Chapter 155: The Elder of the Chen Family

Chapter 155: The Elder of the Chen Family

Having acquired the devastated Mount Huaqian, the Li Family's craftsmen and laborers who had been idle for years, finally found a place to unleash their skills.

The population surplus from various towns also found a new place to live, instantly revitalizing the area. A large number of craftsmen flooded into the ruins at the foot of Mount Huaqian, beginning construction and repairs.

The entire ebony mine fell within the Li Family's territory, still protected by the formation plates left by the Lu Family. However, without the Lu Family's cultivators meddling unnecessarily, there was no longer a need to support a group of idle people who did nothing but eat, drink, and entertain themselves—significantly improving efficiency.

The Lu Family had neglected the well-being of the people, resulting in many tragedies in the villages under Mount Huaqian. When the news spread, it deeply moved the residents of the towns.

The local theater troupes selected a few examples to adapt into performances, drawing large crowds to the Liyuan Theater. It was so lively that there were no seats that were left empty.

Even Li Xuanxuan watched half of a show secretly, then left with a shake of his head and a smile.

With this comparison, the previously taken-for-granted prosperous life of the residents in the four towns suddenly became interesting again.

With silver in their pockets, the men spoke with more confidence, and all industries thrived. Everything was moving in a positive direction.

The area between the two mountains now had over a hundred thousand residents, with over a thousand infants born each year.

Only one or two individuals with spiritual orifices were identified, but most of them lacked talent compared to those of the Li Family's bloodline, which have absorbed individuals with spiritual orifices for decades.

Most of these individuals were integrated into the Li Family and sent to watch over the spirit fields in various towns.

A fresh snowfall covered the entire mountain. Li Xuanxuan, who was in high spirits, carried a bag of Spirit Rice up the mountain. He quickly entered the courtyard.

He waited until Li Tongya finished drawing a talisman before approaching with a bright smile.

"Second Uncle, this is the first batch of Yellow Jade Spirit Rice of the year... totaling seventy jin!"

Yellow Jade Spirit Rice, a new offering since the Li Family became a Qi Cultivation Realm clan, could be sold for four to five times the price of ordinary Spirit Paddies.

It was harder to grow, requiring frequent spirit rain and the occasional adjustment of the earth's veins. If the cultivator was only at the first stage of the Embryonic Breathing Realm, it might take five or six of them to even be able to manage a single spirit field.

Only cultivators at the fifth stage of the Embryonic Breathing Realm could take care of the spirit field alone.

"Not bad."

Li Pingyi—the legitimate eldest son of Li Xiewen and the legitimate grandson of Li Yesheng, appeared quite clever.

With the younger generation not yet grown up and Li Yuanxiu being a quiet child who disliked causing trouble, Pingyi had become the default leader of the children, much to his delight.

"But that... Ah! It's people from the main residence!"

Before the children could ask more, two groups of clan soldiers suddenly appeared from both sides, trampling the snow piles on the streets into nothing.

Seeing the group of children, someone turned to report back.

The children scattered in a panic, yelling and screaming.

Amidst the chaos, Li Pingyi, being pushed and shoved around, fell to the ground with a loud thud. "Don't run! Don't run! You've all been spoiled by your fathers and uncles... Hey, don't push! They're only catching those who are lazy and tyrannical... We're just children, what's there to run from?!" he shouted, dizzy from having been pushed around so aggressively.

But before Li Pingyi could finish, the street had already cleared of children. As he got up, he found himself alone except for a pair of brown leather boots in front of him.

Without thinking, he cupped his fist and said, "My father is Li Xiewen! I'm not sure who you are..."

The area fell eerily silent, and the surrounding clan soldiers struggled to contain their laughter.

Li Pingyi slowly looked up, only to find his father Li Xiewen staring back at him, furious yet incredulous. Startled, Pingyi cried out, "Father! How did you find me here?!"

Li Xiewen glared at him, finding the situation rather amusing despite his stern appearance. He pretended to be angry, scolding, "Damn it! Using my name to engage in such antics?! We'll settle this when we get home. Now, come with me!"

Li Xiewen was strict on the surface but he was deeply pleased with his son. After all, he had been much duller back when he was the same age, constantly infuriating Li Yesheng. Had it not been for his brothers being even less capable, it's uncertain if he would have been the one to assist Li Xuanxuan in managing the town and mountain affairs today.

Li Yesheng and Li Xiangping had ventured beyond the mountain together, facing multiple life-and-death situations.

Li Xiewen, assisting Li Xuanxuan with the affairs of the four towns and two mountains, married a woman with a spiritual orifice.

Earlier this year, it was discovered his child did not possess one. Li Xiewen had already planned Li Pingyi's future, intending for him to follow Li Yuanxiu and continue the family's legacy...

Following behind, Li Pingyi eyed his father's white clothes and whispered, "Who died..? Such a grand affair..."

Li Xiewen nodded in approval of his son's observation, saying solemnly, "An elder from the Chen Family, one of the earliest town leaders who had connections with those on the mountain. Act solemnly; this funeral is significant. Don't disgrace me."