The System Arrives: Leading My Clan to Become the Strongest

128: Chapter 128 The Golden Core ArrivesAt the foot of Qingyun Mountain, thousands of Cultivators stretched into an endless line, the clamor of voices loud but not chaotic.

Jiang Suhai and five Elders mobilized simultaneously, standing on a temporarily erected high platform. Jiang Suhai took the lead, while the other five Elders assisted in the screening. Before each of them lay a Jade Mirror—a Spirit-Testing Stone refined by Jiang Chen using Nascent Soul Spiritual Qi, capable of accurately detecting cultivation and Foundation, and subtly sensing the righteousness or wickedness of one’s Heart-Nature.

”Everyone, quiet down!”

Jiang Suhai’s deep voice, imbued with the Spiritual Qi of the Golden Core Early Stage, spread throughout the mountain base.

The main reason was that too many people had come. Facing such a situation, the Jiang Family needed someone with sufficient deterrence to appear before the Human Race.

Currently, throughout the entire Jiang Family, besides Jiang Chen and Lu Xin, only Jiang Suhai had the strongest cultivation. There was no choice but to let him take the field. As for Jiang Chen, being the Clan Chief and a Nascent Soul Cultivator, coming out to recruit would be beneath his status. And Lu Xin was just a child; how could they possibly ask a minor to handle these matters!

”The Jiang Family expansion emphasizes ability and virtue. All who wish to join the Family must pass three checks: testing cultivation, verifying Heart-Nature, and taking an oath. None can be skipped!”

As soon as Jiang Suhai finished speaking, the Cultivator at the very front of the line eagerly stepped forward.

It was a dark-complexioned Golden Core Early Stage Cultivator, holding Identification Papers in both hands, his eyes nervous yet fervent.

”Junior Li Shan, born a Loose Cultivator, wishes to join the Jiang Family and vows eternal loyalty!”

The Grand Elder raised his hand, signaling him to press his palm onto the Jade Mirror. The Jade Mirror instantly lit up with a pale golden light, displaying the words: ”Foundation Establishment Early Stage, Medium Grade Foundation, Heart-Nature peaceful.”

He nodded and said, ”You meet the standard for an Outer Elder. Follow the person on the left to register and receive your Identity Token.”

Li Shan was ecstatic. He bowed deeply toward the high platform and quickly turned to join the crowd on the other side.

The screening proceeded methodically, with the light of the Jade Mirrors flashing repeatedly.

Some whose cultivation met the requirements but whose Heart-Nature was restless were directly advised to leave. Some Impoverished Cultivators with excellent Foundation but shallow cultivation were accepted as Outer Members, promised promotion upon earning merit. There were also those with special skills—such as a Qi Refining Cultivator skilled in Alchemy, who, despite insufficient cultivation, was directly appointed as a Guest Elder of the Pill Refining Pavilion by Jiang Suhai due to his exquisite Pill Refinement Technique, drawing waves of envy from the surrounding Cultivators.

”Next.”

Beside the high platform, a slightly hunched figure slowly stepped forward. It was an old man with white hair, whose cultivation was only Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

He handed over his Identification Papers, his voice hoarse: ”Zhang Mo, skilled in Formation, willing to guard the Jiang Family mountain gate.”

The Jade Mirror lit up with blue light, displaying: ”Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, Low Grade Foundation, Heart-Nature steady, profound attainment in Formation.”

The Grand Elder responsible for recording was overjoyed. A Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Formation Master! This was the second person with a Hundred Arts besides Ling Xuanye, and it was Formation—exactly what the Jiang Family lacked.

”The Dao of Formation values skill over brute force. Since you excel in this Dao, you shall enter as a Guest Elder, responsible for setting up Formations on Qingyun Mountain. Your treatment will be equivalent to that of a Guest Elder.”

Jiang Suhai, who witnessed the scene from the side, immediately finalized the decision. He was certainly qualified to make the call on such a small matter.

Zhang Mo was both startled and delighted, and he bowed tremblingly: ”Thank you, Grand Elder, for your recognition!”

Jiang Suhai’s gaze swept over the crowd below, his voice calm yet extremely penetrating.

”The Jiang Family selects the worthy regardless of origin, focusing only on strength and Heart-Nature. However, there is one rule: any who join the Family and dare to betray it in the future will suffer the backlash of the Heart Demon Oath, resulting in Death and the Dissipation of the Dao!”

As soon as these words were spoken, a low murmur arose in the crowd, which quickly settled back into silence.

The Cultivators who came to pledge allegiance had long prepared to be loyal. Jiang Chen’s words acted more like a reassurance, making them understand that the Jiang Family’s rules were not empty threats.

The screening lasted until dusk. The Jade Mirror blocked dozens of ill-intentioned individuals—among them were spies from other forces attempting to infiltrate the Jiang Family to gather information, as well as those with malicious Heart-Natures. All were ordered expelled by Jiang Suhai, and any who persisted in entanglement were punished according to the Jiang Family’s rules.

As the sun set, the crowd at the foot of Qingyun Mountain gradually dispersed.

In the end, over eight hundred Cultivators passed the screening: thirty Foundation Establishment Late Stage Peak Cultivators became Guest Elders, over four hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators became Jiang Family Outer Disciples, and over five hundred Qi Refining Cultivators and skilled individuals were accepted as Outer Members.

They were led into designated areas within the mountain to receive Cultivation Resources and Identity Tokens, their faces beaming with anticipation.

In the Jiang Family Main Hall, the Grand Elder reported the screening results to Jiang Chen, his expression satisfied.

”Among the Cultivators recruited this time, there are many specialized talents in Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and Formation, which is enough to support the Family’s development for several years.”

Jiang Chen sat upright in the main seat of the hall, lightly tapping the sandalwood armrest with his fingertips. After listening to the Grand Elder’s screening report, his eyes remained calm.

”With over eight hundred people, the Foundation is now stable.”

He raised his eyes and glanced at the five Elders, his tone calm but carrying undeniable authority.

”Zhang Mo has profound attainment in Formation. First, let him be in the Formation Hall, recruiting Disciples interested in learning Formation, specifically teaching Foundational Formation Dao, and cultivating Reserve Formation Masters for the Family—this is his core utility right now.”

The Grand Elder bowed in agreement: ”The Clan Chief is wise. I will arrange it immediately.”

”The remaining matters shall be discussed and handled by you all. I must enter seclusion. During this period, all Family affairs are fully entrusted to your collective discussion and decision.”

Jiang Chen rose and flicked his sleeve, and the Nascent Soul pressure quietly spread out.

”The expansion will not stop. The second round of screening will begin three days from now. If any Golden Core Cultivators seek refuge later, lead them directly to the main hall, where Grandpa will personally receive them. Their treatment will be favorable, but the Heart Demon Oath is mandatory. Additionally, newly joined members will be allocated resources according to their cultivation, and those who earn merit will receive exceptional promotions. We must stabilize the people’s morale.”

Having spoken, Jiang Chen turned and left the main hall, his seclusion thus decided.

The Immortal Cave was rich in Spiritual Qi. He must advance further before the backlash of the Bone-Corroding Nether Vine occurs, only then could he protect the Jiang Family’s Foundation.

Everyone present exchanged glances regarding Jiang Chen’s sudden departure. The Clan Chief’s actions were highly suspicious; it seemed the Clan Chief had changed ever since returning from the Deep part of the Great Wilderness.

Despite this, they did not dare to ask, but Jiang Chen’s hasty manner also caused them to show worry.

Three days later, recruitment at the foot of Qingyun Mountain resumed. This time, three Golden Core auras drifted from the end of the line, causing an uproar among the surrounding Cultivators.

The leader had a resolute face and carried a Dark Iron Longsword on his back. His Golden Core Middle Stage cultivation was undisguised. It was none other than Chu Yunfei, formerly of Black Wind City.

He slowly stepped forward and cupped his hands toward the high platform.

”Chu Yunfei, a Loose Cultivator from Black Wind City, having heard that the Jiang Family values ability and virtue, has specially come to seek refuge and is willing to serve like a dog or horse!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd fell into instant silence.

Black Wind City was also a Border City near the Deep part of the Great Wilderness, but the Desolate Beasts inside were even stronger. Generally, those in the Foundation Establishment Realm dared not venture deep. Chu Yunfei’s survival to this day showed his considerable strength.

They just couldn’t understand. He should have been doing quite well in Black Wind City, so why travel so far to Qingyun Mountain?

A sharp light flashed in Jiang Suhai’s eyes. He raised his hand, signaling him to press his hand onto the Jade Mirror.

The Jade Mirror suddenly shone with golden light, displaying the text: ”Golden Core Middle Stage, High Grade Foundation, Heart-Nature upright, profound attainment in Sword Cultivator techniques.”

”Good!”

Jiang Suhai clapped his hands and laughed heartily.

”The Jiang Family is in need of powerful Sword Cultivators. Since Brother Chu possesses such cultivation, my Jiang Family naturally welcomes you wholeheartedly. However, your specific assignment must wait until the Clan Chief emerges from seclusion!”

Chu Yunfei saluted: ”Thank you, Grand Elder, for your recognition!”

Close behind him was an old man dressed in an Alchemy Robe, a Golden Core Early Stage Cultivator who called himself Sun Yao, skilled in refining Healing Pills.

”I am Sun Yao, a Loose Cultivator Alchemist. I wish to join the Jiang Family’s Pill Refining Pavilion and serve the Family.”