Forming Factions

"When one person attains the Way, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven."

After Lin Chang'an gained influence, the first thing he did was cheerfully plead for clemency for Li Han and Qi Feng. Zhang Qing not only had no complaints about this, but he nodded in satisfaction and agreed.

At the very least, it proved Lin Chang'an was not someone who easily forgot favors. Zhang Qing and Elder Lu were actually hoping he would have attachments here.

If Lin Chang'an's cultivation method didn't have issues, then with his talent, they wouldn't even consider giving him resources unless he bore them eight or ten children.

The next day, after changing into clean clothes, Qi Feng and Li Han sat in the restaurant as if they had gone through a lifetime, their expressions dazed as they gazed at the bustling marketplace before them.

They had thought they would spend their entire lives in the dark, sunless mine, but in the blink of an eye, they were standing in the prosperous marketplace.

They were even wearing clean Great Sword Sect cultivator robes; at this moment, both felt as if they were dreaming.

"Brother Lin."

As Lin Chang'an entered the private room, Qi Feng and Li Han hurriedly stood up. At some point, they had become more reserved in front of Lin Chang'an.

"Brother Qi, Brother Li, you're too kind."

Seeing them, Lin Chang'an still appeared casual and the same as before. He smiled at them good-naturedly, gesturing for them to sit down.

This scene warmed their hearts. Lin Chang'an didn't give off a condescending air; rather, it was they who felt a bit constrained in his presence.

"If it weren't for Brother Lin, the two of us would have likely spent our entire lives in the dark, sunless mine."

After the three sat down, Qi Feng directly picked up the wine pot and poured a full cup for Lin Chang'an before pouring for himself and Li Han.

Lifting his wine cup, Qi Feng felt a surge of emotion. As a prince's illegitimate son from the mortal world, he understood one thing: whether others remembered a favor was their business, but he must never become complacent.

"Brother Lin, we two toast you with this cup."

Qi Feng and Li Han raised their wine cups and, without waiting for Lin Chang'an to speak, downed them in one go. Lin Chang'an shook his head watching this.

"There's no need to be so distant between us three."

Lin Chang'an also raised his cup and drank it down. Although he said this, his heart was filled with relief, as facing two people who knew how to be grateful felt different.

Li Han, who was usually taciturn and felt insignificant, also showed a rare look of gratitude. "Brother Qi is right. If it weren't for Brother Lin, the two of us would truly have been in the mine for this lifetime."

However, Lin Chang'an chuckled playfully after hearing this. "You've got that wrong. Half a lifetime in the mine, and the remaining half would have been in bed."

The three burst into laughter. With Lin Chang'an's teasing, they felt as if they had returned to their time together.

"Brother Lin is right. Our latter half of life will either be in bed or in the mine. Now that we're here, they won't let us go easily without squeezing us dry."

Qi Feng also said with a laugh. Looking at the two of them, Lin Chang'an shook his head. "Actually, it's not as bad as you think. The sect will bring your families over soon."

When family was mentioned, a rare tenderness appeared in Qi Feng's eyes. Although he had played around a lot, in this place without support or security, continuing his lineage seemed to be a source of warmth in his heart.

"Right, Brother Li, what about you?" Lin Chang'an's gaze fell on Li Han. Helping the two of them was a simple matter, and although he had selfish motives, he also wanted the sect to know he was someone who remembered favors, as ungrateful people were unwelcome everywhere.

Qi Feng had a family here, creating ties that would make him easier for the sect to accept. Li Han, on the other hand, was different.

Seeing Lin Chang'an's gaze, Li Han gave a wry smile. Qi Feng, standing beside him, seemed to understand something and sighed.

"Brother Li, some things cannot be avoided."

You, Li Han, have nothing. Now the sect is giving you face. If you still don't know how to act with dignity, the consequence will be a complete falling out.

"I!" Li Han gave a wry smile and finally nodded helplessly. "I understand."

It was clear he didn't want to leave any ties here, but the sect here was not a charity.

"Brother Li, I offended you greatly back then. I offer my apologies today." At this, Qi Feng stood up, picked up a cup of wine, and drank it down in front of Li Han, apologizing for his rudeness during the assessment at the sect's gate.

Li Han couldn't help but smile when he saw this. Although he knew this was because they needed to stick together for warmth here, he had to admit that Qi Feng's attitude was something not everyone could achieve.

After much toasting and drinking, the three felt as if they had returned to the time when they first joined the sect and huddled together for warmth.

"From now on, I'll be cultivating and refining pills in the marketplace. If you need anything, you can find me in the marketplace."

After Lin Chang'an revealed his address in the marketplace, Qi Feng and Li Han showed genuine smiles and congratulated him.

"Congratulations, Brother Lin."

"Li Han and I have both been transferred to the Patrol Guard. Of course, this is all thanks to Brother Lin."

Li Han and Qi Feng also spoke with smiles about their current situation. It was better than nothing, but not outstanding either. At least they had one foot in the sect, and with time, the sect would gradually accept them.

In any case, it was much better than the so-called "pigs," at least they weren't outsiders anymore.

"The four of us are just missing Murong Yue."

At the three's wine table, someone suddenly mentioned one more person, and they looked at each other, all smiling. Qi Feng even joked, "The sect wouldn't want to waste Sister Murong Yue's talent; they'll definitely invest heavily in her cultivation."

With her High-grade Spirit Root aptitude, if cultivated diligently, reaching the late Qi Condensation stage was a certainty. Furthermore, as a female cultivator, she could propagate offspring in the future, which was a great profit.

Of course, it was only because the Great Sword Sect had sufficient accumulation. If it were a smaller force, even with such resources, they wouldn't nurture outsiders. A good source like Murong Yue would simply be sold at a high price.

"Great kindness needs no thanks. If you need anything in the future, Brother Lin, just command us two."

Qi Feng and Li Han also reciprocated. For Lin Chang'an's future and the camaraderie of men who had shared hardships, it was better to rely on Lin Chang'an, who had shown them kindness, than to seek another patron.

Lin Chang'an also wore a smile. This was precisely why he had done so much – to build his own network.

He was also a newcomer here, all alone. Compared to others who were tricked into coming together, especially those from the same cohort, they were more likely to become his own people.

They had been tricked together, suffered together, and now enjoyed prosperity together; they were all his people.

As for the other fellow disciples from the same cohort, neither Qi Feng nor Li Han mentioned them. They could barely look after themselves, let alone have the capacity to care for others.

Lin Chang'an smiled as he chatted with the two, not mentioning anyone else. Of course, he hadn't abandoned the others; after all, these people were the most likely to become his own.

However, if something is obtained too easily, people won't feel as grateful. Qi Feng and Li Han were two prime examples. He wanted to show everyone that he, Lin Chang'an, was not a cold-blooded person. After seeing Li Han and Qi Feng, he thought about what he himself had gone through.

Then, as he gradually grew stronger and gained more influence, he would gradually pull these people out of the darkness. In turn, these people would be even more grateful and devoted to him.

In the world of cultivation, when you become powerful enough, you can indeed push through anything. But when you are weak, you need to form factions and unite all the forces you can.

The world of cultivation isn't just about fighting; it also involves human relationships and social dynamics.

As for having ambitions, Lin Chang'an merely smiled. This was a world where strength reigned supreme. To sects that had Foundation Establishment ancestors, his actions were merely insignificant maneuvers. Therefore, the more he acted this way, the less the people above would fear him, and they would even welcome it.

Thank you for your support, fellow cultivators.