novelapdf Chapter 305 The Right Choice
Chapter 305 The Right Choice
After discussing the foundation-building matters for the clan members, the clan meeting was drawing to a close. However, each clan elder sat upright, clearly indicating that the final matter to be discussed was very important.
That concerns the advancement of the spiritual veins.
Even though Zhang Lingyu and the others didn't say it outright, the number of spirit stones they brought back to the family from the shop was several times more than usual. How could these elders not sense that something special was about to happen?
Taking this opportunity, Zhang Yuanlin no longer concealed anything and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, I'm sure you've all guessed what's going on. That's right, we're going to upgrade the spiritual veins of Qingya Mountain to the third-grade lower level."
"Ling Yu risked his life to bring back a Core Formation artifact from the ruins of the Spirit Puppet Sect. He can begin preparing for Core Formation within ten years. From now on, the clan's top priority will be helping Ling Yu achieve Core Formation. This is a top secret; no one is to be allowed to leak this information. Understand?"
"We understand!"
Everyone answered in unison, their faces full of smiles. The Zhang family has been established for hundreds of years, and almost no one in the family has been able to reach this point. Today, their wish has finally come true.
Actually, besides Zhang Lingyu, there was also Zhang Yuanhua. However, due to the great importance of the matter, the others had no idea that the old man Zhang Yuanhua had gone to Linhai County to cultivate in seclusion and break through his cultivation barrier.
Just assume he's seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The family is now growing stronger and controls a prefecture, but without a Golden Core cultivator to protect them, they still walk on thin ice, fearing that one day they will be wiped out.
"Currently, there is a significant shortage of spirit stones needed for the advancement of the spiritual vein. Without affecting the normal operation of the clan, I hope that everyone, except for the younger generation, can take out some spirit stones from their own pockets to help the clan overcome this difficulty. As an example, I will take out all my savings."
Zhang Yuanlin looked around, pondered for a moment, and said, "After the spiritual veins are upgraded, the clan will compensate everyone accordingly. What do you all think?"
"Agreed, but no need for compensation or anything like that. The family has raised us to this day, and it's time to repay them."
I agree.
Without the slightest hesitation, the elders nodded in agreement. Their cultivation path had come to an end, and they would basically hand over the spirit stones and cultivation resources to the younger generation.
In fact, they had suggested upgrading the spiritual veins long ago, but the family didn't have enough spirit stones, so they had to give up.
Furthermore, the advancement of the spiritual veins not only helps Zhang Lingyu form his core, but also further enhances the spiritual energy of Qingya Mountain, allowing the younger generation of clansmen to advance their cultivation at a faster pace.
"How can we let our elders do the work while we sit back and reap the benefits? As members of the family, we are also willing to contribute!" Zhang Yuanli and the others echoed, not to be outdone.
"You are at a crucial stage in your cultivation. Every spirit stone is a precious resource for your cultivation. When you have achieved success in your cultivation, there will be a time when your efforts will be needed."
"Elders, you are mistaken. If this is not the time to contribute, when is it? Which of the previous generations of clansmen had such abundant cultivation resources as we do? Contributing some will not hinder cultivation. The most important thing is for the clan leader to break through to the Golden Core stage."
Zhang Yuanli and the others became more and more excited as they talked, and they even took out their storage bags, wanting to contribute their efforts on the spot.
"Good, good, good, you are all good children. With you all, how can the family not be strong?" Zhang Yuanlin's eyes instantly reddened. He couldn't persuade the younger generation, so he could only nod in agreement.
Looking at the clansmen below who were taking out their storage bags, Zhang Lingyu took a deep breath, slowly rose and bowed, saying, "Lingyu thanks all the elders. I will certainly do my best to form my core and protect the clan for hundreds and thousands of years!"
"Chief, you must not perform such a grand ceremony; this is what we should do."
"Yes, and besides, we're not doing this entirely for you; we're thinking about the family and future generations!"
They weren't really sure if Zhang Lingyu could successfully form his core. Looking at all the proud talents of heaven, they had all fallen at this step, let alone a Foundation Establishment family.
But if we don't dare to try and fight for survival, how can our family produce a Golden Core cultivator?
......
After some discussion, the family entrusted Zhang Xingyao with the entire matter of the spiritual vein. In addition to the required amount of spirit stones, a spirit-gathering array was also needed.
This is just the beginning. If Zhang Lingyu really succeeds in forming his core, the next problem he will face is a fifth-order mountain-protecting formation. But that's a story for another time.
Besides the matter of the spiritual veins, Zhang Lingyu brought up another matter, which was to reclaim Yushi Mountain, which is close to Yanxing County, and turn it into a defensive fortress. A Foundation Establishment cultivator would be stationed there year-round. In any case, it was almost certain that Zhang Yuanyao and the others would reach the Foundation Establishment stage, which would free up a few people in the family.
After all, the previous attack on the mountain by the demonic cultivators had left him with lingering fears, and he didn't know when such an incident might happen again, so border security was of utmost urgency.
After all, if the defense were left to the Du family, it would probably be breached in no time, and there wouldn't be enough time to ask the Zhang family for help. At that point, they could easily advance and invade the heart of the territory, and Qingya Mountain would be in danger.
As for how to settle the Du family, the family will redistribute a sacred mountain, which is no worse than Yushi Mountain, and they believe the other party will not refuse.
The other elders had no objection to this, so the matter fell to Zhang Xinghao, who was the one who had defended the area last time and was quite familiar with the situation.
However, the protective array there is of a lower grade, and there aren't enough spirit stones to buy a new one in the short term, so the replacement can only be postponed.
After the clan meeting ended, the crowd did not disperse immediately, but went to the martial arts arena to determine the two spots for the younger generation to go to the Jade Light Pavilion through a competition.
After a series of competitions, Zhang Lingche and Zhang Yuanzhi ultimately won first and second place, respectively.
This was actually expected. Zhang Lingche had been cultivating alongside Zhang Xinghao since childhood, and Zhang Xingfu had used almost all the good things he had accumulated over the years on this younger cousin. Therefore, both his cultivation level and combat skills were among the best in the younger generation of the clan.
As for Zhang Yuanqing, Zhang Yuanwu and others, they were also a little upset after failing to be selected, but they had nothing to say in the face of their strength.
Zhang Lingyu looked at his two nephews and nieces and comforted them with a smile, "You are both direct descendants of my family. You will not lack cultivation resources in the future. If you really want to join the sect, just try harder next time."
At the same time, he turned to Zhang Lingche and the other two and warned them:
"Lingche, Yuanzhi, although Jade Light Pavilion is a major sect for Nascent Soul cultivators and a sacred place for cultivation, it doesn't mean that you will have a smooth journey there. You should know that the bigger the sect, the more geniuses there are. You may be geniuses at home, but you will only be at the bottom there."
"The competition within the sect is fierce, and you have to rely on yourself for everything. The family will do its best to help you, but its influence is ultimately limited. You still have to rely on yourself for cultivation. Of course, if you have any difficulties, just say so. There are elders in the clan who are cultivating there, so don't feel embarrassed."
"Especially Ling Che, you've entered Xiaoyun Peak, where the competition is even fiercer. You must cultivate diligently and not give up on yourself because of temporary gains or losses. Remember, the early bird catches the worm. Your current ranking doesn't mean you'll always be like this. Do you understand?"
"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Nineteen/Uncle Nineteen!" Apart from Zhang Lingche and Zhang Yuanzhi nodding and bowing, the others also bowed.
This statement also serves as a warning to them.
......
After the competition, Zhang Lingyu returned to her residence. However, before she even entered the house, she saw two men in black standing quietly at the door, waiting for her.
Mo Wuyai and Xu Haisheng.
These two non-clan cultivators were cultivating on the mountain when they were notified to meet Zhang Lingyu as soon as the clan meeting ended. Although they didn't say what it was about, the reason could be guessed.
It's nothing more than the matter of foundation building.
Both of them had good aptitude, with Mo Wuyai even being able to rival Zhang Yuanyao. Their cultivation had both reached the peak of Qi Refining. The matter of the Foundation Establishment spiritual object should have been the responsibility of their respective families, but the Mo and Xu families dared not.
For so many years, no cultivator from a vassal family has ever broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, and they dare not set an example.
Furthermore, since the two of them have been on Qingya Mountain since childhood, whether they can establish their foundation depends on the Zhang family's decision.
So during this period of time, they ran around everywhere, hoping to obtain a Foundation Establishment Spiritual Object to help them establish their foundation, but no one dared to give it to them. Even Zhang Xinghao, who valued Mo Wuyai highly, didn't dare to mention it.
Their stance was unified: they would discuss it further at a clan meeting.
Therefore, they paid close attention to this clan meeting, feeling very uneasy. If the Zhang family did not give it to them, they would probably have to find another way out.
Finding a way out requires first being able to get out...
"Mo Wuyai/Xu Haisheng greet the clan leader."
"Okay, come in, don't stand outside."
Zhang Lingyu casually agreed and led the two to sit down in the pavilion. Xu Haisheng quickly prepared and served tea himself.
He took a small sip of tea, looked at the two people opposite him who appeared calm on the surface but were inwardly restless, and smiled faintly:
"Both of you are rare geniuses in the county. You have never neglected your cultivation since you came up the mountain, and you have made many contributions to my family in many matters. Thank you for your hard work."
"I dare not. Since we came up the mountain, the clan has done everything in its power to help us cultivate. Otherwise, we would not have achieved our current level of cultivation. Everything we have is given to us by the clan, and we should repay them with all our might."
Xu Haisheng replied with a smile that his words were already impressive back then, and his skill today is even better than before.
Mo Wuyai, standing to the side, merely echoed his sentiments with a couple of words.
Although they were in the same situation, the latter was more favored by the Zhang family, and Zhang Xinghao valued him highly, probably because he was not only quite capable but also dutiful in his daily work.
Xu Haisheng, on the other hand, was adept at currying favor with the other clansmen on the mountain. In order to improve his cultivation and status, he did a lot of things. However, his remarks after the competition when he asked to become Zhang Lingyu's disciple left the clansmen with a very bad impression of him.
This is the way of survival for independent cultivators; in order to climb the Great Dao, they will use all kinds of means.
Such people are ambitious and capable, and it is impossible to rely on their loyalty. They can only be bound by means of benefits or coercion.
Zhang Lingyu used to be wary, but with the Netherworld Blood Pact, he no longer needs to worry.
"May I ask if the clan leader summoned us here because the clan meeting has already reached a conclusion regarding our Foundation Establishment?" After chatting about this and that, Xu Haisheng finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked what was on his mind.
"May I ask if the clan leader summoned us here because the clan meeting has already reached a conclusion regarding our Foundation Establishment?" After chatting about this and that, Xu Haisheng finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked what was on his mind.
"That's good. The clan will arrange for you two to reach the Foundation Establishment stage in the coming days."
After receiving an affirmative answer, the two breathed a sigh of relief and bowed in unison.
Zhang Lingyu smiled faintly:
"Most in the clan oppose your ability to establish your foundation, but I don't think so. You have been on the mountain for many years, and apart from not having the surname Zhang, you are no different from others. You have made contributions and worked hard over the years. I will not overlook any cultivator who has contributed to the clan. This is the result of my efforts to overcome the opposition. Cherish this opportunity."
"Thank you, sir! We will serve our family through fire and water from now on!"
"Words are useless; they must be put into practice."
He took two jade boxes out of his storage bag and placed them on the table, saying, "Open them and take a look."
As the two opened the jade box, they saw a pill the size of a longan lying inside. The aroma of the medicine was so strong that it made their Qi Sea tremble.
Although they had never seen it, they were certain that it contained what they craved.
Foundation Building Pill!
Xu Haisheng looked up in disbelief, his voice trembling slightly as he asked, "Clan leader, is this a Foundation Establishment Pill?"
"Yes."
After receiving an affirmative answer, Mo Wuyai knelt down with a thud and said in a deep voice:
"My lord, although we yearn for Foundation Establishment, we have never dared to covet Foundation Establishment Pills. There are already few in the clan, so how could we possibly have them? Please save them for Yuan Yao and Meng Han."
"Even if I were to give it, I'd just give you a Foundation Establishment spiritual item."
Xu Haisheng was stunned for a moment, then knelt down and echoed him.
Yes, they never expected to use Foundation Establishment Pills to establish their foundation. Obtaining Foundation Establishment Spiritual Objects was already the greatest blessing, and they still had to endure the envy of others.
If the rest of the Zhang family found out that he had taken the Foundation Establishment Pill, the rumors would only intensify.
"The success rate of Foundation Establishment Pills is much higher than that of Foundation Establishment Spiritual Objects. Are you really willing to give up?"
Zhang Lingyu continued without waiting for their reply:
"Since we've given you Foundation Establishment Pills, it's naturally with the clan's approval. Go and redeem the exchange points yourselves in a bit."
Faced with their firm stance, the two had no choice but to accept it, and Xu Haisheng was overjoyed.
After putting away the Foundation Establishment Pill, a piece of parchment-like paper stained with blood appeared on the table. Puzzled, they cautiously asked, "Sir, what is this?"
"The Netherworld Blood Pact: We've given you the Foundation Establishment Pill, but signing this is a prerequisite for you to establish your foundation. There's no such thing as a free lunch."
Zhang Lingyu, speaking in a neutral tone, explained the function of this item and the method of signing the contract, then asked, "Whether you sign or not is entirely up to you."
The contract was simple: the Zhang family would provide them with the spiritual resources needed for Foundation Establishment and subsequent cultivation, and the latter would not betray the family in the future, but would stand with the family through thick and thin, even if the family were wiped out.
To put it bluntly, maintaining the status quo is sufficient.
Without hesitation, Mo Wuyai immediately signed a blood pact with Zhang Lingyu, not for Zhang Yuanyao, but for his conscience and bottom line.
Xu Haisheng hesitated. He had attached himself to the Zhang family in order to climb the Great Dao. The Zhang family could help him establish his foundation, but how could he be just a foundation cultivator?
Foundation Establishment is easy, but what about the Golden Core?
Even Zhang Lingyu isn't a Golden Core cultivator. If there's a real chance for him to form a Golden Core in the future, Zhang Yuanyao and the others will definitely get priority. It's not his turn.
In his mind, the Zhang family was just a tool. If one day the Zhang family could no longer satisfy him, he would definitely discard them like worn-out shoes, and might even turn around and attack them.
Repaying kindness is a given; I am willing to serve the Zhang family unconditionally for many years, but I absolutely cannot be bound to a family for life.
Who knows when the Zhang family will decline from its peak? Wouldn't that be a pointless death?
The problem now is that if we don't sign, we won't get the Foundation Establishment Pills.
"Should we sign or not?"
Xu Haisheng was struggling internally, and Zhang Lingyu was not in a hurry. She just watched quietly. Mo Wuyai, on the other hand, was intentionally or unintentionally pressing his right hand on the hilt of his sword, seemingly lost in thought.
After hesitating for a long time, he finally lowered his head and signed the blood pact.
He was proud and arrogant, and if he went out alone, he might be able to seize the opportunity to establish his foundation through his own strength.
But he dared not gamble; there were many hidden masters among the cultivators outside, and it was truly hard to say whether he would succeed or not.
Even if he manages to reach the Foundation Establishment stage by sheer luck, the road ahead will be difficult. He will have to fight for all resources himself, and a single minor realm advancement can take him more than ten or twenty years. The chances of reaching the Core Formation stage are even slimmer.
Staying with the Zhang family means no shortage of cultivation resources, and there might even be a sliver of a chance to form a Core.
More importantly, the Zhang family has invested a great deal of effort in him, supporting him all the way to where he is now. How could they let him go back to his old ways?
If I were to step out of Yingchuan County, I would probably immediately face the swords of Mo Wuyai, Zhang Yuanyao, and the others.
Forget about voluntarily working like a slave for over a decade in exchange for freedom; they don't even care about a mere Qi Refining Peak cultivator like you anymore.
So he was afraid.
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