Chapter 108: Seeking Dependence

In a few years, we will need to go to the county to pay our tribute and also report the news of our Li family cultivating Qi. By then, it would be best to have accumulated one hundred spirit stones to ensure we can hire a formation master to set up a formation.

A few days ago, Li Xuanfeng re-entered seclusion. He was already close to reaching the Qi Cultivation stage from his peak Embryonic Breathing stage. Li Tongya handed him the "Golden Radiance Sharp Edge Technique" and Golden Stone Sharpness to aid Li Xuanfeng in his breakthrough.

The "Golden Radiance Sharp Edge Technique" from the Ji family was also a third-grade cultivation method, no worse than the "Rivers and Qi Technique." In fact, it was more suitable for Li Xuanfeng's archery. Therefore, Li Tongya gave it to him for his breakthrough, hoping Li Xuanfeng could represent the Li family at Guanyun Peak during the next tribute payment.

After all, although Li Tongya had broken through to Qi Cultivation, he had continuously advanced to the fifth layer of Qi Cultivation when the "Heavy Sea Long Whale Record" entered his body. His cultivation speed was truly astonishing. The last time he paid tribute, he was still at the peak Embryonic Breathing stage, which would inevitably attract unwanted attention.

Li Tongya was a cautious man and naturally unwilling to take such a risk. While Li Xuanfeng, at fifteen, reaching Qi Cultivation would also be impressive, Li Tongya's progression—slow for the first thirty years then breaking through to Qi Cultivation and reaching the fifth layer within five years—would clearly raise suspicion even for a fool.

"Has Uncle Zhong entered seclusion?" Li Xuanxuan asked.Li Xiewen replied, "The clan uncle has been in seclusion for several days, saying he needs to consolidate his cultivation."

After arranging the family's affairs for the past few days, Li Xuanxuan was about to stand up when a clan soldier hurriedly approached the door and respectfully reported: "Reporting to the family head, people have been sent from Lichuan Estuary. A group of Shan Yue has arrived from the west, bringing a large train of goods and slaves. They claim the Eastern Shan Yue wish to pledge allegiance."

"Pledge allegiance?!" Li Xuanxuan was stunned and nearly burst out laughing. He then said coldly, "We and the Shan Yue belong to two major forces. No matter how many villages wish to surrender, we cannot accept them. What is the meaning of this? It seems this Mu Jiaoman is very scared and can no longer sit still."

With Gani Xi's death, the entire Shan Yue territory had fragmented into several small factions within a year, leaving countless refugees and armed conflicts.

Li Xuanxuan's scouts in the west gathered information: Mu Jiaoman had integrated six or seven villages near the Li family, claiming to lead one hundred thousand Shan Yue, also known as the Eastern Shan Yue.

Among these one hundred thousand Shan Yue, Mu Jiaoman was the only Qi Cultivator. Li Tongya's current strength far surpassed his, making both Li Tongya and Li Xuanxuan covetous. Several times, they had considered crossing the border to extort Mu Jiaoman.

After all, Wushan never paid much attention to the Shan Yue below the mountains. As long as the Li family did not openly annex territory, Wushan would likely not intervene.

However, with the Shan Yue territory now in utter chaos, Li Tongya, being cautious, had delayed heading west to confront Mu Jiaoman, unwilling to risk his life gambling on the temperament of the Wushan people. Unexpectedly, Mu Jiaoman had sent people to their doorstep.

"That group of Shan Yue said they were willing to form marriage alliances, trade, and offer tribute, asking for only one thing.""What is it?" Li Xuanxuan glanced down, already anticipating the answer."They ask that the Li family's Qi Cultivators do not cross their borders."

Li Xuanxuan laughed heartily, exhaling the frustration in his chest. He scoffed, "How arrogant they were before, and how humble they are now! We lived in fear under Gani Xi's threat for so many years, and now it's the Shan Yue's turn to fear our family."

"So this is what the 'outsider' tribe is like?" Mu Yalu, with a large cart of animal skins and grain behind her, cautiously took a few steps forward. The clan soldiers quickly gathered, holding their long spears and sabers, eyeing them warily.

"We are here to surrender!" A Shan Yue tribesman next to her stepped forward and shouted. However, the Li family soldiers ignored him, their eyes full of vigilance.

Mu Yalu sighed softly. Instead of sadness about leaving home, her heart was filled with deep envy.

"These outsiders are well-fed and well-clothed, their expressions are calm, and the garments they wear are beyond what even Shan Yue nobles can afford. Their swords and armor are of excellent quality and complete. It's truly unbelievable."

"Currently, locusts have ravaged fifteen villages, and even the Great Jue Court has people starving to death. This is truly a world apart."

The clan soldiers quickly parted, and a shrewd-looking youth wearing leather armor stepped forward. Mu Yalu quickly mimicked the "outsider's" gesture, cupping her hands, and softly asked, "Are you the Li family head?"

Mu Yalu had put considerable effort into preparing before leaving home. She had washed off her tribal tattoos, learned all the "outsider" etiquette, endured several scoldings, and only then managed to speak softly and walk with more restraint.

"Not at all. I am Li Xiewen, the Li family steward. Please step forward."

Li Xiewen led Mu Yalu forward. Naturally, clan soldiers stepped up to confiscate her weapons and ensure she possessed no cultivation before allowing her to proceed to Li Xuanxuan.

Li Xuanxuan stroked his chin and glanced at Mu Yalu, finding a certain wild beauty in her. He calmly asked, "Why have the Eastern Shan Yue sent someone here?"

Mu Yalu quickly lowered her head and replied, "I am Mu Yalu, sister of Mu Jiaoman. I greet the Li family head. We are willing to trade, offer tribute, and form marriage alliances with your noble clan, only asking that the Li family not cross our borders to kill."

Mu Yalu's words caused a stir among the surrounding clan soldiers. Just two years prior, the Shan Yue had raided their territory, and now they were sending gifts to curry favor. Such a stark contrast naturally surprised everyone.

"We have searched for a long time for the 'Eastern people' abducted by Gani Xi and have returned them all. They are behind our convoy. We sincerely seek peace! If the family head agrees, we are willing to establish generations of intermarriage with the Li family. I, Mu Yalu, would be the beginning of this alliance."

Mu Yalu referred to the Li family members as "Eastern people" instead of the mildly derogatory "outsiders," showing the thoroughness of her preparation.

She presented a wooden box containing a luminous white fruit. Mu Yalu respectfully said, "My king offers this spirit fruit to express his apology for the eastward incursions of the past, hoping both families can let go of past grievances! This spirit fruit is also greatly beneficial for Qi Cultivators. We hope the family head will accept it."

Li Xuanxuan glanced at her. Someone below stepped forward to receive the fruit. Li Xuanxuan said in a deep voice, "Please wait, emissary. We still need to discuss this matter."

Seeing Mu Yalu nod and withdraw, Li Xuanxuan whispered to Li Xiewen, "First, send people to release the captives." With that, he turned and led his people toward Lijing Mountain.

The clan soldiers below immediately stepped forward to unhitch the carts and untie the bound "outsiders" at the rear. Instantly, some Shan Yue tribesmen began shouting curses: "Your king hasn't agreed yet!"

Mu Yalu frowned slightly, wanting to speak up and stop them, but the Shan Yue man was already knocked to the ground, his face splattered with blood, three teeth missing.

"You!" Mu Yalu quickly stopped her people, shaking her head sorrowfully. She knew that whether this endeavor succeeded or not, the goods and slaves would not be returned.

Li Tongya had only been in seclusion for a few days when the door to his cave dwelling was knocked. He frowned slightly and said softly, "Come in."

Li Xuanxuan pushed the door open and respectfully said, "Uncle Zhong, the Shan Yue have sent people to seek peace." He then listed all the conditions. Li Tongya listened carefully and said in a deep voice:

"Mu Jiaoman is now someone who can be dealt with by a single sword strike. He is lustful and reckless, capable of maintaining what he has but not of making progress. He is nowhere near Gani Xi's caliber. Having him watch over the west for us wouldn't be bad."

"If we truly eliminate him, the one hundred thousand Shan Yue would collapse overnight. While this might throw them into disarray for a few years, who knows what fierce individuals might emerge? It's better to spare this fellow's life."

Li Xuanxuan nodded in agreement and said softly, "The Shan Yue are unfamiliar with advanced techniques; their handicrafts and forging are incredibly crude. If they open up to trade, it would be equivalent to us gaining an additional one hundred thousand tenant farmers."

"Furthermore, Uncle Zhong's talismans can be resold at high prices, no longer needing to compete in the market. Once our family acquires alchemy and artifact refining inheritances, we can greatly use the Eastern Shan Yue as an entry point, transforming hundreds of thousands of Shan Yue into a dumping ground for our goods, much like the Azure Pond Sect."

Li Tongya stroked his chin and said deeply, "Good. You can take Mu Yalu as a concubine. As for marrying off a daughter of a minor sect, any one will do. Remember to instruct them well, and choose the person sent carefully."

"Yes." Li Xuanxuan bowed in acknowledgment. As he was about to withdraw, Li Tongya turned his head and asked, "How many sons does Mu Jiaoman have?"

Li Xuanxuan pondered for a few moments, then said in a deep voice, "That is unclear. Your nephew will immediately send someone to investigate and report back to you, Uncle Zhong."

Li Tongya nodded, waved his hand to dismiss him, then lowered his head and pondered for a few moments. He dipped his brush in ink and began drawing talismans.

Two updates, 5000 words.