a fraction of a Half-level Emperor's power through Spell Formations, Martial Arts, or Emperor Level Spirit Weapons, which already set them apart from their peers. Experts like Wei Zhengzhen and Cang Shuiyue from the Dongyuan Continent struggled to withstand their power, with defeat being an inevitable outcome.
Yet, if these individuals were to confront Lin Xuan, they would fare no differently than Wei Zhengzhen or Cang Shuiyue.
The disparity between their abilities was simply too vast.
These individuals could barely graze the surface of Half-level Emperor power using external aids or other means.
Lin Xuan, on the other hand, had genuinely harnessed a portion of that formidable power.
While there may still be a gap between him and the true Half-level Emperor powerhouses, the difference is stark.
Against peak Emperor Level opponents, it could be described as a crushing blow from a higher dimension.
Lin Xuan's intention for the Martial Puppet was to cultivate it into a force akin to the Overlord Level masters of the Central Essence Continent, capable of tapping into the power of a Half-level Emperor and standing at the pinnacle of their tier.
In this way, although it still wouldn't be able to contend with a Half-level Emperor, it would be sufficiently formidable to stand on its own.
Provided it didn't directly confront one of the few Half-level Emperors or infiltrate the headquarters of an Overlord Level Force, there would be few who could challenge it.
And that would be more than enough.
Even on the Central Essence Continent, Half-level Emperors were exceedingly rare.
Each one was the linchpin of a dominant Overlord Level Force.
Aside from the two prominent halls, the Dark Heaven Hall and the Demon Aura Hall, representing the orthodox and demonic forces respectively, the remaining powers, including the various Overlords, typically only have one Half-level Emperor publicly at the helm. In most cases, this figure remains within their sect's domain nearly 90% of the time, reluctant to venture out. The dangers faced by those who do explore the outside world are considerable; even a Half-level Emperor can fall when faced with extreme peril, treacherous lands, or the onslaught of multiple peers.
For an Overlord Level Force, the loss of their Half-level Emperor, barring the two halls, spells near-certain doom. Such a catastrophe heralds a series of unending trials and crises, with the threat of total annihilation looming with every misstep. Consequently, encounters with Half-level Emperors in the outside world are exceedingly rare. The peak Emperor Level individuals, such as Hall Masters, are sufficiently powerful to traverse the Central Essence Continent and manage affairs effectively.
Regarding higher echelons of power, it's not entirely out of reach. However, Lin Xuan would need to ascend to the true Half-level Emperor status first. Should he acquire a Yin Nether-attribute treasure without other means to bolster his strength, enhancing the Martial Puppet to increase its capabilities is a viable option, albeit a distant one. Lin Xuan has laid out these two paths for the Martial Puppet, leaving the choice to its discretion. He refuses to coerce it, understanding that forceful actions could lead to issues and oversights later on. The decision must align with its own volition, and Lin Xuan is prepared to support its choice, whichever it may be.
When confronted with instances of greed, Lin Xuan doesn't dwell on them excessively. Such matters are trivial, and once the offenders have been disciplined and restitution made, there's no need for further ado. However, the situation presents a notable exception with the Vast Wave Hall, where not a single individual succumbed to greed. This stark contrast makes the Vast Wave Hall stand out, and treating them the same as the others would be a disservice to their demonstrated dedication and loyalty.
Despite Lin Xuan's authority to make swift and decisive judgments on significant matters, valuing his insights above all else, he remains committed to fostering an environment of fairness and justice among his subordinates.
To maintain the sect's power and ensure it functions properly, fulfilling its intended role, is paramount. If the five great halls were to treat this matter lightly, what would the other martial artists think? They might become lax in their duties, thinking, "If everyone ends up with the same outcome, why should I put in the effort to complete my mission?" This could lead to a rapid increase in underhanded behavior and a rise in those who simply coast along without care. Lin Xuan found this unacceptable and knew it required his immediate attention.
Lin Xuan spoke with a calm authority, "Take note of this incident. When we distribute the territories, cities, and mines left by the Devil Cloud Sect, let's factor this into our considerations." With this, Lin Xuan established the approach. Although there were no punishments for Dong Zheng Tang, Lei Yang Tang, and others, Canglan Hall received a reward. This subtle differentiation served as a mild form of discipline, which was sufficient. Lin Xuan had no intention of ruling with an iron fist. His governance was more about natural order—punishing the wrongdoers and rewarding the meritorious. The martial artists below were free to develop on their own.
"Yes, Sect Master," the Martial Puppet responded.
"Thank you for your leniency, Sect Master!" Wei Zheng Zhen, Yang Mao, Elemental Spirit Son, and the others quickly expressed their gratitude, visibly relieved. They were grateful that Lin Xuan hadn't dwelled on the issue, recognizing that although their mission was challenging and they had faced consequences, no further reprimands came their way. They had managed to weather the storm this time.
Facing the wrath of someone who was not only at the peak of Emperor Level but possibly a Half-level Emperor was more than they could bear. They knew they had to tighten control and issue stern warnings upon their return. They no longer had the means to cover for the others and certainly didn't want to take the fall for the younger generation's missteps. After all, they still had several hundred years ahead of them.
Even with Lin Xuan in the picture, they remained figures of immense stature, second only to one and above millions of martial artists. They enjoyed access to the finest resources, a privilege hard-earned over a lifetime, and they intended to savor it.
After climbing to this position with great effort over the better part of my life, I certainly deserve to enjoy it.
How could I let the younger generation bother me?
When it comes to dividing the inheritance left by the Devil Cloud Sect, including territories and mineral veins, there will be less to go around.
But compared to Lin Xuan's fury, that's a minor issue.
It was merely a fleeting consideration for Lin Xuan.
Once the division is complete, the wealth at stake will likely be more than tenfold what was embezzled.
It's truly a case of losing much for the sake of gaining little, and it has caused us to live in fear for far too long.
Deep down, there's an unyielding resentment.
Resolved, upon our return, we will not only cripple those who embezzled but also banish their entire line to the Wilderness.
Our faction has divided into countless sub-factions, both large and small.
Sacrificing one will have no impact whatsoever.
Only then can we begin to alleviate the bitterness in our hearts and find some peace.
"Thank you for the reward, Hall Master!"
Cang Shuiyue then expressed her gratitude with a respectful and joyful smile.
She was overjoyed.