Chapter 436: The Separation of Immortals and Mortals (II)
Li Yuanping's eyes gleamed brightly as he went on, "Looking at today's situation, many of the external and branch cultivators are stealing spirit paddies, searching for treasures, transporting spirit resources, and seeking the Dao outside because there are no other paths to take within the family aside from cultivating spirit paddies. Without the opportunity for advancement, there is naturally no loyalty."
Finally, he concluded, "Under this new system, not only would our family no longer need to find large talentless direct descendants to manage the family and maintain stability, but it would also create positions and ranks that would attract people to align with our family…"
Li Yuanjiao read through the detailed regulations. Naturally, Li Yuanping had included much more than he had mentioned verbally. The plan was filled with various checks and balances, cultivation restrictions, and measures to curb corruption and rebellion.
"If this is the case, the Clan Affairs Courtyard will need many more personnel for oversight, and the various ranks will require clan stipends to maintain integrity…" Li Yuanjiao frowned as he read, realizing that while Li Yuanping's plan could indeed appease most cultivators, it would significantly increase the Li Family's governance costs. He hesitated, weighing the potential benefits against the losses.
However, Li Yuanping smiled confidently and responded readily, "Cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao is inherently one of the most greed-driven pursuits. Our family will soon be able to produce elixirs. Once these are tied to the ranks, many will flock to them! Besides, the desire for power is one of the Nine Calamities; when combined with other incentives, few can resist."
He added in a low voice, "As long as the external and branch families are eager to climb the ranks, they can be used by us. We will not need to rely on producing a genius every generation who can suppress and command them; even ordinary people will suffice. Even in normal times, we could promote people at will based on the lists provided by the Clan Affairs Courtyard… This would allow us to manage the family even in the midst of cultivation."
Li Yuanjiao gradually became intrigued, picking up where Li Yuanping left off, "This way, our family would not need to constantly monitor the external families. As long as we keep an eye on a few outstanding individuals and marry them into the family, the mirror will keep everything under control, allowing us to secure our position on the immortal mountain…"
"Exactly."
Li Yuanping agreed and continued, "Even if we have to distribute more clan stipends, so what? Brother, you are about to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm; the family will soon be very different."