Chapter 82: Making Use Of The Loot

"Elder Chen," Xia Bingling called out, her voice ringing with authority. "Gather all demonic artifacts, weapons, and spirit stones. We will discretely offload them through trusted black-market channels. Also, ensure that only a few of the rarest demonic artifacts are retained for our secret treasury. Remember, discretion is key."

Elder Chen, his weathered face etched with a hint of unease, nodded in agreement. Dealing with demonic resources was a delicate affair, fraught with potential danger. However, with careful maneuvering, they could turn a hefty profit and further strengthen their coffers.

Turning her attention to a pile of shimmering herbs, Xia Bingling's eyes narrowed. These weren't demonic per se, but rather possessed a potent Yin Attribute. While frowned upon by some, these herbs were not inherently evil and could be utilized for cultivation purposes.

"Wu," Xia Bingling called out to a young disciple, his face bright with anticipation. "Take these Yin Attribute herbs to our various herbal gardens. Have the cultivators acclimatize them for future harvests."

Wu bowed deeply, a wide grin splitting his face. The addition of these rare herbs would significantly bolster the Xia Family's cultivation resources.

Next came the more mundane spoils – weapons of all shapes and sizes, shimmering armor sets, stacks of spirit stones for cultivating, and an assortment of pills and elixirs. Here, Xia Bingling's practiced eye assessed each item, assigning them to various cultivators based on their needs and contributions to the battle.

Disciples who had displayed exceptional prowess received a healthy share of loot, their faces beaming with pride as they received gleaming new weapons or intricate defensive armor. Veterans, their bodies riddled with old wounds, received restorative elixirs and spirit stones to replenish their lost energy.

Finally, Xia Bingling turned her attention to the truly unique treasures – the Crimson Steel Essence, the Starfall Iron, the Sunstone, and the ethereal coils of Sky Weaving Spider Silk. These materials were a cultivator's dream, promising powerful weapons and unparalleled defensive garments.

"Master Zhang," Xia Bingling barked, summoning the wizened head of the Xia Family's Weapon and Artifact Forging Division. "These materials are entrusted to you and your talented craftsmen. I expect nothing short of masterpieces!"

Master Zhang, his eyes gleaming with excitement, bowed low. This was a project worthy of his lifetime of dedication. He could already envision the awe-inspiring weapons and light armors these materials would produce.

Lastly, there were the Snow Silkworm cocoons, a discovery that promised a new era of light armor for the Xia Family. Xia Bingling summoned a group of senior disciples renowned for their expertise in cultivating various insects.

"These cocoons require your utmost attention," Xia Bingling instructed, her voice firm. "Utilize every technique at your disposal to accelerate their hatching process. The Xia Family needs the Snow Silk they produce."

The disciples, their faces alight with ambition, readily accepted the task. The prospect of working with such exotic creatures filled them with a sense of purpose.

With these final orders issued, a sense of satisfaction settled over Xia Bingling. The spoils of war had been strategically distributed, ensuring the Xia Family's continued growth and prosperity. However, a different kind of victory now beckoned.

The Matriarch's chambers later that evening were a scene of intimacy.

Still, amidst her passion, a hint of doubt lingered. "But isn't that a bit... meager? Shouldn't we aim higher? Perhaps an ore mine, a herbal garden, a strategic outpost?"

Wang Li pulled back slightly, his eyes gleaming with a devilish amusement. "Patience, my love. Greed can be a double-edged sword. If we demand too much, they might agree on the surface, but resentment will fester. We don't need hidden enemies right now."

He trailed his finger down her arm, his touch sending sparks dancing on her skin. "Think about it. A small tribute won't cripple them. It's a price they'll be willing to pay for our silence. Besides, we have another limitation."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "The Xia Family, as much as we've grown, simply doesn't have the manpower to manage a vast network of holdings. We lack the powerful cultivators and experts to properly secure additional mines, outposts, or gardens."

Xia Bingling pondered his words, the logic sinking in. She considered the state of the Xia Family, their manpower stretched thin as is. Managing new territories would be a logistical nightmare.

"So, we use this tribute," she mused aloud, her voice raspy with desire, "to bolster our own ranks. Hire more guards, cultivators, recruit experts. Expand the Xia Family's personnel."

Wang Li grinned, his eyes flashing with approval. "Precisely! With these newfound resources, we can strengthen our foundation. Once we're truly powerful, then we can expand strategically. Claim those coveted mines, gardens, and outposts. The region will be ours for the taking, but on our terms."

His hand moved lower, his touch igniting a fire in the pit of her stomach. "But for now, let's focus on the pleasure at hand, my love. We'll deal with these negotiations later, stronger, and together."

He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a passionate kiss. As their desire flared anew, the plans for manipulating the cultivation families faded into the background, replaced by the intoxicating heat of their embrace.

The next morning, a renewed sense of purpose invigorated Xia Bingling. She summoned her advisors, her demeanor radiating the authority of the Matriarch. Wang Li, ever the silent observer, stood by her side, his presence a source of quiet strength.

"The Xia Family has grown considerably," Xia Bingling declared, her voice ringing with power. "To maintain this growth and secure our future dominance, we require additional resources."

She outlined the plan they had formulated the night before, the strategic use of the blackmail material and the collected resources as leverage to build a stronger Xia Family.

Her advisors, impressed with the cunning yet pragmatic approach, readily agreed. Plans were set in motion. Communication talismans, imbued with a chilling message, were dispatched to the targeted families.

A tense energy crackled through the Stone Mountain Sect. The news of the elusive demon plaguing the region had spread like wildfire, attracting lots of attention.

Cultivation families and representatives from smaller sects, bound by ties of friendship and trade to the Stone Mountain Sect, began arriving, eager to offer assistance.