Chapter 569: Chapter 569

Zhou Guangxiang spoke out the data, which surprised Zhouyang.

He didn’t expect that after just fifty-five years, so many members of the Zhou Family had failed to meet the assessment requirements.

Although he knows that this data includes situations from several generations over the fifty-five years, and some members have already reached the end of their lifespan and passed away.

Even so, the problem is still quite serious.

It’s necessary to understand that the number of living members recorded in the Zhou Family’s genealogy is only about eighteen hundred!

"So many have failed the assessment, there must be a lot of resentment within the clan, right? Haven’t you thought about lowering the assessment standards or extending the assessment period?"

Zhouyang looked at Zhou Guangxiang and asked, but his expression showed no clear emotion.

"There is definitely some resentment, but nephew believes it’s not yet to the point where it can’t be implemented. Ninth Uncle might not know, now many Zhou Family members have learned a basic skill. Even if they fail the assessment, and don’t receive the clan’s distributed benefits, they can still earn wages by farming for the clan and managing the orchard, medicinal garden, and beast garden. Nephew has also instructed the clan to prioritize taking care of them in this aspect."

"Moreover, over the years, numerous Foundation Establishment Pills have been scattered. Seeing other cultivators striving hard to pass the assessment and successfully establish their foundation with the Foundation Establishment Pill, those young ones with real potential have straightened their mentality and put most of their focus on cultivation."

"These younger generations just need to work hard at cultivation, with the abundant resources the clan can currently provide, it’s not hard for them to pass the assessment. The people we really need to strengthen our clan are exactly these individuals."

Zhou Guangxiang calmly explained to Zhouyang, clearly rejecting the notion of lowering the assessment difficulty or extending the assessment time.

Upon seeing this, Zhouyang nodded slightly and said, "Alright, you are the Clan Leader, as long as you think there’s no problem, then Ninth Uncle has no problem."

Only then did Zhou Guangxiang breathe a sigh of relief, quickly gave a respectful salute and said, "Thank you, Ninth Uncle, for your understanding."

"I don’t want to interfere with the clan’s affairs, but there are some matters you’ll need to know going forward."

Zhouyang looked at his nephew in front of him and gradually spoke about his decision to open a cave dwelling for cultivation in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.

He has already made this decision and will not change it.

However, the Zhou Family must be informed of this, especially the high-level members like Zhou Guangxiang need to know.

After finishing with this major decision, he continued, "Additionally, within one or two years, Ninth Uncle will have to visit the Westernmost Cultivation Realm. When that time comes, let Guangxiang go with me, she’s already several decades overdue to see her Dao Companion and children left there!"

"Also, this time I have brought back three pieces of Purple Heart Jade Marrow for the family. As for how they should be allocated, Ninth Uncle won’t get involved. You can set the standard."

"Once I return from the Westernmost Cultivation Realm, I will officially head to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm to cultivate. At that time, make sure to arrange for a few capable clan cultivators to accompany and serve me, and prepare two million low-grade Spirit Stones along with a batch of high-quality tier-three spiritual artifacts and spirit talismans. Put these items together with the harvested Yuan Condensing Fruits for me to take along!"

Finally, Zhou Guangxiang could no longer maintain his composure.

He looked at Zhouyang in shock and confusion, not understanding why his Ninth Uncle, after just one trip, no longer wanted this family!

"Are you, Ninth Uncle, abandoning the family?"

His lips trembled as he looked at Zhouyang and asked, his voice choked with emotion.

At this moment, he seemed to transform back into that young man who wanted to rely on elders for help in everything and felt lost hearing the elders were about to leave him.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Ninth Uncle has sacrificed so much for this family, how could I abandon it?"

"You, though clever and smart, still have limited vision, only confined to this small Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm, unaware of the broader world outside!"

"You haven’t thought about it, if Ninth Uncle were like you, always staying in this Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm without venturing out, how could I have reached today’s cultivation level? If Ninth Uncle never left here to cultivate, how could I have led the Zhou Family out of the desert sea, achieving a goal that none of the past sovereigns of the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm could accomplish?"

"This Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm, compared to the entire Spirit Realm, is just a small pond. It can only let little fish and shrimp below the Golden Core Stage live here. Like Ninth Uncle, already having jumped out of the small pond, only by wrestling Flood Dragons in the rivers, lakes, and seas outside, can I continue to grow and allow you little fish and shrimp the chance to jump out of this small pond and transform into a giant crocodile!"

"When one day you little fish and shrimp also have someone transform into a giant crocodile, able to protect this small pond, then Ninth Uncle will truly be able to travel the four seas freely, enjoying the vast world!"

Zhouyang looked at his nephew with an expression of deep frustration, scolding Zhou Guangxiang until his face was flushed with shame, unable to utter a single word in his defense.

Indeed, he had been in a panic just now, only thinking that if Zhouyang were not at the helm of the clan, the Zhou Family would lose its pillar of support.

Yet he forgot that all these years Zhouyang had spent more time away from the family than with it, and the clan hadn’t encountered any problems because of this.

It was only after being reprimanded and explained by Zhouyang that he suddenly understood.

"Ninth Uncle, you are right. It was my fault. I shouldn’t have doubted you. My vision is too narrow; I am indeed short-sighted and deserve to be scolded!"

With a face full of shame, he quickly bowed his head to admit his mistake, wishing he could slap himself a few times.

Zhouyang was spot on; his perspective was indeed limited, confined within the small Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm.

Even though Zhouyang and Zhou Guangxiang had often shared stories of the outside world after returning, hearing tales is never as impressionable as personally witnessing and experiencing these sights, which are deeply unforgettable.

This is precisely why the Yellow Sand Sect had a tradition of rotating Purple Mansion Cultivators to travel the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, to prevent the leaders of the sect from being constrained in their vision by the small pond of the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm.

Recognizing his shame turns into courage. After Zhou Guangxiang understood this, he solemnly bowed to Zhouyang and said, "Ninth Uncle, I have a request. This time, when you go to the Westernmost Cultivation Realm, could you take me along? I also want to meet my brother-in-law and nieces and nephews, and broaden my horizons to prevent future mistakes!"

"Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have brought it up. It’s commendable that you’ve recognized your shortcomings, which is very good!"

Zhouyang nodded slightly, quite pleased with Zhou Guangxiang’s request.

His standards are always high; if Zhou Guangxiang had still been unwilling to leave the clan for further development after this incident, he would indeed have considered replacing the clan leader ahead of schedule.

The Zhou Family’s Clan Leader does not necessarily need to have the highest cultivation, but their vision must undoubtedly exceed that limited by the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm.

Only in this way can the family plant a seed in the hearts of the next generation, and the generation after that, encouraging the finest clan members to leap out of the pond.

Only by doing so can they align themselves with this family ancestor’s ideas and carry out corresponding reforms within the clan following his thoughts.

In fact, not only Zhou Guangxiang, but because this trip to the Land of the Far West shouldn’t be too dangerous, nor too lengthy, Zhouyang has decided to take most of the Foundation Establishment Cultivators of the Zhou family with him to broaden their horizons.

This is a great opportunity for advanced training. Once those Foundation Establishment Cultivators witness the grandeur of the outside world, they will return to the family with greater motivation to cultivate. Coupled with the exciting news about the "Purple Heart Jade Marrow" he brings back, the effect is bound to be even better.

In fact, Zhouyang has already thought it through: every Foundation Establishment Cultivator who travels out this time must write a travelogue upon return, to be placed in the family school for younger generations to read and learn from at an early age.

Additionally, language training classes will also be set up simultaneously, having Zhou Tongxuan and other cultivators who have visited the outside cultivation realms regularly teach outstanding Zhou family members the accents of those realms, aiding in better concealment of their true identity and origin when venturing out.

The Zhou family is destined to move beyond the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm in the future; hence, before that, the family members need a clear understanding of the outside cultivation realms.

To do well in any endeavor, one must first sharpen their tools.

Education is not something that can be accomplished overnight, so it is necessary to make early plans and arrangements.

News of Zhouyang’s return to the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before Xu Jinyao, the new Sect Leader of the Yellow Sand Sect, personally came to Lingxi Peak to pay his respects.

Xu Jinyao assumed the position of Sect Leader of the Yellow Sand Sect more than forty years ago, while the former Sect Leader, Yang Wenxiong, passed away over thirty years ago.

Speaking of which, Yang Wenxiong was considered a competent Sect Leader of the Yellow Sand Sect, for at least during his tenure, the sect did not experience any major upheavals, and the primordial qi lost during previous disturbances was gradually recovering.

By the time Xu Jinyao took over as Sect Leader, the Yellow Sand Sect hadn’t yet produced a Golden Core Stage Cultivator; however, they had restored their ranks to five Purple Mansion Cultivators, and the number of Foundation Establishment Cultivators had grown to more than two hundred.

In terms of cultivation, Xu Jinyao’s fifth-layer Purple Mansion stage wasn’t the highest in the Yellow Sand Sect, but Yang Wenxiong entrusted the Sect Leader position to him, valuing his intelligence and youth.

As a cultivator whom Yang Wenxiong focused on grooming during his leadership, Xu Jinyao is still quite young, just over two hundred sixty years old. Even if his cultivation never surpasses the Purple Mansion Stage, he will be able to lead the Yellow Sand Sect for over two centuries.

For the current Yellow Sand Sect, internal stability outweighs everything else, and a Sect Leader who can hold the position for a long time is more likely to earn the disciples’ trust.

"This junior, Xu Jinyao, greets Elder Zhou."

On Lingxi Peak, as soon as Xu Jinyao saw Zhouyang, he immediately performed junior’s rites and paid respects, displaying a very humble demeanor, without the slightest hint of arrogance due to his position as Sect Leader of the Yellow Sand Sect.

This alone made Zhouyang feel very comfortable.

In terms of cultivation, he was a Fourth-Layer Golden Core Stage Cultivator; in terms of age, he was nearly a century older than Xu Jinyao.

In this situation, if Xu Jinyao were to flaunt his position as Sect Leader of the Yellow Sand Sect in front of him, he would have been displeased.

"Ah! Who would have thought that after just a few decades of travel, I would return to find a few old friends gone. Sect Leader Yang was truly a hero of his time, what a pity!"

Looking at the deferential Xu Jinyao before him, Zhouyang did not rush to inquire about his intentions but let out a long sigh, reminiscing about his late old friend, Yang Wenxiong.

Counting those outside the Zhou family who could be called his old friends, there were only a few.

And now, both Yang Wenxiong and Chen Ping’an from the Chen Family had passed away.

The remaining one, Nie Qiufeng from the Nie Family, was also nearing the end of his lifespan and wouldn’t hold on much longer.

The rest, although a few had ascended to the Purple Mansion Cultivator status in the past two hundred years and had some exchanges with him, were merely ordinary acquaintances, lacking profound friendship, and couldn’t be considered old friends.

Xu Jinyao couldn’t quite grasp what Zhouyang meant, so he could only follow his words and say, "Elder Yang left peacefully, and before he passed, he told us juniors that he admired very few people in his life, but you, Elder Zhou, were the most formidable among them. He instructed us to learn from you and take you as a role model."

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang simply gave a faint smile and did not take it to heart.

He did not want to engage in any pretense with Xu Jinyao on this matter and candidly said, "Fellow Daoist Xu, perhaps you should tell me the purpose of your visit. Is there something you need my assistance with?"

Hearing these words, Xu Jinyao felt somewhat embarrassed.

His mouth moved slightly, and after a moment, he finally spoke, "I dare not deceive you, Elder. I indeed have a request this time."

The matter Xu Jinyao sought help with wasn’t new but was rather a reminder or urging for Zhouyang to fulfill his previous agreement with Cao Wenjin and procure a "Jade Liquid Golden Pill" for the Yellow Sand Sect.

Back then, Cao Wenjin had given a "Purple Heart Jade Marrow" initially intended for his daughter to Zhouyang and had agreed that once Zhouyang reached the Golden Core Stage, he would get a "Jade Liquid Golden Pill" for the Yellow Sand Sect at half price.

Now, over two hundred years had passed since the agreement, and Zhouyang had indeed formed a Golden Core as Cao Wenjin had anticipated.

Thus, Xu Jinyao, the new Sect Leader of the Yellow Sand Sect, began to get anxious about the matter.

Since this was something he had promised, Zhouyang found it hard to refuse Xu Jinyao’s request. For more chapters visıt NoveI(F)ire.net

However, a treasure like the "Jade Liquid Golden Pill" was exceedingly rare, and he could not guarantee acquiring it within a specific timeframe; he could only give Xu Jinyao a vague promise, assuring him that he would keep his word and take care of the matter.

Fortunately, Xu Jinyao was also considerate, not pushing too hard. He courteously asked Zhouyang to keep an eye out and left him with a deposit of six hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones.

Zhouyang knew that if he didn’t accept this deposit, it would make Xu Jinyao feel that he wasn’t taking the matter seriously, so he readily accepted it on the spot.

As expected, seeing Zhouyang so promptly accept the spirit stones, Xu Jinyao finally showed a relieved expression and subsequently asked for advice on some cultivation issues he encountered, then politely took his leave.

"Yang Wenxiong did choose a good successor. Although Xu Jinyao may not bring back the former glory of the Yellow Sand Sect, he should have no problem maintaining its foundation."

In the cave dwelling, Zhouyang watched Xu Jinyao’s departing figure and silently made this judgment, after which he paid the matter no further attention.

At his level, it was difficult for him to focus his limited energy on outsiders who posed no threat to him.

Xu Jinyao might be decent, but even if he succeeded in forming a core, Zhouyang was fully confident that he could easily subdue him. Such a person was not worth spending extra effort on.

Soon, Zhou Guangxiang arranged the internal affairs of the family and then, along with seventeen Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Zhou family’s main branch, arrived at Lingxi Peak to join Zhouyang.

This time, Zhou Guangxiang and his sister would all go to the Land of the Far West. Lu Xuewei, who had just returned from the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, would temporarily guard the family. Zhou Tongxuan and two other Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators would also remain in the family.

Zhouyang even placed the Golden-winged Thunder Eagle, which had already been promoted to a Tier Four Middle-Grade Demon Beast, at Lingxi Peak to facilitate Lu Xuewei’s travel and to defend against potential enemies.

Once everything was ready, Zhouyang led a group of juniors to the underground relic, where he repositioned the head-sized "Profound Crystal Stone" on the altar teleportation array and placed thirty-six pieces of top-grade Spirit Stones into the stone grooves.

Being now wealthy and affluent, with over a hundred top-grade Spirit Stones accumulated, he didn’t hesitate to activate this teleportation array.

With previous experience, this time he didn’t bring along low-level Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators, ensuring that no casualties occurred after the teleportation.

A safe exit route from the "Fallen Demon Valley" had long been discovered, and Zhouyang quickly led a group of juniors out of the "Fallen Demon Valley."

Afterward, he summoned Xu Song, the ghost servant who had been kept in the "Spiritual Treasure Token."

"Fellow Daoist Xu, you will now cultivate here in the ’Fallen Demon Valley,’ and help Zhou watch over the teleportation array. If the descendants of the Zhou family from Cangyuan Immortal City seek your help, you may assist them at your discretion, but the most important task is to guard the teleportation array!"

Outside the "Fallen Demon Valley," Zhouyang looked at the ghost cultivator who had followed him for over two hundred years, and after a moment of silence, he laid out his plans for him.

With his current cultivation, Xu Song’s abilities no longer provided him any help, and the array and artifact refining knowledge Xu Song possessed had long been extracted.

Nevertheless, he was a person who valued old ties and could not resort to the despicable act of ditching someone after crossing a bridge. Thus, before coming to the Land of the Far West, he had decided to grant Xu Song a certain degree of "freedom," allowing him to live out his days in this demon cultivator-friendly place, while also helping him guard the teleportation array.

Xu Song hadn’t expected that Zhouyang, who hadn’t let him out for fresh air for so long, would surprise him so greatly upon releasing him.

"Indeed, I didn’t misjudge, Fellow Daoist Zhou is truly a person of integrity!"

"I shall not say much in thanks; rest assured, Fellow Daoist Zhou, as long as I live, I will not let anyone use this teleportation array to threaten your family in the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm!"

Full of joy, he looked at Zhouyang, and after a long silence, he bowed deeply to Zhouyang, solemnly giving his promise.

Zhouyang was very satisfied with this, nodding contentedly, "With this assurance from Fellow Daoist Xu, I can rest easy. Also, Fellow Daoist Xu, do not worry, if I ever find a way to the Netherworld, I will definitely come to inform you and bring you along."

When Xu Song first pledged his allegiance, the only request was to be allowed into the "Netherworld" should a passage be discovered in the future.

Zhouyang’s mention of this matter now was to reassure Xu Song by showing he had not forgotten the promise.

Upon hearing this, Xu Song also nodded heavily in agreement, "I will be waiting for that day to come!"

After arranging matters for Xu Song, Zhouyang took a group of Zhou Family juniors towards Cangyuan Immortal City.

A thousand miles from Cangyuan Immortal City, Zhouyang let down the Zhou family cultivators, then temporarily lent Lu Xuanji’s mask to Zhou Guangxiang to conceal his face, and Zhou Guangxiang led Zhou Guangxiang and the others to Cangyuan Immortal City.

Meanwhile, he stealthily approached the spiritual mountain of the Zhou family outside the city, sending a communication flying sword to the family head Zhou Tongyue and Elder Li Hong, summoning them to meet with him.

Upon receiving Zhouyang’s communication flying sword, Zhou Tongyue and Li Hong were both astonished and delighted.

In recent decades, aside from Zhouyang passing through the Land of the Far West returning to the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm with some treasures, they hadn’t had any contact with the Zhou family, leading them at times to fear that Zhouyang had abandoned them.

Furthermore, with Zhouyang being wanted by the entire "Anti-Light Alliance," they dared not mention the existence of this family ancestor to the Zhou family juniors, fearing it would bring disaster upon the family if the secret were leaked.

Moreover, in recent years, the Cangyuan Immortal City Zhou Family’s expansion rate had been unusually rapid, causing surrounding forces to investigate their origins, hoping to find the reason for their rise.

Such investigations had kept them on edge, fearing the discovery of the Zhou family’s true origins.

Fortunately, when those forces began their investigations, the initial group of Zhou family Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators who came with Zhouyang to the Land of the Far West had all passed away, and the few who knew the true origins of the Zhou family followed Li Hong’s suggestion to move into Cangyuan Immortal City, avoiding unnecessary outings.

This made it so that even if investigators found issues with the fabricated origins of the Zhou family, they couldn’t delve any deeper.

Even so, this matter had become a heavy burden on the minds of Zhou Tongyue and Li Hong, keeping them vigilant and under extreme pressure.

Under such circumstances, receiving the communication flying sword from Zhouyang, the Zhou family ancestor, brought them immense joy.

Immediately, neither dared to leak any information, finding excuses to quietly leave the spiritual mountain of the family and meet the long unseen Zhouyang in a secluded forest as indicated in the communication.