Chapter 403: Han Shizhen

Li Yuanjiao had been cultivating on Qingdu Mountain for over half a year. While his cultivation had advanced, breaking through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage still seemed a long way off. After all, Foundation Establishment was different from Qi Refining; it was common for breakthroughs to take decades.

"Father still hasn't left," he thought. "He always needs to busy himself with arrangements before he's willing to depart."

Li Xuanxuan had been busy for over half a year but still hadn't departed. Li Xijun didn't rush him, waiting patiently. After all, collecting cold water wasn't a major task, and pressing too hard might expose something.

Li Qinghong was in seclusion, leaving no one to guard the family residence. Li Yuanjiao couldn't fully immerse himself in cultivation, so he frequently emerged to practice spells and sword arts. As he was reading a sword manual, Li Wushao descended, riding the wind, dressed in a black robe.

Li Wushao, immensely grateful, had received and consumed the Qingyun Elk Fruit for cultivation. Beneath his black robe, two shadowy forms were subtly emerging, and it was estimated that within another year or so, two hooks would fully develop.

Li Wushao said:

"Patriarch, two individuals have arrived at the base of the mountain. They claim to be from the Han family of Dongliu Island and wish to pay a visit."

Li Yuanjiao was somewhat surprised and countered:

"The Han family of Dongliu?"

Li Yuanjiao had heard of the Han family. The Foundation Establishment demonic beasts used during his own family's rituals were captured around Dongliu Island, and Li Yuanjiao had stayed in that area, gaining some understanding.

The Han family of Dongliu was an old, established clan, similar to the Yuan family, with many Foundation Establishment cultivators. They had built a significant foundation in the East Sea. Naturally, Li Yuanjiao had to greet them in person. He immediately tidied his attire and flew out of his cave dwelling.

Two individuals stood in the courtyard, both at the Foundation Establishment cultivation stage. The leader was a young cultivator of ordinary appearance, dressed simply. Behind him followed a tall, burly man with a powerful build.

Li Xijun was already in the courtyard, accompanying them and chatting lively with the young man. Both were smiling, appearing very amicable.

Upon seeing the burly man, Li Yuanjiao understood a few things. He clasped his hands in greeting, stepped forward, and said:

"Li Yuanjiao of Qingdu. Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

The young man let out a small "ah," his gaze quickly sweeping over Li Yuanjiao's face before he replied:

"My apologies for the oversight. I am Han Shizhen of Dongliu, the humble young master of the Han family. Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

Li Yuanjiao nodded in return and led the two to their seats. Han Shizhen smiled generously and said courteously:

"Some time ago, my clan uncle was gravely ill, and my elder cousin came to your esteemed clan to seek medicine, inadvertently causing offense. Today, we have specifically come to apologize and have prepared some humble gifts. We hope you will graciously accept them."

As he spoke, he pulled the big man closer and explained:

"My elder cousin has always had a volatile temper, and at that time, it was an urgent matter of life and death, so he spoke somewhat offensively. We hope you will forgive him..."

It turned out this burly man was indeed the Foundation Establishment cultivator who had come seeking medicine before the New Year. He had been rude and arrogant then, and Li Qinghong had somewhat put him in his place. Now, he kept his head lowered, apologizing repeatedly.

Both parties were established clans, so they naturally wouldn't get angry over such a minor matter. Li Yuanjiao demurred briefly, then said:

"It's nothing. I fully understand your earnestness in seeking medicine, fellow Daoist. It's alright."

Han Shizhen insisted on handing over a jade box. Li Yuanjiao had Li Xijun accept it, then asked:

"May I ask about your esteemed elder..."

"Oh."

Han Shizhen shook his head slightly and replied:

"He didn't make it. Although he consumed many life-extending medicinal herbs, his injuries were simply too severe. Ultimately, his immortal foundation collapsed, and he transformed into a spiritual cocoon."

Seeing that neither of them was wearing white mourning clothes, Li Yuanjiao had assumed the elder had been saved and was about to offer congratulations. He hadn't expected to touch upon a painful subject. Realizing there might not be a custom of wearing mourning attire in the East Sea, he could only apologize:

"My condolences..."

"It's alright."

Han Shizhen smiled and said gently:

"Although my clan uncle passed away, he brought a treasure back to my family, which is far more useful than a Foundation Establishment cultivator. It's a good thing, actually!"

Li Yuanjiao and his nephew paused slightly. Han Shizhen glanced at their expressions, then realized his misstep and, fearing their displeasure, explained:

"Such are the customs of our East Sea; they differ somewhat from those inland... Please do not take offense."

Li Yuanjiao merely nodded. He knew that a mere apology wouldn't warrant Han Shizhen making a trip inland, so he quietly waited for him to continue.

As expected, after the brief polite greetings, Han Shizhen went straight to the point:

"How much Wanling Flower does your esteemed clan produce each year?"

'So it's about the Wanling Flower!'

Li Yuanjiao immediately understood. The initiative was now in his hands. He relaxed slightly and said gravely:

"It blooms once every three years, producing fourteen flowers each time."

"Good!"

Han Shizhen nodded delightedly and said:

"Fellow Daoist, approximately how much income do you generate by selling these flowers inland?"

Hearing this, Li Yuanjiao had already roughly guessed his intentions and replied:

"The price has increased somewhat in recent years, about two spirit stones per flower."

"Hah!"

Han Shizhen, who had just picked up his jade cup, put it down heavily upon hearing this. The tea inside remained untouched. He said regretfully:

"Fellow Daoist! This price is far too low! This is an item that can sustain life and banish worries!"

He advised:

"Your inland region enjoys peace and prosperity, never experiencing major calamities. While it might be fine for the rogue cultivators below, we established clans understand very well that the so-called 'demon disaster' is nothing more than a farce!"

"It's simply that the sects in our East Sea have inflated the price of vital essence. It's merely a scheme by the Three Sects and Seven Gates to draw the fire from under the pot! How can this Wanling Flower sell well in such a bright and peaceful place?"

'Bright and peaceful...'

Li Yuanjiao's mouth twitched, but his attention was caught by Han Shizhen's words. He said thoughtfully:

"Drawing the fire from under the pot..."

"Precisely!"

Han Shizhen sighed:

"In recent years, the demon tribes overseas have become increasingly urgent in their demand for food, causing the prices of vital essence, resentful energy, soul essence, and spirit water to skyrocket. East Sea cultivators themselves barely have enough for their own needs, so how could they supply the inland region?"

"Therefore, the Three Sects and Seven Gates relaxed their control over the sea entrances, allowing overseas rogue cultivators to enter. Then, they self-directed and self-acted the 'demon disaster,' using their own high-grade demon cultivators to slaughter mortals and rogue cultivators. This allowed them to eliminate dissidents, control the situation, and also feast themselves."

Han Shizhen spoke eloquently, quietly observing the changes in Li Yuanjiao's expression. Li Yuanjiao merely sipped his tea, nodding in agreement.

"This way, the sects feast on meat, the established clans drink the soup, and they can even claim moral high ground — I hear this item is quite useful in your inland region."

Han Shizhen teased, smiling:

"Your esteemed clan must have consumed quite a few demon cultivators over the years, haven't you? I hear each one of them is dripping with wealth; even a Fetal Breath cultivator can yield ten or so spirit stones. We are quite envious!"

Li Yuanjiao gave a deep smile and replied:

"Yes, we've killed some demon cultivators."

Han Shizhen glanced at Li Xijun, only to see the young man also nodding with a smile, even more naturally than Li Yuanjiao. He finally felt somewhat certain in his mind:

'The Li family truly has some backing in Qingchi. Li Yuanjiao is too deep to read, but Li Xijun is too young; he clearly knew about this long ago.'

His smile immediately grew warmer, and he continued:

"That's why I say, the spiritual energy inland is concentrated in those few immortal mountains. In other areas, there are many mortals but few cultivators. How many Foundation Establishment cultivators can there be? How many can be near death after a battle? This Wanling Flower, it should be sold in the East Sea!"

Li Yuanjiao nodded and gently followed his lead:

"May I ask how fellow Daoist intends to split the profits?"

"Straightforward!"

Han Shizhen laughed:

"Ten spirit stones per flower, I get sixty percent, you get forty percent!"

Both Li Yuanjiao and his nephew paused, startled by his move to resell at five times the price. Li Yuanjiao fell silent in thought, while Li Xijun immediately said:

"Senior, aren't you a bit too greedy!"

Han Shizhen shook his head and said confidently:

"Your esteemed clan can try selling it yourselves. I fear that the day the news gets out, your stronghold will be attacked and destroyed the very next day! The East Sea doesn't concern itself with reason!"

"My family, by helping to sell this spiritual item, will be attracting all covetous gazes upon ourselves! If my family didn't hold some sway in the East Sea, we certainly wouldn't dare to do this!"

Li Yuanjiao had been to the East Sea and had his own calculations in mind. He replied immediately:

"A fifty-fifty split."

"Sixty-forty at most."

Han Shizhen was very firm:

"Let's be frank. I dislike haggling. What I say is what it is."

"Alright, but I have one request."

Li Yuanjiao nodded, while Han Shizhen looked at him seriously and said:

"Please state it, fellow Daoist."

Li Yuanjiao's voice was calm:

"I want forty percent of the profits from the sale of the Wanling Flower. Fellow Daoist, you must not buy my four spirit stones' worth from me and then hoard it as a rare commodity to sell at an even higher price."

Han Shizhen froze for a moment, as if his thoughts had been read. He chuckled to himself to cover his embarrassment, then laughed heartily:

"Hahahaha, very good, fellow Daoist! You're not like inland cultivators; your thinking is more like someone from our East Sea!"

The two discussed for a while and settled on next year's quantity. Li Yuanjiao then instructed:

"Remember, this flower must not hear weeping, for if it does, it will wither. And it must not be touched by gold or jade..."

Han Shizhen nodded, indicating he had noted it down. After a few polite remarks, he said abruptly:

"Might I inquire if your esteemed sister, Li Qinghong, is married?"

Li Yuanjiao, accustomed to his style, said directly:

"My younger sister's cultivation method is special, preventing her from marrying. I hope you understand."

"I was presumptuous."

Han Shizhen's expression remained unchanged as he nodded slightly. Li Yuanjiao took a sip of tea and quietly asked:

"Fellow Daoist Han... I wonder if any inland established clans have settled in the East Sea and established branch families?"

When Li Yuanjiao had visited the East Sea, he had specifically looked for such clans. However, these established clans were ultimately under the Three Sects and Seven Gates, and ostensibly, they couldn't establish themselves overseas. They probably weren't even using their own names.

Now that Han Shizhen, a local expert, was here, Li Yuanjiao naturally wanted to inquire thoroughly.

"Of course there are."

Han Shizhen shrugged and replied:

"Not many, though. Most are Violet Palace Immortal Clans. Ordinary established clans, even with enough Foundation Establishment cultivators, rarely gain a foothold overseas... they merely have a place in the market cities."

"The East Sea is not like the inland. Spiritual rice cannot be grown on the islands, and dangers lurk everywhere. The market cities are regulated by the Three Sects and Seven Gates and are not allowed to be established freely. Once you establish a force overseas, you are no longer affiliated with the Three Sects and Seven Gates. Who would let you return? Each immortal foundation is precious, and the Three Sects and Seven Gates are not foolish."

Han Shizhen looked at Li Yuanjiao's expression and gently shook his head:

"While there are ways to operate with permission, and the Three Sects and Seven Gates don't strictly control everything, the returns are ultimately not significant. Many established clans maintain an escape route overseas, but few truly put effort into developing them."

Li Yuanjiao nodded inwardly, and after asking a few more questions, which Han Shizhen answered one by one, the latter took his leave with his companion.

Li Yuanjiao saw them off beyond the boundary and returned to the mountain, finally allowing a smile to appear on his face. Li Xijun congratulated him:

"Now we'll have over ten more spirit stones, bringing the family's annual surplus to a total of twenty spirit stones. Everything will be much more convenient."

"Indeed!"

Li Yuanjiao nodded inwardly and said gravely:

"This person's discussion about the 'demon disaster' was quite interesting. It seems to be the view of a major overseas established clan regarding it, which we can take into consideration."

"Precisely."

Li Xijun said:

"Although the Violet Palaces inland conspire together, they are not entirely of one mind. The demon disaster is spearheaded by Qingchi, with various factions vying for power; there might be other calculations at play."

The uncle and nephew conversed for a while, then Li Xijun said:

"Grand-uncle's talismans should be nearly finished."

Li Yuanjiao instructed:

"Regarding Grand-uncle's matter, I'll need to trouble you to accompany him on a trip. You should enter seclusion to break through, and then you can depart."

"Yes, Second Father, please rest assured."

Li Xijun replied and turned to enter seclusion in the Qingdu cave dwelling.

Li Yuanjiao, meanwhile, sat alone in the courtyard, sipping tea and pondering:

"Qinghong will also be coming out of seclusion soon... Kongheng is a Foundation Establishment cultivator. The two of them will only be gone for less than half a year, so nothing should go wrong..."

He sat there for a few breaths, then gently set down his jade cup, finally making up his mind:

"Even if it's only for less than half a year, I should still ride the Profound-Patterned Spiritual Mist and accompany them. Among the Chenming generation, there's no one outstanding, and Xijun is a crucial link between generations. Absolutely nothing must happen to him."

He immediately summoned Li Wushao, gave him a few instructions to help look after the home, and then took out his sword manual to read, waiting for Li Xijun and the others to depart.

After leaving Qingdu Mountain, Han Shizhen and his companion headed north. The burly man behind him said:

"Young Master, it seems the Li family intends to establish a foothold overseas."

Han Shizhen nodded and said softly:

"It's not surprising. Their family has connections in Qingchi and can easily travel to and from the East Sea. It's normal for them to seek an escape route. How many forces in the East Sea are refugees from inland?"

"What's more, Sword Gate, Pure Unity Dao, and Red Reef Island are fighting fiercely over the Qing Song Monastery ruins, creating chaos. It's an excellent time to enter the sea. If I were Li Yuanjiao, I'd also be thinking of this idea."

The burly man nodded in agreement, then said with some concern:

"I just hope their family will be sensible enough not to foolishly settle near our family's territory... Our two families have just formed some ties; let's not damage the relationship over this."

Han Shizhen shook his head and said decisively:

"Absolutely not... I found Li Yuanjiao to be cautious and low-key. If his family were to establish a base, they would seek a desolate island, preferring hardship and toil over being exposed to others."

The man sighed, remarking with emotion:

"This desolate and impoverished place... I wonder when our family will be able to gain a foothold inland."

"Wait until our Ancestor reaches the Violet Palace realm!"

Han Shizhen responded, smiling:

"It's not impossible. The inland is peaceful and prosperous, with the Three Sects maintaining order; who wouldn't covet it? Weren't Tang Yuanwu and Chang Xiazi both from overseas? When the time comes, the Seven Gates could easily add a Dongliu Gate, or at the very least, our Han family could become an immortal clan."

"As for the Li family."

Han Shizhen said:

"After all, they are local influential figures, and befriending them has its advantages. If my family gets a chance to establish ourselves inland, we'll still need the support of these established clans. And if our Ancestor fails his breakthrough, we can also enlist a few Foundation Establishment cultivators to guard the island."

"Yes!"

The man replied, very respectfully, in a low voice:

"Young Master's considerations are thorough."

Han Shizhen didn't pay attention to his flattery; he was merely somewhat hesitant:

"The matter of the Qing Song Monastery ruins is escalating, and I just hope it doesn't draw intervention from the Three Sects... It would be best if Sword Gate, Pure Unity, and Red Reef—these three Violet Palace powers—continue to be embroiled in this conflict. That way, our lives will be more comfortable."