"Too much? In fact I feel it’s not enough. We still have to spend more. As of now, our sect has five hundred mu in land. Let’s buy another five hundred more mu, and make it a thousand!"

"Hssss, it’s just that a single mu of land in the county area is selling for seven or eight taels of silver per plot. If you wish to purchase linked mu of land it would be more expensive. Five hundred mu would cost five thousand taels of silver."

"I have silver. This is five thousand silver taels." Pei Zi Yun fished out a wad of notes and placed them on the table. When Zhao Ning looked across, he noticed that each note was a hundred taels. He then sighed and thought, ‘I’ve never realized this, but now I just recalled how Pei Zi Yun had never been one to worry about money. How did he come about such a huge sum?’

Pei Zi Yun then continued, "Although the price of land has inflated considerably, the population size of the nation is still small, and land is still considered cheap. When the population increases, the price of land might swell up to five or six times the current price. Let’s buy now!"

As he spoke, he twirled his finger in the air, "Compensation money, rebuilding the sect domains, purchasing land. All these actions would show that we are in control of the situation, and would have a basis for it. All these rumors of our sect in ruins would diminish soon enough."

"But could it be that someone’s fanning the flames? This would test if someone is intentionally spreading rumors about us. If there was n.o.body, the rumors would die out. If they don’t, there must be a culprit. Regardless of whether it’s our own disciple, a tenant, or a merchant, we would have to kill him regardless."

Speaking up to this point, Pei Zi Yun seemed to have recalled something, "Oh yes, according to the reports our Guan Family Wheat Storage seemed to have betrayed us and worked with Dark Altar Sect? Could you please go and investigate this matter and talk it out with him?"

"Force him to hand over all the money he has earned from us, before killing him. However, I won’t kill his innocent family."

"If he refuses to hand the money over, do not use swords to handle the matter. Conjure a plague and let them die from it. Likewise, hand their family wealth over to me to fund our sect. This way, we have more money coming in."

Zhao Ning was taken aback as he sighed deeply. He then thought, ‘Not only is our new Sect Leader decisive and capable, he’s able to cover all angles without missing out anything.’

Just as he was thinking this way, Pei Zi Yun looked out of the window and spoke out, "You are an Elder and should be able to see that not only did our Paradise suffer the consequence. In fact, the entire atmosphere and fortunes of Free Cloud Sect has been affected. We have to resolve these problems as soon as possible."

"The best way to do this would to use the best solutions to calm everyone down, and to regain their faith. Then, we shall be able to stabilize our fortunes. Hence, we must not hesitate and act halfway. We have to be decisive."

"If we were to hesitate just one moment and act with an unsure hand, the rumors which will undermine us will continue spreading. Then, it would be much harder to settle."

"Sect Leader, you’re right." Zhao Ning was completely won over by Pei Zi Yun’s plans.

Pei Zi Yun took another step forward before casting a glance at Zhao Ning and speaking out, "Disciples, tenants and suppliers, that's just a small piece of the huge problem we have. What we’re lacking now is physical power and strength in terms of number of disciples. We have to find some allies now."

"Elder Zhao, did we have any allies in the past?"

Zhao Ning pondered for several seconds before replying, "Sect Leader, our Free Cloud Sect is located in the Southern area. We used to have a strong alliance with True Element Sect however we drifted apart. The alliance was formed over fifty years ago. We've seldom made any more alliance after that."

Pei Zi Yun listened attentively before breaking out into a smile, "Since that's the case, Elder Zhao, please lead the Sect temporarily in my absence. I have to pay a visit to True Element Sect and ask for their help."

"My master will come along with us. There are some matters which she would have to handle."

"With the current situation, the only way to survive and withstand further attacks is to gain the support of True Element Sect. In order words, we shall use power and might to decide our fates."

"You are an Elder of the Sect and even taught me while I was growing up and you know what I'm like. Right now, I'm out of words. The Sect is yours to command in my absence."

When Zhao Ning heard this, he visible heaved a sigh of relief and bowed, "Since that's the case, please handle your affairs without worrying, Sect Leader. I shall handle your instructions in an orderly manner."

Pei Zi Yun and Yu Yun Jun then immediately left for True Element Sect.

True Element Sect

In the eastern gorges, there was an entire plot of land atop a mountain. This mountain wasn’t particularly tall, and had gentle hills and slopes which led to a monastery right on the summit. It was called True Element Monastery.

True Element Monastery had been built nineteen years ago. In the previous dynasty, this monastery had been subjected to pillaging and arson. A reconstruction and renovation of the entire monastery had to take place before it was once again used as a resting point and monastery for visitors and believers to seek shelter.

At this point, a lady was in the main hall of the monastery. She had long hair which was tied into a bun, and she wore freshly pressed, clean robes. This lady was the Sect Leader of True Element Sect.

There were also seven people, four woman and three men. The sun was s.h.i.+ning brightly into the hall, which caused it to be particularly hot. The lady looked across at the Elders before her and spoke out, "Most of you here know why I’ve summoned you."

An Elder stood up and responded, "It’s because of the matter at Free Cloud Sect. Dark Altar Sect took off their pretentious masks and attacked Free Cloud Sect. We have to start making preparations in the event we come under attack by them as well."

Hearing these words, the woman nodded her head and pondered for some time, "With the current situation, we have to form alliances with other sects in order to ensure our safety. Today, Free Cloud Sect’s new Sect Leader Pei Zi Yun paid us a visit. He wishes to reignite the long standing alliance between our sects. What do you think of this?"

When these Elders heard this, they all pondered for a moment before another Elder stood up to speak, "Now more than ever, we have a need for allies. It’s just that Free Cloud Sect’s might had been severely reduced. If we join forces with them, they might even be a liability to us"

Yet another Elder, who looked to be an attractive middle aged woman stood up to speak, "You can’t be more wrong. At this point, Free Cloud Sect has just been through some rough times within the sect, with many people killed. Joining up with them would be beneficial for us. That’s because Free Cloud Sect still have their Paradise, they still have their True Sovereign, and they still have Pei Zi Yun. Forming an alliance with them when they most need us, would mean they would owe us a huge favor, and would benefit both parties."

The minute these words were spoken, another Elder spoke out, "This present situation isn’t very clear at this point. The only thing we know is that Free Cloud Sect has sustained great losses and damages from the attack and that they’re both enemies of each other. If we were to form an alliance with Free Cloud Sect, we might offend Dark Altar Sect. When that happens, things might go badly for us."

The Elder who stood up last listened to this before replying, "I wish to seek Sect Leader’s opinion on this matter."

"I don’t like whatever you just said. Is Dark Altar Sect the only sect under the heavens? When the lips cease to exists, the teeth will feel cold. We are the teeth, and Free Cloud Sect are the lips. If Free Cloud Sect was attacked, we would soon follow."

The entire scene burst out in discussion. Seeing this situation, the leader mumbled to herself before speaking out, "What everyone said makes sense. It's just that we have a choice to make."

"Free Cloud Sect’s current strength might have taken a huge hit. But their foundations still remain the same. It would be most appropriate if we were to help now. We don't even have to openly show our support. We should form a secret alliance." The Sect Leader spoke as she swept a glance at her surroundings.

Hearing these words, all the Elders stood up and bowed at her as they spoke in unison, "Sect Leader has foresight. Your decision shall be final."

"Then it's settled this way. If all the Elders have no further opinion, you may leave." The Elders then turned around to leave as they burst out in discussion once more."

The Sect Leader walked outside and saw Ye Su’er and Pei Zi Yun taking a stroll outside. After not seeing Ye Su’er for a short period, Pei Zi Yun noticed she was already of the eighth level. ‘She is progressing at such astonis.h.i.+ng speed, it's extremely scary!’

But Ye Su’er probably felt like she was moving at a very slow speed. They both started their cultivation journeys at approximately the same time but he was already an Yin Master. But that wasn't a fair comparison since Pei Zi Yun had his spiritual treasure and such extremely good fortunes.

Just as he was thinking to himself, Ye Su’er caught sight of the woman and rushed toward her and held her hand, "Aunt! I mean, Master! How did the meeting go?"

Seeing Ye Su’er this way, the Sect Leader was somewhat annoyed as she replied, "How many other outcomes can there be? We were debating about the matter regarding your childhood sweetheart. Now that Free Cloud Sect came under attack, that also means the rest of the cultivation world is in danger. We even heard rumors that the Earth Immortal of Dark Altar Sect had been killed while he was traveling. The world is starting to to turn chaotic once more. We cannot standby idly."

Ye Su’er shook her master’s hands, "Aunt, Master, you have to help brother Pei. Dark Altar Sect are extremely self ent.i.tled. After facing such a setback, they would be extremely angry and would seek their revenge. Should they decide to gain power and strike out once more, how many Sects can hold onto their lives?"

When the Sect Leader heard this, she pulled her hand away from Ye Su’er and tapped her on her forehead, "You little kid. Do you really think Free Cloud Sect can still retain their Earth Immortal status after this? I’m afraid other sects will launch attacks on them now that they’re weak!"

Ye Su’er understood what she meant as well and replied, "Aunt, I know what you mean. But please help brother Pei!"

Pei Zi Yun walked over at this point and bowed, "Greetings to Sect Leader."

Seeing Pei Zi Yun bow, the woman responded by bowing back. She then tapped Ye Su’er’s forehead once more, "Looks like I was ambushed by you."

"Sect Leader Pei, we just had a meeting along with all the Elders. Your request for an alliance has been approved. It’s just that there’s an issue." The Sect Leader spoke out.

"Please carry on, Sect Leader."

The woman then opened her lips to speak, "We shall join forces and ally with each other. But we wish to do it secretly."

Pei Zi Yun paused for a moment before speaking, "That works too. It’s just that our Sect has been severely weakened. I hope that Sect Leader can take some time off to visit our sect domains for a month. You can use the reason of paying respects to the new Sect Leader, and tell everyone else this."

The woman mumbled to herself as she hesitated. Ye Su’er revealed an impatient look as she shook her hands once more and whispered, "Aunt, please agree."

"Now that you’re all grown up, you think you know everything, Su’er. Sect Leader Pei, at this time even my sect is in danger as well. I require your word that if we come under attack as well, you would provide a.s.sistance." The woman sighed as she spoke out.

Hearing this words, Pei Zi Yun replied without hesitation, "Of course."

"Good, I shall handle my own affairs within my sect over the next two days. After which I shall head down to Free Cloud Sect." The woman spoke out.

The minute her words landed, Pei Zi Yun felt his heart ease up considerably as he sighed out in relief. "With the help of True Element Sect Leader, our fortunes look to be rising."

"Sect Leader, I have many other matters to resolve with my own Sect. I shall take my leave now." Pei Zi Yun looked up to the skies as he spoke.

When the woman heard this, she sighed, "I understand. Many things happened to Free Cloud Sect of late. You must have many matters to handle. Please, be at ease Sect Leader Pei."

Ye Su’er eyed Pei Zi Yun, "Brother Pei, please be careful. I shall wait for you."

Pei Zi Yun looked at Ye Su’er and pulled her close as he whispered, "Su’er, I know one day I shall become a big hero and shall ride the colors of the rainbow and take your hand in marriage."

The minute Pei Zi Yun finished speaking, Ye Su’er tiptoed and planted a kiss on Pei Zi Yun’s face. She then blushed in embarra.s.sment and she turned around to leave.

Yu Yun Jun had been waiting for him outside the sect’s domain for some time. When she saw Pei Zi Yun, she walked up to receive him. "How did it go, Zi Yun?"

Hearing Yu Yun Jun’s words, Pei Zi Yun replied, "Master, it’s accomplished. We tied up a secret alliance. Two days later, the Sect Leader will visit. She will then come to our sect personally."

Yu Yun Jun turned around in shock, "Although it was a secret alliance, if she chose to visit openly, doesn’t that mean it’s an open alliance?"

She then realized that this must be the result of Ye Su’er’s persuasion. She then suddenly thought about Chu Xia and her heart froze. The both of them remained quiet for a time before she asked out, "Where do we go to next?"

Pei Zi Yun then said, "Since this matter has been concluded, I shall return to the county. I need to meet the magistrate."