The oppressed lower class

This book has a long preparatory period in the Early Stages, which might be a bit dull. Fellow Daoists, before you abandon it... please take a look at a few chapters further on.

The content is somewhat dark and cunning, which might cause some discomfort. Please discard the subjective view of a harmonious world and let us shamelessly continue reading. The writing will also gradually improve....

I wish everyone happiness, health, and a fulfilling life in the new year.

....

Cangxuan Realm.

Xu Kingdom.

Qingfeng City, one of the cities under Feng City's jurisdiction.

Qingfeng City's Li Family is a second-Rank Cultivation Family, affiliated with the Heaven Sword Immortal Sect, and one of the top forces within Qingfeng City.

The scorching sun shone brightly, hanging high in the sky. The twelfth day of the month was the day the Li Family Disciples received their stipends as usual.

An attendant responsible for distributing Spirit Stone stipends sat before a luxurious desk, squinting at the list in his hand, his attitude very lazy.

Looking at the ordinary-looking Young Master before him, whose Aura was also weak and timid, he couldn't help but mutter in his heart: "Ordinary Disciple Li Tan has no background...."

"I truly don't understand why the Family still provides Spirit Stones for cultivation to such low-status ordinary Disciples."

"Ultimately, they merely possess a faint trace of my Li Family's Bloodline, and their Spiritual Root tests each year are consistently poor. These people should be sent to mine! They should dedicate their last bit of value!"

"All those Spirit Stone stipends should be provided to the Elder's descendants, as the Elders are all great figures at the Foundation Establishment Stage of cultivation! Their descendants' Spiritual Roots will certainly not be bad either."

"Providing them to these Low Grade Disciples is simply a waste! A complete squandering of heavenly resources!"

The more this attendant thought about it, the more agitated he became, even tearing the list in his hand slightly.

But he quickly calmed down, heavily exhaling a mouthful of turbid Qi.

"Since it's an order from the Family Old Ancestor, I'll just give this kid two Spirit Stones."

............

Time rewinds to one day ago, in the Li Family's cultural classroom....

A corpulent, rather portly man strode into the classroom.

He looked down at the chattering, constantly discussing, and continuously laughing ordinary Disciples of the Li Family below.

A look of disgust appeared on the man's face, and his eyes were filled with disdain and contempt.

This made him furious, indignant, and questioning the Grand Elder's order.

"Why am I the one to inform these lowly wretches? I am a dignified Elder; I should clearly be sent to inform the high-ranking Disciples!!"

"Seeing these people, base to their very bones! My stomach turns!"

But he still forcefully suppressed the repulsion in his heart, shouting loudly: "Little brats, stop your noise! Stop your noise!"

The crowd below discussed animatedly, and the classroom was exceptionally lively because of it.

"It's Elder Li Hai, it seems something big is about to happen!"

"Our ordinary class... actually has a dignified Elder coming!"

A thin, dark-skinned boy spoke proudly: "This fatty usually doesn't wander around, but when he does, something is bound to happen. I've figured it out!"

Li Hai, who was on the podium, was a powerful figure at the Foundation Establishment Stage. How could the discussions of the crowd escape his ears?

His eye twitched, his face suddenly stiffened, and he became like an enraged, bristling dog!

His slightly trembling body and tightly furrowed brows all spoke of Li Hai's meticulousness. "I hate it most when people call me fatty! It seems you truly are a short-lived ghost, facing an early demise at such a young age!"

A fierce glint flashed in Li Hai's eyes: "Just an unawakened brat, yet he dares to speak so brazenly!"

"Lowly wretch! If your talent is poor, don't fall into my hands!"

In Li Hai's mind, a few scenes couldn't help but surface: "I've changed my mind. Be more careful in your next life!"

"The Blood Wolves I raise in my courtyard love the tender flesh and blood of children, especially the internal organs like the heart and liver."

"Tsk tsk tsk, that's what you call delicious, isn't it? I've been busy lately and haven't tasted it in a long time."

Those beautiful days of the past resurfaced in Li Hai's mind, making him salivate with gluttony....

Li Hai suppressed the excitement in his heart and shouted loudly: "In two months, it will be the twelfth birthday for most of you. At that time, an envoy from the Heaven Sword Immortal Sect will come to test your talents."

"If any of you possess excellent talent! That will be a true Dragon's Leap over the Dragon Gate!"

"A Great Peng spreads its wings on the wind, soaring ninety thousand miles straight up!"

"When that time comes, don't forget your Uncle Hai's teaching grace, after all, blood is thicker than water."

"Today, I will explain the Realm of Cultivators to you. The Qi Condensation Realm has a total of twelve layers."

"The first four layers are the Early Stage, the fifth to eighth layers are the Middle Stage, the ninth to eleventh layers are the Late Stage, and the twelfth layer is the Peak!"

"And Foundation Establishment has nine layers. The first three layers are Early, the fourth to sixth layers are Middle, the seventh to eighth layers are Late, and the ninth is the Peak!"

"Golden Core True Person is also like this...."

"Also, you all don't need to come tomorrow. In the remaining time, all of you should adjust your mindset well...."

............

The scene shifts, and time returns to the present.

The surrounding Li Family Disciples, seeing the Young Master's attire and the absence of any guards or servants, immediately recognized him as a Low Grade ordinary Disciple, their eyes filled with undisguised disdain.

However, the Young Master Li Tan did not care about their opinions.

His rough, cracked small hands tightly clutched the two Spirit Stones, his eyes filled with determination and a baffling sense of hope.

Before the Li Family's talents were tested, only high-ranking Disciples whose parents held important positions in the Family were eligible to receive a monthly stipend of one hundred Spirit Stones, and even had Qi Condensation Stage guards accompanying them.

Middle-ranking Disciples could enjoy fifty Spirit Stones each month, and also had guards and servants accompanying them. Their Elders were all meritorious officials who had contributed to the Family.

Li Tan had once seen those high-ranking Disciples from afar; they were all impeccably dressed and radiant!

Even the servants attending them were young and beautiful girls, and the guards beside them exuded an astonishingly powerful Aura! He watched them with a pang of envy.

The classroom teacher once said: "Cultivation resources are key to improving one's strength."

Li Tan knew his humble background and status could not compare to those high-ranking Disciples, so he cherished every opportunity to obtain Spirit Stones even more.

The Li Family Old Ancestor was a Peak Foundation Establishment existence!

The Family's Rank naturally reached the standard of a second-Rank Foundation Establishment Family, and it was among the top in Qingfeng City, hailed as one of the Four Great Families.

"Li Family!"

Thanks to the Family, he could Awaken his talent at the age of twelve, and he secretly rejoiced that he was not a Disciple of a Qi Condensation Family.

Disciples of Qi Condensation Families could only Awaken their talent at the age of fourteen.

Li Tan's father worked under an Elder, so he had heard some stories discussed by the Family Old Ancestors.

He heard that in the legendary third-Rank Families, Disciples within the sect could Awaken early at the age of ten.

Li Tan secretly clicked his tongue. A third-Rank Family was required to have a Golden Core True Person! That was a powerful figure who dominated the continent!

With a mere word, he could decide the survival of small Families.

He could easily split mountains and sever rivers; merely the Aura around him could crush evil demons.

He was a true powerhouse with true authority on the continent!

In the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Li Tan had already arrived at a familiar street, a street he often came to observe.

As for how many times he had been there? He couldn't remember, and he even often came there in his dreams....

The items sold here were expensive, and he only came here to feast his eyes after finishing his laborious tasks at the Li Family.

.........

Most of the shops on the street were established by powerful forces. As for first-Rank Families, they were not qualified to open shops.

They could only set up stalls on the street and sell small goods, but most of them were worthless trinkets.

Before long, Li Tan entered a relatively large shop. The magnificent golden walls all declared the place's opulence.

Four shining golden characters were written on the shop, and the calligraphy was like a soaring Dragon and dancing Phoenix! The Aura could even be described as spirited.

"Wang Family Medicinal Pill Shop"

Li Tan had long set his eyes on an item, but because of its high price, the Spirit Stones he had accumulated for a long time had not met the requirement.

But today was different!

He had accumulated Spirit Stones for over two years, and he now had a huge sum of over forty in his possession!

Thinking of this, the Young Master's chest couldn't help but puff out, and he then strode inside.

Upon entering the Wang Family Medicinal Pill Shop, the scene before his eyes was even more enchanting.

No matter what type of Medicinal Pill, they were all placed in expensive, exclusive boxes, and the space was very spacious. Even the paths built on the ground were made of expensive jade.

To Li Tan, the Medicinal Pills in the shop were incredibly expensive, but fortunately, he had already made up his mind.

"Shopkeeper, what is the price of the Wash Marrow Pill?"

"Wash Marrow Pill?" The shopkeeper looked at the Young Master before him in confusion.

Although the Young Master's clothes were not tattered, they were not exactly clean and tidy either.

Many parts were wrinkled, clearly indicating they had been hand-washed countless times.

Seeing Li Tan in such a state, the shopkeeper's eyes, filled with expectation, were instantly doused with cold water: "As expected, he's a child from a poor Family; he can't even get the name of a Medicinal Pill right."

However, a professional smile still hung on his face as he enthusiastically said, "Customer, this Wash Marrow Pill is a Low Grade Rank one Medicinal Pill, capable of strengthening the physique and removing some Impurities from the body, which is greatly beneficial for Cultivation!"

"And the Wash Marrow Pill in our shop is of absolutely superior quality! The price is also fair! One pill only costs sixty Spirit Stones."

As soon as the shopkeeper's words fell, a cry of surprise reached Li Tan's ears.

"Sixty Spirit Stones!"

Even though he was mentally prepared, the shopkeeper's soft words still filled his mind, a lingering sound that refused to dissipate.

"So expensive..." Li Tan couldn't help but mumble.

His face also became somewhat unpleasant because of this, and his eyes carried a hint of resentment.

The shopkeeper beamed, his enthusiasm undiminished, and he used his eloquent tongue to persuade him:

"Customer, this Wash Marrow Pill is a rare treasure; its efficacy is incomparable to other Medicinal Pills.

"Moreover, this price is already very affordable. If it were at an auction house in a large city, it would probably be even more than this."

Seeing that the shopkeeper refused to budge, Li Tan decided to play a little trick. It was naturally good if he could save Spirit Stones.

"Shopkeeper, do you know who I am?"

"May I ask your name, esteemed customer?" The shopkeeper readily took the bait, asking with a smile.

"This Young Master's surname is Li!"

"Wow! That's incredible!"

The shopkeeper also exclaimed in cooperation, while quietly asking Li Tan,

"Could it be the Li Family of Qingfeng City?"

"Is there a second Li Family in Qingfeng City?"

Li Tan's eyes held some arrogance and a touch of smugness.

The shopkeeper knew perfectly well that he just wanted the Medicinal Pill to be cheaper and didn't have enough Spirit Stones.

There were many such customers on a daily basis, but without exception, they were all looking for a small discount.

After weighing the pros and cons, the shopkeeper feigned a sigh. Since the customer had brought up his Family's name, one shouldn't hit a smiling face.

Moreover, the Li Family in Qingfeng City could be considered a formidable force. Even if the Wang Family wasn't afraid of the Li Family, there was no need to affect their reputation for a small profit.

Our Wang Family is not reckless; we value the Dao of hospitality in business!

"Young Master, so you are from the Li Family! It was my oversight in hospitality. How about this, today I will make an exception and give you a discount, only forty-five Spirit Stones!"

The shopkeeper's attitude was very polite, completely without any snobbishness.

Li Tan's heart rejoiced, but he showed no emotion on his face. He deliberately feigned hesitation, pacing back and forth.

"Forty-five Spirit Stones is still a bit too expensive. I only have forty Spirit Stones in total."

The shopkeeper's face showed difficulty, and he waved his hands back and forth, seemingly anxious, earnestly persuading him: "Young Master, this is already the lowest price. Any lower and our small shop will lose money."

Who knew that Li Tan wouldn't fall for it? He turned to step out of the doorway, his pupils squeezed to the corners of his eyes, secretly peeking at the shopkeeper.

"Forget it, forget it. I'll just go look at other shops."

Seeing Li Tan about to leave, the shopkeeper could no longer remain calm.

"Oh, don't go, Young Master! How about this, forty Spirit Stones it is. Consider it making a friend."

As the shopkeeper's words fell, Li Tan's heart was overjoyed, and he readily paid the Spirit Stones.

He left the Wang Family Medicinal Pill Shop happily with the Medicinal Pill, feeling wonderful inside....

..........

Not long after Li Tan left, a shop assistant smilingly handed the bill to the shopkeeper, his expression fawning and his tone very flattering: "Shopkeeper, this is a new batch of goods."

"Please take a look!"

The shopkeeper merely glanced at it, then stared at the price on the paper with an incredulous look!

"Why has the Wash Marrow Pill's price gone up again? It's actually twenty-five Spirit Stones! It's getting harder and harder to earn Spirit Stones...."

.......

Li Tan walked down the street, carefully clutching the Wash Marrow Pill to his chest: "With this Wash Marrow Pill, it will definitely help my talent Breakthrough!"

As he walked, three profligate figures appeared ahead!

Li Tan recognized them at a glance; the leader was Li Yi, and the two beside him were his lackeys, Li Qiu and Li Qiang.

Li Tan naturally knew these three. They were usually arrogant and overbearing, relying on their grandfather being a Family Elder. They walked with their heads held high all day, and even a dog would get a slap!

"You brat, stop!"

Li Tan frowned, his body suddenly stiffening. He sighed, thinking he was unlucky.

"You brat, are you Li Tan?"

Li Yi's gaze was contemptuous, his arms crossed, in the posture of a profligate Young Master. Clearly, he didn't put Li Tan in his eyes.

"Yi Gongzi actually remembers this humble one! It is this humble one's fortune!"

"May I ask what Yi Gongzi commands? If this one can accomplish it, I will go through fire and water! I will not refuse!"

"To serve Yi Gongzi is this one's honor."

Li Tan lowered his posture greatly, his expression very fawning, without any so-called unyielding spirit.

As these two flowery phrases fell, the two lackeys beside Li Yi looked at Li Tan with approval.

Li Yi still maintained a condescending attitude, waving his hand leisurely.

"It's nothing much, just heard that your father works for my Family?"

"Precisely, precisely." Li Tan smiled broadly, cupping his fists.

"Li Tan, Li Tan, this name...."

"Greedy for money and lustful. I see when you're short on money, you can still rob two beggars on the street to make a living."

The lackey beside him, Li Qiang, looked directly at Li Tan through his nostrils, without any scruples.

As for why he spoke to suppress Li Tan, perhaps it was because he found him unpleasant, or perhaps it was Li Yi's instruction, but these were all just guesses.

"A Untouchables (lowly person) is a Untouchables (lowly person); even his name is so inauspicious!" Li Yi frowned, his index finger almost poking Li Tan's nose, his attitude overbearing and relentless.

Hearing his Young Master's ridicule, the laughter of the lackeys beside him grew louder: "Your father is clumsy and disobedient in his work. He must be getting old. I think it's more suitable for him to go back and enjoy his old age."

As Li Yi spoke, he pulled out a cloth bag and threw it directly onto the ground.

"This cloth bag contains one hundred Spirit Stones. Tell your father to go home and enjoy his retirement. Don't say we are heartless!"

Li Tan seemed to ponder, and he also had some guesses in his heart. He sighed imperceptibly, fearing that his future days would not be good.

But a warm smile still hung on his face, without a trace of anger or shame, "This humble one obeys Yi Gongzi's command. Yi Gongzi is generous and extravagant."

As soon as his words fell, the two lackeys laughed even harder.

"This brat really loves money; his own father got fired and he's still so happy."

"Hahahahaha, Li Tan, Li Tan, a name that fits the person."

Li Tan, being thus humiliated, remained expressionless, showing no signs of exasperation or shame from the insults of Li Yi and the other two.

However, the two lackeys didn't think so. They believed Li Tan was cowardly and therefore dared not resist.

"A cheap life, a cheap life with soft bones, hahahahaha...."

As these words fell, Li Qiang's eyes were filled with contempt and ridicule, as if only this could highlight his inner superiority.

"Ordinary Disciples are just slaves bearing the Li Family's name! They will never amount to anything in their lives."

............

They didn't care about Li Tan's thoughts, nor did they care about his expression. As they spoke, the three swaggered away, discussing as they walked.

"This brat is quite sensible. He won't amount to much in the future, so he can just be a dog for this Young Master."

"Any dirty work... let him do it. Just keep him as a scapegoat."

Li Qiang's expression also became serious: "Is Yi Gongzi planning to spare his dog life?"

"A Family of good-for-nothings won't cause any waves."

"He's not qualified for this Young Master to act. Besides, we can't alert the enemy during this period, after all, that Old Ancestor is now eyeing me like a tiger."

"I'm afraid once I Awaken my Spiritual Root, he won't be able to resist making a move."

"Although that Old Ancestor is powerful, this Young Master may not necessarily lose!"

"My Elder brother is deeply favored by that Old Ancestor, little does he know that we two are confidants."

"And you two had best be honest, otherwise, I cannot guarantee whether the Medicinal Pill poison will relapse early!"

At this moment, Li Yi had shed his previous profligate Young Master demeanor, his eyes radiating a sharp, knife-like chill....