The Programmer Cultivator

"Many of you are quite familiar with the administration of Jing City. After studying for the better part of the day, you should all more or less know how to proceed."

"Replying to the Upper Immortal, we commoners… probably remember." Kong Chengfeng once again took the lead in answering, but his tone was nervous and lacked confidence.

Zhang Deming said, "It's fine. You'll get the hang of it with practice. If you really forget something, that's alright too. I've left recordings, so you can ask the Little Immortals accompanying your teams to review them.

Oh, right… Your future, your status in the mortal world, will depend on how much you accomplish now."

After he spoke, a dozen or so Square Seals flew before them, one for each person. They all held them, stunned.

"In every city you visit, for every task you complete today, for every seal you issue, you will gain a portion of merit. And… these people you help may just become your future subordinates," Zhang Deming said with a smile.

Kong Chengfeng numbly accepted the seal. Hearing Zhang Deming's words, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. He understood better than anyone what this represented.

"As for the other problems in the cities, you don't need to worry about them. You just need to ensure that you can find a way to complete today's tasks without the entire city's population gathering like they did today.

But… where there are rewards, there are also punishments. Don't just go through the motions. Believe me, you do not want to see the punishments," Zhang Deming continued.

Everyone was both pleasantly surprised and apprehensive. After all, quite a few of the 'Human Fields' were still screaming miserably nearby.

Then, Zhang Deming turned to the disciples and said, "I know most of you haven't even made it into the Inner Sect. Considering the tragedies you've seen on this journey, it's impressive you haven't collapsed.

However, the fact that you were chosen means there are no slackers just waiting to die among you. It's just that your Talent is lacking, so years of hard work have yielded no significant results."

At Zhang Deming's words, the dozens of disciples Li Shifan had brought all turned to look at him in unison.

Looking at the disciples, Zhang Deming said, "I didn't summon you all here today to give you a specific task. Rather, you have certain acceptable qualities, so I wanted to let you get out and see the world. Of course, you can also consider this a test.

This time, you are, in principle, only required to follow these Elder Huang incarnations, go through the motions, and bear witness.

Of course, if you want to help, you may do so within your capabilities. There are no requirements this time; you just need to stay with your team. As for the outcome, that will depend on your own efforts.

Naturally, if you aren't even willing to follow a team, you can remain here. We will take you with us when we return to the sect.

Alright, that's all I have to say. Make your choice. Those who wish to stay behind, take one step forward."

After Zhang Deming finished speaking, he watched them quietly. A moment later, not a single person had moved.

Although many of them were nervous… they all remained where they were.

"Hm, not bad. Believe me, some of you will be grateful for the choice you made today." Zhang Deming looked at them, paused for a moment as if remembering something, and said:

"Oh, right! If you find everything goes smoothly, you can, on top of the established system, create a business alliance. Call it the Deep Blue Mortal Business Alliance.

This is also optional, it's up to you. The nature of the Business Alliance is also flexible—it can be an official enterprise or a private workshop. It's all up to you."

Seeing their silence, Zhang Deming asked, "Is there anything I've said that you didn't understand, or do you have any questions?"

"Does the Business Alliance have any requirements? How should it be managed?" Kong Chengfeng asked, despite his nervousness.

Zhang Deming smiled and shook his head. "As I said, it's optional. That means you have complete freedom to do as you see fit; I'm not setting any rules. As for the outcome… that's up to fate. Any other questions?"

"No more!" Kong Chengfeng replied.

"What about the rest of you? Is everything clear?" Zhang Deming asked, looking at the two groups.

"Reporting to Martial Uncle, we disciples understand!"

"Reporting to the Upper Immortal, we humble ones understand!"

The two groups replied, not quite in unison.

Zhang Deming nodded. "Alright, then I'll start making the arrangements."

With that, Zhang Deming began to form the teams. Each team consisted of one Elder Huang, one mortal, and three to five Outer Sect disciples. Once the teams were assigned, he began sending them off, one by one, to their respective cities.

As for the mortals in the square, after Qin Shizhong finished his arrangements, the newly appointed officials had already begun to disperse the crowd.

...

A moment later, the only ones left in the square were Zhang Deming's group of four and the crowd of Human Fields.

Qin Shizhong watched the departing disciples and asked, "Martial Uncle, will this work?"

"Don't worry," Zhang Deming replied. "These Bean Soldiers may have limited intelligence, but as long as they don't face a situation worse than what we saw in Jing City, they shouldn't have much trouble. If they encounter a Tai Chi Stage Martial Artist, the scout Bean Soldiers know to flee."

He had endowed these Bean Soldiers with this kind of basic personality, all of them modified from Dream Spirits he had clumsily created during the time since he learned the Heart Dream Technique.

Therefore, although the Technique has not yet reached the Law Level, they can still carry out basic reactions and commands. At worst, they just aren't very bright.

"And us?" Li Shifan asked, looking around.

"You'll lead a team as well. I'll take the two of them and lead another team," Zhang Deming said to Li Shifan, gesturing toward Qin Shizhong and Wang Qian.

Li Shifan nodded. "Alright!"

Zhang Deming added a warning, "Be careful. If you encounter a problematic city where the Martial Artists are too strong, retreat first. Don't get hot-headed!"