Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

"As long as benevolence and propriety are practiced, and people's hearts are enlightened, the world can achieve great governance," was a concept that Xiao Renfeng had long held and deeply believed through his education at the academy.

Yet, the words of Hou Yuduan caused him to feel conflicted...

"I have forcibly distinguished Martial Artists from the common people and provided them with a fixed number of followers based on their cultivation, acknowledging their uniqueness and granting them different treatment from the common populace. Yet with this, I have also imposed stricter laws upon them than those that govern the ordinary citizens. Since they deem themselves extraordinary and believe they are above the common folk, enjoying higher treatment, they must also endure stricter restrictions."

Of course, the Martial Registry categorizes them into different classes, but more importantly, it separates the lives of Martial Artists from the common people, affirming the former while also ensuring the survival rights of the lower classes.

"Since Hexi implemented the Martial Registry, in just over two months, the mortality rate among the common people has drastically decreased; no one dares to bully the common populace with their martial skills anymore. With the collapse of the influential factions, the fierce conflicts among Martial Artists have almost vanished. In the Prefectural City and the nineteen counties of the other three regions, not a single major casualty incident has occurred.

I am well aware that the Martial Registry has many flaws, which is why I have allowed discussions in the Golden Wind and Drizzle Building. Should a better suggestion arise, I will immediately follow up with amendments until the martial registration system is utterly perfected. But for now, across the various provinces and paths, Mr. Hou has yet to see any governance method more reasonable than the Martial Registry!"

"Even in the Zhengdao Seven States, such as the Yang and Yan states where Brother Xiao resides, the living conditions for the ordinary people there are not as good as those in the Hexi Region under Hou Clan's control!"

Hou Yuduan, having spoken at length, looked down and realized that Xiao Renfeng had been rooted to the spot the entire time. He didn't interrupt but waited quietly without moving.

Xiao Renfeng, after a lengthy internal struggle, finally lifted his head to look at Hou Yuduan. His eyes showed admiration, and then he suddenly stood straight, bowed deeply to Hou Yuduan, and said respectfully, "Mr. Xiao was once fortunate enough to be accepted for mentorship by Master Ji. I knew early on that Master Ji's judgment could not be mistaken. Today is truly an honor for me to see Brother Hou. I wish to stay by Brother Hou's side to study and cultivate, and I ask for your gracious permission!"

......

Gu Nianqiu, who had been standing by, was stunned upon hearing Xiao Renfeng's words and seeing his respectful manner. Not only was he surprised, but Hou Yuduan was also caught off guard, particularly with Xiao Renfeng addressing him with such respect, which left him somewhat discomposed.

Having studied under Ji Yanzhi, he should address me as Brother Hou? But I never formally became Ji Yanzhi's disciple, and besides, this is the First Holy Son of Bailu Academy...

"Young Master Xiao, are you serious?"

"With all sincerity. To be honest with Brother Hou, Mr. Xiao came to Hexi because the Great Confucians of the Academy deduced that the descendants of the Great Yu royal family once moved here. Thus, I was sent to see if I could locate two individuals. Alas, the Holy Yuan Nirvana Technique of the Great Yu possesses the power to rejuvenate and transform fortunes, and without those two offering themselves, I cannot find any clues. I might as well stay by Brother Hou's side to wait and at the same time follow Brother Hou in cultivation; I kindly ask for your permission!"

Upon hearing this, Hou Yuduan's face showed a flash of "surprise," and he inquired, "Didn't the Great Jin execute all descendants of the Great Yu royal family?"

It was the slight astonishment on his face that caused Xiao Renfeng to let go of the last shreds of caution deep in his eyes, shaking his head, he said, "On the day the Divine Dynasty fell, the Ninth Princess Jiang Yuli and the Sixteenth Prince Jiang Yuyun escaped with the help of a Saint from the Divine Dynasty. Unfortunately, now that we have not seen the real persons, we do not know if they are alive or dead!"

Hou Yuduan nodded, and the surprise slowly faded from his face. He then turned around to see Xiao Renfeng still eagerly looking at him, showing a hint of awkwardness on his face, but after hesitating for a moment, he still said, "Since Young Master Xiao is willing, then the Hou Clan naturally welcomes you. It's just that I am not sure about... Young Master Gu..."

"If Brother Xiao is going, then I have no objections to staying with the Hou Clan for a while too."

Hou Yuduan nodded, extended his hand with a smile, and said, "Having the Sword God and the Saint Heir as guests graces the Hou Mansion with glory. Gentlemen, please follow me."

With that, he led the two men out of the Golden Wind and Drizzle Building and headed in the direction of the Hou Mansion.