My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

The news of Li Xuancang's promotion to squad leader quickly reached Qingyang County, and officials came to Qingxi Village again to report the good news to the Li family.

The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching the surrounding villages and towns.

Upon hearing the news, the people were shocked, but also filled with envy.

In the eyes of ordinary people, a soldier could change the status of a family, and a platoon leader was something they wouldn't even dare to dream of.

The news spread throughout the nearby towns and villages, and reached the Li clan in Heishi Town without missing a single word.

The Li family has been established in Heishi Town for many years. Although they cannot compare with those large clans, they are still quite numerous and have many members.

The elders in the clan control the clan's resources and have always been snobbish and opportunistic, favoring the rich and powerful.

Back then, the Li family was in ruins, burdened by taxes and corvée labor. Li Xuancang was forcibly conscripted to the border as cannon fodder. Li's father once led the whole family to humbly seek help from the clan.

He only asked that his clan help reduce some taxes and exempt Li Xuancang from military service, so that he could keep the only male in his family.

However, the elders and relatives of the Li clan at that time all treated them coldly and spoke harshly, complaining that the Li family's decline was a burden on the clan.

Instead of helping them, they drove the Li family out of the ancestral hall, declaring that the Li family had long since declined and was no longer worthy of being included in the Li family genealogy, leaving the family of old and weak to fend for themselves in the chaos of the world.

The Li family still vividly remembers and deeply cherishes those cold faces and harsh words.

Now they hear that Li Xuancang, whom they once regarded as a pawn destined to be buried on the border, has actually fought bloody battles on the border and become a squad leader in charge of ten men.

Not only did they send back money, but the Li family was also exempted from corvée labor and taxes and granted protection by the border military. The entire Li clan was in an uproar.

Inside the clan hall, several elders sat in the main seats, their faces alternating between pale and flushed, filled with shock and regret.

"Who would have thought...who would have thought that Li Xuancang would actually make a name for himself on the border? He's a squad leader, a proper military officer. Our Li family has never produced such a person."

In the past, the Li family had sent some members to join the army, but they all died on the battlefield, and none of them even obtained the status of a soldier.

Unexpectedly, Li Xuancang, whom they had once thought was doomed, made a name for himself. Not only did he survive the brutal battlefield, but he also became a squad leader, exempting his clan from some taxes and corvée labor, which was hard for them to believe.

"If we had lent a hand to the Li family back then, we could be basking in the glory of the military officer now!"

"Foolish, truly foolish! Exempt from taxes and corvée labor, plus the protection of military status—what an honor!"

"We missed our chance to curry favor, and now that I think about it, I deeply regret it!"

"..."

The clan elders beat their chests in frustration, filled with regret. Their past indifference had caused the clan to miss an opportunity for rapid development.

The Li clan members below all looked regretful and were discussing amongst themselves.

They had ostracized the Li family together, showing no pity whatsoever as they watched the Li family suffer. Now they only regretted their blindness, having missed a golden opportunity to curry favor.

It should be understood that in chaotic times, border guards carry great weight. As a squad leader, Li Xuancang could save his clan a lot of trouble with just a word.

They could even rely on military status to protect the entire Li clan from the harassment of local bullies and bandits, and even their taxes could be reduced or exempted at their discretion.

But now it's all just a mirage; Li Xuancang's glory has nothing to do with them.

Within half a day, the elders and relatives of the Li clan could no longer sit still.

"No, we can't just stand by and do nothing. Let's take generous gifts and head to Qingxi Village."

After much deliberation, the group still did not intend to give up this opportunity, and even if it meant swallowing their pride, they were determined to establish a connection with the Li family.

It would be best to let the Li family return to their clan and enjoy the glory brought by Li Xuancang.

In this chaotic world where survival is difficult and people prey on each other, the least valuable thing is face.

The group changed into presentable clothes, carrying gifts such as rice, flour, cloth, and cured meat, and headed towards Qingxi Village in a grand procession.

His face was plastered with a fawning smile, completely devoid of his former coldness and arrogance.

The Li family was busy tidying up the courtyard, their eyes filled with longing for their son who was far away.

He would occasionally take out the letters and money Li Xuancang had sent back, and seeing his son's handwritten letters gave him something to look forward to.

The Li clan, numbering in the dozens, arrived in Qingxi Village in a grand procession, immediately alarming many villagers.

"What's going on? Where did all these people come from?"

"Who are these people? What are they doing in our village?"

"Everyone, follow them and see."

"..."

The villagers were puzzled and worried that these people were in danger, so they quickly put down what they were doing and surrounded the Li family.

"Halt! Who are you? What business do you have in my Qingxi Village?"

The villagers blocked the Li clan members and loudly questioned them.

Although the Li clan was numerous and powerful, the villagers were not afraid at all.

Everyone knows that a sergeant came from Qingxi Village and is protected by the government. Anyone who dares to cause trouble here will definitely be in deep trouble.

"We are from Li Dahai's clan. We don't know where the Li family is located. We would be grateful if you could show us the way."

Li Changfeng, an elder of the Li clan, smiled and cupped his hands to the villagers, revealing his identity and explaining his purpose.

Upon hearing this, the villagers looked on with understanding.

"The Li family members are here to curry favor with the Li family."

The villagers whispered among themselves, immediately realizing the purpose of the Li family.

As news of Li Xuancang becoming a squad leader spread, people began to flock to him to curry favor, including many local gentry and powerful figures; the villagers had become accustomed to it.

"The Li family's house is ahead; I'll lead you there!"

Some people volunteered, hoping to take this opportunity to curry favor with the Li family.

Thank you.

With someone to lead the way, the Li family has no problem with it.

The Li family was packing their belongings, which included grain, cloth, meat, fine wine, cosmetics, and more.

A wide variety of items, everything imaginable.

These gifts were all sent by local gentry and powerful figures during this period, with the wealthy Qian family contributing the most.

After learning that Li Xuancang had become a squad leader, he was filled with anxiety and could not eat or sleep.

They sent someone to deliver the goods, dropped them off, and left immediately, as if afraid the Li family wouldn't accept them.

A commotion arose outside, startling the Li family, who hurriedly came out of the courtyard.

When Li's father saw the person who had arrived, his face immediately darkened.

He was about to turn around when Li Changfeng hurriedly stopped him.

"The sea."

Mr. Li stopped in his tracks, and the elders of the Li clan, along with a group of relatives, quickly ran towards the Li family.

As soon as they approached, they greeted Mr. and Mrs. Li with a big smile and clasped their hands in greeting.

"Congratulations, Brother Li! Your nephew Xuancang has made great achievements on the frontier and become a squad leader. It is truly an honor for our entire Li clan."

"Yes, yes, I knew that my nephew Xuancang was no ordinary person. I saw his extraordinary talent back then, and now he has indeed brought glory to our family."

"Brother and sister-in-law, you have suffered so much these past years. It is all because the clan has not taken good care of you. We have come here today to apologize and have brought some food and clothing. Please accept them."

"..."

Their tone was fervent and obsequious, as if they were not the ones who had driven the Li family out of the ancestral hall and stood by indifferently.