Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 233 Qingliang Mountain

"Chairman Zhao, you have some impressive skills."

Zhao Jindou's current success is so great that even Li Xiangming has to offer a compliment.

Although Zhao Jindou's cultivation level was still at the fifth level of Qi Refining, he was inferior to anyone else present.

However, he had three Qi Refining Level 7 cultivators by his side at his beck and call, as well as a Qi Refining Level 8 cultivator with outstanding strength.

It should be noted that Pu County is still mainly populated by Qi-cultivating families and sects.

Zhao Jindou's private army can now easily control more than 80% of the cultivation forces in Pudong.

From a small vendor desperately seeking elixirs outside Qingyang Temple to the now unparalleled Chairman Zhao, Zhao Jindou only took three years.

This is all thanks to the support of the Puyinshan Guild Hall.

Puyinshan Guild Hall sets market rules, shares internal information among its members, and can call on friends and relatives, pool funds, and strike first.

To be honest, Zhao Jindou far exceeded Li Xiangming's expectations.

Because within the guild hall, he originally supported Zhang Zhi'ang.

He even tried to suppress Zhao Jindou because he felt Zhao was difficult to control.

But things did not go as he expected.

Zhang Zhi'ang, Lao Wutou, and Feng Niangzi, these old men from the Puyinshan Guild Hall, have indeed risen to prominence, but their momentum is far less than that of Zhao Jindou.

Therefore, Zhao Jindou's abilities are indeed superior.

Li Xiangming made no mention of the suppression, warmly embraced Zhao Jindou, and introduced Zhao Jindou and his Jindou Chamber of Commerce to the Li family.

Upon hearing that a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Li family was present, Zhao Jindou's expression instantly turned solemn, and he bowed respectfully to Li Chenggeng.

"People say that cultivation is difficult, but I, a junior, am single-mindedly devoted to the Dao and have no fear. However, fate has played a trick on me, bestowing upon me a dull body. To seek the mysteries of immortality is truly like a fool's dream. Yet, though an old steed in its stall may still aspire to gallop a thousand miles. I am over middle age, and though years have passed, my heart has not been extinguished, and my remaining passion still burns. I have not given up on myself. Thus, I entered the world to do business, seeking the Dao through twists and turns. Although I have walked this path, I have always been filled with trepidation. Today, I am fortunate to have met the Immortal Master Li, who has shown me the way forward, and my heart is at peace. I humbly request the Immortal Master to accept my bow!"

As soon as Zhao Jindou finished speaking, he actually knelt down.

Li Chenggeng was moved and personally got out of the car to help Zhao Jindou up. He patted him on the shoulder and said, "There's no need for that. Cultivation is about both practice and heart. With your determination, why worry about the lack of people on the Great Way?"

Li Chenggeng offered a few words of comfort, and Zhao Jindou was so moved that he kept kowtowing.

Li Xiangming's face twitched at the sight.

When he was at Puyin Mountain, Zhao Jindou didn't seem to be very diligent in his cultivation.

Wherever there is wealth and power, there is Zhao Jindou.

A shrewd and calculating person.

However, in front of Li Chenggeng, Zhao Jindou claimed that his business ventures were out of necessity and a roundabout way to achieve his goals.

Li Chenggeng is a completely different person from Li Chengkang; he never puts on airs or acts insincerely.

Even Li Qianxiong couldn't get a friendly look from him.

However, Zhao Jindou won Li Chenggeng's favor with just a few words.

In this respect, Li Xiangming was completely impressed.

No wonder Zhang Zhi'ang, even with the support of the Li family, was still unable to squeeze out Zhao Jindou.

With Zhao Jindou's escort, the Li family's journey proceeded smoothly for the rest of the time.

There were robbers who came to rob them, but now the Li family's convoy had as many as fifteen or sixteen people.

The small robbery gangs dared not offend them again.

Among the larger groups of thieves and cultivators, everyone knew the name Zhao Jindou.

Two days later, Li Xiangming and his group left the Daishan area.

Zhao Jindou cupped his hands in greeting: "I wish Master Li a successful wedding. I will definitely come to offer my congratulations on the wedding day."

“Extremely welcome.”

Li Xiangming smiled slightly, though Zhao Jindou's development momentum far exceeded his expectations, which made him somewhat worried.

However, so far, the interests of the Li family and Zhao Jindou remain highly aligned.

Zhao Jindou relied on the influence of the Li family, and the Li family also relied on the itinerant merchants led by Zhao Jindou to control the prices of goods in Puyin Mountain.

The two were in their honeymoon period.

After seeing Zhao Jindou off, the Li family's convoy continued on its way.

But after walking for less than half a day, a sudden shout of killing came from ahead.

"Kill this bastard!"

"Come on!"

Two streaks of light flashed from the horizon, followed by seven or eight even fainter streaks of light.

"Li Xiangming?"

The two streaks of light that had already flashed past suddenly turned back and landed in front of the Li family's caravan.

The person in charge was none other than Ma Wu from Huanyun Village.

Ma Wu knelt down with a thud and wailed, "Li Xiangming, for your sake and my chieftain's sake, you must save me!"

Li Xiangming hadn't expected that Liu Xiongyu's subordinates would be fleeing here. He smiled enigmatically and said, "Tell me, what relationship do I have with your chieftain?"

Ma Wu was stunned and speechless.

Although Li Xiangming frequently visited the chieftain, their interactions were merely for business purposes.

Since the scroll's seal was lifted, Li Xiangming has never returned to Huanyun Village.

How can we talk about friendship?
Moreover, after Li Xiangming returned, Huanyun Village was immediately attacked by a mysterious Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Fortunately, the chieftain had anticipated this and had already moved his position.

The village chief guessed that the attackers were probably surnamed Li.

Why did I lose my mind and come looking for Li Xiangming?

Ma Wu's lips curled into a bitter smile, and he was about to say something.

Gao Can, who was standing next to him, said happily, "Brother Li, it's been a long time."

Li Xiangming looked at Gao Can and his heart skipped a beat.

In just over half a year, Gao Can has actually broken through to the seventh level of Qi Refining?
Moreover, his body size has increased slightly.

What exactly was Liu Xiongyu feeding Gao Can?
Li Xiangming frowned. Such a rapid increase in cultivation level was definitely not a good thing.

Because the way of Heaven has its own laws.

The Qi Refining stage is merely the first realm on the path of cultivation.

There's still a long road ahead.

At this stage, the most important thing is to lay a solid foundation.

However, Gao Can's cultivation level continued to advance by leaps and bounds without ever stopping.

In just five or six years, he entered the late stage of Qi Refining.

It sounds incredibly glamorous.

However, this will inevitably lead to instability.

Because Gao Can's magical power was not cultivated bit by bit by himself, but was obtained by drinking medicine and refining a large amount of spiritual power.

Gao Can was not adept at controlling these magical powers, and his breathing and cultivation techniques were not proficient enough.

Once the elixirs stop working, his cultivation speed will plummet.

Moreover, every medicine has some degree of toxicity.

Gao Can had been drinking it for several years, and the toxins in his body had accumulated to an unimaginable level.

On the surface, Gao Can appears to be unharmed.

But these poisons are like maggots clinging to bones, constantly draining his potential.

When it comes to the Foundation Establishment stage, the difficulty will inevitably far exceed that of ordinary people.

Even if one is fortunate enough to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, the path ahead will be fraught with difficulties.

Is it worth exchanging a temporary improvement in cultivation for thorns on the path ahead?
Li Xiangming felt it wasn't worth it. With the evil green robe in hand, he still diligently absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, carefully honing his foundation.

To avoid overly rapid cultivation leading to excessive bottlenecks.

He even voluntarily reduced the frequency of taking Huangyadan, just so that his foundation building would go more smoothly in the future.

He also taught Li Xiangzhen, Li Jihu, and others in the same way, strictly requiring them to regard meditation and breathing exercises as their top priority.

First, master the most basic skills such as meditation, entering a state of deep concentration, and breathing exercises, and then consider the speed of cultivation.

Li Xiangming's emphasis on fundamentals was largely influenced by Luo Xiazi.

Li Qianxiong once said that Luo the Blind's lineage was extraordinary.

Li Xiangming had also witnessed Luo the Blind's skills many times, and his strength far surpassed that of ordinary Qi Refining Great Perfection cultivators.

Take Tong Wunan for example. He is a guest of the Cao family, and his background goes without saying. He also has the cultivation level of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

With his experience and skills, he could be considered a top-tier cultivator, if not a top cultivator below the Foundation Establishment stage.

But even such a figure was defeated by Blind Luo in just a few moves.

You should know that Blind Luo himself is only at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

The difference between the two was like a chasm.

However, such a powerful character has lingered outside the Foundation Establishment stage for decades.

He was pinned down by Li Qianxiong with one hand and couldn't move.

Upon first meeting Luo the Blind, Li Qianxiong judged that Luo's foundation was damaged, and he had almost no hope of achieving Foundation Establishment. If this was indeed the case, then his future achievements might not even be comparable to Tong Wunan's.

Therefore, it was pointless for Gao Can to accumulate cultivation to the late stage of Qi Refining so early on.

Without establishing a foundation, everything else is just empty talk.

However, Gao Can is simple-minded, even foolish, and has no opinions of his own. His crazy drug use was definitely not his intention.

Eighty percent, no, almost certainly, they were deceived by Liu Xiongyu.

Liu Xiongyu had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, so it was impossible for him not to be aware of the dangers of forcibly raising one's cultivation level.

But he did it anyway, and seemed very eager.

Li Xiangming could only think of one reason: the Purple Yin Cave.

Liu Xiongyu was worried that Li Xiangming would not be willing to enter the Purple Yin Cave, or even if he did, he would not be able to completely control him, so he accelerated Gao Can's training and regarded him as a backup meat shield.

Thinking of this, Li Xiangming couldn't help but shake his head in regret.

Liu Xiongyu was, after all, from a Mangjiao (a branch of Taoism), and appeared to be reasonable and rule-abiding.

In reality, he still has a domineering mindset at his core.

Use any means to achieve an end.

It's a pity that Gao Can, with such talent, was reduced to a tool.

After only a moment's thought, Li Xiangming transmitted his thoughts, "Third Uncle, please save these two people, but you must not reveal the whereabouts of our Li family."

Upon hearing this, Li Chenggeng frowned.

He didn't want to get involved in the roadside disputes.

The range of perception of the divine sense is much stronger than that of the five senses. If one were to deal with every single thing that happens, wouldn't one be exhausted?

But it was Li Xiangming who pleaded.

Li Xiangming is known in his family for his steadiness.

After thinking for a moment, Li Chenggeng decided to conceal himself.

Seeing that Li Chenggeng was willing to help, Li Xiangming turned to look at Li Xiangren.

Li Xiangren understood him perfectly and disappeared before he could speak.

Under the powerful attacks of the two Foundation Establishment cultivators, the rapidly approaching escape light kept screaming in agony.

The Li family's unexpected help brought Ma Wu great joy.

He quickly kowtowed to Li Xiangming in gratitude.

Sitting atop the blue-backed demon lizard, Li Xiangming looked down at Ma Wu and Gao Can, a bold idea slowly forming in his mind.
-
A month later.

The Li family's convoy entered Qingshui County and arrived at Qingliang Mountain.

Qingliang Mountain is very large, with rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Unlike Danggui Mountain, Qingliang Mountain is not desolate; on the contrary, wisps of smoke can be seen everywhere.

Although the Cao family were not locals, they had lived in Qingshui County for nearly thirty years.

Therefore, the construction of Qingliang Mountain is extremely well-developed.

Even on the mountain peaks hundreds of miles away from the clan's territory, there are various buildings.

"Could it be the Li family's caravan from Dangui Mountain?"

The moment they set foot on the Qingliang Mountain territory, a cultivator from the Cao family flew out to inquire.

Li Qianyou stepped forward to negotiate.

Soon, the Cao family cultivators allowed them to pass and guided the Li family members to the core settlement of Qingliang Mountain.

Out of respect, the Cao family did not inspect the Li family's convoy.

Ma Wu sat in a carriage, looking around with a worried expression. He looked at Gao Can beside him and said, "Fatty, is it appropriate for you to help the Li family with the wedding? Won't you steal Li Xiangming's thunder? Why don't you go and tell Li Xiangming that we won't go?"

The carriage wasn't tall, but it was spacious enough. Even so, Gao Can was quite uncomfortable lying inside.

He rolled over and muttered, "I've never been a groomsman before, I want to be one."

Upon hearing this, Ma Wu cursed inwardly, "We're here to help the Li family with the wedding, but what about the chieftain?"

Ma Wu appeared in Daishan to carry out a secret mission left by Liu Xiong Yu.

Two months ago, he was ordered to infiltrate the Mountain Moving Sect to gather intelligence.

After the Mountain Moving Sect suffered a major setback at the Maojing Mine, it was severely weakened.

The Soul Suppressing Sect was also significantly affected.

The number of disciples from the Mountain Moving Sect who came to participate in the battle has clearly decreased.

Fortunately, the Soul Suppressing Sect still retains its strength.

In order to give the Mountain Moving Sect an explanation, they launched a fierce attack on the Shengyi Sect's position and briefly gained the upper hand.

The Shengyi Sect, having been unjustly attacked, immediately retaliated and repelled the Zhenhun Sect.

Liu Xiongyu was overjoyed upon hearing the news.

Although the Li family did not send anyone to contact Li Xiangming after he returned home.

There was no discussion of any cooperation.

They even secretly dispatched Foundation Establishment cultivators to hunt him down.

But Liu Xiong Yu knew that the Li family could not resist the temptation of Zi Yin Cave.

Therefore, the only family that will target the Mountain Moving Sect is the Li family.

Now that the Li family has made their move, Liu Xiong Yu only needs to wait for the two sects to fight, and then he can sneak into the Purple Yin Cave to seize the Nascent Soul inheritance.

But to Liu Xiongyu's surprise, the two factions have remained restrained even after fighting for so long.

After only a few months of fighting, they retreated to their respective defensive lines.

Disappointed, Liu Xiongyu couldn't help but feel angry.

He judged that the Li family would not make a move again in the short term, so he sent Ma Wu to infiltrate the territory of the Moving Mountain Sect.

They plan to stage another accident targeting the Mountain Moving Sect.

Why did they have to target the Mountain Moving Sect?

Liu Xiongyu also had his own considerations.

Originally, he wanted to weaken the power of Shengyi Sect and keep the two sects locked in a stalemate.

However, after this brief war, Liu Xiongyu keenly realized that the high-level officials of both factions had maintained close contact, otherwise they would not have abruptly ended the war.

This shows that the relationship between the two factions is not as irreconcilable as imagined.

There may even be exchanges of benefits behind the scenes.

This greatly alarmed Liu Xiong Yu. If he disguised himself as the Zhen Hun Sect and attacked the Sheng Yi Sect, those with ulterior motives could easily connect it to the incident where the Ban Shan Sect was attacked by the "Sheng Yi Sect" during their retreat.

If the two cases are combined, the plot to sow discord will be exposed immediately.

Even the Li family, who had already made their move, had nowhere to hide.

After much deliberation, Liu Xiongyu decided to target the Mountain Moving Sect.

First, cripple the Mountain Moving Sect, and the Soul Suppressing Sect will naturally feel the pain.

When in pain, one loses their mind.

At that time, even if the leaders of both sides did not want to fight, they would have no choice but to stake all their assets under the pressure of public opinion.

Unfortunately, just as Ma Wu infiltrated the Mountain Moving Sect, Gao Can also arrived.

Gao Can was there to deliver Liu Xiong Yu's new orders, but before he even reached the Moving Mountain Sect, he was spotted by several Tribulation Cultivators.

These cultivators were no match for Gao Can, but they also exposed Gao Can's whereabouts.

The Mountain Moving Sect was very curious when they heard that a giant had come to their territory.

Meanwhile, Ma Wu, completely unaware of the situation, foolishly went to see Gao Can.

As a result, the disciples of the Moving Mountain Sect noticed that something was wrong.

The two fled until they were rescued by the Li family.

Ma Wu, carrying intelligence, naturally wanted to return to Huanyun Village to report to Liu Xiong Yu.

But Li Xiangming forbade it and forced them to follow the convoy to Qingshui County, saying it was to help with the wedding procession.

Ma Wu had met Li Xiangming before, so how could he not know that this kid was cunning and scheming?
There must be a conspiracy behind the wedding, but he couldn't figure it out and had no way to refuse.

He could only sigh and groan as he followed the convoy to the Cao family's home in Qingliang Mountain.

Upon hearing Ma Wu mention the chieftain, Gao Can hesitated for a moment and asked, "But we're already here. Besides, do you think Brother Li will listen to me?"

Why won't you listen?

Seeing that Gao Can was interested, Ma Wu quickly coaxed, "Your Brother Li treats you like a treasure; he'll definitely listen to you."

"Then I'll try."

As Gao Can spoke, he got off the train.

But they turned back not long after.

"Ma Wu, Ma Wu, look!"

Gao Can held up a large red embroidered ball, fiddling with it on his body, and said excitedly, "Brother Li said I should wear this!"

Ma Wu paused for a moment, covered his face, lay down in the car, and stopped talking.

(End of this chapter)