The creation of Spirit Vein from nothing requires more Spirit Stones and time to cultivate. When migrated directly, Spirit Veins can improve their Grade quickly, especially at lower levels.
"Howās the disciplesā tasks progressing?" With the Spirit Vein issue settled, Li Zhirui began inquiring about the other matters.
"Not clear yet, no one has returned so far."
"Then Iāll go check myself. First, prepare the Spirit Stones needed for the Spirit Vein, and then pass them on to the disciples to complete their tasks."
The treasure house contained a vast amount of Spiritual Objects and Spirit Stones. Even Li Zhirui was astounded by the quantity.
Thus, consuming Spirit Stones to enhance the Spirit Veinās Grade is merely a trivial matter.
"Okay."
Wansheng first left Ascension Mountain to inspect the conditions of the migrated Spirit Veins. After calculating the Spirit Stones needed to upgrade these veins to the Eighth Tier, he returned to the Mountain Gate to start counting the Spirit Stones.
Meanwhile, Li Zhirui headed south and shortly found the group of disciples constructing the Marketplace.
He did not reveal himself immediately but chose to hide nearby to observe them carefully.
Since there hadnāt been much interaction before, he wasnāt very familiar with them, so now was a good opportunity.
"Brother Zhang, why do the Sect Leader and Elders assign us such trivial tasks? Isnāt it taking up our cultivation time?" A Mahayana Disciple couldnāt help but complain after placing a polished giant stone on the city wall.
"Yes, and the trials are approaching; shouldnāt we complete them first before doing other tasks?"
These words instantly stirred up dissatisfaction among the disciples, and they began to vent.
"The Sect Leader and Elders naturally have their plans, and maybe the construction process is part of the trial?"
Respected by many, Brother Zhang spoke calmly, continuing his work unfazed by their words.
"Regarding your concerns, as long as everyone works earnestly, it wonāt take much time to complete."
Li Zhirui could see that Zhangās calmness was genuine, not pretentious, and inwardly nodded, recognizing this attitudeās rarity among disciples.
"Brother Zhang makes a valid point; we were indeed narrow-minded."
Other disciples, influenced by Zhang, adopted a serious attitude, hastening the Marketplaceās construction.
Li Zhirui didnāt reveal himself but watched for a while before flying to where another group of disciples was.
In an hour, he arrived at the destination. However, at first glance, he frowned.
Compared to the already visible Marketplace, the construction of the Immortal City hadnāt even started!
Most disciples divided into two factions, standing behind Independent Immortal Disciples, confronting each other as if vying for leadership.
Yet, some disciples were not nearby.
"Junior Brother Liu, knowing your plan is unsuitable, will you still persist and refuse to yield?"
Junior Brother Liuās face turned cold, saying, "Who said my construction plan has issues? Thatās just your opinion! Weāre all Outer Sect Disciples; what gives you the right to judge my plan?"
"Sigh!"
The previous cultivator sighed, worrying, "If this delay continues, it will ruin the sectās major affairs. How do you plan to explain to the Sect Leader and Elders, Junior Brother Liu?"
"What does this have to do with me? The inability to construct the Immortal City is because of you, Brother He!"
Junior Brother Liu displayed a mocking expression, speaking coldly, "If not for Brother He deliberately sabotaging the foundation, causing Junior Brother Gao and others to almost be buried underground, they wouldnāt have left abruptly!"
"Brother He, arenāt you afraid theyāll return to the sect and report this to the Sect Leader and Elders? Or, have you taken precautions, making it impossible for them to return to the Mountain Gate?"
Brother He seemed like his secret was exposed, his expression stiffening, scolding, "Stop spouting nonsense! The foundationās sudden collapse was clearly due to your failure to check properly and choose an appropriate location, unrelated to me!"
"Hmph! Whether you did it or not, you know well. Unless youāre not guilty, thereās no hiding the truth!"
"Based on the time, Junior Brother Gao and others should be at the Mountain Gate now."
Hidden nearby, Li Zhiruiās face had turned extremely grim, discerning the truth from the falsehood in their words with his insight.
He tolerated internal competition among disciples, even appreciating it as it fosters mutual progress.
But it must occur in a reasonable and fair manner, unlike Brother He, who for personal gain, resorted to underhanded actions and even endangered fellow disciples!
"Enough!"
Li Zhirui, unwilling to listen further, felt a surge of anger within, imposing immense pressure on every disciple present.
The surrounding air seemed to freeze; no sound was heard.
But all disciples were shocked by the sudden appearance of the Sect Leader, none anticipating seeing him now, unsure how long heād been listening.
At least, he heard the previous conversation.
"If upon investigation, the truth is as stated, the sect will strip you of your cultivation and imprison you!"