All eyes were on Wu Tianmo, Liu Changfeng had set the stage for him perfectly. Instead of them asking about where he had been while they fought, Liu took the initiative and expedited the conversation past any awkwardness.
No one would call Wu Tianmo a coward for missing the final battle he was only in the first stage of the Body Reforging realm.
Yet this 1st Stage Body Reforging realm killed more tier one tigers than anyone else.
Liu Changfeng looked at Tianmo with expectation.
Liu knew that Tianmo was an exceptional swordsman and everyone else knew it as well. He would be a future asset to the village, a part of the next generation. Liu had long since decided to curry a bit of favor with the talented youth.
Wu Tianmo clasped his hands,
"Seniors, this little one has scouted ahead into the cave of the beast."
The Zhang patriarch got agitated,
"While we were fighting the master you robbed his store? How dare you use us as bait!"
The Liu patriarch waved his hands dismissively,
"Listen to the Kid Guowei, not only did he save my life but he hasn't taken anything from the cave. He's a rank one Body Reforging realm kid, how could he even dream of pulling something over us."
Chen Baoliang nodded in agreement,
"I agree how could this kid do anything against us, he may be good with a sword but he's still here isn't he? If he found something good he would have ran as fast as he could."
A flash of killing intent shot towards Wu Tianmo from Chen Baoliang,
"Not that it would do him any good"
Zhang Guowei calmed a bit,
"You both are correct, Little Tianmo, forgive me my blood is still hot from battle. Continue."
Wu Tianmo noted internally that Liu had spoken up for him, his family was very clear on repaying kindness and enmity.
Wu Tianmo continued,
"I'll continue then, Seniors, the cave goes 300 meters deep into the mountain and within the cave there is a pond that is so deep you can't see the bottom. I didn't dare to jump in in case a monster was within. There are piles of spirit stones that I assume the beast was using to cultivate... There are metal ores and spiritual plants that give of a strong aura! I do apologize, my knowledge is shallow and I don't know what these materials or plants are. They have to be valuable though!"
All corners of all the patriarchs mouths curled upwards.
This was exactly what they needed to help fund the beginning of the village, Chen's puppets had been destroyed, buildings and walls needed to be built, and spirit stones and plants we necessary for cultivation.
This was a heaven sent treasure trove that was waiting to be collected.
Zhang slapped both of his knees with his palms and stood up,
"What are we waiting for?"
---
1 Day Later
---
The cave had been looted and all the materials were accounted for, all the patriarchs had a significantly higher opinion of Wu Tianmo. Any other youth would have greedily taken the goods and ran.
That night, the whole caravan feasted on Silverbank Tiger, celebrating the founding of Heimu Village!
The Patriarchs even allowed the Wu Tianmo to sit with them and eat, which caused Zhang Minghao much distress.
He wasn't even allowed to eat with them this night.
The patriarchs all had differing opinions and ideas about Wu Tianmo, first he was comfortable talking with them. Showing he has dealt with higher realm cultivators before, he wasn't arrogant and he paid respects.
They all noticed that the also possessed a special movement technique and sword skills, this isn't common among rogue cultivators. His robes even bore the "Wu" family symbol. Where did this kid come from, it was frowned upon to dig into each others past. Especially considering each of the three families were forced from their own lands.
Who doesn't have a bit of secrets?
All of this caused the leaders to treat him with more respect than they normally would. The prowess that Wu Tianmo showed that he wasn't some random rogue cultivator. He had a history, and potentially a backing.
At the great feast, the leaders had their own table, which they graciously allowed Wu Tianmo to join.
The Patriarchs were using this opportunity to probe his intentions and background.
Midway through the feast Zhang Guowei took a large drink from his goblet holding wine,
"Over the next few months we will be constructing our village, with Brother Baoliang's methods I trust that should be enough time."
Chen Baoliang smiled and nodded,
"Brother Guowei, you're correct. This forest is filled with Ashwood which is impervious to flames and sturdy as metal. Our clan has a special way to process this wood to use it as the foundation for our village. With proper maintenance it isn't impossible for these structures to last a thousand years once we're done."
Zhang Guowei slapped the table with his palm and looked towards the Liu Patriarch,
"Good! Very Good! Brother Changfeng, I saw a few of your mortal members heading up the mountain. Did you find something that will be useful for the village?
While Guowei had a smile on his face it was also implying that he had eyes watching him.
Liu Changfeng drank a sip from his wine glass,
"Brother Guowei saw it correctly, this mountain is filled with Tier 1 herbs. After a few months, I should be able to produce a steady supply of pills. If only more of my members were capable of pill refining. It's a pity, truly a pity."
Zhang Guowei waved his hands,
"It is of no consequence, we're fortunate to have Brother Changfeng among us. Without you, how could my son have any hope of advancing into the Meridian Opening Stage."
Both the Chen and Liu patriarchs looked at one another with a hint of anxiety until Chen Baoliang spoke up,
"Brother Guowei is fortunate to have such an heir... Not every clan is blessed with a child so talented."
Chen Baoliang shook his head,
"My son is about to be 20 and only in the 6th Stage of Body Reforging realm. If it wasn't for his talent in puppetry, I would have kicked him out a long time ago."
Chen Baoliang looked to Liu Changfeng,
"We will be relying on your alchemy expertise Brother Changfeng, without you I doubt my idiot son would have the opportunity for the Meridian Opening realm in this lifetime."
Liu Changfeng smiled,
"Do not worry, the Liu Clan will begin our pill production within six months. We need materials and able bodies. My own son has been cultivating day and night to break through to the 8th Stage of Body Reforging realm, with hopes to break through in the coming days. When he also breaks through the Meridian Opening realm, the pill supply will greatly increase"
Both of the other patriarchs raised their glass to Liu Changfeng and they all drank in simultaneously.
It was then that Zhang Guowei looked towards Wu Tianmo who was quiet during this time,
"Little Tianmo, your prowess on the field of battle was quite impressive. Even more skillful than my own child, that is not typical of Rogue Cultivators. If only your own cultivation wasn't so low..."
This statement cause visible displeasure from Zhang Guowei's son who was sitting at a table nearby.
Wu Tianmo understood the implication,
"Senior is correct."
This single statement confirmed in the minds of the patriarchs that Wu Tianmo's background wasn't simple.
Wu Tianmo cleared his throat and lied,
"My Wu family is also not of this area, however members have been sent to different counties to ensure our survival throughout the ages."
This was a believable statement, most clans did this if there was threat of the clans downfall. This would ensure its bloodline's survival.
Zhang Guowei drank,
"So what is your intention with our village, Wu Tianmo? Do you intend to settle here, within our territory?"