Chapter 56: Arrangements

With the distribution of the Small Foundation Establishment Pills settled, Lin Shihua, as the family head, stood up and began to report on the family's situation over the past five years.

"As of today, our family has 175 cultivators: 12 from the Shi generation, 98 from the Xing generation, and 65 from the Tian generation. (Note: Female cultivators married into the Lin family are counted with their spouse's generation. For example, Ren Yuxuan, Lin Tianming's mother, is counted as part of the Xing generation in the family records but retains her original name.)

"Among them, we have four Foundation Establishment cultivators, one at the peak of Qi Refining, eleven at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and the rest below the ninth level.

"In the past five years, after deducting expenses, the family has accumulated over 11,000 spirit stones. This year, we consumed the savings of over twenty years to refine the Small Foundation Establishment Pills, exhausting our funds. It will be difficult to gather more resources for the next ten years."

As Lin Shihua spoke, a worried expression crossed his face, but he quickly composed himself.

"The family is still too poor. Fortunately, Lin Tianming brought back a large quantity of Hidden Spirit Grass, which, combined with many other auxiliary herbs, cost tens of thousands of spirit stones to refine fifteen Small Foundation Establishment Pills. The result is satisfactory, providing us with a short-term boost to our family's overall strength."

After Lin Shihua finished, Lin Shikang, who had been deep in thought, spoke up.

"With our current situation, the family's funds are depleted and will only cover the next year's monthly stipends. I propose forming several teams of cultivators above the fifth level of Qi Refining to hunt demons in the Luoyun Mountain Range. These teams would not only earn spirit stones by hunting demons but also gather spirit herbs. The materials obtained can be used for alchemy and weapon refinement, which can then be sold in the market. This will quickly increase both individual and family wealth, while also providing valuable training for our cultivators. It's a win-win."

"Lin Shiji will lead the demon hunting teams, each comprising ten members. As long as they don't venture too deep into the mountains, safety shouldn't be an issue. The rotation will be every six months."

"Additionally, we should use the family's stored pills and spirit weapons as rewards to motivate everyone. The spoils from the hunts will be handled by Lin Shilu for weapon refinement, Lin Shigong for alchemy, and Lin Xingrong will manage the sales. What does everyone think?"

Lin Shigong was the first to speak. "I support Third Brother's proposal."

"I support it too!"

...

Lin Shilu and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators voiced their agreement, as did several elders from the Xing generation.

Lin Shikang nodded, satisfied that nearly half of the family members present supported the idea.

"Does anyone have any objections?"

Lin Shikang's gaze swept across the hall, lingering briefly on Lin Tianming.

Seeing this, Lin Tianming stood up and spoke. "I fully support Third Granduncle's proposal and volunteer to join the first group entering the mountains to set an example for the younger generation."

Lin Shikang and the others were very pleased with Lin Tianming's response, holding high hopes for this younger member.

Flowers grown in a greenhouse cannot withstand the elements. Only through facing great challenges can one progress further in the path of cultivation.

After a quarter of an hour of discussion, the family's plans for the next few years were essentially settled.

Lin Shihua, as the family head, spoke again.

"Let's now discuss the situations of the other four major families. Feel free to share your thoughts."

At that moment, a Xing generation elder stood up, his face serious.

"Recently, the conflict between the Jin and Sun families has intensified, with both sides secretly amassing resources, including pills, weapons, and talismans. These signs suggest that a large-scale family war may erupt in the next few years."

Many family members looked alarmed upon hearing this. The peace that had lasted for over a century seemed on the verge of breaking.

"I estimate the conflict could break out in three years."

Hearing this, some family members didn't understand. Lin Tianming was also puzzled, not understanding why the estimation was three years. However, Lin Shikang and the others instantly comprehended.

Seeing the confusion on the younger members' faces, Lin Shikang explained.

"Three years from now will be the fifty-yearly Market Competition."

Upon hearing this, a few family members who had not experienced the Market Competition before asked for more details.

The Market Competition, held every fifty years among the five major families of the Luoyun Mountain Range, had taken place more than ten times. The competition determined the distribution of market profits for the next fifty years, including rent and shop ownership.

The first-place winner received thirty percent of the profits, second place twenty percent, and the remaining three families each received ten percent. The remaining twenty percent was divided among a dozen or so Qi Refining families.

This distribution plan had been in place for hundreds of years. The Lin family's best ranking was second place, securing twenty percent of the market profits, while first place had always gone to either the Jin or Sun families.

The Jin and Sun families were original inhabitants of the Luoyun Mountain Range, having established their families several hundred years before the Lin family. Although they had never produced Core Formation cultivators, their numerous members and always having at least three Foundation Establishment cultivators indicated deep foundations.

When the Lin family was established, the patriarch Lin Renfeng, injured and unable to wield his full strength, chose not to challenge the Jin and Sun families. Instead, he selected Qingzhu Mountain as their territory.

The Lin family was dominant during Lin Renfeng's century-long rule, leveraging his Core Formation strength to suppress the local powers of the Jin and Sun families temporarily. Fearing Lin Renfeng's power, they did not dare to provoke the Lin family, allowing it to develop and establish itself in the region. Without this advantage, it would have been much more difficult for the Lin family to secure their place in the Luoyun Mountain Range.

After Lin Shikang's explanation, the previously uninformed family members suddenly understood.

"No wonder the Jin and Sun families are making such moves. They might be targeting us three families. We must be cautious!"

An elder from the Xing generation's view was widely agreed upon by the family members.

Lin Shihua also spoke up. "In these turbulent times, regardless of their target, we must be prepared. In the coming years, we need to discreetly gather resources without drawing attention. The news of our new Foundation Establishment cultivators must not be leaked. This might be our chance to rise."

"Indeed, we must be careful," agreed Lin Shihua, his plan resonating with everyone.

"Alright, everyone, there's no need to worry too much. We now have four Foundation Establishment cultivators and our numbers will only grow. As long as we stay united, we don't need to fear the Jin family."

Lin Shikang's words reassured many of the Xing generation, instilling confidence in their family's strength.

"In the coming years, the Lin family must remain low-key and avoid provoking other families. If provoked, avoid conflicts. We need to build our strength in secret to face any potential threats."

"Lin Shiji, assemble the demon hunting teams as soon as possible. Let's prepare."

"Yes!"

After half a day, the family meeting concluded, and the members began to leave the hall. Lin Tianming followed the others out, while Lin Shigong and the three other Foundation Establishment cultivators remained, likely to discuss important matters.