By the time Li Yuanping returned to the town, anger and anxiety still ached sharply in his chest. With bloodshot eyes, he entered the central hall. Gloom hung heavily all around, save for two bean-sized lamp flames flickering feebly.
Dragging his exhausted body, he climbed into the highest seat. He pulled out a document, but could not absorb a single word. Coughing twice in irritation, he swallowed back a mouthful of blood.
Dou Yi rushed in hurriedly, clambering up the steps. Li Yuanping murmured in a low voice, "Grind the ink."
Dou Yi obediently ground the ink, and at a wave of Li Yuanping's hand, he withdrew. Picking up the brush, Li Yuanping gradually calmed his mind and fell into deep contemplation.
The position of patriarch required balancing the prominent external surnames within the clan, managing the spirit fields, and distributing clan stipends, touching upon the interests of virtually everyone from Embryonic Breathing to Qi Refinement. Ever since Li Xuanxuan had assumed the patriarch's seat and established the four branches, a rule of single-line succession had been laid down.
Presently, the main direct line that held the talisman seeds was united in maintaining authority and holding the family together, so they could designate any patriarch they pleased—the worthy to rule, the foolish to obey. But once this precedent was set, as the direct bloodlines receiving talisman seeds grew distant over generations and hailed from different backgrounds, conflicting interests would inevitably arise. If each faction backed a different branch, utter chaos would ensue.
"If it ever comes to that, the patriarch's seat will merely become an instrument for a few talismaned cultivators to vie for power and fleece the family..."
"Not to mention..."
As Li Yuanping's emotions settled, his thoughts grew ever sharper. He mused inwardly, *Seeing how Ming'er turned out, he simply cannot shoulder great responsibilities. If the Li family were handed to him, how could he suppress the external surnames? How could he keep Li Jiman under rein?*
In the darkened hall, only Li Yuanping remained seated high above. His gaze lingered upon the dim flicker of the lamp as he muttered in a low voice, "In the end, our family lacks a wielder of great divine abilities to hold everything together. Foundation Establishment is achievable, but Purple Mansion is beyond reach. Without the blessing of tremendous fortune, decay or division is inevitable..."
He stared blankly ahead. Dawn had begun to break before the hall, its pale light gradually rising. His elder brother, Li Yuanjiao, stood quietly in the doorway. Li Yuanping had been so lost in thought that he had not noticed him at all.
As the morning light slowly crept up the steps of the central hall, Li Yuanping said in a muted voice, "Our current clan laws were instituted by Great-grandfather. Back then, the family had only a few Embryonic Breathing cultivators... How could he have foreseen how we would look today? Blindly clinging to the old clan laws might not be a wise path."
Only then did Li Yuanping acknowledge Li Yuanjiao standing before him. His eyes shone with resolve as he asked softly, "Brother, if I were to pass away, who could take the chief seat to keep the external surnames in check, drive the Shanyue, govern the clan, and nurture the younger generation?"
Li Yuanjiao paused, then hesitated. "At present, the only one capable of shouldering such a burden is Xijun. Aside from him, Xicheng is too kindhearted, while Ximing is..."
"The Xi-Yue generation is already in such a difficult spot! Every one of them possesses high talent; not a single one should have been diverted from cultivation to run the clan."
Li Yuanping pressed on, "If the Xi-Yue generation passes like this, and no formidable leader emerges in the Chengming generation, what then?"
Vaguely understanding his brother's drift, Li Yuanjiao answered, "If so, there would be no alternative."
"Brother, I intend to reform the clan system."
Li Yuanping rose abruptly to his feet and said, "The patriarch wields far too much authority. That structure was established in the days of Duke Xiangping, but how many in the clan could ever measure up to him? Such an approach concentrates power and maximizes gains, yet it is exceedingly difficult to sustain.
"It is impossible for every generation of descendants to produce an heir of the eldest branch who is mediocre in talent yet masterful in statecraft and manipulation. What happened with Ximing may seem accidental, but in truth, our family can no longer sustain this method of rule. Sooner or later, trouble was bound to occur."
Li Yuanjiao looked at him deeply without speaking. After a long pause, he said gently, "Go ahead and do it. I will watch over things for you."
Li Yuanping seemed to have completely moved past his disappointment in his eldest son, though his demeanor took on a subdued solemnity. He said in a deep voice, "First, survey the spirit lands, compile the registers... and divide authority!"
***
For any cultivation family, conducting a thorough investigation of privately held spirit fields was near impossible. Even the Qingchi Sect had no way of calculating the precise extent of spirit fields among the clans under its dominion; it could only roughly collect tributes based on the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators each possessed.
There was no mystery to it: as long as an illusion array was cast, a small patch of land was utterly inconspicuous amid the vast sea of mountains. Barring a stroke of sheer luck, sweeping one's spiritual sense across the terrain would reveal nothing at all.
Although the Qingchi Sect possessed specialized secret arts for breaking formations, it was out of the question to inspect every inch of their territory door-to-door. Thus, they could only make rough estimates based on the leylines and spirit veins.
This was also why numerous ancient ruins throughout the realm had remained intact since the War of Immortals and Demons; the illusion arrays protecting those sects were far more sophisticated, defying discovery no matter how hard one searched.
Yet Li Yuanjiao needed only to summon the magical mirror and make a slight motion for every inch of land within the Li family's domain to be revealed with crystal clarity. Which prominent external families had built secluded courtyards in secret, and which had clandestinely carved out spirit fields—everything was laid bare before his eyes.
"As expected..."
Such behavior was practically unavoidable. Every prominent surname under the Li family's rule had secretly developed spirit fields of their own, fencing off courtyards in the barren wilderness that the Li family had overlooked, erecting illusion arrays, and privately planting spirit rice.
This was already considered benign. Over the years, external cultivators had steadily multiplied and gained access to various cultivation techniques from rogue cultivators. Not every child born with a spirit aperture was sent to the Li family, and some external cultivators had even ventured outward in search of opportunities, never to return.
As Li Yuanjiao swept his gaze across the mirror, he noticed that even several minor branch cultivators of the Xi-Yue generation were involved, and he could only sigh inwardly.
*The land may be barren, but it is free! After all, no matter how fertile the clan's fields are, most of the harvest must be handed over. How could that compare to the satisfaction of planting and reaping for oneself?*
The clan had already investigated these private spirit fields twice before, and the remainder were kept within tolerable boundaries. Li Yuanjiao gradually completed his map and returned to the hall, where Li Yuanping had been writing furiously for a long while.
Seeing Li Yuanjiao return, Li Yuanping took the newly drawn map from his hands, circled several immortal peaks, and fell into quiet contemplation. Then he said softly, "Brother, I carefully examined the systems used by Lixia Commandery in the past and the Yuan family today. Take a look at my proposal."
Li Yuanjiao lowered his eyes and saw several large characters heading the page:
"A Dual Clan-Lineage System, Mutual Restraints between Peaks and Towns."
Pale-faced yet with bright, burning eyes, Li Yuanping explained, "As the cultivators in our family grow ever more numerous, I wish to separate the lineage system from the clan system: the cultivator clan above, the mortal lineage below, with mortals and immortals dwelling apart. Cultivators will reside on the peaks as the clan, while mortals will live below the mountains as the lineage. Unless dispatched to eradicate demons or assigned clan duties, cultivators shall not descend the mountain.
"Whenever an external surname or clansman is found to possess a spirit aperture, they will be sent to the main peak, Mount Lijing, to cultivate under the meticulous instruction of our clan's cultivators. Those with superior aptitudes will continue their training, while those of lesser talent will be assigned to other peaks.
"Each immortal peak will establish its own manor, with disciples from all four branches integrated into them. Positions such as peak masters, disciplinary censors, and clan rectors will be appointed... All spirit fields below the mountain will no longer be assigned directly by the clan, but dispatched and overseen by their respective immortal peaks."
Li Yuanping continued softly, "The cultivators stationed at each peak will rotate on regular assignments. The spirit materials collected will be delivered directly to Lijing, sent straight to the cave dwelling on Mount Meichi. As for the patriarch... he will solely govern promotions and transfers, while the clan rectors investigate right and wrong within the clan. With the magical mirror in our possession, most instances of corruption and embezzlement will inevitably be uncovered!"
His eyes shone as he continued, "Look at the situation today: the reason so many external cultivators and collateral branch members secretly grow spirit rice, scour the wilderness for treasures, transport spirit goods, or venture abroad in search of the Dao is simply that within our family, they have no other path available to them besides farming spirit rice. Lacking any room for advancement, they naturally harbor no sense of loyalty.
"With this method, not only will our family be spared the arduous search for a direct-line genius devoid of cultivation prospects to maintain stability, but we can also forge clear ranks and echelons of authority to bind these people to our side..."
Li Yuanjiao finished reading the detailed regulations in his hands. Naturally, the proposal contained far more than Li Yuanping's brief explanation; there were extensive checks and balances, as well as various cultivation requirements designed to curb embezzlement and betrayal.
"If we do this, the personnel required for the Clan Rectory's oversight will multiply several times over, and each official post will require stipends to foster clean governance..."
Li Yuanjiao studied the proposal with a furrowed brow. Li Yuanping's scheme would certainly win over the majority of cultivators, but it would also drastically drive up the cost of governance for the Li family. Uncertain whether the gains would outweigh the losses, he remained silent for a long time.
Li Yuanping, however, let out a confident smile. "The pursuit of cultivation and the Dao is, by nature, the greediest endeavor in the world. Our family will soon be able to produce medicinal pills; once those are tied to these positions of authority, countless people will scramble for them! What is more, the lust for power is one of the nine tribulations. With both levers working in tandem, how many can truly resist?"
He lowered his voice and murmured, "As long as the external surnames and collateral branches are consumed with climbing the ladder of authority, they can be put to our use. We won't need an exceptional prodigy in every single generation to suppress and drive them; even a mediocre leader will suffice.
"In ordinary times, the patriarch can simply make appointments based on the rosters submitted by the Clan Rectory. One could govern the family in the spare moments between cultivation sessions."
Li Yuanjiao felt increasingly swayed, and took up the thought: "This way, our family won't need to keep constant watch over the external surnames either. We need only keep an eye on the few truly outstanding individuals, bind them by marrying clan daughters to them, and suppress everything with the Profound Mirror. Then we can sit securely atop our immortal peaks..."
"Precisely," Li Yuanping said.
"Even if we must pay out more clan stipends, what does it matter? You are about to break through to Foundation Establishment, Brother. When that happens, our family will be completely transformed."
In the end, Li Yuanjiao nodded in agreement, replying, "Yet it still boils down to our unworthiness as descendants. We lack the ability to concentrate all power in a single person, and must disperse authority and profit in pursuit of stability. I wonder... I wonder with what face we can meet our forebears."
Li Yuanping also nodded quietly, consoling him, "What yields the greatest profit is not necessarily the most stable. As the family expands in the future, authority must be divided sooner or later; it could never remain concentrated in a single individual forever... Our family cannot afford to lose."
After speaking a while longer, Li Yuanjiao departed for Mount Wutu with a heavy heart, intending to cultivate there for a period to consolidate his foundation before entering closed-door seclusion to attempt his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.
***
Mount Yuting.
The snow atop Mount Yuting remained dazzlingly white. Li Xijun opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of white vapor, which struck the longsword in his hand and condensed into a thin layer of frost.
"The *Cold Pine Dew Snow Formula* is a third-tier method after all—draped in dew and snow, treading upon the frigid wind."
His white robes billowed softly. His cultivation had reached the first layer of Qi Refinement, and his foundation was thoroughly stabilized. His true essence, pristine and white as frost, swirled ceaselessly around him. Paired with the green-hued blade in his grip, he seemed entirely untainted by the mortal dust.
In just over two years, three members of the Xi-Yue generation had broken through in succession, adding three direct-line Qi Refinement cultivators to the Li family.
Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong had entered seclusion one after the other. Both the direct line and the external surnames of the clan had made substantial progress. There had been few minor branches in the Yuan-Qing generation, but by the Xi-Yue generation, minor branch cultivators had multiplied, dominated by the eldest and second branches, and had gradually begun to take charge of the spirit fields.
Under the Li family's clan rules, most descendants of Li Mutian's concubine-born brothers had drifted from minor branches into distant collateral lines due to the rarity of spirit apertures, fading from the historical stage.
Because the two main figures of the Xuan-Jing generation, Li Xuanling and Li Xuanfeng, had exercised restraint regarding their offspring, the four minor branches of the Li family only flourished in the third generation. Composed mainly of the concubine-born sons of Li Xuanxuan and Li Yuanyun, these minor branches had taken over authority from the preceding generation.
Of course, in Li Xijun's eyes, this was for the best; it meant he did not have hundreds of mortal elders of his father's generation looming over his head. The distant clan relationships at the center of power were drawn a degree closer, clearing away many potential conflicts.
"Young Master."
An Siming came up the mountain carrying a sword, cupped his hands, and offered a respectful greeting.
Having been in seclusion for over a year, Li Xijun suddenly felt that An Siming's spirit and demeanor were entirely different, as though he had found new purpose in life and had become exceptionally attentive. Li Xijun smiled and asked, "Have you taken a wife?"
An Siming paused, waved his hands repeatedly, and replied, "The young master jests. Young Master Xicheng is already waiting at the foot of the mountain."
Li Xijun drifted down on the wind to the base of the mountain, where his elder brother, Li Xicheng, had been waiting for some time. Dressed in light armor, Xicheng looked to be about twenty-six or seven, appearing ever more mature.
Li Xicheng was also a Qi Refinement cultivator, practicing the *River Unity Qi Formula*. He had wed a woman of the Tian clan, while most of his concubines were chosen from the An clan; as a result, he had numerous children, most around two or three years old.
Having become a father, Li Xicheng had grown a beard. Wearing armor and his hair bound up, he carried an air of dignified authority. Beaming, he stepped forward to greet his brother, saying, "It has been a long time, Brother."
Li Xijun gave a slight nod and landed beside him. Nearby, a Zhongsuo horse snorted and watched him warily.
Sweeping his spiritual sense across the area, Li Xijun saw cultivators lining both sides of the path, consisting mostly of his concubine-born brothers and external cultivators of modest backgrounds, all standing respectfully.
In his youth, Li Xicheng had been exceedingly protective of his brothers and fond of befriending other cultivators. Having received his favors in the past, they now swarmed around him in great numbers.
Li Xicheng waved his broad hand, and the crowd withdrew. Walking side by side along the bluestone path, Li Xicheng said with a warm smile, "During this year while you and Ximing were cultivating in seclusion, great changes took place within the clan. The patriarch reformed the clan system; things are no longer as they were."
He proceeded to recount everything that had transpired over the past year and a half. Li Xijun listened with a furrowed brow, and when Xicheng finished, the elder brother added, "Now the matter has been accomplished with ease. The various immortal peaks have all adopted the new system, expanding their halls and palaces, and all the cultivators have been exceedingly cooperative... contributing their own money and labor..."
"Of course they are cooperative!"
After turning the matter over in his mind just once, Li Xijun understood the situation completely. His expression turned grim, and he said coldly, "The clan handed them authority and handed them stipends. None of them are fools; naturally they are overjoyed!"
Even as he spoke, Li Xijun mused inwardly, *No wonder the spiritual qi on Mount Yuting has dropped noticeably—it turns out cultivators have moved onto the mountain! The family needs to set about constructing a spirit gathering array soon... so as not to hinder the cultivation of the direct line.*
Li Xicheng quickly offered a conciliatory smile to smooth things over. "They aren't receiving it for nothing. The clan has assigned various practical duties, and they spend their ordinary days running errands outside. Now they can also earn some extra income for the family, so it won't..."
Seeing that his brother still failed to grasp the deeper reality, Li Xijun glanced around to ensure no one was near, then sighed directly, "Brother, our elders were forced by circumstance to divide the authority in their hands. As the younger generation, we should feel ashamed..."
Chapter 370