Clan Cultivation: My Intelligence Updated Daily

Chapter 191 Family Meeting, Internal Threats

The main hall of Qingya Mountain.

Inside the large council hall, all the elders of the Zhang family, except for Zhang Xingyao and a few other cultivators who were stationed in key territories, were gathered together.

However, there were some younger faces in the seats.

It was Zhang Yuanli, Zhang Yuanyao, Wang Menghan, and other clansmen who had performed outstandingly in the clan competition. They sat upright, not daring to make a sound.

"Why are we here too this time?"

Zhang Yuanli was somewhat surprised when he received a call from his clan to attend a meeting, since only the clan's high-ranking members could participate in such meetings, and ordinary clan members were only qualified to attend if they reached the late stage of Qi Refining.

They only had the right to participate, but no right to speak.

This wasn't really a big deal; the key issue was the atmosphere in the main hall, which made him feel suffocated. Even the usually amiable Zhang Yuanshan remained silent in the face of his message, completely ignoring it.

"It must be about what happened after the competition."

Although no specific matters were discussed, this meeting was the first since the family competition ended half a month ago. As for why everyone looked gloomy, it was because Mo Wuyai and Xu Haisheng had performed too well, putting some pressure on the family.

How to deal with these geniuses became the primary issue.

Zhang Yuanli turned to look at the many clansmen who had come with him. Apart from Zhang Yuanyao and Wang Menghan, who had no expression, the rest of them all looked preoccupied, obviously thinking something similar to what he was thinking.

"Yuanli, don't worry too much. The clan leader has a way to solve this. Just focus on your cultivation."

A sudden telepathic message appeared in his mind, causing him to turn around sharply to look at the woman behind him who was constantly wiping her longsword.

'Clan Chief...'

Yup!

And the clan leader!

With Zhang Lingyu around, these problems are not too big of a problem. Rather than worrying here, it's better to focus on cultivation and only after achieving some success can one serve the family.

Before that, it's best to put aside distractions.

Furthermore, the hostage's ascent to the mountain was personally planned by the clan patriarch, who would have anticipated this situation and certainly had corresponding measures in place.

Having figured things out, his thoughts suddenly became clear, and just then, the palace doors slowly opened, and a young figure walked in.

"The clan leader has arrived."

"Chieftain."

Respectful voices echoed in his ears, and Zhang Yuanli bowed his head along with the others, watching them walk step by step toward the main seat.

Zhang Lingyu didn't seem to be acting strangely, and even had a slight smile on his face. No one could figure out his emotions, so they just assumed that he didn't want to lose his temper in front of the younger generation.

"Brother, you are in charge of this family competition. Why don't you tell us about the situation?" After sitting down, Zhang Lingyu nodded slightly to Zhang Yuanshan below and gave the order.

"Yes."

Zhang Lingyu, who was below, took out a jade slip, glanced at the elders present, and said loudly, "This family competition lasted for two months, and more than twenty families, including ours, participated."

"Now let me talk about our family's performance in the competition."

The crowd nodded slightly. Although most of the elders had watched each match, they still needed to clarify who won and who lost today in order to leave a deeper impression on the cultivators.

After all, Xu Haisheng wasn't the only dark horse this time; we can't ignore the other slightly weaker dark horses just because of him.

"The above is the detailed information about this competition. Please review it, clan leader."

"Thank you for your hard work, Brother Lingyu."

"It's not hard work; it's about sharing the burden for the family."

After the man stepped down, Zhang Lingyu took the jade slip, glanced at it lightly, and placed it aside. Looking at Zhang Yuanli and the others below, she smiled and said, "Yuan Yao and the others performed very well in this family competition."

"I am very pleased that you have not indulged in pleasure, but have instead practiced diligently like our ancestors, thus upholding our family tradition."

These words immediately eased the atmosphere in the hall, and the elders even smiled slightly.

Yes, while Mo Wuyai and others have emerged as dark horses, the Zhang family is no less formidable. In particular, Zhang Yuanyao's sword strike made all the other families clearly see the gap between their direct descendants.

Furthermore, most of the dark horses were hostages from a few years ago. Without the Zhang family providing a training environment, they might not have achieved what they have today.

"We juniors are humbled. Without the family's nurturing, we would never have achieved such results."

"Yes, we have made no progress and have only been taking from the family. We are ashamed."

In response to the answers from the younger members, Zhang Lingyu chuckled and said, "The family will do its utmost to nurture every member in order to continue the family's legacy. Ask anyone here if they haven't received help from the family during their cultivation."

"As for asking for something, it's not really true. After all, you will still be going to various family businesses to gain experience and make contributions in the future. If you are really willing, then you should cultivate diligently and make more contributions in the future."

"Yes, we will certainly live up to the family's expectations."

After encouraging Zhang Yuanyao and the others, Zhang Lingyu continued, "Although you all put in your best efforts, I think some of the clansmen were really incompetent in this competition."

"They're here!"

Zhang Yuanli and the others tensed up, knowing that the main topic was finally about to be discussed, but they knew they couldn't interfere with what was to come, so they just lowered their heads and listened silently.

It's no wonder Zhang Lingyu was furious. Although the Zhang family won first place in almost every competition, those were all geniuses in their respective industries. The rest of the clansmen who participated in the competitions were at most at the middle to upper level.

Some were even ranked last.

This is a disgrace to a family that has established itself through the Foundation Establishment stage.

The high-ranking cultivators guide the family's direction, but the lower-ranking cultivators are equally indispensable. All walks of life need their support, and without outstanding skills, they simply cannot keep running.

"As for the reasons behind this, I'm sure everyone knows them."

Seeing that Zhang Lingyu at the head of the table was somewhat angry, the elders all lowered their heads. As the pillars of the family, they had the duty to supervise the cultivation of the cultivators below.

The current situation is largely due to their neglect of discipline.

As for the remaining one... it's simply because they're too comfortable!

With the destruction of the Ming and Yun families, the submission of other families, the unification of Yingchuan County, and the passing of the beast tide only a few years ago, the Zhang family is now at peace both internally and externally. Moreover, being located in the most remote part of Zhao State, they can be said to have no external enemies.

A peaceful and stable life is a good thing, but what kind of place is the cultivation world?

That was a place surrounded by wolves, fraught with danger. Who knows, one day the Zhang family might be dragged into this vortex that devours people without spitting out their bones.

Not to mention anything else, if the family's spirit stone mines and the Water Element Fruit Tree under the Azure Lake were ever discovered, it would be a catastrophe.

Furthermore, there are indeed external crises; haven't the Heavenly Demon Lord's henchmen already returned to the Yue Kingdom?

There are also the demonic beasts of the Wanling Mountains and the demonic sects of the Chu Kingdom. Given the current tense situation, it wouldn't be surprising if they were to fight the Zhao Kingdom today.

Zhang Lingyu, Zhang Xingyao, and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators understood this principle, which is why they took advantage of the current peaceful time to vigorously develop their families, in order to further strengthen their power and ensure that the families would not be caught off guard in the event of an accident.

Without pressure or crisis, some clansmen... even some elders present, seemed to be blind to the danger, believing that their life's journey had come to an end, so why not enjoy life for the rest of their days?

It was precisely because of this mentality that his cultivation stagnated, which is why Zhang Lingyu was so angry during this competition.

If it weren't for the family personally guiding and supervising Zhang Yuanyao and a few other talented clansmen, they probably wouldn't have been able to produce many decent people.

"Fortunately, it's not too late."

Zhang Lingyu and the others are in their prime. With them around, the Zhang family is unlikely to face any major changes. However, once they are gone or perish, things could get very different.

He then said coldly, "I won't say anything more. From now on, every clansman will have to go to the Law Enforcement Hall once a year. The cultivators of the Law Enforcement Hall will be responsible for checking their cultivation level and recording it. If they haven't made any progress compared to the previous year, all their stipends will be immediately stopped."

"Of course, there are also some elders here. You are the same. Don't think I don't know... It's embarrassing to say it out loud."

After saying that, he coldly swept his gaze across the faces of each member of his tribe.

As the saying goes, if you have a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear. Apart from Zhang Yuanshan and the other elders who remained expressionless, a few elders were slightly moved.

"You all heard what the clan chief just said. Let bygones be bygones. But if the competition three years from now is still like this, don't blame the clan for showing no mercy!"

After listening for a long time, Zhang Yuanlin also issued a warning, expressing his deep sorrow over the situation in the clan.

He has managed the family for many years. Although there were some cultivators who were idle, there were not as many as there are now. Zhang Lingtai was like that back then. Fortunately, he turned over a new leaf and was tempered in the beast tide. Now he has become the pillar of the family.

Back when the old man entered the Dao, every single pill and spirit stone distributed by the clan was used for cultivation. He wished he could split each one in two. However, according to the clansmen of the Enforcement Hall, some clansmen not only did not cultivate themselves, but also resold the pills distributed by the clan to exchange for spirit stones for pleasure.

This is what truly crossed his bottom line.

But just as Zhang Lingyu said, it's never too late.

......

After finishing discussing the family competition, the matter was considered closed, and Zhang Lingyu began to listen to the elders' reports on the family's businesses.

Hearing that the income was much higher than in previous years, he felt a little better and then discussed the future development with the elders.

As the family meeting drew to a close, several elders, led by Zhang Yuanshan, suddenly stood up, their expressions solemn, and bowed, saying:

"Clan Chief, Second Elder, we would like to ask you both how we should deal with those dark horses in the competition?"

"Yes, yes, what should we do with them? Chieftain, please give us your opinion."

"Dispose of them... What you're saying, elders, I can't exactly kill them, can I?"

Zhang Lingyu chuckled, and despite the anxious looks from the crowd, she didn't rush to answer. Instead, she turned to Zhang Yuanyao, Zhang Yuanli, and other rising stars of the family, asking, "Yuanli, what do you think?"

"us?"

"Not bad, you guys."

Zhang Yuanli was stunned for a moment, his mind blank. He had never imagined that the clan leader would ask for his opinion, and he quickly said, "With all the elders here, how can I have a place to speak..."

"Just say it. Back then, I was only at the sixth level of Qi Refining, and Uncle Xingyao still asked for my opinion, didn't he?"

Upon hearing this, everyone recalled the scene from back then. Zhang Lingyu was just like that when the former clan leader asked for his opinion. The young man answered fluently without the slightest hesitation. It was then that everyone looked at him with new respect and gradually increased their support for him.

It was precisely because of that time that I was able to gradually get to where I am today.

"What? Just because you're not an elder doesn't mean you can't speak. I don't think my family has ever had such a rule."

"Yes... I understand."

The young man understood that his clan leader was not joking with him. After gathering his thoughts, he said, "In my opinion, although there are many dark horses in this competition, there are only three that we really need to pay attention to."

"Huang Wenhua, Xu Haisheng, Mo Wuya."

He paused and continued:

"Huang Wenhua is a member of the Huang family. The Huang family has been subordinate to my family for many years. In addition, through generations of intermarriage, we are essentially one. Furthermore, based on my observations in the Dan Ding Pavilion over the years, I have found that this person is not competitive or ambitious, and he is able to understand his place."

"He's a decent enforcer for my family. He poses a threat, but only a very small one, so we can use him without worry."

"As for the remaining two, I dare not draw any conclusions."

After listening, everyone nodded slightly. Zhang Yuanli's analysis was quite correct. Huang Wenhua was quite loyal, so there was no need to worry too much about him for now. In addition, Zhang Lingyu had already made him Zhang Yuanshan's formal disciple, so he worked even harder.

Of course, what truly reassured them was his cultivation level. Without any great opportunities, he would only reach the peak of Qi Refining in his lifetime, posing no threat to the Zhang family.

After all, no matter how good one's alchemy or cultivation methods are, the cultivation world still values ​​strength above all else!

In contrast, Xu Haisheng and Mo Wuyai have a high probability of being able to establish their foundations. If they obtain an opportunity, it is not impossible for them to transform into dragons.

Seeing that Zhang Yuanli remained silent, Zhang Lingyu looked at the girl sitting with Wang Menghan not far away and smiled, "Yuan Yao, what do you think of Mo Wuyai?"

"His only target is me; he doesn't care about anyone else."

"My suggestion is that the family can use him for now, and there's no need to rush to suppress him."

The girl's casual remark was incredibly insightful. Judging from Mo Wuyai's current behavior, his attention was entirely focused on her, and he seemed to have little interest in power or status.

Although he lost that sword fight in the competition, it doesn't mean he'll give up. On the contrary, it will only fuel his fighting spirit.

Unless the Zhang family marries Zhang Yuanyao into the direct descendants of those Golden Core families.

Therefore, everything he is doing now is to gain Zhang Yuanyao's approval. Once she approves, the Zhang family will not be able to object, since being able to stand shoulder to shoulder with her will be a great help to the family in the future.

And he's the loyal one.

"That's right, Mo Wuyai is the biggest dark horse, but it's not advisable to suppress him now. As it stands, he is still working diligently for our family. We can't let him down. We can just keep an eye on him from the shadows."

Zhang Lingyu made the decision, and the elders nodded in agreement. For now, they would simply keep a secret surveillance.

If anything truly outrageous is done, all means will be used to resolve it, leaving no future trouble.

As for the person we really need to pay attention to, it's Xu Haisheng!

From wanting to become Zhang Lingyu's disciple during the competition to rushing to find Zhang Yuanlin with the Xu family head a few days ago to ask to marry into his family, isn't this a manifestation of pursuing power and status?

To outsiders, marrying into a family is a sign of loyalty and self-preservation, but how can a weak family easily give away a talented member they have finally acquired?

Therefore, in the eyes of the high-ranking officials, marrying into the Zhang family was merely a stepping stone for Xu Haisheng to pursue power and strength. Once he obtained resources and became powerful, he would definitely abandon the Zhang family and climb to a higher level of influence.

It might even bring trouble to the Zhang family in the future.

"Don't agree to the marriage proposal yet. Continue to provide resources as usual to avoid arousing his suspicion. Then, send a few people to keep an eye on him. Since he has the ambition, let him perform well."

After some discussion, Zhang Lingyu came to a conclusion: such outstanding talent should be made good use of, and then he sneered:

"If anyone shows any disloyalty by then, I will deal with it personally."

......

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