Chapter 029: They Came Striding Through the Air—And They Mean Trouble!

Liu Ruyan did not pay attention to the expressions of the newly recruited disciples behind her. Instead, she walked briskly over to Liang Chuan.

"Are those up ahead the disciples who were just recruited?"

Liang Chuan cast his gaze toward the group of newcomers. A single glance was enough to tell him that the highest cultivation level among them was merely at the fifth level of Qi Refining.

"Yes, Senior Brother. We recruited ten people this time. Four of them tested as having blue-grade potential, which is quite good."

In truth, Liu Ruyan was already satisfied with these disciples; at the very least, with the investment of resources, they could all likely reach the Foundation Establishment stage. It was a pity that the testing stones could not pinpoint specific spiritual roots, only provide a rough estimate of aptitude.

"Only ten?"

Liang Chuan frowned slightly. Manpower was needed everywhere now. He had been counting on cultivating a large number of talents in a short time to deal with the unfolding situation. Furthermore, he needed personnel for everything from the ammunition production lines to guarding the sect. Although they had prisoners of war, they could hardly be entrusted with the defense of the sect. Still, looking at the current situation, being able to select these ten was already quite an achievement.

"Senior Brother, I have calculated it. Based on our current daily profits, these ten are the limit we can afford in the near term while maintaining a balanced budget."

Because there were other disciples in the sect who required resources, it was impossible to supply every single disciple with unlimited cultivation materials, especially since the spirit rooms and other resources were currently being provided without restriction. The amount of spirit stones spent daily was already astronomical, not to mention the upkeep for the prisoners.

"It seems we will have to wait a while longer." Liang Chuan understood that once unlimited supply of cultivation materials began, the sect's reserves of spirit stones would inevitably plummet; the activation of the spirit rooms alone was the primary drain.

"Shall I arrange for the new disciples to join Peng Shan and his group?"

Liu Ruyan prepared to turn and leave after receiving Liang Chuan's affirmative nod, but just then, he called out to her.

"Junior Sister, once the disciples are settled, activate the sect's grand protective formation. Turn on the long-range transmission array as well!"

"Activate the grand protective formation? What about the disciples' cultivation?"

Liu Ruyan was puzzled. She knew that if the protective formation were activated, it would require the disciples to sustain the array with their own spiritual energy for extended periods, which would make it impossible for them to focus on cultivation.

"I have felt restless lately. By my reckoning, the Yangsheng Sect is likely already on its way!" Liang Chuan sighed and looked toward the sect gates. "As for the disciples' cultivation, let it continue as normal. Use spirit stones to fuel the protective formation instead!"

Although using spirit stones to replace the disciples' spiritual energy was somewhat wasteful, the consumption would be significantly lower when the sect was not under direct attack.

"But if we do that, our expenses will rise sharply." Liu Ruyan looked worried. The sect was becoming wealthier, but that was no reason to squander resources. The protective formation and the transmission array together would cost at least ten thousand spirit stones a day—a daily expenditure equivalent to more than a month's revenue for the old White Sword Sect. That was why she was so hesitant; it wasn't that she didn't want to be frugal, but she was truly terrified of being poor again. Managing every aspect of the sect made her feel as if she were bleeding internally just thinking about the costs.

"Junior Sister, spirit stones can be earned again, but if the sect is destroyed, there will be no chance for a comeback!" Liang Chuan fixed his gaze on her, his voice softening with helplessness. If he could, he would have preferred to take his time developing the sect, but the internal and external pressures left him no room to maneuver. Given the urgency, it would be a true regret to let them fall into danger just to save a few coins. If they weren't using spirit stones to arm themselves, were they supposed to hand them over to the enemy?

Meeting Liang Chuan’s eyes, Liu Ruyan finally nodded. Though the cost was indeed high, the stockpile of Foundation Establishment pills would at least sustain them for a while.

Liang Chuan rested his hand on the sword at his waist and said encouragingly, "I will leave the management of the sect to you for this period."

"What? What are you going to do, Senior Brother?" Liu Ruyan was stunned. This sudden request to manage the sect caught her completely off guard.

"I am taking all those at the Foundation Establishment stage down the mountain. Since they are already on their way, I intend to head out and make preparations in advance."

Liang Chuan had considered that if they were to fight within the sect, they would be greatly restricted; they would be unable to strike at the enemy from inside the formation. If they were to set an ambush off the mountain, however, they would more than likely catch the enemy off guard.

Although Liu Ruyan wanted to dissuade him, the look in Liang Chuan's eyes told her that his mind was already made up. He immediately gathered the twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators to descend the mountain.

Because they still lacked enough handguns, ten were equipped with firearms, while the other ten were outfitted with specially purchased spiritual artifacts. As for ammunition, they were producing about twenty rounds a day, which was sufficient for their needs.

...

Liang Chuan arrived outside Nanyang City with his twenty men. He did not enter but stopped outside the city walls.

Peng Shan took the initiative to ask, "Sect Master, should I enter the city to notify the City Lord and the disciples stationed there?" If they had cooperation from within the city, the ambush would surely be smoother.

Liang Chuan rejected the suggestion immediately. "No." He did not trust the City Lord at all; the man was a coward, and telling him might even lead to their exposure. As for the disciples stationed in the city, although they could be trusted, involving them would ultimately increase the risk.

Peng Shan nodded and turned to the other nineteen men. "Spread out. Scout the perimeter of Nanyang City carefully. If you encounter anything suspicious, report back immediately!" By moving in pairs, they would at least be able to hold out long enough to send word if they encountered danger.

After the group dispersed, Liang Chuan did not remain idle. He found a hidden spot, sat cross-legged, and began to cultivate.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Two disciples rushed back.

"Sect Master, we just saw a group of people coming from the north—and they were flying!"

Liang Chuan was stunned upon hearing this.

Flying?!