Liu Sandao outlined the general idea, and Fuhai later meticulously drafted a plan in a professional tone.
To ensure the project's approval, he secretly visited Zhao Kaishen for his guidance.
Once everything was in order, he submitted it to his superior: Zhao Qiansun, the General Manager of the Fu Lu Shou Division.
Zhao Qiansun also held a position in the human world, serving as the office director at the Xia Hua Bank. He was responsible for managing Fuhai's worldly provisions and heavenly emoluments.
In fact, Fuhai had been following Zhao Qiansun since he first took up his post in the Heavenly Court. Zhao Qiansun had several opportunities to promote Fuhai, but Fuhai steadfastly refused to move up. He claimed he simply preferred his current work. This, of course, was ideal for Zhao Qiansun, who wished for a loyal, reliable, and capable subordinate.
However, this traditional approach was no longer viable. A new deputy office director had been transferred to Xia Hua Bank, appointed directly by the Heavenly Court without prior consultation. Zhao Qiansun instinctively sensed this was a significant move by the heavens. Although he was unsure of the outcome, his keen observation of recent meetings suggested an underlying push for reform. This likely foreshadowed turbulence in the immortal realm.
Therefore, he instructed Fuhai to change his approach, at the very least to develop an awareness of change and submit a detailed reform plan.
After a period of intense work with Liu Sandao, Fuhai finally completed the detailed reform proposal. He then took the opportunity to visit Zhao Qiansun while Liu Sandao was engrossed in studying the "Manual of Blessings."
"Little Hai! You're finally here," Zhao Qiansun greeted Fuhai warmly. Their thousand years of acquaintance meant they understood each other well.
"Haha, old leader, your words make it sound like you've been waiting just for me," Fuhai bantered, unreservedly. Zhao Qiansun was accustomed to this.
"Come, quickly hand over your plan for me to review," Zhao Qiansun said, pouring Fuhai a cup of water. This was highly unusual, prompting Fuhai to feel a pang of anxiety. He thought that if his plan was deemed too audacious and criticized, he might not be able to continue his work.
When could a minor deity like himself, or even an unknown immortal like Shui Xian, possibly influence the decisions of the Heavenly Court? In his eyes, Liu Sandao was such a person. Shui Xian, a true "Water" immortal. He had never seen an immortal from the Primordial Era manage to achieve such a status. From what he knew, renowned immortals from the Primordial Era had become Grand Unity Golden Immortals, possessing transcendent powers. Yet, Liu Sandao had to personally engage in battle with the God of Death, with no possibility of an instant victory. In this regard, he had to admit, Liu Sandao was truly "watery."
Fuhai pondered, his gaze fixed on Zhao Qiansun. Zhao Qiansun first smiled, then his brow furrowed, then his mood lightened, and so on... Fuhai's heart churned with apprehension.
After a long while, Zhao Qiansun slowly looked up and said calmly, "You may go back now. I need to study this further."
Fuhai had expected Zhao Qiansun to give him an answer after he finished his water, a simple "yes" or "no." However, he failed to realize that such matters could not be decided with a single word. The more the Heavenly Court valued something, the more important timing and procedure became. Otherwise, chaos would engulf both the heavens and the mortal realm.
This plan, to put it mildly, merely changed the method of distributing blessings. To put it more strongly, it aimed to reshape the entire blessing system and establish a firm foothold in the heavenly realm. Therefore, extreme caution was necessary.
Having worked at Xia Hua Bank for many years, Zhao Qiansun had clearly sensed the changes in the mortal world: increasing pragmatism and restlessness. However, the duty of immortals was not merely to guard the mortal realm, but to ensure it remained synchronized with the heavens. Otherwise, the gap between the two would widen. This was likely a concern of the Heavenly Court.
...
Upon returning to school, Fuhai was restless, or rather, filled with trepidation. Liu Sandao, on the other hand, appeared calm and advised him to relax, assuring him that results would come soon. He suggested they use this time to focus on establishing the company and developing its business. Fuhai wanted to, but he feared his plan would be rejected, rendering their efforts futile. Liu Sandao comforted him, arguing that if the God of Death could start a company, why couldn't a God of Fortune? They should prepare now, so they could act decisively once the order came!
In the following days, in addition to their normal duties of distributing blessings, they had a new task: preparing for the company's establishment. To facilitate the free trade of blessings, they needed to address the preservation of blessings and their lifespan. If a blessing, once taken from the "Manual of Blessings," disappeared in an instant, it would lose its significance. With the current number of people needing blessings keeping Fuhai and Liu Sandao busy, how would they manage if the number of blessers increased in the future?
To this end, Liu Sandao and Fuhai spent countless sleepless nights contemplating and conducting numerous experiments. After about half a month, they had made no progress. Furthermore, the absence of any word from his old leader left Fuhai increasingly uneasy.
One evening, Liu Sandao was still engrossed in the "Manual of Blessings." He felt he was finally getting into the groove, sometimes even feeling more dedicated than Fuhai and brimming with confidence in distributing blessings. A day or two without distributing blessings felt like wasted time.
As they were the only two in the dormitory, Fuhai called out to Liu Sandao, who did not respond. Fuhai raised his voice, but Liu Sandao remained unresponsive. This ignited a spark of inexplicable anger in Fuhai, and he impulsively snatched the "Manual of Blessings" from Liu Sandao's hand.
"Chh-l!" With a sound, a page of the "Manual of Blessings" was torn off. This stunned Liu Sandao! He had never imagined that something used by immortals could be torn. Fuhai immediately calmed down. He realized it was his insufficient cultivation that had led to this mishap. Just as he was about to apologize to Liu Sandao, Liu Sandao suddenly exclaimed with a smile, "Got it!"
Fuhai was bewildered by his sudden change in demeanor. What did that have to do with anything? Liu Sandao asked, "How did you give me the 'Manual of Blessings' originally?"
Without a second thought, Fuhai replied, "There were blank 'Manuals of Blessings' before, so I casually gave you one to practice with. Later, through a secret technique, I gradually transferred some names to you."
Liu Sandao continued, "Then try transferring a name onto this torn page!"
Fuhai followed Liu Sandao's instructions and applied the secret technique to the page. Indeed, a name appeared on the paper. With swift movements, Liu Sandao began to conjure. A small blessing appeared next to the name.
"It worked! We have a way to preserve blessings!"