Chapter 523
Moreover, the social structure of the Xuanwei Realm, which currently makes Zheng Fa uncomfortable, is fundamentally built upon the reality of spiritual roots.
If he truly wishes to realize his aspirations and create a fundamental distinction between the Jiushan Sect and other sects in the Xuanwei Realm, understanding spiritual roots is indeed crucial.
But Zheng Fa couldn't afford to think about that right now.
The main issue facing the Jiushan Sect was not a lack of talent, but a scarcity of resources.
He organized the latest issue of "Xian Dao," picked up a document from the table, and headed towards Wanxian Island.
Zheng Fa did not return home but flew towards the western side of Wanxian Island.
In the northwest corner of Wanxian Island, there was a small hill about a hundred zhang high, with two adjacent courtyards halfway up the hill.
The left courtyard was home to Madam Xuanhua, while the right one belonged to Xiao Yuying.
Zheng Fa walked towards the left courtyard, not bothering to conceal his aura. As soon as he reached the door, it swung open.
Madam Xuanhua stood at the entrance.
To Zheng Fa's surprise, Xiao Yuying was also at Madam Xuanhua's place, standing right behind her.
Noticing the puzzled expression on Zheng Fa's face, Xiao Yuying glanced at him and then at Madam Xuanhua, and somewhat tactfully said, "I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave..."
Zheng Fa was momentarily taken aback and replied, "Xiao Xianzi, I was just about to look for you after speaking with Madam Xuanhua."
Xiao Yuying, who had been stepping outside, paused at his words. Seeing Zheng Fa nod at her, she leisurely walked back.
The three of them entered Madam Xuanhua's living room and took their seats. Zheng Fa handed the document in his hand to Madam Xuanhua.
"Tian Gong Ge?" Madam Xuanhua glanced at it and exclaimed, "A new department under the Bureau of Affairs?"
Zheng Fa nodded, "It's roughly on par with the Agricultural Department led by Daoist Qian."
"The Agricultural Department oversees agriculture in the Jiushan Realm."
"Tian Gong Ge will be responsible for the industrial sector of the Jiushan Realm in the future."
The Jiushan Realm had developed to a point where agriculture had a solid foundation. In Zheng Fa's vision, industrialization was the next step in its development.
On one hand, this would better utilize his unique advantage—modern knowledge.
On the other hand, in Zheng Fa's understanding, industrialization was the only way to address the shallow foundation of the Jiushan Sect.
If they continued down the traditional path of Xuanwei sects, it would be impossible to produce the necessary resources in a short time.
Madam Xuanhua frowned and murmured, "Industrial?"
She lowered her head to flip through the thin document, and after a moment, she raised her head and said, "According to this document, alchemy, talisman-making, and artifact forging all fall under the industrial sector?"
Zheng Fa smiled, "Exactly. I've divided production into two parts: agricultural production and industrial production."
"In the future, industrial production will be the leading part of the Jiushan Realm's economy."
Madam Xuanhua was silent for a while, seemingly unsure of what to say. After a moment, she murmured, "Why not hand this over to the three Grand Elders?"
At this, Zheng Fa understood Madam Xuanhua's hesitation.
Tian Gong Ge was so important that its head would naturally hold significant power.
She might feel uneasy, being an outsider, and perhaps even suspect that this was a trap...
Looking into Madam Xuanhua's eyes, Zheng Fa spoke plainly, "Madam, you are the most suitable candidate."
Madam Xuanhua remained silent, but her eyes brightened a bit.
"In terms of ability, you are the strongest in artifact forging within the Jiushan Realm."
In Zheng Fa's view, while talisman-making and alchemy could also relate to industry, artifact forging was the closest to industrial thinking.
"In terms of contributions, you participated in the 'Jindan Project' and the research of the 'Jiushan Jindan Method,' making significant contributions to our Jiushan Sect."
This was undeniable.
Although these two projects couldn't be entirely credited to Madam Xuanhua, she was indeed one of the most important participants.
Not to mention others... even Elder Yuan, his contributions to the Jiushan Sect likely didn't surpass those of Madam Xuanhua.
Madam Xuanhua's eyes sparkled even more.
"To be honest, our Jiushan Sect is currently short on manpower."
Zheng Fa held up a hand, "I’m currently managing University Island, focusing on education and research, and I still need to find time for cultivation."
"Senior Sister Zhang oversees the Bureau of Affairs and is already stretched thin."
Zheng Fa raised two fingers and continued, "The three Grand Elders—Uncle Pang is currently responsible for the Hundred Immortals Investigation, and I intend to assign him the task of communicating with other sects in the future."
Uncle Pang was Zheng Fa's preferred candidate for diplomatic matters.
He was adaptable and skilled in social interactions.
On the other hand, he was also fiercely loyal to the sect, making it highly unlikely for him to betray its interests.
He was truly a perfect fit.
"Uncle Huang oversees the Law Enforcement Hall and is not suitable for any additional roles."
Upon hearing this, Madam Xuanhua seemed a bit confused, and Zheng Fa explained, "The Law Enforcement Hall holds a special position and must remain impartial."
"Moreover, Uncle Huang's personality is not suitable for other duties."
Uncle Huang could be described as stern but not unkind; he only cared about Senior Sister Zhang, which essentially made him quite selfless.
The Law Enforcement Hall had been operating exceptionally well during this time.
"As for my master, he is currently busy with his own matters, and given his personality, he is probably more suited for managing Jiushan News and drama."
Elder Yuan, how should one put it...
His only contribution as the sect leader over the years was taking Zheng Fa as his disciple.
Handing such an important department to him would not only be a torment for Elder Yuan but also for Zheng Fa himself—he certainly didn't want to see the head of Tian Gong Ge as a hands-off manager, who might later betray the sect.
It was better to have him manage the cultural sector; the old man was a natural when it came to news!
Zheng Fa clenched his fist, and as he counted, Madam Xuanhua truly felt she was the most suitable candidate for the head of Tian Gong Ge.
Yet she still had some reservations.
"Madam, I believe Daoist Qian has already proven that our Jiushan Sect does not place much importance on background."
Zheng Fa seemed to know what she was thinking and added, "Daoist Qian..."
Madam Xuanhua had heard that Daoist Qian, due to his significant contributions, had received a substantial allocation of resources from Zheng Fa.
On one hand, there were various rewards of Jindan spiritual materials.
On the other hand, the 'Jindan Project' team had conducted experiments specifically for Daoist Qian, aiming to help him condense a high-quality Jindan.
Now, Daoist Qian only needed to gradually accumulate spiritual power before he could successfully form a Jindan, making it almost a sure thing. It was likely that no one among the five true disciples of the Xuanwei sect could achieve Jindan formation as easily as he could.
She also recalled the Hall of Worthies, where her and Daoist Qian's statues had been erected long ago.
At that time, Daoist Qian had not yet cultivated the Pure Bamboo.
She had only recently joined the Jiushan Sect.
After a moment of silence, she stood up and cupped her hands towards Zheng Fa, saying, "Xuanhua obeys the sect leader's command."
Xiao Yuying, listening from the side, couldn't help but feel moved.
She understood her friend well; as a loose cultivator, Madam Xuanhua had a strong sense of vigilance—loose cultivators often faced oppression from large sects.
Moreover, Madam Xuanhua was not born a Yuanying cultivator; she had encountered her fair share of struggles and conflicts along the way.
Her past experiences had ingrained in her a deep-seated distrust of sects, a cautious nature, and a love for spirit stones.
This was also why, upon seeing the appointment, Madam Xuanhua had instinctively chosen to retreat and refuse.
But from her observations, after such a long time together, Madam Xuanhua now addressed Zheng Fa as the sect leader with increasing sincerity.
At this moment, she even sensed a profound meaning behind Madam Xuanhua's brief statement.
Zheng Fa nodded in satisfaction and gestured to the seats, saying, "Let's sit and talk."
Madam Xuanhua took her seat, and Zheng Fa opened the document on the table, carefully explaining, "Tian Gong Ge is the central department of the first fifty-year plan, and there are some matters I need to clarify with you."
Madam Xuanhua had already stepped into her role and listened intently.
"Madam..."
"Just call me Xuanhua, Sect Leader."
Zheng Fa nodded, "Xuanhua, I appointed you to lead Tian Gong Ge because of your experience with the 'Jindan Project.'"
"…"
Madam Xuanhua continued to listen attentively.
"In the 'Jindan Project,' we also experimented with breaking down a cultivation technique into simpler components..."
"Sect Leader, are you suggesting we use this approach to improve artifact forging, alchemy, or talisman-making?"
"Exactly!" Zheng Fa smiled, "But it’s not just that."
He took out an item from his sleeve, "Have you seen this before, Xuanhua?"
"A talisman seal?"
"Yes, what Tian Gong Ge needs to do is to simplify and upgrade the manufacturing process of items like this talisman seal and the 'Jindan Project,' aiming to increase the output of various products."
Madam Xuanhua slowly nodded, as if she understood.
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