Wei Zhong emerged from his secluded cultivation and immediately instructed Xie Linghua to collect as much high-grade Lingzhi as possible, emphasizing that quantity was paramount.
Over the past few years, Jade Forest Green tea had gained significant traction through the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild's promotional efforts, earning Wei Zhong a substantial fortune in spirit stones. This allowed him to reveal more of his hidden wealth through his alternate identity, Chu Zhong.
Under Wei Zhong's protection, Xie Linghua had also successfully advanced to the mid-stage of Qi Refining, further enhancing her prestige among the household servants.
"Master, the Li Family seems to be facing some trouble lately," Xie Linghua reported.
Wei Zhong could guess the issue: the family was likely caught between the Azurewood Sect and the Yan Clan, struggling to choose a side.
"Pay them no mind," he said. "The conflict between Core Formation powers is beyond our involvement."
In recent years, the Yan Clan's elder had recovered from the injuries inflicted by Yao Zheng Sheng. With the clandestine support of the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, the Yan Clan had begun aggressively seizing nearby territories.
By securing the backing of various Foundation Establishment Families, the Yan Clan had left the Li Family—ostensibly a Foundation Establishment family themselves—in an increasingly precarious position. Lacking their own Foundation Establishment cultivator and relying solely on Wei Zhong's nominal patronage, they lacked the leverage to command the respect of either Core Formation faction.
Naturally, the coercive measures employed became increasingly ruthless.
Azurewood Sect, Deliberation Hall
Sect Leader Nie Yuansen sat at the head of the hall, flanked by Hall Master Duan Delong of the Pill Hall, Hall Master Yu Xianglan of the Technique Hall, and Young Sect Leader Yao Zheng Sheng. Below them were the True Inheritance disciples and prominent members of the Elder Council.
"How goes the task of securing the support of the surrounding Foundation Establishment families?" Nie Yuansen asked.
An elder rose to speak. "The nearby Chen Family, as well as the Yue and Lin Clans further afield, have explicitly pledged their allegiance to our Azurewood Sect. However, the Li Clan of Sea Moon Lake has been evasive for years, maintaining an ambiguous stance..."
Yao Zheng Sheng interrupted. "If I recall correctly, the Li Clan hasn't had its own Foundation Establishment cultivator for years. They've been relying entirely on an outsider who merely lends them his name, correct? Moreover, that individual seems to be acquainted with Junior Brothers Shen and Luo."
"That's a misunderstanding, Senior Brother," Shen Yuqi quickly denied. "I merely have some business dealings with him; I wouldn't call us acquaintances."
Luo Mingyan, sweating inwardly, hesitated before steeling himself to reply. "While I'm not particularly close to him, I can visit the Li Clan on behalf of the sect and make an effort to persuade them."
Lu Yibin interjected, "I've heard he's quite close to the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild. Junior Brother Luo's persuasion might fall on deaf ears. Perhaps I should accompany him. A newly established Foundation Establishment Spirit Farmer wouldn't dare refuse me under the edge of my magic sword."
Luo Mingyan was about to voice further objections, but Sect Leader Nie Yuansen cut him off. "There's no need to waste effort on a mere idle Foundation Establishment cultivator, Yibin. You have other tasks to attend to."
At these words, the Deliberation Hall fell silent.
Nie Yuansen continued solemnly, "Demon beast activity has surged in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, suggesting a possible coordinated counterattack. We urgently need reinforcements. The Supreme Elder and Hall Master Zhao have already deployed to the front lines. More personnel are required immediately."
Turning to Yao Zheng Sheng, he said, "Zheng Sheng, lead your second, fourth, and fifth junior brothers and sisters to the front. While you're there, visit the disciple Senior Uncle Zhao recently took under his wing."
The junior brother he referred to was the sect's sixth True Inheritance Disciple, an enigmatic figure who had remained abroad for years, pursuing cultivation independently. He had never returned to the sect, preferring to cultivate in seclusion in the outside world.
Yao Zheng Sheng only knew that Yi Liu, the Sixth True Inheritance Disciple, came from a humble peasant family in the mortal realm.
He knew nothing of Yi Liu's appearance or aptitude, only that his notoriously discerning Senior Uncle Zhao was exceptionally pleased with him. Zhao had even granted all of Yi Liu's requests, including allowing him to remain in the mortal realm for many years to care for his parents.
Moreover, Senior Uncle Zhao had provided Yi Liu with abundant cultivation resources to ensure he wouldn't fall behind his fellow disciples.
Rumor had it that Yi Liu had rushed to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range immediately after achieving Foundation Establishment, making him quite the eccentric character.
When Nie Yuansen mentioned this True Inheritance Disciple, curiosity flickered in the eyes of the assembled cultivators, mirroring Yao Zheng Sheng's own.
"In addition, the Elder Council and the sect's stewards must also contribute. Elder Xu, please select the specific personnel."
A black-robed elder rose—the very same Elder Xu who had once extended an invitation to Wei Zhong to become a Guest Elder.
"As for the Qi Refining disciples, I urge you all to encourage their participation. Those who venture to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range this time will receive a twenty percent increase in Contribution points for their efforts."
Nie Yuansen turned to Yu Xianglan, the Hall Master of the Technique Hall. "Junior Sister Yu, how is the recruitment of Guest Elders progressing?"
Yu Xianglan frowned slightly. "The number of Guest Elders summoned this time is significantly lower than before. Daoist Hu Yang and several of his close associates have vanished without a trace..."
"Hmph, just as expected from those unreliable Loose Cultivators. Since they're useless, we'll disregard them."
Although the Azurewood Sect had signed Spirit Contracts with its Guest Elders, the recent Myriad Beasts Mountain Range expedition had already exhausted their allocated mission quotas for the next few decades. To deploy them again, the only remaining option was to entice them with rewards.
With a wave of his hand, Nie Yuansen declared the meeting adjourned, and the participants dispersed.
After leaving the main hall, Shen Yuqi tugged at Luo Mingyan's sleeve. "Junior Brother, why did you speak up for Chu Zhong? You've angered Senior Brother."
Luo Mingyan looked helpless. "Senior Brother Shen, you and I are different. After all, I have some ties with Chu Zhong..."
"You're just too soft-hearted. Take my advice, Junior Brother: after this, never speak up for outsiders again. Now that Senior Brother Yao has been appointed Young Sect Leader, even Senior Brother Lu, who has always been at odds with him, is subtly shifting his allegiance.
From now on, the Azurewood Sect will undoubtedly be under Senior Brother Yao's absolute authority. You mustn't cross him."
Luo Mingyan didn't know how to respond, so he simply nodded.
The next day, two streaks of escape light sped toward Sea Moon Lake.
Luo Mingyan glanced at the Inner Sect Elder beside him, a hint of exasperation in his eyes.
Lu Yibin, unable to accompany them due to his duties at the front lines, had sent Pang Sanchun, an Inner Sect Elder close to him, in his stead.
Pang Sanchun, at the early Foundation Establishment stage, was a trusted confidant of Lu Yibin. Though his cultivation base was unremarkable, he was remarkably attentive to the Foundation Establishment forces under the Azurewood Sect's jurisdiction.
In Luo Mingyan's view, Pang Sanchun was nothing more than a spineless lackey, shamelessly abusing the Azurewood Sect's prestige to bully others.
Still, as fellow sect members, Luo Mingyan maintained a veneer of politeness, concealing his contempt.
"Senior Brother Luo, Sea Moon Lake is truly a remarkable place. One of our Inner Sect Disciples hails from the Li Family. Years ago, when I accompanied him here, the Li Clan Head personally presented us with a thousand spirit stones. Their hospitality was quite impressive."
Despite being Lu Yibin's lapdog, Pang Sanchun remained keenly aware of his own station. As a True Inheritance Disciple, Luo Mingyan's status far surpassed that of a mere Inner Sect Elder.
"Hmph, the sect's reputation isn't yours to misuse so casually."
"Senior Brother Luo, you flatter me," Pang Sanchun said. "Those thousand spirit stones were earned through a commission from the Li Family, not extorted by force."
Luo Mingyan said nothing more, but his expression remained frosty.
In the blink of an eye, they arrived at Sea Moon Lake, the Li Family Spirit Island looming before them.
Patriarch Li Ren, accompanied by several Clan Elders, was already waiting on the shore. Spotting the approaching escape light, they hurried forward to greet their guests.
"Seniors, your presence honors us greatly. Please forgive our lack of formal welcome. A banquet with fine wine and Spirit Food has been prepared within. We invite you to take your seats and discuss matters at your leisure."
Before Luo Mingyan could respond, Pang Sanchun, already surrounded by Li Clan Elders, was being ushered into the banquet hall.
One doesn't strike a smiling face, Luo Mingyan thought wryly, and followed Patriarch Li Ren inside.
As expected of an immortal gathering, the banquet featured spirit wine and Spirit Food. Li Family Maids swarmed around Pang Sanchun, constantly toasting him with wine, quickly rendering him tipsy.
"Master, please try this Jade Forest Green," a maid draped in white gauze said, leaning close to Pang Sanchun and offering him a jade cup. "It's been flying off the shelves in Wild Plains Prefecture recently, and the flavor is truly exceptional..."
Pang Sanchun wrapped a thick arm around her slender waist and drained the cup in one gulp. "Excellent! Excellent!"
Witnessing the increasingly absurd scene unfolding before him, Luo Mingyan pressed his forehead, deeply regretting bringing Pang Sanchun along.
After dismissing the Li Clan Elders who were offering toasts, Luo Mingyan strode directly to Patriarch Li Ren and stated his purpose:
"Patriarch Li, you undoubtedly understand why I'm here. Spare me these delaying tactics. In short: will the Li Family align with the Azurewood Sect, or defect to the Yan Clan?"
"This..." Li Ren wiped the sweat from his brow, never expecting the Azurewood Sect's True Inheritance Disciple to be so uncompromising.
Just then, Pang Sanchun seemed to notice the commotion. Pushing aside the Li Clan Elders who were offering him toasts, he turned to Luo Mingyan and said, "Senior Brother Luo, why the rush? The Li Family isn't going anywhere. Let's enjoy ourselves for a while before discussing this matter."
Pang Sanchun's nonchalant attitude finally snapped Luo Mingyan's restraint. With a slight turn of his head, he glared at Pang Sanchun, unleashing an almost tangible wave of blood-soaked killing intent. The force of it made Pang Sanchun's hand tremble so violently that he nearly dropped his wine cup.
Having spent years slaughtering demons in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, Luo Mingyan's aura of murderous intent was one of his greatest achievements. How could a cultivator like Pang Sanchun, mired in mundane affairs, possibly compare?
Under the overwhelming pressure of that aura, Pang Sanchun found himself unable to utter a single word.
The Clan Elders and maids at the banquet were equally terrified by the sudden turn of events. Some of the more timid among them, with weaker cultivation bases, even fainted from fright.
"Please, True Disciple Luo, quell your anger!" Li Ren immediately prostrated himself before Luo Mingyan, and those around him swiftly followed suit.
"I ask you again: do you yield, or do you resist?" As he spoke, Luo Mingyan drew his magic sword from its scabbard and pressed the gleaming blade against Li Ren's throat, as if threatening to unleash a bloodbath at the slightest misstep.
Suddenly, the weather above the Li Family Spirit Island shifted dramatically. A vortex of spiritual energy began swirling in the sky above the island.
Sensing the disturbance, Luo Mingyan leapt from the hall just in time to witness the turbulent spiritual energy nearby. The rest of the banquet attendees rushed out as well, drawn by the commotion.
"So, someone in your Li Family has achieved Foundation Establishment. But what difference does one more Foundation Establishment cultivator make at this point?" Luo Mingyan glanced at Li Ren with mild surprise and a hint of mockery in his eyes.
On nearby Black Lake Island, Wei Zhong observed the spiraling vortex of spiritual energy rise without the slightest hint of surprise.
"Li Haowen's chances of success in his second Foundation Establishment attempt, after healing his Dharma Body's injuries, are undoubtedly higher than before," Wei Zhong remarked with a hint of感慨.
"All thanks to Master's assistance," Xie Linghua chimed in from the side.
Wei Zhong shook his head. Over the past few years, Li Haowen had repeatedly visited, imploring Wei Zhong to help the Li Family. Though Wei Zhong preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble, he had been moved by their sincerity.
After signing various contracts and even extracting a Demon Heart Oath from Li Haowen, Wei Zhong sold him some Second-Tier Azure Spirit Brew.
With this assistance, Li Haowen successfully healed the injuries from his first failed Foundation Establishment attempt. Having obtained a Foundation Establishment Pill from his clan, he was now preparing for his second attempt.
After a moment's contemplation, Wei Zhong summoned a Message Sword and sent it soaring toward the Li Family Spirit Island, where Luo Mingyan caught it.
"Brother Luo, care to meet?"
Luo Mingyan's expression softened slightly. He transformed into a streak of escape light and sped toward Black Lake Island, leaving the Li Clan Elder and Pang Sanchun below to exchange bewildered glances.
"Brother Luo, long time no see!" Wei Zhong greeted him warmly with a smile.
Luo Mingyan, however, looked utterly exasperated. He cut straight to the point: "Brother Chu, what exactly is your stance on the Li Family?"
Wei Zhong shrugged. "Brother Luo, why do you say such things? I merely hold a nominal position with the Li Family. How could I possibly influence their affairs?"
Having already assisted Li Haowen in achieving Foundation Establishment, Wei Zhong resolved to remain uninvolved. He even planned to relinquish his Guest Elder title once Li Haowen succeeded.
Luo Mingyan nodded. "That's for the best. The sect's stance is firm on this matter, Brother Chu should avoid getting entangled."
"You jest, Brother Luo. How could a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator like myself dare to interfere in the power struggles of Core Formation factions?" As he spoke, Wei Zhong retrieved several jars of spirit wine. "You left empty-handed last time, Brother Luo. Allow me to make up for it this time."
Luo Mingyan shook his head and declined the offering. Sensing something amiss, Wei Zhong quietly inquired, "Has something transpired that I'm unaware of?"
"Alas, Brother Chu, your initial refusal of Elder Xu's Guest Elder invitation already offended the sect's dignity. When the Young Sect Leader and other disciples learned of it, you gained a reputation within the sect. Now, your ambiguous involvement with the Li Family has only deepened that mark.
If not for more pressing sect matters, I doubt I'd be here today. It would likely be Senior Brother Lu, magic sword in hand, paying you a visit."
"Lu Yibin, the Second True Disciple?"
"Precisely."
Wei Zhong was bewildered, unable to understand why he was so at odds with the Second True Disciple, both within the Secret Realm and beyond.
"Senior Brother Lu possesses a profound cultivation base and is known for his ruthless methods," Luo Mingyan warned. "Fellow Daoist, you'd surely suffer if you crossed him."
"What should I do then?" Wei Zhong asked, feigning panic, though inwardly he thought, If that True Disciple Lu dares to come after me, he'll be the one who ends up regretting it.
"Fellow Daoist needn't panic yet. The sect's current focus remains on the Foundation Establishment Families, and they're still trying to win over idle Foundation Establishment cultivators like yourself. But if circumstances change, you should make your choice sooner rather than later."
"Having said my piece, I must take my leave."
With that, Luo Mingyan transformed into an escape light and departed without even glancing at the spirit wine Wei Zhong had offered.
"Alas, our years of cultivated friendship have finally frayed," Wei Zhong sighed, retrieving the wine jar and watching Luo Mingyan's receding figure. By risking the sect's displeasure to warn Wei Zhong, Luo Mingyan had fulfilled his duty of loyalty. Yet by refusing the spirit wine, he had completely severed their informal "uncle-nephew" relationship.
Strictly speaking, I still owe him a debt. I'll need to find a way to repay it.
My initial judgment of people was still sound, wasn't it? At least I now understand the Azurewood Sect's plans, giving me ample room to maneuver.