The sect is indeed facing a difficult situation now.
Lack of spirit stones is a major problem. Even though a decision was made at the previous meeting to stop paying disciples' wages for the next three years, asking them to tighten their belts and live frugally.
However, even this saved amount of spirit stones is not much. Once invested in the three major industries, there's no way to develop other industries for profit, and the sect still has to live through difficult times.
Another major issue is the sect's strength.
Qi Cultivation, Foundation Establishment, Crystallization, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, etc., these realms become increasingly difficult as one progresses.
Golden Core Stage Cultivators are considered top-tier combat power in the Chu Kingdom and are already among the strongest elites.
Even so, the number of Golden Core Cultivators within the Chu Kingdom is still sparse, and most have gone to other continents with broader land and better resources.
Those who remain in the Chu Kingdom are either heads of a sect or unwilling to leave. Lu Ping is among the former because of his ties to the sect.
The current strength situation within Cyan Mountain Sect includes even a lack of Foundation Establishment or Crystallization Cultivators, with the highest cultivation only being Ninth-Layer Qi Cultivation.
This minimal strength cannot be looked upon with authority in not just the Chu Kingdom but even within the small Lushan County; Cyan Mountain Sect is evidently not taken seriously and has no say.
If not for the protection of the Dubhe Institute, it would have been swallowed by other forces long ago.
Lu Ping calculated in his mind that the sect must focus on economic strategies and attempt to cultivate a Foundation Establishment Cultivator within the next decade, before the century-long protection period ends.
Compared to the Crystallization Stage, nurturing a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator is much more practical and relatively easier.
Having Foundation Establishment Cultivators is fundamental for Cyan Mountain Sect to stand firm in Lushan County, ensuring that it does not lose self-preservation ability after losing the protection of the Dubhe Institute.
Yet what Lu Ping is most concerned about is not just this.
He thought of another matter unfavorable to the sect.
Sects established by the Sect Establishment Order under the protection of the Dubhe Institute will face a summons near the end of the century-long period.
The content of the summons could be resisting demon beast chaos or eliminating Demon Sect bases, both quite challenging.
The last sect summons action by the Dubhe Institute was due to an unprecedented Water Demon Beast chaos erupting in Qingli Sea, where a large number of Water Demon Beasts landed in coastal counties, attacking cultivators and common people.
That year, Lu Ping witnessed several major sects in Lingxi State being summoned, uniting and entering the three coastal counties to resist the Water Demon Beast invasion, leading to an extremely fierce battle where several Foundation Establishment Cultivators fell and most Qi Cultivators suffered casualties.
The process of resisting the Water Demon Beasts was extremely arduous for those major sects.
Now, there are only ten years left in the century-long protection period, and it's uncertain what mission the Dubhe Institute will call upon Cyan Mountain Sect to undertake after these ten years, or whether Cyan Mountain Sect will be able to endure.
The summons ten years from now makes Lu Ping very anxious, worrying that the sect may not handle the pressure. If another Water Demon Beast invasion occurs, Cyan Mountain Sect surely wouldn't withstand it.
Thus, strengthening the sect's power is all the more crucial.
But it cannot be rushed; the strength of disciples needs to be increased steadily, step by step.
First, solve the sect's economic problems. It's impossible to become prosperous overnight.
"Father, today I convened a meeting with the disciples, deciding the future path of the sect. Let me tell you..."
Having said almost everything needed, Lu Yuanshan finally brought up the meeting matters, explaining the situation.
Even though Lu Ping witnessed the whole process, he didn't interrupt and said quietly after listening.
"The path is chosen by the disciples; follow it as it is. The sect also needs protection from the Dubhe Institute, where prudence is necessary."
Having lived with Lu Ping for over twenty years, Lu Yuanshan wasn't hearing the term "prudence" for the first time.
Besides, he had also heard terms like "hacking", "involution", and "Versailles".
Influenced by his surroundings, he roughly understood what "prudence" meant.
Lu Ping didn't delve deeper into the affairs of the meeting but offered some reassurance: "Alright, since I am present, I'll not ignore the future development of the sect."
"I will provide you guidance as needed, directing you to resolve some predicaments."
Since the system is in place, Cyan Mountain Sect's future development won't be too difficult, obtaining some Foundation Establishment Pills won't be a problem either.
He has confidence in revitalizing Cyan Mountain Sect, restoring it to its former glory, and forging it into the topmost Immortal Sect.
Given time, even surpassing the Dubhe Institute isn't impossible.
In short, as long as he's around, Cyan Mountain Sect will endure.
Of course, these words were only Lu Ping's thoughts and would not be said aloud.
With his father awakened, able to lead the sect forward, Lu Yuanshan felt much relieved, secretly letting out a breath, saying: "Everyone in the sect follows father's guidance."
"Hmm."
Lu Ping nodded, then opened the System Mall, bringing up another matter.
"Additionally, I've collected some Spiritual Peach Tree saplings, although they are Tier One, as long as they're planted, they can bring some profit to the sect."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuanshan's eyes suddenly lit up.
He had been searching for avenues for the sect and finding ways for economic strategies for years; being able to plant Spiritual Peach Trees, the sect would gain extra revenue.
An extra source of revenue would ease the sect's financial pressure somewhat.
To be honest, investing three years of disciples' wages into the three major industries made Lu Yuanshan feel immense pressure, worrying there might not be much progress after funding these industries.
Now with the Spiritual Peach Trees, it was undoubtedly a help in need.
Just pondering whether to wait for his father to lift the restriction, enter the Cave Mansion to get them, or have his father bring them out. In the next moment, a bunch of items appeared before him.
The items turned from virtual to real, neatly arrayed on the ground.
Upon taking a closer look, what other than Spiritual Peach Trees could they be?
A total of three Spiritual Peach Tree saplings, each approximately human height, lush and verdant, with roots carrying soil, as if freshly dug from the earth, quite lively.
"Take charge of planting these Spiritual Peach Trees."
Lu Ping's voice rang out: "I hope they will provide an economical source for the sect, adding a new industry."
The appearance of the Spiritual Peach Trees was naturally Lu Ping's doing.
The whole process was simple; he merely came outside of the Cave Mansion, manifested the Spiritual Peach Trees, achieving an effect similar to retrieving items from a Storage Bag, which wasn't extraordinary.
"Okay, father."
Lu Yuanshan responded, carefully storing the three Spiritual Peach Trees into the Storage Bag.
These were treasures, capable of earning spirit stones. Lu Yuanshan knew their value.
After giving instructions on planting Spiritual Peach Trees, Lu Ping didn't forget a reminder.
"As the Sect Leader, you still need to shoulder some responsibilities, but don't pressure yourself too much; your cultivation progress can't be neglected."
Lu Yuanshan's current strength was Ninth-Layer Qi Cultivation. With careful cultivation, he might break into the Foundation Establishment Stage.
Of course, it requires Foundation Establishment Pill, and Lu Ping doesn't wish for him to embark on blind Foundation Establishment, which carries too much risk and isn't worthwhile.
"Father, among the sects in the Chu Kingdom now, Cyan Mountain Sect is the weakest."
"I want to try hard too, but the sect lacks resources, which can't be replenished in a short time..."
Lu Yuanshan felt somewhat insecure.
Back when his father handed the sect over to him, Cyan Mountain Sect had a strong foundation in Lushan County, belonging to the top tier, possessing supreme voice even within the Chu Kingdom.
Looking at it now... it was quite indescribable.
"Alright, no need to say more."
Lu Ping interrupted Lu Yuanshan.
"There's still me. The sect needs to advance steadily, step by step, as long as there's progress."
After saying this, Lu Ping shifted his thoughts to Zhiwei.
"Is Zhiwei in the sect?"
Lu Ping could see Lu Zhiwei's position information through the personal attributes of sect members, showing Cyan Lotus Mountain. Masking the system, he still asked.
"Little sister has always been in the sect."
"Let her come to my Cave Mansion in upcoming days; I have something to say to her."
Recalling Lu Zhiwei's health condition, Lu Ping felt the need to counsel his little daughter promptly. The daughter is the apple of his eye, can't let her truly become depressed.
Ninth-Layer Qi Cultivation Cultivators are significant for the sect, serving as its backbone.
"Understood."
"Hmm." Lu Ping nodded lightly, lastly saying.
"Don't mention my awakening to outsiders for now."
"About Changfeng's side..."
Lu Yuanshan thought of his second brother, Lu Changfeng.
"Changfeng is often talkative and cannot keep secrets well. Don't tell him for now."
Lu Ping intended to keep his awakening as much of a secret as possible. As he was only a consciousness body, unable to wield power, encountering enemies seeking trouble wouldn't end well.
Keeping a low profile is undoubtedly correct.
"Understood."
"You may withdraw."
Lu Yuanshan did not linger, and after paying respect, he left.
Along the way, he fondly touched the Storage Bag, pondering the Spiritual Peach Trees within it, then imagining that with the awakening of Lu Ping, the Golden Core Ancestor, Cyan Mountain Sect has hope for salvation.
The sect's future is promising indeed.