Starting with the creation of the Immortal Clan through the compilation of the family genealogy.

Chapter 61 Secret Agreement Establishes the Foundation

Meng Xihong carefully helped his wife into the house. After she calmed down a bit, he solemnly said to Ji Beichuan and Zhang Xianghua, who were standing to the side, "Beichuan, Xianghua, you've worked so hard these past few days. While I was away, the family relied on you for support both inside and outside the home. The Meng family will always remember this kindness."

His gaze swept over the two men's faces, roughened by the cold wind, and he asked sincerely, "How are those local militiamen you selected doing these days? Are there any capable ones?"

Ji Beichuan stepped forward, cupped his hands in return, and replied in his usual calm and capable tone: "Master, as you instructed before you left, Xianghua and I dared not neglect our duties and carefully screened and verified them three more times."

There are currently 32 people, all from respectable local families, with clean backgrounds, resilient character, and tight-lipped nature. Moreover, most of their relatives live in the village, making them easy to manage.

Even in the dead of winter, the training never stopped for a single day. Everyone was able to endure hardship and dared not slack off in the slightest. The roster and evaluation records are here, awaiting your final decision upon your return.” As he spoke, he took out a thin booklet from his pocket.

"You've done a thorough job, thank you for your hard work." Meng Xihong took the book, glanced through it briefly, nodded in approval, and then looked at Yun Songzi, his tone turning respectful:

"Senior, you are an expert in this field. I would like to ask you to take a look at these young people later and see if there are any who are destined for immortality and are worthy of being cultivated."

Yun Songzi nodded slightly, stroked his beard, and said slowly, "Well, the idea of ​​immortal destiny is often distorted and misrepresented in the mortal world, with many strange and wondrous phenomena associated with it. In reality, its nature is mysterious and profound, not as earth-shattering as it seems, and it often hides in the most insignificant places."

Most cultivators in Yunzhou are concentrated in the major sects or the bustling city of Yunzhou. In remote and impoverished places like Wufeng County, mortals rarely see true cultivators in their lifetime. Therefore, the rumors are often exaggerated and untrue, and even some ordinary weather phenomena and coincidences such as rolling rocks are far-fetched as signs of immortality.

In reality, only one in ten thousand possesses a spiritual root, and eight or nine out of ten have mediocre spiritual roots, requiring special methods or fortuitous encounters to detect and awaken them. I will observe their qi, blood, and bone structure later to determine the truth.”

Meng Xihong pondered for a moment, then raised his voice slightly: "Go and invite everyone to the main hall. There is an important matter that needs to be discussed with you all."

Before long, everyone had gathered.

Wang, Ji Beichuan's wife, also rushed over and, together with Li, flanked Bai Muyun.

Ji Beichuan, Zhang Xianghua, and the trusted village militia leaders who knew a little about the situation, the composed He Wu and the quick-witted He Wen, all sat respectfully at the lower level.

Yun Songzi naturally took the seat of honor on the other side. Several younger members of the family also sat quietly at the end of the table, and the atmosphere in the hall was solemn and dignified.

Once everyone had arrived, Meng Xihong slowly swept his gaze over each person present, his expression solemn and dignified: "This time, I accompanied Yan Wei and our seniors deep into the dangerous mountains. After several months of hardship, we finally found a hidden place that was a legacy left by our predecessors, thanks to the reward of hard work."

He was extremely careful with his words, omitting sensitive terms such as "secret realm" and "blessed land" that could bring about catastrophic disaster, and he did not mention the mysterious star portal and the ancient guardian turtle. He only used "spiritual vein node" and "legacy of predecessors" to summarize it, showing that he was well aware of the principle of "not flaunting wealth".

"That is a rare spiritual vein node. The abundance and richness of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth far surpasses that of our Yunni Township by more than ten times. It is truly a treasure land that cultivators yearn for."

He paused, observed the shocked yet excited expressions on everyone's faces, and continued.

"Furthermore, we took the opportunity to eliminate a long-standing adversary who had been secretly plotting against us, thus preventing future trouble and acquiring a portion of their legacy. This included the key to a secret vault, and..."

With a flick of his wrist, a dark gold token, neither gold nor wood, with a warm, smooth feel, appeared before everyone's eyes. The fine threads surrounding the cauldron seemed to flow slowly under the light.

"This item is called the 'Hundred Alliance Merchant Token,' which is a guest credential issued by an extremely powerful merchant alliance."

With this decree, we can trade with this chamber of commerce in the future, enjoying priority discounts and participating in the trading of rare resources circulating within it. This item will provide immeasurable convenience for our future development.

After introducing his achievements, Meng Xihong's voice suddenly became more steady and powerful, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"Having obtained this opportunity, and after in-depth discussions with Senior Yun Songzi, we have made a decision."

We will use this spiritual vein node as a brand new foundation to establish our sect!
"The Great Way is fifty, the Heavenly Way is forty-nine, and my Meng family is willing to fight for that one that has escaped."

Therefore, the sect's name will be temporarily set as 'Tianyan Sect'!
"This move is by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision. It aims to gather resources from all directions, cultivate our own strength, and ensure that we are no longer rootless duckweed. In the hope that we can stand firm in the face of possible turmoil and chaos in the future, protect our region, and seek the path to longevity!"

His gaze first fell on Ji Beichuan and Zhang Xianghua, the two earliest and most trusted followers of his: "Beichuan, Xianghua, and He Wu and He Wen, you are all pillars of the Meng family and future elders of the sect. In the future, when the sect is newly established, there will be countless things to manage, including external affairs, manor security, disciple recruitment and initial assessment, and perimeter patrols. We will rely heavily on you."

"These village militia you have carefully trained, once examined by Senior Yun Songzi, if any among them truly possess divine affinity, are reliable in character, and commendably loyal, may be selected and recruited into my sect as the first batch of outer disciples and core protectors of my 'Tianyan Sect'."

But then he abruptly changed his tone, becoming sharply critical:

"However, the truth about that sacred land, its real value, and even the amount of resources obtained are the highest secrets of our sect."

Apart from those present here, not a single word of this shall be revealed to anyone else!

Even when referring to future disciples, it can only be called a newly established separate courtyard or cultivation site of the sect; its true nature must never be revealed.

"Remember this: a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime. The slightest carelessness can bring about utter disaster. This is the first ironclad rule!"

Ji Beichuan, Zhang Xianghua, He Wen, and He Wu immediately stood up in unison, their expressions solemn, their fists clasped in respect, and their voices resounding.

"We will obey the orders of the patriarch! We will keep our mouths shut, act with caution, and protect this secret with our lives!" They were not foolish people; they knew the immense opportunities and risks involved, and understood the trust and entrustment it represented.

Meng Xihong nodded with satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Bai Muyun and the three women, Li and Wang, his tone softening considerably.

"With the sect newly established, internal affairs are particularly complex. This includes the planning and initial planting of spirit fields and medicinal gardens, the preliminary establishment of alchemy rooms and equipment workshops, the management of the disciples' daily living expenses, and the coordination of internal personnel relationships."

And most importantly, the initial investigation into the backgrounds of internal personnel and the maintenance of their loyalty—these will require much attention from Mu Yun and her two sisters-in-law. Especially Mu Yun, you are six months pregnant and nearing your due date, so you will have to share the burden even more.”

Although Bai Muyun's face was still somewhat pale, her eyes were gentle yet firm. She gently stroked her abdomen and nodded, saying, "Husband, rest assured, we will handle all internal affairs carefully and safeguard the peace of this rear for you."

Madam Li and Madam Wang also hurriedly and solemnly stated: "Don't worry, Master, don't worry, we will do our utmost."

At this moment, Yun Songzi spoke slowly, his voice carrying a reassuring calmness: "The relocation is a matter of great importance, requiring careful planning and phased implementation. We must avoid being hasty and making a fuss."

The area surrounding that sacred site has a sufficiently flat and open space where a number of sturdy houses can be built for the initial disciples to live and cultivate.

In the core area, I will personally set up concealment and protective barriers; no one may enter without permission. As for this old courtyard in Yunni Township…”

Yun Songzi pondered for a moment, "It should also be preserved. With some minor repairs, a simple communication and early warning system can be set up. It can serve as a communication point on the periphery of the sect and a cover for external forces. Perhaps it will be used for other purposes in the future."

“Your concerns are absolutely correct, that is exactly right,” Meng Xihong concluded, and then made specific arrangements.

"Beichuan, Xianghua, you shall begin preparations in secret tomorrow. All supplies, including food, building materials, tools, and existing medicinal herbs and seeds, must be secretly inventoried, cataloged, categorized, and prepared for phased transport."

The spiritual plants in the herb garden must be carefully transplanted first. The actual relocation will be carried out gradually after Mu Yun has given birth and recovered properly, at a safer time.

"The selection of the first batch of outer disciples will be rigorously examined in terms of their character, background, and loyalty; we would rather have none than accept inferior ones!"

After the meeting concluded, Meng Xihong emphasized again, his gaze tenderly falling on his wife:
"All plans should prioritize Mu Yun's health. Right now, the most important thing is to ensure stability at home so that she can have a peaceful pregnancy and the baby can be born safely."

At the same time, we will steadily select the most reliable initial batch of personnel. The sect's great undertaking cannot be accomplished overnight; we must proceed step by step, planning gradually.

Everyone accepted the order, feeling both boundless anticipation for the future and a heavy sense of responsibility. They bowed and withdrew, silently beginning to plan the tasks they were in charge of.

(End of this chapter)