276: Fifth Incarnation: Heavenly Physician (Sixty-Eight)

Xu Yuan's three new orders were like three precise scalpels, piercing directly into the heart of the Flowing Cloud Market's predicament.

Once the high-contribution mission to "open new paths" was announced, it immediately caused massive waves within the market.

Under heavy rewards, there are bound to be brave men; the expedition teams and Loose Cultivators, who had been somewhat stagnant, moved upon hearing the news.

Several exploration teams, spontaneously formed by Cultivators from the market, ventured deep into surrounding dangerous lands and actually discovered a small "Cloud-Patterned Iron" vein and several unrecorded growth points for Spiritual Plants.

Meanwhile, several Loose Cultivators who had been traveling merchants for years were attracted by the high profits and risked opening secret passages that bypassed traditional trade routes. Although the volume was not large, they successfully brought in scarce materials, breaking the supply monopoly.

The market not only alleviated its resource shortage but also gained a windfall; the distribution of contribution rewards further motivated everyone.

The strategy of "tapping internal potential" stimulated even more astonishing creativity.

After the public Pill Refining Rooms and Artifact Refining Rooms were opened, some Cultivators who had previously been unrecognized showed their skills.

A Loose Cultivator Alchemist named Han Li, relying on his exquisite skills and using the medicinal ingredients provided by the market, successfully refined high-quality "Qi Recovery Pills." This not only met internal demand but even began to be sold externally, opening a new source of wealth for the market.

Another Deacon skilled in Artifact Refining improved the refining process for the market's standard Flying Swords, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

The preliminary establishment of an internal cycle greatly enhanced the market's ability to resist risks.

"Rumors stop at transparency" was an even more brilliant masterstroke that struck at the root.

That day, a massive bulletin board was erected in the central square. Every bit of daily income, every expenditure, and the contribution assessment results for every mission of the market were clearly written on it.

At first, some people doubted the truth of the data, but as time passed, iron-clad facts were presented before them: Cultivators with high contribution values indeed received far more resources than before; the market's income was growing steadily, and each month's surplus was clearly traceable.

The suggestion box received many valuable suggestions, and those whose suggestions were adopted received heavy rewards.

As for the few fellows who maliciously spread rumors, they were also verified through anonymous reports, severely punished in public, and their heads were hung for all to see!

Since then, the rumors collapsed, and the people's hearts quickly settled, becoming even more united.

Three months passed in a flash.

The Flowing Cloud Market was now completely transformed.

The market's prosperity far exceeded the past; Spiritual Qi was abundant, and the Cultivators were full of spirit, each attending to their own business in an orderly manner.

The turnover not only completely turned from loss to profit but even reached more than twice the average level of the same period in the past!

This report card was so dazzling that it could not be ignored.

The day of the Family evaluation finally arrived.

Inside the Su Family's Lingyun Hall, the atmosphere was solemn.

Clan Chief Clan Leader sat at the head, flanked by more than ten core Elders of the Family, including the grim-faced Law Enforcement Elder Su Zhenshan.

Xu Yuan, dressed in green, stood calmly in the center of the hall.

Several Elders from Su Zhenshan's faction were the first to attack, their words fierce.

"Clan Chief! Although Young Lord Su Yuan's actions in the Flowing Cloud Market have been beneficial, his methods are drastic. He dismissed meritorious officials, destroyed internal harmony, and even presumed to change ancestral systems, shaking the Family's Foundation! This trend must not be allowed to grow!" one Elder said with a look of distress.

"Indeed! The increase in market revenue may be a coincidence, or perhaps it's sacrificing long-term interests for short-term prosperity! His so-called new policies encourage profit-seeking and foster a utilitarian mindset, which runs counter to our Su Family's ancestral teachings of harmonizing the clan and accumulating virtue!" another echoed.

"Furthermore, he has offended many Family Elders, causing widespread complaints. In the long run, internal strife will surely arise within the Family!"

Facing the accusations, Xu Yuan's expression remained unchanged.

After the other party finished speaking, he took a step forward, gave a slight bow to the Clan Chief and the Elders, and then spoke unhurriedly:

"The points mentioned by the Elders are nothing more than 'ancestral systems', 'harmony', and 'utilitarianism'. Yuan has a report for you."

With a flick of his sleeve, a Jade Slip flew toward Clan Leader.

"This contains the detailed accounts, mission records, contribution lists, and new channel lists for the Flowing Cloud Market over the past three months. Please, Clan Chief and Elders, look them over. All data can be verified."

The data in the Jade Slip was extremely clear: income, expenditure, profit, average gain per person, mission completion rate, new resource points... every indicator crushed the past.

Especially the growth rate of the actual income of middle- and lower-level Cultivators was even more shocking.

Before everyone could examine it closely, Xu Yuan continued, his voice clear and powerful:

"Yuan asks, if we stubbornly cling to old rules and practice nepotism, leading to the market's year-after-year losses and resource drain, is that following 'ancestral systems'? Or is it ruining the Family business?"

"If we suppress the virtuous and talented, making them lose heart, while the incompetent occupy positions without doing anything, is that preserving 'harmony'? Or is it nurturing a hidden danger?"

"If we distribute according to work, distinguish between rewards and punishments, and let the capable earn more, stimulating the entire Family's initiative, making the market prosper, and benefiting the clansmen, is that fostering 'utilitarianism'? Or is it the Foundation of a strong Family?"

The three rhetorical questions were powerful and resonant, leaving the Elders who had just attacked speechless for a moment.

Xu Yuan's gaze swept across everyone, finally landing on Su Zhenshan's face, his tone turning solemn: "As for those I offended... those Yuan dismissed were all people who neglected their duties and sought personal gain at the expense of the public! If such parasites are kept, it would be the greatest injustice to those who work diligently and contribute to the Family! That would be the true source of the Family's destruction!"

He bowed to Clan Leader again: "Father, Elders. The changes in the Flowing Cloud Market over these three months prove that the new laws are feasible and that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Yuan does not seek power, but rather a more efficient, fair, and dynamic path to prosperity for the Family. Now, the market's people are united and vitality is bursting forth; this is obvious to all."

The hall was silent.

Data does not lie, and facts speak louder than words.

Clan Leader looked at the data in the Jade Slip, then at his son standing below, who was composed and eloquent. A complex look flashed in his eyes, one of gratification and also of consideration.

He knew well that his son's path touched the interests of many, but the benefits it brought were also tangible.

At this time, several Elders who were originally neutral, or whose subordinates had indeed received benefits in the Flowing Cloud Market, also began to speak in support:

"Clan Chief, although Young Lord Yuan is young, his ability is outstanding. The new laws he implemented have shown remarkable results and should be affirmed."

"Yes, the current state of the Flowing Cloud Market is indeed far superior to before."

"Perhaps... we could allow the Young Lord to implement his methods on a larger scale to see the subsequent effects?"

Su Zhenshan's face was ashen, but he could not find a more powerful reason to refute for the moment.

After a long time, Clan Leader spoke slowly, making the final decision:

"Yuan'er's pilot project this time is undoubtedly a success. Those who doubt should use facts as their yardstick."

He looked sharply at Xu Yuan: "However, reform is not achieved overnight; it also needs to be gradual. Since you have proven your methods are effective, I will give you a larger stage."

"From today on, the Flowing Cloud Market will still be under your full jurisdiction."

"In addition, the Family's 'Hundred Herb Garden' in the south and the 'Goldstone Mine' in the west will also be placed under your jurisdiction!"

"I hope you will guard against arrogance and rashness, continue your efforts, and not fail the Family's expectations!"

Expanded authority!

Once the Clan Chief said this, it meant that Xu Yuan's "new policy" had received recognition from the highest level, and his sphere of influence would expand significantly!

"This child obeys! I will certainly not fail the heavy trust of my father and the Family!"