Chapter 247

Chapter 247: Combining Rewards with Punishments

Lou Yun had originally decided to capture Shuotai Island for two reasons. First, the Qiu family’s actions disgusted him, and destroying them was eliminating a menace. Second, he wanted to establish a foothold in the sea as a branch of the Divine Weapon Alliance.

Yet now, according to Mei Yuanmu’s report, the four leaders intended to make Divine Weapon Island the alliance’s main headquarters! A headquarters differed entirely from a mere branch.

During his return journey, Lou Yun had studied the Divine Weapon Alliance’s structure. Since his second brother Beichen Ming had secretly founded it, the alliance had organized its forces but never established a central base.

Truthfully, Lou Yun lacked experience as a true leader. His only prior role was clan head, a position supported by his father and Second Uncle. The Divine Weapon Alliance demanded sole, unquestioned leadership—decisions rested entirely on his shoulders, with no one to advise him.

After a long silence, Lou Yun finally nodded. "Very well. This island’s oceanic isolation offers natural protection, and its garrison makes it suitable as headquarters. I approve."

He paused. "But have all who remained truly agreed to join the Divine Weapon Alliance?"

Mei Yuanmu replied, "Yes, Island Master. Every remaining person volunteered to join and pledged their strength to the alliance’s growth."

Lou Yun marveled at the four leaders’ methods. Somehow, they’d persuaded over three hundred magical weapons masters to join willingly—significantly boosting the alliance’s strength. Originally six hundred strong, the alliance now approached a thousand members, especially if Binhai City’s Lord Ma Ziwei was successfully recruited—a likely outcome.

Such power positioned the Divine Weapon Alliance among Spirit Weapon Star’s formidable forces.

"Understood. You may leave if there’s nothing else," Lou Yun said.

Instead of departing, Mei Yuanmu bowed again. "Forgive my boldness, Island Master, but another matter requires your attention."

Lou Yun valued Mei Yuanmu’s competence and knew this must be important. "Speak freely, Steward Mei. We’re kin now—no need for formalities."

Mei Yuanmu glanced at others. Lou Yun reassured him, "These are my closest friends and brothers. Speak openly."

"Yes." Still, Mei Yuanmu dismissed other Divine Weapon Island personnel before continuing. "Island Master, during these three months, I uncovered the Qiu family’s secret."

"The Qiu family’s secret?" Lou Yun was momentarily puzzled, then understood. The Qiu family had recruited numerous magical weapons masters despite limited wealth—an anomaly many had questioned.

"What secret?"

"Beneath their main residence lies a passage to the ocean floor. There, we discovered a spiritual crystal mine. The Qiu family paid recruits with spiritual crystals."

Lou Yun’s eyes lit up at "spiritual crystal mine." He knew their immense value—recalling how three Lingjiang City families competed triennially for mere three-year mining rights. High-tier spiritual crystals lay deep underground, requiring great effort to extract.

Finding such a mine beneath Divine Weapon Island was an unexpected boon.

Mei Yuanmu added, "I have another suggestion, though I hesitate…"

His revelation proved his loyalty. Lou Yun’s attitude softened. "Speak. I’ll consider any proposal seriously."

"Then I’ll be blunt." Mei Yuanmu gathered his thoughts. "Though all joined voluntarily, we need reward and punishment systems to motivate them. Award spiritual crystals for excellence; penalize shortcomings."

This suggestion served both the alliance and Lou Yun. Weaker magical weapons masters sought stability and growth opportunities. Their loyalty stemmed from the alliance’s overwhelming strength—surpassing even the Qiu family’s. Yet many might slack off, risking the organization’s collapse. Incentives were essential.

Spiritual crystals—coveted by all practitioners—were ideal rewards, especially with the island’s mine.

After consideration, Lou Yun agreed. "Well proposed. Draft specific measures. For your efforts…" He tossed Mei Yuanmu a crystal. "…accept this third-tier spiritual crystal."

Mei Yuanmu caught it, stunned, then flushed with gratitude. "My thanks, Island Master!"

"You’ve earned it." Lou Yun smiled. Balancing grace and authority was crucial for leadership—a skill he learned quickly.

After storing the crystal, Mei Yuanmu continued, "One more matter."

"Proceed."

"Some members joined reluctantly. I suggest you demonstrate your power or guide their training—whether to awe or assist them. Currently, they’re disorganized. Uniting them through training would strengthen us."

Lou Yun pondered. Many islanders surpassed his magical weapon realm, and Mei Yuanmu might rival his combat strength. Demonstrating prowess or instructing others felt daunting. Yet Mei Yuanmu was right: these individuals, formerly the Qiu family’s guests, lacked cohesion. Without unity, they’d crumble in battle.

"Not today," Lou Yun decided. "Gather them in a few days, and I’ll meet them."

Mei Yuanmu added, "The four leaders emphasized rigorous training. I instituted monthly sparring sessions—the next is in three days."

"Then I’ll address them in three days," Lou Yun confirmed.

Mei Yuanmu felt valued as Lou Yun accepted his ideas—far better than feeling like an outsider. This clever steward now genuinely respected Lou Yun.

"You’ve journeyed far and should rest," Mei Yuanmu said. "Rooms are prepared whenever you wish."

"Your diligence is appreciated. Dismissed."

Watching Mei Yuanmu leave, Lou Yun sighed wearily at Leng Cangqiong and the others. "Being an island master is exhausting! Still… at least we finally have a home."