Chapter 8

Chapter 8

One of the benefits of becoming a cultivator is that there is no need for rest. After practicing meditation throughout the night, Qin Jun felt refreshed and energized, as if she could pull three more all-nighters in a row.

In this Demon Realm, which exists in a state of eternal night, Qin Jun was perfectly at home. Burning the midnight oil and working under the stars had been her daily routine before she crossed over; late nights and deadlines were the primary drivers of her creativity and productivity. In an environment so conducive to inspiration, she dared not imagine how much wealth the Demon Palace would generate for her once it was on the right track.

The system, currently busy pirating programs, felt a sudden, inexplicable chill.

Oblivious to their fate, the disciples of the Demon Palace were racking their brains over job performance reports and personal resumes, having no idea what kind of future awaited them.

...

Every move Qin Jun made was monitored by the entire Demon Palace, with everyone attempting to decipher the true intentions of their new Palace Master. Yet, after an inexplicably strange morning meeting, she had remained completely still. No one was willing to lower themselves to initiate contact, so they simply waited—waiting until they were beside themselves with anxiety, yet receiving not a single scrap of news.

Time passed quickly during their sleepless cultivation. The moment Qin Jun stepped out of her room, every spy sent by the Demon Palace to watch her sprang into action. Yet, Qin Jun still did nothing.

The system felt that something was wrong. How was this any different from the evil Demon Lord it had envisioned, who would surely set out to achieve great things and win hearts the moment she arrived? Was this the silent treatment? A show of force?

"Host," the system prompted, "are you planning to start with a 'three-fire' policy to assert authority, or are you preparing to kill the chicken to scare the monkey?"

Qin Jun did not answer its query. Fearing the host was becoming rebellious, the system began to exert pressure, preparing to lead its headstrong host back to the right path.

Just then, a dispute broke out nearby. Two people were fighting over a piece of flatbread, bleeding profusely in the process.

"Host, are you not going to intervene?" the system urged. "This is a perfect opportunity for you to establish your authority!"

"Everyone has their own fate. Why should I interfere?"

The system couldn't help but give her a small electric shock. Qin Jun’s fingertips twitched, and she cast a cold glance in that direction. A passing patrol team broke up the fight, and the bread was snatched up by one of them.

In the Demon Realm, one could earn money, but it couldn't buy bread. The barren soil could barely grow a blade of grass; supplies depended entirely on outside imports, which had given rise to many middlemen. She had no right to intervene—at least, not until she had the ability to provide a piece of bread for everyone, she had no right to say a word.

...

The system decided to test her one last time: "Host, as a newcomer, the system does not recommend using such extreme methods to establish authority. It is easy to be isolated and sidelined by employees, which will affect your intimate relationships with them and hinder the progress of subsequent work."

Qin Jun replied, "Finance departments that can't balance the books, sales departments that can't figure out trade shipments... Five hundred years is enough for an agricultural civilization to develop into the internet age; it’s longer than the history of the West Coast. It seems the only point of cultivation is to turn into Popeye and eat free meals for two more years."

The system: "...The meaning of cultivation lies in seeking the Dao and pursuing the truth."

"Proving that they’ve wasted five hundred years on this path? People in the secular world can figure out life in a hundred years, but these people can’t even do it in five hundred, and they want to seek the Dao?"

The system: "..."

*Damn it, is this the combat effectiveness of a P9 level executive?*

...

Outside the Lanqing Palace, the various hall masters were no longer satisfied with second-hand news from informants and began to take the initiative.

Pei Yan was the most restless. He had once served in the Rong Kingdom, working for the royal family and holding a high ministerial position, so he understood deeply the principle that "a new emperor brings a new court." He could not afford to fall behind. Even if the Young Master and the old Palace Master were still around, Qin Jun’s hold on power was a foregone conclusion. Now that the Palace Master had changed, previous efforts counted for nothing; this was his chance to start over. He had to win the new Palace Master’s trust and favor before anyone else.

Pei Yan decided to strike first. He straightened his robes, ensured his image was perfect under the suspicious gazes of his subordinates, and took two sheets of paper, ready to knock on the doors of the Lanqing Palace.

Deep breath. Step forward.

Wait—

"Yanyue? Why are you here?"

The hall master Yanyue, dressed in green, smiled. "Isn't Hall Master Pei here as well?"

*Damn it, I forgot to have someone intercept Yanyue.*

Pei Yan smiled back and walked briskly toward the Lanqing Palace. "I have some questions regarding the drafting of my performance report and have come to bother the Palace Master."

"Likewise." Yanyue did not yield an inch, following closely behind Pei Yan.

The two walked quickly, neither willing to give way, until they were squeezed in front of the Lanqing Palace doors. Xie Zhan, the apothecary who had just finished delivering medicine to Qin Jun, stopped at the doorway, blocked by the two bickering hall masters.

Xie Zhan was silent for a moment. "You two, would you mind moving aside?"

"Apothecary Xie? Why are you here?" Pei Yan asked.

Xie Zhan lifted his medicine box. "Naturally, to treat a patient."

Pei Yan immediately grasped the key point, pushed past Xie Zhan, and headed straight for Qin Jun.

"Palace Master! How is your health today? Please forgive me for being so busy that I couldn't visit sooner!"

His voice sounded like a thunderclap in the hall. Qin Jun paused her pen, then continued writing.

Sidelined? Isolated? Hindering work progress? From the moment Qin Jun left seclusion, all the rising tides and shifting winds would center around her. The system was once again impressed by Qin Jun; although she always disobeyed orders and caused unexpected complications, she always inexplicably achieved results better than expected, leading the system to wonder if she possessed some profound wisdom.

"Don't overestimate emotions, and don't underestimate interests," the demon whispered.

Qin Jun continued to audit the previous accounts, which were filled with shady dealings, ignoring everyone until Pei Yan drew near. Then, she put down her pen.

Qin Jun lifted her eyes, her cold, clear gaze making Pei Yan, who had been trying to get closer, freeze in his tracks. The little spark of desire to cozy up to her was completely extinguished.

Pei Yan gave a stiff laugh. "Is the Palace Master feeling well? Has something happened? If you need any medicinal herbs, I can find them for you."

The system suddenly chimed in: "Wow, he’s handsome. Host, if you’re taking the intellectual route, you might consider the 'beauty trap'—it’s good for physical and mental health."

Early in the morning, Pei Yan had just finished his morning practice, wearing sleeves that showed off his muscles. His sturdy, vibrant physique made its presence known in the hazy light. Qin Jun appreciated it briefly before preparing for business.

The system continued its commentary: "Dressing like that to see a leader first thing in the morning—it’s hard to say he isn’t trying to seduce the host, hoping to use his young body to secure his position in the host's heart. Host, keep your eyes peeled and don't be easily tempted."

Qin Jun: "...Are you finished with the program?"

"...No." The system instantly became obedient. "Host, remember to stay true to your heart. Don't forget your goal is the sea of stars."

Qin Jun ignored the system's useless chatter, her eyes rolling over Pei Yan’s muscles, internally offering a brief compliment.

"Hall Master Pei, what is it?" Qin Jun asked directly. Pei Yan’s stiff smile turned into an awkward smirk.

Pei Yan possessed a fire-attribute spirit root, and his temperament was as aggressive as fire. He had even been known to walk around shirtless in the past, but under Pei Yan’s cold, calm gaze, he felt embarrassed for the first time, even wondering if his appearance had offended the aloof and noble new Palace Master. He regretted listening to his subordinates and wearing these sleeves.

"Palace Master, he’s just here to make trouble. He didn't write his own report properly and came to cozy up to you, hoping to smooth over those issues at the Yi-category old mine."

Yanyue followed her in, walking with a seductive flair, her hook-like gaze fixed on Qin Jun, as if she wanted to snatch her soul away.

Qin Jun gestured to the side. "There are chairs. Please, sit."

Pei Yan and Yanyue then noticed that the interior layout of the Lanqing Palace had completely changed. The arrangement was very strange; the desk and throne were no longer facing the entrance. Instead, it was an empty path leading straight to the shadow wall.

The desk for official business had been moved to the right. A plant of unknown species sat on the table. A chair was placed opposite Qin Jun, and behind that chair were several more chairs and a small table for tea.

It was clearly a standard "boss's office" layout. Qin Jun had even considered placing a plaque behind her that read "Success Upon Arrival," but since there was no wall to hang it on, she had to give up. She had even hung a sign at the door that read "Palace Master’s Office." She had even considered the necessity of a feng shui fish tank, but the system had rejected it.

Pei Yan and Yanyue exchanged glances. Neither wanted to go to the back to drag over another chair, so they began to compete over the one in front of them.

"Ahem." Qin Jun coughed. Both pulled their hands back as if electrocuted. In the end, Pei Yan retreated.

"Hall Master Yanyue, please sit. I’ll go get another chair."

Yanyue: "..." *Was there any need to emphasize that?*

Qin Jun said nothing, watching the two play mind games quietly. Only after Pei Yan sat down did she ask, "What is the matter?"

The two light, casual words instantly suppressed their momentum. Her overly calm attitude made the two, who had come to compete for favor and probe for information, suddenly become docile.

"Since you two have no issues, I will speak first," Qin Jun said, leaving both of them hanging on her every word.

"Hall Master Pei, you haven't been here long, so you might not be very clear about many things regarding the Demon Palace. Although you are capable and took over as hall master shortly after arriving, some things must still be done according to the rules."

Cold sweat instantly broke out. Pei Yan frantically searched his memory, and then the cold sweat increased. In his memory—he didn't seem to have done many things according to the rules, and... what were the rules of the Demon Palace, anyway?

Pei Yan had been in the Demon Realm for ten years and had been a hall master in the Demon Palace for ten years. He was a complete "parachute" appointment. He appeared close to Long Langbai, but no one knew whose direct subordinate he actually was; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so impatient to rush out and test the waters.

"And Hall Master Yanyue," Qin Jun said. "You are an elder of the Demon Palace. Having followed Granny Longxin for so many years, you are a pillar for all major and minor affairs. But the Demon Palace is, after all, an organization that needs order and rules to maintain..."

Qin Jun left the sentence half-finished, leaving the rest to their imaginations. These two—one was the accountant of the Demon Palace, the other was the head of business—held half the lifeblood of the organization between them.

The two, who had intended to probe Qin Jun for information, had forgotten their original purpose, their minds filled with how to explain themselves and ensure their own survival.

Pei Yan’s brain was working so hard it was practically smoking. *Had she discovered some other problem? Didn't she say bygones would be bygones? Who was secretly stabbing him in the back by bringing up old accounts? Why is this more tiring than playing mind games with old foxes in the royal court?*

Pei Yan racked his brains, weighed his options, and prepared to defend himself. "Palace Master—I..."

Qin Jun interrupted, "I have high hopes for you. The Demon Palace needs young people like you with drive."

Pei Yan’s eyes widened; he straightened his back, unable to believe these words had come from Qin Jun. He tried to maintain an indifferent expression, but the upturned corners of his lips and his twitching brows betrayed his true feelings.

"I have high expectations of you. Although you haven't been in the Demon Palace long, your contribution is plain to see, and your compensation should be increased."

Pei Yan’s brow twitched again. Beside him, Yanyue was nearly shredding her handkerchief.

Qin Jun continued, "The Demon Palace's business lines need to be reorganized, and I am currently considering candidates for external liaison."

*Snap.*

Yanyue’s last shred of reason snapped. She gave a soft smile. "Palace Master, external liaison and trade have always been under my responsibility, and the brothers under me are specialized in this. Hall Master Pei’s men mostly work in the mines and are capable hands at extracting demon crystals. How could you let Hall Master Pei’s people handle these trivial matters?"

Under the desk, the two hall masters engaged in a secret struggle, their spiritual energy surging so intensely that the papers on the desk began to flutter.

Qin Jun raised her hand and gently pressed down on the papers that were about to fly away. The swirling vortex of spiritual energy instantly stopped.

"Hall Master Yanyue, everyone sees the hard work you have put into the Demon Palace over the years. As the Demon Palace develops, you must learn to step out of your comfort zone and create greater value."

"Hall Master Pei, your time here has been short, and there is much room for effort. You must strive to close the gap with your predecessors and do your best."

"The Demon Palace hasn't reached where it is today easily. I will need your assistance in the future. Both of you are important generals of the Demon Palace. If you have any problems, write them down in your performance reports, and we will discuss them in detail at the weekly meeting."

Pei Yan and Yanyue left in a daze, having arrived with plans only to be lectured without knowing what mistake they had made or what they had done right.

Yanyue looked lost. "Pei Yan, tell me, what are we supposed to do now?"

Pei Yan was equally bewildered. "I don't know. Let's write the performance report first."

...

Long Langbai walked into the hall, looking confused as he brought in the resumes of the new recruits, unable to stop himself from glancing back at the two dazed hall masters.

"Sister, what happened to them?"

Qin Jun didn't look up. "They’ve achieved enlightenment."

Long Langbai responded, "These are the resumes of the new recruits. I’ve collected them all."

Qin Jun picked one up from the pile nearly half a meter high. "Have you looked at them beforehand?"

Long Langbai was too busy drinking water to talk, so he shook his head.

Qin Jun asked again, "What do you think is the situation with these people in the Demon Palace now?"

"What situation could there be? The same as before," Long Langbai replied carelessly. "Those who slack off, those who want to get rich, and oh, the spies planted inside."

Long Langbai was indeed a loose cannon, but he was clear-headed; otherwise, he wouldn't have been willing to let Qin Jun manage things. He knew what should and shouldn't be done.

"Although you are working hard, please use professional titles at work. Call me Palace Master."

Long Langbai: "Okay, Sister. Got it, Sister."

Qin Jun: "..."

She stood up and tapped her fingertip on the resume she had placed on the table. "Also, the next time the Demon Palace recruits people, remember to do a background check. Don't just take in any bold maniac."

On the paper, the handwriting was wild and untamed; the young person's dreams were shining and bold.

*Personal History:*
*At seven, was hunted by 136 cultivators of the Fifth Crossing and escaped alive;*
*At ten, completed the positive and negative Four Symbols Array single-handedly;*
*At twelve, completed the drawing of purple talismans alone;*
*At fifteen, subdued a ferocious beast of the Sixth Crossing level;*
*At seventeen, entered the Demon Realm alone—*

Long Langbai frowned. "Where did this arrogant kid come from?"