Rise of the Wang Clan: Starting with a Portable Farm

Chapter 215: Restructuring

“Our next order of business concerns the Family Law and the discipline of the Clan.”

Wang Guang’an’s voice was calm, yet it carried an edge that silenced the hall.

“First, we must address the excess of Qi Refining Elders. In the days of our ancestors, the family possessed only one or two Foundation Establishment cultivators. They could not manage every trifle personally. Thus, the ancestors decreed that any clansman reaching the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining would be elevated to the rank of Elder, to assist the Patriarch in governance.”

He paused, letting his gaze sweep over the rows of seated clansmen.

“However, times have changed. That rule is now obsolete. Today, nine Foundation Establishment cultivators sit in this hall, with several more guarding our external territories. We have nearly 20 clansmen at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining. As we ascend to become a Golden Core power, our conditions will only improve. In the future, we could have 50, perhaps 100 clansmen at the Ninth Layer. The cost of Elder stipends alone would crush our treasury.”

“Do you remember the days of hardship? A clansman was lucky to receive a single Pill once a year. And now? You receive two or three every month. With such resources, if we do not change the rules, will not every single clansman eventually demand a seat as an Elder?”

Wang Guang’an sighed, the sound heavy with disappointment. “Authority, like rare materials, loses its value when it is too abundant. I believe you all understand this principle. If everyone is an Elder, then no one is an Elder. If everyone holds equal status, then no one can be governed.”

His eyes narrowed, and a palpable weight descended upon the room—the terrifying spiritual pressure of a Golden Core patriarch. It pressed against their chests, making it difficult to breathe.

“Although the situation has not yet reached a crisis, I see the signs. Some of you have let the clan’s success go to your heads. You enjoy the prestige of the title but bear none of the burden. Ask yourselves: of the Elders present, how many actually manage real affairs?”

Under his piercing gaze, many heads lowered in shame and fear.

“Therefore, I issue this decree: From this day forth, the rank of Elder is stripped from all Qi Refining clansmen. Only those who achieve Foundation Establishment may hold the title of Elder! Only the strength of the Foundation Establishment realm commands respect from our kin and gives us face before outsiders. This is not the Wang family being cruel; this is the law of the cultivation world. All Golden Core powers operate this way.”

Upon hearing the decree, the expressions of the former Elders shifted. Some looked thoughtful, others anxious. However, the lower-ranking stewards and managers struggled to hide their excitement.

Previously, these “do-nothing Elders” held status over the hardworking managers, often interfering with tasks they didn’t understand. Now, with the titles stripped, the functional managers would rise in the hierarchy, second only to the Patriarch and the true Foundation Establishment Elders.

The reactions among the stripped Elders varied.

The veterans who had built the family alongside the ancestors remained calm. They held substantive positions and knew their value lay in their work, not just their title. They would lose a portion of their stipend, but their influence would remain.

The anxious ones were the recent promotions—those who lacked true capability and had coasted on the family’s rise. They were terrified of losing the fat stipends they had grown accustomed to.

“The Ancestor is wise,” Wang Yanzhao spoke up immediately, breaking the tension. “The Wang family has fewer than 300 members, yet we are top-heavy with Elders. This structure is irrational. I fully support the Ancestor’s reform.”

Wang Hao followed suit, his voice sharp and clear. “Years ago, when I restructured the family to focus on commerce, I created too many independent halls. It has led to redundancy and inefficiency. I also support the Ancestor’s decision. We should emulate the structure of the great Golden Core Sects and reorganize our hierarchy.”

In truth, the four key figures—Wang Guang’an, Wang Yanzhao, Wang Hao, and Wang Longyou—had agreed upon this purge long ago. They needed to trim the fat to save money and increase efficiency.

For instance, the Sericulture Hall and the Spirit Plant Hall had spent years fighting turf wars over single acres of land, driven by the desire to pad their numbers for Wang Hao’s performance bonuses.

With the two de facto leaders voicing their support, no one dared to object. Even those seething with resentment kept their mouths shut, fearing the Golden Core pressure radiating from the dais.

This was why Wang Guang’an had to deliver the news. If Wang Hao had proposed stripping the elders of their titles, the room would have erupted in protest. But against a Golden Core Ancestor, they could only bow.

Wang Guang’an spoke again, outlining the new order.

“Currently, we have 10 Foundation Establishment cultivators in the vicinity. Yanzhao is the Patriarch, and Dexi has chosen the path of the ascetic and declined administrative duties. Therefore, we will establish eight Elder positions. I shall assume the title of Supreme Elder and will not concern myself with daily management. This rule will apply to any future Golden Core cultivators as well.”

“We will reorganize the family into Eight Great Halls, led by these eight Elders.”

He began the appointments, his voice echoing like a judge reading a verdict.

“Wang Longyou shall serve as the Elder of Transmission. The Hall of Transmission will oversee the education of young clansmen, the inheritance of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation, and the management of the Scripture Pavilion.”

Wang Longyou stood and bowed deeply. “Longyou accepts the Supreme Elder’s decree!”

“Wang Yanzhi shall serve as the Elder of Commerce. The Hall of Commerce will manage the family’s industries and operate our network of shops.”

“Yanzhi accepts the decree!”

“Wang Longxing shall serve as the Elder of Internal Affairs. The Hall of Internal Affairs will manage personnel, distribute stipends, conduct performance reviews, and maintain the census.”

“Longxing accepts the decree!”

“Wang Yanji shall serve as the Elder of General Affairs. The Hall of General Affairs will handle clan commissions, track contribution points, test spirit roots, and manage the mortal population.”

“Wang Hao shall serve as the Elder of Law Enforcement. The Hall of Law Enforcement will police the clan. You have the authority to judge and punish any clansman below the rank of Elder without prior consultation.”

“Wang Wenyuan shall serve as the Elder of Finance. The Hall of Finance will control the treasury, income, and expenditures. As Wenyuan is currently on assignment, Wang Longyou will temporarily oversee this seal.”

“Wang Wencai shall serve as the Elder of Foreign Affairs. As a Golden Core power, many vassal families will seek our protection. The Hall of Foreign Affairs will manage these vassals and handle diplomatic relations.”

“Wang Wending shall serve as the Elder of the Garrison. The Hall of the Garrison will form patrol squads to secure our territory, hunt down Demon Beasts, and apprehend criminal cultivators. It will be divided into the Inner Guard for the clan and the Outer Guard for our vassal territories.”

Wang Guang’an appointed the eight commanders in one breath, firmly placing the reins of the family into capable hands.

“Each Hall may establish one or two Deputy Hall Masters and multiple Deacons to handle specific operations. Foundation Establishment cultivators must prioritize their cultivation; they cannot be bogged down in trivialities. The actual execution of duties will fall to these Deputies and Deacons.”

He looked at the crowd of demoted Qi Refining cultivators, offering them a lifeline.

“These roles require heavy labor and will inevitably impact one’s cultivation time. Therefore, we will prioritize appointing older clansmen who have little hope of reaching Foundation Establishment. We look for capability and willingness.”

“For those who sacrifice their Dao for the prosperity of the clan, the family will compensate them generously. Regardless of cultivation level, a Deputy Hall Master will receive a stipend equal to half that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator—500 Spirit Stones per year, plus 200 Contribution Points.”

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. 500 Spirit Stones was a fortune for a Qi Refining cultivator.

“If you serve in this role for 50 years,” Wang Guang’an continued, “you will have accumulated enough wealth and contribution to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill for your children or grandchildren.”

“Deacons will receive half of that amount: 250 Spirit Stones per year, plus 100 Contribution Points.”

“Note that this is merely the positional salary. As clansmen, you will still receive your basic stipend. If you have skills in alchemy or talisman making, you can earn additional points. Hardworking individuals could shorten the time required to earn a Foundation Establishment Pill significantly.”

“Of course,” he added, his tone sobering, “during this current financial crisis, even Foundation Establishment stipends are halved. The Deputies and Deacons will face the same temporary reduction. But I give you my word: within 20 years, once the family’s finances recover, you will be paid in full.”