Chapter 839: Big Rat (1+1/2)

The old domain name has been compromised; please remember the new one.

Qu Bushi quickly stepped forward and respectfully said:

"Reporting to the Patriarch, it is indeed Guan Lingdie. She herself was sent to the East Sea by the Duxian Dao sect. As for the Duxian Dao… they've been making significant personnel changes recently, replacing several individuals near the Baijiang Creek territory."

"Guan Gongxiao still dotes on his younger sister."

Li Jiangqian nodded discreetly, finding it understandable. While there were indeed many opportunities around a True Monarch, if it were him, Li Jiangqian, he wouldn't bear to send Li Quewan there, even if she hadn't already gone into seclusion for a breakthrough…

'Personnel changes… This Butler Guan wouldn't sweep the ground clean, sending every female cultivator found within the sect? Given Guan Gongxiao's nature, it's not impossible…'

When it came to matters concerning the True Monarch, female cultivators were always more convenient than male cultivators. In recent years, Li Jiangqian had already gradually replaced the cultivators stationed on the North Bank with members of the Fei family and female cultivators, to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

Qu Bushi lowered his head slightly and continued:

"Over the past few months, as the two families confronted each other, gradually escalating towards action, many aristocratic families and demonic cultivators came to scout. One such individual, who only possessed rudimentary skills, was spotted at a glance by Lord Cui on the river and apprehended."

"He has been sent to the side hall, awaiting your instructions, my lord…"

Li Jiangqian showed no surprise and replied:

"I already know. He's from the Huaihun Hall. Protector Cui sent a letter; I will question him."

His smile gradually grew colder as he continued:

"They truly have immense audacity. Not only on the river, but demonic cultivators have also been sighted scouting our North Bank. We've certainly given them too much leeway. A Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator, gathering a ragtag group, dares to spy on our sect's mountain gate…"

He thought to himself, coldly:

'If not for more pressing matters… for such a wretch, sending a Protector would be enough to bring back his head!'

Qu Bushi felt a chill in his heart. He hadn't expected the opposing family to dare to scout them. Daoist Bai had clearly underestimated the intelligence network of a Purple Mansion-level force and overestimated his own sect's ability to maintain secrecy. The old man could only lower his head and remain silent.

Most of the clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators had gone to the river. Li Jiangqian felt that the current number of Foundation Establishment cultivators was insufficient, with even fewer direct lineage Foundation Establishment cultivators…

Li Jianglong had recently returned from the north and had been in seclusion cultivating. He was already at the eighth level of Qi Condensation. After taking the Talisman Elixir and the Three-Completeness Breakthrough Pill, he could attempt Foundation Establishment. Li Jiangxia was a bit faster, but not by much.

As for other members of the Li family, Fei Qingyi, An Xuantong, and even Li Zhoufang, Li Zhouyang, Li Xinghan, and other new batches of cultivators were gradually advancing in their Qi Condensation. Li Jiangqian made a rough estimate:

'In about ten years, our family will reach the peak in the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even having one per peak mansion won't be an issue… truly becoming a formidable power like the Xiao family of old…'

As the two were discussing matters concerning the north, a cultivator approached from the side, producing a small letter from his sleeve and presenting it. Li Jiangqian read it briefly, his expression becoming somewhat strange.

He glanced at the heavy rain outside the window, waved Qu Bushi away, and turned to re-enter the hall, sending someone to fetch Li Xuanxuan and Li Minggong.

The elder soon arrived, riding the wind, his figure hurried, but his face bore a smile, as if he had heard good news. Li Minggong, however, was not yet present; she was likely at a critical point in her cultivation of spells.

Currently, the skirmishes with the Duxian Dao sect were not truly serious, and manpower was ample. Cui Jueyin, who presided over the overall situation, also knew the secrets involved, so she wouldn't be sent to handle these matters, allowing her more time to cultivate spells.

Li Xuanxuan took the small letter from Li Jiangqian's hand to read it. Li Jiangqian, while pouring tea for the elder, said:

"True Master Qiuhu was battling in the South Sea… forced to retreat by Maha, and Beidan was lost…"

Whenever Li Xuanxuan came to the main hall, Li Jiangqian would personally pour him tea, always at the perfect temperature. This man was simply like that; he always made people feel comfortable in his presence. Li Xuanxuan silently accepted the tea, revealing a smile:

"It's rare to hear news of Xizhi… It's a good thing… A Sword Immortal family always needs a sword cultivator."

Clearly, the letter had briefly mentioned Li Xizhi drawing his sword. Li Xuanxuan's smile, however, was forced, and Li Jiangqian frowned even more, setting down the pot in his hand and whispering:

"This whole situation is very strange; it's wrong from beginning to end. You said that Zhuzhen Lianmin… suddenly took Shitang. Was it necessary for Dakonghai Temple to do that? Even if there's some secret that low-level cultivators like us don't know… he took Shitang without harming a single Qingchi cultivator?"

"True Master Qiuhu was clearly stationed in the north. Could he really appear in Shitang in one go? Even traversing the void doesn't have that kind of speed, unless True Master Xiancong Shengrui had known about it much earlier…"

"What's more, given how Zhuzhen lost face, it wouldn't have been excessive if someone had actually died…"

Li Xuanxuan was worried that Li Xizhi's prominence would lead to trouble, but he hadn't considered Li Jiangqian's line of thought. Hearing this, he asked doubtfully:

"What do you mean?"

Li Jiangqian said vaguely:

"This junior received news a while ago that Lotus Temple also ceded territory to the Chenyun Gate."

Li Xuanxuan pondered this, and it did seem very similar. Li Jiangqian whispered:

"After all, both are supreme leaders of immortal cultivation at the sect level… they shouldn't be too friendly with Buddhist cultivators…"

The elder understood his meaning, but whether Qingchi intentionally let Beidan go and traded secretly, or colluded with Dakonghai Temple to scheme something, was hard to say.

Li Jiangqian glanced at him and whispered:

"The Ningu family suffered the most."

The elder stroked his beard and nodded.

According to Li Jiangqian, it was understandable that Ning Wan, currently supporting Qingchi alone, would exchange Beidan for some assistance. Moreover, what kind of place was Shitang? The Ningu family had managed it for years, using Wu Zuo insects and Canshen wood to continuously drain Shitang's resources. Ning Wan couldn't possibly be unaware of this. Originally, there was also a market that could generate profits for Qingchi, or rather, for the Ning and Si families now. With Yuan Xiu's death, this market would collapse sooner or later.

Seeing the elder remain silent, Li Jiangqian whispered:

"True Master Ning should still be in the South Sea."

Li Jiangqian was not one to make baseless conjectures; he was implying that the elder had already used the Immortal Mirror to investigate. Li Xuanxuan then said worriedly:

"I'm just afraid… things might not be very stable for Xizhi."

This was precisely what made Li Jiangqian uneasy. He whispered:

"Who would reveal their true strength without reason, when they could conceal it? Even being in the limelight isn't very secure. It might seem like everyone praises him, but given his status as a Lord, does he truly lack this small bit of praise now? From beginning to end, there's no benefit for him; any benefit goes to Qingchi."

The elder replied:

"I, this old man, don't believe True Master Ning would push Xizhi forward to gain any benefits. She is not like Yuan Xiu. The Li clan is also not what it used to be… Don't forget… he is Zhaojing's older brother."

'Having achieved the Purple Mansion realm and gained a Destiny Divine Ability, what kind of person… their heart would have changed.'

Li Jiangqian could only nod silently. Although his thoughts were different, it was no longer appropriate to say more, so he said:

"Regardless, this doesn't seem good. Now that True Master Ning holds the most power, there are no taboos for you, my lord, to come to the lake. It would be best to meet her."

Li Xuanxuan nodded discreetly and changed the subject, saying:

"I am aware of the matter concerning Huaihun Hall. Do not act impulsively…"

Li Jiangqian smiled:

"Elder, you underestimate me."

Li Xuanxuan said no more, but his heart was filled with worry:

'If not for Daoist Bai, our family wouldn't be in Jiangbei; otherwise, it would be difficult to escape. This Li family rules a region with strict discipline, remotely controls many parties, has deep roots, and its members are all so-called aristocratic young masters. The one managing the family is a cunning young man in black robes and crimson garments, a golden-eyed noble with great ambitions, who stops at nothing… This young man's father is a remarkably talented figure among Foundation Establishment cultivators, and above him is an Old Ancestor True Master whose whereabouts are unknown…'

'Such is the clown of this play! If our family were in Jiangbei, we should be moving overseas by now.'

He said no more and went to write a letter. Li Jiangqian put down his brush, only to see a young master in red robes enter from outside the hall, holding a folding fan. It was none other than his uncle, Li Zhouming.

Li Jiangqian smiled:

"Uncle, you're quite leisurely today, with time to visit me."

Li Zhouming, newly married, had lost his usual carefree and elegant demeanor. Instead, his face was full of bitterness as he shook his head and said:

"These past few months… I haven't been able to visit any pleasure boats. I don't know how Shouyu gets such swift information; whenever I leave, she arrives right after me. She says nothing, just sits down with a smile and watches…"

"I break out in cold sweats, let alone those poor women, who often collapse to their knees, weeping bitterly…"

Li Jiangqian naturally knew this, as Li Zhouming had been causing quite a stir lately. He chuckled inwardly. The man in red robes shook his head and said:

"I thought I could go to Qingchi to get some fresh air and see the sights, but I was called back as soon as I arrived, and didn't get to see anything…"

He sighed:

"During this heavy rain season, rowing a boat on the lake and watching the rain is the most relaxing thing. But I have no inclination for it now. I came here to take refuge with you."

Li Zhouming detested miscellaneous tasks the most. Being forced to come to this grand hall to find something to do showed how desperate he was. Li Jiangqian clicked his tongue in sympathy and comforted him:

"Aunt is from a prestigious family, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and a person of first-rate standing… Uncle, apply yourself more, and a harmonious marriage is the best thing…"

As he spoke of this, Li Zhouming's face paled slightly, and he sighed:

"She's a direct descendant of an immortal sect, very capable… You should find something for her to do… A dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator, tormenting me every day, I can't stand it…"

Li Jiangqian understood immediately. He smiled inwardly, a thoughtful expression on his face, and mused:

'That's true. As a descendant of an immortal sect and the wife of a direct lineage Purple Mansion cultivator, she should indeed have some position; otherwise, it wouldn't be appropriate.'

Li Jiangqian had been so busy these past few days that he had overlooked this matter. He replied:

"Uncle, what you said makes sense. I recall Aunt cultivates the Hong Fire art. Coincidentally, the clan's Qi-Gathering Department is being re-established and will be called the Fenglu Division. We'll have to trouble Aunt with this!"

The Li family's Qi-gathering lineage possesses a valuable treasure called Cuoxiang, an ancient artifact acquired by Li Xuanfeng, originally from the Sima family. It can store spiritual energy without allowing it to dissipate. This implies that Xia Shouyu will now be in charge of this item.

Spiritual energy is always limited, so this is not an easy task. The person in charge must not only have status but also cunning. Li Jiangqian's arrangement was perfect. Li Zhouming, however, didn't perceive all the implications. He nodded repeatedly and continued:

"Truly troublesome for the Patriarch. There's one more matter… Eldest Brother Zhoufang's eldest son, Li Jiangzong, has already broken through to Qi Condensation. He cultivates the True Fire 'Pheasant Fire Long-Stride Art.' My elder brother cherishes him greatly and hopes he can follow Aunt Minggong. If you could say a few good words for him when the time comes…"

Li Zhoufang's lineage was the most prosperous. Previously, Li Queyi cultivated in Ziyan, and now Li Jiangzong had joined, both showing great promise. The Yuandu branch also had Li Xinghan, truly making it the most prominent branch of the elder brother's lineage!

Li Jiangqian naturally nodded in agreement. It was good news that their family had gained a new direct lineage Qi Condensation cultivator. Although Li Minggong was from the Yuanwan branch, this Lord harbored no such sectarian prejudices and would surely be extremely pleased. He asked with a smile:

"How old is this junior brother?"

Li Zhouming flicked open his fan and laughed:

"Twenty-three years old, a bit younger than Queyi."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a figure appeared outside the hall. Li Minggong wore a white dress, and the lamp in her hand was unlit, a stark contrast to her usual attire.

Li Jiangqian then remembered that it was Li Cheng's death anniversary today. She had likely gone to pay respects, which explained why the person sent to invite her couldn't open her dwelling.

Like tea growing cold when a guest leaves, Li Cheng's death anniversary was quite a significant occasion for the first two years, marked by grand ceremonies. Now, few people still mourned him. Only the three clan members who might inherit his legacy celebrated it grandly every year, making it more elaborate than their own ancestors' memorials. Whether it was pretense or genuine affection, since Li Cheng had no direct descendants, someone eventually had to arrange it for him.

Li Jiangqian was fine in his black robes, but Li Zhouming was still wearing red. His nature wasn't bad, but he was a complete ruffian. He himself had only met Li Cheng a few times, and even seeing his aunt in white evoked no feeling in him, which made Li Jiangqian shiver inwardly.

Fortunately, Li Minggong would not dwell on such matters. She said gently:

"I recently completed the 'Mystic Transformation Art,' a congratulatory gift from Tu Jun to the True Master back then. This art perfectly aligns with my immortal foundation, and the purple baleful energy spring on Zhijing Mountain is an excellent treasure for cultivating this art… Its potential is very impressive."

"You also cultivate the Li Fire. It aligns even better with you than with my True Fire. You should definitely try it; this art is not as simple as it appears on the surface."

The 'Mystic Transformation Art' of the Tujun Sect teaches methods for absorbing Li Fire and Earthly Baleful Qi, allowing one to unleash Earth Fire Baleful Qi. The cultivation difficulty is not low. Li Minggong's expression was very surprised, having successfully cultivated it with the help of the purple baleful energy.

If it could surprise Li Minggong, who cultivated True Fire, then it would only be better for him, who cultivated Li Fire. Li Jiangqian's heart stirred slightly. He nodded repeatedly and sighed:

"Nothing from True Master Junjian is ever subpar… And with his good relationship with our family, what he produces is certainly better than what others have… My lord, have you seen the younger generation in the family yet?"

Li Minggong moved to take her seat and said:

"I was just about to talk to you about this. I've seen Jiangzong; he's humble and eager to learn. While his disposition, 'generous and inheriting his legacy,' might not be described as exceptionally outstanding, he is already better than most people."

Upon hearing this, it was clear that this junior was already quite good. Not only had his father, Li Zhoufang, never received such an evaluation, but even Li Zhouluo back then was merely described as having 'decent talent.' Li Jiangqian looked up slightly, exhaling a small sigh of relief, and thought to himself:

'Among the Jiangque generation, besides my own younger brothers, we finally have someone presentable!'

Only then did he understand why Li Xuanxuan was smiling when he arrived on the wind. The elder cared most about such matters, and he must have known earlier. Li Jiangqian sighed:

"The lack of capable and flourishing descendants had always been a concern for the elder and several seniors. At least having one with decent talent can alleviate their anxiety and satisfy their thirst."

Among the Zhouxing generation, only Li Xinghan stood out. In the Jiangque generation, apart from his own golden-eyed descendants, Queyi and Quexi were cultivating in Ziyan, and only Quewan remained on the lake, whose cultivation speed was astonishing, and who had no descendants to speak of.

Only then did Li Zhouming react thoughtfully. He asked about family matters, not mentioning the abandoned Funan, but instead said:

"I heard there was a skirmish on the river, where cultivators from the Duxian Dao sect engaged our family many times, and a demonic cultivator was captured and brought back. From which side is he?"

Li Jiangqian shook his head and replied:

"Bring him up for the elders to see."

He gave a quiet instruction, and then Qu Bushi came from outside the hall, holding a young-looking demonic cultivator whose hands were tightly bound and cultivation sealed. His face was pale, and he was drenched in cold sweat.

Li Zhouming looked up at him, but the young man could not speak. Li Jiangqian said with a smile:

"Our family and the Duxian Dao sect were clashing fiercely. This fellow was spying from the side, but Lord Cui's eye technique is formidable; he spotted him at a glance."

He held the letter sent by Cui Jueyin, read it, and then handed it to Li Zhouming and Li Minggong, saying softly:

"He was interrogated earlier. He's from the Huaihun Hall, and the Mofan Dao lineage has a considerable history, so he does have some background."

He turned his head and demanded sternly:

"What's your name! What's your position!"

The young man immediately knelt and replied:

"Your humble servant… I am Protector Black Rat, a Protector under Huaihun Hall, and one of the seven Great Hall Protectors. I am in charge of collecting taxes on spiritual resources in the Funan area and also manage a local storage vault…"

"Our Hall Master was unaware of the situation on the river and specially dispatched this humble servant to investigate; I was not intentionally spying! Please, my lord, see the truth of this! My lord!"

Li Zhouming, unaware of the inside story, reacted genuinely, slapping his fan into his hand. Clearly, he was not in a good mood. He shook his head and said:

"Is there truly such a thing as 'favor from a Purple Mansion cultivator'? But he merely claims a personal connection, whereas our family truly has a Purple Mansion expert, so we cannot be casually bullied…"

Li Jiangqian sighed deeply:

"Uncle, you don't know, but this Mofan Dao lineage is no simple matter. The Purple Mansion force behind him has a profound origin, even traceable back to a True Monarch… Our family must avoid provoking them!"

Li Zhouming was startled. Only then did he gain a better understanding of the loss of Funan. He quickly stood up and whispered:

"What can we do! Should we just let him go…"

"Not so…"

Li Jiangqian did not avoid the kneeling demonic cultivator at all. His gaze very lightly brushed over his uncle. His original words changed on the fly, and he said with an angry laugh:

"But we cannot be bullied like this. I will kill him and make the other side suffer a bit."

As soon as he spoke, a wave of uneasiness surged in. He saw Li Zhouming immediately stand up, both shocked and terrified, and reply:

"You mustn't kill him! Since you said a True Monarch…"

Qu Bushi, standing by, was also stunned and quickly pleaded:

"My lord, I'm afraid he cannot be killed…"

Even Li Minggong frowned slightly at this moment, clearly strongly disagreeing in her heart. However, she still maintained his dignity by remaining silent. But if he persisted, Li Minggong would most likely speak up.

Li Jiangqian looked around with interest, the anger on his face easing slightly. He feigned anger and said:

"He might have received a token, but he might not be the one who inherited the Dao lineage! Just because he got a token, does everyone have to revere him as a god?!"

The two resumed their pleas, arguing for quite some time, before Li Jiangqian finally relented:

"Though he cannot be killed, he cannot be allowed to come and go as he pleases. First, take him away and make him suffer a bit."

Li Zhouming let out a long breath. Seizing the moment before he changed his mind, he quickly had Qu Bushi take the man away. Li Jiangqian, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow, taking everything in, and understood:

'Protector Black Rat… an important figure. Excellent.'

Qu Bushi had not yet left but instead asked for instructions:

"Where should he be detained?"

Li Jiangqian immediately thought of something—the Xiao Yuan Glazed Pagoda on the lake should be put to use.

The Xiao Yuan Glazed Pagoda was extremely valuable, having been sent by Li Xizhi back then. It had been kept in Qingdu, originally intended as a magical artifact for training juniors and punishing disciples, but it hadn't been used much over the years…

Firstly, when it was acquired, it coincided with Li Jiangqian emerging from seclusion to manage clan affairs, and the entire Li family was extremely busy, so naturally no one had time to organize this item.

Secondly… its power was simply too excessive. Let alone the Li family disciples, Chen Yang once entered this artifact and was burned to a pulp, barely making it through the Great Blazing Fire. The 'Wounding Wind of Harvest' in the middle was miserably weak, but the final 'Autumn Death Water' was overwhelmingly strong.

Among the many cultivators in the Li family, only Cui Jueyin and Ding Weizheng could complete a full run through it.

Moreover, the benefits gained were not that significant. By the time cultivators like Cui Jueyin and Ding Weizheng entered, refining true essence or clarifying spiritual consciousness held little use. And Qi Condensation cultivators simply couldn't withstand the Great Blazing Fire.

'After all, it's an ancient artifact. Once the spiritual grades changed, everything changed, making it less effective. It's only manageable because the artifact is controllable. Unless the highest Northern Palace Thunder is activated, it won't be life-threatening no matter what. No wonder it's said to be used for punishing disciples; that's its only good use.'

He said coldly:

"This fellow is as weak as grass; send him into the Wounding Wind of Harvest and let him suffer a bit!"

The Xiao Yuan Glazed Pagoda wouldn't take a life, but it would inflict continuous torment, enough to leave an indelible mark on this man's mind. Qu Bushi dragged him away. Only then did Li Zhouming return to his seat and discuss some family matters with him before leaving.

Li Jiangqian sat quietly in the main seat, feeling a slight chill in his heart:

'It has already begun… Black Rat's capture was not without reason; no wonder it was so hasty… Now it just depends on whether Huaihun Hall wants to retrieve this person. If they truly send someone to take him back, he likely plays a significant role.'

One must know that the True Monarch descended only six years ago. Therefore, it's impossible that he descended into an infant. Instead, he must have possessed someone who had already sensed him, or perhaps he had an early reincarnation whose destiny only recently awakened… In that case, there probably wouldn't have been any unusual phenomena.

'He's been captured for some time now, so news from the North should arrive soon.'

Li Minggong watched everything from beginning to end without speaking. Seeing Li Jiangqian deep in thought, she frowned and said:

"From this person's description, I gather he must be extremely important to Huaihun Hall, and they will send someone to redeem him."

Li Jiangqian sighed faintly. Li Minggong also seemed to have her suspicions. He chose not to elaborate and replied:

"I will go and see for myself."

The woman departed, riding the fire. Li Jiangqian waited, reading clan records. After a while, he grew restless, unable to distinguish which thoughts were truly his own. He stepped outside, leaned against the corridor once more, and sighed, gazing into the distance at Jiangbei, where the torrential rain continued unabated.

"Heavy rain… the blood of the various aristocratic families and Huaihun Hall… It would be best if it doesn't splash onto our family."