Family Rise by Daily Intelligence

The elders of the Ping Family exchanged glances.

The Second Elder hesitated and said:

"Reporting to the Patriarch, as far as I know, currently the only family within Shangguan Family's domain in Anyang County to produce a Foundation Establishment cultivator is the Liuu Family."

Since it's from under Shangguan Family's domain, it will surely be drawn into the Shangguan Family's camp.

However, the Ping Clan Leader merely chuckled softly:

"Though Liuu Family hails from Anyang County, it may not necessarily share the same mind as the Shangguan Family."

With that, he recounted the grievances between the Liuu Family, the Fu Family, and the Shangguan Family.

Finally.

He continued:

"Although the Liuu Family Patriarch has successfully established a foundation, their Court Merit Points are still lacking by half. At this time, if we take the initiative to assist, and then select an astute female cultivator from our clan to marry into the Liuu Family, whispering into Liuu Qingyun's ears year after year, over time, what do you all think—might the Liuu Family's allegiance change?"

The eyes of the four elders lit up.

This was undoubtedly a good plan. The Second Elder, feeling guilty for his third brother's matters, also wished to contribute to the family, so he volunteered earnestly:

"Patriarch, let me be the envoy to the Liuu Family."

The Ping Clan Leader pondered for a while before nodding, giving additional instructions.

The Second Elder left Pingshan County, urged his horse to hasten to the Liuu Family in Anyang County. At this moment, Liuu Qingyun was contemplating visiting the Shangguan Family to inquire about the promotion to a Ninth-Grade Noble Family.

In the past.

Whenever he visited the Shangguan Family, he often faced closed doors and cold receptions, but now things were different. Having broken through to Foundation Establishment, even when arriving at the Shangguan Family, he would be treated as a distinguished guest.

Upon hearing the report from a servant that a secretive guest wished to see him.

Liuu Qingyun waved his hand dismissively, "I won't see him."

After breaking through Foundation Establishment.

Every Tom, Dick, and Harry wanted to forge ties with him.

He had no such leisure or interest.

Yet, the servant presented a white box embossed with dragon patterns with both hands:

"Patriarch, the masked guest said you would definitely summon him upon seeing the contents of the box."

Liuu Qingyun frowned, skepticism in his eyes as he swung his sleeve, causing the box to float over. Seeing the Tier Two Restriction on the box, his pupils contracted:

"Foundation Establishment cultivator?!"

Only a Foundation Establishment cultivator could lay down a Tier Two Restriction.

However.

Within Anyang County.

Besides the Shangguan Family, he hadn't heard of any loose cultivator succeeding in establishing foundations.

Curious about who the visitor might be, he hurriedly instructed:

"Quickly invite the person in."

After a while.

The black-robed man appeared in the conference hall.

Liuu Qingyun activated the array.

Finally remarked:

"Fellow Daoist, it's convenient to speak now."

Upon his words finishing.

He watched as the black-robed man waved his hand, dispelling the mask on his face, revealing himself as the Ping Family's Second Elder.

Liuu Qingyun was taken aback: "What is a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Ping Family doing coming to their Liuu Family?"

Doubtful within.

Yet, as the Second Elder was at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, well above Liuu Qingyun's cultivation, he dared not act impolitely, clasping his hands and said:

"I never expected the visit from Second Elder, forgive me, forgive me."

Inviting him to sit, he personally brewed a cup of Five-pointed Tea.

However.

Racking his brains, Liuu Qingyun couldn't fathom a reason for the Ping Family to seek them out.

When he heard about the Quasi-Ninth-Grade Noble Family matter.

Liuu Qingyun was so excited that he abruptly stood from his seat. If true, it would be immense wealth for the Liuu Family indeed.

At that moment, regardless of the Second Elder's intentions, he offered heartfelt thanks.

The Second Elder remarked in surprise:

"Fellow Daoist Liuu, you belong to the Shangguan Family's domain, such important intelligence, hasn't the Shangguan Family sent anyone to inform you? This is too.... not to take you...."

Seriously, perhaps.

Though the latter part wasn't spoken.

Liuu Qingyun self-filled the blanks mentally.

His heart held some complaints towards the Shangguan Family's actions, realizing swiftly the Ping Family's intent to recruit him. Such treatment was unprecedented for him, creating a complex feeling within.

However.

His family was ultimately under the domain of the Shangguan Family.

If truly aligned with the Liuu Family, it would be unpleasant to spread such news, most importantly, offending the Shangguan Family would be unwise.

Even though he established a foundation, compared to the long-standing Ninth-Grade Noble Family status of the Shangguan Family, it was insignificant, as he knew his limitations.

Fearful of Shangguan Family's misunderstanding.

He dared not keep the Second Elder longer, subtlely saying:

"Second Elder, today, I have pressing matters and must go out. Another day, I shall invite you to the Drunken Immortal Tower for a drink, apologize, apologize."

With that.

He stood to see the guest off.

This situation unfolded as the Second Elder expected, but he maintained his thick-faced demeanor, as though unhearing, continued sitting unperturbed, knowing that unless a compelling offer was made, Liuu Qingyun would most likely inquire about the Quasi-Ninth-Grade Noble Family matter at the Shangguan Family.

He immediately transmitted:

"Fellow Daoist Liuu, to achieve Quasi-Ninth-Grade Noble Family status, aside from having a Foundation Establishment cultivator, a hundred Court Merit Points is critical too. I've heard you're halfway there, and our Ping Family is willing to assist in meeting this goal, deem it the bridal dowry for our daughter marrying into your Liuu Family. Fellow Daoist Liuu, what say you?"

Fifty Court Merit Points.

Even as an established Foundation Cultivator, it was not a feat accomplished overnight.

Liuu Qingyun felt tempted.

Especially after meeting the Ping Family's natural-born allure daughter the Second Elder introduced, tipping the scale further, yet in the end, he gritted his teeth and declined:

"Thank you, Second Elder, for your kind offer, but unfortunately under the eaves, one must bow their head. Given our Liuu Family's current strength, we dare not challenge the Shangguan Family."