Chapter 320: Improving the System

Wang Qingzhi gave a simple, somewhat sheepish smile, scratching his head awkwardly. His heart was overflowing with joy. He glanced at Qi Shanshan's delicate face, hesitated, then mustered his courage and carefully asked, "Fairy Qi, are you free tonight? My eighth uncle brought back some Golden Jade Spirit Rice, and it tastes quite good. I'd like to invite you to try some, as thanks for taking such good care of the Violet-Scaled Crucian Carp."

"Golden Jade Spirit Rice? That's second-tier spirit rice; it's far too valuable. Your family has already shown great kindness by taking in my grandfather and me, and I'm very grateful for that. Please don't worry about the second-tier spirit rice; it's too precious."

Qi Shanshan was somewhat tempted, but after much consideration, she politely declined.

"Look at you, saying that," Wang Qingzhi replied. "It's just a little second-tier spirit rice, not much—only three liang. I don't have more than that. You usually make spirit cakes for me, so it's only right for me to treat you to some second-tier spirit rice. This is only fair. Please don't refuse, okay?"

Wang Qingzhi said with a face full of anticipation, his expression a bit nervous.

Seeing the earnest look on Wang Qingzhi's face, Qi Shanshan hesitated for a moment, then nodded and agreed. "Alright! Since you said three liang, it'll be three liang. I sun-dried some spirit fish jerky a few days ago, which would be perfect to use for cooking. Please come before sunset! It wouldn't be good for others to see if you come too late."

"Great, I'll definitely be on time," Wang Qingzhi replied.

Wang Qingzhi was overjoyed and repeatedly agreed.

In a quiet courtyard, Wang Mingyuan, Liu Qing'er, and Wang Ruyan were sitting in a stone pavilion, enjoying tea and chatting.

Wang Mingyuan and Liu Qing'er had more gray hairs and looked somewhat aged.

"Ruyan, why hasn't Changsheng returned yet?" Liu Qing'er asked, her face full of worry. "I remember he left almost three years ago, didn't he? Nothing bad has happened, has it?"

"Mother, you and father can rest assured!" Wang Ruyan said, trying to comfort them. "My husband and the others are certainly fine; they're probably just delayed on the road. I expect they'll be back soon." Although she spoke this way, she was very worried about Wang Changsheng in her heart.

Besides Wang Ruyan, the Wang clan member with the highest cultivation level was currently Wang Changhao. If something serious happened, a Foundation Establishment Layer 2 cultivator would be of no use. Wang Ruyan, however, was at Foundation Establishment Layer 4 and also Wang Huashan's grandniece. If they truly encountered trouble, having Wang Ruyan there would make things easier to handle. Before Wang Changsheng and the other two returned, she was the backbone of the Wang family and had to take good care of the clan.

She suddenly remembered something and hesitated to speak.

"Ruyan, there are no outsiders here," Wang Mingyuan said. "Speak your mind."

"Father, it's like this," Wang Ruyan began. "The current management of the clan is a bit chaotic. I'd like to emulate my maternal family's system by establishing Elders and a Clan Head to manage the clan, so that other Foundation Establishment cultivators can focus on their cultivation. What do you think?"

The Wang family currently has eleven Foundation Establishment cultivators, marking its strongest period since its establishment. Previously, Wang Mingyuan served as the Clan Head. However, with the increase in Foundation Establishment cultivators within the clan, many matters were decided by voting, a system that wasn't particularly effective. Wang Ruyan intended to emulate the Wang family's system by establishing a Clan Head and Elders to manage the clan.

There would be several Elders, each responsible for different matters, and one Clan Head. The Clan Head, however, must be a Foundation Establishment cultivator to gain the respect of other cultivators. This person must handle affairs fairly and also gain the trust of most clan members. Since Wang Changsheng and the other two had not yet returned, Wang Ruyan felt it was inappropriate to unilaterally decide on the Clan Head candidate. While being Clan Head sounds prestigious, it would certainly affect one's cultivation, as it involves managing a large clan. Such a matter cannot be forced; a forced outcome isn't sweet.

Wang Mingyuan thought for a moment and said, "Establishing Elders and a Clan Head? Your proposal is good. The Elders would be easy enough to choose. As for the Clan Head, do you have someone in mind?"

"Yes, Qingyuan," Wang Ruyan replied. "He has been working for many years, is experienced, meticulous, and handles matters with stability and propriety. He would be most suitable as the Clan Head. However, he is only at the Qi Refining stage. I plan to first let him serve as an Elder, and I will temporarily act as the Clan Head. Once my husband and the others return, we can then propose Qingyuan for the Clan Head position. This way, the clan members will find it easier to accept. If Qingyuan suddenly becomes the Clan Head, the clan members might not be convinced."

"You are thinking for the clan's sake," Wang Mingyuan said. "I support you in this matter. Go ahead and do it without worry! If you need me to step in, just tell me."

Wang Ruyan's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Father," she said. "I will send someone to bring Qingyuan back now."

Wang Mingyuan waved his hand and said with a smile, "There's no need to thank me. I'm already old, and the future of the clan rests on you. Your suggestion truly benefits the clan. Go ahead and do it freely; your father fully supports you."

A few days later, Wang Qingshan returned to Wangjiabao.

Wang Ruyan convened a meeting of the clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators and proposed that the clan be managed by a Clan Head and Elders. No one objected to Wang Ruyan's proposal; they were eager to have more time for cultivation. Currently, all clan matters, big and small, were handled by Wang Ruyan, and no one objected to her serving as the acting Clan Head. They discussed for over an hour and decided to elect seven Elders to assist Wang Ruyan in managing the clan.

Wang Mingsen, skilled in cultivation, was successfully elected to oversee spirit grains and spirit medicines. Wang Mingyan was responsible for caring for spirit beasts and spirit birds. Wang Mingzhan was in charge of clan security and defense. Wang Changhui handled the crafting and sales of puppet beasts. Li Qiwen handled the crafting and sales of talismans. Wang Changxing managed the Wang family's subordinate shops, and Wang Qingyuan was in charge of finances.

Wang Qingyuan was relatively young, so Wang Changhao and Wang Changyue were not entirely in favor. However, Wang Ruyan insisted on selecting him, citing Chen Qingshu as an example. Wang Qingyuan's performance over the years had indeed been excellent, and with Wang Ruyan's repeated insistence, Wang Changhao and Wang Changyue eventually relented.

"Ninth Aunt," Wang Qingshan asked Wang Ruyan, "I'm still at Foundation Establishment Layer 1. I plan to go out for a change of scenery; perhaps I can advance to Foundation Establishment Layer 2. What do you think?"

Wang Ruyan shook her head firmly and said solemnly, "No, your cultivation is too low. You've only been in the Foundation Establishment Realm for a few years, so it's not surprising to remain at Foundation Establishment Layer 1. Ninth Aunt knows you want to hunt demonic beasts, but it won't be too late to go after you advance to Foundation Establishment Layer 2. It's already not easy for a sword cultivator to advance, so don't be impatient; remain calm. It's still quite dangerous for you to travel outside with your Foundation Establishment Layer 1 cultivation. Listen to Ninth Aunt, honestly stay in Hongye Ridge to cultivate. It's not easy for the clan to cultivate a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"That's right, Qingshan," Wang Changhao added, trying to persuade him. "I know you can't sit still, but your cultivation is still too low. Listen to your Eighteenth Uncle: it won't be too late to travel after you cultivate to Foundation Establishment Layer 2."

Wang Changyue and Wang Qingqi also disapproved of Wang Qingshan going to hunt demonic beasts now, as his cultivation was indeed too low.

After listening to the clan members' advice, Wang Qingshan reconsidered and agreed. "Alright!" he said. "Then I'll return to Hongye Ridge to cultivate. This time, I won't come out of seclusion until I advance to Foundation Establishment Layer 2."

That same evening, Wang Qingshan left Wangjiabao and returned to Hongye Ridge.