Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 370 Conditions
"Mumu, how are you feeling?"

After leaving Lingtan, Li Xiangming went to visit Nangong Mu again.

Nangong Mu is Nangong Ya's younger brother. Nangong Ya and Cao Yanjun are like sisters and work at Lingguang Pavilion. In addition, he was the one who sent the person over. It is only right and proper that he should take better care of her.

"I am fine."

Nangong Mu's face was still slightly pale, but he was full of energy. As soon as he saw Li Xiangming, he jumped up and begged, "Brother-in-law, please tell Master to let me out. I'm about to suffocate."

Li Xiangming was also very troubled by his appearance.

This child is indeed mischievous.

The Qin family was located just outside Huangquanze—Huangquanze was the name given by the Five Scattered Sect to the large swamp outside the island. Zhang Can and the others were on high alert, discussing how to evacuate from Jiming Mountain, and for a moment they neglected Nangong Mu.

Nevertheless, they still issued a curfew order to the sect, forbidding anyone from stepping out of Jiming Mountain except for patrolling disciples.

But Nangong Mu ignored it all, not only flirting with the snake demon on his own, but also being expelled from Huangquanze.

If it weren't for encountering Qingyang Daoist, he would probably have fallen into Qin Zhengru's hands.

The Qin family harbors deep hatred for the Five Scattered Sect.

Nangong Mu's fate is self-evident.

Upon learning this news, Zhang Can flew into a rage and, in front of Qingyang Daoist, ordered Nangong Mu to be imprisoned for three years, not a single day less.

Nangong Mu was terrified and begged for mercy repeatedly.

However, Zhang Can was determined, and with the Qin family's threat weighing heavily on his mind, he didn't give Nangong Mu a chance to appeal to his emotions and forcibly locked him in a cave in the back of the mountain.

After only a few days, the naturally active Nangong Mu was already finding it hard to stand.

However, Li Xiangming was quite surprised by one thing, which was Nangong Mu's spiritual root.

According to Zhang Can, Nangong Mu possesses rare dual spiritual roots of metal and fire, and his cultivation has advanced rapidly since arriving at Jiming Mountain, reaching the fourth level of Qi Refining.

This is quite different from Nangong Ya's statement.

"Mumu, would you like to come back with me?"

Li Xiangming asked in a soft voice.

Nangong Mu's eyes widened, his face beaming with joy: "Great! I've wanted to see my sister and Sister Cao for so long!"

"If we go back, we won't come back."

"Not coming back?"

Nangong Mu was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Will I still be able to see my master and the others?"

Li Xiangming glanced at him: "If your cultivation has improved and your master and the others are in good health, what's so difficult about that? However, from now on, you will no longer be a disciple of the Five Scattered Sect, and I will find someone else to teach you cultivation."

"I don't want anyone else!"

Nangong Mu shook his head repeatedly: "Although my master is a bit slow, he is still my master. The book says that a teacher for a day is a father for life. How can I abandon my own father?"

A look of surprise flashed across Li Xiangming's eyes; he hadn't expected Nangong Mu to be able to spout such profound wisdom.

"Have you thought this through? You'll be locked up here for three years."

"Three years it is!"

Nangong Mu's expression was resolute, his small face showing determination.

Seeing this, Li Xiangming gradually fell into deep thought.

He originally thought that Nangong Mu was just an ordinary person with five spiritual roots, which is why he was assigned to the Five Scattered Sect.

Although the Five Scattered Sect was newly established, it still followed the sect's system.

Even if the Five Wanderers treated the child slightly better out of consideration for him, Nangong Mu's cultivation and aptitude would soon allow him to experience the cruelty of the situation.

When he sees that his cultivation is progressing slowly, Nangong Mu will feel hopeless about his path and apply to leave.

If he could learn one or two skills from the Five Scattered Sect, that would be ideal. If not, Li Xiangming would find him another job, thus fulfilling his duty as a "brother-in-law."

To Li Xiangming's surprise, Nangong Mu's spiritual root was not only excellent, but he was also a rare genius. As soon as he joined the Five Scattered Sect, he was taken in as a disciple by Zhang Can and became the veritable "Little Tyrant" of Jiming Mountain.

Now that Nangong Mu has formed ties with the Five Scattered Sect, it has put him in a difficult position.

After a moment of contemplation, he took out four bottles of Yellow Sprout Pills and one bottle of Nourishing Essence Pills from his storage bag and placed them on the table. He said in a deep voice, "Since you want to become a disciple of the Five Scattered Sect, I am powerless to help you with the matter of confinement. These pills are a gift from me to you. I hope you can break through to the next level soon and come back to see your two older sisters in three years."

"Thank you, brother-in-law."

Upon seeing the pills, Nangong Mu's face lit up with joy.

Li Xiangming smiled, patted his head, and turned to leave.

From his personal perspective, he naturally did not want Nangong Mu to stay at Jiming Mountain and risk danger. However, cultivators are people who wield great power. No matter how great the power is, they always have some of it and have a path to advance.

He's just a godbrother-in-law, what right does he have to force the other party?

If anyone should be trying to persuade someone, it should be Nangong Ya.

However, after learning about Nangong Mu's true spiritual root, his expectations for Nangong Mu rose sharply. He no longer had the idea of ​​letting him learn a skill or two, but genuinely hoped that he could go far on the path of cultivation.

These pills were his token of appreciation.
-
After leaving the back mountain, Li Xiangming returned to the Five Scattered Sect's residence and drank with Qingyang Daoist.

When the wine was flowing freely, Li Xiangming took out a jade box from his bosom.

"Master, this is the Thousand-Jin Grass!"

The Green Sheep Taoist suddenly sobered up, grabbed the jade box, carefully opened it, and immediately gasped: "Young Master Li, have you found the origin of the Thousand-Jun Grass?"

“No! It was bought by a caravan. Those people didn’t know its value and just thought it was an ordinary medicinal herb.”

Li Xiangming smiled. The Thousand Jun Grass was actually acquired by Baicaofang from Hua Lun.

The Thousand-Jun Grass, which was delivered to Qingyang Daoist last time, also has the same origin.

Despite his suspicions, he believed that Hua Lun likely had a "stable" way to obtain the Thousand-Jun Grass.

But things were still far from settled, and he didn't want to reveal these vague details at this point, lest they attract attention. He also kept Hua Lun a secret.

Qingyang Daoist had no doubts, but said with some emotion, "It's all thanks to your powerful family. We rogue cultivators can't find this thing even if we search our whole lives. Your caravan travels all over the country and can find hundreds or thousands of spiritual herbs and medicines with just a casual transaction."

"Just luck."

Li Xiangming put down his wine cup and said with a smile, "Daoist, please write down a list. I will prepare the auxiliary medicines as soon as possible. If the pill is not successfully made, then we will stop here. If the pill is successfully made, we will split the profits fifty-fifty, shall we?"

The Taoist Qingyang pondered for a moment, but did not speak immediately.

He was only responsible for refining the pills, so getting 50% of the Thousand-Jin Pill was not a loss for him.

However, if the auxiliary ingredients are written out, the formula for the Thousand-Jun Pill will be revealed.

Li Xiangming didn't urge him, as if he had just said something insignificant. His words and actions remained unchanged, and he continued to invite Qingyang Daoist to raise his cup.

However, his "unintentional" act could not fool Qingyang Daoist.

Recalling the scene of Li Xiangming threatening the Five Scattered Sect, Qingyang Daoist sighed slightly, "Young Master Li has already made a name for himself!"

He possessed a valuable treasure, making him an easy target for others to covet.

Especially for an established Foundation Establishment family like the Li family, which has its own survival rules, they would definitely covet the Foundation Establishment Pill in his possession.

If it weren't for Layman Li's cover, he would never have been able to meditate at Qingyang Temple.

However, the young Li Jushi was no longer the naive boy on the bow of the boat on the Pu River, but the head of the Li family's Foreign Affairs Hall.

Perhaps their personal friendship remains unchanged, but what does friendship mean in the face of family interests?

Despite his advanced age, he was as clear-headed as a mirror.

Even if Layman Li tries every means to cover up the news of the Thousand-Jun Pill in order to protect him today, it will not prevent him from taking action to seize the pill formula in the future.

Are the two contradictory? Yes and no.

If he wants the elixir to be safe, the only way is to go far away and fly away.

However, he searched for twenty years but still couldn't find the Thousand-Jun Grass.

Once he leaves Puxian and leaves Layman Li, how much value can the prescriptions in his hands still have?

After thinking for a while, Daoist Qingyang silently took out his brush and ink and wrote down the recipe for the Thousand-Jun Pill on the paper without missing a single word.

He felt a great sense of relief as the last drop of ink fell.

"Young Master Li, these are supplementary medicines, please keep them safe."

Li Xiangming took the prescription, glanced at it, and felt a mix of emotions.

He had not originally intended to ask for the recipe for the Thousand-Jun Pill, because the Thousand-Jun Grass was obtained by pure chance.

He has already eaten the only Thousand-Jin Pill he was allocated.

Without the Thousand-Jun Grass, the elixir formula would be worthless.

He naturally didn't want to ruin his friendship with Qingyang Daoist because of a "useless" elixir prescription.

However, with the appearance of a second Thousand-Pound Grass.

This balance was inevitably disrupted.

When he obtained the second and third Thousand-Pound Pills, it was difficult to conceal the fact that he gave them to Li Qianhe, Cao Yanjun, or other members of his clan.

No matter what happens at home, they will know and covet the precious Foundation Establishment Pill in his possession.

Perhaps no one would dare to reach out to him, but they would flock to the pill formula in the hands of the Green Sheep Taoist.

His demand for the elixir formula at this moment could actually protect Qingyang Daoist to some extent.

But such an idea is utterly shameless. If he really valued Qingyang Daoist so much, then he should have completely concealed the existence of the Thousand-Jun Pill.

However, he cannot do this in order to maximize profits.

His selfishness has corrupted the friendship between the two.

Knowing this, Qingyang Daoist tried his best to salvage the relationship. He not only shared everything without reservation but also cooperated with him, never mentioning the elixir formula. While saving face for him, he also continued this friendship that was likely to end in separation.

Li Xiangming felt both ashamed and moved. He silently put away the pill formula and solemnly bowed to the Qingyang Daoist: "Daoist Master, my family and I will never forget your kindness."

The Taoist Qingyang smiled, raised his wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Li Xiangming waved his hand lightly, and the wooden door opened. Li Jihu barged in.

Upon seeing Qingyang Daoist, he quickly composed himself and bowed, saying, "This junior greets Qingyang Daoist."

The Taoist Qingyang was very gentle and beckoned, "Young friend Jihu, come and sit down quickly and have a couple of drinks with us."

Li Jihu scratched his head, stepped forward, grabbed the wine pot, poured himself a cup, and then drank it all down, only to choke and cough repeatedly.

"You brat, this is spirit wine. You need to use your magic power to refine it before you can handle it. But you're acting like a water buffalo."

Li Xiangming immediately laughed and cursed.

Li Jihu's face turned red, and he quickly sat down cross-legged and silently regulated his breathing.

After a while, he suddenly opened his eyes and said in a panic, "Oh no, the Five Wanderers are requesting an audience. I forgot to mention it."

Li Xiangming picked up his chopsticks, tapped him once, then got up and left the banquet.
-
"Why hasn't Hall Master Li arrived yet? Could it be that he's having second thoughts?"

In front of the sect's main hall, Daoist Xie paced anxiously.

Zhang Can snorted coldly: "It's best if you regret it. I never wanted to agree to those conditions in the first place!"

Grandma Lai's face revealed a hint of sarcasm: "You think he regrets it and wants to withdraw those conditions? I'm more likely to ask for more, aren't you?"

"Blame me!"

The corpse-driver sighed, "If only I hadn't gone back to Pudong in the first place."

Grandma Lai turned her head, slamming her cane heavily on the floor with a loud "bang," followed by her furious voice: "If you don't go back to Pudong, where can you go? Without our help, do you think you can handle that girl from the Qin family?"

"It's better to live a miserable life than to die! I gave you a second chance at life, and you're still whining here. If you think things are difficult now, then go die."

The corpse driver was verbally abused and didn't dare utter a sound.

Granny Lai looked around again and said coldly, "Now that things have come to this, whatever demands the Li family makes, we have no choice but to accept them. Anyone who's unhappy can leave Jiming Mountain now and go back to being a hermit!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Can felt a surge of anger. He clenched his fists and looked at Xie Daoren, but Xie Daoren continued to pace on his own, completely unaware of him.

He exchanged another glance with the Flower Monk, who immediately closed his eyes.

"Damn it, you worthless bastard!"

Zhang Can cursed inwardly, but his movement to get up stopped abruptly.

Just then, Li Xiangming arrived silently at the entrance of the main hall.

The five independent cultivators stiffened and immediately stood up to bow, saying, "Greetings, Hall Master Li!"

Li Xiangming looked them over one by one and asked calmly, "What have you decided?"

Grandma and the others looked at each other, none of them wanting to be the first to speak.

"It seems I've arrived at the wrong time."

Just as Li Xiangming was about to turn around, Xie Daoren hurriedly stepped forward, blocked the doorway, and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "Hall Master Li, you have arrived at just the right time. We have reached a consensus, but these conditions are too harsh. I wonder if you could be lenient with them?"

"harsh?"

Li Xiangming's face turned cold. "Which condition is the most demanding?"

The aura of a Foundation Establishment cultivator was overwhelming, and Xie Daoren felt bitter, but he had no choice but to continue speaking: "The other conditions are fine, but is there something to discuss regarding this matter of accepting disciples?"

Li Xiangming raised an eyebrow: "Weren't all the disciples in your sect sent here by me? What's the problem with that?"

What a big problem!
Xie Daoren muttered a curse to himself.

Although the disciples of the Five Scattered Sect were all sent by the Li family, the Five Scattered Sect also paid them spirit stones.

This is a fair trade!

Moreover, it only appears in the special stage of the sect's initial establishment.

Once the Five Scattered Sect's various systems are mature, it will naturally open its doors and accept disciples.

At that time, they will not be able to go through the Li family's channels.

But now, the Li family wants to amplify this phenomenon, attempting to use this method to control the Five Scattered Sects.

No sect would agree to this, right?

However, the Li family has come with a large force to demand an explanation and even threatened to take back the Spirit Pool.

Once the Spirit Pool is lost, the Five Scattered Sect will cease to exist, and all the effort they have put in over the past few years will be in vain.

This is also an outcome that no one can accept.

At this moment, Xie Daoren dared not refuse outright. Instead, he kept smiling apologetically and said, "This is really unacceptable to the Five Scattered Sect, and it does not conform to the usual practice of the cultivation world. Even if it is an affiliated sect, it should not be treated like this."

"I hope Hall Master Li will reconsider!"

Upon hearing the words "affiliated sect," Li Xiangming's eyes flickered.

In the end, the Five Scattered Sect realized its rightful place.

He coughed, drawing everyone's attention. "Since all the other conditions can be agreed to, this one can also be modified appropriately."

(End of this chapter)