Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 347 The New Thousand-Pound Grass

A month later.

At the entrance of the Foreign Affairs Hall, Li Xiangzhen peeked in and whispered, "Brother, Father is home!"

Li Xiangming, who was in the hall, rubbed his temples and waved his hand, and the managers withdrew one after another.

Since the last meeting where the positions of the heads and deputy heads were determined, Li Qianxiong has issued several orders to the Foreign Affairs Department.

The most important task was to clarify the affiliation and scale of the forces near Danggui Mountain, as well as to integrate the industries and personnel of Shijinfang.

The former task is fine; it has always been the focus of the Dianke guest room's work.

The old and new forces near Danggui Mountain have basically all been registered. It's just a matter of visiting them one by one to obtain the latest and more detailed intelligence.

However, the task was simple, but the number of people needed was quite large.

The guest room staff only had five or six people, which was far from enough to handle the workload, so Li Xiangming had to draw on the manpower from other rooms to assist the guest room staff.

The work at the Shijinfang branch was even more difficult.

Currently, the main industries of Shijinfang are located in Pushuifang Market, including the restaurant "Ziqi Donglai" which sells spirit wine and spirit food; Puyufang which sells spirit ore; Baicaofang, a spirit herb specialty store that cooperates with Elder Hua Lun of Bailumen; Lingguangge, a spirit pet shop that cooperates with Cao family of Qingliangshan; and a general store that no one visits.

Besides Pushuifang Market, Shijinfang also has businesses in Monkey Valley.

For example, the Taibai Tavern and two or three shops specializing in elixirs and magical artifacts.

These shops, being far from Danggui Mountain, were directly controlled by Shijinfang and were fundamentally different from Guangfengtang's businesses.

However, although the staff of the City Jin Room was much larger than that of the Dian Room, there were only about twelve or thirteen people.

These people not only had to manage various shops, but also several caravans belonging to the Li family, leaving them with no time to spare.

Therefore, Shijinfang has employed many outsiders in its specific management processes.

For example, in Pushui Market, Li Qianhe hired outside cultivators to run shops such as Ziqi Donglai and Lingguang Pavilion.

Li Qianchang of Dendrobium Market also bribed Li Shun and others to work for him.

Now the family is demanding that Shijin Real Estate submit all the assets and personnel it has in its possession.

Many deacons felt conflicted, such as Li Qianchang, who wondered whether he should report the matter to the authorities, including Li Shun.
If I don't report it, I'll be suspected of deceiving my family; if I do report it, I'll be even more terrified.

Most of them were hired or bribed, and they might not be loyal to the Li family.

But your family won't think that much about it. Once you submit the list, they'll assume you control that force.

If anything goes wrong with these forces, you will be held accountable.

Therefore, Ichijinbo's work did not go smoothly, and the stewards outside preferred to conceal the truth rather than dare to disclose the power they controlled.

Besides reporting personnel, checking the profitability and existing funds of each shop and caravan is also a troublesome task.

Chaos erupted in the city's Jinfang district.

Li Xiangming naturally couldn't just stand by and watch. These days, he spent most of his time in Changlin House and Waishang Hall during the day, only having time to return to his own courtyard at night.

Where is Father now?

After dismissing the stewards, Li Xiangming followed Li Xiangzhen back to the central courtyard.

Currently, Li Xiangming's family owns quite a few houses in the central courtyard.

For example, Li Qianhe had dozens of direct mortal relatives who lived in a large house.

Li Qianhe himself has his own cave dwelling.

Li Xiangming and Li Xiangzhen each had their own place to live.

These are all places Li Qianhe might go.

"Mingjun Academy".

Li Xiangzhen quickly replied.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming did not dare to delay and returned to his own yard as quickly as possible.

As expected, Li Qianhe had been waiting for a long time.

"Father!"

Li Xiangming first gave a deep bow, then looked at Li Qianhe, whom he hadn't seen for over a year. He saw that Li Qianhe was radiant and was holding a four- or five-year-old baby in his arms.

"Get up quickly!"

Li Qianhe laughed heartily, pulled Li Xiangming up, and then said reproachfully, "Why didn't you pass through Pushui Market when you came back from Hao County?"

Li Xiangming was speechless for a moment, then explained, "My family is in a hurry, so I took a flying boat back and then traveled to Pushui Market. This took a lot of time, so please forgive me, Father."

Li Qianhe was just mentioning it casually; he had no intention of blaming Li Xiangming.
He circled Li Xiangming several times before exclaiming, "News came from home that you've reached the Foundation Establishment stage. I couldn't believe it at the time. Haha, you truly are my son! Now, we've both brought honor to our ancestors."

Halfway through his speech, Li Qianhe became so excited that he started gesturing wildly.

Li Xiangming was also happy to oblige, as he was well aware of the high hopes Li Qianhe had for his foundation-building project.

However, when he saw the child in Li Qianhe's arms, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

Li Qianhe noticed Li Xiangming's gaze and quickly lifted the baby up to show him: "Three spiritual roots, another one with three spiritual roots, hahaha, Xiangming, this is your younger brother, named Xiangbang."

Although Li Xiangming had suspected it beforehand, he still found it both funny and absurd.

His father was also a remarkable person.

Last time, he went through a ordeal with the evil Green Robe and almost lost his life. Li Qianhe cried his heart out and then took Li Xiangzhen home with him.

This time in Hao County, he was possessed by the Green Cloud Fairy and almost couldn't return. Li Qianhe was extremely anxious, but he brought Li Xiangbang home with him.

It was as if they were afraid that Li Xiangming would die and they would have no successor.

Although Li Xiangming knew it was a coincidence, after all, his two younger brothers were already several years old when he had the accident.

But if it weren't for his smooth progress in cultivation and his rising status in the family, which led Li Qianhe to mistakenly believe that his bloodline was superior, would Li Qianhe have been so desperate to have offspring?

In truth, it was his fault.

Li Xiangming sighed, rubbing his forehead.

As far as he knew, Li Qianhe had more than fifty children, and even three spiritual root seeds had been born.

It can be said that he truly has a house full of children and grandchildren.

Li Xiangming knew why his father had brought Li Xiangbang with him.

After a few casual words, he solemnly promised, as Li Qianhe had wished, that he would take care of his new younger brother.

Li Qianhe immediately beamed with joy.

The family enjoyed a happy lunch together.

After the meal, Li Qianhe mysteriously pulled Li Xiangming aside and said, "Xiangming, although I have left Pushui Market, I still have some important news to share."

"Oh?"

Li Xiangming understood Li Qianhe's meaning and led him into a secret room in the courtyard.

There are restrictions here; even the Cao Yan fungus doesn't usually enter.

Do you still remember the Thousand-Pound Grass?

As soon as he entered the secret room, Li Qianhe couldn't wait to speak.

"Thousand-Jun Grass?"

Li Xiangming was shocked and hurriedly asked, "Father, do you know the whereabouts of the Thousand-Jun Grass?"

Li Qianhe stared at Li Xiangming for a while before nodding.

He didn't actually know the specific effects of the Thousand-Pound Grass.

But Li Xiangming repeatedly told him to keep an eye out for any news about the Thousand-Jun Grass.

When the Thousand-Jun Grass was mentioned again, Li Xiangming was as excited as ever.

This clearly shows that this thing is of great importance.

"Xiangming, what's so magical about this herb?"

Li Qianhe was very curious.

Li Xiangming was somewhat troubled. He had promised Qingyang Daoist to keep the Thousand-Jun Pill a secret, so he could only say, "In the hands of ordinary people, this herb is no different from weeds, but in my hands, it may be able to turn decay into magic. However, its specific value depends on the right place and the right people."

After a period of confusion, Li Qianhe finally understood that Li Xiangming was just a middleman, and that someone else wanted the Thousand-Jun Grass.

Knowing this, Li Qianhe stopped asking questions and instead confessed, "Bai Cao Tang received another Thousand-Jun Grass, again through Hua Lun's channels. After making many inquiries, I believe this grass was likely presented to Hua Lun by a small power. However, Hua Lun was blind to its value and mixed it with other ordinary spiritual herbs before sending it to Bai Cao Tang."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming felt a surge of excitement: "Is there a way to find this small force?" Li Qianhe shook his head: "I was summoned back home before I could even take action."

As he spoke, Li Qianhe took out a jade box and handed it to Li Xiangming: "This is the Thousand-Jun Grass we received. If you want to trace its origin, you'll have to do the work. As the head of the Foreign Affairs Hall, you have far more power to draw upon than I do."

"Ah."

Li Xiangming calmed himself down and put the jade box away.

Li Qianhe glanced at him and sighed, "I'll stay home and retire from now on. Pushui Market might be a little turbulent for a while without me, but I've made all the arrangements, nothing serious will happen."

Li Xiangming understood the implication and raised his eyebrows: "The Municipal Jinfang also has me as its direct superior."

Upon hearing this, Li Qianhe patted Li Xiangming on the shoulder with satisfaction: "They are all people I trained. They are trustworthy and useful. Don't be stingy with them."

"Don't worry, father."

Li Xiangming smiled and said, "I won't let Xiangqing and the others suffer any injustice."
-
After seeing Li Qianhe off, Li Xiangming did not immediately go to find Qingyang Daoist.

Because the Thousand-Jun Grass is only one of the main ingredients of the Thousand-Jun Pill. Although it is the rarest, the other main and auxiliary ingredients together number in the dozens, if not hundreds, which is not something that can be collected in a short period of time.

Compared to asking the Taoist Qingyang to refine elixirs, finding the source of the Thousand-Jun Grass is the most urgent task.

But how can one find the Thousand-Pound Grass?

The fastest and most direct way is undoubtedly to tie Hua Lun up.

Hua Lun would deliver medicinal herbs to Baicaotang every two or three months, giving Li Xiangming a lot of room to maneuver.

However, Hua Lun's appointment as an elder of the Bailu Sect was certainly not without merit.

It would be too difficult for the Li family to rashly arrest him and leave him alive.

If something goes wrong and it attracts the revenge of the Xuanling Master of Bailu Sect, the Li family will face annihilation.

Li Xiangming knew without a doubt that Li Qianxiong would never agree to such a risky plan.

Ultimately, the idea that Qianjun Grass originated from Hua Lun is just speculation.

Even if this guess is correct, what if Hua Lun just bought the 1,000-kilogram grass by chance?
Or perhaps the Thousand-Pound Grass was indeed a tribute from a small force he protected, but this small force only had a few plants?
Taking action under such unclear circumstances would undoubtedly be foolish.

But Li Xiangming couldn't give up. After much thought, he decided to take a longer-term approach.

As long as Hua Lun is unaware of the specific effects of the Thousand-Jun Grass, the advantage will always be on his side.

Li Xiangming slowly exhaled and instructed, "Xiangzhen, go and call Uncle Qianju over to the Foreign Affairs Hall."

Li Xiangzhen was puzzled when she heard this. Why did she have to go back after just leaving the Foreign Affairs Hall?
But now that he's an adult, he's lost the liveliness he had as a child and has become taciturn. He also carries out his older brother's orders without question.

"Yes!"
-
Several days later, in Xiaolan Valley.

Li Xiangming stowed the flying boat and walked on the path leading to the valley entrance.

Along the way, he actually saw a few pedestrians.

The passerby guessed his identity as a celestial master, but was not afraid. He simply cupped his hands in greeting, said "Greetings, celestial master," and hurried on his way.

"interesting."

Li Xiangming quickened his pace, but before he could reach the valley entrance, he was stopped by two cultivators dressed in black. One of them was of medium build with a dark yellow complexion; the other was tall and muscular, with a rather heroic appearance.

Upon seeing Li Xiangming, the two shouted in unison, "Who goes to Xiaolan Valley? State your name!"

Li Xiangming was even more surprised, as he vividly remembered the last time he stayed at Xiaolan Valley with Cao Yanjun.

This place was sealed off by Granny Lai, Zhang Can, and other wandering cultivators from other regions, making it resemble a ghost town.

Unexpectedly, after only two years, there were signs of prosperity, and even the capacity to send cultivators to guard the valley.

"I am a cultivator from the Li family of Dangui Mountain!"

Li Xiangming introduced himself and then asked, "Are you surnamed Chi?"

"Angelica Mountain?"

The two men were startled upon hearing the name and quickly stepped forward, bowing and saying, "Greetings, Immortal Li. We are not cultivators of the Chi family, but subordinates of Immortal Master Jiang."

It really is Jiang Liang!
Li Xiangming's eyes flashed with understanding.

The Chi family has a weak foundation and few cultivators. Since Chi Jingtong's death, even guarding Xiaolan Valley has become a problem. The only one who can bring such a great change to Xiaolan Valley is Jiang Liang, who comes from a sect and has extraordinary knowledge.

"Where is Jiang Liang? Take me to see him."

Li Xiangming gave an instruction.

He had served in the household for many years, always in a position of power, and every move he made exuded an aura of authority without anger, even his tone of voice was unquestionable.

After hearing this, the two men, in a daze, led him into the valley without even informing him.

Once inside the valley, the two realized what was happening and began tugging at each other, trying to get the other to speak.

Finally, the sallow-skinned cultivator coughed and turned to look at Li Xiangming: "Since an immortal has come to visit, Xiaolan Valley dares not be negligent, but the valley is unprepared. Perhaps I could accept your offer?"

"no need."

Li Xiangming interrupted calmly, focusing his gaze on what was in front of him.

The two were taken aback and hurriedly looked over, only to see a female cultivator with skin as white as snow and a face as beautiful as a fairy slowly flying over.

"Brother Li, why are you here?"

Chi Youyan was a little excited and pounced on him.

Li Xiangming patted her head, signaling her to let go, and then asked, "What are you doing in Xiaolan Valley?"

Chi Youyan blushed and didn't dare to speak.

Seeing this, how could Li Xiangming not understand?

This girl snuck away.

"Aren't you afraid Lai Yong will scold you?"

Li Xiangming snorted.

Chi Youyan muttered, "Brother Laiyong is still at Puyin Mountain."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming was speechless. He grabbed her wrist, then released it, and asked with some surprise, "You've reached the fourth level of Qi Refining?"

Speaking of his cultivation level, Chi Youyan was very excited: "It's all thanks to that water-based alchemy technique. After I became an alchemist..."

"and many more!"

Li Xiangming interrupted, "You've become an alchemist?"

Chi Youyan nodded reservedly, but soon couldn't contain herself and started chattering about her experiences.

After a long pause, Li Xiangming nodded.

Chi Youyan's cultivation level wasn't really due to any special tricks in his water-based alchemy technique.

Instead, after becoming an alchemist, she struggled to refine a batch of pills due to insufficient magical power, so she became even more diligent in her breathing exercises and cultivation.

Chi Laiyong also favored this younger sister and allocated a lot of resources to her.

Ultimately, this led to a rapid advancement in her cultivation level.

"good."

Li Xiangming was very generous and immediately took out two bottles of Huangyadan (a traditional Chinese medicine) as a reward for Chi Youyan.

A cultivator at the fourth level of Qi Refining is of no value to him.

But an alchemist is different.

Although Chi Youyan can only refine basic pills such as Bigu Pill at present, she is still young.

Who can be certain about her future achievements?

The two chatted as they entered the heart of Xiaolan Valley.

The two black-clad monks who were leading the way stood there dumbfounded.

"Could it be that person who has arrived?"

The sallow-faced cultivator muttered to himself.

"Which one?"

The tall, imposing monk asked curiously.

The sallow-faced cultivator glanced at him and said, "You've been here for half a year and you still don't know? That person is the true master of Little Lan Valley, and also our real boss."

(End of this chapter)