As the sky began to darken, Zhu Jingyue, with his pig-like face, Chen Guisou, who resembled a turtle, and the old and frail Ba Shanyue were still in discussion.
With the three leaders not having spoken, the other cultivators wouldn't dare to start on their own.
Zhu Jingyue looked up at the sky, realizing it was getting late, and finally spoke to everyone for the first time:
"Fellow Daoists, this spirit collapse incident falls within the jurisdiction of our City of Seeking Immortality. As the City Lord, I, Zhu Jingyue, am duty-bound to organize this rescue mission for the missing cultivators. I understand that being summoned here on short notice might cause some discontent. I feel the same and can empathize with you all. Currently, we have two prevailing opinions here. One advocates for immediate rescue, regardless of the cost, to save every second."
Zhu Jingyue deliberately paused, glancing at a small group of anxious cultivators nearby.
It was clear they were from Immortal-Knocking Town and Immortal-Worshipping Town, as the missing were their kin.
"The other opinion, shared by myself, Chief Steward Chen, and Guardian Ba, emphasizes the importance of preventing further losses from the spirit collapse. We need to devise a sound rescue plan before taking action."
Although Zhu Jingyue objectively presented both opinions without showing bias, everyone could sense it.
Those in charge seemed inclined to delay the matter.
Zhu Xiaosuo silently admired Zhu Jingyue's eloquence.
"However, regardless of which opinion we heed or what measures we take, we must ensure the safety of everyone present. With nightfall approaching, it's unwise to start digging. Therefore, I propose that fellow Daoists rest here for the night while Chief Steward Chen, Guardian Ba, and I work overtime to discuss a plan, aiming to begin the rescue at dawn tomorrow!"
"We'll follow the City Lord's arrangements!"
Many cultivators, upon hearing Zhu Jingyue's words, immediately sat down to meditate and cultivate.
Most were content with this, but some disagreed.
The dissenters were naturally those from Immortal-Knocking Town and Immortal-Worshipping Town.
"City Lord! The spirit collapse is urgent, and rescue cannot be delayed! If we dig down quickly and find the spirit vein, those trapped cultivators might still have a chance. If we delay any longer, we might only be able to recover bodies!"
"Yes, City Lord! Lives are at stake!"
Zhu Jingyue smiled and said:
"Fellow Daoists, there's no need to worry. I understand your feelings. However, everyone here from the Immortal Sect came voluntarily to help after receiving the Sound Transmission Talisman, without expecting any reward. They are the backbone of the City of Seeking Immortality's Immortal Sect and our future. If anything were to happen to them, how could I possibly explain it to you?"
One cultivator, frustrated, jumped up:
"But if we don't rescue them after coming here, what's the point of coming?"
Ba Mingyang interjected:
"Fellow Daoist, you can't put it that way. If you think our presence is pointless, why not send a Sound Transmission Order to Elder Sun Qingde and have him order everyone to leave, right?"
The cultivator wanted to say more but was pulled back by someone beside him.
"If the seniors have this attitude, then I have no choice but to discuss it with Elder Sun."
"Feel free."
Zhu Xiaosuo rested until late at night when suddenly a streak of escaping light appeared on the horizon.
In an instant, it landed before him.
It was a tall, slender elder.
Zhu Jingyue stood up and said:
"Greetings, Elder Sun."
Few cultivators had ever seen someone of Elder Sun Qingde's status.
But with Zhu Jingyue, Chen Guisou, and Ba Shanyue all standing to greet him, they knew it was Sun Qingde, whom they had secretly cursed countless times.
So they all chimed in:
"Greetings, Elder Sun."
Sun Qingde, however, had no time for pleasantries.
He loudly questioned:
"City Lord Zhu, you've taken on the Immortal Sect's mission. Why haven't you organized the sect members to search for the spirit vein?"
Zhu Jingyue replied calmly:
"Elder Sun, we've been working on it, but much of the organizational work doesn't show immediate results."
"I see you're just making excuses to shirk responsibility!"
Zhu Jingyue responded:
"Elder Sun, I rushed over as soon as I received the mission. How could I be shirking responsibility? This matter is indeed tricky. This is the first spirit collapse in over a hundred years under my jurisdiction in the City of Seeking Immortality. The Daoist seniors who handled the last spirit collapse have either passed away or are busy with affairs at the provincial capital or within the sect leadership. Although I've been City Lord for over fifty years, I'm a novice when it comes to spirit collapses."
"There's a first time for everything! Why are you dragging your feet?"
"Elder Sun, I assure you I'm not delaying. Upon arrival, I immediately assessed the situation. We need to confirm where the spirit collapse started, how long it lasted, which areas were affected, and to what extent. Only after in-depth discussions with cultivators who witnessed the collapse from the periphery can we make an accurate prediction for locating the spirit vein and rescuing the cultivators. Can these tasks be skipped?"
"That's just sophistry. So, have you come up with a plan?"
"I'm merely stating the facts. We have a preliminary plan. However, it's late now, and to prevent further spirit collapse and damage, we plan to start work at dawn."
"Tomorrow? By tomorrow, there might not be any survivors left in the spirit vein! I demand you start now!"
Ba Shanyue stepped forward:
"Elder Sun, as an Elder of the Immortal Sect, if you command the Daoists to search for the spirit vein now, it can be done. However, please issue a Mission Order."
Sun Qingde's eyes flashed with anger:
"Ba Shanyue, what do you mean? Are you saying that without a Mission Order, you won't follow the orders of an Immortal Sect Elder?"
"I wouldn't dare. But without a Mission Order from the sect, if cultivators work through the night and an accident occurs, who will take responsibility?"
"Whoever is responsible will take responsibility. Rescuing lives is the priority; everything else can wait!"
"According to the Immortal Sect's rules, Article 224, without a Mission Order, if a cultivator perishes during a mission, it's considered poor management by the local sect guardians. Since Elder Sun insists, I must refuse to comply."
"Ba Shanyue!"
"Elder Sun! If you wish to save lives, then issue the Mission Order! As the guardian of the City of Seeking Immortality's Immortal Sect, I will not agree to risk searching for the spirit vein at night!"
Sun Qingde sneered:
"Fine, I see it now. Every one of you here wants the cultivators in the spirit vein to die!"
Zhu Jingyue said:
"Elder Sun, we've said all we can. If you don't understand our approach, we're willing to explain further. However, Guardian Ba's request for you to issue a Mission Order does have some merit."
Wishing for fellow Daoists to die?
It's a shared sorrow among similar beings.
With no grievances or grudges, who would wish for other cultivators to die innocently?
However, the spirit vein was discovered by Sun Qingde's people, and those mining the raw spirit stones were his loyal followers from Immortal-Knocking Town and Immortal-Worshipping Town. Most of the profits went into Sun Qingde's pockets.
No one said anything because he had power and influence.
Self-interest is understandable.
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But when trouble arises, he should bear the responsibility.
It's unreasonable to reap all the benefits and expect others to take the blame when things go wrong.
Yet Sun Qingde insisted on finding reason where there was none.