The joy of Spirit Stones overflowed in everyone's hearts; every Cultivator was grateful to be born in the Lin Family and to be striving for it. Each growth of the Lin Family had a step of their effort in it.
At this moment, the unity of the Lin Family was unprecedentedly concentrated.
The path to immortality was still elusive, but at least it was clearer than before. Compared to Loose Cultivators who fought tooth and nail just to obtain a few Spirit Stones, they were truly fortunate.
They had their clan's protection, Spirit Stones for cultivation, the experience of elders, and all sorts of cultivation techniques!
Wealth, companions, laws, and land—everything was in place.
After the inventory of the clan's resources and the issuance of new policies had ended, Lin Houyuan, as the Family Head, began to make further adjustments to the clan.
"In view of Shiming's proactive application and bringing unexpected benefits to the clan, the family will lift the prohibition against leaving the mountain before the age of twenty. From now on, family members who are at least fifteen years old and in the mid-stage of Qi Cultivation can apply to leave the mountain for an official position," he announced.
"Moreover, becoming a clan-certified Alchemist, Artifact Refiner, Spirit Plant Master, Array Master, or Spirit-Seeking Master will come with additional rewards!"
"The reward for discovering a Spirit Root will be increased by thirty percent, and the reward for giving birth to a Spirit Root member will be increased by fifty percent."
As each new policy was issued, the eyes of the Lin Family Cultivators shone brighter with excitement.
They were like the rising sun at dawn, fiery and dazzling.
Summer was approaching when the sunlight would be even more intense, even brighter!
The annual summary came to a close while the Elders, Lin Shiming, and Lin Shijie were kept behind.
Lin Shijie was puzzled, while Lin Shiming had some idea.
The clan couldn't have made so many moves without a purpose.
All eyes were on Lin Xianzhi.
Feeling everyone's gaze, Lin Xianzhi didn't mince words and spoke directly:
"At present, our family must be wary of two hostile clans—the Huang Family of Huangshan with Foundation Establishment and the Purple Mansion Li Family of Qingyun Mountain!"
"Yes, Seventh Uncle!" Lin Yuqing's voice rang clear and resolute. Although he might not be adept at strategic planning, as a Body Cultivator, he had never feared anyone in the Qi Refinement Realm, and investigating the hunting teams targeting the Huang Family Cultivators was his forte.
"Yu Qi, Yu Tie, both of you are to leave Xing County Square Market and take charge of the Qingxuan Square Market. The newly promoted Elder Hou Yong will replace you in managing Xing County Square Market. You may seek assistance from my senior brother Xie An to take back the market of spirit pills and magical artifacts from the Huang Family.
After the last conflict, their reputation has already been tarnished."
"Yes, Seventh Uncle!" Lin Yuqi and Lin Yutie responded together.
"Yu Zheng, for the caravan arrangements, assign a 'Hou' generation Cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refinement to take charge. You are responsible for the sales of Spiritual Wine, and additionally allot 20% of Monkey Wine's net profit to Master Xie!"
"Yes, Seventh Uncle!"
Plans were set in motion, and everyone left, ready and filled with a pent-up breath.
Previously, they had no Foundation Establishment Cultivators to rely on; now they not only had such cultivators but also the support of Lin Xianzhi's senior brother.
Cultivators naturally defy the heavens, so why fear a battle!
At that moment, all the Elders were filled with fighting spirit!
Lin Shiming couldn't help but think of the chess game at Qinglian Pool.
The Lin Family was like the whites continuously being devoured, while the Huang and Li families were the encircling blacks.
The whites kept retreating as advancement, something the blacks would care little for, but once the white showed any will to counterattack, they would face the blacks' savage oppression.
Peach Blossom Valley was a counterattack, and the Lin Family had no room left to retreat!
Leaving the Council Hall, Lin Shiming undoubtedly felt heavy, his shoulders burdened with a great weight. Three years, breaking through to the seventh level of Qi Cultivation in three years would require significant opportunity.
With a somewhat restless heart, Lin Shiming then headed towards the Pill Pavilion of the Second Elder, Lin Yuqi.
He was ready for a period of arduous cultivation, but before that, he had to concoct the Beast Nurturing Pill.
The enhancement of the two Spirit Beasts' strength was also urgently needed.