Hermit in the Mountains

In the quiet tea room, steam rises from the teapot spout, and the aroma of incense soars into the sky, its subtle fragrance permeating every corner of the room, giving people a sense of tranquility.

Li Anlan was still wearing a light purple dress. After refilling everyone's tea, she quietly returned to the table where water was boiled and tea was brewed.

Six people sat around a rectangular tea table, with Zhang Yuanfu, Shen Jingxu, and Shi Yideng sitting on one side.

Yang Mancang, Li Jianguo, and Fang Shouchang sat on one side.

Zhang Yuanfu took a sip of tea, put down the tea tray, glanced at the five people, and said, "The news about the revival of spiritual energy is all over the internet, you should all know that, so I won't go into details."

"Before, with Director Zhang of the National Spirit Bureau keeping things in check, no one in Xiahe Village dared to interfere. But things are different now. The outside world is about to descend into chaos, and some people will inevitably try to take advantage of the situation."

Everyone understood Zhang Yuanfu's words; the resurgence of spiritual energy couldn't be kept secret for long.

As more and more people learn that absorbing spiritual energy can be used for cultivation, allowing them to master legendary techniques and achieve immortality, countless people will flock to the cultivation world.

Resources are limited; the more people come in, the smaller the pie becomes.

Those who have mastered the revival of spiritual energy in advance will inevitably seize the opportunity to occupy the best resources first.

Xiahe Village's resources cannot compare to those Taoist traditions that have been passed down for thousands of years, nor can they compare to those famous mountains and rivers, but Xiahe Village has a peak master and a group of people like them.

They possess complete alchemy skills, a highly sought-after craft in the cultivation world, but also a target for others.

"Old Zhang, what's your plan?" Li Jianguo glanced at everyone out of the corner of his eye, but none of them showed any sign of speaking.

He held the lowest position in the circle, so only he could speak.

Zhang Yuanfu organized his words, "I just went up the mountain with Brother Dashan."

He made a comment without revealing the content of the conversation. The people sitting at the table were all old foxes; they would find out Yang Dashan's next move.

It remains to be seen whether they can grasp the deeper meaning behind it. He has already given them the necessary hints, and they must accept this favor.

Those present were indeed old foxes, and they immediately understood Zhang Yuanfu's implied meaning.

In short, they just followed Zhang Yuanfu and Yang Dashan's example and did what they were told.

Apart from Yang Mancang, everyone else nodded to Zhang Yuanfu to acknowledge his favor.

Seeing everyone nod, Zhang Yuanfu continued, "Xiaohe Village is also our base camp and our own territory. We must work together to protect this pure land."

"Shouldn't we focus our efforts in one direction? Shouldn't we further clarify the internal division of labor? And give it a formal title?"

Fang Shouchang and Li Jianguo reacted the fastest. They exchanged a glance, smiled at each other, and understood each other without saying a word.

They understood Zhang Yuanfu's implied meaning and decided to give their little circle a formal name and establish different positions within it to manage different tasks.

Their ultimate goal is the same: to carve out territory so that they can call the shots here.

It's not supported now, when will it be supported?

Fang Shouchang was the first to speak in support, "I support Brother Yuanfu's idea. We really need to work together; there's strength in numbers."

Li Jianguo chimed in, "I also support Lao Zhang's plan."

He looked at Zhang Yuanfu across from him and pushed the conversation forward, "Old Zhang, why don't you tell me what your plans are?"

Zhang Yuanfu watched the two men carrying the sedan chair and nodded. "Shall we first come up with an official name, and then everyone can take on different tasks based on their strengths?"

Shen Qingxu and Shi Yideng finally understood Zhang Yuanfu's plan.

With a smile on his face and his hands clasped together, Master Yideng said, "Amitabha, Benefactor Zhang, please speak freely."

Shen Qingxu nodded in response. He didn't have much ambition for fame and fortune; he just wanted to cultivate in peace.

Zhang Yuanfu spoke the name in his mind, "Wanshou Pavilion, what do you all think of this name?"

"Wanshou Pavilion, Wanshou Pavilion, what a great name!" These were the words Li Jianguo hadn't yet uttered in his mind.

Wanshou simply means longevity or immortality.

"Chang Sheng" is the name of the peak master, and "Chang Shou" also contains the character "Chang". These two names cannot be used. "Wan Shou" is the most suitable, meaning longevity and immortality.

Everyone inside silently chanted the words "Longevity" in their hearts. They quickly thought of the name of the peak master on the mountain and the place where the peak master cultivated, "Longevity Peak".

They all chimed in, agreeing with the name, "Longevity Pavilion, wishing for boundless longevity, wonderful!"

The name Zhang Yuanfu chose was approved by everyone, and a smile appeared on his face.

Previously, they were like scattered soldiers; now that they have titles, positions, and divisions of labor, they can work together towards a common goal and give full play to their strengths.

He also had his own plans. By taking the lead and occupying the top position, he could better protect his family and find deputies to handle daily affairs, allowing him to devote more time to cultivation.

In chaotic times, cultivation and strength are the only true currencies.

The deeper reason was that he was provoked by Yang Dashan. Yang Dashan was already stronger than him and had plenty of time to cultivate. If he didn't work harder, he would fall too far behind, and the most fatal thing would be being seen as having no intention of cultivating in the eyes of the peak master.

This gave him the idea of ​​forming a faction. He only needed to distribute the tasks assigned by the peak master, collect the results and send them up the mountain, and use the rest of his time for cultivation.

He has already decided on the name, and now he plans to leave the rest to everyone so they can feel involved. "Now that we have the name, please share any good suggestions you have about the internal framework."

Upon hearing Zhang Yuanfu's words, everyone looked at each other, and no one uttered a sound.

Li Jianguo's gaze suddenly met his granddaughter's. Thinking of the peak master's age, he steeled himself and decided to take a gamble. "Old Zhang, everyone, why don't we hear what the younger generation has to say?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze turned to the graceful Li Anlan standing beside them. They recalled the peak master's age and smiled knowingly.

The Longevity Pavilion was only established by themselves; only if they could gain the approval of the Peak Master would they be truly legitimate.

"Anlan, what are your thoughts?" Zhang Yuanfu looked at the graceful Li Anlan, thinking of his own granddaughter.

In terms of physique, appearance, temperament, skill, courage, and knowledge, it seems that no one can compare to Li Anlan.

He suddenly had an idea: wasn't this just a tool? Let her be in charge of liaising with the National Spirit Bureau and negotiating; he only needed to make the final decision.

Li Anlan was stunned for a few seconds. Her strong ability to react made her subconsciously work her brain at high speed, and soon she sorted out an idea in her mind.

She slowly stood up, regaining her CEO demeanor, and explained her thoughts one by one.

"If I have said anything incorrect, please forgive me!"

"The Longevity Pavilion can appoint a Pavilion Master, one person, who will hold decision-making power."

"A deputy head of the pavilion will be appointed, the number of whom will be determined based on the amount of work within the pavilion, to assist the head of the pavilion in handling daily affairs."

"The position of Supreme Elder can also be established within the Pavilion, with a status equivalent to the Pavilion Master, similar to a shareholder within a group company, who also has decision-making power."

The position of Supreme Elder proposed by Li Anlan was a position prepared for Yang Dashan; as for the Peak Master, she dared not make that arrangement.

Yang Dashan has a wife and children. If he were to become the Supreme Elder of Wanshou Pavilion, he could arrange for his family members to enter the pavilion, ensuring both their resources and personal safety.