Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 21 Changlin House

Li Xiangming could vaguely guess what Li Qianxiong was thinking.

Li Qianxiong now wants to use these children, but he can't do so openly.

Being fostered in Changtai Township seems convenient, as they can be called upon at any time, but Changtai Township is also under the supervision of the clan elders.

If the clan elders firmly oppose it, these children will only grow up to be farmers.

This means nothing to Li Qianxiong.

After thinking for a moment, Li Xiangming said, "Spiritual root seeds are scarce in Pu County, and many places are eager to have these children. Since your family doesn't want to go up the mountain with your surname, why don't we send them to another family? We can sponsor one or two children every year and make a good connection."

Should we send it to another store?

Li Qianxiong was puzzled: "But wouldn't that mean raising someone else's child? What benefit would that bring to our Li family?"

"We need to find a place that we know well, but it can't be too far from the Li family."

Li Xiangming emphasized.

Li Qianxiong immediately understood that this place must be weaker than the Li family, and it would be best to rely on the Li family.

The word "funding" is also key. The Li family provides a small amount of resources, and the local area invests time and effort. Once the child grows up, the Li family will then take over the child for their own use.

At that time, the people and resources will be provided by the Li family, and the Li family will still be the sect leader. How can you resist?

Li Qianxiong carefully examined Li Xiangming. If Xiangren hadn't reminded him, he wouldn't have realized that this kid was so thoughtful.

After thinking for a moment, Li Qianxiong asked again, "Which family do you think is suitable to take in these children?"

Li Xiangming shook his head and said, "I've been home for less than a year, so I don't know much about the surrounding area."

Upon hearing this, Li Qianxiong gently tapped the armrest of his chair, his mind flashing through the minds of several small cultivation factions in the vicinity.

Li Xiangming didn't disturb him, and quietly waited for the family head to make a decision.

After a while, Li Qianxiong made up his mind, but he did not reveal his choice of girlfriend. He only said, "Your idea has some merit. I will consider it."

He added, "Xiangren has always praised you for your intelligence and composure. It was also your achievement in cracking down on the evil cultivators. Why don't you try entering Changlin's quarters?"

Changlinfang?
Li Xiangming was stunned. Wasn't Changlinfang the place where the head of the family worked?
Strictly speaking, he is currently in Changlinfang.

Is it
“You’re right. Changlinfang is not just the name of the house. A few years ago, I felt very busy with clan affairs and lamented my own limited intelligence, so I established this organization to assist me in making decisions.”

Li Xiangming was secretly surprised, not expecting that his family had a hidden organization.

Recalling the cryptic conversation between Li Xiangru and Li Xiangren, it turns out that what they meant by "it's my turn" was this.

So these two are also members of Changlin's household, no wonder they have earned Li Qianxiong's deep trust.

And Li Xianghua, who relayed the message to him, was most likely also one of them.
After a moment of random thoughts, Li Xiangming suddenly remembered that he hadn't gone home to speak with the family head yet. He broke out in a cold sweat, quickly lowered his head, and cupped his hands, saying, "Xiangming is of limited talent and learning, but to be appreciated by the family head is truly an honor. I am willing to serve the family head with my life."

Li Xiangming spoke with great passion, and Li Qianxiong nodded repeatedly, but he himself could not feel happy.

This is because Li Qianxiong wanted to consolidate power, specifically the power of the direct lineage, and Li Xiangming himself was a member of the fourth branch of the direct lineage, having received considerable favor from Li Chenglu.

Once he enters Changlin House, won't he become Li Qianxiong's pawn in dealing with the Fourth House?
The thought of falling out with the fourth branch of the family gave Li Xiangming a headache.

However, Li Qianxiong is the head of the family and holds the moral high ground. The Changlin branch also has a special position, and only the family head's confidants can assume this role.

Now that Li Qianxiong is personally recruiting him, it means he considers Li Xiangming a confidant. If he refuses, wouldn't that be a slap in the face to Li Qianxiong? It's one thing that he can't control the uncles of the Cheng generation, but now even a junior doesn't respect the head of the family. You can imagine how angry Li Qianxiong will be.

Li Xiangming will probably have an even worse time than he did in Green Cloud Cave.

Difficult!

He had to join in; at least in this room, he had to stand on Li Qianxiong's side.

However, as a top-level decision-making body, the members of the Changlinfang are not necessarily outstanding, but the selection criteria are certainly strict. How could Li Qianxiong have chosen him?
Could it really be because of Lee Sang-in's strong recommendation?
Having been away from home for ten years, I shouldn't have received so much trust.

No, being away from home for too long is both a disadvantage and an advantage. I'm afraid that in the eyes of the head of the household, I, as a newcomer, am just as shallow in the fourth branch of the family.
Having figured this out, Li Xiangming breathed a sigh of relief; he didn't like living in a mystery.

"Only a few people know about the Changlin Clan. Even if you join them, you must not spread the word, understand?"

"Xiangming understands!"

"Come to my place in the middle of each month to discuss confidential matters. At other times, I will send you a message if necessary."

"At the end of each month, you will receive a salary, a pill worth 500 merit points, or other items, whichever you choose. In addition, any good items will be given to you first."

Li Xiangming nodded repeatedly, like a chick pounding rice. 500 merit points might not be much, but just one day a month to say a few words would earn him 10 more Huangya Dan pills. What more could he ask for?

If this news gets out, it'll probably make a bunch of rogue cultivators green with envy.

He realized that while the Changlin branch assisted the family head in making decisions, their primary role was to win people's hearts.

Don't be fooled by the current strength of the direct lineage; people always grow old. The position of the Cheng generation will be taken over by the Qian generation, and the Qian generation will eventually be replaced by the Xiang generation.

Taking advantage of his youth, Li Qianxiong first recruited all the outstanding talents of the Xiang generation under his command.

Yes, I can't beat you old guys now, but I'll live a long time!

In just thirty years, no, maybe ten or twenty years, the Xiang generation will have grown up. At that time, the new force led by Li Xiangren will be completely under the command of Li Qianxiong. Is there any need to ask who is in charge in this family?
He's cunning and calculating!
Li Xiangming couldn't help but sigh, Li Qianxiong's ability to become the head of the family was definitely not solely due to his cultivation level.

Then Li Qianxiong mentioned the precautions for the Changlin branch and brainwashed Li Xiangming, promoting a lot of rhetoric about how family is superior to individual and honor is greater than personal gain.

Finally, he asked, "What is your opinion on Danggui Mountain now?"

Li Xiangming knew that this was a test of his vision and perspective.

If he speaks well, he might become a trusted ally; if he speaks poorly, it doesn't matter. Based on Li Xiangming's current talent and cultivation, Li Qianxiong will still support him, but his status will definitely not be as high as that of Li Xiangren, Li Xiangru, and others.

After thinking it over, Li Xiangming decided to try his best. Although it was a bit unexpected, he shouldn't give up the opportunity since the family head had taken a liking to him.

If he has a chance to obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill, then that chance will most likely fall to Changlinfang.

"With the concerted efforts of all clansmen, the family has moved to a new location and achieved great success in just three years. It is a place of prosperity and joy, and we are truly delighted to celebrate."

Li Xiangming first praised Li Qianxiong for his effective leadership and the growing strength of his family, then changed the subject: "However, in my opinion, there are still three shortcomings that we must consider."

"Oh, which three are lacking?"

"First, we lack manpower; second, we lack authority; and third, we lack funds."

In fact, the contradiction between the main meridian and the branch meridian is also very deep, but since Li Qianxiong is willing to alleviate this contradiction from the top down, Li Xiangming doesn't need to worry too much.

In contrast, the fundamental problem lies in the instability of the Li family's foundation.

(End of this chapter)