Huh? Isn't this an adventure kingdom building game?!-Chapter 815 - 765: Cang Lingdong’s Plan
Some short-sighted individuals can’t help but squander their grain as soon as they get a large amount; others are money-hungry, and after we distribute a lot of grain and leave, they go and bully the old, weak, and sick, plundering it to sell for profit; there are even those who clearly haven’t suffered from the disaster but mix in to take more.
To ensure that the truly affected people have enough food to get through the winter, we have to distribute in small amounts multiple times. This way, no one dares cause trouble; otherwise, they won’t get anything next time."
So that’s it!
No wonder in historical dramas, whenever there’s a disaster relief plot, it always involves corrupt officials, and some even see it as a lucrative opportunity. Layers upon layers of exploitation, the suffering falls on the disaster victims, while some fill their pockets.
Jiang Yuan couldn’t help but sigh that there’s knowledge to be gained everywhere; the so-called worldly experience is seeing different sides of the world, and indeed he has gained such experience on this trip!
"Sir, is there any urgent matter for your visit today?" Ouyang Qing saw him eagerly helping out and worried it might delay official business, saying, "The disciples in the sect can handle things on their own; if needed, I can entrust the disaster relief efforts to them."
"There are two matters." He took out Chu Huai’an’s "Beast Taming Manual" from his storage bag and explained, "This is a cultivation technique I obtained by chance, and by practicing it, one can attempt to train and ride demon beasts.
Today at the sect, I noticed that disciples still transport grain using carts, which is slow and inefficient. Do you think any disciples in the sect would be willing to practice this art?
If they master riding demon beasts, not only does their combat effectiveness double, but they can also raise guardian demon beasts or dispatch them as needed, making them much more useful than ordinary livestock."
Ouyang Qing was shocked and then ecstatic!
The art of riding demon beasts, if any disciple masters it, could command demon beasts to fight other demon beasts, using strength against strength, making it a formidable skill!
"It is indeed a great favor to the Celestial Sword Sect from you, sir. On behalf of everyone, I thank you for your righteousness!" Ouyang Qing solemnly greeted him and then asked, "What are the restrictions for practicing this ’Beast Taming Manual’?"
Thankfully, old Mr. Ouyang is not stubborn or dislikes demon beasts, rejecting the art of beast taming outright.
Jiang Yuan smiled and waved his hand, saying, "There are no restrictions, but the practitioner must let go of prejudice and approach the demon beast they attempt to ride with a normal mindset. If they hold dissatisfaction or fear, then they shouldn’t try it."
The relationship between a Beast Tamer and the tamed demon beast is that of teammates; they must be willing to fight together.
The human world has long suffered from demon beast calamities, harboring hostile attitudes towards them, even initially tamed demon beasts are likely not well-received.
"Not only must the disciples practicing the technique accept it, but the disciples within the Celestial Sword Sect and even the surrounding villagers must gradually accept it." Ouyang Qing, being older, sees things more clearly, "We need to guide a change in attitude toward demon beasts, distinguishing between those that harm and those bred within the sect to avoid hidden dangers."
"The old gentleman speaks truly! As for the other matter, I was entrusted to inspect a village for villagers with spirit roots. If there are one or two who can cultivate, I ask the Celestial Sword Sect to accept them."
Ouyang Qing agreed immediately, "That’s no problem! Feel free to bring them, sir, the new leader of the Haoyue Sect has selected a quiet forest area to formally establish the sect, and they need to recruit many disciples.
When the new disciples join, those willing to follow the Haoyue Sect for cultivation can go with them. We are not worried about having too many people now, only about not having successors. As the saying goes, the more mortals who can cultivate, the more hope there is!"
With both matters settled, it was already noon.
Jiang Yuan politely declined the enthusiastic invitation to stay for a meal and directly teleported to Qujiang Village following the address given by Pavilion Master Cang.
"Sister Cang has a good tolerance for alcohol! Another bowl!"
"Try my roasted lamb leg, it’s wonderfully delicious!"
"Erni, sing us a tune since we’re in a good mood today..."
...
The autumn wind in the mountains carried a refreshing feel, mingling with the smell of roasted meat and the lively sounds of joy and laughter.
[Qujiang Village: A newly built village sheltered by the demon cultivator Cang Lingdong. Three years ago, a group of refugees was besieged by demon beasts, and Cang Lingdong, passing by, kindly saved them. She protected them using a magical treasure, and over three years, she has taken good care of the villagers, gradually creating a stable and peaceful living environment.]
With a closer look, Jiang Yuan was amused—a little fox was anxiously pacing, while Pavilion Master Cang had been transported to this small village in the human world, drinking and eating heartily!
More amusingly, several villagers had the system’s distinctive checkmark above their heads, indicating either talent for cultivation or the potential to implant spirit roots, adding success to the side mission supporting humanity.
"Mr. Jiang is here!" Cang Lingdong, burdened with matters, drank a good amount of homemade wine with the villagers due to the pressure, becoming slightly tipsy.
Seeing him, she stood up, calling out, "You haven’t had lunch, right? Come, come! Try this wilderness game, humans are really the best at cooking..."
As she spoke, she realized something was off.
Fortunately, the villagers paid no attention, all turning to look at the suddenly appearing stranger.
He seemed young, possibly seventeen to twenty years old, with delicate and handsome features, a well-proportioned build, dressed luxuriously, and exuding extraordinary charisma. Seeing him familiar with Miss Cang, the young fellows in the village felt somewhat uncomfortable.
But what could they do, people aim for higher achievements.
Miss Cang is beautiful and extremely capable, she’s the legendary upper immortal, able to swing a longsword to slay monsters. Every man has some thoughts, right?
Especially when compared to the country girls in the village, Miss Cang is the most celestial and beautiful woman they’ve ever seen in their life, even those already married feel a twinge in their hearts.
Before seeing the contrast, the strong lads in the village thought their appearance and build might give them a chance.
However, with a male upper immortal who, like Miss Cang, knows magic appearing, those harboring unrealistic fantasies can only bury their heads in drinking.
"Pavilion Master Cang, shall we have a chat first?" Jiang Yuan saw she had somewhat given up and if the eating and drinking continued, she might truly get drunk, preventing any serious discussion.
As for those villagers with the system’s checkmark, they couldn’t escape anyway, better to deal with her matter first.
The two walked through the quiet mountain forest to a small river ditch, where Cang Lingdong sat on a large rock by the shore, laughing boisterously, "Is it because none of them have any celestial fate? Ah, there’s nothing we can do! I’ve thought of every method I can for them, but without celestial fate, what can anyone do!"
"Let’s put the matter of celestial fate aside for now." Jiang Yuan looked around to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then lowered his voice, "I know you’re an undercover demon cultivator."
Cang Lingdong shivered, suddenly sobering from her tipsy state.
"Who told you?" She feigned calm, trying to force a smile, "I have no choice; if I don’t follow the orders from the Demon King, I’d be killed in the Demon Realm.
Though I’ve followed orders and infiltrated all these years, I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be doing.
To be honest, I’ve suffered greatly over the years, repeatedly wishing if I weren’t sent here undercover, how wonderful it would be to know you all with my true identity..."
Jiang Yuan picked up a stone and skipped it across the water, watching the ripples on the river’s surface as her increasingly unsure words trailed off, prompting him to ask, "Your identity has been revealed, what’s your next move?"
"I’ll stay in Qujiang Village for a while to lay low; it’s very remote, and after the autumn wilderness descends, it will be even further from the Wo Hu Temple Market; I haven’t disclosed the village’s existence in these years, so it should last for a while.
Once the storm has passed, I’ll have to find a way to sneak back into the Demon Realm.
Demon cultivators don’t absorb spiritual energy, and in the Wilderness World full of spiritual energy, without enough Yin Demon Pearls to absorb power, I’d suffer like a cultivator who’s lost their spiritual energy and die painfully.
The business with the Treasure Pavilion provided support and cover. After losing the supply from there, I’d still manage to acquire enough Yin Demon Pearls myself. But now that I’m exposed, the source is cut off, so I have to go back..."
She had no idea what would happen after returning to the Demon Realm.
With so many years gone by, the connections in the Demon Realm were long gone. Escaping back privately, the consequences would be grave upon closer investigation, and even under a hidden identity, escape seemed impossible.
"Have you considered finding a way to stay? Returning to the Demon Realm now would mean certain death." Jiang Yuan had seen his fair share of spy thrillers, from the likes of Infernal Affairs to various undercover dramas, and concluded that characters like Cang Lingdong weren’t trusted. At the slightest sign of unrest, they’re always the first to be eliminated.
