The peanuts in their mouths lost their flavor. They stared at each other listlessly for a moment, then simultaneously said, "Let's go take a look." There was a mining area near the mountains outside the town. It wasn't any kind of spirit stone or treasure, just a high-quality refined iron ore, generally used to forge standard weapons for sect disciples. The Cloud Rift Sect was renowned for its forging skills; even their standard longswords were top-notch. Qiu Wuji had once been quite proud of this.
But even the best forging techniques were based on mineral resources.
Having specifically studied Marxist philosophy in the mortal world, Qiu Wuji's first reaction was, "It's over. Is my sect's rise also stained with dirty blood from every pore? Am I the one who has to hang streetlights?"
The two flew towards the mining area. Chu Ge turned to look at Qiu Wuji's gloomy face and found it somewhat amusing.
When a female sect leader from a fantasy world reads Marxist philosophy and Mao Zedong Thought in the mortal world… the chivalrous style seems to take on a peculiar flavor. Recalling the fanfiction I'd read about Lin Daiyu's revolutionary fervor, I was speechless with disbelief.
My sense of chivalry was completely overshadowed; my mind was preoccupied with how to help Qiu Qiu resolve this matter.
Upon arriving at the mining area, the security was still tight. A narrow path led into the mine, with Yunji Sect disciples stationed along it, and others patrolling in the snow. It was clear the sect's management was strict, and no one was slacking off.
Of course, for the sect leader, the guards were practically nonexistent.
The two quietly slipped inside and saw a line of miners pushing wheelbarrows to transport ore into the warehouse through the heavy snow, with overseers watching them intently.
After observing carefully for a while, Qiu Wuji felt slightly relieved.
There was none of the villainous behavior seen in movies or TV shows, nor any scenes of whipping and screaming. Everything was orderly, and the people seemed quite motivated as they went about their business.
The wheelbarrows seemed to have been magically modified, pushing them with apparent ease and stability. Snowflakes falling on them were easily swept away by the breeze, leaving the miners pushing them unharmed.
The sounds of digging echoed from the mine, a bustling, energetic scene.
Qiu Wuji let out a long sigh: "It's alright... I thought I'd see those scenes from movies that would raise my blood pressure. Seeing this under my own command would be..."
Chu Ge laughed: "The image of a prestigious sect is fine. Don't worry too much. In the 'Heavenly Dao Setting,' Yunji Sect is a prestigious sect, so it absolutely cannot deviate from that standard. A few minor flaws are normal; just correct them when you find them, don't overthink it."
Qiu Wuji hesitated: "A quick glance might not reveal anything. Is there occasional oppression, or are there deductions in food and wages...?"
Chu Ge chuckled: "We call this a spot check, a random inspection." "This is already the most objective thing imaginable. If even this is considered an oversight, then daily supervision will be even more difficult. The person in charge will first give a notice that they're going down for an inspection today, and everything here will be perfectly organized. They'll welcome the leaders down for a meal, have a few drinks, and then it'll be an excellent performance review. What else can you do but keep an eye on things yourself?" Qiu Wuji asked curiously, "How come you're so skilled?" Chu Ge replied, "I resigned from a state-owned enterprise. It used to be a complete mess, but it's much better now." Qiu Wuji: "..."
"Even if there really is something overlooked, there's no need to worry too much. Too much clarity leaves no room for innovation. We're in a feudal fantasy setting; are we really going to start a revolution here...?" Chu Ge couldn't help but laugh: "Alright, alright, look at you, so worried! You're getting cute, just like that modern-day Qiu Qiu!" Qiu Wuji retorted: "Why can't there be a revolution in a feudal fantasy setting?" Chu Ge paused, stroking his chin for a long time before hesitatingly saying: "Anyway, my plot definitely won't go in that direction; the tone is wrong. But after the story is finished, if this world is self-sustaining and you still want to stay, you could try it… I'm also a little looking forward to seeing how things will unfold when fantasy society reaches that point. Damn, I'm even thinking of writing that in my new book…" Qiu Wuji said: "If I were to change this…" "What prerequisites are needed for a feudal background that will remain unchanged for millennia?"
"Industrialization," Chu Ge said. "In a fantasy world, it might manifest as the widespread use of magical artifacts... If that's not possible, then at least try developing technology. This won't be finished anytime soon; you can continue later if you're interested." Qiu Wuji nodded. "Understood."
She paused, then suddenly remembered something. "Since you don't plan to write about these things later, if I start now to gradually promote industrial and commercial progress, or promote the widespread use of magical artifacts, in the corners of society, would that affect the plot?" Chu Ge hesitated, unsure how to judge.
Theoretically, his later plot already involves battles between Nascent Soul cultivators and above, who can fly and escape, having nothing to do with basic society. In any fantasy novel, once you reach the Nascent Soul stage, there are no longer any mortals; everyone is the same.
So, whether mortal society is undergoing change is theoretically irrelevant to the plot. Besides, such change is a long process; by the time the changes are visible to the naked eye, the book might already be finished.
This approach shouldn't have any impact, at least not to the point of immediate correction.
Chu Ge also knew why Qiu Wuji wanted to do this. It wasn't because he genuinely wanted to start a revolution or initiate any social change; it still stemmed from their previous theme: wanting to try things outside the established rules of Heaven, thereby breaking free from its constraints.
Now, instead of rushing into it himself, they would discuss it together.
"We can give it a try," Chu Ge said after thinking it over and finding nothing wrong with it. "But don't rush things; taking too big a step might trigger corrections." Having received permission from the damned Heavenly Dao, Qiu Wuji was in a good mood and laughed, "There's no need to rush. I'm still traveling the world with my disciple." Traveling the world to the point of contemplating social change was truly a unique occurrence.
However, both of them knew in their hearts that this was the real matter, and even one of the fundamental reasons why Chu Ge was traveling the world. He needed to understand the details of society, not just look down from a high place and offer superficial observations.
If he really wanted to roam the martial world, righting wrongs, or engage in duels… Chu Tiange could handle that…
Just as he was thinking this, Qiu Wuji's expression suddenly shifted slightly, and he made a shushing gesture.
At the same time, he grasped Chu Ge's hand, sharing his senses with him.
Before Chu Ge could even assess the difference between Qiu Wuji's true form and his avatar, a distant voice reached his ears:
"Young Master, I have followed your instructions and spread rumors of their exploitation of the people in the towns surrounding the Yunji Sect." It was the voice of the man from the tavern.
A young voice laughed: "Well done."
"But young master, what's the point of doing this? I don't think it will harm the Cloud Realm Sect. Some towns even revere Qiu Wuji like a god. Hearing what I said, someone almost came at me with a hoe. I even felt a flying sword coming at me; I almost lost my life."
"The flying sword is good. The area around the Cloud Realm Sect is full of hidden talents. Many former sect disciples and even high-ranking members live in seclusion in the mountains. They might be angry for a moment, but they consider themselves righteous and won't really do anything to you. However, if they hear such rumors, they'll surely report it to their sects." The young master laughed: "That's exactly what I want." "..." The man was puzzled: "What's the use? They haven't really committed any serious crimes."
"Who hasn't? Even the cleanest lake has silt. I personally witnessed an outer sect steward robbing villagers of their treasures and forcing women into prostitution. I've already apprehended him."
"Uh, and then?"
"As long as Qiu Wuji has heard the rumors, when I bring that outer sect steward to her door, she won't be hostile. On the contrary, she'll admire my chivalry. That's the first step to getting close to Qiu Wuji." Chu Ge: "?"
Qiu Wuji: "..." So that's what you were after all? The man in the conversation was somewhat amused and exasperated: "Young Master, is it really necessary? Approaching Qiu Wuji with such a roundabout method? I thought you were trying to smear the Yunji Sect."
"It's not that I deliberately went through all that trouble, it's just that Qiu Wuji is far too aloof. Under normal circumstances, I can hardly even meet her. Only in matters concerning the sect's reputation might she personally inquire about it. Even I, this young master, find it difficult..." The young master sighed softly, "Once we have the opportunity to meet and talk, then... I'll have my own way..." His voice trailed off.
Qiu Wuji's expression was enigmatic as she withdrew her hand from Chu Ge's.
Chu Ge stared at her in astonishment: "Hey, how did you suddenly eavesdrop on a conversation so far away, and even pinpoint the location?"
Qiu Wuji said calmly, "Ever since I discovered this place wasn't as that person described, my divine sense has been tracking his location. I was initially wondering if it was some enemy maliciously smearing me, but..."
Her face flushed slightly.
And so it's back to attracting unwanted attention again… How embarrassing! Why is it always this kind of petty stuff? Can't we have something more sophisticated? It's so embarrassing for our world to be seen like this by Father God.
No, the one who's really embarrassed is Father God himself. It's the world he wrote, and who told him to be so preoccupied with trivial matters of love and sex!
She glanced at Chu Ge, who was frowning in thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Qiu Wuji asked curiously. "Just a toad, I'll just ignore him."
Chu Ge shook his head and muttered to himself, "Just a toad? I doubt it."
There's no plot in the book where a certain young master deliberately approaches Qiu Wuji… This is just a minor ripple outside the main storyline, having no impact on the plot, meaning the young master's actions were unsuccessful. It's even highly likely he didn't even get to see Qiu Wuji, only being received by an elder of the Enforcement Hall and dismissed with a few words.
But now that Qiu Wuji has heard it, this ripple has come to life, beginning to bear another kind of fruit. What would happen if they actually met?
Is this young master simply a toad trying to eat swan meat, or is there more to it than meets the eye? Is it just his personal ambition, or is someone pulling the strings behind the scenes?
Heaven is watching you.