Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan

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The great battle loomed, and the Li family had neither the desire nor the energy to concern themselves with the affairs of the Yuanming Sect.

Moreover, Li Zhirui speculated that the sudden disappearance of Jiang Tianming wasn't due to his demise; he likely left with his disciples to another territory to rebuild his sect and continue its lineage.

As for the reason, it wasn't hard to guess. It was none other than Li Zhirui showcasing his alchemy skills, coupled with the convening of the Spirit Pill Conference, which indebted many Golden Core cultivators to his family.

These debts of gratitude wouldn't compel them to fight to the death for the Li family, but if they could settle the karma without jeopardizing themselves and while having the upper hand, there would be no problem at all.

Despite the Yuanming Sect's current weakness, Mingling was still a Golden Core cultivator. If he fought desperately, it was entirely possible that he might take a Golden Core from the Li family, and injuring a few others wasn't out of the question either.

With the downfall of the Yuanming Sect close at hand, why would Li Zhirui allow his clan to take such a risk?

Why not just wait for them to decline without committing a single soldier or general?

As for Mingling's plan to burn his boats and lead his disciples in a direct assault on Wanxian Island? Li Zhirui didn't even consider that a threat. The current Wanxian Island and its Clan Protection Array were far from as simple as they once were!

A single Golden Core cultivator might not be much threat, let alone several more. As long as there is one Golden Core cultivator in charge of the island, the defensive Formation couldn't be breached in less than ten days or half a month.

Moreover, by releasing this message, the Yuanming Sect hoped to provoke the Li family into attacking first, to then devise a way to trap and kill their cultivators.

Apart from these reasons, Li Zhirui paid even more attention to Shen Leishan's reaction!

Judging by Shen Leishan's previous actions, they would certainly not allow any vassal force to become too powerful, as it could threaten their own ruling position.

Although Shen Leishan now had Cloud Thunder True Lord, a Nascent Soul cultivator, whether they would change their previous approach was uncertain.

If the Li family exterminated the Yuanming Sect, and Shen Leishan suddenly interfered, pointing fingers at the Li family, pulling favors, or even 'taking back' Yunping State and Guangqing State, or using it as an excuse to eliminate the Li family.

It was precisely these considerations that made Li Zhirui suppress the restlessness in his heart, ignore the matter, and focus the clan on preparing for the oncoming great battle.

After all, Li Zhirui's desire to destroy the Yuanming Sect was no less than anyone else's.

Back when the Li family had only Li Shiqing as their Golden Core, the three Golden Core cultivators from the Yuanming Sect brazenly invaded Li territory and threatened the lives of many Li family members to coerce Li Shiqing into action against a Golden Core of the Green Sword Sect - a fact unknown to others but etched deep into Li Zhirui's memories!

A terrifying murderous intent surfaced in the depths of Li Zhirui's dark eyes. He silently recited the Heart Clarity Spell to suppress the rising anger and intent to kill within him.

"Everyone return to prepare the Spiritual Objects. The great battle is imminent!" Li Shiqing concluded the meeting, and the attendees all rose to leave.

Not so long ago, a message from Shen Leishan had arrived, declaring that they would marshal their forces within half a year, at most, to make a move on Great Void Province.

That might seem like a long time, but for cultivators, it was merely the blink of an eye – gone in a flash.

"Zhirui, how are things between you and that Taoist Jiang?" Li Shiqing urged. "Since you both have affection for each other, you should hurry and bring her into the family!"

"Moreover, now that both of you are Golden Core cultivators, you can try cultivating the Orthodox Dual Cultivation Method. It not only allows you to enjoy the pleasures of conjugality but also enhances mana, speeds up cultivation – why not do it?"

Li Shilian, who was nearby, also spoke up, persuading, "Although it's not suitable for a grand celebration now, the family will hold a lavish wedding for you two afterward."

The two elders were so insistent and repeatedly urging because they hoped that after the outbreak of the great war, Jiang Fengwu would enter the family's territory and provide protection for the Li family.

Even though the clan members were now aware of her relationship with Li Zhirui, her status was not yet official, and the Li family dared not teach her the Clan Protection Array or let her help manage it.

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"Uncle, Elder Lian, acting in such a way suggests that we are scheming against Taoist Jiang," Li Zhirui shook his head and refused. If he really did that, he feared it would be the end of their relationship with them.

Seeing that the two elders still wanted to persuade him, Li Zhirui quickly spoke up, "I will go and find Taoist Jiang and tell her about this, asking her to take charge in Red Pine Market."

If the Li family did encounter any danger, given the distance between the two places, she would be able to arrive in just a moment.

Having said this, without waiting for their reply, Li Zhirui turned into a breeze and went to the marketplace to look for Jiang Fengwu.

"Let it be; since the lad is not willing, then forget it. Besides, having her take charge of the marketplace is not a bad idea."

Li Shiqing pondered in his heart, if someone indeed attacked Wanxian Island, Li Shilian could take charge of the Formation for defense, while Jiang Fengwu could raid and disrupt from the outside. With the assistance of the family's cultivators, the Li family would surely remain safe and sound.

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"Taoist Jiang, I have a favor to ask of you!" Li Zhirui said directly after they had met.

"Speak."

"A great battle is looming, and my Li family must heed Shen Leishan's summons to head to Great Void Province to participate. However, with so many of our people leaving, it is difficult to guarantee that no cultivators will harbor ill intentions, attempting to strike while we are vulnerable."

Li Zhirui explained in detail, and seeing the expression on Jiang Fengwu's face, it seemed she had guessed what he was going to ask.

He paused for a moment and continued, "Though we have left Elder Lian to guard the family, he is but one man, and should there be any mishap, the consequences would be dire. Therefore, I hope you will stay behind so that we may look out for one another."

"Of course, my Li family would not expect you to assist for nothing; we will give you some Spirit Pills and Spiritual Medicine as compensation."

Jiang Fengwu thought it over but did not refuse, "I agree to this matter, but as for the compensation, let's forget about it."

"That won't do; how can we let you lend a hand for nothing?" Li Zhirui shook his head and thereupon took out several bottles of high-quality Vitality Pills from his storage ring.

These Spirit Pills were for his own use, so there weren't many, but there were plenty more in the family's storehouse.

"I will bring you the rest of the Spirit Pills when I return to the family," he said.

Jiang Fengwu sent her Divine Sense out to examine them and waved her hands repeatedly, "Enough, enough, these Vitality Pills are more than enough for me to lend a hand."

She came from a Loose Cultivator background, and to break through to the Golden Core stage, she had nearly exhausted decades of accumulated wealth, such that even now, she could not afford to craft her Life-bound Magic Treasure, mainly because Jiang Fengwu did not have the Spirit Stones to buy the required Spiritual Objects.

"To request a Golden Core Cultivator to act, how could such a small gesture be sufficient?" Li Zhirui shook his head, also thinking of taking this opportunity to subsidize Jiang Fengwu.

But what he said was also true—employing a Golden Core Cultivator to act and offering just a few bottles of third-grade Spirit Pills would be far from possible.

Later, Li Zhirui went back to the family once more, bringing back ten jade bottles, which he gave to Jiang Fengwu.

He trusted her character; since she had agreed, she would not leave with these dozen or so bottles of Vitality Pills.

"Thank you, Taoist friend!"

"It is we, the Li family, who should be thanking you."