Rise of the Wang Clan: Starting with a Portable Farm

Chapter 260: Guarding the Mine

Sun Erniu leaned forward, his eyes wide with hope. “Senior, does this mean I can bring my parents? My wife and children too?”

“You may,” Wang Yanxing replied, his tone strictly business. “However, the Wang clan supports no idlers. If they come, they work. If they contribute nothing, they must pay an annual residency fee of ten Spirit Stones per head, and they must provide their own supplies. Chicken Cage Ridge is a Second Rank Spirit Mountain; we will not permit freeloaders to soak up our spiritual energy for free.”

For an honest, rootless cultivator like Sun Erniu, these terms were not harsh—they were a lifeline. The Wang family preferred men like him: burdened by family, desperate for stability, and therefore easy to control. A man with his entire lineage living on Wang land would never dare to betray the clan.

Sun Erniu beamed, anxiety washing away. “My father and eldest son are experienced farmers. My mother, wife, and daughter are skilled at preparing spirit meals. Senior, will that do?”

“As long as you sign here, your entire family may relocate to Chicken Cage Ridge. Specific duties will be assigned upon arrival. Wages will vary based on strength and output.”

“I understand! I’ll sign right now!” Sun Erniu grabbed the brush, fearing the offer might be withdrawn. He had expected to be separated from his kin for years. For bottom-rung cultivators, the pursuit of the Great Dao was a distant dream; safety and a full belly were the only true priorities. Who would choose to gamble with their life in the wilderness when a stable path was laid before them?

Just then, Wang Hao walked into the shop. “Uncle Yanxing, is everything proceeding smoothly?”

“Wenhao!” Wang Yanxing stood up immediately. Although he was now a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he knew his breakthrough was entirely due to the grace of Wang Hao and the Patriarch. He dared not put on airs. “Initially, the Rogue Cultivators were hesitant, taking a wait-and-see approach. But once news spread that we successfully secured Chicken Cage Ridge, the tide turned. In just a few days, we’ve recruited over 40 people. It should be enough for the first phase.”

Wang Hao nodded approvingly. “Forty is sufficient for now. If we need more later, we can reopen recruitment. Tomorrow, escort them to Chicken Cage Ridge. The Grand Formation is active, and Great-Uncle Longyou will be there to oversee the initial planning. The rest is up to you.”

“I will not fail,” Yanxing said solemnly. “I owe my foundation to the clan. I will repay this debt with hard work.”

Wang Hao gave him a few final instructions before summoning his flying sword and returning to Wang Family Ridge.

The development of Chicken Cage Ridge was on track. The Internal Affairs Hall and General Affairs Hall could handle the logistics, and with a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Wang Yanxing stationed there, the risk was minimal. Compared to the early days of conquering Ruojun Mountain, this was a walk in the park.

Back at the main mountain, Wang Yanzhao had already selected ten Qi Refining clansmen. They stood waiting alongside Elder Wang Yanzhong.

None of them knew their true destination. Most assumed they were being selected to accompany the prodigy Wang Hao on his overseas expedition, and their faces flushed with excitement.

Seeing Wang Hao land, Wang Yanzhao stepped forward and lowered his voice. “As requested, these ten have average aptitude, but their temperaments are rock solid. They are prudent and tight-lipped.”

Wang Hao nodded. “Good. Old Wang, I don’t know how many years I’ll be gone. Take these.”

He handed over a heavy storage bag containing two Moon-Bathing Jasper Flowers, ten Barrier Breaking Pills, two bottles of Spirit Concentrating Pills, and a massive quantity of Qi Gathering Pills and other supplies.

“Distribute these as rewards to the younger generation while I am away. Keep the clan motivated.”

Wang Yanzhao’s eyes flickered as he scanned the contents. He had long suspected that Wang Hao and the Old Ancestor were hiding a massive source of wealth from him—the sheer volume of resources Wang Hao possessed was impossible to explain otherwise. But he also knew that his ignorance was for his own protection. Some secrets were too heavy to share.

He stowed the bag without a question. “The overseas cultivation world is more chaotic than here, and the dangers are greater. I won’t nag you, just… be careful.”

Wang Hao gave him a reassuring look. “Don’t worry. Once I secure a supply of Foundation Establishment Pills, I’ll send Wenmei and the others back with them. Wenzhu and Wenjiang are nearing the ninth layer of Qi Refining; we should prepare for their breakthroughs soon.”

“The clansmen you’re taking overseas have better aptitude,” Yanzhao noted with a frown. “Won’t the demand for pills be even higher over there?”

His worry was well-founded. The clan currently possessed only one Condensation Fruit Tree, hidden in the secret valley. Even with increased security, it would be nearly 20 years before the next harvest. Furthermore, two of those fruits were contractually owed to the Li family. The shortage of Foundation Establishment Pills was a mathematical certainty.

It was a good problem to have, in a way. Years ago, the Wang family fretted about having no one talented enough to take the pills. Now, with the clan’s prosperity, over 20 disciples would reach the threshold within the next two decades. One tree couldn’t feed them all.

“The Open Sea is rich in Demon Beast resources,” Wang Hao replied confidently. “Even if we can’t hunt Third Rank beasts ourselves, we can purchase their cores at auction. If Ye Jingtao can buy them, so can the Wang family. Leave the pill issue to me.”

Wang Hao, Wang Yanzhong, and the ten disciples boarded the Hidden Spirit Boat. They traveled in stealth mode, slipping through the sky without alerting a soul.

On deck, the excitement of the disciples contrasted sharply with the worried expression of Wang Yanzhong, who had begun to piece together the truth. Four of the chosen disciples were Yanzhong’s own descendants—a calculated move to prevent him from suffering the pain of separation, but also a leverage tactic to ensure his absolute loyalty.

They did not fly towards the ocean. Instead, they arrived at the desolate, abandoned mine of the Guiran Sect.

Wang Hao circled the perimeter, scanning for any signs of life. Confirming the area was clear, he piloted the boat directly into the gaping maw of the mine shaft.

Only then did the Qi Refining disciples realize their mistake. They weren’t going on a glorious overseas adventure. They were being assigned as jailers to a hole in the ground.

Wang Hao ignored their murmurs. Wang Yanzhong was a seasoned Elder; he would discipline them.

Wang Hao pulled Yanzhong aside and pressed a heavy formation disk into his hands.

“This is not a fixed Grand Formation,” Wang Hao instructed, his voice grave. “It is a simplified array set up by the Ancestor and myself. Its defense is limited. Therefore, you are strictly forbidden from leaving the array. Guard this place with your life. The family will send a resupply team every few years.”

“Understood,” Yanzhong said, gripping the disk.

“There is a Second Rank High Grade Spirit Vein down here,” Wang Hao continued. “There are old spirit fields that can be rehabilitated. Grow spirit herbs here and submit them to the clan for contribution points. Also, while we cleared most of the Demon Beasts, some remain. Tell your people to be cautious. However, some of the local beasts are docile and suitable for domestication. Investigate and see if you can start a breeding program.”

Wang Hao leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing.

“Listen to me carefully. You and your people are to remain inside the mine. Do not explore the deeper tunnels. Curiosity will only get you killed. There are secrets here that Qi Refining disciples must not know. This location is the Wang family’s lifeline. If news of this place leaks, it could lead to the extermination of our entire clan. Watch your people. Keep them silent.”

Wang Yanzhong’s heart pounded against his ribs. The severity of Wang Hao’s warning confirmed his suspicions—this mine held a secret of terrifying magnitude. No wonder Wang Hao had told him he would be guarding a “secret location” for decades.

He looked around the dim, cavernous tunnels. He would likely spend the rest of his life here, buried away from the sun.

But then he looked at his own hands—smooth, youthful hands. The clan had given him a Foundation Establishment Pill. They had given him a hundred extra years of life, turning a dying old man back into a youth.

What right did he have to complain? Even if he had to rot in this dark hole for the rest of his days to repay that debt, he would do so willingly.