Chapter 072 – Protecting One’s Own

The new arrangement felt oddly familiar to Li Yuan, like switching from a centralized authority to granting fiefdoms.

If those who established new martial hall branches each managed their own territory, they would naturally work to build up their power, which in turn would strengthen the Blood Blade Sect as a whole.

As for any hidden dangers, at least for the time being, there didn’t seem to be any serious concerns.

But Li Yuan wasn’t planning to go anywhere. What he really needed was eighth rank demonic beast meat, not ninth rank.

Although founding one of the 12 martial hall branches in the three townships previously owned by the Wei Family came with significant rights and opportunities, it would also paint a target on his back for attacks from the Sun Family and any Wei Family remnants.

Branches that thrived would invite trouble; those that struggled might collapse outright—and then there were still the deputy sect leader, elders, and enforcers stationed there, turning it all into a veritable battleground. That was a life for the bold and ambitious, not for him.

As for becoming an instructor at headquarters, it was the most laid-back position possible—and Li Yuan was quite content with a low-profile role. Yet he still needed money, resources, and a way to keep tabs on the outside world.

For now, he simply wanted to look after the Ginger Tavern and Full Moon Teahouse so his wife’s businesses could grow. After all, those ventures were effectively his family’s assets, and expanding them could prove extremely valuable later on.

Meanwhile, plenty of inner disciples were eager to set up their own branches. An extra 500 kg of ninth rank demonic beast meat every six months plus local tax revenue was more than enough to attract attention.

Under normal circumstances, the sect wouldn’t offer such generous terms; only these unusual times justified it. In no time at all, 14 inner disciples volunteered to open branches, including Fang Jianlong.

By the time the count hit 12, two more who tried to sign up were turned away because they were a fraction too late.

When Tie Sha asked about inspectors, Li Yuan immediately raised his hand.

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Before long, it was time to draw lots. The instructors didn’t need to draw, since that role was fixed. Fang Chengbao, for instance, chose to be an instructor because his family was well off and he wanted to focus on cultivation. The branches were quickly decided; any disputes would have to be settled in the arena or by negotiation, but that was no concern of Li Yuan’s.

Finally, it was time to decide the inspectors. Nine positions were split among three townships—Violet Haven, Silver Creek, and Parasol Town.

Li Yuan was keen on Silver Creek, but it all came down to chance. Along with five other candidates, with Zhao Chunxin among them, he stepped up to the drawing box.

He sized up the other four—three men and one woman, all eighth rank, though none appeared stronger than Zhao Chunxin.

Zhao Chunxin glanced at Li Yuan, whose cultivation was still officially ninth rank, and smirked. “Which township do you want?”

“Silver Creek,” he said.

“Good choice.”

At that, no one else said a thing. Tie Sha signaled for them to draw. Six hands reached into the box and grabbed slips of paper.

Li Yuan opened his slip of paper and saw Parasol Town.

A short distance away, Zhao Chunxin revealed that she had drawn Violet Haven.

The remaining four opened their slips, each seeing which township they’d drawn.

Fixing her gaze on a thin, small-built disciple, Zhao Chunxin said, “Junior Brother Ren, I think Violet Haven would suit you. Why don’t we swap? Give me Silver Creek.”

“Why should I?” he retorted.

Zhao Chunxin bared her teeth in a broad grin, her face suddenly looking tough and fierce. “Care for an arena match?”

He let out a cold snort, pointing at Li Yuan. “I see what this is about. You want to give him Silver Creek. Sure, I can’t beat you in a duel. But the moment you hand that slip to him, I can challenge him. Think he can beat me?”

She cut him off. “Then let’s do this publicly. Right here, right now, I challenge you.”

“Hmph!” The disciple clenched his jaw, clearly reluctant to face her in a fight. In the end, he shoved the slip of paper into her hand. Everyone knew Zhao Chunxin’s reputation for both skill and ruthlessness.

With Silver Creek now in her grasp, Zhao Chunxin sidled over to Li Yuan. “Junior Brother, it looks like I’ll be the one inspecting Silver Creek for you. Once you reach eighth rank, I’ll hand it over, promise.”

Just then, a calm voice rang out from nearby, “Chunxin, just give it to him.”

Everyone turned to look and saw Senior Li, seated comfortably in the enforcer chair. sweeping a fierce gaze across the hall. “This old man isn’t dead yet,” he growled, his voice echoing heavily.

Then he glanced at Li Yuan. “Take it. I’d like to see who dares give you trouble.”

With that, Zhao Chunxin promptly handed the slip of paper to Li Yuan. The inner disciple who had lost out watched helplessly.

Damn it, that entire branch is just too protective, nothing but special treatment for Li Yuan from top to bottom.

If only he had a master and senior sister like that.

Left with no choice, he stood silently off to one side, his gaze icy as it lingered on Li Yuan for a moment before he reluctantly looked away.

Li Yuan pretended not to notice, showing no sign that he registered the man’s grudge. Nonetheless, he mentally noted the fellow’s combat power was 52~60.

Meanwhile, he turned a grateful smile toward Zhao Chunxin and Senior Li. Both smiled back with genuine warmth in their eyes.

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When the meeting finally adjourned, Li Yuan, Zhao Chunxin, and Senior Li stepped aside together.

Li Yuan bowed, sincerity in his voice, “Thank you, Master, and thank you, Senior Sister.”

Senior Li chuckled. “In the martial world, belonging to the same sect means looking out for each other. My student, I only helped you today so you wouldn’t be weighed down by worries and let it affect your cultivation.”

“I understand,” Li Yuan said, truly grateful.

Zhao Chunxin added, “That’s how these cliques in a sect help each other. Still, you want Silver Creek for the sake of that proprietress at the Ginger Tavern, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Li Yuan nodded.

Zhao Chunxin frowned. “You mean to marry her?”

He nodded again. “Is there a problem?”

She sighed and shook her head. “Not exactly. I’ve never heard any unseemly gossip about her. On the contrary, people say she’s loyal and generous, and although she’s a widow, she seems like a gentle, virtuous woman. But...isn’t one wife enough? Taking a second wife, won’t it hinder your cultivation? Don’t disappoint Senior Li’s hopes for you!”

Li Yuan said gravely, “I won’t let anyone down.”

Senior Li, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke. “Good! I’ll be watching. If you can reach eighth rank by this time next year, I’ll have nothing more to say. I’ll even personally officiate your wedding. But if you can’t...”

Li Yuan declared, “I give you my word. I won’t fail.”

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After bidding farewell to Senior Li and Zhao Chunxin, Li Yuan arrived home just before sunset.

“You’re back!” Yan Yu and Xue Ning came out together, flanking him on either side and leading him into the dining room.

On the table sat several dishes, the steam long gone cold. But not a single bite had been taken.

“You two haven’t eaten yet?”

“We weren’t hungry.”

“We were waiting for you.”

Yan Yu and Xue Ning giggled, while the maid Xiao Mei carried the plates away to reheat them.

Li Yuan, surrounded so warmly, couldn’t help but smile. “Do you want to know where I’ve been?”

The two women just looked at each other with teasing grins, not answering. If he wanted to tell them, he would.

Li Yuan explained, “Once things settle down with the remnants of the Wei Family, another disciple and I will be Inspectors of Silver Creek. That means we’ll be in charge of the public market, weapon shops, and the local magistrate’s office.”

The two women stared at him in surprise.

Xue Ning grinned. “Then I’ll have to make sure I serve my new lord inspector well.”

Li Yuan continued, “Also, Senior Li told me that if I reach eighth rank by next year, he’ll personally officiate our wedding.”

Yan Yu, who knew Li Yuan’s true level, still pretended to sigh like a fretful cat. “But what if you fail? That would be awful!”

Noticing genuine worry flash in Xue Ning’s eyes, Yan Yu burst into mischievous laughter.

Afterwards, Li Yuan said in a low voice, “Xue Ning, let’s take your carriage out of the inner district at dusk.”