C1506
C1506
Thus, the task of dealing with all the Devil Cloud Sect's branches, though extensive and numerous, was actually quite simple and straightforward. Even though it was impossible to eliminate every martial cultivator from the Devil Cloud Sect branches, with a few potentially slipping away as the proverbial fish that got away, it wasn't a significant concern. In an era where every member of the Devil Cloud Sect was a target, none dared to make themselves known. They were merely small fry, incapable of posing any real threat. The bigger fish, those with a modicum of fame, were closely monitored and had no chance of escape.
Furthermore, this mission wasn't a fruitless endeavor for the disciples and deacons; there were rewards to be earned. Lin Xuan had also set up incentives for the first mission, which involved collecting congratulatory gifts. The rewards included the distribution of resources, mines, and spiritual medicines from the territories left behind by the Devil Cloud Sect, as well as some of the martial arts that he had mastered. Upon completion of the mission, Lin Xuan would allocate these rewards to the senior members of the five great halls, including Wei Zhengzhen, Cang Shuiyue, and other elders, as well as Li Jian and the hall masters. They, in turn, would bestow varying degrees of rewards upon the Emperor Level Martial Cultivators and others below them.
Without incentives, who would be motivated to work on your behalf? Even if compelled by overwhelming force, an unwilling participant would likely underperform, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes and efficiency. It's the proverbial carrot that keeps the donkey diligently grinding the millstone. The same principle applies to managing people.
These rewards weren't exclusive to the first mission; they extended to the second mission as well. The upper echelons of the five great halls delegated the second mission to those at the Martial King Stage and disciples with even lower cultivation levels. They enjoyed the lion's share of the spoils, sharing just enough to satisfy those below. Although the disciples at the bottom had lesser cultivation, even the smallest trickle of resources from the Martial Monarch Stage elite was enough to fill them to the brim with delight.
Certainly, they wouldn't overthink things; instead, they would approach the mission with diligence and speed. As he progressed through the levels, he established a complete and efficient operational process. The task of inventory and verification didn't require the Martial Puppet's personal attention. He delegated these responsibilities to his numerous subordinates. These subordinates were not only highly skilled but also possessed divine sense. They used their divine sense to ensure that the Mirage Stone was authentic and not blank. The recorded images had to bear a clear mark, confirming they matched the marked location and depicted the destruction of the branch, to prevent any deception or fabrication.
The majority of these individuals were King Level Martial Cultivators. On the Dongyuan Continent, being at the Martial King Stage was already considered exceptional. In any organization, they would be considered core members. However, the Martial Puppet himself had attained the Martial Monarch Stage and was at the pinnacle of Emperor Level. Aside from Lin Xuan, a formidable terror, he was among the most elite on the Dongyuan Continent. It was doubtful that many could confidently claim victory over the Martial Puppet.
Upon his signal, not only did his former subordinates flock to his side, but many other Martial King Stage and Emperor Level Martial Cultivators also eagerly pledged their allegiance. Unaware that the Martial Puppet was following Lin Xuan, these individuals were drawn by the sheer power of his peak Emperor Level cultivation.
Previously, the Devil Cloud Sect had unleashed turmoil across the continent, leading to the demise of countless forces and independent cultivators. Yet, the major powers such as the East Saint Sect, the Elemental Spirit Sect, and the Thunder Yang Pavilion suffered minimal losses. Even their ordinary disciples, those below the Martial King Stage, were largely spared. This demonstrated to numerous martial cultivators the significance of having a strong support system. A formidable patron could provide a sense of security.
Reaching the peak of Emperor Level was a remarkable feat, regardless of one's origins or status. Consequently, the Martial Puppet was never short of followers; he had over a hundred at the Martial King Stage alone. Assigning them the task of inventory was a relatively effortless endeavor.
On the field, there was a sizable gathering of individuals whose cultivation levels were anything but low. Ordinary Emperor Level Martial Cultivators didn't even qualify to be present. The least advanced among them were at the late period of the Martial Monarch Stage, and there were several at the peak of Emperor Level. Merely a fraction of their aura was enough to terrify anyone to death. This group represented the upper echelon of the entire Dongyuan Continent. A mere exhalation from them could spell doom.
How could their subordinates afford not to be diligent and serious in their duties? The thought of such an assembly was beyond their wildest dreams, yet here they were, living it. The experience was both wondrous and fraught with tension. Time slipped away unnoticed.
This time, everything proceeded exceptionally smoothly. Once the Imagery Stones were arranged on the map, the Martial Puppet needed only a brief glance to determine the outcome. It went just as anticipated. Region by region was reviewed, with not a single one left incomplete. The level of completion was quite satisfactory. Considering that the main forces and senior leaders of the five great halls had nearly all taken part in the campaign to annihilate the Devil Cloud Sect, the stakes were high. The enmity between them was sky-high. Should the adversary rise again, it would be their own kin, or their descendants, relatives, and friends who would suffer the consequences. To prevent future threats, they could not overlook these branches. There was no room for negligence, for later regrets would be of no use.
Amidst the crackling sounds, the second task was also tallied. Every item was accounted for, with no omissions. While there might still be Devil Cloud Sect martial cultivators scattered across the Dongyuan Continent, they no longer posed a threat or had an organized structure.
Onstage, Wei Zhengzhen, Cang Shuiyue, and the other high-ranking officials from the five great sects viewed the results with mixed feelings. The formidable foe that had once caused them so much distress and fear was now utterly vanquished. Their worries were over. However, the five great powers were no longer the dominant forces they once were, their supremacy over the continent diminished. In the grand scheme of things, they hadn't incurred losses, yet their gains were modest. The sudden disappearance of their longstanding rivals left them with a profound sense of reflection and a multitude of feelings.
Fortunately, both missions were successfully completed. After the Martial Puppet finished the inventory check, he gestured once more, gathering the Imagery Stones from the table back into their original storage rings. Lin Xuan might not bother to look at them or show much interest. With the headquarters effortlessly wiped out, these branches might seem insignificant to Lin Xuan. However, that was Lin Xuan's concern.
As a subordinate, it was his duty to diligently carry out his responsibilities. Anything beyond that was not his to worry about. Once the Martial Puppet had meticulously categorized and stored the storage rings, he dismissed his subordinates. They dispersed to receive their rewards.
Despite the fact that his storage ring had been taken, leaving him seemingly defenseless, that was only in comparison to others at his level. As a peak Emperor Level Martial Cultivator, he had the means to generously reward his followers with ease.