Chapter 231: Farewell to Ling Yanzi

Li Tongya saw the man's face was familiar, but he couldn't quite place him. He gently raised an eyebrow, put down his jade cup, and said in a low voice, "I, Wan Mou, am naturally reclusive and don't like to speak much. But I find your face quite familiar. Have we met somewhere before?"

The cultivator in the animal hide clothing had slender eyebrows and dark skin. He carried a short bow on his back and a string of large and small yellow gourds hung from his waist. His cultivation was at the fifth level of Qi Condensation. He bowed respectfully and chuckled, "I am Lin Gu Lie from Jiachuan County, under the jurisdiction of Qingchi. I once sold a few Wu Zuo worms to you, senior, at the foot of Guanyun Peak. I was still young then, and my appearance was quite different from now, which is why you don't recognize me."

"So it was you!"

Li Tongya suddenly realized. Back then, this person was just a callow boy, timid and shy, rendered speechless by Li Tongya during their business negotiations. Now, he had the appearance of a middle-aged man, looking weathered by life. Li Tongya nodded slightly and replied, "Your Wu Zuo worms were indeed good and helped me out a bit."

He gestured with his hand, inviting him to sit at the other end of the table. Lin Gu Lie was immediately overjoyed. He bowed respectfully and sat down somewhat cautiously, a look of admiration on his face. He said, "Senior, your cultivation progress is truly astonishing! In just over thirty years, you've achieved the Immortal Foundation! I am deeply envious."

Li Tongya chuckled, nodding noncommittally. He had bought several things at the Guanyun Peak market back then, and Lin Gu Lie was just one of the sellers. Later, he had also met Xu Yangping and his wife, who ultimately died at Zhang Yun's hands in the snake cave.

Remembering Zhang Yun, the image of that unruly young man appeared before Li Tongya's eyes. As a direct disciple of the Golden Feather Sect, one of the three great sects, he must have long since established his foundation and practiced many Golden Feather secret techniques. When Li Tongya was in Qi Condensation, he could still put up a fight against him, using a sword technique left by Li Chijing to appear formidable. But now, he was probably no match for him.

Collecting his thoughts, Li Tongya looked at the reserved middle-aged man before him and asked, "These Wu Zuo worms are good, but they reproduce too slowly. They were helpful when my family was a small Fetal Respiration clan, but now, thirty years later, only a few have been born. The earliest ones have grown larger and their appetite has increased, but they can't be bred in large numbers. They've become a bit of a burden."

Lin Gu Lie paused, opening his mouth as if organizing his thoughts, then said hesitantly, "These Wu Zuo worm mothers, in my Lin Gu family... Senior, what you got were the offspring worms. Perhaps every ten years or so, a female might, feeling the spiritual energy, give birth to one or two, but there won't be large-scale reproduction..."

"Oh? I apologize if I've offended you!"

Li Tongya had already suspected as much; he hadn't realized that the Wu Zuo worms were truly the Lin Gu family's livelihood. He offered a light apology, causing Lin Gu Lie to hastily shift in his seat in alarm. Li Tongya then said earnestly, "I wonder if you could sell a few more to my family? These creatures are quite useful."

"Of course, that's no problem!"

Lin Gu Lie clasped his hands together, unfastened a wooden gourd from his waist, and replied, "I don't have any live offspring worms, only forty insect eggs in this gourd. If you'd like them, senior, they'll be discounted to ten spirit stones."

As Li Tongya was now a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Lin Gu Lie adopted a deferential attitude and dared not raise the price; it was even cheaper than when he had sold them to Li Tongya years ago. Li Tongya nodded slightly and asked, "How should they be incubated?"

"Cover them with moist spiritual rice leaves or straw, keep them away from light and fire, sprinkle clean water daily, and change the cover every three days. They should hatch within fifteen days."

Lin Gu Lie explained in detail, then cupped his hands and guaranteed, "These Wu Zuo worms are incredibly resilient and easy to raise. If any fail to hatch, bring the insect carcasses to the Lin Gu family, and we will compensate you for each one that dies."

Lin Gu Lie was not foolish; while offering a guarantee, he insisted on seeing the insect carcasses, preventing anyone from hiding the eggs and trying to get more worms for free.

Li Tongya nodded slightly and effortlessly handed him ten spirit stones, much to Lin Gu Lie's delight. Ten spirit stones represented the entire liquid assets of an ordinary Qi Condensation rogue cultivator, and even Foundation Establishment cultivators wouldn't just give them away so casually. Li Tongya, backed by his family, could still readily produce ten spirit stones even after spending two hundred at Fuluoya's place.

Taking the gourd, Li Tongya softly said, "Is your esteemed family skilled in raising insects and snakes? Please enlighten me a bit; there may be many opportunities for cooperation in the future."

"Certainly!"

Lin Gu Lie nodded repeatedly and said respectfully, "My family is also an aristocratic family in Jiachuan County. Our ancestors were great cultivators of the Shan Yue tribe. Later, when the Qingchi Sect expanded south, our ancestors pledged allegiance to the sect, diligently working and establishing many connections, which is why we have been able to securely hold our position as a prominent aristocratic family in Jiachuan County for centuries."

Li Tongya nodded gently, resolving a doubt in his mind. He mused, "I thought the Lin Gu surname was unheard of. So they are from the Shan Yue tribe; no wonder."

Looking again at Lin Gu Lie's hairy skin and dark eyes, clearly the features of a Shan Yue person, he opened his mouth, revealing white teeth, and said gravely, "Although my family are descendants of the Shan Yue, we are still cultivators of the Purple Mansion Golden Core path. We have simply inherited our ancestors' art of insect and snake handling, which is among the best in the entire Yue Kingdom."

A hint of pride appeared on Lin Gu Lie's face as he continued, "Our family also has a rule that someone from each lineage must travel the world to collect various venomous snakes and insects. That's why my uncle and I have been traveling in Xianlinyuan and Lixia County for decades, which led to our encounter with you, senior."

"So you are from a prominent aristocratic family! No wonder your words are tactful, and your demeanor is measured and graceful."

Li Tongya cupped his hands and offered a few words of praise, making Lin Gu Lie chuckle. Li Tongya then asked again, "Are there many other long-lasting aristocratic families like yours in the Qingchi Sect's territory?"

"Not many!"

As a member of an aristocratic family, Lin Gu Lie knew many secrets. He recounted, "Qingchi rose from the north, producing several True Persons at the peak of Purple Mansion, who then integrated the southern forces, forming the thirty-six peaks. Thus, the north consists mostly of scattered small families, while the south has more aristocratic families, shamanic temples, and rogue cultivators. These aristocratic families are deeply intertwined with the Qingchi Sect, moving forward and retreating together, standing firm for centuries."

"Oh."

Li Tongya simply pondered for a moment and understood the Qingchi Sect's intention. The south had many Shan Yue tribes and witchcraft practices; rather than families, tribes flourished. So, the Qingchi Sect absorbed these people, conceding some power, and easily brought the entire south under control.

The Li family was also playing a similar game in Dongshanyue. They had only just begun; although Shamo Li seemed submissive, he still harbored ulterior motives. In a few more decades, once his descendants with Li family blood took power, they would be truly loyal from the depths of their hearts. Then, by using the maternal Li clan members of those descendants to control Dongshanyue, Dongshanyue would become a completely pacified territory.

Coming back to his senses, Li Tongya nodded slightly and transmitted his voice with spiritual energy, "If you ever pass by Wangyue Lake, you are most welcome to rest your feet at Lijing Mountain. We would be delighted to host you."

Lin Gu Lie's expression lit up with joy. Although he was from an aristocratic family, he had been stationed outside for decades, alone and without support, far from his family's political center. Now, being able to connect with a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was naturally overjoyed and repeatedly expressed his thanks.

Li Tongya picked up his cup and quietly sipped, remaining silent for more than ten breaths. Lin Gu Lie immediately understood, bowed, and excused himself. Li Tongya turned to look at the group of cultivators at his end. They were already red-faced from arguing, having lost all sense of decorum. He chuckled softly, put down his cup, and instantly startled the cultivators, who quieted down and obediently sat back, conversing in hushed tones.

Although Li Tongya had been conversing with Lin Gu Lie, he had kept an eye on the True Persons at the head table. True Person Shangyuan, who wore a sword, merely raised his cup before disappearing from his seat. He was the only one from the Xiuyue Sect who had come, and with his departure, the entire table became empty.

After True Person Shangyuan left, the other True Persons at the head table also symbolically drank a couple of cups before departing using their techniques. Only two True Persons, who seemed to be from Purple Mansion immortal families, chatted jovially with Xiao Chuting for a moment before also taking their leave. Xiao Chuting then concealed his presence, and the remaining disciples from the Three Sects and Seven Gates immediately relaxed. Most departed directly, while the rest either engaged in lively discussions or practiced swordplay, creating a bustling scene.

Li Tongya particularly noticed Lingyanzi, that old fellow. From the moment he sat down, he never stopped eating, constantly stuffing food into his mouth, smacking his lips, and not conversing with anyone beside him. He continued until he had cleared everything in front of him, even wiping his plate clean, then wistfully eyed the table next to him.

Beside him was a fairy from the Purple Mist Sect, who unceremoniously interrupted his actions. Lingyanzi gave an awkward smile and could only sit there blankly, drinking wine, looking quite lonely.

"Lingyanzi... he doesn't seem to be doing too well in the Purple Mist Sect... his life looks quite miserable."

Li Tongya shook his head, doubting whether Lingyanzi could still pull out a hundred spirit stones from his storage bag.

Li Tongya waited for another ten-odd breaths, finally seeing Lingyanzi unable to sit still. He rode the wind out of the formation. Li Tongya immediately followed suit, also riding the wind. As soon as he exited the formation, Lingyanzi shrewdly turned his head, his white beard fluttering, and said in a deep voice, "Who dares to shadow me?"

Li Tongya revealed himself, chuckled softly, and replied, "Senior Lingyanzi, it's been many years since Wan Mou last saw you. Do you still remember me?"

"You..."

Lingyanzi's expression flickered; he uttered a word, then quickly swallowed the rest. He had lived for over a hundred years, and with a thought, he understood that Li Tongya didn't want to leave any trace of their past dealings, hence calling himself "Wan Mou." He marveled inwardly, "This Li Tongya is truly damn cautious!"

Lingyanzi thought to himself, then forced a wry smile and said, "It has indeed been many years, Brother Wan..."

"Senior, would you do me the honor of sharing a couple of drinks with me?"

Li Tongya asked with a smile. Lingyanzi could only nod, bracing himself as he returned to the formation with Li Tongya. They found a seat together at the very end of the table. It was then that Lingyanzi belatedly realized, exclaiming in surprise, "You've actually established your Foundation?!"

Li Tongya nodded. Lingyanzi exclaimed in awe and whispered, "Congratulations, Brother Wan!"

"The same to you!"

Lingyanzi was now also a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Li Tongya congratulated him and said with a smile, "I've been waiting for news from you, senior, for a long time."

Lingyanzi became extremely embarrassed for a moment. He gave a dry laugh and explained in a low voice, "All those spoils of war I got, I converted them into spirit stones. But when I saw Foundation Establishment within reach, I couldn't resist selling them all for spiritual medicines to break through... To betray such a life-saving kindness like this, it's truly... hard to express!"

"Oh."

Li Tongya nodded. He could understand Lingyanzi's actions. Almost no one could resist such a temptation. If he, Li Tongya, were in that situation, he would also unhesitatingly use the spirit stones for a breakthrough first, and only after successfully breaking through would he consider how to replenish them. He said gently, "Senior, please don't take it to heart. If our positions were reversed, I, Wan Mou, would also choose to break through. This is simply human nature."

Lingyanzi sighed softly, his eyes slightly moist, a look of emotion on his face. He replied, "Brother Wan, you are so understanding. Lingyan truly admires you..."

He took a sip of wine before continuing, "These past few years, I've been extremely frugal. On one hand, I had to maintain the expenses within my peak, and on the other, I had to maintain my own cultivation. Whatever was left, I saved... I, I..."

Lingyanzi took out the magic sword from his waist. With its flowing magical light, the gleaming white sword was placed on the table. He said earnestly, "Lingyan still uses a Qi Condensation level magic artifact to this day, all to gather these spirit stones for Brother Wan!"

Li Tongya nodded slightly, indicating he understood his intentions. He felt both emotional and a mix of amusement and bitterness. He mused, "What are the Three Sects and Seven Gates? This is them. My Li family's Fetal Respiration cultivators use mundane tools. Only Qi Condensation cultivators can use Fetal Respiration artifacts. As the only Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Li family, besides the Azure Ruler sword on my back, I still use Qi Condensation level artifacts. Yet, in Lingyanzi's eyes, a Foundation Establishment cultivator using a Qi Condensation artifact is already a great hardship!"

Seeing Lingyanzi with tears welling in his eyes, Li Tongya could sense his grievance. Although he found it hard to truly empathize, a suitable touch of emotion appeared on his face. He said in a deep voice, "Senior, there's no need to rush. I can collect these spirit stones anytime. You don't have to put yourself through such hardship!"

Lingyanzi nodded profoundly, wiped his aged face, and said, "My cultivation method is special; I often need to drink spiritual wine and consume spiritual ingredients. Otherwise, at best, my mouth will become dry, and my cultivation will stagnate. At worst, I might suffer qi deviation and my cultivation will regress. If it weren't for such an unspeakable difficulty, I wouldn't have to rush around every day!"

"There's such a cultivation method!"

Li Tongya paused, secretly amazed. Only the Three Sects and Seven Gates could afford such a cultivation method. Seeing Lingyanzi's indignant expression, Li Tongya seemed to understand why his popularity in the Purple Mist Sect was so poor. He gave an awkward laugh and asked, "Senior, how many spirit stones have you managed to save up after all this time?"

At this question, Lingyanzi immediately lowered his head. Despite his age, he looked like a child, awkwardly muttering, "Twenty spirit stones..."

Li Tongya was speechless for a moment, but he didn't want to let him off so easily. He raised a hand and mercilessly took the spirit stones that Lingyanzi reluctantly handed over. He said in a low voice, "How about this: do you, senior, have any other valuable items that can be exchanged to cover the spirit stones? That way, you won't have to be so frugal every year."

"This..."

Lingyanzi was quite tempted for a moment. He pondered hesitantly for a few breaths, then took off his storage bag and poured out a clinking array of items. He replied, "Excluding my sect's secret transmissions and my peak's inherited treasure, the Purple Mist Spiritual Shield, Brother Wan, please feel free to choose anything else!"