158: Undercurrents

Managing Red Dragon Mountain was troublesome, but it was also a good thing, as it would surely bring many benefits.

Although the Mad Daoist didn't handle affairs, his share was never lacking, and no one dared to reach out for it.

On the path of cultivation, wealth, companions, techniques, and a suitable place are all indispensable. As long as Xu Sanyan successfully took over Red Dragon Mountain, "wealth" would certainly not be lacking. With power, comes financial resources.

The "wealth" here refers not only to Spirit Stones but also to Spirit Medicine, Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, and so on, all of which fall under "wealth."

He also had "techniques"; the newly acquired Duo Dao Qi Yuan Scripture was one such. This Cultivation Technique directly pointed to the Great Dao and could lead to Immortal Ascension, truly living up to its name as a Saintly Book.

As for "place," Red Dragon Mountain was an excellent cultivation treasure ground, rich in Spiritual Qi. Moreover, this was the least important aspect for him, as Xu Sanyan never relied on meditation for cultivation, but entirely on his cheat.

Finally, "companions" referred to like-minded individuals. This was difficult for him; with his personality, he would never completely let down his guard with anyone, let alone discuss the Dao with them.

While contemplating, Xu Sanyan had already returned to his Immortal Cave. The Sect-bestowed Immortal Cave hadn't been assigned yet, so he would likely have to stay here for a few more days.

As soon as he stepped into the Immortal Cave, Meng Zhuer greeted him with a joyful expression, "Master, you're back?"

"Yes, has anything happened in the Sect recently?" Xu Sanyan patted her head and asked casually.

"New Disciples joined a few days ago, does that count?"

"Oh? How many people came?" Xu Sanyan felt a little curious.

"There were quite a lot this time, over three thousand people in total. Our Red Dragon Mountain received seven hundred."

Xu Sanyan nodded slowly. He needed to thoroughly understand the situation of Red Dragon Mountain during this time so he would have a clear idea for future management.

At this moment, Xiang Tan's voice came from outside the Immortal Cave, "Senior Brother Xu, are you back?"

"Come in."

Xu Sanyan waved his hand, and the Immortal Cave Restriction opened. Xiang Tan walked in, glanced at Meng Zhuer, nodded slightly in greeting, and then got to the main point,

"Elder Wu of the Affairs Hall, Elder Qian of the Blood Refining Hall, and fourteen other Elders are waiting for you in the Crimson Heart Hall. Do you want to go?"

Xu Sanyan pondered for a moment. He would eventually have to interact with them once he took charge of Red Dragon Mountain, so he nodded, "Let's go."

"Okay." Xiang Tan led the way.

Midway, Xiang Tan hesitated and said, "Senior Brother Xu, please be careful of Elder Wu later."

Xu Sanyan turned his head slightly, "What do you mean?"

"Junior Sister previously heard Senior Brother Luo say that our Red Dragon Mountain's Hall Master doesn't handle miscellaneous affairs, so most matters were managed by Elder Wu. But now that you're here…"

Although she didn't finish her sentence, he understood. It all boiled down to two words—power!

Xu Sanyan's ascension would inevitably impact the power held by the Elders. Taking the Affairs Hall as an example, previously, a cake was divided among three people: first, the Sect took a share, then the Mad Daoist took a share, and finally, Elder Wu.

But with his addition, there was one more person to share the profits, and he was taking the share that originally belonged to Elder Wu. He could only take that share.

Because no one dared to touch the Sect's and the Mad Daoist's shares, if Xu Sanyan wanted to be full, he could only do so.

"Haha… No matter." Xu Sanyan chuckled softly, already mentally prepared.

Where there are people, there is struggle. He had expended great effort and narrowly escaped death in the Saint competition, wasn't it all for these benefits?

If they weren't willing to let go, then he would break their hands!

In a flash, they arrived at Crimson Heart Hall.

"Greetings, Saint!"

Outside the main hall, a group of people waited. Upon seeing Xu Sanyan, they cupped their hands in salute. Within the Sect, the Saint's status was above theirs.

Xu Sanyan glanced around. Standing at the very front was an old man dressed in a light purple robe, wearing a purple-gold hairband, and slowly rotating two intricately carved golden Dragon orbs in his hands. He was staring at him unblinkingly.

This must be Elder Wu.

Xu Sanyan pulled up the corners of his mouth, revealing a slight smile, "Thank you for coming to meet me, Seniors. This Junior is truly humbled."

Though he said so, he showed no sign of humility, confidently walking at the very front and taking the lead to enter the main hall.

The Elders exchanged glances, frowning slightly. This person didn't seem easy to deal with.

Xu Sanyan sat in the main seat and waved his hand casually, "Elders, please be seated."

"Haha, Saint truly has gained power overnight, like a Dragon about to soar to the heavens." Elder Wu congratulated him with a fake smile.

Xu Sanyan naturally understood the meaning behind his words. "Dragon about to soar to the heavens" meant that although he was a Dragon, he was still a young Dragon and had not truly soared yet.

It was a subtle warning.

After all, among everyone present, besides Xiang Tan, Xu Sanyan had the lowest cultivation. The other Elders had at least early Soul Refinement Realm cultivation.

Elders in the Mi Dao Realm were not even qualified to attend today's meeting.

Xu Sanyan didn't take the bait. There was no point in verbal sparring. He simply fixed his gaze on Elder Wu, "Elders, why have you summoned me?"

Elder Wu was the first to speak, "Since the unfortunate demise of the previous Saint two hundred and seventy-one years ago, our Red Dragon Mountain has not had a Saint for over two hundred years. Although the Saint's position is prominent and his power great, Senior Nephew Xu's cultivation is insufficient. If you were to rashly take over Red Dragon Mountain, I fear it would be difficult to gain the trust of the masses."

Elder Wu spoke as if he were considering Xu Sanyan's best interests, and the Elders on both sides slowly nodded in agreement.

"So?" Xu Sanyan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"This old man thought, why not continue operating under the previous model? Once Senior Nephew Xu's cultivation improves, we can discuss it again, how about that?"

"Of course, the Saint's share of the annual profits will not be less." Elder Wu added with a smile.

Xu Sanyan slowly shook his head, pointing a finger at Elder Wu, his eyes cold, "Firstly, you must address me as Saint. This is a rule of the Saint Sect. Secondly, the Hall Master personally said that from now on, everything on Red Dragon Mountain is under my management. Do you want me to invite the Hall Master here to tell you himself?"

Elder Wu frowned slightly. If the Hall Master had spoken, things would be difficult. So, he changed the subject and said,

"This old man's words are also out of good intentions, all for the Saint's consideration, and also for Red Dragon Mountain's consideration, without any selfish motives. If the Saint takes over suddenly, I fear many areas might not be handled well."

"Heh heh, then you don't need to worry, Elder Wu. If anything goes wrong, I will personally investigate. If the Affairs Hall has problems, then Elder Wu's ability is limited, and someone more capable can take that position, wouldn't you agree?"

Although Xu Sanyan had a smile on his face, there was no warmth in it.

Elder Wu's golden orbs in his hand creaked as he squeezed them. After a long silence, he slowly nodded, "Since that's the case, then this old man will observe the Saint's methods. I'll take my leave."

With that, he rose to leave, but Xu Sanyan interrupted him,

"Wait, there's one more thing."