Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 367 Determination and Policy

Li Xiangming put down the map, his mind racing with calculations.

He believed that Geng Shiheng would not lie to him, because such things were easy to verify.

But it is precisely because it is highly likely to be true that he is caught in a dilemma.

Geng Shiheng believed that the Five Scattered Sect was an appendage of the Li family, and thought he would try to find out the Li family's attitude from him.

The Qin family is powerful, and the Five Scattered Sects are no match for them; this is an objective fact.

If the Li family wants to protect the Five Scattered Sect, they will inevitably have to go to great lengths.

In this way, Geng Shiheng might be able to bring the Li family down with ease and join forces to fight against the Qin family.

If the Li family completely abandons the Five Scattered Sect, they will be intimidated by Qin and will not be enough to make the Geng family pay a high price to win them over.

Therefore, from the Geng family's perspective, it was quite necessary for Geng Shiheng to meet with him privately.

But in reality, the Five Scattered Sect was not a vassal of the Li family at all.

After all, there was no unequal treaty between the two countries.

The Li family could simply ignore the Five Scattered Sects.

However, the Five Scattered Sect is renting the Spirit Pool from the Li family. If the Li family turns a blind eye, the Qin family will undoubtedly seize the Spirit Pool for themselves and plant a nail in Pudong, just like the Li family has in the Maojing Mine in Daishan.

This was also an outcome that the Li family could not accept.

As for revealing the Li family's name to force the Qin family to back down?
It's estimated that the Qin family will immediately accuse the Li family of condoning the Five Scattered Sect's harm to Qin family members.

What, you're saying you didn't know?

What is the explanation for the Spirit Pool?

Which family would rent out their sacred land to a complete stranger?
Li Xiangming grew increasingly angry. It was bad enough that the Five Scattered Sect had provoked the Qin family, but they hadn't even said a word, leaving the Li family in a dilemma.

No, even the Geng family knew, only the Li family was kept in the dark.

Whose sacred pool did they think they were renting?

Taking a deep breath, Li Xiangming tried to calm himself down and asked, "Brother Geng, do you know the details?"

Geng Shiheng's eyes flickered for a moment before he replied, "It is said that a Qi Refining Ninth Level cultivator of the Shi generation from the Qin family died at the hands of the Five Scattered Sect. At the same time, a Qi Refining Eighth Level genius from the Zheng generation also broke both legs in front of them. When the Qin family found out, they were furious and sent more than ten cultivators deep into Pudong, including two Foundation Establishment cultivators leading the team."

Li Xiangming's expression turned even uglier.

Although he knew that Geng Shiheng was very likely exaggerating.

However, once someone reaches the Foundation Establishment stage, they cannot afford to make small-scale moves.

The Qin family definitely entered Pudong with the intention of eradicating the Five Scattered Sect. The reason why the Five Scattered Sect has persisted until now is simply because of its advantageous location in the Great Swamp and the layers of poisonous miasma.

However, as the Qin family becomes more familiar with the terrain, this advantage will soon disappear.

"Brother Geng, since you know that the Qin family is isolated and has ventured deep into enemy territory, don't you have any thoughts on this?"

After a moment's thought, Li Xiangming quickly grasped the key point.

During the great battle between Qin and Geng, the Qin family sent a small detachment deep into Pudong, which was a godsend for the Geng family.

Geng Shiheng could only sigh, "The Geng family is willing but unable to do anything about it now."

Li Xiangming quickly asked, and after a while fell into deep thought.

According to Geng Shiheng, although the Geng family adopted a strategy of retreating to protect themselves, they did not all hide in Meiling.

After all, they still have many key resource points outside of Meiling.

For example, the several precious mineral veins that triggered the war.

Mining these veins requires a large workforce and smelting technology, but once these preparations are completed and buyers are found, wealth will flow in.

Thanks to the Maojing Mine, the Li family turned a loss into a profit, greatly improving the family's financial situation.

The Geng family has more mines than the Li family, so their profits are naturally much greater.

It could even be said that the Geng family's current finances are completely dependent on these few mines.

Once the mine is lost, the Geng family will have little chance of surviving the war.

To this end, the Geng family spared no expense in setting up various formations on the mines to guard against attacks from the Qin family. They also took turns sending cultivators to be stationed there, especially the large mines, where Foundation Establishment cultivators were stationed to guard them, forming a defensive triangle with Meiling.

Such measures protected the Geng family's wealth to some extent, but at the same time exposed important foundation-building forces to the Qin family's surveillance.

This is why Geng Shiheng said that the Geng family was willing but unable to do so.

The Geng family is now keen to sever the Qin family's reach into Pudong, but due to the insufficient strength of Meiling, they dare not act rashly. However, they are hesitant to ask them to recall the Foundation Establishment cultivators from the mine.

"Such an opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

Li Xiangming said in a low voice, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

Which is more important: eliminating the enemy's manpower or protecting our own important strongholds?
It's probably a matter of opinion.

But at this moment, Li Xiangming undoubtedly hoped that the Geng family would take action.

Geng Shiheng gave a wry smile: "The Geng family also took a great risk to venture deep into the swamp and obtain this intelligence. How could we not want to seize this opportunity to make a name for ourselves? However, this matter is far more complex and cannot be decided with just a few words, unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless Brother Li can persuade Patriarch Li to lend us a hand."

Geng Shiheng replied decisively, "As long as your family is willing to take action, the Geng family is willing to be the vanguard, risking our lives to stop the Qin family's Foundation Establishment cultivators, creating an opportunity for your family to rescue the Five Scattered Sect. Afterwards, the Geng and Li families will become allies, watch over each other, and jointly guard Puyin Mountain. Wouldn't that be a beautiful story a hundred years from now?"

At this point, Geng Shiheng lowered his voice and tempted him further: "Brother Li is a dragon among men. The Geng family is willing to treat Brother Li as an honored guest and will make an exception to open the storeroom so that Brother Li can choose three treasures. Any young women in the clan who catch Brother Li's eye can be sent to Dangui Mountain to be his concubines."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming sneered inwardly.

Even if the Li family were to rescue the Five Scattered Sect, it would only be a process, not the goal.

To risk a life-or-death struggle with the Qin family for the sake of the Five Scattered Sect is utterly foolish.

Geng Shiheng's words were well-spoken, but in reality, they were of no value except for dragging the Li family into the quagmire of war.

What can the Li family gain?
An ally?
I'm afraid the Geng family would be more than happy to have this.
However, the Geng family did invest a considerable amount of money in him personally.

In any cultivation faction, having access to one's storeroom is a great honor.

The Geng family's storeroom was not as shabby as that of the Star-Absorbing Village.

Nevertheless, Li Xiangming did not immediately agree, but he also did not refuse outright. Instead, he pretended to be deep in thought and replied softly, "I understand Brother Geng's purpose. Please allow me to inform the family head of this matter. I hope Brother Geng will remain calm."

"Thank you very much, Brother Li!"

Geng Shiheng cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.
-
"The Geng family clearly wants both our things and our people!"

Inside the Changlin room, a hint of anger flashed across Li Qianxiong's face after listening to Li Xiangming's report.

Upon seeing this, Li Xiangming quickly lowered his head and admitted his mistake: "It was all because I didn't think things through, which caused this trouble. Please punish me, Patriarch."

Li Qianxiong frowned but said nothing.

Since Grandma Lai helped the Li family evade the Zhenhun Sect's pursuit, the Li family had to show their gratitude.

Renting out Jiming Mountain was partly to repay Granny Lai's kindness, and partly to win over these out-of-town cultivators in order to prevent them from causing trouble in Pudong and threatening the Li family's rule.

Another reason is that Jiming Mountain is like a chicken rib to the Li family; they can't use it, yet they still have to send key cultivators there to guard it.

Renting to the Five Scattered Sect not only saves manpower, but also brings in supplies worth 500 spirit stones every year.

Therefore, when Li Xiangming made this proposal, although he hesitated, he eventually agreed and persuaded the other clan elders. Now, it is impossible to simply blame Li Xiangming.

Ultimately, he was the decision-maker.

Li Qianxiong looked around and saw that most of the clan elders and the heads and deputy heads of the Imperial Household Department were there. He then said in a deep voice, "Now that things have come to this, let's not talk about responsibility. Let's all think about how to solve the problem."

"We must never go to war with the Qin family!"

Li Chenglu was the first to state his position.

The other elders echoed this sentiment. They agreed to advance into Daishan because the Maojing mine held great value for the Li family.

What's the point of fighting with the Qin family?

The senior executives, all of whom were of the "Qian" generation, exchanged glances and remained silent.

However, those of the "Xiang" generation were somewhat dissatisfied.

Li Xiangru immediately retorted, "Are we just going to hand over our own spiritual pool to someone else like that?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengzhi snorted lightly: "What do you juniors know? We can talk to the Qin family, and they don't want to fight us at this critical juncture."

"I'm afraid it won't be easy."

Li Xianghua shook his head. "Jiming Mountain has a treacherous terrain. Setting up an array here and stationing cultivators here can threaten the Geng family in the south at any time, forming a pincer movement with Red Stone Valley. The Qin family will never give up easily, at least not until the war with the Geng family is over."

These words immediately caused some commotion.

Even Li Xiangming couldn't help but look at the map of Puxian County on the table.

Li Xianghua mentioned something that even he hadn't expected.

While the Spirit Pool is indeed precious, it is located far from Danggui Mountain, and for a Foundation Establishment family like the Li family that possesses spiritual veins, it is not priceless.

This was especially true for the Qin family in Hongshigu, far away in Punan.

If it were merely the Spirit Pool, the Li family might be able to offer a price to redeem it.

But Lingtan happens to be located on Jiming Mountain.

Nestled in a vast swamp, Chicken Cry Mountain is shrouded in miasma, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. It possesses significant strategic value, and once the Qin family captures the Five Scattered Sect, they will certainly not be willing to give up this place.
"We cannot let the Qin family get Jiming Mountain."

At this moment, Li Chengsu also spoke up.

He lived in Jiming Mountain for a long time, so what he said was naturally very valuable.

For a moment, even the elders hesitated.

A silence fell over the room as everyone pondered their next move.

After a long pause, Li Chengdian sighed and said, "The alliance between the Li and Geng families sounds feasible, but this move will inevitably break the existing balance. The Liu family will never stand idly by. At that time, there may be a situation where Qin and Liu join forces. Our four families will fight endlessly and waste our strength. The southeast of Puxian will repeat the mistakes of Daishan."

The battle at Daishan has lasted for more than ten years, and no victor has yet emerged.

This is because neither side can break through the other's protective mountain formation.

The same applies to the Qin, Liu, Li, and Geng families.

This conflict could last for more than ten years, or even several decades.

At that time, all four major families will have to submit to the ever-growing Bailu Sect.

"We can't fight, that's the general tone."

Li Qianxiong stood up, his expression grim: "The Li family is currently thriving. Even if we lose Lingtan, we cannot fight this battle. Of course, we also cannot so hastily hand over Jiming Mountain to others."

"Does the patriarch mean to act secretly?"

Li Chenglu shook his head to himself: "With two Foundation Establishment cultivators leading the Qin family, how easy is it to keep them here without them noticing?"

"What if it weren't for our Li family taking action?"

Li Xianghua interjected, then looked at Li Xiangming: "At this moment, it's not just our Li family that's in a difficult position, is it?"

Li Xiangming glanced at him, his expression approving, and replied, "The Geng family has always longed for our assistance, sending people over every now and then to persuade us, but most of the time they have returned empty-handed. This time, upon receiving intelligence that the Qin family was attacking the Five Scattered Sect, they rushed over excitedly, clearly intending to drag the Li family into the fray."

"But what if the Li family doesn't agree?"

"They don't even know that the Spirit Pool belongs to us, so how could they be sure that the Li family is standing up for the Five Scattered Sect? I doubt it. Therefore, the Geng family's trip must have a secondary objective: if they can't get the people, they'll try to get supplies instead."

"You mean, even if we don't intervene, the Geng family is willing to deal with the Qin family?"

Li Cheng interrupted him in surprise.

Li Xiangming nodded and continued, "Although Geng Shiheng is young, he is already capable of handling things on his own. His status in the Geng family is no less than that of our hall master. His personal visit is definitely not just a routine talk."

"In my opinion, the Geng family has made up their minds to cut off the Qin family's restless tail. However, they are unwilling to give up the benefits of the mine for nothing. This time, they have come to ask us for benefits."

"Xiangming is right, that's what I think too."

Li Qianxiong coughed and added, "Hasn't the Geng family been complaining that we won't sell them magic artifacts? We can talk about that. We can even make a profit talking to the Geng family, but we won't get anything from the Qin family, and we'll have to set a price for them."

"But in this way, even if the Li family doesn't personally get involved, they're already on the verge of war."

Li Chengzhi still had many concerns.

Magical artifacts are different from other things; a powerful magical artifact can turn the tide of battle.

If the Qin family knew that the Li family was secretly selling magical artifacts to the Geng family, they would definitely be furious.

They might hold a grudge against the Li family.

"How can one remain calm and composed when caught in the middle of it all?"

Li Qianxiong shook his head. "The Li family cannot participate in the war because our strength is not yet sufficient and our strategy is not yet perfect. Only by maintaining restraint and upholding justice can we win the support of major sects such as Bailu Sect and Hengyue Sect. But I have a premonition that the Li family will be drawn into the Qin-Geng war sooner or later. There is no other reason than that two tigers cannot share one mountain."

Several clan elders familiar with Li Qianxiong immediately understood the implied meaning and fell silent.

Originally, Li Qianxiong, like them, did not particularly agree with or support the Geng family.

After all, the Geng family is struggling to survive and can't offer the Li family much benefit.

The two sides maintain only a certain amount of trade.

The sudden crisis facing the Five Scattered Sect has ironically led Li Qianxiong to initially establish a policy of aiding Geng.

It's difficult for people to discern the pros and cons at this point.

However, it is an indisputable fact that the Qin family is ambitious and attempts to annex the Geng family.

The Liu family colluded with them.

Once the Qin family gains complete control of southeastern Puxian, the Li family, located in eastern Puxian, will naturally become their next target.

Therefore, from a strategic perspective, allying with Geng against Qin was meaningful.

However, even so, making that decision and drawing the Li family, who had suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Nanbin, back into the war was not so simple.
Regardless, the Li family should be wary.

We can no longer focus our attention solely on Mount Dai in the north.

After a long pause, Li Chenglu slowly said, "We still need to send someone to Jiming Mountain to find out the situation. We can't just listen to the Geng family's one-sided story."

"I'll go."

Li Chengsu volunteered: "I am familiar with the terrain, and perhaps I can bypass the Qin family's spies and sneak into Jiming Mountain."

"Alright, thank you for your hard work, Fifth Uncle."

Li Qianxiong nodded in agreement, then looked at Li Xiangming: "The negotiation with Geng Shiheng is entrusted to you. You must persuade them to repel the Qin family's cultivators who are attacking Jiming Mountain. As for the demands made by the Geng family, you can agree to them as appropriate."

"Xiangming understands."

Li Xiangming cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

At this moment, Li Xianghua suddenly asked, "What should we do with the Five Scattered Sect afterward?"

"What do you think?"

Li Qianxiong countered with a question.

Li Xianghua remained silent for a while before replying: "If the Qin family suffers heavy losses, they will surely put aside their revenge for the time being. We can take this opportunity to reclaim Jiming Mountain. However, if we are planning for the future, we should not only not reclaim it, but also support the Five Scattered Sect and make it an important force on the same side as Meiling, so as to cover up the existence of our Li family."

"That's right."

Li Qianxiong clapped his hands and laughed.

(End of this chapter)