Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2202 - 1571: Punishment

Establishing a Spirit Vein from scratch necessitates a greater expenditure of Spirit Stones and a more extended period for cultivation. However, when Spirit Veins are relocated directly, their Grade can be elevated rapidly, particularly during their initial stages.

"How is the progress of the disciples’ assignments?" With the Spirit Vein matters resolved, Li Zhirui turned his attention to other pressing issues.

"It's not clear yet, as no one has reported back so far."

"Then, I shall personally investigate. Firstly, procure the Spirit Stones required for the Spirit Vein, and subsequently, distribute them to the disciples to facilitate the completion of their assigned tasks."

Within the treasure house lay an immense collection of Spiritual Objects and Spirit Stones. Even Li Zhirui found himself taken aback by the sheer volume.

Consequently, utilizing Spirit Stones to enhance the Grade of a Spirit Vein was merely a minor undertaking.

"Understood."

Wansheng departed from Ascension Mountain first to assess the current state of the relocated Spirit Veins. After estimating the Spirit Stones needed to upgrade these veins to the Eighth Tier, he returned to the Mountain Gate to commence the inventory of the Spirit Stones.

Meanwhile, Li Zhirui journeyed southward and soon located the contingent of disciples engaged in the construction of the Marketplace.

He chose not to reveal his presence immediately, opting instead to observe them discreetly from a concealed vantage point.

Given the limited prior interactions, he was not intimately familiar with them, making this an opportune moment for observation.

"Brother Zhang, why do the Sect Leader and Elders assign us such seemingly trivial tasks? Does this not impede our cultivation time?" A Mahayana Disciple voiced his discontent after positioning a smoothly polished massive stone onto the city wall.

"Indeed, and with the trials drawing near, shouldn't our focus be on completing them before undertaking other duties?"

These sentiments quickly ignited dissatisfaction among the assembled disciples, who began to voice their frustrations.

"The Sect Leader and Elders undoubtedly possess their own strategic objectives; perhaps the construction process itself is an integral part of the trials?"

Held in high regard by many, Brother Zhang responded with calm assurance, continuing his work without being swayed by their complaints.

"Regarding your concerns, as long as everyone dedicates themselves earnestly to the task, its completion will not require an excessive amount of time."

Li Zhirui perceived that Zhang's composure was genuine, devoid of pretense, and he inwardly acknowledged the rarity of such an attitude among disciples.

"Brother Zhang's perspective is pertinent; we were indeed thinking too narrowly."

Influenced by Zhang's reasoning, the other disciples adopted a more focused demeanor, thereby accelerating the construction of the Marketplace.

Li Zhirui maintained his hidden status, observing for a short while longer before proceeding to the location of another group of disciples.

Upon arrival an hour later, Li Zhirui's brow furrowed at the initial sight.

In stark contrast to the Marketplace, which was already taking visible shape, the construction of the Immortal City had not even commenced!

A majority of the disciples had split into two factions, aligning themselves behind distinct Independent Immortal Disciples and facing off as if competing for command.

However, a portion of the disciples were absent from the area.

"Junior Brother Liu, understanding that your proposed plan is inadequate, do you intend to persist and refuse to concede?"

Junior Brother Liu's expression turned frigid as he retorted, "Who claims my construction plan is flawed? That is merely your assertion! We are all Outer Sect Disciples; by what right do you presume to critique my design?"

"Sigh!"

The cultivator who had spoken previously let out a sigh, expressing his apprehension, "If this obstruction persists, it risks jeopardizing the Sect's paramount objectives. How do you intend to account for this to the Sect Leader and Elders, Junior Brother Liu?"

"What concern is that of mine? The inability to construct the Immortal City rests squarely on your shoulders, Brother He!"

Junior Brother Liu adopted a sarcastic demeanor, stating coldly, "Were it not for Brother He's deliberate sabotage of the foundation, which nearly resulted in the burial of Junior Brother Gao and others, they would not have departed so precipitously!"

"Brother He, do you harbor no fear that they might return to the Sect and report this transgression to the Sect Leader and Elders? Or, perhaps you have implemented measures to ensure their return to the Mountain Gate is rendered impossible?"

Brother He appeared as though his clandestine actions had been exposed, his countenance stiffening as he admonished, "Cease your baseless accusations! The foundation's sudden collapse was unequivocally a consequence of your negligence in conducting proper inspections and selecting an unsuitable location, having no bearing on me whatsoever!"

"Hmph! Whether you orchestrated it or not, you are acutely aware of the truth. Unless you possess an unblemished conscience, the reality cannot remain concealed indefinitely!"

"Judging by the timeline, Junior Brother Gao and the others should be arriving at the Mountain Gate around now."

Concealed nearby, Li Zhirui's expression grew exceedingly grim as his insight allowed him to discern the veracity within their conflicting statements.

He was amenable to internal rivalries among disciples, even viewing them as beneficial for fostering mutual advancement.

However, such competition ought to be conducted with propriety and fairness, unlike the actions of Brother He, who, driven by self-interest, stooped to underhanded tactics and even imperiled the lives of his fellow disciples!

"Enough!"

Li Zhirui, refusing to listen any longer, felt a furious wave surge within him, casting a heavy pressure over all the disciples who were present. The atmosphere around them grew still, with not a single sound breaking the silence. However, every disciple was startled by the Sect Leader's abrupt arrival, none having expected to see him at this moment, and unsure for how long he had been observing. It was certain, though, that he had overheard their preceding discussion. "Should the investigation reveal the veracity of these claims," the Sect Leader declared, his voice stern, "your cultivation shall be revoked, and you will be imprisoned!"