Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 452 Demon Suppression Camp

Puyinshan Trading Post is located in the very center of Monkey Valley. The terrain is flat and open, with bluestone slabs neatly laid along the riverbank and rows of willow trees swaying in the wind, creating a pleasant scene.

However, at this moment, the trading house was closed, and the crowds that used to throng the place were gathered in front of the simple stalls next door.

A monk sat upright in the stall. He had a smooth head with ordination scars, a fair complexion, and a dignified expression. He wore a string of luxurious Buddhist beads around his neck and had the air of a highly accomplished monk.

In contrast, the middle-aged cultivator next door, dressed in burlap, looked much more shabby and lacked the same air of refinement. He was flustered and overwhelmed when answering the demon-hunting cultivator's questions.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, didn't Hall Master Li say in the notice he posted at Taibai Tavern that joining the Demon Suppression Camp would grant you spirit stones?"

"Yeah, everyone's been watching for so long, but no one's gotten any spirit stones yet."

"In my opinion, this is a scam."

The crowd was abuzz with discussion, and the noise rose and fell.

Xu Jin, his face covered in sweat, kept explaining, "The spirit stones are real! Hall Master Li is a man of his word. As long as you join the Demon Suppression Camp, you won't have to do anything to accumulate 500 merit points. Once the beast tide threat is over, Hall Master Li will exchange them for spirit stones for you. Every 100 merit points can be exchanged for 10 spirit stones, so 500 merit points is 50 spirit stones!"

Fifty spirit stones was indeed a lot, and the crowd stirred again.

However, very few people actually responded.

Everyone's not stupid. These merits can only be redeemed after the war. What if they die in battle? Wouldn't they have given their lives for the Li family for nothing without getting any benefits?

Seeing this, Xu Jin inwardly groaned.

Trying to fool these demon-hunting cultivators is harder than climbing to heaven.

Since returning from Daishan, Master Li has been busy preparing to defend against the beast tide.

Among the many complicated matters, what can be considered the most important?

It was undoubtedly a recruitment drive.

After all, it is absolutely impossible to resist fearless demonic beasts without a sufficient number of combat cultivators.

However, although there are thousands of demon-hunting cultivators outside Puyin Mountain, they are basically fighting individually. When faced with the news of a possible beast tide, most of them panic and flee in panic.

Resisting the beast tide? Are you kidding me?
Even with Li Tangzhu's immense prestige, it couldn't change their minds.

However, since Master Li dared to announce the news of the Daishan Beast Tide, he must have come prepared.

These days, Master Li has been using the great victory at Maojing Mine to his advantage, constantly suppressing the panic in Monkey Valley.

The reason why the demon hunters were afraid was because they knew that with only the Qi Refining cultivation level, they could not possibly resist the beast tide led by the Bone Fusion demon cultivator.

Now, Master Li, who possesses Foundation Establishment cultivation, and the Li family behind him are willing to protect Monkey Valley!

This undoubtedly gave everyone a boost of confidence.

Of course, there is another very important point.

The monster has not appeared near Monkey Valley until now.

This also caused many daring people to hesitate and wait, hoping for a lucky break.

If the monsters come, Li Tangzhu and the others can hold them off, and I can still run away in time; if the monsters don't come or are easily defeated by Li Tangzhu and the others, I'll be very powerful and can brag about it for the rest of my life.

How many people would dare to stay on the front lines of the beast tide?
In short, Master Li largely stabilized the situation in Monkey Valley.

They then recruited demon-hunting cultivators in the valley.

The person in charge of this matter was none other than Master Liaoshen.

His task was to assist Master Shen.

Actually, Xu Jin was very happy when he first received this task.

Because his original task was to dig a tunnel.

Those dirty and tiring jobs not only consume magical power, but also attract no one to do them.

Even if Master Li walks past him, will he care about him?

It's impossible even if you think about it.

Fortunately, Master Liaoshen suddenly spoke up and took him away.

Compared to digging tunnels, sitting in the valley enjoying the cool air and registering the demon-hunting cultivators who came to sign up for the battle was naturally an easy and pleasant job. Even if Hall Master Li still wouldn't notice him, those he recruited would at least give him some courtesy, right?

Unexpectedly, after several days, while there were some who took up the challenge, the number was pitifully small.

Xu Jin was unaware of Master Li's overall plan, but recruiting demon-hunting cultivators was undoubtedly of paramount importance. He was now extremely anxious, fearing that he would be labeled as "incompetent" and punished accordingly.

You should know that the high-ranking deacon who valued him had already returned home seriously injured.

He can only prove his worth through outstanding performances.

Thinking of this, Xu Jin couldn't help but nudge Master Liaoshen beside him and whispered, "Master, we've only recruited four people in four days, averaging one person per day. How are we going to explain this to Hall Master Li?"

Master Liaoshen kept his eyes closed and said calmly, "What's the rush? Things will work themselves out. Someone will come eventually."

Xu Jin was speechless, and a nameless anger rose within him.

He thought he had a great job, but the monk Liaoshen, who was in charge of the matter, turned out to be a lazy bum.

But Master Liaoshen had always treated him well, so he was too embarrassed to complain. He could only suppress his irritation, force a smile at the demon hunters around him, and silently pray that he could recruit even one person today.

Just then, the demon-hunting cultivators who were watching suddenly became agitated and quickly split into two groups.

Xu Jin subconsciously stood up and just then saw Li, the hall master, walking slowly from the middle in a green robe.

"Greetings, Master Li!"

"Greetings, Hall Master Li!"

Countless greetings rang out.

Xu Jin quickly bowed and cupped his hands, saying, "This subordinate was unable to greet you from afar."

"It doesn't matter."

Li Xiangming waved his hand, his gaze falling on a round wooden pillar that took two people to encircle, which stood on the stall.

The round wooden pillars were covered with notices and lists, leaving almost no empty space.

His brow furrowed slightly for a moment, but quickly relaxed, as if casually saying, "I just came to take a look."

Finished!

Master Li was certainly not satisfied.

Xu Jin felt a bitter taste in his mouth and didn't know how to explain it.

Master Liaoshen, who was standing to the side, finally stood up and said with a smile, "The morale of Monkey Valley is high. Fellow Daoists are vying to join the Demon Suppression Camp. We have just registered the names of thirty-seven righteous people. Why doesn't Hall Master Li say a few words to boost morale?"

Where did these thirty-seven people come from to join the Demon Suppression Camp?
Isn't this just lying with blatant eyes?
Xu Jin looked at Master Shen in astonishment.

But he looked completely calm, with no sign of unease on his face.

To his surprise, Master Li actually believed it. He not only nodded but also exclaimed, "Thank you for your hard work, Master. With your help, I am very pleased."

Having said that, Li Xiangming turned to the demon-hunting cultivators around him and raised his voice: "At the beginning of the month, a beast tide suddenly broke out in Daishan, and Yuanmen Town was in imminent danger. Master Liaoshen could have remained aloof, but he could not bear to see the people perish in the bellies of demons, so he went alone to the disaster and fought to the death. Such spirit should be sung by the world. After I saved Yuanmen Town, Master Liaoshen, disregarding his fatigue, followed me day and night to aid the Maojing Mine, making great contributions. Now, hearing that Monkey Valley is about to be swept away by the beast tide, the Master, pitying the thousands of demon-hunting cultivators in the valley who have nowhere to go, resolutely went south to help me prepare for the defense. How selfless he is!"

"I am filled with remorse, regretting that I cannot repay the Master's righteous act. The other day, I discussed with the Demon Hunting Guild the idea of ​​forming a Demon Suppression Camp to resist the invading demons. With my shallow body, I am able to occupy the position of leader. Master Shen's achievements have been made known to the world. His selfless virtue is admired by all who hear of it. I should be the deputy leader."

"Deputy Commander?"

Xu Jin was jolted, his eyes practically bulging out of their sockets.

At the victory celebration banquet, Hall Master Li proposed to set up a temporary demon-suppressing camp to coordinate the relationship between various demon-hunting groups and demon-hunting cultivators, and most importantly, to facilitate unified command.

Almost everyone guessed that the deputy commander should be Lee Sang-yu.

Because Li Xiangyu is not only surnamed Li, but also a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his move of "Fire Boiling the Violent Ape" is still deeply remembered to this day.

What qualifications does Master Liaoshen have to compete with Li Xiangyu for the position of deputy commander?

It's important to understand that Master Liaoshen was merely a rogue cultivator whom Hall Master Li rescued in Yuanmen Town. Although he had followed Hall Master Li for a while, in terms of merit, none of the demon-hunting team leaders, such as Long Yang and Xu Buxiu, who supported the Maojing Mine, were any less capable than him.

In terms of close relationships, let's not even talk about the Li family cultivators like Li Jihu. Jiang Liang and Chi Laiyong, who stayed in Monkey Valley, both of them won against Master Shen with overwhelming advantages.
Even Xu Jin, at least, has the identity of a cultivator from the Service Academy.

How could Master Liaoshen, who was neither a close confidant nor had any connections, suddenly rise to such heights?
Xu Jin was dumbfounded, and the surrounding demon-hunting cultivators were also in an uproar, all inquiring about Master Shen's name and deeds.

For many people, this monk with a wealthy appearance is actually quite unfamiliar.

Even Master Shen himself showed a hint of surprise on his face.

"Monkey Valley is not just one person's Monkey Valley, but the foundation upon which countless demon-hunting cultivators make their living."

Li Xiangming's voice continued: "I hope that all fellow Daoists can take Master Liaoshen as their role model, abandon personal interests, unite as one, and jointly defend Monkey Valley, so as to restore the glory of our human race on the Nanbin battlefield of yesteryear."

After saying those polite words, Li Xiangming personally took out a notice from his pocket and pasted it on the pillar.

"What's it this time?"

Someone muttered under their breath, "Nourishing Essence Pill, Fiery Cloud Sword, Ice Soul Snow Lotus... so many treasures!"

Someone recounted the details and was filled with surprise.

Suddenly, someone screamed, "Look up there!"

The demon hunters all focused their attention on one point. Almost instantly, the arena erupted into a cacophony of noise, pushing and shoving, a massive commotion breaking out.

"Foundation Pill?"

"How could there be Foundation Establishment Pills?"

"Master Li, is this Foundation Establishment Pill genuine?"

Li Xiangming looked around and said in a deep voice, "If the beast tide really attacks my Monkey Valley, you will follow me to fight the enemy. Ordinary beasts will earn 1 merit, half-demons will earn 10 merit, early-stage Spirit Awakening demon cultivators will earn 100 merit, mid-stage Spirit Awakening demon cultivators will earn 200 merit, and late-stage Spirit Awakening demon beasts will earn 500 merit."

After a pause, Li Xiangming observed the reactions of the demon-hunting cultivators around him, patted the newly posted notice, and said in a slightly excited tone, "If you can kill any demon cultivator in the Bone Fusion stage, you will directly accumulate 10,000 merit points. I guarantee with the reputation of the Li family that as long as you accumulate 100,000 merit points, even Foundation Establishment Pills will be given to you without hesitation!"

The room fell silent immediately after he said that.

Although the Li family was willing to offer Foundation Establishment Pills, the prospect of 100,000 merit points felt distant.

Although killing the Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator can greatly accelerate the progress.

However, with their abilities, to provoke the Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator, wouldn't that be asking for trouble?

Just as they were hesitating, someone suddenly shouted, "Two hundred late-stage Spirit Summoning demon cultivators can also be exchanged for Foundation Establishment Pills. We might as well take a gamble."

“That’s right, we definitely can’t hunt that many in Puyin Mountain, but if a bunch of monsters come here, we might have a chance.”

Monsters are not fools, nor are they standing still as targets.

Even if large demon-hunting groups like Golden Eyes and Divine Wind can deal with late-stage Spirit Summoning demon cultivators with overwhelming strength, being able to deal with them doesn't guarantee a successful hunt.

In fact, most monster-hunting operations end in failure.

It's not impossible to hunt down two hundred late-stage Spirit Summoning monsters in Puyin Mountain, but who knows when that will take.

The battlefield is different; you might just throw out a fire talisman and kill one of them.

In an instant, the breathing of all the cultivators present became fiery.

Foundation Building Pill!
This is something that countless independent cultivators dream of.
Not to mention the demon hunters, even Master Shen was slightly moved, and Xu Jin next to him was swallowing hard.

Just then, another commotion arose outside the valley.

Everyone turned around and saw a large group of cultivators, nearly a hundred in number, pouring in from the valley entrance.

"It's a cultivator from the Li family!"

"The Li family's reinforcements have arrived!"

Not only the demon-hunting cultivators near the Puyin Mountain trading post, but many others also saw the large "Li" banner standing in the procession and stopped what they were doing to watch.

Since the establishment of Monkey Valley, the Li family has never made such a grand appearance.

"what is that?"

Xu Jin tugged at Master Shen's sleeve and asked in confusion.

Following his gaze, Master Liaoshen saw more than twenty vehicles covered with black cloth and nodded slightly, saying, "If I am not mistaken, they should be crossbow carts used to fight against demonic beasts."

"A runic crossbow?"

Xu Jin felt a chill run down his spine.

This thing also exists at the Maojing Mine, but there are only two of them.

Even so, they can defend against most of the petty intruders without the Grand Deacon taking action.

Unexpectedly, the Li family brought out more than twenty vehicles this time.

"I care more about those spirit pets than the rune-inscribed crossbows!"

Master Liaoshen narrowed his eyes.

"Spiritual pet?"

Xu Jin looked at the back of the line in surprise. One after another, four-wheeled wooden cages came one after another, which looked very impressive, but they were all covered by black cloth. Even with his divine sense, he could not see the slightest clue.

"So many supplies!"

"These people are all incredibly skilled."

"It seems the Li family is determined to guard Monkey Valley."

Amidst the surrounding noise, Li Xiangming's gaze fell upon Li Qianshi and Li Xianghua, who were leading the group.

Not long after he returned from Qingyang Temple, he received a letter from Li Qianshi, saying that the Li family's reinforcements had arrived at Monkey Valley.

The reason I'm only coming in now is, of course, to impress the demon-hunting cultivators in the valley.

He gave Master Liaoshen a wink, and Master Liaoshen, understanding immediately, roared, "Gentlemen, with such a strong and well-equipped reinforcement joining the Demon Suppression Camp, what are you still hesitating for? Joining the Demon Suppression Camp now will get you 500 merit points for free, equivalent to 50 spirit stones. These are practically free spirit stones, don't you want them?"

Master Liaoshen's voice was extremely seductive, and he also used his magic to spread it throughout the entire Monkey Valley.

Everyone snapped out of their daze and licked their lips.

"For the Foundation Establishment Pill!"

"The cultivators of the Li family are fearless, so what are we afraid of?"

"I want to sign up!"

In just a few breaths, all the demon-hunting cultivators around rushed over.

Xu Jin had no idea this would happen.
He frantically took one registration form after another, repeatedly calling out, "Don't rush, don't rush!"

Seeing this, Master Liaoshen took a sip of wine and chose to stand by and watch.

Li Xiangming smiled and was about to leave.

At this moment, Master Liaoshen called out to him, his expression gradually turning serious: "Hall Master Li! Is the matter of the deputy commander of the Demon Suppression Camp true?"

"a man of his words."

Li Xiangming nodded slightly.

He didn't really trust Master Shen.

The reason for entrusting him with such an important task was primarily due to political considerations.

The Demon Suppression Camp cannot be filled with cultivators from the Li family occupying high positions!
Otherwise, demon hunters would feel no sense of belonging.

The fact that the demon-hunting cultivators scoffed at the idea of ​​protecting Monkey Valley speaks volumes.

Li Xiangming left such a deep mark on Monkey Valley that most people felt that Monkey Valley belonged to the Li family, and that resisting the beast tide was the Li family's responsibility, not theirs.

Under the influence of this concept, it naturally became even more difficult for Li Xiangming to recruit demon-hunting cultivators.

The same applies to the Demon Suppression Camp!
If Li Xiangming and Li Xiangyu simultaneously serve as the commander and deputy commander, the demon-hunting cultivators who join the group will feel that they are working for the Li family.

Why should you fight so hard over other people's problems?

Appointing Master Shen as deputy commander would greatly improve this perception.

If a mere cultivator can be given important responsibilities, why can't these demon-hunting cultivators who know the ins and outs of the matter be given important responsibilities?

This might reduce the resistance of demon hunters.

Of course, Master Liaoshen's abilities were also within his consideration.

Whether it was the white lion patrolling the streets, or the tactics of two stockades and two fortresses, and digging tunnels, it was Master Liaoshen who first mentioned them.

Li Xiangming is indeed relying on this occasionally unreliable monk.

And he and Master Liaoshen happened to have no conflict of interest.

As for emotions, they are even more superficial.

Now that we've offered him a nominal position, we have the opportunity to retain Master Shen, a talented individual. Why not do it?

Seeing Li Xiangming nod, Master Liaoshen smiled bitterly to himself.

He wandered around Mount Dai for over a month, but not only did he fail to achieve his plan to unite the sects of Mount Dai, he couldn't even get into the gates of the Zhenhun Sect and the Shengyi Sect, which made him disheartened.

After the beast tide broke out, he hurriedly packed his bags, intending to leave Daishan.

Unexpectedly, after being invited by Li Xiangming in Yuanmen Town, he now holds a certain position within the Li family's camp.

Perhaps, this is just the way life is?

(End of this chapter)