CHAPTER 609: CHAPTER 594: CUTTING THROUGH THE CHAOS QUICKLY

At the Zhou Family’s ancestral hall commendation ceremony, Zhou Ronghua, Zhou Rongxiang, and Zhou Shenghe not only gained face but also substantial benefits.

Zhouyang not only praised the three in front of all the clan members, urging everyone to learn from them, but also shared his reward plan for them with everyone.

This tangible fame and fortune indeed made all the Zhou Clan members present envious and eager.

Many cultivators know Zhou Ronghua’s trio. In the past, although they were considered good in the Zhou Family, there were many equally or more outstanding individuals.

Now, the three have merely followed the family ancestor to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, participated in a great battle, and returned home with such honor and rewards, which naturally provokes envy among cultivators of similar age.

Many younger Zhou family members resolved on the spot to plead with the Clan Leader to follow the ancestor to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm after the meeting.

Even some older cultivators of the Zhou family are secretly pondering whether to take the risk to secure a promising future for their descendants.

Zhouyang observed all this, feeling satisfied, knowing that his purpose was initially achieved.

Letting the Zhou Family step out of the Boundless Desert Sea has always been his goal, but this migration strategy must follow a voluntary principle and cannot be forced.

The world outside is fascinating, but also dangerous.

In Zhouyang’s view, Zhou Family Cultivators wanting to step out of the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm must first have the resolve to face death bravely.

Due to geographical constraints, he cannot lead all Zhou Family Cultivators to migrate to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, so with limited spots, every cultivator going out must be an elite within the family.

These elite cultivators must gather to efficiently rebuild a strong Zhou Family in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.

"Now, our Zhou Family already has a foothold in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm. Outstanding family members can voluntarily apply to the family to train and guard there. The Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm is prosperous but also dangerous, so I hope you carefully consider whether you are prepared to sacrifice for the family’s grand cause before applying, make a decision only after thorough consideration!"

Zhouyang, looking at those family members with longing and hopeful expressions, waved his hand and said solemnly, "Now, those with cultivation below the Foundation Establishment Stage can leave. Foundation Establishment Stage and Purple Mansion Stage members stay; I have an important matter to announce to you ancestors!"

Upon hearing this, the Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators of the Zhou family, though extremely curious about what the important matter might be, dared not defy this order from the family ancestor. They respectfully withdrew.

After all those people left, Zhouyang shifted his gaze to Zhou Guangxiang, who had been silent all day, shook his head slightly, and said, "It’s better for you to say it yourself."

"As you wish, uncle."

Zhou Guangxiang responded softly, then his gaze swept over the Zhou Family Cultivators with surprise on their faces, closed his eyes, and slowly opened his mouth and said, "I’m guilty, being the Zhou Family Patriarch, yet knowingly violating the law, using my authority for personal gain, for..."

The hall was silent, only Zhou Guangxiang’s voice filled with regret reverberated.

Regarding Zhou Shengyu being sent away, for the peace of the clan, Zhou Guangxiang previously told other cultivators he was sent to further study beside Zhouyang and his spouse.

Since he is the Patriarch, and being able to follow and train alongside Zhouyang, the family ancestor with Golden Core Stage cultivation, is indeed a great fortune, other Zhou Family Cultivators didn’t suspect anything.

Upon hearing his confession, a group of Zhou Family Cultivators was stunned.

Zhou Guangxiang didn’t look at the shocked Zhou Clan Members but continued to speak to himself, "Those with merits are rewarded, those with faults are punished, clearly stated in our Zhou Family’s rules, although I’m the Patriarch, I’m not exempt!"

"According to the family rules, those using authority for private gain face the highest penalty of abolishing cultivation and being expelled from the clan. Zhou Guangxiang, as the Patriarch, led by example in abusing authority, severe punishment is required to convince everyone!"

"Therefore, sinner Zhou Guangxiang hereby pleads for the Supreme Elder to strip me of my Patriarch position and impose a hundred-year exile outside to serve as a warning!"

At the last moment, he had already knelt in front of the ancestral hall storing ancestral spiritual tablets, deeply crouching to show his penitence.

It was only then that others snapped out of this shocking change.

"Brother, brother you..."

Zhou Guangxiang and Zhou Guangxiang are siblings, having been together for hundreds of years. Among the cultivators present, it was hardest for her to accept this scene.

She looked at her brother kneeling, her face changing drastically, trying to say something.

But before her words were finished, she suddenly stopped, her gaze shifted to Zhouyang.

She "thudded" knelt down, facing Zhouyang, kowtowing heavily, pleading, "Ninth Uncle, Ninth Uncle have mercy, even if brother was wrong, there is no need for such a heavy punishment! Please remember his past merits and efforts for the clan, have mercy and spare him once, niece appeals to you!"

"Sister, you must rise. You cannot be disrespectful to Ninth Uncle. All of this is my own doing; I don’t blame anyone else. No need to say more!"

Zhou Guangxiang sternly stopped his sister’s actions, bowing three times before the ancestral hall with a "knock knock knock," then raised his head and stood up, turning to face Zhouyang, waiting for Zhouyang to pronounce the final judgment.

However, Zhouyang did not look at him but turned his gaze toward the other Zhou Clan members, speaking coldly with a chilly voice: "You have all seen and heard. Zhou Guangxiang, as Clan Leader, made mistakes and thus needs to be punished by clan rules. If anyone dares to use their position to violate clan rules in the future, they should consider whether they can escape the punishment by clan rules!"

The Zhou Family Cultivators present were instantly terrified, kneeling together on the ground and repeatedly proclaiming: "We dare not!"

"Daring or not is not a matter of merely saying it; it depends on actual actions!"

"Guangxiang is someone I have watched grow up, even raised myself. Over the past hundreds of years, I have been proud of him many times, but you see the result now."

"I hope you can learn from him, go back and review the clan rules carefully a few more times. I don’t want to see similar things happen again in the future. If I can tolerate you, the clan rules might not!"

After saying these words coldly, Zhouyang waved his hand and took the clan leader’s token from Zhou Guangxiang.

"Now, witness together as I, in my capacity as the Zhou Family Supreme Elder, strip Zhou Guangxiang of the clan leader position and punish him with exile to the Cultivation Realm of Liuyun Continent for a hundred years!"

"Zhou Guangxiang accepts his punishment." Zhou Guangxiang slightly bowed his hands, indicating no objection.

Seeing this, Zhouyang continued saying: "The clan cannot be without a leader for a day. Since Zhou Guangxiang is no longer the clan leader, in accordance with clan rules, we will select a new clan leader from among you. Now, you can speak freely about who you think is a suitable candidate, and then I will personally test them to determine their suitability for the position of Zhou Family Patriarch."

Wow!

Upon hearing Zhouyang’s words, the Zhou Family Cultivators inside the ancestral hall immediately changed their expressions.

The last time the Zhou Family changed its clan leader was more than two hundred years ago. Today, over ninety percent of the Zhou Family Cultivators present hadn’t even been born.

Since their birth, Zhou Guangxiang has been the clan leader of Zhou, and with the lifespan of a Purple Mansion Stage Cultivator, most of them, unless they succeed in opening the Purple Mansion, would likely pass away before Zhou Guangxiang.

So the position of clan leader was something many Zhou Family Cultivators dared not even dream about, having no such thoughts whatsoever.

But now the position of clan leader is vacant, and hearing Zhouyang’s meaning, it seems a new leader will be chosen from them, the Foundation Establishment Cultivators. How could they not be excited?

The Zhou Family is now the overlord of the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm. As soon as they become the Zhou Family Patriarch, even if they are still at the Foundation Establishment Stage, their status will surpass that of all Purple Mansion Stage Cultivators outside the Zhou Family, becoming one under a few, above tens of thousands.

Furthermore, becoming the Zhou Family Patriarch means gaining significant priorities in the exchange of cultivation resources within the family, making treasures like [Purple Heart Jade Marrow] much easier to obtain than other Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Who wouldn’t want such a glorious and advantageous position?

"Ancestor, this junior lacks talent but is willing to self-nominate and accept the ancestor’s test."

Soon, a Zhou Family Foundation Establishment Cultivator mustered the courage to step forward, looking at Zhouyang with a hopeful expression, bowing respectfully for a self-recommendation.

This person’s cultivation was not weak, having the seventh-layer Foundation Establishment cultivation.

Zhouyang noticed this and immediately moved his lips, sending a sound transmission to test him.

It was visibly obvious that upon hearing the question from Zhouyang, the Zhou Family Cultivator’s facial expression changed dramatically, hesitatingly moving his lips, unable to answer.

After waiting for a while, Zhouyang shook his head slightly and said: "Step back; you’re not suitable."

The person’s face turned pale at once, then bowed his head in shame, saying: "This junior is incompetent and has disappointed the ancestor." After speaking, he retreated.

After this individual, several more were recommended or self-nominated, each stepping forward to accept Zhouyang’s test in turn.

In this process, few passed Zhouyang’s single test, but none succeeded in passing three successive tests.

"Tongxuan, you should try too."

In the crowd, Zhou Tongxuan, who was watching with full envy at a Zhou Family Cultivator undergoing Zhouyang’s test, suddenly heard someone calling him.

Turning back, he saw Aunt Zhou Guangxiang looking at him encouragingly.

"I, can I? Father just..."

With a troubled expression, he mumbled with hesitation, leaving the latter half of his sentence unsaid, but he knew his aunt would surely understand what he meant.

As expected, when Zhou Guangxiang heard him speak, she immediately shook her head and transmitted her advice to him, saying: "You underestimate Ninth Uncle’s magnanimity. Your father is your father, and you are you. Since he hasn’t said you can’t compete for the next Clan Leader, it means he implicitly agrees you can. If you don’t dare to step forward, that’s what will make him completely disappointed in you!"

"Nephew understands, thank you for your guidance, Aunt. Were it not for you, Nephew would have made another mistake!"

A flash of realization appeared in Zhou Tongxuan’s eyes, and he nodded gratefully at Zhou Guangxiang, then mustered the courage to step forward.

As he took this step, he clearly felt the peculiar gazes from other clan members.

He understood well what these clan members were thinking now, but when he took this step, he had already prepared himself mentally.

Moreover, after taking this step, although he didn’t look back, he could clearly feel his father, Zhou Guangxiang’s gaze on him—its significance markedly different from the others.

It was a gaze full of hope and expectation, a father’s most genuine anticipation for his son.

Zhou Yang’s gaze also slightly changed.

Although he had long intended for Zhou Tongxuan to succeed the position of Clan Leader, he hadn’t shared this with anyone besides his Dao Companion Xiao Ying.

Zhou Guangxiang was right; if Zhou Tongxuan hadn’t dared to step out today, Zhou Yang would become completely disappointed in him.

Zhou Yang doesn’t worry about how strong he is, for with the Zhou Family’s current foundation and strength, a mediocre Clan Leader would not greatly impact the family, at most just lack the prestige to command people.

But Zhou Yang doesn’t want a Clan Leader of the Zhou Family who lacks any sense of responsibility.

Zhou Guangxiang lost his position as Clan Leader for abusing power for Zhou Tongxuan, his son. Even if Zhou Tongxuan was unaware beforehand and opposed it himself, as a son, he should step forward now, proving himself with actions, showing others he isn’t the coward or the incapable one hiding behind his father’s glory!

Now that Zhou Tongxuan has stepped forward, it relieved Zhou Yang internally, no longer troubled.

Immediately, he transmitted a test to Zhou Tongxuan, but the test questions were simple and easy to understand.

Zhou Tongxuan is not a fool; from the simple questions Zhou Yang posed, he immediately realized the deeper meaning, looking at Zhou Yang in surprise and joy, eyes full of excitement.

"Given this opportunity due to your father and aunt’s honor, not because you have much capability; bear this in mind."

"Of course, if you truly achieve great things, earning true recognition of your ability from me and other clan members, that would be even better."

"If that day ever comes, then your father’s sacrifices for you wouldn’t be in vain!"

Looking at the excited Zhou Tongxuan, Zhou Yang spoke these rather sobering words calmly, then announced the result solemnly without glancing at Zhou Tongxuan’s stiffened expression.

Regarding Zhou Tongxuan being elected as the sixth-generation Zhou Family Patriarch, many Zhou Family cultivators present were displeased.

They weren’t fools; such a clear insider deal couldn’t escape their eyes.

But, regardless of their displeasure, none dared to oppose Zhou Yang, the family’s old ancestor’s decision.

Even Zhou Guangxiang, who had been the fifth-generation Clan Leader for two hundred years, was dismissed by Zhou Yang, the family’s old ancestor, at will; what are they, mere Foundation Establishment cultivators?

The position of Clan Leader is indeed designated by the prior Clan Leader or the family’s highest authority. Zhou Yang giving them a chance before was already exceptionally gracious.

If anyone failed to understand this, there’s truly no saving them.

Next, Zhou Yang ordered those scattered Zhou Family Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators to return to the ancestral hall, and before these cultivators, he handed the token representing the Clan Leader to Zhou Tongxuan, completing the handover of the Clan Leader position.

After simply stepping out again, the family’s Clan Leader was replaced, leaving those Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators utterly perplexed.

But seeing those family Foundation Establishment cultivators and Purple Mansion cultivators not expressing dissent, naturally, no Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators dared speak up.

After all, who becomes Clan Leader is still a Clan Leader?

As long as their welfare and offerings aren’t reduced, not affecting their practical interests, whether it’s Zhou Guangxiang or Zhou Tongxuan as Clan Leader—it’s truly not a problem for these family bottom-tier cultivators.

"Ninth Uncle’s immense grace, Nephew can hardly repay even with a hundred deaths, with a hundred deaths!"

In the cave, Zhou Guangxiang knelt before Zhouyang, deeply bowing his head, tears streaming down his face, tears of gratitude.

He had never expected that after Zhouyang stripped him of the clan leader position, he would help him achieve his wish in this manner.

Such tumultuous changes were unbearable even for someone like him, a Purple Mansion Stage Cultivator who had practiced for hundreds of years and had been in control of the Zhou family’s power for hundreds of years, causing him to uncontrollably shed tears of gratitude.

"Ah, if only you had known today, why did you act that way back then!"

"Back then you told me you wanted Tongxuan to succeed you as clan leader, I didn’t oppose it, so why didn’t you ask for my opinion? You recklessly made such foolish decisions!"

"You have truly disappointed me!"

Zhouyang looked at his nephew, who was sobbing in front of him, with a look of bitter disappointment. Anger surged in his heart, and he no longer suppressed his fury, angrily rebuking him.

"The deeper the love, the harsher the criticism."

As much as he once valued Zhou Guangxiang, now he felt equally disappointed and angry.

Facing the rebuke, Zhou Guangxiang was full of shame, unable to reply, simply lowering his head deeply, accepting everything silently.

This matter is undeniable; he indeed made a mistake.

Whether it’s said he was possessed or he was overly thoughtful, the matter has already occurred, the punishment has been decided, and any defense is futile.

After Zhouyang had scolded him for a while, his anger dissipated somewhat, and he couldn’t help but wave his hand at him and say, "Alright, the matter has happened, scolding you is useless. Next, explain clearly to your son what a clan leader should do, then follow me to Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm. If you succeed in achieving Core Formation, you will have a chance to return to the clan to redeem your tarnished reputation in the future. Otherwise, your life will remain unchanged!"

"Nephew understands, thank you, Ninth Uncle, for your grace!"

Zhou Guangxiang nodded three times and expressed his gratitude, then withdrew from the cave to focus on teaching his son Zhou Tongxuan the way of being a clan leader.

In the following month, Zhouyang held individual conversations and assessments with those Late-Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators within the Zhou clan to determine who could be strongly supported to aid them in opening their Purple Mansion.

After these conversations and assessments, he ultimately selected three Zhou family Foundation Establishment cultivators as support candidates.

These three Zhou family Foundation Establishment cultivators were Zhou Rongfei, Zhou Rongzhen, and Zhou Shengfan. Zhou Rongfei and Zhou Rongzhen were both at the Ninth Layer Foundation Establishment, ready to attempt opening their Purple Mansion, while Zhou Shengfan had cultivation of the Eighth Layer Foundation Establishment, not far from the Ninth Layer Foundation Establishment.

For Zhou Rongfei and Zhou Rongzhen, the Ninth-Layer Foundation Establishment cultivators, Zhouyang directly cleared out their clan contribution points and granted them a portion of the Purple Heart Jade Marrow through a loan to help them open their Purple Mansion.

While for the Eighth-Layer Foundation Establishment cultivator Zhou Rongfei, Zhouyang used "Qianyang Immortal Light" to cleanse impurities and erysipelas from his body, then granted him a Spirit Pill to help him advance to the Ninth Layer Foundation Establishment and similarly granted a portion of the Purple Heart Jade Marrow to aid the future opening of his Purple Mansion.

After handing out three portions of Purple Heart Jade Marrow, Zhouyang took out another two portions and stored them in the Zhou family’s bloodline treasure vault, along with the original portion inside, and additionally took over a million Low-Grade Spirit Stones and a dozen Top-Grade Spirit Stones from the clan’s treasure vault for reserve.

As for the other ten portions of Purple Heart Jade Marrow, Zhouyang had no plans to store them in the clan now, nor did he disclose the news to anyone.

Such items were not that precious to him, but it’s difficult to acquire so many at once.

If the cultivators in the clan knew there were so many portions of Purple Heart Jade Marrow, someone might come up with some crooked thoughts.

Thus, it would be better not to elaborate, simply establishing a standard for them.

Zhouyang’s exchange standard for Purple Heart Jade Marrow was simple. Normally, Foundation Establishment cultivators needed two hundred thousand clan contribution points to exchange for it.

But if one is an Upper-Grade Spiritual Root cultivator, or is on the clan’s "Heroic Martyr List" like Zhou Ronghua, Zhou Rongxiang, and Zhou Shenghe, they can exchange a portion of Purple Heart Jade Marrow through a loan by paying half of the clan contribution points.

This standard is the same as that of a top-tier major sect like Profound Sun Immortal Sect, allowing all Zhou family cultivators to enjoy the treatment of disciples of a top-tier sect.

Zhouyang, able to do this, felt he had done justice to everyone.

According to this standard, as of now, only Zhou Tongxuan, who received a large donation of clan contribution points from Zhou Guangxiang and Zhou Guangxiang’s sister, Zhou Guangxiang and Zhou Guangxiang’s contribution is capable of redeeming a full-price portion of Purple Heart Jade Marrow.

Yet, even if Zhou Guangxiang and Zhou Guangxiang’s sister transferred most of their clan contribution points to him, because he had already used a portion of Purple Heart Jade Marrow from the clan before, after replenishing the contribution points needed for that portion, he could not possibly raise enough clan contribution points to redeem a third portion of Purple Heart Jade Marrow in the next hundred years.

These clan cultivators need quite some time to see results in opening their Purple Mansion, and even if they succeed, they still require a considerable amount of time for divine technique practice and realm stability.

Therefore, Zhouyang did not stay in the clan waiting for results, instead waiting for three months for Zhou Guangxiang to finish teaching his son before leading Zhou Guangxiang and Zhou Ronghua, Zhou Rongxiang, and seven other Zhou family cultivators back to Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.