Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 188 Southern Xinjiang
Currently, the Shen family owns land in four cities and has developed more than sixty large and small spiritual fields, which can yield about eight thousand catties of spiritual rice every three years.

The spirit crystal veins in the mountains can produce more than 150 spirit crystals every year, which are divided equally among the five families, with the Shen family receiving more than 30 crystals.

The income in Jinghe Market is not very stable each year. On average, it's only about ten spirit crystals a year.

In addition, there is income from a spiritual spring, as well as from the Azure Spirit Stone vein and the Water Smoke Stone vein.

This is all the places in the Shen family that can currently produce resources for cultivation.

Currently, the Shen family has more than fifty cultivators.

Of the three Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, Hu Meier's injuries were still extremely serious and could be basically ignored.

These cultivation resources are currently sufficient for the cultivators, but the sudden emergence of over a hundred immortal seedlings with spiritual roots cannot be ignored.

Two years from now, new cultivators will emerge from among these promising talents at the Qi Refining stage. If we don't find a way to increase the supply of resources, the existing cultivation resources will not be enough to meet the daily needs of cultivators.

"Do you have an idea in mind?" Shen Yuan asked in a deep voice.

He wanted to see if his son had a better solution.

Shen Wenxing pondered for a moment and frowned, saying, "Currently, of the four cities that my Shen family owns, the He family is to the east and north. As for the west, Hidden Dragon Mountain has already been occupied. The western wilderness is barren and not of much value."

"To the south, beyond the Laishui River, lies an endless expanse of mountains and valleys, where spiritual energy is scarce, poisonous miasma abounds, and human presence is rare."

At this point, he suddenly sighed and shook his head.

"My Shen family is as if we are trapped in these four cities."

Shen Yuan nodded and said, "Immortals cultivate in the same way that mortal families want to grow stronger; they need to expand their territory and acquire more resources."

"However, the Shen family is now unable to expand their territory and has no choice but to find another way out."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing's brows furrowed into a deep knot.

He also knew that expanding territory was not a viable option.

However, after racking my brains for a long time, I still couldn't come up with a better solution.

The resources for spiritual practice are not like stones on the roadside that can be picked up at will.

Shen Yuan clapped his hands and said, "Have you ever paid attention to the annual harvests of the major immortal sects in Jinghe Market?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing was taken aback, and after a moment's thought, he said:

"I've heard it's very good."

"The major immortal sects rely on pills, talismans, magic artifacts, etc., and the annual harvest of spirit rice and spirit crystal fragments is probably worth hundreds of spirit crystals."

"There are also some bargains involved, where people might exchange valuable natural treasures from unrecognized rogue cultivators."

"They probably earned even more."

Upon closer examination, Shen Wenxing suddenly felt a pang of envy.

The five families joined forces to create Jinghe Market, and the other four families were able to earn a large amount of cultivation resources from Yangnao Land every year through the market.

In recent years, the Shen family has only been able to resell low-grade spiritual herbs, spiritual fruits, and spiritual ores in Jinghe Market.

But even if you're really envious, there's nothing you can do about it.

The Shen family lacked sufficient foundation and had little expertise in the various arts of cultivation. Whether it was alchemy, formation, or talismanic arts, they had few things to offer.

So all we can do is watch others make money.

Seeing his worry, Shen Yuan smiled faintly and said, "You have always been kind and honest, and you look down on the buying and selling of merchants. Now that you are this old, you are still the same."

“My son, you must know that even immortals are human. There are some things you should learn from your elder sister.”

Big sister?

Shen Wenxing frowned, seemingly not quite understanding his father's words.

Shen Yuan stood up, gently patted his shoulder, and then said leisurely, "My Shen family is one of the founders of Jinghe Market. Now we have a place here, but we spend our days selling things that are not presentable. It is really a waste."

“In recent years, your younger sister has not needed to worry about worldly businesses much. I want her to run the shop in Jinghe Market.”

"After the New Year's Eve, take her to see him. I believe that with her discerning eye, she will be able to find a good way out."

"Also, ask Qiuling to help you get some Spirit Shuttle Grass seeds. I have a great use for them."

Shen Wenxing stared blankly at his father's departing figure, still harboring some doubts.

Although her younger sister Shen Wenping disliked cultivation, she had consumed some Body Tempering Pills and Qi Nourishing Pills from her family in her early years. With the nourishment from those spiritual fruits and springs, she had already reached the Body Tempering Realm.

When Shen Wen'an returned from the Qingluo Sword Pavilion, he received the Xuan Yin Pill from the Sword Immortal Ling Shan. The female members of his family experienced very good results after taking it.

Although Shen Wenping has not yet reached the Qi Refining Realm, she is not far off.

Even so, he didn't know what method his sister could come up with to solve the problem of resources for cultivation.

……

Sanshan County.

On a mountain path less than 100 miles from Qixian Mountain.

Shen Chonghong, who had fled his family half a month ago and shouted "I'm free!" in high spirits, was now being bound to a tree by a golden light that resembled a rope.

Now his hair is disheveled, his clothes are rumpled, and the word "hooligan" has been carved into his fair chest with a tree branch.

The chestnut-colored steed he had ridden with him had vanished without a trace, and even the magical spear he carried was gone.

Shen Chonghong struggled violently; although his mouth and nose were not blocked, he dared not shout for help.

He was ashamed that if someone saw him like this and recognized him as a member of the Shen family, he would not only be beaten to death by his father, but he would also be too ashamed to live.

Shen Chonghong now only hopes to break free of his restraints before someone passes by and discovers him.

However, the rope formed by the golden light was extremely tough. No matter how much he struggled, even after exhausting most of his spiritual power, it had no effect.

"That little vixen said this spell can last for four hours!"

Panting heavily, Shen Chonghong looked pale as he looked up at the setting sun.

"This damn thing should disappear in about an hour."

"I'd better save my energy."

"As dusk approaches, no one should be passing by on this secluded forest path..."

Unable to break free from the golden rope, Shen Chonghong was just thinking that he could escape once the spell wore off when he suddenly noticed two figures riding the wind in the distance!

Upon seeing this, he immediately pressed himself against the large tree behind him, closed his eyes, and dared not make any noise, for fear of being discovered by the two figures in the air.

But then he saw two figures in the sky arrive in this area, pause briefly, and then head straight for him.

The two fell from the sky. The burly man in the lead, wearing gray trousers and a sleeveless vest, with gray hair, glanced at Shen Chonghong, who was tied to the tree, and then turned around and glared fiercely at the girl behind him.

He then quickly waved his hand to release the golden rope.

Upon regaining his freedom, Shen Chonghong immediately tore at his tattered clothes to cover the crookedly written word "hooligan" on his chest, then awkwardly bowed and said, "Thank you for saving me, senior!"

The burly man said apologetically, "Young friend, please don't be so polite."

"My daughter is unruly and did not know that you are a member of the Shen family. She has offended me greatly and I hope you will forgive her."

As the burly man spoke, he turned around and scolded, "Why aren't you coming over here to apologize to your young friend?!"

Behind him, a girl wearing a red knee-length skirt that revealed her fair legs walked slowly towards him with her head drooping.

"say!"

Seeing that the girl didn't speak when she came up to him, a hint of anger flashed across the burly man's face, and his voice became even colder.

The girl in the red dress pouted, raising her head as if she were very dissatisfied, and said, "Why?!"

"He was the one who made advances on me first!"

"Hey... still arguing!" The burly man immediately reprimanded him.

Seeing the girl's face full of grievance, with tears welling up in her eyes, Shen Chonghong quickly spoke up:

"senior."

"Never mind, it was all a misunderstanding."

"I still don't know which immortal sect or aristocratic family you come from, senior?"

It was his fault in the first place.

Seeing that the girl was pretty and alone, he acted recklessly and spoke frivolously.

The burly man, seeing him say this, secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said:

"I am Xiao Yin from the Hundred Refinements Valley, and this is my daughter Hongxiu."

Bailian Valley?
Shen Chonghong asked with a strange expression, "Where is Hundred Refinement Valley?"

The twelve immortal sects of Qishan descended upon Yangnao Land, and Hundred Refinement Valley was the weakest and most inconspicuous among them.

Although Hundred Refinement Valley is not strong, it is still a celestial sect.

If it were a normal person, they would definitely say something like, "So you are a senior from Hundred Refinement Valley. I've heard so much about you."

Clearly, Shen Chonghong had not considered this at all.

Xiao Yin was a little embarrassed by his question, and chuckled dryly, saying, "The Hundred Refinement Valley is not well-known, so it's normal that you haven't heard of it, young friend."

"By the way, young friend, you only have the third level of Qi Refining cultivation. Why did you come to Seven Sages Mountain alone without even bringing any elders to protect you?"

Xiao Yin asked, puzzled.

A few hours ago, his daughter Xiao Hongxiu came to him excitedly, carrying a magic weapon spear and a package. She said that she had encountered a "hothead" cultivator in the mountains who made rude and harassing remarks to her.

She subdued him with a golden lock and beat him up.

Xiao Yin didn't take it seriously after hearing it, thinking it was just a clueless cultivator from a noble family.

Among the twelve immortal sects that descended upon Yangnao Land, Hundred Refinement Valley was the weakest, but it was not something that ordinary aristocratic cultivators could bully.

But when he saw the seal that Xiao Hongxiu had taken out of the package, he immediately changed his mind!

All the major immortal sects and forces in Qishan have witnessed the destruction of Hundred Beast Mountain and know the relationship between the Shen family and the Ling Shan Sword Immortal.

After that battle, no major immortal sect or force dared to underestimate the Shen family.

Privately, these immortal sects and forces instructed their disciples and clansmen to be extremely careful if they encountered members of the Shen family in the future, and to avoid provoking them if possible.

Upon recognizing the seal, Xiao Yin immediately brought his daughter over.

Shen Chonghong naturally wouldn't tell him that he had snuck out, and stammered an explanation: "The elders in the clan wanted me to come and broaden my horizons and gain some experience."

"I never thought..."

He glanced at Xiao Hongxiu somewhat awkwardly, the image of being beaten and humiliated by this little girl just now flashing through his mind.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yin was slightly taken aback, and a hint of admiration appeared in his eyes. He exclaimed:
"The Shen family is indeed strict in educating their children."

Because of the existence of the secret realm, Qixian Mountain has long been a gathering place for cultivators.

The Shen family actually sent a junior member of their direct lineage who was only at the third level of Qi Refining to come here for training alone.

Suppressing his thoughts, Xiao Yin's hand flashed with light as he took out a silver spear and a package.

"These are my young friend's things."

"As for your fine horse, young friend, Hongxiu is unruly and has already let it run away, so it will probably be very difficult to find it."

"It's getting dark. My Hundred Refinement Valley's camp is not far ahead. Why don't you come and sit for a while? Tomorrow you can enter the secret realm with my Hundred Refinement Valley disciples."

Shen Chonghong took his baggage and magical artifact, thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Thank you for your kindness, senior. However, being defeated by Miss Hongxiu this time has made me realize the gap between us."

"We won't go into this secret realm."

"Farewell, senior."

After bowing to the father and daughter, Shen Chonghong summoned a gentle breeze and flew away into the distance.

……

Jinghefang Market.

Shen Wenxing took his younger sister, Shen Wenping, for a stroll in the market.

He truly admired his sister's talent in business, but he always felt that the worldly methods of buying and selling were not necessarily applicable to the cultivation world.

"Look, sister, this is the shop in Qiyun Valley."

In the market, Shen Wenxing pointed to a four-story building with a constant stream of cultivators coming and going.

Qiyun Valley excels in alchemy and formation techniques, and their business is the best in the entire Jinghe Market.

With the revival of spiritual energy, aristocratic families are rising rapidly. For their own safety and that of their families, some of the more farsighted individuals among these families are thinking of setting up formations in their residences.

The array plate of Qiyun Valley became the best choice.

Elixirs are a necessity for every cultivator, needless to say.

Shen Wenping nodded and began diligently taking notes in the book.

After a long silence, she put away the book and said, "We can go to other places now."

After Shen Wenxing nodded, he took her to visit the remaining shops of the immortal sects.

Afterwards, the brother and sister went to the place where the rogue cultivators set up stalls and spent almost a day exploring the entire market before returning to the Shen family's shop.

The two sat down in the side room. Seeing Shen Wenping calmly drinking tea, Shen Wenxing couldn't wait to ask, "Does my elder sister already have a plan?"

Shen Wenping put down her teacup and smiled faintly: "Brother, don't be in a hurry, wait a little longer."

Shen Wenxing was stunned, not knowing what his sister was waiting for.

The two chatted in the side room for about half an hour when three members of the Shen family hurriedly arrived.

"Master, Miss."

After bowing, the three handed the books they were holding to Shen Wenping.

After taking the book, Shen Wenping glanced at it and nodded, saying, "Not bad. When you get back, each of you should go to the accounting office and withdraw fifty taels of silver. Just say it's a reward from me."

Upon hearing this, the three smiled, bowed, and left.

After they left, Shen Wenxing asked, "What did my eldest sister have them do?"

As Shen Wenping flipped through the book in her hand, she said, "The number of cultivators entering and leaving the market, and some random questions were asked about what cultivators wanted to buy or sell in the market."

"Brother, please prepare some paper and pens for me."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing, though not quite understanding the purpose of his sister's actions, still had someone bring him paper and pen.

Shen Wenping was busy writing and drawing. Shen Wenxing sat for a while, but seeing that he couldn't help much, he got up and left the room to go to the market.

As night fell, when he returned to the Shen family's shop, Shen Wenping was standing in front of the door watching the cultivators coming and going.

"Is everything packed?"

"Is there any conclusion?"

Shen Wenxing came up and asked.

Shen Wenping nodded.

"Brother, please arrange a meeting with the people from the Heavenly Talisman Sect for me these next few days."

"In addition..." She turned around and looked at the empty shop, then handed a blueprint to Shen Wenxing and said, "Brother, you need to find someone to renovate this shop during this period of time."

After taking the blueprints, Shen Wenxing glanced at them. Although he still had some doubts, seeing his sister's confident expression, he could only agree for the time being.

Several days later, at the Shen family's residence in Blackwater Pool.

Zhang Shen, the chief disciple of the Tianfu Sect, arrived riding the wind.

Shen Wenxing personally greeted them, and after exchanging pleasantries, the two went to the side room.

"Brother Shen, why are you so eager to invite me here? Is there something urgent?"

Zhang Shen took a sip of tea and asked curiously.

Shen Wenxing smiled faintly and said, "To be honest, it is my younger sister who wants to see you."

"Brother Zhang, please wait a moment. I have already sent someone to invite him."

No sooner had he finished speaking than footsteps sounded outside the room.

Shen Wenxing got up, opened the door, and led Shen Wenping in.

Zhang Shen, who was on the other side, was stunned when he looked at Shen Wenping.

With his strength, he could tell at a glance that the eldest daughter of the Shen family was only at the peak of Body Tempering, not even reaching the Qi Refining stage.

He was a little suspicious. What did this young lady from the Shen family want to see him for?
"Sister, this is Zhang Shen, the chief disciple of the Heavenly Talisman Sect."

"Brother Zhang, this is my younger sister, Wenping."

Shen Wenping bowed slightly, and Zhang Shen opposite her cupped his hands in a slight gesture of respect.

"May I ask what business Miss Shen has with me?"

After sitting down, Shen Wenping smiled and said, "I'm sorry to trouble you to come in person, Immortal Master, because I have a business deal to discuss with the Tianfu Sect."

Business?

Zhang Shen looked at Shen Wenxing with some surprise.

However, Shen Wenxing slowly stood up, cupped his hands, and smiled:
"Please forgive me, Brother Zhang."

"My eldest sister has always been in charge of the family business; I don't know much about it."

"However, since my elder sister can fully represent the Shen family, Brother Zhang can rest assured to talk with her. I will not interfere."

As he spoke, Shen Wenxing got up and left the room, heading towards the backyard.

In the backyard, Shen Chongming was coaxing Shen Xiuzhuo when he saw his father return. He asked curiously, "Father, has everything been settled?"

Shen Wenxing took Shen Xiuzhuo from his arms, held him up, and said with a smile, "Your aunt is talking right now."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongming frowned slightly and said:
"Senior Zhang from the Heavenly Talisman Sect is a cultivator at the Nascent Soul Realm. Can Auntie handle it?"

"Furthermore, as the head of the Shen family, wouldn't it be somewhat inappropriate for Father not to stay and keep us company this time?"

Shen Wenxing teased Shen Xiuzhuo's little face and said with a smile, "Talking business is not a battle of magic."

"If we're talking about cultivation, your aunt is certainly not as good as me, but when it comes to doing business, these immortal sect cultivators might not be able to beat her."

"As for why I am not staying to keep you company, it is because I have some connection with Zhang Shen. When it comes to the division of profits, if he speaks up, it will be difficult for me to make a decision if I am present."

“Your aunt isn’t familiar with him, so it’s perfectly acceptable for her to talk to him.”

"Do not worry."

The father and son chatted idly in the courtyard for half an hour when a disciple of the Shen family hurriedly came over and bowed.

"Master, Miss and Master Zhang have reached an agreement and would like to see you there."

Have you reached an agreement?
A look of joy appeared on Shen Wenxing's face. He immediately handed Shen Xiuzhuo over to Shen Chongming and walked towards the front yard.

At the gate of the mansion, Zhang Shen had already come out of the side room, and Shen Wenping was chatting with him.

As Shen Wenxing approached, Zhang Shen smiled and said, "Brother Shen, if your sister weren't a woman who couldn't cultivate, she would be more suitable than you for the position of head of the Shen family."

"Oh?"

Shen Wenxing glanced at his sister, not expecting Zhang Shen to give such an evaluation.

"You flatter me, Immortal Master," Shen Wenping said with a smile. "Wenping is only good at seeking small gains; in the big picture, she is far inferior to her brother." Zhang Shen nodded with a smile, feeling quite emotional.

In all the years he had known the Shen family, he had only thought that the eldest son of the Shen family was calm, resourceful, and good at managing the household; he was a rare talent.

The deceased second brother, Shen Wenyan, though he never showed his true colors, made a name for himself in the battle of Hundred Beasts Mountain.

Needless to say, the third brother, Shen Wen'an, is a young swordsmanship genius, recognized as having the potential to become a sword immortal.

However, after talking with this little-known Miss Shen today, Zhang Shen suddenly realized that although Shen Wenping was a woman with an ordinary body, her wisdom was no less than that of Shen Wenxing, the head of the Shen family.

Their courage surpasses even that!

Suppressing his emotions, he cupped his hands slightly and said, "Miss Shen, the matter is settled. I will make arrangements immediately upon returning home. I hope our two families can cooperate happily."

Shen Wenping smiled and bowed, saying, "Master Zhang, rest assured, this time we will certainly not let Tianfu Sect down."

Zhang Shen nodded, bowed to the two of them again, and then rode away from the Shen family.

Seeing her leave, Shen Wenxing couldn't wait to ask, "How did you talk to the Heavenly Talisman Sect, little sister?"

When Shen Wenping asked him to arrange a meeting with Zhang Shen, he had already guessed her intentions.

However, this matter involved many things, and the foreseeable profit was extremely small, so he was always a little uneasy.

Shen Wenping looked at him and smiled faintly: "The Shen family provides the Tianfu Sect with spirit shuttle grass for free. The large number of talismans made by the Tianfu Sect are sold by my Shen family at a price 30% lower than the market price."

The obtained spirit crystals will be split 50/50 between the two families.

Shen Wenxing was very surprised to hear this.

Talismans are very complicated to make, and the spiritual paper and ink used all have costs.

Selling at 30% below market price, there's not much profit to begin with, and the spirit crystals obtained have to be split 50/50 with the Shen family.

Even if the Shen family provides the spirit shuttle grass for making spirit paper for free, the profit that the Heavenly Talisman Sect can obtain is pitifully low.

Is Jang Shin-jin so stupid that she would agree to this?
He voiced the question that had been lingering in his mind.

Shen Wenping smiled and said, "You can't judge a book by its cover."

After sorting out her thoughts, Shen Wenping gave a simple explanation of the key points.

The Tianfu Sect specializes in the art of talismans, and its disciples are required to draw a large number of low-level talismans in their daily practice.

Those low-level talismans are not used normally. If they are left for a long time, their spiritual power will dissipate and their power will be greatly reduced. They can only be discarded, which is a waste.

Therefore, even though the Heavenly Talisman Sect was very wealthy, it dared not allow its disciples to practice with spirit paper and spirit ink without restraint.

While one can draw talismans without using spirit paper and spirit ink, the subtle changes in spiritual energy that can affect the power of the talisman, such as the distribution of spiritual energy, are not easy to control.

Now that the Shen family is providing them with the Spirit Shuttle Grass for making spirit paper for free, and is also able to sell the low-level talismans they have, the disciples of the Heavenly Talisman Sect can not only get a lot of opportunities to practice, but also recoup their costs and make some profits.

The profits gained from this positive and negative process are not limited to what is explicitly stated.

Shen Wenping smiled faintly:

"What the Heavenly Talisman Sect values ​​more is what I mean by market share and reputation."

"With a large number of low-level talismans occupying a share of the market, leaving other immortal sects and forces with nowhere to sell their talismans, the Heavenly Talisman Sect can then profit from those mid-to-high-level talismans."

Shen Wenxing was somewhat surprised after hearing this.

He had never really thought about these complicated things.

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again: "Has my elder sister already calculated how much profit my Shen family can gain in a year from this cooperation with the Heavenly Talisman Sect?"

While in Jinghefang Market, Shen Wenping had some data compiled.

He vaguely guessed that his sister should already be able to estimate the profits involved.

Shen Wenping nodded slightly and said, "I had someone inquire about the cultivators who entered the market, and 40% of them had a need for low-level talismans."

"The specific allocation of attack talismans, defense talismans, and other special talismans involved will have to wait until later to be analyzed."

"As for profits, the initial estimate is forty to fifty spirit crystals per year in the early stages. Once we dominate the entire market, we should be able to reach two hundred spirit crystals per year."

At this point, she suddenly smiled.

"These are just the profits from selling talismans. If we include the customers who come to the shop by selling talismans, who may also buy some of our Shen family's spiritual fruits and spiritual mines, the profit will probably be much higher."

"Alright, brother, you'd better hurry up and get someone to plant the Spirit Shuttle Grass, so as not to delay our earning of spirit crystals."

Shen Wenxing grinned and patted his chest.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of this!"

Cultivating Spirit Shuttle Grass is quite troublesome. In the early stages, it requires the use of spiritual spring water for seedling cultivation and careful nurturing by cultivators.

However, once the seedlings are successfully cultivated, the requirements for spiritual energy in the soil are not high when planting them; they do not necessarily have to be planted in a spiritual field.

……

The benefits of cooperating with Tianfu Sect exceeded Shen Wenping's expectations.

In just one year, the Shen family's shop in Jinghe Market earned nearly ninety spirit crystals.

This does not include rare items such as spirit rice and spirit medicine.

The issue of cultivation resources was alleviated, but another problem arose that caused Shen Wenxing a great headache.

The main hall of the clan's main courtyard.

Shen Wenxing sat in the center of the seat at the head of the table, with Shen Chongming and Lu Zhiyuan sitting on his left and right respectively.

Mu Yan and Mu Chang, who were from the Western Wilderness, stood respectfully beside Lu Zhiyuan.

At this moment, Mu Yan and Mu Chang's cultivation levels had already caught up with Shen Yuan, reaching the ninth level of Qi Refining.

The speed at which the two broke through was truly astonishing.

It should be noted that both of them were over sixty years old when they left the Western Wilderness and joined the Shen family.

After making a solemn vow, they were granted the righteous method "Moonlit Pine Mountain Technique". In just ten years, the two of them have crossed four minor realms, breaking through from the fifth level of Qi Refining to the ninth level of Qi Refining!
"Mu Yan, bring those four cultivators up here."

After Lu Zhiyuan spoke, Mu Yan bowed slightly and walked out.

A moment later, four figures were escorted to the main hall by disciples of the clan's main courtyard.

After the four arrived, they all hung their heads and dared not raise their heads.

Lu Zhiyuan turned to Shen Wenxing and said, "After investigation by the clan's main academy, it was found that these four people, under the guise of taking on disciples, used their identities as cultivators to seduce and harass ordinary women. They were arrogant and domineering, drunk and using magic to destroy houses in the city, resulting in the deaths of three innocent mortals and injuries to more than ten others."

"Furthermore, when the clan's main court went to investigate, the group resisted the law with force. It was only through Mu Yan's intervention that they were finally subdued."

Shen Wenxing nodded, glanced at Shen Chongming on his left, and said, "You handle it."

Shen Chongming cupped his hands in greeting, stood up, and came to the four people.

"Keep your head up."

"Now you know it's shameful, now you're scared?"

The four people in front of him slowly raised their heads, one of them meeting Shen Chongming's gaze with shame in his eyes.

"Young clan leader, I..."

The man wanted to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

Shen Chongming knew him.

In the first year that Shen Jiachu took over Yunshui Town, he selected two promising talents with spiritual roots, Shi Miao and Chen Youran. In the second year, he selected two more.

The young man in front of them, who was at the fifth level of Qi Refining, was one of the two spiritual root possessors.

Since discovering that he possessed spiritual roots, he had been living in a side courtyard of the Shen family manor.

Since the Zhao family took over Anyang City, they were short-handed, so he was sent to Anyang City to help.

Shen Chongming looked at him, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

After glancing at the four people, Shen Chongming turned around and bowed to Lu Zhiyuan: "Master, according to the clan rules, how should these people be dealt with?"

Lu Zhiyuan said in a deep voice, "According to the rules, he should be executed immediately."

"But these four people have consumed a lot of the family's cultivation resources. Wouldn't it be a waste to execute them like this?"

"Does the head of the family have any other plans?"

Of the four people who committed the crime, the highest cultivation level was the fifth level of Qi Refining, the other two were at the third level of Qi Refining, and the other was at the peak of the second level of Qi Refining.

After more than ten years of cultivation, the four of them had indeed consumed a considerable amount of resources.

The Shen family doesn't have many cultivators these days. If they could be punished by being sent to guard the spirit fields, or if there were other arrangements, it would be better than killing them outright.

Shen Chongming shook his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he said, "Since there are regulations, then just execute him directly."

"If we give them a break just because they have cultivation, what will happen if others follow suit in the future?"

Lu Zhiyuan nodded and then looked at Shen Wenxing.

Shen Wenxing sighed inwardly. Although he was somewhat reluctant, he understood that his son was right.

"Just do it."

Seeing that the father and son had made their decision, Lu Zhiyuan naturally didn't say anything more and directly signaled Mu Yan and Mu Chang to take the four of them away.

“Father, these four people should not have died in vain.” Shen Chongming thought for a moment and said, “I think we can take this opportunity to gather all the cultivators of my Shen family, as well as those immortal seedlings with spiritual roots and the direct descendants of affiliated families, in front of the ancestral hall.”

"Let them see for themselves, and not think that having cultivation means they can disregard clan rules."

These four individuals represent the first cultivators in the Shen family to be executed for violating clan rules since the family's rise to power.

Shen Chongming intends to use this incident to serve as a warning to other cultivators and affiliated families.

"Okay, you can handle this."

Shen Wenxing spoke up.

He could tell that his son's style of doing things was much more forceful than his own.

This is partly because the Shen family has gained some confidence now, and partly due to their personalities.

After finalizing the matter, Shen Wenxing was about to get up and leave when he suddenly saw Zhao Jinhu, with gray hair, shirtless, and carrying a thorny thorn on his back, slowly walking towards the entrance of the clan's main courtyard.

Zhao Jinhu arrived at the main hall of the clan's main courtyard, knelt down with a thud, and bowed, saying:

"Master, I am guilty!"

The sharp thorns on his back had pierced his flesh, and blood flowed down his back, soaking his clothes.

As Shen Wenxing frowned, Shen Chongming quickly stepped forward, removed the thorns from Zhao Jinhu's back, and took his arm, saying, "Uncle Zhao, why are you in this situation?"

"Someone, quickly go and fetch some medicine for your wounds!"

Upon hearing this, the disciples of the clan's main academy at the entrance hurriedly went to fetch medicine for their injuries.

Shen Chongming helped Zhao Jinhu to sit down.

With a sorrowful expression, Zhao Jinhu looked at Shen Wenxing and Lu Zhiyuan and said, "The Zhao family's mismanagement has led to such a disaster. I beg the patriarch and the master to punish us."

“Brother Jin Hu,” Shen Wenxing sighed and called out, “This matter has nothing to do with the Zhao family. If we really have to talk about it, it’s my fault for misjudging people and sending those guys to Anyang City.”

The disciples of the clan's main courtyard hurriedly brought in medicine for his injuries, and Shen Chongming personally treated his wounds.

While moved, Zhao Jinhu felt even more ashamed.

"If I had been able to dissuade them earlier and have them restrain themselves, things wouldn't have turned out this way."

"Now not only have the common people under its rule lost their lives, but the master family has also lost four cultivators..."

Zhao Jinhu had already been informed of the four men's actions in Anyang City.

But he felt that the four men were high and mighty immortals, and that the women they raped were, frankly speaking, all of them doing so willingly.

Currently, the Zhao family only has one cultivator, Zhao Tuan, which is incomparable to the other affiliated families.

He then thought of doing his best to build connections within the family.

Who would have thought that it was his indulgence that led the four of them to commit such a terrible disaster.

Looking at Zhao Jinhu, whose hair and beard were now white, Shen Wenxing sighed.

The two have known each other since childhood, and now that decades have passed, he naturally understands Zhao Jinhu's character.

Therefore, upon hearing this, they guessed why Zhao Jinhu had not reported the situation of the four people.

Although the four cultivators caused this disaster through their own actions, the Zhao family is indeed guilty of dereliction of duty.

He also knew that if he didn't give a punishment today, the disciples of the main academy would feel that it was unfair.

Moreover, Zhao Jinhu did not go to the manor to apologize, but instead came to the clan's main courtyard with thorns on his back, which naturally indicated that he had other ideas.

Thinking of this, he clapped his hands and said:

"The four men raped a woman, drank heavily in the city, and used magic to kill three ordinary people. The Zhao family is indeed guilty of negligence."

"However, considering the Zhao family's slight achievements in governing Anyang City over the past two years, let's deduct one year's salary."

"What do you think, sir?"

Shen Wenxing looked at Lu Zhiyuan beside him and asked.

Lu Zhiyuan pondered for a moment and nodded, then immediately instructed the disciples of the Clan Courtyard to write this down.

……

On the way back to the manor, Shen Chongming looked at his father walking slowly with his hands behind his back, hesitated for a moment and said, "Father, will punishing the Zhao family this time chill Uncle Zhao's heart?"

Shen Wenxing stopped and shook his head slightly, saying, "You, Zhao Bo, went to the clan's main courtyard with thorns on your back, intending for your father and teacher to handle the matter impartially, fearing that your father would resolve the matter with personal feelings, leaving a bad impression on other affiliated families."

At this point, a helpless smile appeared on his face.

"You, Uncle Zhao... sometimes you just overthink things."

"Little do they know, my Shen family is the head of the household. Even if we show favoritism, what can we do about it?"

Shen Chongming seemed to be deep in thought upon hearing this.

……

The backyard of the city lord's mansion in Anyang City.

Shen Chongming sat in the head seat and looked at Zhao Tuan in front of him, saying, "Brother Tuan's cultivation has improved more and more in the past two years. It seems that he should be able to break through to the fifth level of Qi Refining soon."

Zhao Tuan cupped his hands slightly and smiled, "Young clan leader, you flatter me. I have no spiritual roots, and the more I cultivate, the more I can feel the gap."

He sighed heavily and said in a daze, "I still remember when the old patriarch asked me to make a choice. I naively thought that even without spiritual roots, as long as I could put in more effort than those who had spiritual roots, I wouldn't be far behind."

"But now..."

Realizing that effort was almost worthless in the face of talent, Zhao Tuan felt very bitter.

Shen Chongming looked at him and joked, "This isn't the Tuan-ge I know."

"We cultivators should forge ahead against the current. My grandfather once said that the spirit of not accepting fate and not admitting defeat that Brother Tuan possesses is the most valuable quality of a cultivator."

As he spoke, a flash of light appeared in his hand, and he directly took out two complete spirit crystals, a bag of spirit rice, and a pot of spirit spring water, and handed them over.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Tuan quickly stood up and cupped his hands in greeting: "Young clan leader, this is unacceptable!"

"My Zhao family has just committed a grave mistake..."

“Wrong is wrong, but family is family.” Shen Chongming said with a smile, “Brother Tuan should understand that the punishment of the Zhao family is just for show. In private, things will still be the same as before.”

"Make sure you put these things away carefully, so no one else can see them."

As Shen Chongming spoke, he stood up, patted Zhao Tuan on the shoulder, and then left the room.

Watching his retreating figure, Zhao Tuan's expression was quite complicated. He then smiled and shook his head, putting away the things on the desk.

……

The wide Laishui River meanders through the area. Jinliu Village is located on the north bank of the Laishui River, while the south bank consists of some Yellow River floodplains and marshes. Beyond the Yellow River floodplains lie barren mountains covered with ravines and hills, with almost no other vegetation except for some low shrubs.

Before the revival of spiritual energy, few people could walk out of that boundless swampy flood zone alive, and even fewer knew what lay beyond the rolling hills and ravines.

After gaining cultivation, some of the Shen family's cultivators became curious about the area on the south bank of the Laishui River. They flew across the swampy and flooded areas, hoping to find some treasures in the rolling hills.

Even after exhausting all his spiritual power and flying thousands of miles, the surrounding desolate landscape remained unchanged, and the spiritual energy was so thin that it was almost imperceptible.

Later, some people explored southward along the north-south Yinlong Mountain. After traveling hundreds of miles, they found that the surrounding area was still full of undulating peaks, and they could also feel that the spiritual energy became thinner the further south they went.

Over time, people stopped paying attention to that area.

In late autumn, a letter arrived from the front lines in the mountains; it was addressed to Shen Chongming.

Inside the manor, Shen Chongming opened the letter, glanced at it, and then frowned deeply.

Beside him, Shen Wenxing asked, "What happened?"

Shen Chongming handed over the letter and said, "My uncle said that the giant centipede in the poisonous miasma forest has been acting strangely lately, and has been sending some monster-level children to the camp frequently."

“He went there in person, but the giant centipede specifically asked to see me.”

Shen Wenxing nodded and said, "If that's the case, then you should go. If nothing serious happens, come back as soon as possible."

“Lingxun is about to give birth, and you, as her father, can’t be absent.”

Shen Chongming nodded and immediately flew towards the poisonous miasma-filled forest in the mountains.

The mountains and forests below receded rapidly, and soon a patch of colorful poisonous miasma appeared in the distance.

Shen Chongming slowly withdrew his magic and landed at the edge of the poisonous miasma.

"Big centipede, I've come to see you."

He shouted, but after waiting for a long time, he only saw a poisonous centipede demon beast at the fifth level of Qi Refining peek out.

When the poisonous centipede saw him, it twisted its body and made strange squeaking noises.

Shen Chongming was puzzled for a moment before realizing that this guy wanted him to go in.

After glancing at the dense poisonous miasma, Shen Chongming immediately took out an antidote pill, then summoned a spiritual energy shield, and followed the poisonous centipede into the miasma.

"You finally came!"

As Shen Chongming stepped into the depths of the poisonous miasma forest, a voice rang out ahead.

Then, the poisonous miasma surged, and a colossal creature rushed towards them!
Shen Chongming asked in surprise, "You can speak now?"

The giant centipede's head popped out and said urgently, "We can talk about this later, we're in big trouble!"

"My baby is almost ready to be born, but lately he's been very restless. You have to help me."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongming looked at the mound not far away and discovered that the strange poisonous plants on the mound were now emitting a colorful light, which was quite mysterious.

"There are no stronger demonic beasts around here than you. Besides, what ordinary demonic creature or cultivator would covet your poisonous herb?"

Shen Chongming teased him curiously.

The giant centipede shook its head and sighed, "Three of the Qi Refining Realm children I sent out have died."

"A powerful demon is definitely approaching!"

“Recently, some young people have fled from the southern Xinjiang region, and I can feel their fear.”

The giant centipede raised its head and looked due south from the poisonous miasma.

“If you’re scared, bring that guy with the sword over here too.”

The giant centipede's voice was very solemn, as if there really was something terrifying in that direction!

(End of this chapter)