Cultivation Begins From The Desert

Chapter 658 642: External Incarnation! [Subscribe Requested]

FD, check again after three thirty)

"Brother Liu, Junior Brother Yang, please take your time. When Xiao Jiu's Foundation Establishment celebration is held, please make sure you attend."

"Definitely, definitely. Other Foundation Establishment celebrations can be skipped, but Zhou Xiaoyou's, we surely won't miss."

Outside the Zhou family's residence on Jingming Peak, Zhouyang and Zhou Minghan, the grandfather and grandson, saw off Liu Qingsong and Yang Xingyan after a secretive conversation lasting almost an hour.

Judging by the smiles on their faces, they clearly had an enjoyable discussion and reached some agreement.

After sending off Liu and Yang, Zhou Minghan and Zhouyang returned to the quiet room, set up a sound insulation barrier, and discussed the agreement reached with Liu and Yang.

Zhou Minghan spoke first, worriedly saying, "I don't even know if what we're doing is right. If it wasn't for Liu and Yang spearheading this, I wouldn't have dared to think about it. This is snatching food from the tiger's mouth!"

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang shook his head and replied, "Great-grandfather, forgive me for not daring to agree with you!"

He looked at the worried old clan leader and calmly said, "Yang Xingyan was right. What we're doing with regard to the Chen family is a mutually beneficial thing. The Baisha River Oasis needs our strength to help defend it, and the resources for loose cultivators here cannot be fully consumed by the Chen family alone."

"What we're doing may make some Chen family cultivators uncomfortable, but with Elder Chen's wisdom, he should be able to see our determination in this matter and the importance of this matter to several families."

"This matter is better addressed openly than kept hidden. If the Chen family is unwilling to yield even this small benefit, it means they don't see us as allies but rather as a threat to their status. Then why should we use our clan's resources to help them rebuild the marketplace?"

Zhou Minghan heard this, and his worry deepened, leading him to sigh heavily: "Ah! Xiao Jiu, I understand this reasoning too. Although our Zhou family now lacks no high-end combat power because you and your father have established your foundation, we've lost many Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators below, and it's hard to replenish them quickly."

"We, as bloodline-linked clans, to avoid a situation where guests are stronger than hosts, cannot absorb outsiders on a large scale like a sect. If we want to quickly increase the family scale, the Chen family's Fengyue Tower model is the only choice."

"But looking at Liu and Yang, if the Chen family doesn't agree to our request for the three families to establish branches at Baisha River Oasis, they're likely to team up to open a marketplace and compete with the Chen family for loose cultivator resources. At that time, where should our Zhou family go?"

Where should the Zhou family go?

Zhouyang looked at the worried old clan leader, wanting to ask if this question even needed asking?

But responding in that way would be too disrespectful.

He could only smile wryly and say, "You're thinking too much, Great-grandfather. If the Chen family doesn't agree to even our small request, we'll find another backer even if we don't team up with Liu and Yang. A Chen family unwilling to give even a little isn't suitable for us to follow!"

Zhou Minghan was taken aback.

He looked at Zhouyang in surprise, frowning as if wanting to say something.

But when he saw Zhouyang's young face, he suddenly realized, seemingly understanding something, and couldn't help but smile wryly: "You're right, Xiao Jiu, if the Chen family doesn't agree to our request, it means they don't wish to see our families grow stronger. Then there's no need to follow them any longer. I understand what to do!"

He's come to understand that Zhouyang is not him. He is already old, and as long as he can see the Zhou family continue under his hand, he's satisfied.

But Zhouyang, as a young person, surely has ambition and wants to lead the family to grow and prosper. Once, in his youth, he had this ambition too.

The plan by Liu and Yang seems a risky move to him, one that might accidentally invite suppression from the Chen family, a Purple Mansion Clan.

Yet to Zhouyang, who harbors ambition, it's an excellent chance to test the Chen family. If Chen lacks inclusiveness, the Zhou family under his leadership won't follow the Chen family any longer.

As for the subsequent suppression from the Chen family, with such geographical distance, the most they could do is stop Zhou family cultivators from entering Baisha River Oasis. The Chen family wouldn't travel all the way to Yuquan Lake Oasis to destroy the Zhou family, would they?

Unless Elder Chen lost his sanity, that's impossible.

"It seems I've truly grown old. Even Liu Qingsong, with one foot in the grave, still retains his ambition, while I only think of becoming a guardian dog. Fortunately, you were here today, Xiao Jiu, otherwise, our Zhou Family would have missed a great opportunity!"

Zhou Minghan, having come to terms with his thoughts, shook his head with a face full of gloom, feeling quite disheartened.

Growing old is not frightening; what's frightening is when one's thoughts age as well. Especially for a leader of a clan, once their thinking becomes outdated, the whole clan can be adversely affected and decline alongside them.

Seeing this, Zhouyang hurriedly comforted, "Great-grandfather is just being cautious. In the past, the entire burden of the Zhou Family was on your shoulders, so naturally, you couldn't afford to take any risks. If it weren't for you steadfastly supporting the family, neither I nor Father may have peacefully achieved Foundation Establishment. Everyone has witnessed your contributions to the family, and there's no need for self-reproach."

As astute as Zhou Minghan was, he could easily discern the consolation in his words. Upon hearing, he glared and said, "Enough, you little rascal, stop comforting the old man. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. It's not that I can't admit it. Once we return to the family, I will pass the position of Clan Leader to you, and then I'll comfortably retire and enjoy a peaceful life."

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang was immediately flustered and hurriedly shook his head, saying, "How can that be? You are doing an excellent job as Clan Leader, great-grandfather. My cultivation and experience are far from adequate. How can I bear such a heavy responsibility?"

"I am the Clan Leader, and if I say you can do it, then you can. That's settled!" Zhou Minghan seemed truly affected and was resolute in his decision to pass the Clan Leader role to him upon returning.

No matter how eloquent Zhouyang was, he found himself helpless in such a situation.

It wasn't that he refused to succeed the role of Clan Leader, but he believed it should be after the old Clan Leader, Zhou Minghan, passed away.

Now, Zhou Minghan suddenly declared he'd pass the Clan Leader position to him, naturally causing him concern.

Not to mention that accepting such a role would inevitably disrupt his cultivation. Considering that the old Clan Leader Zhou Minghan had decades of lifespan left, passing the Clan Leader title now could easily spark rumors.

Those unaware would likely gossip that he and his father, Zhou Xuanhao, coerced Zhou Minghan into stepping down prematurely.

This would severely impact the reputation of himself, Zhou Xuanhao, and even the entire Zhou Family. Zhouyang couldn't comprehend why the usually astute old Clan Leader would suddenly act so unwisely.

"This is tough indeed. It seems I'll have to wait until we're back to ask Father and the others to persuade the old Clan Leader."

He internally lamented and could only place his hopes on his father Zhou Xuanhao and other clan elders, hoping they could convince the old Clan Leader to retract his decision.

That day, as if prearranged, the clan leaders of the Liu Family on Chixia Mountain, the Yang Family in Golden Spring Valley, and the Zhou Family by Jade Spring Lake all suddenly ascended to White Camel Peak of the Chen Family, directly requesting to see Elder Chen for an important discussion.

Aside from the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Chen Family, no one knew what the three family leaders discussed with Elder Chen. Other families on Jingming Peak only knew that after returning from White Camel Peak, all three clan leaders of the Liu, Yang, and Zhou Families wore uncontainable smiles and promptly returned to their families with their kin.

The Baisha River Oasis and Yuquan Lake Oasis were thousands of miles apart. To accommodate Zhou Xuantai and other Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators, the two Foundation Establishment cultivators, Zhou Minghan and Zhouyang, had to ride the Shatuo Beasts together for the journey.

The five Shatuo Beasts had been brought over by Zhou Xuantai and his group and kept in the Beast Garden of the Chen Family. Luckily, they survived the sand bandit attack. The two Shatuo Beasts that Zhouyang and Zhou Xuan Yu initially rode, however, had been painfully slaughtered during their escape from Golden Dawn Mountain.

The sand bandit attack caused considerable losses for the Zhou Family. Besides thousands of Spirit Stones worth of materials lost from "Jade Spring Tower," six members including Zhou Xuan Yu, Wu Tao, Luo Meiwei, Zhou Yuanxia, Zhou Ping, and Zhou Qi were missing. Adding those like Zhou Yun, Zhou Qi, and Zhou Xuanjing who died by the mouths of demon beasts, the Zhou Family's cultivator team was reduced by one-fifth.

Losing nine clan cultivators at once was unprecedented in nearly a century for the Zhou Family.

Zhouyang could already foresee the profound grief that would envelop the clan members awaiting news back home.

However, once you embark on the path of cultivation, such situations are inevitable. This is the price of pursuing immortality!

The journey home was long, and Zhouyang did not wish to remain idle for the month or two it would take. Thus, while traveling, he began learning the "Sword Control Skill," a technique for Foundation Establishment cultivators, from the old Clan Leader Zhou Minghan.

The so-called "Sword Control Skill" does not refer to a single spell but generally the spell for wielding flying swords.

The version of "Sword Control Skill" preserved by the Zhou Family is actually named "Flying Star Sword Technique," which is divided into three layers. Mastering the first layer allows one to manifest Sword Light for sword flight, and in battle, it significantly enhances a flying sword's power, enabling various transformations.

Typically, Foundation Establishment cultivators can only learn the first layer of the "Flying Star Sword Technique." Only those particularly gifted cultivators manage to learn the second layer during the Foundation Establishment Stage.

As Zhouyang knows, Chen Ping'an of the Chen Family was able to slay the Tier Three High-Grade Demon Beast, the "Golden-eating Toad," with one sword, not only because his flying sword was a Tier Four Spiritual Artifact but also because he had practiced the Chen Family's sword control spell to the second layer.

The first layer of the "Flying Star Sword Technique" is not difficult to learn. According to the old clan leader Zhou Minghan, he originally learned the first layer of the sword technique in about a year's time.

Zhouyang, benefiting from the surge in Divine Sense after Foundation Establishment, along with the old clan leader's hands-on teaching all along the way, successfully mastered the first layer of the sword technique when the team just returned to Yuquan Lake Oasis.

Having long been accustomed to Zhouyang's extraordinary performances, the old clan leader Zhou Minghan was not too surprised that he mastered the first layer of the "Flying Star Sword Technique" in less than two months, merely praising him a few customary words.

As they returned to the clan, as Zhouyang anticipated, the entire Jade Spring Peak was covered in white banners, and everywhere the cries of grieving Zhou Clan members mourning their lost loved ones could be heard.

On Jade Spring Peak, not only do Zhou Family cultivators reside, but also direct mortal descendants within two generations of Zhou Family cultivators live there. For example, Zhou Xuan Yu's two children without Spiritual Roots live with dozens of family members beside her courtyard.

This sight of the entire mountain wrapped in mourning attire was something Zhouyang saw for the first time in decades, and it was indeed very affecting at first glance.

"Does it hurt? If it hurts, then good!"

"Why does the cohesion among our clan cultivators exceed that of loose cultivators and even sect cultivators? It's because every cultivator in our clan has lived and cultivated together from childhood to adulthood, and apart from sharing the same ancestor, they also have friendships beyond familial bonds. When loved ones and friends pass away, we grieve and remember them."

"In contrast, sect cultivators, although they have teacher-student bonds and camaraderie among peers, they definitely cannot mourn the passing of some low-tier cultivators as our Zhou Family does now."

"Look at this mountain covered in mourning attire, it's all done spontaneously by clan members, and the cries are genuine and heartfelt."

On the top of Jade Spring Peak, the old clan leader Zhou Minghan had unknowingly arrived behind Zhouyang. These words had been spoken by him.

"Grandfather's meaning, I understand, but compared to this mountain covered in mourning attire, I would prefer to see this mountain draped in red silk, with clan members singing in joy and celebrating the advancement of clan cultivators to Foundation Establishment, Purple Mansion, or even Golden Core!" Zhouyang turned back to look at the old clan leader, murmuring in a low tone.

Hearing this, Zhou Minghan's expression shifted as he looked deeply at Zhouyang and said, "I eagerly await that day. If that day comes, you must hang a piece of red silk on my tombstone as well, so I can join in the celebration!"

Zhouyang, hearing his somewhat dismal words, frowned and said, "Grandfather, isn't that a bit too pessimistic? Foundation Establishment cultivators can live up to two hundred forty years, and you are not yet two hundred, still strong and spirited. The Zhou Family, this great ship, still requires you at its helm."

"Stop it, about taking over as clan leader, Xiao Jiu, you needn't persuade anymore. My decision is made, and no one can change it. You'd better think about how you'll reform the clan after taking over as clan leader. Now that our Zhou Family has two Foundation Establishment cultivators, some of the old systems should be revised!"

Zhou Minghan waved his hand, clearly unwilling to discuss succession matters further, as if he had truly made up his mind to step back and retire.

Zhouyang felt deep helplessness at this.

Since returning to the clan, he had spoken with his father Zhou Xuanhao, who stayed to guard the clan, about this matter, hoping his father and Zhou Xuantai, along with other senior clan members, would persuade the old clan leader to retract his decision, but the result was far from ideal.

Not only did Zhou Xuanhao and others fail to persuade the old clan leader to change his mind, instead, they were swayed by the old clan leader to support Zhouyang's succession as clan leader, which caused great distress in Zhouyang's heart.

However, despite the distress, what needed to be done was still done.

Half a month after returning to the clan, Zhouyang formally accepted the genealogy handed over by the old clan leader Zhou Minghan in front of all the clan cultivators, officially becoming the fourth-generation clan leader of the Yuquan Zhou Family, while the old clan leader Zhou Minghan retired to become the family's First Supreme Elder.

After taking over as clan leader, Zhouyang's primary task was to listen to the reports from clan elders regarding clan affairs, personnel, and finances.

"Our Zhou Family currently has one late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, two early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, four Qi Cultivation Ninth-Layer elders, six late-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators, eight mid-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators, three early-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators, and two Innate Realm cultivators of the Guang generation, totaling twenty-six members."

"On the outside family side, there are currently five cultivators marrying into the family, including two late-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators and three mid-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators."

"Regarding mortal clan members, according to statistics from three years ago, the number of mortals with Zhou Family bloodline on several oases totaled one hundred thirteen thousand seven hundred twenty people, in addition to thirty-eight thousand four hundred sixty-five people with external surnames."

Following adjustments after Zhouyang and the others returned to the clan, Zhou Xuanbin became the Second Elder in charge of managing clan personnel. For instance, at Zhouyang's clan assembly, he was the first to speak and provide reports.

Upon hearing the data from his report, even though Zhouyang and other attendees were already somewhat prepared for the grim numbers in this regard, the mood became somber, and everyone's expressions turned grave.

Zhouyang remembered when he went down the mountain for the first time at seventeen, excluding the old clan leader Zhou Minghan as the sole "Ming" generation cultivator, the numbers from the Light, Xuan, and Yuan generations combined were still forty or fifty.

However, in a mere ten years, every cultivator of the "Guang" generation either passed away or perished, leaving none behind.

Moreover, the "Xuan" generation cultivators, who were initially the backbone of the clan, suffered significant losses with the demise of Zhou Xuan Yu and Zhou Xuan Jing, plus Zhou Xuantai losing an arm, amounting to three critical figures.

The "Guang" generation cultivators are gone, the "Xuan" generation cultivators are severely wounded, the "Yuan" generation cultivators have not yet matured, and the "Guang" generation cultivators are still children...

It was only then that Zhouyang understood the dire straights of the Zhou Family and why the old clan leader, Zhou Minghan, insisted on retiring.

"What about the financial situation? Seventh Uncle, please continue,"

He looked solemnly at the Third Elder, Zhou Xuanlin, who replaced Zhou Xuan Yu as the Household Affairs Elder.

Household financials have always been managed by the Household Affairs Elder, thus this elder is typically a close confidant of the clan leader. Given the current state of the Zhou Family, as long as Zhou Xuanlin does not cause any trouble, Zhouyang could not replace him even if he wanted to.

"In terms of finances, currently, the Zhou Family possesses one Tier Three Middle-Grade Spiritual Vein, one Tier Three Lower-Grade Spiritual Vein, one Tier Two Lower-Grade Spiritual Vein, 220 acres of Spirit Field, 30 acres of Spirit Medicine Garden, one large Red Flame Iron Ore, and one medium Refined Iron Ore."

"These assets yield an annual net profit of roughly 1,500 spirit stones from the Spirit Field, about 700 spirit stones from the Spirit Medicine Garden on average, and approximately 500 spirit stones from the Refined Iron Ore. The Red Flame Iron Ore Vein remains untapped, and its income is currently unquantifiable."

"Furthermore, the family also has a Tier Three Spiritual Object production site for Earth Element Spirit Milk, one Tier Two High-Grade Spirit Wood Dragon Scale Tree, six Tier Two Lower-Grade Spirit Fruit Fire Crystal Jujube Trees, three Tier Two Lower-Grade Spirit Fruit Yellow Jade Pear Trees, 32 Tier One High-Grade Sand Camel Beasts, 34 Tier One High-Grade Spirit Fruit White Jade Grapes, and 134 Tier One Middle-Grade Spirit Beast Phoenix Crowned Fire Chickens."

"Regarding the treasure vault, the current inventory includes four Tier Three Lower-Grade Spiritual Artifacts, 19 Tier Two High-Grade Spiritual Artifacts, 33 Tier Two Middle-Grade Spiritual Artifacts, 57 Tier Two Lower-Grade Spiritual Artifacts, as well as 27 Tier Two High-Grade Spirit Talismans, 49 Tier Two Middle-Grade Spirit Talismans, and 21 Tier Two Lower-Grade Spirit Talismans. Additionally, there are two Tier Two Middle Grade Arrays and five Tier Two Lower Grade Arrays."

"Additionally, the vault contains numerous demon beast materials and refined iron materials; these are difficult to estimate in value but, if considering only the material value, it should be under 5,000 spirit stones."

"In terms of expenses, the largest current expenditure is the stipends for the clan cultivators. According to the clan regulations, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator receives 500 spirit stones annually, an Early-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator receives 300 spirit stones, and a Qi Cultivation Ninth-Layer Elder receives 150 spirit stones. Excluding those cultivators who do not meet the stipend criteria, the other cultivators' annual stipends amount to about 2,200 spirit stones."

"The second-largest expenditure is the tribute to the Yellow Sand Sect, which the family must offer every ten years. Previously, the tribute, including supplies and spirit stones, could not be valued at less than 2,000 spirit stones. Now, with the addition of two Foundation Establishment cultivators, the tribute for the next offering will increase to 3,000 spirit stones."

"The third major expenditure includes subsidies for the clan cultivators' learning of the Hundred Skills of Cultivation. These are considered special expenditures and not included in the annual expense totals."

"Finally, the current balance of spirit stones left for the family is 2,478 stones, barely enough to cover the stipends for the next year."

Holding a thick account book, Zhou Xuanlin disclosed the financial income and expenditures of the Zhou Family.

Zhouyang felt a sense of relief after hearing his report.

From the perspective of income and expenditure, the family's financial state appears healthy, with no deficit and considerable annual surplus.

This evaluation doesn't yet incorporate the incomes from the two marketplace shops, Jade Spring Tower and Drunken Immortal Tower, nor from the untouched Red Flame Iron Ore Vein.

Moreover, the Chen Family has clearly expressed that if the marketplace is to be restored, the shops which belonged to each clan in the original marketplace will be returned entirely, accompanied by rental discounts.

The mining of the Red Flame Iron Ore Vein can be commenced shortly.

Thus, upon detailed examination, the current financial operations of the Zhou Family are still in good shape.

"All right, now that we all understand the clan's personnel and financial situations, let's discuss internal politics."

Zhouyang stood up from his seat, casting his gaze upon the four elders attending the meeting and the "Xuan" generation seniors present.

"First up is the issue of establishing a branch of the clan at the Baisha River Oasis. The Chen Family Ancestor has agreed to allow our Zhou Family to occupy a Tier Two Spiritual Vein and form a branch family, as well as permit us to relocate mortals there."

Look again after three-thirty.