Cultivation is just so scientific!

Chapter 523: Chapter 308: Takeover

Not long after Li Yuanba moved into the Guardian Mansion, Yue Xing delivered the accounts to him.

These were the past accounts of Jieshan City. Because mortals were involved, the accounts were on paper, and with years of accumulation, a small storage bag was filled to the brim.

“Leave them here, and come back in two hours to take them away!” Li Yuanba waved his hand and instructed Yue Xing.

Yue Xing bowed and turned to leave.

However, in his heart, Yue Xing couldn’t help but shake his head; he didn’t believe that Li Yuanba, a Golden Core cultivator, could review these accounts within two hours, let alone identify any problems.

Although the spirit of a Golden Core cultivator was strong, specialization matters in professions. A strong spirit could only increase the speed of analysis and calculation, but it was incapable of detecting hidden issues within the accounts.

Li Yuanba took out an account book. His mind connected with his true body, Li Shiming, and borrowed the IBMz15.

The IBMz15 opened financial software, and then Li Yuanba used Divine Thought to scan the account book, feeding transaction data into the financial software.

Scanning the account books with Divine Thought was almost instant, completing a book in a few breaths. All the account books in the small storage bag were scanned within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

The financial software then automatically analyzed, clarified the previous accounts, and clearly highlighted any errors and omissions.

He was startled to discover that there were indeed many inaccuracies in the original accounts affecting significant resources, but at the end of the accounts, just from two days ago, an entry was made that rectified all previous issues.

“It seems no further investigation is needed!” He understood that the previous Guardian Golden Core Elder had used his own resources to correct the accounts. The reason was clear; it was because of Li Yuanba’s master, Ancestor Lu, who was guarding the sect gate without seclusion and had also taken special interest in Li Yuanba.

At the same time, he gained a deeper understanding of the benefits attributed to Jieshan City. The share of profits allocated to him could allow him an extra portion of Third-grade Spiritual Medicine each month.

Do not underestimate a portion of Third-grade Spiritual Medicine. Given its value, it could be exchanged for a considerable amount of ordinary resources.

This was only possible because of Jieshan City’s unique position as a hub for resource exchange with the outside world, situated in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains.

He couldn’t help but feel grateful towards Elder Situ. Of course, he also understood that if Ancestor Lu hadn’t been guarding the sect gate, such favorable benefits might not have fallen into his hands.

“Elder Li, several major shopkeepers in the town have come to see you!” Two hours later, Steward Yue Xing came in and reported with a bow.

In fact, these shopkeepers had been there for a while, but knowing that Li Yuanba was examining the accounts, Steward Yue Xing had stopped them from disturbing him.

Only when the time was up did he come in to announce their presence.

“Take the account books away, and also, let the shopkeepers in!” Li Yuanba threw the small storage bag over and said, just as Steward Yue Xing had taken two steps to leave, he added, “Since the accounts are now balanced, make sure not to make any mistakes in the future. My eyes cannot tolerate any sand!”

Steward Yue Xing’s body shuddered, his heart filled with shock.

He was well aware of the issues with the accounts.

If it hadn’t been for the former Golden Core Elder, who had spent several days carefully auditing all the accounts before leaving and even used his own funds to correct mistakes, the accounts would have become a problem for the next incumbent, Li Yuanba.

As for how many of the mistakes in the accounts were due to corruption by the former Golden Core Elder, and how many were manipulations by his subordinates, that was difficult to ascertain.

Subtly warned by Li Yuanba, Steward Yue Xing had resolved that he must not allow any issues to arise under Li Yuanba’s supervision.

In just two hours, so many accounts had been scrutinized, and coupled with Li Yuanba’s influential background, even the former Golden Core Elder had preferred to lose money rather than anger Li Yuanba over the accounts; a mere steward like him certainly wouldn’t fare well if he erred.

Nine shopkeepers entered, which included not only those from the three major sects of the Righteous Path but also from Senluo Sect’s own shop and from some larger forces of both Righteous and Demonic paths.

Medium forces’ shopkeepers didn’t have the privilege to be here.

The old shopkeeper from the Thousand Illusion Sect’s Ju Chang Shop, upon seeing Li Yuanba wearing a bronze mask, flashed a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Li Yuanba’s appearance was always peculiar, perpetually covered by a mask.

Previously, Li Yuanba had traveled to the Righteous Path’s territory through channels managed by the Ju Chang Shop. Cultivators have excellent memory, and he recognized Li Yuanba at a glance upon meeting him again.

However, the old shopkeeper doubted his memory because Li Yuanba, just a few years ago, was only a Foundation Establishment cultivator. How could he possibly have become a Golden Core cultivator so quickly, further becoming an elder of the Senluo Sect, entrusted with managing Jieshan City, a position of such importance.

Li Yuanba smiled and nodded at the old shopkeeper. It was like meeting an old acquaintance; that nod and smile immediately made the shopkeeper realize he had not recognized the wrong person.

The nine shopkeepers were there to give gifts, which were congratulatory presents to celebrate Li Yuanba’s position overseeing Jieshan City.

It was also a way to foster relations, hoping to conduct their business peacefully under Li Yuanba’s management.

With the power held by Li Yuanba, a slight dissatisfaction from him could affect any shop’s business.

All cultivators assigned to manage shops in Jieshan City were without exception, experienced and astute.

One by one, the shopkeepers came forward to greet him, introduced themselves, and presented their gifts.