“Patriarch, why doesn’t the family inform the Zhou Clan about the enemy’s night raid and ask for their help? With their aid, we could root out the enemy quickly—maybe even avenge the family.”
A clansman voiced his doubt inside the ancestral hall.
Chen Xingzhen merely shook his head. “The Zhou Clan is the Zhou Clan, and the Chen Clan is the Chen Clan. There’s no deep connection between us beyond the matter of the Blood Rice. Why would they lend us a hand? To resolve this issue, we must rely on our own strength.
“As for the Zhou Clan, the greatest help they can give is to let us borrow their reputation long enough for the family to grow stronger. Besides, powerful clans are rarely peaceful. Get too entangled, and we might invite disaster upon ourselves.”
The clansman nodded slowly. “Oh… I see.”
“All right. Since the Zhou Clan has departed, in a couple of days send our people to Yong’an City to sell the Blood Rice. Also, have some clansmen head to Chaotic Burial Mountain to hunt or gather medicinal herbs. It’s time we opened a trading shop in the city—relying on Blood Rice alone won’t be enough to buy the Wind Immortal Flower or other cultivation resources. And make sure the clan’s farmland is tilled again. While you’re at it, build another wall around the fields.”
“Yes, Patriarch.”
With Chen Xingzhen’s orders given, the clan’s affairs began moving in an orderly rhythm.
As patriarch, Chen Xingzhen could not ignore the strain on the family’s finances. Without other income sources, relying solely on Blood Rice would stall their growth. Fortunately, they also had the resource-rich Chaotic Burial Mountain.
For the clan’s sake, it was time to develop the resources there that no one had yet explored. The looming expense of the Wind Immortal Flower only made the decision clearer.
The expedition would also temper the younger generation. Without such trials, they would never wield their cultivation realms to full effect in future battles. The Zhou Clan’s visit had likely bought them two months of peace—at least until the next planting of Blood Rice. As for the Shi Clan, they still lacked the means for a direct confrontation. Endurance would have to serve them a while longer.
…
“What? That Wind-Chasing Falcon was carrying Zhou Huaian, the Zhou Clan’s deputy patriarch?”
“Reporting to the Patriarch—it’s true. He didn’t reveal himself when he arrived, only on his return. And after taking the Blood Rice, the falcon didn’t head straight home but took a detour. It was too fast for our people to follow.”
In the Shi Clan’s grand hall, the elders had been plotting against the Chen Clan after the Zhou Clan’s departure. Zhou Huaian’s sudden appearance threw their plans into disarray.
“Why would Zhou Huaian visit the Chen Clan personally? Could they share some secret? Or make a shady deal?” one speculated.
“Maybe the Chen Clan realized they couldn’t beat us and traded away their Earth-grade battle technique for peace,” another suggested.
A clansman shook his head. “No. The Chen Clan isn’t at the breaking point. Giving up such a technique would be foolish—it’s a trump card, the kind that can reverse a clan’s fate.”
“That makes sense… but then why go at all?”
No answer came. How could those standing underground glimpse the sky? The Zhou Clan’s movements were beyond the Shi Clan’s foresight, but the disruption to their plans was clear.
When the discussion wound down, Shi Chenghong raised a hand. “Until we know Zhou Huaian’s purpose, we wait and watch. When you return, think on this matter. If you devise a plan to deal with the Chen Clan, speak up. Should the plan succeed, the clan will reward you.”
Shi Pojing stayed silent, but a glint grew in his eyes. Perhaps this was his chance—an opportunity to impress and maybe even sway the other two elders. He would think carefully.
…
A few days later, the Chen Clan set out for Yong’an City again, transporting Blood Rice. Experience from the last two trips had smoothed the process; the initial excitement was gone.
This time, Chen Tianquan—mid-stage Blood Coagulation Realm—led the team. With Chen Tianyu and Chen Tianjing busy cultivating, Chen Tianlu tending the fields, and others handling their own duties, the task had fallen to him.
The clan’s academy was now taking shape, leaving Tianquan more free time at home, caring for the children and sharing what he had learned. Though reluctant to be away for half a month, the patriarch’s instructions filled him with purpose. The mission was challenging, and he couldn’t afford to slack off. He even planned to bring Qingcheng a few gifts from the city.
…
“What? We’re allowed to hunt in Chaotic Burial Mountain?!”
“That’s amazing! I’ve been training for days—finally, I can put it to use!”
Cheers burst from Chen Qinghe and the other young cultivators gathered in the central plaza—until Chen Tianmo’s next words cooled their excitement.
“Wrong. It’s not just hunting. You’ll also identify medicinal herbs in the area and record their names. On top of that, you must map your route in detail.”
A dozen youths fell silent.
“Uncle Tianmo, can we skip this?”
“No. The patriarch’s orders are final. This mission is part of your assessment. If your performance is poor, your monthly resources will be cut. Think carefully.”
The word “assessment” lit a fire in their eyes. None wanted to fall behind their peers. This was their chance to prove themselves.
“Uncle Tianmo, can we team up?”
“You can, but in pairs your map and herb records must exceed the standard by thirty percent. The more in your group, the harder the task. Your choice.”
“Can we bring the Green Wolf?”
“No! It might be tamed, but the terrain is too dangerous. You wouldn’t be able to control it.”
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