Chapter 716: White River Office Setup

Ding Weizhen was waiting outside the hall when Qu Bushi approached. Although the old man had suffered a minor injury, he was beaming with joy, his face alight with wrinkles. Humming a tune, he came closer, first offering congratulations, then taking Ding Weizhen's hand and whispering:

"The land deeds for the Floating Cloud territory on my side have been sorted out. I'll present them to the master. Has the Ding clan been settled? Will they return to their old home... or settle in a new location?"

Ding Weizhen understood the old man's intention. Qu Bushi had just organized the spiritual fields, so he must know which plots in the Floating Cloud territory were good and which were bad. He was clearly giving Ding Weizhen insider information. Ding Weizhen replied calmly:

"Senior Qu, my clan will be heading to the lake to cultivate in the continent."

"Oh! Congratulations!" Qu Bushi offered. Seeing that the master's favored generals were all like this, he realized that the Floating Cloud Cave territory must be strictly controlled, allowing no interference. He gave up the idea of settling his clan members, picked up his robes, and walked inside, muttering to himself:

"Where did Ding Weizhen get this humility? Back in Floating Cloud Cave, he dared to show disrespect even to Fu Dou, the cave master's direct son. Now he's as obedient as An Siwei..."

Qu Bushi actually had a good impression of An Siwei. This child was a typical inner-sea cultivator, one who had overcome the Foundation Establishment bottleneck through luck, elixirs, and spiritual aura. Abroad, his status was probably even lower than Qu Bushi's.

"Fortunately, he has a good family background. Although his father was incompetent, he pledged allegiance to the Submerged Dragon and became a loyal servant for generations. Even Ding Weizhen has to treat him courteously."

As Qu Bushi pondered, he looked up. At the head of the table, a young man in golden-white armor was writing something with his head bowed. To his left, another young man in silver armor and black robes, seemingly of similar age, stood with his arms crossed, his eyes as dark as lacquer. To his right, a brightly elegant woman in palace attire thoughtfully shielded a splendid treasure lamp.

These were three of the four powerful figures in the Li family. Qu Bushi heard that another one was managing affairs on the lake, but he had not yet met them. He cupped his hands and respectfully announced:

"Your humble servant has finished organizing the Floating Cloud land deeds and has come to report to the master!"

"Read it." Li Zhouwei replied. Qu Bushi respectfully stated:

"The Floating Cloud territory comprises 2,051 spiritual fields: 211 high-grade, 561 medium-grade, and 1,279 low-grade."

The Li family's Moon-Gazing Lake boasted ten thousand *fang* of spiritual fields, but most were controlled from the peaks, and the vast majority were barren lands where output barely covered input, remaining vacant. As the spiritual energy of each field varied, merely stating the area was meaningless. Li Zhouwei simply asked:

"Elder Qu is well-versed in agricultural matters, being from the Earth Virtue Immortal Foundation and Hidden Palace. What do you estimate the output to be?"

Qu Bushi respectfully replied: "I've calculated them one by one. The output should be around 10,000 catties. If all the formations are complete and the water veins are properly adjusted, it should exceed 20,000."

"Indeed, it's a fertile land."

The Li family's Moon-Gazing Lake had its firmest control over the southeastern shores. Below the main peak was a town, and apart from manpower, all output belonged to the clan, amounting to roughly 50,000 units of production. Leaving aside Pingya Isle, which was primarily a cultivation site, the various families left by Daoist He on the west bank and the Fei family on the north bank each contributed over 10,000 units. The miscellaneous families and the hundred families on the east bank also contributed over 10,000, bringing the total to nearly 100,000.

This 100,000 production capacity was merely a calculation. The Li family no longer needed to pay tribute to Qingchi, so it was naturally impossible to cultivate only spiritual rice. Large tracts of land were also used to cultivate more precious spiritual resources for Qi Condensation cultivators, such as Pine-Leaping Fruits and Lacquer Ridge Grass. The actual output from land dedicated to spiritual rice was only around 30,000 units.

This meant that Floating Cloud Cave, covering half the area of Baijiang Stream, already accounted for one-fifth of Moon-Gazing Lake's total output, which was quite astonishing. Li Minggong remarked with emotion:

"No wonder so many sects and aristocratic families have settled north of the river, with such high density... only these lands can sustain them."

Li Zhouwei calculated mentally: "My family has ten thousand *fang* of spiritual fields, with a production capacity of 100,000 units, which translates to nearly a thousand spirit stones annually. However, now that our family business is so large, first, the number of cultivators we support is astonishing; second, the benefits for our Foundation Establishment cultivators are excellent; and third... the market hasn't been built yet." He continued, "Although the clan is comfortable, after deducting costs and salaries, the annual surplus isn't much, only 10-20% of the income... less than a hundred spirit stones."

While an annual surplus of one hundred spirit stones might not seem like much, it was actually quite impressive. This meant that each month, enough could be produced to equal the entire savings of a Qi Condensation cultivator. Annually, a top-tier Qi Condensation formation could be constructed, and within three to five years, a great Foundation Establishment formation could be built!

The only awkward thing was that the Li family market had not yet been established. Most of the surplus output was stored within the clan in the form of spiritual rice and spiritual materials, often incurring losses due to poor storage. After all, spirit stones in the Jiangnan region were limited; if they continuously tried to exchange for spirit stones, it would only inflate their price.

"However, items of treasure medicine grade are rarely traded with spirit stones... and it's difficult to acquire enough spiritual materials for a great Foundation Establishment formation using only spirit stones."

Li Zhouwei hesitated for a moment. While 10,000 catties of production capacity could yield value equivalent to a hundred spirit stones, spiritual harvests were often annual. If the lands were abandoned before maturation, it would be a pity.

"First, let Siwei arrange for the cultivation of spiritual rice. There's no rush to build overly good formations, lest we waste resources if we have to leave later."

Qu Bushi nodded and withdrew. Li Zhouwei, once again, felt a headache over the preservation of these massive quantities of spiritual rice and sighed inwardly. Li Minggong noticed his concern and spoke:

"Now I understand why the Xiao and Yuan families designated large spiritual lands and spent heavily to cultivate one or two spiritual items... but these places are occupied for short periods... and are unsuitable."

"Indeed," Li Zhouwei said gravely. "First, let several of our family's large spiritual fields be repurposed to grow White Essence Fruits. We should utilize our existing stock..."

Fortunately, the only headache was the fragmented Floating Cloud territory. The Miyun territory only required confiscating land from aristocratic families, which was convenient and hassle-free. Li Zhouwei and Li Minggong discussed matters carefully, then asked her to return and guard it. Finally, the affairs of Baijiang Stream were completely settled.

Finally free, he invited Li Cheng, who was nearby, to sit down and asked, "Uncle, what do you think of the cultivators from Baiye?"

Li Cheng paused, frowning. "They're not easy to deal with. I just inquired, and the one in colorful robes is a direct descendant of Baiye, named Guan Lingdie. Her immortal foundation is the same as the Linggu family's: Southern Melancholy Water. As for Gongsun Baifan, the one with the saber, he was originally a rogue cultivator from north of the river, practicing the 'Deep Water Resentment River' path. He has now joined the Baiye Immortal Dao, and his saber techniques are formidable. The remaining one, Miss Song, is from an aristocratic family north of the river."

These details were not far off from Li Zhouwei's estimates. He mused, "Although Guan Lingdie's words were sharp, she has some experience in combat and is not simple. Gongsun Baifan's Daoist tradition is profound, unlike a rogue cultivator's. As for Song Yunbai, judging by her demeanor, the Baiye Immortal Dao does not strictly control its territories."

After all, Guan Lingdie was a direct descendant of a Purple Mansion cultivator. She managed to hold her own against Li Cheng and An Siwei, even injuring An Siwei single-handedly. This strength was not to be underestimated. Li Zhouwei simply noted down the names and then said:

"As for Xuanyue... it truly has no capable individuals; it's a sign of decline!"

What Li Zhouwei said was not without reason. Kong Guxi, the dignified Sect Master of Xuanyue, actually fought back and forth with a young lady from the Song family, a local power north of the river. If not for Xuanyue's numerical advantage and Baiye Immortal Dao's early retreat, the casualties from this expedition would have been unknown.

This brought up how True Lord Changxi had repeatedly urged his descendants to break through to the Purple Mansion realm. At that time, it coincided with the 'Evil Spirit Hoard,' and Changxi was overjoyed, sending several direct descendants into seclusion, which led to the current situation.

It was also for this reason that Kong Tingyun later ascended to the position of Xuanyue Sect Master, gradually gaining Changxi's favor and bringing Xuanyue closer to the Li family. One could not help but feel a sense of destiny in these interconnected events.

Li Cheng, in turn, reassured him: "Yuezhou Island still has Fu Yuezi of Xuanyue. His strength is considerable, and he can be of assistance when the time comes."

Li Zhouwei remained silent. After a moment, Chen Yang came up from below, reporting that the various families in the Miyun territory had already sent representatives, and initial arrangements were settled. The Miyun territory was at least under control.

"With Miyun settled... we should return to the mountain. I also need to meet the True Lord." Li Zhouwei put down his brush. Li Cheng reminded him, "The King of Beijin River is also waiting in Baijiang Stream."

"Right..." Li Zhouwei was still considering candidates to guard Miyun. He nodded and said, "I intend to establish a bureau in the Baijiang Stream territory to oversee Floating Cloud and guard Miyun. An Siwei is capable enough to manage Floating Cloud, but his strength isn't sufficient for guarding... I'm afraid I'll have to ask you, Uncle, to take on this role and oversee this area."

Li Cheng had weathered over a decade of perils alongside Li Zhouwei; they knew each other well, so he naturally didn't stand on ceremony. He nodded and said, "I will do my best to protect this area."

Li Zhouwei deliberated for a moment, then said, "Since Miyun was breached and Hongfu Mountain was conquered, both Floating Cloud and Miyun territories should undergo reform. With Manghuazi Mountain as the boundary, the southern Floating Cloud will be renamed Funan, and Miyun will be renamed Midong. A Baijiang Command Bureau will be established at Hongfu Mountain. Its duties, ordinances... the clan will send them soon."

He chuckled and said, "If these two areas can be held, and Funan yields output, the bureau's future salaries will be drawn from the rear, which will be much more convenient!"

While it was still about supporting puppets, Li Zhouwei intended to firmly establish their legitimacy. It wouldn't be called a 'gate' or 'cave,' but a 'Command Bureau,' which could be disbanded at any time. Anyway, they had already fallen out with the Baiye Immortal Dao, and no one in the Midong territory favored the Li family; they were all just "ringing the bell as long as they were monks," without any expectation of loyalty.

"As for the King of Beijin River..." Li Zhouwei had already considered this and replied, "The King of Beijin River knows many things. In his eyes, I am someone on the level of the Crown Prince of Dingjiao Dragon. I absolutely cannot visit his residence; if I did, he would certainly become suspicious and overthink it. Yet, we cannot simply forgo his assistance. You can go; he wouldn't dare treat you lightly."

Li Cheng nodded. Li Zhouwei continued, "He isn't some rumored dragon prince or guest; he's a minor figure in the Dragon Palace. Just be careful not to let the dragons interfere. He can gather information and assist with water veins, which is quite useful."

"Qu Bushi, Ding Weizhen, Miaoshui... I'll leave them all to you. Otherwise, you'd struggle to manage alone. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask the family. Aunt Minggong is on the north bank, just across the river from Funan, and can provide timely support. As for Wenhu..."

Li Zhouwei chuckled and said, "I'm taking him to Zhijing Mountain, so the various families will know... that the True Lord is not so easily fooled!"

Although Wenhu was cunning, he was truly unlucky. Besides taking Wenhu, Li Zhouwei also intended to bring Manghuazi back. After all, he had been at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment for many years; entering seclusion for ritual empowerment now and breaking through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment wouldn't seem abrupt.

However, the Li family had now become a Purple Mansion immortal clan, no longer a minor aristocratic family under Qingchi's rule. If they caused any commotion, Purple Mansion cultivators might pay attention. Ritual sacrifices were truly not convenient.

After all, those below the mountain could be disguised with Moon-Gazing Lake customs, but rituals on the mountain involved many secrets of the 'Sacrificial Rite Method.' If a Purple Mansion cultivator noticed anything unusual, it would not be good.

Originally, they should have invited the Immortal Mirror, but since it had vanished into the Great Void, the family's own invocations did not reveal its true form, and they did not know what phenomena its appearance might cause. The Li family was currently in a precarious position, so Li Ximing and Li Zhouwei dared not be careless and postponed this matter.

"It's best to wait until a Purple Mansion formation capable of isolating the Great Void is established before performing the sacrifice... but even if we can't perform it immediately, we can at least bring this striped python back first..."

As Li Zhouwei pondered this, Li Cheng escorted him all the way to the riverbank. Coming back to his senses, Li Zhouwei sighed, "You've worked hard, Uncle... all these matters are external. Your safety is paramount. This place can be abandoned if necessary. If anything were to happen to you, that would truly undermine the foundation of our family!"

The Baijiang Command Bureau, though seemingly as powerful as a local emperor, was not a desirable position. True Lord Changxi could perish at any time within a few years. Should anything change, the Baijiang territory would bear the brunt, and if the Baiye cultivators attacked, even a slight delay in departure could lead to being surrounded.

Li Cheng, of course, understood. He composed himself and replied, "I wield thunder and lightning, and no one in the family can surpass my escape techniques. With Profound Thunder in the Thunder Pond and the protection of a great formation, if anything happens and I'm determined to flee, even Foundation Establishment cultivators will struggle to stop me."

Li Cheng saw them off, then rode his lightning back, pondering. This young man was naturally an opinionated individual, and he mused inwardly: "It's time to make some preparations. Since we can use the dragon prince's influence, and Ying Hebai is the lord of the Three Rivers, with so many aquatic creatures in the Three Rivers, isn't that like having eyes spread across a dense river network? If we make arrangements with him, perhaps just as the streaking light rises above Baiye Immortal Dao, a demon will arrive here with a report!"

Although demonic creatures' flight speed certainly couldn't compare to that of these Foundation Establishment direct descendants, such matters could be understood simply by crushing a jade talisman!

With a plan in mind and newfound confidence, Li Cheng summoned Ding Weizhen and others to ride the wind towards him. Li Cheng deliberated, surveying them, then said, "Weizhen, come with me into the river."

Ding Weizhen assented. Below them lay the dark, lush, and verdant Manghuazi Mountain!

The great formation on this mountain had long been dispelled, and the few demonic creatures had dispersed. The place was empty. The two landed by the river, and in the distance, a black-clad old man materialized on the bank. It seemed he had been waiting there for a long time, and he hastily cupped his hands in greeting.

"Shui Zhao greets you, Sir."

Li Cheng nodded and said clearly, "Has the King of Beijin River invited us?"

"Exactly!" The old demon Shui Zhao, smiling broadly, squatted down on the ground, transforming into a house-sized, ink-black turtle. All four of its limbs had brownish-yellow patterns, suggesting it was also an unusual species. Its neck was long, and its voice rumbled like a bronze bell: "I have been respectfully awaiting the arrival of you two esteemed lords for a long time!"