Without his arm, Lin Baixi's body was now incomplete, and his cultivation would likely progress much slower in the future. It was uncertain whether he could even break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage before the end of his life.
At this moment, Elian stepped forward with a slightly apologetic expression and said, "My cultivation is lacking, and I've injured you, Friend Lin. I deeply apologize."
"You brat!"
Seeing the path of the Lin family's most talented junior destroyed, Lin Mocheng was nearly driven mad. His eyes reddened as he growled, "You did this on purpose!"
"Patriarch Lin, you can speak carelessly about meals, but not about this."
Chen Changxuan stepped forward, his gaze cold as he stared at Lin Mocheng.
"In a sword duel, mistakes are inevitable."
"Besides, earlier, Lin Baixi's use of the Myriad Star Needles didn't seem like he was holding back. If my nephew had shown restraint, he might have faced the same fate and had his path to cultivation severed."
"You…"
Lin Mocheng's gaze was fixed on Chen Changxuan. At this moment, his feelings were a mixture of hatred and fear.
Chen Changxuan, despite being at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, had managed to overpower him. If he were to break through to the ninth level in the future, suppressing Lin Mocheng would be effortless.
Thinking this, Lin Mocheng glanced at the other four major families, hoping they would join him in condemning the Chen family.
Unfortunately, the others avoided his gaze, remaining silent.
Lin Baixi's use of the sinister and desperate Myriad Star Needles during the duel had left a bad impression on the other Foundation Establishment cultivators from the prominent clans. None of them wanted to lend support.
Seeing this, Lin Mocheng suppressed his resentment and began considering retreat.
"The Chen family is no longer the same as before. If we were to truly fight, the Lin family might not prevail. It seems the title of Yu County's leading family will belong to them."
"Fine, I'll endure for now. We'll plan further after today."
With this in mind, Lin Mocheng coldly helped Lin Baixi up, no longer troubling Elian.
Having lost two rounds, the Lin family had no choice but to concede the duel's top spot to the Chen family. From now on, the Chen clan would replace the Lin clan and claim 30% of the Yuyang Market's annual tax revenues.
After the duel between the Chen and Lin families concluded, the remaining clans competed among themselves. With a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, the Mu family secured third place.
The Meng family, having three Foundation Establishment cultivators compared to the Zhang and Sun families' two, naturally took fourth place. This higher ranking meant an additional 100 spirit stones annually for the Meng family, which delighted Meng Xinghe.
As the sword duels concluded and the clans dispersed, the Chen family's four Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered in their council hall.
The old patriarch beamed as he looked at everyone.
"This duel was a resounding victory. The Chen family's financial deficits can finally be resolved."
"Indeed," said Chen Qingwan with a smile.
"We owe this entirely to you and Elian. Without you two, we might not even have made it to the top three."
Elian smiled faintly.
"The family has supported us in cultivation until now. Now that we're capable, it's only right to give back."
"Well said." Chen Qinghao nodded. Then, with a grin, he asked, "Who should we send to oversee Yuyang Market?"
With 30% of the Yuyang Market's tax revenues secured, the Chen family would see an annual increase of at least 1,500 spirit stones.
However, this wasn't free money. The family needed to station a Foundation Establishment cultivator there year-round to protect their interests. Additionally, if Yuyang Market came under attack from demons, the Chen family would be obliged to defend it at all costs.
After some thought, the old patriarch spoke.
"Although overseeing Yuyang Market is a relatively peaceful job, it requires constant presence. Neither Elian nor I can afford to be tied down there."
"Qinghao, you've managed family affairs for years, and Qingyuan Mountain wouldn't fare well without you."
"Qingwan, you're the best choice." Chen Changxuan stroked his beard as he looked at Chen Qingwan.
"Since you're also an artifact refiner, you can oversee the business in Yuyang Market while managing our share."
Chen Qingwan nodded.
"I agree. I'm well-suited for the role."
With this decided, the group moved on to the next topic.
Elian glanced around and said, "Our family is now the leading clan in Yu County, but we have too few cultivators."
"Given our current strength, I propose temporarily lifting birth restrictions to increase the number of new family members."
Hearing this suggestion, the others fell into thought.
If the family encouraged higher birth rates, they would soon see a surge in newborns, which would likely include more children with spiritual roots.
However, this carried significant risks. Increased population numbers could attract demonic beasts or cultivators with sinister motives.
In the Kingdom of Chu, three major Golden Core sects maintained order. Even Purple Mansion-level demons dared not act recklessly, knowing they would face joint retaliation from these sects and the prominent families.
Currently, the Chen family's population of about 100,000 mortals wasn't worth the risk for a Purple Mansion demon. But if the family's numbers exceeded a million, it might tempt such beings to take the risk of using them to refine demonic artifacts.
"This matter is of great consequence," said the third elder, his expression solemn.
"If we expand our population, I'm afraid even the great elder won't be able to hold the line."
The old patriarch frowned but quickly relaxed, deliberating before he spoke.
"Then I'll take on this responsibility."
"Precisely my thought," Elian said with a smile.
"As long as Patriarch is stationed in Pingyang City, there's no need to worry about security."
The third elder and Chen Qingwan nodded in agreement.
With the old patriarch's cultivation and the protective Fiery Sun Formation of Pingyang City, even ten or more Foundation Establishment-level demons wouldn't pose a threat unless a Purple Mansion-level demon intervened.
"Then it's settled." The old patriarch smiled.
"I'll station myself in Pingyang City. As long as our Chen family's population doesn't exceed 500,000 or 600,000, I should be able to ensure their safety."
With this decided, the tasks for the Chen family's Foundation Establishment cultivators were finalized.
The old patriarch would oversee Pingyang City, Chen Qingwan would manage Yuyang Market, the third elder would remain at Qingyuan Mountain, and Elian would continue cultivating in Linghu Isle.
After the meeting ended, Elian pondered for a moment and took out twelve second-tier Spirit Peaches, handing them to his uncle patriarch.
"The Spirit Peaches from Linghu Isle have matured to the second tier. Every three years, they yield a considerable number of fruits."
"I can only refine twelve in three years. These twelve are for you, Uncle patriarch."
The old patriarch accepted the peaches without comment, not bothering to discuss family contributions.
Elian's natal celestial sword had only been forged thanks to the Crystal of Blazing Flame that his patriarch secured for him. Their relationship was as close as father and son, rendering formal accounting unnecessary.
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stonesssss :D