https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-65-Gang-Life-Isn-t-Just-About-Fighting/12831539/
Chapter 66: Inner and Outer, Brothers Supporting Each Other
Chapter 66: Inner and Outer, Brothers Supporting Each Other
Cultivation isn't just about fighting and killing.
Realm advancement is the foundation of everything.
The Broken Mountain Gang was formed with the initial purpose of allowing wandering cultivators to seek cultivation resources.
The fierce battles on the Debate Platform might seem glorious, but if you asked those eighteen participants again, how many would have willingly taken part?
Probably no more than a handful.
Especially for Heart-devouring Tiger Han Dang, who had perfected his Qi Refinement, and River-stirring Dragon Gao Tingyuan, who had the potential to reach the Foundation Establishment realm.
One dead and one injured, they would never again be able to experience the greater wonders that lay ahead on the path of the Dao.
If given the choice, they would undoubtedly refuse.
Of course, they had to be in a position to refuse.
Above them were Uncle Mi Shuhua and Wang Haichao, both at the Foundation Establishment realm.
Why did these two go to such lengths, recruiting people and bestowing top-grade magical artifacts, just to win the battle?
Wasn't it all for their own benefit?
Those benefits, in reality, were for their own cultivation.
In a sense, this battle was also a struggle for their respective paths to the Dao.
But they valued their lives and chose to use their subordinates' hands instead.
Now, Luo Chen had officially joined the Broken Mountain Gang.
He wasn't there to fight and kill.
He wanted to rely on a strong backing and cultivate in peace.
But even with a strong backing, he needed to find his place and avoid being used as cannon fodder.
Therefore, after gathering information about the Broken Mountain Gang, he had already made his decision.
Late at night, Wang Yuan, with a calm expression, approached Luo Chen, who had just finished his cultivation practice.
Seeing Luo Chen's aura stabilize after completing his techniques, Wang Yuan nodded in approval.
"Qi Refinement Fifth Layer. It seems you haven't neglected your fundamental cultivation techniques."
Luo Chen smiled slightly.
Wang Yuan sighed, his gaze on Luo Chen tinged with a hint of envy.
"Brother Wang, what's the matter?"
Luo Chen couldn't quite grasp what the other man was thinking. Hadn't he won today?
He had made a name for himself in front of thousands of spectators, and even left his mark on the list of prodigies.
Surely, in other Debate Platforms of the Jade Cauldron Domain, people would have noticed him.
Moreover, he had gained the wealth of that Blood Path cultivator, which was a substantial fortune.
Upon returning, he had been rewarded for his contributions, possibly even receiving the Foundation Establishment Pill.
Could it be that...
Leader Mi Shuhua hadn't given him the Foundation Establishment Pill, but instead gave it to Brother Qin?
Luo Chen's thoughts raced, considering various possibilities.
Wang Yuan stepped out of the room and into the courtyard.
"Through this battle, the Broken Mountain Gang has gained a lot. We've solidified our position as the top gang in the Great River Market, and we've started to expand our influence over the Lancang River. The future of the Broken Mountain Gang will only get better."
"Hmm."
This was to be expected. Even without Wang Yuan's explanation, Luo Chen understood this well.
"But the losses are significant. The deaths of Heart-devouring Tiger, Leaping Stream Tiger, and Wind Forest Tiger have created three power vacuums in the Seven Tigers Hall."
"The death of Xu Renke has left me as the only Protector below the Foundation Establishment realm. The top combat power of the Broken Mountain Gang has diminished."
Luo Chen nodded, aware of this as well.
There were losses, but shouldn't Wang Yuan's status have risen?
His treatment would likely improve in the future.
Wang Yuan continued, "Tonight, Leader Mi held a meeting and established new regulations. Zeng Wen has returned to the Seven Tigers Hall, along with Downhill Tiger Luo Wudi and Dragon Coiling Tiger Yang Wei, forming the Combat Three Halls."
"Meng Qinglian has been appointed as the Head of the Alchemy Hall."
"Ke Yue Lin has been appointed as the Head of the Beast Hall."
"Leader Mi's daughter, Mi Junping, has been appointed as the Head of the Merit Hall, responsible for personnel and merit-related matters."
"The Head of the Mining Hall is yet to be determined. There will be an internal martial arts competition over the next five days to select a new Hall Head."
"The position of Protector has been abolished, and four new Elder positions have been added. I, Qin Liangchen, Luo Wudi, and a respected senior in the gang will serve as the Four Elders."
A series of personnel changes, all relayed by Wang Yuan without any reservations to Luo Chen.
Luo Chen listened quietly, nodding occasionally.
It seems that Brother Qin and his wife have benefited the most from this battle.
Originally, they only had a small business within the gang, but now one is the Head of the Alchemy Hall, and the other is an Elder.
But this was likely their own initiative.
Now, their son, Qin Xiaohu, has joined a major sect for cultivation.
I've heard that competition within major sects is fierce. If the family can provide some resources, Xiaohu could gain an advantage among his peers.
Standing out, becoming an inner disciple, or even a true disciple of the Falling Cloud Sect, isn't impossible.
The couple is working hard for their son!
The return of Zeng Wen to the Seven Tigers Hall, though, was unexpected.
That guy, doesn't he only act when he's short on spirit stones?
Now, does he decide not to slack off anymore?
Mijunping?
Mishuhua’s daughter?
With him now getting involved in the Merit Hall, it seems that this battle has deepened Mishuhua’s control over the Broken Mountain Gang.
As for the Mine Hall Hallmaster position that was released, it’s likely meant to quell the dissatisfaction of the gang members.
But, an Elder?
Luo Chen was surprised, "The Guardian position has been eliminated, so doesn’t that mean your status has actually declined, Brother Wang?"
Wang Yuan nodded, then shook his head.
"I don’t care about that. What I care about is something else."
"What is it?"
"The Gang Leader has tasked me with forming a team to take over the Lancang Waterway from the Great River Gang. It’s a water route that leads to Mount Tai Market."
Luo Chen blinked.
What’s going on here?
First, reduce his status, then give him the title of Elder, and finally, grant him real power by putting him in charge of a new team.
For a moment, Luo Chen began to doubt the Gang Leader Mishuhua’s various appointments.
Does he really trust Wang Yuan’s abilities, or is he trying to move him away from the center of power in the Broken Mountain Gang by sending him to a completely unfamiliar water transport business?
Suddenly, Luo Chen hit on the key point.
"Brother Wang, who did the Gang Leader give the Foundation Establishment Pill to?"
"Officially, it was given to Qin Liangchen. After all, I’m at the Eighth Level of Qi Condensation, while he’s at the Ninth. His contribution in the battle was no less than mine."
"What do you mean ‘officially’?"
"Qin Liangchen lost an arm in the battle. Although the Jade Tripod Sword Sect has promised to replace it, whether the new arm will integrate well with his body and if it will affect his advancement to the Foundation Establishment stage is still uncertain."
Wang Yuan’s gaze was deep, "So the Gang Leader said he would give it to Qin Liangchen once he reaches the peak of Qi Condensation. For now, he’s keeping it safe for Qin Liangchen to prevent any ill intentions from others."
Luo Chen frowned.
So, the Foundation Establishment Pill hasn’t been given out yet!
And this move makes it hard for outsiders to criticize.
Mishuhua is just keeping it safe for Qin Liangchen to prevent others from coveting it, and he will give it back once Qin Liangchen reaches the peak of Qi Condensation.
But with time, whether the new arm will affect his cultivation, and if he will really get the pill, who can say for sure?
Glancing at Wang Yuan’s deep gaze, Luo Chen suddenly understood what Wang Yuan meant by "caring about something else."
Mishuhua seems different from before!
Or perhaps, he’s always been the same, just very good at hiding it.
"Do you know why I had you join the Broken Mountain Gang this time?"
The topic suddenly shifted.
Luo Chen was caught off guard but thought for a moment and said, "Brother Wang, you need help? My cultivation level is decent enough? And we know each other well, so you wanted me to come and help you."
"Hmm."
Wang Yuan nodded slightly and added, "There’s one more thing. Gao Tingyuan’s dantian is damaged, his qi sea is broken, and he has no hope of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage. He might lash out to avenge his brother’s death."
"Joining the Broken Mountain Gang, at least, will make him think twice before targeting you."
Luo Chen opened his mouth, his eyes flickering.
With his previous understanding, he hadn’t seen this coming.
Thinking about it, if he were in Gao Tingyuan’s position, with no hope of advancing and his only close relative’s death weighing heavily on his heart, he would be consumed by the desire for revenge.
"Brother Wang, thank you."
He sincerely thanked him.
Wang Yuan waved his hand, "Joining the Broken Mountain Gang, aside from the previous Guardians, you have to join a hall and work there."
"So now, you have two choices. One is to come with me and make a living on the rivers and seas."
"The other is to stay in one of the seven halls within the gang."
Faced with these two choices, Luo Chen blinked, already having made his decision.
Wang Yuan, fearing he might not see the pros and cons clearly, explained further, "If you come with me, you won’t have to worry about being bullied by the gang. It might be tough at first, but once you get used to the water work, you’ll definitely earn a lot."
"Staying in one of the halls, I might not have much say. The hall masters are all more senior than me."
"Have you made up your mind?"
Luo Chen nodded firmly, "I choose to stay in the Medicine Hall among the seven halls."
"I almost forgot, Qin Liangchen and his wife are your neighbors."
Wang Yuan smiled, then patted Luo Chen on the shoulder.
"That’s good. Staying in the gang, you can keep an eye on things for me and let me know if anything happens."
Grinning, showing his white teeth, Luo Chen chuckled, "We’ll work together, inside and out, to make the gang even stronger and achieve greater glory!"
(End of Chapter)
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