Myriad Thunder State, beneath a secluded mountain stream unnoticed by all, a group of individuals clad in black gathered together.
"How are things being handled?" The leader's voice sounded from behind the mask that shifted slightly on their face, revealing an aged tone.
"Great Elder, we have taken control of quite a few minor forces, but ti is pressing, and so small forces have not yet been fully mastered," one person said, trembling.
"How long has it passed, and you still haven't completed the task?! Do you think I have beco weak due to old age?!" Although the Great Elder's tone was quite calm, it made everyone present shiver, conveying their inner fear even if their expressions were concealed.
Especially the black-clad individual who spoke earlier imdiately knelt down and begged for rcy, saying, "I implore the Great Elder to grant us a little more ti, we will certainly complete it to perfection."
"Considering your years of service, I will spare you the punishnt this ti, but if you fail to complete the task again, you will suffer double the penalties next ti."
With that, the Great Elder paid no further attention to the relieved black-clad person and turned to another, asking, "How is your situation progressing?"
"Great Elder, we have currently corrupted nearly ten thousand cultivators. To avoid alarming the enemy, most of them are low-level Loose Cultivators," the person proclaid, growing uneasy towards the end.
"Mm, the progress is still acceptable. After all, they're just cannon fodder; Loose Cultivators will suffice."
The conversation then shifted to other matters, such as whether they had attracted the attention of Shen Leishan, and the answers were satisfactory.
"The efforts you've made these days haven't escaped my notice. When the Holy Temple arrives, I will report them truthfully and praise your deeds. By then, not only breaking through to the Golden Core stage but even reaching the Nascent Soul is within reach!"
The age-old strategy of wielding both stick and carrot, though clichéd, was still effective.
Having heard these words from the Great Elder, they were all visibly excited, as if they saw themselves achieving revered status.
"Enough, go back to your tasks. Be careful not to leave any trace for Shen Leishan to find. If you spoil the great plan of the Holy Temple, your life won't be enough to pay for the consequences."—and it could even bring trouble to him!
The black-clad individuals acknowledged and disappeared as if lting into the darkness.
"After the descent of the Holy Temple, everything shall bow down!" This fanatical voice gradually faded away, and the mountain stream returned to silence.
——
"Let's end today's lesson here. If you have any questions, feel free to discuss them yourselves. If you can't find the answer, wait until tomorrow's class to raise your hand and ask." Li Zhirui waved his hand and said, "Class dismissed."
Having been in the clan for almost half a month and encountering a bottleneck in his cultivation, Li Zhirui found himself with an abundance of free ti. Out of sheer boredom, he took on the task of instructing the clan's Alchemists, anwhile scouting for any promising talents, whom the clan would then focus on nurturing.
Although Li Zhirui was skilled in the more complex Water thod Alchemy, Alchemy principles often converged. With his current level of expertise, guiding the clan's Alchemists was well within his capabilities.
"Uncle Shiling, the Clan Leader requests your presence in the main hall for a eting; he says it's a matter of great importance." Just as Li Zhirui stepped out of the Alchemy Hall, a Foundation Establishnt cultivator approached him with so anxiety.
Li Zhirui raised his eyebrows slightly. He hadn't dealt with family matters for many years, and ordinary affairs wouldn't necessitate his involvent. It seed that this matter was of significant importance.
"Let's go," Li Zhirui said, looking at the overly cautious junior beside him and shaking his head helplessly. He was quite approachable, so why would anyone fear him?
Upon arriving at the main hall and noticing that both Li Shiqing and Li Shilian were present, he quickened his pace.
"The matter I will discuss concerns the developnt of the clan, thus calling upon the three Elders for assistance and oversight."
Li Chengmo offered a brief explanation before continuing, "The clan's previously planned auction is ready and can begin at any ti."
After Li Zhirui had produced a large number of Foundation Establishnt Pills, the clan decided to hold an auction. However, due to a shortage of valuable items, the auction had been delayed. Now, after so ti, it was finally set.
No objections were raised about this event, as the auction was not only a ans to earn Spirit Stones but, if well-conducted, could also enhance the clan's renown.
"The second matter is a personal idea of mine," Li Chengmo paused before adding, "In theory, as the number of clan mbers increases, so should the amount of Spiritual Objects harvested by the family. Unfortunately, reality is not as optimistic as I thought."
"Upon realizing this issue, I conducted a discreet investigation and found that many clan mbers are indifferent towards the cultivation of Spiritual Objects, concerned only with doing enough to et the basic requirents."
However, everyone present understood that this could not be blad solely on the clan mbers—it was much more the result of certain clan rules.
For example, in cultivating Bijing Spirit Rice, the clan requires an annual contribution of three hundred catties. Even if the task is completed, the surplus Spirit Rice does not belong to the cultivator but is instead forcefully bought by the clan at a lower price.
If one painstakingly cultivates Spirit Rice but receives inadequate compensation, naturally they won't put in additional effort for such futile work.
This was the first ti Li Zhirui had heard of this matter. Back when he served as Acting Clan Leader, the clan was striving through hard tis, and the older generation of family mbers were willing to sacrifice their interests for the clan's developnt.
It's not that such clan mbers no longer existed; there just weren't as many as in the older generation.
Now that Li Chengmo had brought it up, Li Zhirui naturally supported the initiative, as communal als had too many downsides and were detrintal to the clan's growth.
"Seeing as you've specifically convened this eting, involving us all, you must have a plan in mind," Li Zhirui said. "Let's hear it, how do you propose we solve this problem?"
"Either increase the purchase price of Spiritual Objects or divide the Spirit Fields among the clan mbers for them to cultivate on their own." Clearly, Li Chengmo had co prepared, and seeing that Li Zhirui was the one asking, his spirits lifted even more.
He was aware that if Li Zhirui spoke up, it ant he was genuinely interested in the matter.
Li Zhirui was quite satisfied with Li Chengmo's solutions, although he didn't show it. Instead, he let the other Elders share their opinions since if he spoke up, it was likely that no one would dare to disagree.
"I think the second option is better. If clan mbers are cultivating their own Spirit Fields, they would surely care for them wholeheartedly. Eventually, the clan could harvest more Spiritual Objects," said one of the Elders.
An Elder imdiately voiced opposition, "I don't agree! We can't do that!"
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