Chapter 70: So Many Want to Kneel for This Chance but Lack the Connections! |
In the past, when Yulou first heard about the Wang Clan's differentiated arrangement strategy for its descendants, he had been quite puzzled as to why the top-tier descendants were kept at home.
Wasn't a great sect a good thing? Why send those with lesser talent to the sect while keeping the most talented ones at home?
Now, the Red Lantern Illumination Sect master's decree in his hands was the best evidence to answer this question.
The Red Lantern Illumination Sect had tens of thousands of disciples. The sect spanned the northwest of the Wunan Cultivation World, with a territory covering millions of li.
Within the sect, there were dozens of Purple Palace Grand Cultivators and Golden Core True Persons, divided into over ten factions of various sizes.
Under these circumstances, a person with a shallow foundation entering the sect would be nothing more than consumable fodder for the high-level cultivators of major clans.
Even for someone with perseverance, bitterly accumulating merit within the sect, the path of ascension was extremely difficult.
Like Gao Jian—he might be wicked, but wasn't his persistent wickedness also a kind of perseverance?
Yet he could only serve as a dog for Core Disciples. He might be called a cultivator, but how was he any different from a Dao slave?
For example, the sect master's decree they had just received, or the numerous long-term trade exchanges the Wang Clan maintained with the Red Lantern Illumination Sect.
Through the rewarded quota for Inner Gate Disciples, the children of the Wang Clan could bypass the process of being ordered around like Dao slaves by the Red Lantern Illumination Sect and join the inner gate directly.
The significance of keeping the best descendants at home lay in the fact that the benefits the clan obtained from the sect through their vassal relationship could be used to cultivate a limited number of core descendants, such as Yulou and Yu'an. This ensured they received the best possible nurturing before Foundation Establishment.
By remaining in the clan, the exploitation they faced before reaching a certain cultivation base was practically nonexistent.
More accurately, it wasn't exploitation at all.
Having enjoyed the clan's protection, it was only natural to make contributions so that the clan could prosper and endure.
Of course, there would be ungrateful wretches who would harm the clan's foundation to realize their own wild ambitions. The Wang Clan's history naturally had such vile spawns, but ultimately, they were few in number.
Moreover, the human heart is like the tide; if one acts too selfishly, no one will be convinced to follow them.
No matter how formidable Mang Xiang was, didn't he still need a group of people supporting him to step by step attain Golden Core?
Now, borrowing the sect master's decree from Huang Qiusheng, the sect master of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect, he had allocated a massive share to the Wang Clan. Even though he was being generous at the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's expense, the Wang Clan had indeed eaten its fill.
No matter how good the expected future profits of the Great Goods Store were, they still had to consider whether they could protect it. Yulou was all too clear on the difference between expected profits and actual benefits.
In fact, the Wang Clan didn't just make a small profit this time; they made a massive one.
It was just...
"Patriarch, since we received this decree from the sect master, shouldn't we express our gratitude?"
Giving kickbacks and "tea money" after securing a large order was standard etiquette; Yulou naturally wouldn't forget this.
Wang Xianmao smiled and shook his head.
"You're quite a clever little imp. Out of fifty-two thousand spirit stones, fifty thousand will go to True Person Xuanzhuan, and two thousand to Fellow Daoist Qiusheng."
So it was Xuanzhuan who had pushed this matter. With that being the case, such a grand scale wasn't surprising, but Yulou was still somewhat frightened by Xuanzhuan's appetite.
Fifty thousand spirit stones. The Red Lantern Illumination Sect had given it out extravagantly, and Xuanzhuan, who handled the matter, had collected it even more aggressively.
It very much felt as if seventy percent of it belonged to him. Perhaps in the eyes of a True Person, fifty thousand spirit stones didn't amount to much.
Seeing that Yulou's expression had changed, Wang Xianmao explained in a warm voice.
"Yulou, there is something you do not know. The value of this bottle of Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pills far exceeds fifty thousand spirit stones. Moreover, these pills were refined by a Foundation Establishment stage alchemy master, and for a long time, they have been priceless with no market supply.
"It just so happens that our Wang Clan needs this medicinal pill, which is why Jingyi specifically requested True Person Xuanzhuan to facilitate this matter."
It wasn't that Xuanzhuan was too greedy, but rather that the True Person had been a massive help.
From the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's elevated perspective, the Great Goods Store's innovative model was extremely valuable. This was also the fundamental reason why Huang Qiusheng had specifically issued a sect master's decree.
However, how this value would be realized, and what it would be realized into, was not up to the Wang Clan to decide.
By securing the urgently needed Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pills for the Wang Clan, Xuanzhuan's help was essentially akin to pulling a guaranteed gold card, directly catching a Mewtwo, or pointing out exactly which scratch-off ticket held the grand prize.
To put it bluntly, no matter how rare Foundation Establishment Pills were, how useful high-grade spiritual artifacts were, or how scarce the quotas for Inner Gate Disciples were...
...for the Wang Clan, they were all things they could slowly resolve themselves or find someone else to handle.
But the Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill was the kind of thing the Wang Clan couldn't get even if they tried!
Especially now, with a great war imminent, these types of spiritual pills used to repair meridians and Dao foundations would only become scarcer with every use.
Within a given timeframe, the quantity of alchemy materials was unlikely to see any breakthrough growth, and the anticipated demand was very high, so the price of Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pills would only continue to rise.
Therefore, taking all of this into consideration, what Xuanzhuan took actually wasn't considered much at all.
He was a Purple Mansion True Man, after all; wasn't it only right for him to collect a fifty thousand spirit stone favor fee from you?
How did that saying go again?
Just this? So many people want to kneel and beg for the chance but don't even have the connections!
"Could it be that Old Ancestor Xianzhu's injuries can be treated with this pill?" Yulou asked.
Wang Xianzhou was the Wang Clan's former genius, who had become famous in his youth. He later joined the Red Lantern Illumination Sect, won every battle in the Immortal Alliance Envoy Combat Selection, and relied on his own strength to become an Immortal Alliance Emissary.
If his Dao foundation hadn't been damaged, he absolutely would have reached the Foundation Establishment realm. Furthermore, after reaching Foundation Establishment, he would likely be even stronger than the current Wang Xianmao.
Although Wang Xianmao possessed divine abilities, Wang Xianzhou was an existence capable of securing a firm foothold in the Immortal Alliance, where heroes gathered. The upper limits of the two could not be mentioned in the same breath.
However, all these possibilities, this beautiful future, all these things that belonged to Wang Xianzhou—now, they had nothing to do with him.
Yulou had personally seen the way Old Ancestor Xianzhu didn't dare to look at his old lover.
On that day, Wang Xianzhou's Dao heart was in such turmoil that even Yu'an could see it.
How could juniors like Yulou and Yu'an not feel heartbroken?
If the Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill could treat Old Ancestor Xianzhu's injuries, then the Wang Clan would soon gain another Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Given Old Ancestor Xianzhu's age, he might not be able to extend his lifespan by much after reaching Foundation Establishment, but he would definitely live past two hundred years at the very least.
Furthermore, based on his prowess in magical combat, a Foundation Establishment Wang Xianzhou could beat the likes of Tie Qinhuo and Wu Jinyan as easily as playing a game.
"Xianzhou, Xianzhou... Sigh. He has used spiritual pills even better than the Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill. This Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill is meant for Rongyuan.
"Additionally, if chaos erupts in the future, having a few more Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pills prepared in the clan will serve as a good precaution."
Regarding his younger brother, Wang Xianmao also felt quite helpless.
If the disciples of the Wang Clan weren't sent to the most dangerous places to temper themselves, how could they be molded into something great?
But sending them away meant accidents were inevitable.
"Uncle Rongyuan? Uncle Rongyuan is injured?"
Yulou immediately grew worried.
The Western Sea Demon Hunt was the best way out for bottom-tier cultivators. In the absence of wars between major sects, it was the only fair path of ascension in Wunan.
It sounded wonderful, but it was also akin to rearing Gu. The Immortal Alliance conscripted wave after wave of cultivators to go there.
However, across the generations, only slightly more than half of the Wang Clan members who went to the Western Sea to hunt demons ever returned. Those who didn't return had all met their ends in the maws of demonic beasts.
"Yes, but it's very minor. A bit of rest will suffice. Now that we have the Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill, his injuries won't even affect his Foundation Establishment."
Wang Rongyuan had lost half a shoulder along with an arm. It sounded like a severe injury, but to cultivators, such wounds were quite common.
"Right, Yulou. The sect master's decree instructed our Wang Clan to handle the handover of the Great Goods Store with the Commerce Hall of Elders from the Red Lantern Illumination Sect.
"You were the one who built up and managed this shop. Only you understand exactly how it operates.
"When I spoke with Mu Changze, we decided to put you in charge of the handover. Tomorrow morning, the Commerce Hall of Elders will send over a few Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"Open the doors early tomorrow, and think about how to handle the handover smoothly.
"Since we've accepted the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's reward, we naturally must do our best. Otherwise, it will be Ancestor Xuanzhuan who loses face. Do you understand?"
Yulou had originally wanted to ask more about Wang Rongyuan's injuries, but hearing the patriarch say this, he found it inappropriate to ask any further.
"I understand. It's just... once the Great Goods Store is handed over to the sect, will it continue operating in Clear Stream Market?"
Changing the subject worked, but Yulou's question piqued Wang Xianmao's interest.
"Are you suggesting that we open another one?"
It had to be said, Yulou's idea was bold—extremely bold.
The Red Lantern Illumination Sect would take over the businesses of its vassal clans and minor sects, provide a sum of compensation, and then the expropriated party would just open another shop to continue operations.
Regarding this matter... firstly, Wang Xianmao was certain that it didn't break any rules.
The network of interests within the Red Lantern Illumination Sect was complex. Many people engaged in similar practices. The sect couldn't control it, nor were they willing to.
With so many factions, the Red Lantern Illumination Sect possessed a convoluted decision-making body for governance. Outside of established rules, their governing efficiency plummeted drastically.
The minor sects and vassal clans were themselves buffer zones that existed outside the rules and above the order. They were responsible for helping the Red Lantern Illumination Sect extend the tentacles of its rule into every corner of its territory.
The relationship between the two parties wasn't a simple superior-subordinate dynamic. Although the operational model was complex, there was still tremendous room for maneuvering.
In other words, as long as the Wang Clan's backing was sturdy enough, they could naturally act boldly.
"If the conditions don't permit it, we can start from scratch. We don't have to operate in Clear Stream Market; we can just switch to another market town."
Wang Xianmao was certain that Yulou's suggestion had great practical value.
After thinking for a moment, he made the final decision.
"Let's not make a move for the next few years. There's no rush; we'll observe the situation first."
It was the Wang Clan's signature approach of playing it safe and waiting to see.
Yulou nodded and brought up another matter.
"Patriarch, about Hongmei's Foundation Establishment, has he mentioned it to you?"
The patriarch was momentarily stunned.
This was the second time Yulou had brought this up to him.
Last time, he had given Yulou an excuse to temporarily brush him off, because back then, Wang Xianmao didn't think Yulou had the qualifications to discuss such major clan affairs.
But the situation had changed. Yulou's cultivation wasn't high, but his contributions to the clan were greater than those of the vast majority of mid-tier Qi Refining cultivators.
With the innovative model of the Great Goods Store backing him, even some shallow-experienced high-tier Qi Refining cultivators couldn't compare to Yulou.
The current Wang Yulou had used his hard-won victories to secure his rightful status. Now, even Wang Xianmao had to take his ideas seriously.
With Yulou bringing up the matter of Hongmei again, he naturally couldn't brush him off anymore.
"You want Hongmei to reach Foundation Establishment. That's fine, of course, but we need to wait until the Wang Clan's direct lineage produces a few more Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"At least two more, I'd say. What do you think?"
Wang Xianmao understood that Yulou was a deep thinker. By asking about Hongmei's Foundation Establishment, he was actually trying to establish his own authority and faction within the small power structure of the Wang Clan.
Wang Xianmao didn't actually harbor any ill feelings toward this kind of ambition from Yulou.
Cultivating immortality was just that—until one truly became an immortal, they could never separate themselves from human affairs.
Far too many things required people in order to be done well.
For example, it was precisely because Huishan Prefecture's Ning Clan lacked people that they were forced to merge with the Gushen Clan and become shareholders in the Valley Spirit Sect.
But how could minor shareholders ever compare to the major ones?
Only the Ning Clan truly understood the bitterness of that situation.
Even if a cultivator attained Golden Core, they still had to manage their own forces.
After all, no matter how powerful grand cultivators were, they couldn't handle everything personally, right?
Mang Xiang attaining Golden Core with his two Purple Palace realm disciples running errands for him, and his entire faction mobilizing to support him—that was a prime example.
Since Yulou was still so young yet already understood the importance of gathering people and building momentum, the patriarch was naturally happy to see this development.
Yulou had once seen with his own eyes how Old Ancestor Xianzhu had not dared to look at his old lover.
That day, Wang Xianzhou's Dao heart was in such chaos that even Yu'an could see it.
How could younger generation members like Yulou and Yu'an not feel a bitter ache in their hearts?
If the Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill could treat Old Ancestor Xianzhu's injuries, then the Wang Clan would very soon gain another Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Given Old Ancestor Xianzhu's age, he might not be able to extend his lifespan for very long after reaching Foundation Establishment, but at the very least, he would definitely live past two hundred years.
Moreover, given his strength in magical combat, a Foundation Establishment stage Wang Xianzhou fighting the likes of Tie Qinhuo and Wu Jinyan would be child's play.
"Xianzhou, Xianzhou... Sigh. He has already used spiritual pills better than the Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill. This Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill is for Rongyuan.
Additionally, if chaos arises in the future, the clan having a few more Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pills in reserve will also mean we are prepared for anything."
Regarding his younger brother, Wang Xianmao also felt quite powerless.
If they didn't send the Wang Clan's children to the most dangerous places to temper themselves, how could they be carved into something useful?
But by sending them out, accidents were always inevitable.
"Uncle Rongyuan? He is injured?"
Yulou immediately grew worried.
The Western Sea Demon Hunt was the best way out for low-level cultivators, and when there were no great sect wars, it was the only fair path of ascension in Wunan.
It sounded good, but it was also like raising Gu; the Immortal Alliance conscripted wave after wave of cultivators over there.
However, of the Wang Clan members who went on the Western Sea Demon Hunt throughout the generations, barely more than half had returned. Those who didn't had all ended up in the bellies of demonic beasts.
"Mm, but it's very minor. He just needs to rest and recover. Now that we have the Spirit Marrow Meridian Cleansing Pill, his injuries won't even affect his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment."
Wang Rongyuan had lost half a shoulder along with an arm. It sounded like a severe injury, but for a cultivator, such a wound was merely ordinary.
"Right, Yulou. The sect master's decree instructed our Wang Clan to properly handle the handover of the Great Goods Store with the Commerce Hall of Elders of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect.
You built up this shop, and only you best understand exactly how it operates.
When I spoke with Mu Changze, it was decided that you would be responsible for the handover. Tomorrow morning, the Commerce Hall of Elders will send over a few Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Open the doors early tomorrow, and think about how to best handle the handover.
Since we took the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's reward, we naturally need to do our best. Otherwise, it will be Ancestor Xuanzhuan who loses face, remember?"
Yulou originally wanted to ask about Wang Rongyuan's injuries, but hearing the patriarch say this, it was not good to pry any further.
"Yulou understands. It's just that after the Great Goods Store is handed over to the sect, will it continue to operate in Clear Stream Market?"
Changing the topic was useful, but Yulou's question actually piqued Wang Xianmao's interest.
"Are you saying... we open another one?"
It had to be said that Yulou's idea was bold. Extremely bold.
The Red Lantern Illumination Sect would confiscate the properties of its vassal families and small sects and provide a sum of compensation, only for the confiscated party to just open another one and continue operating.
Regarding this matter, Wang Xianmao was certain of one thing first: it didn't violate the rules.
The web of interests within the Red Lantern Illumination Sect was complex. Many people engaged in similar behavior; the sect couldn't control it, nor were they willing to.
With numerous competing factions, the Red Lantern Illumination Sect had a complicated governing and decision-making body, causing its governing effectiveness to drop sharply outside the established rules.
Small sects and vassal families were inherently a buffer zone outside the rules and above the order, responsible for helping the Red Lantern Illumination Sect extend the tentacles of its rule into every corner of its territory.
The relationship between the two parties was not a simple one of superiors and subordinates. Although the operational model was complex, there was still massive room for maneuvering.
In other words, as long as the Wang Clan's backbone was tough enough, they could naturally act boldly.
"If conditions don't permit it, we can start fresh. We won't operate in Clear Stream Market; we'll switch to another market."
Wang Xianmao was certain that Yulou's suggestion held great practical value.
After pondering for a moment, he finalized the decision, saying, "Let's not make any moves for these next few years. There's no rush; we'll observe the situation first."
It was the Wang Clan's signature move: play it safe and observe the situation.
Yulou nodded and brought up another matter.
"Patriarch, about Hongmei's Foundation Establishment, has he brought it up with you?"
The patriarch paused in surprise.
This was the second time Yulou had brought this matter up with him.
Last time, he had given Yulou an excuse to gloss over it temporarily because, at that time, Wang Xianmao didn't believe Yulou was qualified to discuss such major clan affairs.
But the situation had changed now. Yulou's cultivation base wasn't high, but in terms of his contributions to the clan, he surpassed the vast majority of mid-tier Qi Refining cultivators.
Backed by the innovative model of the Great Goods Store, even a portion of the less experienced high-tier Qi Refining cultivators couldn't compare to Yulou.
The current Wang Yulou had used his hard-won victories to gain a well-deserved status. Even Wang Xianmao had to value his opinions.
With Yulou bringing up the matter of Hongmei again this time, he naturally couldn't just brush it off.
"You want to let Hongmei reach Foundation Establishment? Naturally, it's possible. But we need to wait until the Wang Clan's direct lineage has a few more Foundation Establishment cultivators.
At least two more, I'd say. What do you think?"
Wang Xianmao knew that Yulou's thoughts ran deep. By asking about Hongmei's Foundation Establishment, he actually wanted to establish his own authority and faction within the small power sphere of the Wang Clan.
Toward this kind of ambition from Yulou, Wang Xianmao actually harbored no ill feelings.
Cultivating immortality, cultivating immortality—as long as one hadn't become an immortal, they could not escape worldly affairs.
There were too many things that required having the right people to do them properly.
Setting everything else aside, it was precisely because Huishan Prefecture's Ning Clan lacked manpower that they were forced to merge with the Gushen Clan and become a stakeholder in the Valley Spirit Sect.
But how could a minor stakeholder compare to a major stakeholder?
Only the Ning Clan themselves truly understood the harsh reality of that situation.
Even if a cultivator attained the Golden Core realm, they still had to manage their own forces.
After all, no matter how formidable a grand cultivator was, they couldn't handle everything personally, right?
Mang Xiang attaining Golden Core, with two disciples at the Purple Palace cultivation base running around taking care of things, and the entire faction being mobilized to support him, was an example of this.
Yulou was still so young, yet he already understood the importance of gathering people and amassing influence. The patriarch was naturally happy to see this.
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