Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 476 Entering the scene
Northeast corner of Monkey Valley.

Amidst the lush greenery, the golden palace is shrouded in dappled shadows. Sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, making the four large white jade characters "Lingluo Immortal Abode" on the plaque shimmer and glow, exuding an ethereal aura.

Li Xiangming stood tall and straight in front of the door, carefully examining the layout of the building.

As the Li family's representative in Monkey Valley, he was naturally aware that the Lingluo Merchant Guild had purchased a large number of cave dwellings in the valley. In fact, this was something he had personally approved and encouraged.

But he didn't expect that the Lingluo Merchant Guild would have such boldness to decorate such a high-level store. Even the famous cultivation residences in Pushui Market are no better than this.
It's important to understand that Monkey Valley is a "defective" market.

Although there is a lot of foot traffic here, they are all demon-hunting cultivators with low spending power.

In addition, there are few cultivation forces in the surrounding area and resources are scarce. Cultivation resources depend entirely on traveling merchants. Once the traveling merchants and caravans are gone, Monkey Valley will go bankrupt on its own.

For this reason, although Li Xiangming repeatedly reported the potential of Monkey Valley to Li Qianxiong, the Li family still regarded it as an enclave.

Enclaves need to be protected, but also developed.

However, its status is far inferior to that of the heartland of Danggui Mountain.

Even if the Li family were determined to develop their own cultivation market, their first choice would be Changyang Valley, not Monkey Valley.

However, the Lingluo Merchant Guild seemed to have extraordinary confidence in Monkey Valley.

"Master Li!"

Just then, a burly man strode out and bowed respectfully to Li Xiangming, saying, "Master Li, it is an honor to have you here. Our organization has failed to welcome you properly. We hope you will forgive us."

Li Xiangming glanced at the newcomer briefly.

If he remembered correctly, the person who came was called Lei Meng, and he was a confidant of Fairy Lingluo.

Back in Pushui Market, Lei Meng had a disagreement with him and even tried to get violent, but unexpectedly suffered a loss at Zhang Min's hands.

"Has Fellow Daoist Lei's injury improved?"

Li Xiangming asked calmly.

Upon hearing this, Lei Meng's face flashed with embarrassment.

The boss plays the good cop and he plays the bad cop – this has always been a tried-and-true tactic of the Lingluo Merchant Guild to bully caravans or small merchant guilds. Who would have thought they'd run into a tough nut to crack?
Li Xiangming's revisiting of this old matter clearly indicates his intention to embarrass the Lingluo Chamber of Commerce.

He felt uncomfortable, but dared not not answer, so he cupped his hands and said, "Thanks to Hall Master Li, I am much better now."

Lei Meng adopted a humble attitude, so Li Xiangming stopped arguing and stepped straight into the gate of "Lingluo Immortal Mansion," asking as he walked, "Why did your master invite me here?"

"I dare not presume to know what my master is thinking. I would like to ask Master Li personally." Lei Meng was unwilling to reveal anything and simply led the way.

Li Xiangming frowned.

With the beast tide pressing in and criminals lurking in the valley, the burden on his shoulders is as heavy as a thousand pounds. He spends every day scheming how to break the deadlock, and doesn't even have time to cultivate. How can he have time to play tricks with Fairy Lingluo?

If it weren't for the fact that the Lingluo Merchant Guild had promised to donate five thousand spirit stones, he wouldn't have appeared here at all.

Lei Meng seemed to sense Li Xiangming's dissatisfaction and whispered, "Master Li, please calm down. Our master has been preparing for this meeting for several days, so he must have something important to discuss."

Li Xiangming remained unmoved, so Lei Meng continued, "With the beast tide at our side, Monkey Valley, if not in imminent danger, is certainly surrounded by enemies. Almost all the merchants in the valley, including members of the Puyin Mountain Guild, have disappeared, except for the Lingluo Merchant Guild, which shows our sincerity..."

"hope so."

Li Xiangming interrupted the other party's request, saying that since he had come, he should at least meet Fairy Lingluo.

Soon, the two passed through the hall.

Behind the hall lies a vast garden, where rare and exotic flowers and plants renowned in the mortal world seem commonplace and are found everywhere.

Several courtyards are hidden among the trees, with their blue bricks and gray tiles appearing and disappearing in the shadows.

Lei Meng then explained, “Our Lingluo Immortal Abode’s cave dwellings are hidden underground in these courtyards, making them very secluded. Each courtyard has its own independent spirit-gathering array. These arrays are also connected by special channels, so even if one array malfunctions, the others can still provide ample spiritual energy to the courtyard to which it belongs.”

"In addition, the courtyard itself is very spacious and surrounded by beautiful scenery. It is an excellent choice for both the daily living quarters of cultivators and the residence of mortal relatives."

Li Xiangming nodded slightly.

As expected of the Lingluo Merchant Guild, they have seen the world; the layout of their mansion is luxurious and comfortable, yet perfectly reasonable.

For demon hunters, renting their cave dwellings not only provides a unique cultivation environment but also ensures the safety of their families, making it a win-win situation.

Of course, the shortcomings are also obvious.

To enjoy these services, one must pay a sufficient amount of spirit stones.

Demon hunters regard spirit stones as their lifeblood. Even with the Li family's prestige, Taibai Restaurant couldn't rent out many of its cheap, ordinary cave dwellings. How many customers could the expensive cultivation cave dwellings like Lingluo Immortal Mansion attract?

Although he had doubts, this was how others perceived the market, and the profits and losses were none of Li's business, so Li Xiangming naturally wouldn't comment on it.

He only inquired about the rental process and price of the Lingluo Immortal Abode before saying nothing more.

"arrive!"

Lei Meng's voice pulled Li Xiangming back to reality.

Before he knew it, he had arrived at the gate of a large courtyard deep in the garden, where the three characters "Luoyanzhai" on the plaque were simple and vigorous.

Lei Meng bowed and extended his arm, indicating, "The master has been waiting for a long time. Please, Master Li."

"Good work."

Li Xiangming grunted in agreement, pushed open the door, and entered. What came into view was a spacious front yard.

In the center of the front yard stood a stone table with a chessboard carved on it. The black and white pieces were densely packed, clearly indicating an unfinished game. An old man with one eye sat on a stone chair, holding a chess piece, playing the game alone.

Li Xiangming slowed his pace.

The old man before her, whose name she did not know, seemed ordinary, but he was a true Foundation Establishment cultivator, and the reason why Fairy Lingluo dared to stand firm in Monkey Valley.

"Greetings, senior."

Li Xiangming was the first to cup his hands in greeting.

Despite his unpleasant experiences with the other party, he still had to give them face as a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

After all, a Foundation Establishment cultivator can theoretically live for 240 years. The other party looks a bit old, but he might still live for several decades or even a hundred years.

The one-eyed old man seemed absorbed in the game of chess and did not react to Li Xiangming's greeting.

Li Xiangming wasn't angry.

Elders often pride themselves on their seniority, and the one-eyed old man was waiting for him to ask for an audience repeatedly.

He was used to this kind of thing at home—even though he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he couldn't avoid bowing his head in front of his elders.

However, the one-eyed old man was not related to him, and in terms of cultivation and status, he was far superior to the other party, so naturally he would not offer his help to the one who was being snubbed.

Seeing that the other party remained silent, Li Xiangming stepped across the front yard and into the main hall.

The hall was empty, with only a few candles flickering slightly, reflecting the tranquility of the space.

"The landlord lives in the backyard."

Just then, the one-eyed old man's voice finally came through.

Li Xiangming had no choice but to continue walking towards the backyard.

Luoyanzhai was very large, showcasing the confidence of the Lingluo Merchant Guild. Fortunately, the layout was not complicated, and he quickly found a warm pavilion—the only place in the entire backyard that was brightly lit.

"Is this Hall Master Li? Please come in."

The delicate voice of the Fairy Lingluo came from inside the warm pavilion.

Li Xiangming coughed lightly and pushed the door open to enter.

In an instant, a thick mist rushed towards him. The room was filled with fog, and the moist air was mixed with the fragrance of flower petals, making Li Xiangming feel as if he were in a fairyland.

He looked up, about to speak, when the sound of splashing water rang out, and the figure of the Fairy of Silk appeared behind the screen. She spread her arms and yawned lightly, her movements languid and alluring. The thin silk screen and the misty fog could not conceal her slender waist and proud breasts.

The words that were about to come out of Li Xiangming's throat stopped abruptly.

The Fairy of Lingluo seemed oblivious to anything amiss. After a long while, she lowered her arm and smiled, saying, "Master Li, I've been waiting for you for quite some time."

Li Xiangming took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in his heart, and slowly said, "I have come abruptly and have disturbed you, Fairy."

"Master Li, there's no need for such formalities. I've only been waiting a short while, and I took a quick bath. I hope you won't find it amusing."

The fairy in silk robes emerged from behind the screen, speaking in a soft, sweet voice. A pale purple veil clung to her shapely figure, water droplets sliding down her hair and shimmering in the candlelight, making her appear incredibly alluring.

Li Xiangming slightly averted his gaze and cut to the chase: "Fairy, you invited me to meet, is there something important to discuss?"

"To be able to see Master Li is of paramount importance to me."

The Fairy of Lingluo moved gracefully to Li Xiangming's side, her slender arms wrapping around his waist like snakes, her entire body almost pressed against his strong chest: "What do you think, Hall Master Li?"

"Please have some self-respect, fairy."

Li Xiangming frowned and grabbed Lingluo Fairy's restless arm.

The fairy's snow-white skin turned red at an almost visible speed, which showed the strength of Li Xiangming's attack.

However, Fairy Lingluo seemed completely unconcerned. Instead, she pressed herself even closer, tilted her head slightly, and took a deep breath on Li Xiangming's neck, her expression one of rapture: "Master Li, you've misunderstood. I just wanted to talk to you more closely."

Li Xiangming's brows furrowed even deeper.

Having a beautiful woman in his arms certainly stirred his emotions.

But he knew that Fairy Lingluo was no easy opponent; the charm and allure she displayed were nothing more than a carefully crafted act.

Thinking of this, Li Xiangming forcefully pulled away from Fairy Lingluo's arm, took a step back, and said in a cold tone, "If Fairy is just joking, please forgive me for being too busy to keep you company."

Upon seeing this, Fairy Lingluo's eyes flashed with surprise.

She hadn't expected that Li Xiangming could remain unmoved by the combined effects of Drunken Aphrodisiac and Dream Fragrance. Was this the composure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator?
Perhaps I should learn some seductive skills!

The fairy Lingluo was lost in thought, her face still flushed, like a ripe grape, delicate and alluring.

"Master Li is indeed a virtuous gentleman, I admire him greatly."

"but……"

Lingluo Fairy leaned slightly closer to Li Xiangming, her tone carrying a hint of provocation: "What if I insist that you become my intimate guest?"

A guest who enters the inner chambers?

Li Xiangming was slightly taken aback, then his face darkened: "You came to see me just for this?"

"Isn't this important enough?"

Lingluo Fairy asked in return, then moved closer to Li Xiangming again, her red lips slightly parted, and breathed softly into his ear, her voice gentle and charming: "This servant admires Hall Master Li to the extreme."

"absurd."

Li Xiangming turned away with a flick of his sleeve.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator with high position and great power, how could he allow a merchant woman to treat him so disrespectfully?
"Does Master Li look down on me?"

The fairy's tone suddenly became tearful, as if she had suffered a great injustice.

Li Xiangming showed no pity and strode away.

"You don't even want five thousand spirit stones?"

The voice of the Fairy Lingluo continued, light and airy, yet like an invisible rope lying across the threshold.

Li Xiangming suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Hundreds of demon-hunting cultivators have risked their lives for Hall Master Li. Given Hall Master Li's character, surely he wouldn't discard them after they've served their purpose? But I've heard that 10 merit points are worth one spirit stone. Is the Li family truly willing to pay such a high price for the merit points accumulated by the Demon-Suppressing Camp?"

Fairy Lingluo walked behind Li Xiangming, took his hand, and said in a gentle voice, "Our Lingluo Chamber of Commerce may not have much else, but we have a lot of idle spirit stones. If Hall Master Li feels that five thousand spirit stones are not enough, I will add another five thousand."

Li Xiangming turned around and looked at the smiling woman in front of him, his face as ugly as if he had swallowed a dead fly.

"What's your purpose?"

"My purpose is naturally to help you."

The fairy in silk robes slowly removed her light veil, gently placing Li Xiangming's hand on her snow-white chest, and said coquettishly, "Are you afraid of being taken advantage of?"
-
It was getting dark.

A young man in his early twenties wandered through the idyllic garden, his face filled with anxiety.

Lei Meng followed closely behind, repeatedly reminding him, "Young Master Xiang Guang, there's no need to worry. Hall Master Li is such a big man, he can't escape."

"What do you know!"

Li Xiangguang sternly rebuked him, then realized that his tone might have offended someone. He had no choice but to suppress his anxiety and cup his hands in apology: "I was in a hurry, please forgive my rudeness."

Lei Meng was curious. As a servant, he inevitably felt humiliated, but he wasn't angry about it.

He simply couldn't fathom why the Li family was so eager to see Li Xiangming.

Unless it's intelligence about a beast tide.
The number of cultivators active in the valley has decreased sharply in the past two days...

Lei Meng felt a chill run down his spine.

Could it be that Li Xiangming dispatched the Demon Suppression Camp to fight against the beast tide?
Before he could think any further, Li Xiangguang had already arrived at Luoyanzhai and called out urgently, "Master, Xiangguang has something to report."

"Wait."

A hoarse voice, sounding somewhat impatient, came from the courtyard.

Li Xiangguang paused for a moment and looked at Lei Meng.

Lei Meng explained, "It seems that the matter between the master and Master Li has not yet been concluded. I would be grateful if Young Master Xiang Guang would wait a moment."

"Can't wait any longer!"

Li Xiangguang gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and pounded on the wooden courtyard gate.

The heavy door made an annoying creaking sound, which sounded particularly jarring in the quiet garden.

Suddenly, the courtyard gate opened.

Li Xiangguang was overjoyed, but then he saw an invisible gust of wind sweeping out from the crack in the door.

"This is……"

Li Xiangguang's expression suddenly changed. Before he could react, he was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the bluestone ground several feet away.

"Young Master Xiang Guang?"

Lei Meng was shocked and quickly looked at the one-eyed old man in the courtyard.

The old man remained seated on the stone chair, calm and composed, as if everything that had just happened had nothing to do with him.

Lei Meng dared not question it in the slightest, so he quickly ran over and helped Li Xiangguang up.

Li Xiangguang was pale, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his chest heaving violently, clearly suffering from serious internal injuries. With Lei Meng's help, he managed to stand up, gritting his teeth as he said, "Where did this old bastard come from, possessing such strength?!"

Seeing his disrespect, Lei Meng quickly advised, "Young Master Xiang Guang, Uncle Fan is a Foundation Establishment cultivator and has his own temper. You should wait a while."

Li Xiangguang's face turned ashen as he looked towards Luoyanzhai. The courtyard gate was now tightly shut, and the head of the hall was clearly inside. As a member of the Li family, he was unable to see him.

Are you kidding me?
(End of this chapter)