THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE BEASTS
After the Clan and family leaders present at the meeting had discussed the matter, Xiao Feng's name was placed on the list of individuals to be approached with caution. Some attempted to flatter him, but he paid no mind to their efforts. Before long, City Lord Fang entered the meeting room and addressed the gathering.
"Esteemed leaders of clans and families, I am grateful for your attendance at this proposed meeting. We are gathered here to deliberate on a pressing matter. I implore you to refrain from disruptions unless invited to contribute or share your opinions."
In response to the City Lord's words, everyone settled down and maintained silence. Xiao Feng took his seat, positioned near City Lord Fang's, a fact that did not escape the attention of others. While some questioned Xiao Feng's presence in such proximity, they dared not voice their thoughts as the seating arrangement was personally organized by City Lord Fang.
City Lord Fang continued, "Now that I have your undivided attention, let me proceed. I called this assembly to discuss a joint effort to rid the Hidden Dragon Mountain of its beasts. This endeavor is aimed at preventing a recurrence of the beast tide that transpired four years ago. Moreover, I have received reports that the Thunder Lion King is on the brink of a level four breakthrough, which could pose even greater threats. For the safety of our lives and those of our descendants, I propose that we collectively plan an assault to eliminate the Thunder Lion King before its strength increases."
A sense of astonishment rippled through the room as the audience grasped the implications. The level of a beast was roughly equivalent to a human cultivator's stage. A level one beast corresponded to a Body Refinement stage cultivator, and a level two beast equated to a Qi Refinement stage cultivator, and so on. The prospect of the Thunder Lion King ascending to level four, akin to a Spirit Transformation stage cultivator, was alarming.
After deliberation, the leaders reached a consensus: they would initiate the attack six months from the present, when the Thunder Lion King was poised for its level four breakthrough. City Lord Fang concluded, "In six months, I expect your united front to take action. Depending on your participation, the City Lord Council will distribute rewards."
With nods of agreement and affirmations of participation, the attendees expressed their commitment to the cause. As the meeting dispersed, City Lord Fang addressed Xiao Feng privately. "Daoist Xiao Feng, if you can spare a moment, I would like to discuss something with you."
Amidst the departing crowd, Xiao Feng remained with City Lord Fang. "Of course, City Lord. I'm here to listen," he responded respectfully.
"Daoist Xiao Feng, have you ever contemplated affiliating yourself with a powerful clan? If you have, I extend an invitation to join my Fang Clan in the Azure Kingdom. We rank among the top forces in the realm, just a step below the Royal Family that governs the Azure Kingdom. We possess a Half-Step Earth Origin stage ancestor, and our strength is formidable. What are your thoughts?"
While acknowledging the enticing offer, Xiao Feng declined. "I appreciate the proposition, City Lord. However, I am determined to cultivate and nurture my family without the backing of another clan. Nonetheless, I believe we can maintain a friendly association to avoid potential conflicts. You mentioned your Half-Step Earth Origin stage ancestor; at what level is that?"
City Lord Fang explained, "The Earth Origin stage is the realm after Bone Forging, marking the commencement of a cultivator's journey toward immortality. At this stage, one can levitate without relying on any techniques, and their lifespan exceeds that of ordinary cultivators. Even I, the current City Lord, aspire to attain this level in order to explore regions beyond the Azure Kingdom. Currently, I am at the 1st stage of the Spirit Transformation stage, which places Earth Origin quite a distance away."
"Thank you for clarifying, City Lord Fang. I must take my leave now. We shall reconvene in six months to deal with the beasts and the Thunder Lion King," Xiao Feng stated.
Farewells exchanged, Xiao Feng exited the City Lord's yard, heading back to his mountain to reunite with his wife, Han Ruoshi. As he returned to the mountain, he received warm greetings from the guards at the gate. Entering the chamber area, he discovered that Han Ruoshi was still engaged in closed-door cultivation.
Making his way to the children's courtyard, he found his son Xiao Cheng engrossed in play with the wooden sword he had once gifted him. Realizing that Xiao Cheng had reached four years of age, Xiao Feng resolved to initiate his cultivation.
"Cheng'er, come here. Starting tomorrow, you'll be joining me in cultivation. You're old enough to embark on this journey," he informed his son.
"I won't be late, Father," Xiao Cheng replied enthusiastically.
Leaving the children's courtyard, Xiao Feng proceeded to his own quarters. There, he checked his status by asking the system to display it:
"System, bring up my status."
A translucent tab appeared, revealing his current information:
Host: Xiao Feng
Identity: Xiao family head
Age: 20
Cultivation level: 9th stage of Qi refinement
Spirit root: 2nd medium grade fire spirit root
Cultivation techniques: Dao Begets everything cultivation techniques
Martial skill: Sword cutting the sky (earth low grade), starry sky fall (high earth grade)
Family nurturing point: 800
Family members: 6
System mall: Opened
Other Commodities: 141,000 spirit stones, 509 origin stones, water wave cultivation techniques, Sky winding cultivation techniques (low earth grade), starry sky fall (high earth grade), Family spirit root upgrade card ×3, sky fire sword (sky low level), Metal devouring cultivation techniques (Earth low grade), Beast mastering cultivation techniques (Profound high grade), Fast step (profound low grade), Nine thunder strokes (profound high grade)
With his status updated, Xiao Feng prepared himself for the future challenges and responsibilities that awaited him and his family.