Chapter 072 – Protecting One’s Own
The new arrangement felt oddly familiar to Li Yuan, like switching from a centralized authority to granting fiefdoms.
If those who established new martial hall branches each managed their own territory, they would naturally work to build up their power, which in turn would strengthen the Blood Blade Sect as a whole.
As for any hidden dangers, at least for the time being, there didn’t seem to be any serious concerns.
But Li Yuan wasn’t planning to go anywhere. What he really needed was eighth rank demonic beast meat, not ninth rank.
Although founding one of the 12 martial hall branches in the three townships previously owned by the Wei Family came with significant rights and opportunities, it would also paint a target on his back for attacks from the Sun Family and any Wei Family remnants.
Branches that thrived would invite trouble; those that struggled might collapse outright—and then there were still the deputy sect leader, elders, and enforcers stationed there, turning it all into a veritable battleground. That was a life for the bold and ambitious, not for him.
As for becoming an instructor at headquarters, it was the most laid-back position possible—and Li Yuan was quite content with a low-profile role. Yet he still needed money, resources, and a way to keep tabs on the outside world.
For now, he simply wanted to look after the Ginger Tavern and Full Moon Teahouse so his wife’s businesses could grow. After all, those ventures were effectively his family’s assets, and expanding them could prove extremely valuable later on.
Meanwhile, plenty of inner disciples were eager to set up their own branches. An extra 500 kg of ninth rank demonic beast meat every six months plus local tax revenue was more than enough to attract attention.
Under normal circumstances, the sect wouldn’t offer such generous terms; only these unusual times justified it. In no time at all, 14 inner disciples volunteered to open branches, including Fang Jianlong.
By the time the count hit 12, two more who tried to sign up were turned away because they were a fraction too late.
When Tie Sha asked about inspectors, Li Yuan immediately raised his hand.