Earthly Clergy, Grassroots Execution

The Incense and Divine Merit System is an entirely new domain on the Purple Star Continent, one that will bring immense upheaval to the traditional cultivation system.

The high-ranking celestial officials of the Purple Star Celestial Court are no novices—they possess vast experience in handling complex affairs and are well aware of the sweeping changes a foundational reform like this could bring.

The promotion of the Incense and Divine Merit System is inevitable. It presents an opportunity, yet also carries boundless risks and uncertainties.

The Calamity-Suppressing Sovereign only needs to propose the plan, while these celestial officials, as the executors, must consider far more.

After a heated discussion, the final summary was delivered by the highest-ranking figure, the Lord of the Celestial Pivot Court, Xuanxuzi:

"Comrades, the impact of the new Incense and Divine Merit System on the traditional spiritual energy cultivation framework can be broadly categorized into two major aspects!"

"First, the violent collision between two distinct cognitive paradigms and energy operation logics. According to the Heavenly Dao’s decree, Incense is a unique form of faith power. However, due to its emotional toxicity, it requires the purification and exemption granted by Merit Power, as well as the blessing of fortune, allowing Incense Gods to wield transcendent power without the need to absorb spiritual energy!"

"More importantly, becoming an Incense God does not require a spiritual root—only the accumulation of merit. Even those without spiritual roots can ascend to divinity, shattering the cultivation hegemony traditionally held by sects relying on spiritual veins!"

"Though the upper limit of this Incense energy is not high, its lower limit is far from low. Its early-stage efficiency is ten times that of ordinary spiritual energy, especially since it can also bestow fortune. As a result, before reaching the Unity Stage, traditional cultivators will be completely outmatched by Incense cultivators!"

"Second, the conflict over grassroots governance authority. Traditional cultivators act as local despots, wielding absolute authority within their regions, often obeying orders selectively while disregarding others. In contrast, the new Incense cultivators operate under a vertical management system, reaching up to the heavens and extending deep into the grassroots, their roots spreading into every corner. This will inevitably clash fiercely with local traditional forces!"

"Of course, the Calamity-Suppressing Sovereign suppresses all dissent—they won’t be able to cause any major disturbances. However, they will undoubtedly resort to underhanded sabotage, which will severely test the capabilities of local Incense Gods. Therefore, position assignments must be made with great care!"

At this point, Xuanxuzi paused before methodically arranging the tasks:

"Based on these two primary conflicts, I hereby make the following arrangements:

First, the Life and Reincarnation Department is to complete the registration of the destinies of 300,000 veteran Incense Gods within half a month. These are experienced—albeit flawed—individuals. Though their records are blemished, since we are still in the early stages and the Purple Star Continent lacks local talent to shoulder major responsibilities, we must rely on them for now!

Second, under the leadership of the Celestial Pivot Court, officials from the Netherworld Department, Earth Vein Division, Water Division, Fire Division, Thunder Division, Plague Division, White Tiger Heavenly Army, and other departments will be reassigned to form the Mortal Divine Office Management Bureau, responsible for overseeing the City God System, Land God System, and Kitchen God System under the Incense and Divine Merit framework.

Third, the Celestial Patrol Bureau must intensify supervision. Until local talent is cultivated, if any of the flawed individuals from the Divine Land dare to violate celestial laws and regulations, they must be reported immediately. If necessary, execution may precede authorization!

Lastly, idle departments must not remain idle—they should assist the Mortal Divine Office Management Bureau whenever possible!

If there are no objections, the meeting is adjourned, and everyone may return to work!"

Naturally, none of the celestial officials raised any objections.

At present, Xuanxuzi stands as the foremost among celestial officials, overseeing performance evaluations, personnel arrangements, and major affairs management. In terms of status, he ranks only below the Calamity-Suppressing Sovereign and the Heavenly Dao itself—everyone respects him.

And so, a sweeping reform that would engulf the entire Purple Star Continent began in earnest!

While the celestial officials were buried in frantic work, within the Illusory Star Secret Realm, Chen Yi was not idle either. He unfurled the Heavenly Dao Divine Register and warmly received the Divine Land research delegation.

With the Primordial Chaos Creation Disk sealed by him, the delegation members had no way to return home and could only temporarily work on the Purple Star Continent.

After all, the newly established Incense and Divine Merit System was a foundational reform affecting the very laws of the world. The Purple Star Heavenly Dao required operational support, and its computational load had skyrocketed, urgently needing a large number of experts above the False Immortal level but below the Celestial Immortal level to share the burden!

If not for the fact that the Purple Star Heavenly Dao currently couldn’t contract Celestial Immortals, Chen Yi would have even considered kidnapping Han Qianxue to work!

"Brother Yi, honestly, I could also serve as the Central Altar Marshal..."

Ye Wuchen, looking at the responsibilities of the God of Wealth listed on the Heavenly Dao Divine Register, suddenly felt hesitant.

He had initially thought the God of Wealth only managed and safeguarded wealth—something he could handle, given his combat prowess and martial virtue.

But who knew the God of Wealth also had to seek out wealth?

He was good at spending money, but making money? That was another matter entirely!

This... fighting suited him far better. The position of Central Altar Marshal would give him far more freedom to roam!

"If Brother Ye is unwilling to take on the role of God of Wealth, I am willing to step forward. No matter how heavy the pressure or how arduous the tasks, I will not fail the trust placed in me!" Gu Yuan immediately stepped forward, declaring with righteous fervor.

Being the God of Wealth might be exhausting, but the prospects for growth were vast. A little hardship was nothing—he feared no challenge!

Fang Zheng and Xiao Chunan were also itching to volunteer, but their current cultivation levels—only at the Unity Stage—disqualified them from signing the Heavenly Dao Divine Register. Like Mu Chen and Zhou Zheng, they could only serve as interns, gaining experience until their cultivation advanced enough to qualify as celestial officials.

Oh, and there was also Lin Yuyu, a mere bystander with a ninth-rank cultivation—barely equivalent to the Golden Core Stage. At this level, she wasn’t even qualified to speak, relegated to standing in the corner like a mere lackey.

"Young friend Wuchen, the Central Altar Marshal is my position. You should stick to being the God of Wealth!"

At this moment, Xu Jinghong, holding the statue of Xiuzhi, also joined the conversation.

Though his rank was currently too high to sign the Divine Register, that didn’t stop him from reserving a position!

After all, Xiuzhi’s revival depended entirely on the Incense and Divine Merit System. If he didn’t hold a high-ranking official position, what if others bullied Xiuzhi?

Though the likelihood was minuscule—no one would dare target the beloved of a Profound Immortal unless they had a death wish—but if he wasn’t at the center of power, how could he ensure preferential treatment for Xiuzhi?

Especially since Chen Yi’s ambitions were so vast—one day, the Purple Star Immortal Realm would become a true Upper Realm, and by then, a mere Profound Immortal would be nothing!

Only the Central Altar Marshal would wield enough influence to matter!

"Senior Jinghong, you... fine!" After stammering for a while, Ye Wuchen ultimately chose to yield. "God of Wealth it is! So what if I have to make money? I’ll make it work. But if I fail, Brother Yi, don’t blame me—you know I’m better at spending than earning..."

"You can do it!" Chen Yi smiled faintly. "Right now, the Purple Star Continent is still impoverished. We need you to seek out resources from the outside world. But searching for high-level resources in the vast and boundless Void is like fishing for a needle in the ocean!"

"This requires a lucky charm whose fortune aligns with the Purple Star Continent’s destiny to lead the way. Otherwise, even centuries of effort might yield no results. And you, Old Ye—you are that lucky charm!"

Hearing this, Fang Zheng’s heart stirred.

If it was about luck... that little rascal of his seemed to have plenty of it too!

Though it was due to the favor of the Heavenly Dao that Fang Fan was blessed with such fortune, if he himself had no merit, why would the Heavenly Dao bestow its grace upon him?

I must find a way to get that little rascal into the Ministry of Wealth—even as a minor deity scattering riches would be better than staying in the Celestial Pivot Bureau, where there’s no future for him...

But there’s no need to rush this matter. First, let this father of his familiarize himself with the situation. The Celestial Court must have a place reserved for my son, Fang Fan!

Meanwhile, on the other side, Ye Wuchen’s anxious heart finally settled as he declared with confidence, “Do it? I’ll do it! I’ll take on the role of the God of Wealth! Brother Yi, is this where I sign?”

Chen Yi gave a slight nod. “Just imprint your divine soul mark on the blank space after the entry for the Chief Deity of Wealth.”