How to build a Sect?

[Pind_Ala]

It is nighttime, and the vast majority of the people inside the dojo are deep in their slumber.

Elisi was lying flat on her bed, staring blankly up at the ceiling. Desperately trying to sleep, but her head was full of chaotic, random thoughts.

Stupid Master, scolding me again today. He should be grateful for all that I have done! Well, at least we will not be getting entangled with any Empire officials this time around... not anytime soon, anyway. That is something good, I think. Still, it's been a while since I visited home. I should definitely make a trip tomorrow morning...

Her racing thoughts eventually slowed, and she fell into a deep, peaceful slumber.

Next Morning

Elisi was just about to leave the dojo for her home when she suddenly spotted Zani walking through the main hall.

"Good morning, Master. You woke up quite early today," Elisi called out, jogging over. "Is there some special occasion?"

"Nothing special," Zani replied casually. "I just felt like taking a walk a little earlier nowadays, since the days are becoming much hotter. Where are you heading, Elisi?"

"I am going back home for a bit to meet my parents."

"Good. Say hello to Hunter Teer for me."

"Will do! Goodbye, Master!"

"Goodbye."

Bidding him farewell, Elisi stepped out through the Main gates. Walking down the dirt road with small, leisurely steps, not in any hurry to get back at all.

Ten Minutes Later

The very moment Elisi stepped into her family's courtyard, a loud, cheerful voice rang out.

"Mother! Sister has come to visit!"

Her younger brother called out toward the house before running directly into her embrace. "I missed you!"

Elisi smiled warmly and lovingly patted his head. "I just visited three days ago. Why are you being so emotional? Aren't you grown up yet?"

As if suddenly remembering something crucial, her brother hurriedly pulled away. Took a proud, rigid stance, as if trying to appear mature. "Yes, I am completely grown up now!"

"Elisi, stop teasing your brother..."

Her mother walked out of the house, wiping her hands on her apron, and pulled her daughter into a tight, loving hug. "You came at the perfect time. I was just preparing fritters inside."

After letting her daughter go, she immediately started examining her up and down with a deeply worried expression. "You look much thinner than before. You must be struggling living in that dojo. I have told you many times to just come home daily instead."

"Mom..." Elisi sighed, her shoulders slumping.

"Okay, okay. I will not start with that topic again," her mother relented quickly. "Just come inside and help me in the kitchen."

The young boy watched from the side, completely forgotten by the two women. But he is far too cheerful to take offense at such things. Instead, he happily ran after them to try and help. Although he usually cares more about playing outside, working is always fun when his elder sister is around.

Meanwhile, on the Other Side of the Village

Zani, while taking his daily morning tour, stopped to see how the construction of the underground cave was progressing.

The digging had taken significantly more time than he initially anticipated. If he had not requested his own disciples to pitch in and help with the manual labor, it might have easily added an extra month to the construction timeline. From the current visible progress, it will take at least half a month more to complete.

Zani nodded to himself in quiet satisfaction as he watched the hired workers diligently carving the stone, maintaining their pace even without anyone keeping an eye on them.

"Master Zani, what a coincidence."

"Oh, Chief Sythe. It has been a long time. How have you been?" Zani greeted warmly, turning to face the man. The Chief was still as bulky and imposing as ever. They had briefly met half a month ago during the Pavilion's grand opening, so bumping into each other out here was indeed a rare coincidence.

The two men shook hands and started chatting leisurely about the recent happenings in the area.

With the massive improvements around the village driven by the dojo, and the abundant need for continuous manpower, the local population is rapidly increasing. However, per Zani's request, the Chief has not allocated any residential land leading toward the mountains to anyone else. That exclusive corner now belongs entirely to the Iron Core Dojo.

After some more casual conversation, the Chief finally stated his true purpose for finding him.

"Master Zani, I actually have a small request."

"Please tell me, Chief. If it is within my power, I will definitely help."

"Well... looking at how the dojo recently acquired a waterfall and is now even building an underground cave, I must ask," Sythe began, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Master Zani, you must possess a 2nd Stage, Blood Exchange breathing manual, right?"

Zani did not speak. He simply maintained a calm silence at this somewhat direct question, neither agreeing with the man nor denying his bold claim.

Meanwhile, Chief Sythe's face turned slightly red. He distinctly remembered the day this young man had walked into his office to purchase the ruined training ground. Now, barely a year later, they are not even worthy of talking as equals. Sythe could only humbly make a request; accepting it was entirely up to the other party.

"Well, Master Zani. You see, I have been stuck at the peak of the 1st Stage for far too long now," Sythe explained, his tone earnest. "I only ask that if you are ever going to open the 2nd Stage breathing manual to the public, I wish to be a paying disciple to learn it. It is just that the queue for your dojo registration is incredibly long nowadays. So, please... keep a seat for me when the time comes."

I thought this shameless man was going to ask for the manual outright, Zani thought, inwardly relieved. But this much is very reasonable. After all, the Chief's help during the tournaments cannot be denied.

"Of course, you can register anytime, Chief Sythe," Zani finally replied with a gracious smile. "In fact, you could have just walked in today, and I would have thought of a way to accommodate you."

"Hahaha! Surely you jest, Master Zani," Sythe laughed loudly, waving his hand. "You are a busy man. How could I casually disturb you? Hahaha!"

The two talked for a few more minutes before respectfully parting ways.

Back at Elisi's Home

Half an hour had passed, and Hunter Teer had also returned home. Currently, the family of four was sitting happily around the table, drinking hot tea and eating snacks.

"Our little Elisi has become such a responsible, capable person," Teer praised warmly, looking at his daughter with immense pride. "Many of your uncles in the market have told me that you handle the dojo's commerce very well. They say you are no worse than Master Zani himself!"

"Oh, stop praising me, Father. I am not that impressive. Hehehe," Elisi replied humbly, though a bright, cheeky smile betrayed her joy.

Her little brother watched from the side with sparkling eyes.

Sister is so impressive. I want to be just as cool as her! the boy thought, shifting excitedly in his seat.

"Sister Elisi?"

"Hmm?"

"When will I be able to join the Iron Core Dojo?"

Hunter Teer's expression instantly stiffened upon hearing the question. This specific topic had been sensitive lately.

Back when Teer was originally going to enroll his son using the guaranteed admission favor he received as a partnered hunter, Elisi had firmly stopped him. She had confidently promised that she would personally make her brother an inner disciple, just like her. But recently, whenever asked about the progress, she would merely shake her head. Because of this awkward tension, she had also reduced her visits home.

"Little brother, I honestly think the Iron Core Dojo is not suitable for you. The internal competition is simply too fierce." Elisi, unlike before, did not dodge the topic. She spoke directly, looking at her parents to ensure they understood the gravity of her words. "Disciples fight brutally every single day to prove who is more powerful. Sometimes... it even gets bloody."

Just as she predicted, her mother looked horrified and immediately clung to her young son, while her father's brows furrowed deeply in worry.

"Although I can easily avoid all of that because of my best friend Leo, I cannot guarantee she would be willing to step in and protect you too," Elisi added smoothly, driving the point home.

Saying so, she slowly puffed out her chest with pride, crossing her arms and flashing a distinctly smug smile.

"But worry not! Your eldest sister is awesome. I talked privately with Master Zani, and he helped me arrange something much better. Here..."

CLINK.

A heavy, finely crafted token dropped onto the wooden table.

"Governor Salam is currently recruiting new personnel," Elisi explained proudly. "Using this token, you can directly register for the prestigious Guard-in-Training program that is about to begin. Work hard, and one day our family might even be able to relocate to Warrior City!"

"Elisi... how in the heavens did you get something like this?" Hunter Teer gasped, reverently picking up the token. It was beautifully crafted, but the weight and immense opportunity it carried were vastly greater.

Leaving the house an hour later, Elisi walked down the bustling dirt road, feeling a sharp twinge of guilt in her chest.

My dear brother, it is for the betterment of this entire continent that you must walk a difficult path, Elisi thought, looking back toward her home one last time. Please forgive me for being selfish.

______________________

[Don't get confused in timeline, it's been a month from elections and half a month from the Pavilion's grand opening]

[Question: How do you find Elisi's character up to this point?

A. Cheerful and vibrant
B. Gluttonous and food-loving
C. Mischievous and bratty
D. Responsible and capable]

[Author Note: To those who are confused because of Elisi, here is some shot note on that:

Elisi, She was like this from start.
If you think carefully over the events, you get to realize that.
How she was the only one to join gym at start with delayed payment.
Than she was the first one to point toward Das and hint him as being instructor, meaning she already know about Leo from start. and some more things...]

Read next 10 chapters right now, [/p@treon/unpaid13]

 

[Pind_Ala]

Ten days later.

Inside the dining hall, Zani hummed in deep satisfaction. "Well done, Ethan. To thoroughly learn the business philosophy I taught you and draft such a comprehensive expansion plan... very good."

Zani was not stingy with his praises. He was genuinely impressed by the boy.

Is this perhaps his true hidden talent? Something that even the Talent Evaluation Eye cannot detect? Zani thought.

Sitting across the table, Ethan looked slightly embarrassed at the open praise. A few pages of text lay scattered between them, detailing Ethan's proposal for opening a third floor in the newly built Iron Core Pavilion.

"The idea is very well thought out," Zani encouraged smoothly. "It just has a few minor pitfalls that we need to address and improve upon."

Although Zani already had an almost identical expansion plan fully formulated on paper, it did not matter. He could use this moment to teach and encourage a sharp thinker like Ethan, who also happened to memorize vast amounts of information far better than he did.

"Come, sit closer. Let us work on this together," Zani gestured, pulling a chair near him.

They talked and refined the idea for an hour before Zani finally stood up to excuse himself.

"Master Zani, could I request something?" Ethan asked suddenly, looking a little agitated, as if he had just remembered something.

"Yes?"

"It is regarding Kai, the new inner disciple. I want to ask if you could allow him to read the 'All Metal encyclopedia'." Ethan spoke rapidly, pleading his friend's case. "Since he is a self-taught smith whose only references are some fragmented family records, his forging progress has completely halted lately. That is why he requested you for the opportunity to meet the renowned grandmaster smiths when he joined, all in hopes of finding a breakthrough. "

"So, I was thinking... if he can deepen his foundational knowledge about metals, it will greatly help him. At the very least, it would improve his current mood."

Perhaps this is a simple favor between friends, Zani mused, noting the boy's earnestness. Although this new disciple's background was not entirely confirmed yet, Ethan is his trusted logistics manager. Since he is personally guaranteeing him, Zani decided to allow it.

"Okay. He can fetch the book from my room," Zani nodded. "But tell him he has only two hours of reading time daily."

"Thank you, Master!"

Zani nodded again and calmly left the table.

Time passed smoothly without any major happenings. It was now the tenth day of the final summer month.

Zani was leisurely walking around the sprawling area specifically prepared for the Earth Sword Elks.

Governor Salam still has not sent any message back, Zani thought, sighing softly. I can only hope he has not completely forgotten the matter I entrusted to him.

To ensure the Elks would feel at home and be easier to domesticate, Zani had reshaped eight out of his forty fields. He had even hired laborers to transplant an entire small forest of nut trees just to perfectly replicate their natural habitat.

Haa... in this world, the cheapest commodity is mortal labor, Zani thought, observing the vast artificial scenery his silver had rapidly created.

He smiled and continued his walk.

Nowadays, he feels incredibly relaxed. Ever since the massive first-month income from the Iron Core Pavilion rolled in, he had completely let go of his financial worries. He no longer needs to constantly scheme or plan for more silver.

Although he had reinvested half of those profits into small dojo upgrades, such as expanding the perimeter and adding a proper meeting hall, the treasury remains exceptionally healthy.

Three more days passed.

【Ding~】

【Quest: Build an underground cave big enough to accommodate 10 people】

【Status: Completed】

【Rewards: 20 Exp and Blood Exchange Realm Breathing Manual】

【Sect Exp: 80/100】

【The Celestial Stag – Top-Grade Blood Exchange Realm Breathing Manual】

【Summary: This profound manual is divided into four stages, each representing a grade from Low to Top.

Awakened Pulse: The heart successfully generates fresh, vigorous blood to replace the old. However, the cleansing process is imperfect, and some impurities still remain within the bloodstream.

Purified Velvet: The blood is completely cleansed of all impurities. At this stage, the core benefits of the Blood Exchange are realized: the practitioner's body becomes highly vigorous, and they gain immunity to most common poisons.

Stag's Command: Upon reaching perfection in this stage, the blood quality experiences another slight increase. The practitioner also unlocks a new feature: active control over their blood flow, allowing them to consciously seal minor wounds and instantly stop bleeding.

Sovereign Blood: The practitioner gains high-level control over their bloodstream, allowing them to actively weaponize their blood to fight off any harmful foreign substances that enter the body. This better blood quality ensures they retain their peak physical power even into extreme old age. Additionally, it eases the severe physical burden of practicing certain rare martial arts (though this specific benefit is barely visible in already talented individuals).】

Zani was enjoying a hearty lunch when a junior disciple hurried in to inform him that the construction leader had arrived to speak with him.

Looking at the floating translucent interface, Zani already knew why the man was here. But he did not rush. He patiently continued to eat his meal, instructing the disciple to politely entertain the guest in the meantime.

An hour later, Zani finally finished meticulously inspecting the newly completed underground cave. It is built exceedingly well. It features a single hidden entrance with heavy stone stairs leading deep underground. At the bottom, fifteen individual rooms perfectly surround a small, circular central hall.

"You have done quite well," Zani praised, nodding in approval.

"Hehe, I am deeply honored that you like it, Master Zani," the construction leader laughed awkwardly, wiping sweat from his neck. After all, he had originally promised to complete the cave at the start of the month, but the scorching summer heat had made working during the noon hours exceptionally brutal.

Following respectfully behind Zani, the leader moved toward the exit. Currently, he felt a heavy mix of relief at the success and deep worry about his future.

Will Master Zani ever hire my team again? he fretted. He already has three different construction teams working for him across the village.

"I already have a new project ready for you," Zani stated casually as if he has read his mind while stepping out into the bright sunlight. "Come find me after enjoying a few days of rest."

A massive smile instantly exploded across the leader's face. "Yes, Master Zani!"

He walked away with newfound, swelling confidence. Now, he could proudly boast among his subordinates. Thinking about the prosperous days ahead... I think it is finally time I bring my family to Big Wheat Village and officially relocate, the man thought gleefully.

__________________________

[Question: Do you think Zani is slowly growing as a sect master?

A. yes
B. no
C. A little bit
D. I would have done a better job.]

Read next 10 chapters right now, [/p@treon/unpaid13]

Only 4 more chapters until we end Volume 1