Reincarnated as a Divine Tree

Looking around, none of the families in Yong’an City or the nearby cities possessed such totems. Looking further away, even in places like Yunmeng City, a thousand miles away, or Xiangshui City, even farther, there had been no reports of such a totem.

Families that had high-grade totems were likely among the upper ranks, if not the very pinnacle of the elite.

Xie Hongyuan contemplated in silence.

As for mid-grade totems, they were also known as incense totems.

These totems fed on incense energy. In the beginning, with little incense power and weak faith among the clan members, the totem might not be strong. However, over time, as the family grew and its faith strengthened, the potential of these totems became incredibly high.

The Zhou family in Yunmeng, the Fang family in Xiangshui, and the Sun family in Le’an were all known for worshipping incense totems.

As for the Xie family’s totem, it was somewhat special. Technically, it was classified as a low-grade totem, but it differed from ordinary ones.

Because of this, many clansmen had been surprised to learn that the Chen family possessed an incense totem.

After all, having an incense totem was rare enough, but for it to be capable of projecting an image suggested an extraordinary origin.

More importantly, no one could determine how long the Chen family had been worshipping it. This was something she needed to investigate thoroughly.

Yet, considering the current size of the Chen family, even if their totem did possess some incense power, it likely wasn’t much. With only a few hundred people providing faith, how long could it last?

Xie Hongyuan gazed into the distance, the curve of her delicate eyes holding an ambition unseen by others.

As a woman, her position within the family was awkward at times, yet she had managed to rise through her own abilities. But that was not enough. She would not be content with her current status.

One day, she would lead her family into a new era and prove her worth to the world.

This was her opportunity. If she could complete this family mission successfully, the resources allocated to her would undoubtedly increase, bringing her one step closer to her ultimate goal.

Aside from investigating the Chen family, she also needed to monitor the movements of other families.

Once Uncle Yanmo emerged from seclusion, the matter of the Blood Rice’s ownership should be settled.

“Not yet.”

“Let’s wait a little longer.”

“Let’s see what the other families decide.”

…

In Yong’an City, the other three major families swiftly made their decisions after receiving reports from their scouts.

To have maintained their standing in Yong’an City, these families were no fools.

Since the Chen family had already demonstrated considerable strength, they had to assess the situation carefully before making a move.

The Blood Rice was valuable, but greed could not be allowed to cloud their judgment. Their families had not survived this long by acting recklessly.

Besides, the Chen family was far away, and information from them was not always timely. Regardless, some degree of investigation was necessary.

Although they refrained from taking any drastic action, the major families still formulated their strategies.

Even if they didn’t act immediately, they couldn’t ignore the Blood Rice entirely. There was still a chance to acquire some from the Chen family.

Beneath the calm surface of Yong’an City, hidden currents began to stir.

…

“Father, what does this character mean?”

Inside the Chen family residence, Chen Tianquan looked at his son. The child was barely as tall as the wooden table, weighed no more than a sack of thirty catties of grain, and could only barely grasp a wolf-hair brush in his tiny hand.

His emotions were complicated.

By all accounts, his son was only four months old! Yet, he had already grown to the size of an ordinary one-year-old.

Seeing the eager curiosity in his son’s eyes, Chen Tianquan scratched his neck in distress before speaking gently.

“Qingcheng, you’re still too young. It’s too early to learn these things. Why don’t you play with your toys instead?”

“Here, look at this windmill. I made it just for you. If you run while holding it, it spins. I used to love playing with one when I was a child.”

Four-month-old Chen Qingcheng, however, remained serious.

“Father, I’ve played with these toys for a month already. I want to learn something now. Otherwise, how will I revive our family in the future?”

Chen Tianquan’s expression grew even more complicated. His son, at such a young age, already had such a strong sense of responsibility.

He was incredibly proud. Yet, when he considered his son’s age, he let out a long sigh.

“Very well, son. Come, I’ll teach you how to read.”

Chen Tianquan turned his gaze toward the large character written on the paper before them. After staring at it for a long moment, he cleared his throat and suddenly changed his mind.

“Actually… why don’t we play with your toys a bit longer? I just remembered, I have some important errands to run for the family. Tell your mother not to wait for me for dinner.”

With that, he hurriedly left the house.

…

Half a month later, the cries of newborn babies echoed throughout the family compound.

A new generation had been born.

According to the family genealogy, all these newborns belonged to the "Han" generation.

As per tradition, every newborn was brought to the ancestral hall to receive the blessings of the Divine Tree. With the tree’s power, childbirth was no longer a risk for the clan’s women.

The arrival of so many new members filled the clan with an air of celebration, and the laughter of joyous family members reached even beyond their compound.

As the clan leader, Chen Xingzhen was overjoyed upon receiving the news.

This new generation marked the end of the family’s previous hardships and the beginning of renewed hope.

In ten years or so, these children would become the backbone of the family.

However, amidst the joy, new reports arrived.

“Patriarch, according to the latest reports from the villages and information gathered by our scouts, a number of people have arrived at Chaotic Burial Mountain. They claim to be from Yong’an City and other areas.”

“Some of them say they want to settle here, while others claim they’ve come for business.”

“Patriarch, how should we handle these outsiders?”

Chen Xingzhen fell into deep thought.

This development was not unexpected. As the family expanded its reach, it was inevitable that people would follow the newly opened paths leading to Chaotic Burial Mountain.

Some might truly wish to live here, but undoubtedly, among them were agents of the four great families.

As for these outsiders, Chen Xingzhen had already decided to let things take their course.

However, their presence would drain the clan’s manpower.

The Blood Rice fields, once loosely guarded, now required stricter supervision. More clansmen needed to be assigned to patrol the area to prevent any incidents. Chaotic Burial Mountain itself was also a valuable resource that needed to be watched closely.

And then there were the martial artists who had arrived there. Their movements needed to be investigated thoroughly, as they were most likely affiliated with the four major families of Yong’an City.

Still, that part didn’t concern him too much. After all, aside from the living, the family had the deceased on their side. His father could handle it.

After issuing his orders, the reporting clansman nodded in understanding. However, after a moment’s hesitation, he spoke again.

“Patriarch… what about the jade coins? How should we handle that matter?”

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