Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

This wasn’t unheard of. Take Song Luzhou, for instance. He was in charge of the clan’s finances, managed the distribution and exchange of Contribution Points, and also oversaw the various affairs of the Hundred Arts Hall. It seemed he had a hand in everything, a messy and disorganized arrangement.

Then there was Song Xianyun. As the Grand Elder, theoretically, all clan matters should pass through his hands. If he were one to covet power, he could have easily seized control of both minor affairs and finances, becoming more of a Clan Leader than the Clan Leader himself.

If the Grand Elder had a mind to vie for power with the Clan Leader, the consequences would be severe. While Song Xianyun wasn’t such a person, what about those who came after him? Could they be as selfless and devoted to the clan?

No one could say for sure!

But after this division of responsibilities, such a situation would no longer arise, because the scope of each position was now clearly defined.

Song Xianyun was the first to state his position. "The Clan Leader’s words are wise. I have no objections."

The biggest potential obstacle to this restructuring of authority was Song Xianyun, the Grand Elder, as it was his power that was being divided.

Yet now, he was the first to express his approval. If even he had no objections, the others naturally had no reason to oppose it, and they all voiced their agreement.

"In that case, I will now announce the latest personnel appointments. If anyone has a differing opinion, you may voice it," Song Changsheng said solemnly, taking out a list he had prepared long ago.

"Song Luzhou is appointed Minor Affairs Elder."

"Song Xianyun is appointed Instructor Elder."

"Song Luyun is appointed Foreign Affairs Elder."

"Song Chang’an is appointed Punishment Elder."

"Xia Yunxue is appointed Hundred Arts Elder."

"Song Changxiu will be responsible for guarding the Mortal Realm."

"Song Lutong, Song Changxuan, and Song Changrong will be responsible for guarding Moon Viewing Marketplace."

As the list of appointments was read, the reactions of those present were mixed.

They approved of most of the appointments, but they couldn’t understand why Song Luyun was made the Foreign Affairs Elder.

It wasn’t that they had anything against Song Luyun; her seniority was simply lacking. She had made her breakthrough even later than Song Qingxing, and her performance had never been particularly outstanding.

In terms of authority, the position of Foreign Affairs Elder was in no way less important than that of the Minor Affairs Elder; in some respects, it was even more critical.

Such an important position... even if it wasn’t to be held by the highly respected Song Xianyun or Song Luzhou, shouldn’t it at least go to Song Lutong?

But instead, it had fallen into the hands of Song Luyun, who had only recently made her breakthrough. This left everyone rather perplexed.

Of course, Song Changsheng had his own reasons for this arrangement.

Although Song Luyun lacked seniority, she was particularly adept at navigating social complexities, was meticulous in her work, had a unique perspective, and possessed a real knack for trade. One could say she was a perfect match for the duties of the Foreign Affairs Elder.

Her only weakness might be in intelligence gathering, but since Song Changsheng had already decided to personally take charge of that area, it wouldn’t be an issue.

Despite having his reasons, Song Changsheng didn’t intend to explain too much. Competence wasn’t proven with words, but with actions. He turned his gaze to Song Luyun and asked, "Aunt Yun, are you confident you can handle this position?"

Song Luyun was deeply moved. She had never imagined she would be appointed to such a vital position. Hearing Song Changsheng’s words, she quickly stood up and declared, "Reporting to the Clan Leader, I am confident I can handle it! If I make any mistakes or omissions, I am willing to accept any punishment!"

"Very good. I believe in you." Song Changsheng gave her an encouraging look, then turned to the crowd. "Are all of you willing to trust her this once?"

"We are!" the crowd replied in unison.

The Clan Leader was willing to trust her, so did it matter whether they did? Obviously not.

Suddenly, Song Lutong stood up and exclaimed, "Clan Leader, this isn’t right!"

All eyes immediately focused on him, and the atmosphere in the meeting hall instantly grew awkward.

Some people frantically shot glances at Song Lutong, signaling for him to sit down immediately.

After all, this was the first major clan meeting since Song Changsheng had taken his position. For someone to openly challenge his decision would be a blow to his authority as Clan Leader.

But Song Lutong was completely oblivious, complaining with a dissatisfied expression, "You’ve assigned all the tasks to us, so what are you going to do?"

As soon as he said this, question marks seemed to appear over everyone’s heads.

Song Changsheng couldn’t help but blink. ’I thought Song Lutong was unhappy with his appointment,’ he thought. ’I never expected this was what he wanted to say.’

’But it makes sense when I think about it. Song Lutong despises administrative duties. The more authority, the more work. He’d love nothing more than to just cultivate all day and do nothing. How could he possibly object to my appointments?’

Once everyone realized this, the atmosphere in the meeting hall suddenly became harmonious again.

But, it had to be said, Song Lutong had raised a very interesting point. Song Luzhou had minor affairs, Xia Yunxue had finances, Song Luyun had diplomacy... if they were doing everything, what was left for him, the Clan Leader, to do?

Song Changsheng remained composed. He cleared his throat and said, "For some time now, I’ve noticed a problem—the clan’s intelligence gathering has many shortcomings. Therefore, I’ve decided to personally take charge of the Wind Language Hall. As for the rest, I can only ask all of you to work a little harder."

This wasn’t entirely an excuse, as Song Changsheng truly did place great importance on intelligence work, and his focus for the near future would largely be on this area.

But the main reason was still that he wanted to be lazy.

Seeing that this lout was about to press the issue, Song Changsheng quickly changed the subject. "Zhuang Yuechan, a Direct Disciple under the Great City Lord, recently gave me some information.

In one month, Luoxia City will hold a grand auction. A large quantity of Foundation Establishment Pills and Demon Beast Materials of all tiers will be available.

There will also be rare Spirit Plants and various Heavenly and Earthly Treasures that the Allied Army acquired during the campaign against the Hundred Thousand Mountains.

This is an excellent opportunity for our clan. I’ve decided to send people to participate and bid on the Foundation Establishment Pills."

At these words, the entire hall erupted.

It was common knowledge that after the Beast Tide a few years ago, Luoxia City had seized many Great Demon Demon Pills. After the war, they announced they would be refining Foundation Establishment Pills, and the auxiliary herbs for refining them were almost completely swept from the market.

For the refining process to have taken so many years, one could only imagine how vast the quantity would be.

Even after subtracting the portion Luoxia City would keep for its own use, and the portion distributed to the Cultivators who earned Merit during the Beast Tide, the remaining number of Foundation Establishment Pills would surely be substantial.

"Clan Leader, do you know roughly how many Foundation Establishment Pills will be made available?" Song Luyun asked, standing up.

Hearing this, Song Changsheng held up one finger and wagged it.

"A hundred pills?" The crowd in the meeting hall erupted once more, rubbing their hands together in eagerness, wishing they could snatch them all up.

But Song Luyun remained very calm. She shook her head slightly and said, "If that’s the only amount, I’m afraid the bidding results won’t be ideal."

This was undoubtedly like pouring a basin of cold water on the crowd. In an instant, all eyes were on her.

"Explain," Song Changsheng asked, his expression unreadable.

"A hundred-some Foundation Establishment Pills certainly sounds like a lot, but in the Daqi Nineteen Provinces, the number of Foundation Establishment Influences alone is close to that figure. That’s not even counting the Qi Refining Influences and Loose Cultivators who want to advance—their numbers are even greater."

"There are too many mouths to feed and not enough to go around," Song Luyun sighed. "This amount of Foundation Establishment Pills is simply not enough. Ironically, if there were only a dozen or so, the competition wouldn’t be this fierce."

Her words sobered the crowd. It was true that the Song Clan had developed rapidly in recent years, but in turn, their finances had always been tight. Competing would indeed be difficult.

"Well said. The competition this time will undoubtedly be fierce. The entire clan must give its all. Our goal is to secure five Foundation Establishment Pills.

Of course, we can’t place all our hopes on the auction. The clan must also do its part. Fifth Uncle, I’ll have to trouble you with refining the Foundation Establishment Pills."

At Song Xianming’s Purple Mansion Grand Ceremony, Shen Qingxiu, representing Luoxia City, gifted them a Great Demon Demon Pill. With Song Luzhou’s skill, producing three to five pills from it should be no problem.

"Rest assured, I will do my utmost." Song Luzhou nodded slightly. He already had experience refining them and was confident he could do even better this time.

"Good. Then Uncle Tong and Aunt Luyun will personally make the trip to Luoxia City. While you’re there, re-establish our contact point. The clan will give you its full support."

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