Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 432 Return to the Sect
"Good! With this, dealing with ordinary Golden Core cultivators will be no problem!"

Li Yunjing grasped the "Ten Thousand Poison Banner" in his hand, immediately stood up, and couldn't help but laugh.

He gently shook the "Ten Thousand Poison Banner," which released a thick cloud of poisonous smoke.

From within the poisonous smoke came terrifying howls and wailing sounds.

These toxic fumes seemed to have come to life, like thousands of ghosts, which was extremely terrifying.

However, before the poisonous smoke could break the restrictions set up by Li Yunjing, he shook the "Ten Thousand Poison Banner" again, absorbing the poisonous smoke without a trace.

After briefly experiencing the power of the "Ten Thousand Poison Banner," Li Yunjing was clearly quite satisfied.

"What a pity! There's no potent poison in it! If I could obtain a poison that could kill a Nascent Soul cultivator and incorporate it into the Myriad Poison Banner, this magic weapon would truly be a masterpiece!"

While focusing his mind on the "Ten Thousand Poison Banner," Li Yunjing pondered how to increase its power.

After refining this treasure, Li Yunjing took out some corpses of third-tier demon kings.

Li Yunjing cut off the fattest pieces of oil and refined them through the "Samadhi Fire" to create jars of oil.

These oils are the lamp oil that Li Yunjing refined!

Since obtaining the "Myriad Lotus Lamp," Li Yunjing has lacked lamp oil and was unable to unleash the power of this treasure.

Li Yunjing carefully poured the refined lamp oil into the "Myriad Lotus Lamp," and the wick ignited instantly upon contact.

The lotus lantern's petals unfolded layer by layer, each petal displaying intricate runes, from which a seven-colored radiance emanated.

The entire room was bathed in a dreamlike glow.

"With this lamp oil, the power of the 'Lotus of All Things Lamp' can finally be unleashed."

Li Yunjing nodded in satisfaction, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

These lamp oils are of low grade, and this is only the initial activation. If one obtains the corpse of a Nascent Soul Realm demon beast and refines it into high-grade lamp oil, the power of the "Myriad Manifestations Lotus Lamp" will increase exponentially when fully utilized.

Six months had passed by the time these two matters were completed.

The "Azure Cloud Boat" has already arrived at the "Flying Cloud Sea".

Upon arriving here, Li Yunjing did not pause at all and immediately urged the "Azure Cloud Boat" to head towards the Southern Heaven Continent.

Three days later, Li Yunjing returned to the capital of the Ming Dynasty, "Yingtianfu".

After arriving here, Li Yunjing rested for a while and explained the affairs of the Ming Dynasty to Zhao Qi.

Li Yunjing has now stepped down as Grand Preceptor of the Ming Dynasty.

However, he was still a true disciple of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect". When he arrived at the "Shenxiao Temple", neither the disciples nor the new abbot dared to be negligent. They all crowded around him, waiting for Li Yunjing's instructions.

Upon arriving here, Zhao Qi's eyes lit up, and she finally saw just how imposing Li Yunjing was.

The next day, even the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, all the civil and military officials, and Princess Zhu Wanyun came to Shenxiao Temple to pay their respects to Li Yunjing.

Li Yunjing stood in front of the main hall of Shenxiao Temple, his expression calm, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before him.

The Ming emperor, dressed in a dragon robe, looked respectful, followed by a full court of civil and military officials. Even Princess Zhu Wanyun stood to the side, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Grand Preceptor Li, it's been many years, but you still possess the same charm!"

The Ming emperor bowed slightly, his tone carrying a hint of reverence.

Li Yunjing smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. I have long since resigned from my position as Imperial Preceptor and am now just an ordinary disciple of the Shenxiao Dao Sect. I am not worthy of such a great courtesy from Your Majesty."

The emperor shook his head and said solemnly, "Although Grand Preceptor Li has stepped down, I and all the civil and military officials remember your contributions to our Great Ming Dynasty. I have come to pay my respects today, firstly to express my respect, and secondly to hope that Grand Preceptor Li can give our Great Ming Dynasty some more guidance."

The emperor wasn't stupid!
Li Yunjing's resignation is called stepping down!
He is also a true disciple of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect"!

A single sentence could crush his powerful existence!

Li Yunjing might not have the ability to replace the entire royal family, but if he returned to the Shenxiao Dao Sect and manipulated things to put pressure on them to replace the emperor, it would be a piece of cake!
Faced with an entity that surpasses them in both status and military strength, even the emperor must bow down and submit, remaining obedient and compliant.

Li Yunjing nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and said calmly, "Your Majesty is kind. However, those who cultivate immortality have long transcended the mortal world, and it is inconvenient for me to interfere too much in the affairs of the court. Princess Zhu Wanyun, on the other hand, is exceptionally intelligent, and if she were to dedicate herself to cultivation, she might achieve great things."

"Master Imperial Master!"

Upon hearing this, Princess Zhu Wanyun's eyes flashed with delight. She quickly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Wanyun has always admired your elegance. If I could follow you by your side as a maid and receive your guidance, Wanyun would be eternally grateful."

Now, with Li Yunjing's guidance, Zhu Wanyun's cultivation has improved rapidly, reaching the ninth level of the Qi Refining Realm. She is just one step away from Foundation Establishment.

Whether to be a princess in the Ming Dynasty or follow Li Yunjing, Zhu Wanyun knew exactly what to choose!

Moreover, now that Li Yunjing has returned, it may be a hundred years before he comes to Yingtian Prefecture again.

At that time, Zhu Wanyun no longer had the opportunity to seek refuge with Li Yunjing.

This is her only chance to change her fate!
Today, Zhu Wanyun is going to follow Li Yunjing!

Zhu Wanyun's words surprised the Ming imperial family, the court officials, and even the disciples of the Shenxiao Temple.

The princess's words were loaded with meaning!

Could it be that she has already seduced the Imperial Advisor?
Even Zhao Qi was looking at Li Yunjing with a half-smile!
As for getting angry?

That doesn't exist!

Zhao Qi has already figured out that Li Yunjing is a womanizer.

Zhu Wanyun in front of her was weak and not as beautiful as herself, so she was no match for her at all!
In Zhao Qi's mind, her rivals are Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi, and even Madam Xing and Madam Yue!

Zhao Qi did not inquire about Li Yunjing's private life, but secretly, through subtle inquiries with people from the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and "Xingyue Trading Company," she had already gained a fairly general understanding of the people around Li Yunjing.

Other women naturally wouldn't be valued by Zhao Qi.

Li Yunjing glanced at Zhu Wanyun and nodded slightly: "The path of cultivation is fraught with difficulties and dangers, and only those with great perseverance can succeed. If you truly have this ambition, you can follow me to the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' for cultivation. As for how far you can go, that depends on your own destiny."

Princess Zhu Wanyun was overjoyed and quickly bowed, saying, "Thank you so much, Grand Preceptor, for your kindness!"

"Okay! Okay! Okay!"

Upon seeing this, the emperor smiled with satisfaction.

Although he was somewhat reluctant, he also knew that if Zhu Wanyun could embark on the path of cultivation, it would definitely be a good thing for the Ming Dynasty.

It should be noted that while the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" was supporting the royal family, it was also suppressing them!
There simply cannot be too many high-level cultivators!
As for the Jindan realm?
Even more bizarrely, one person after another died!
If Zhu Wanyun can establish a relationship with Li Yunjing, it could change the current predicament of the royal family.

Li Yunjing's words, even if they don't make the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" treat the royal family the same as other families, will at least reduce the amount of overt suppression.

Just like now, as long as the royal family spreads the word that Zhu Wanyun is cultivating with Li Yunjing, let's see if the various families, sects, and even the people of the "Shenxiao Temple" dare to bully the royal family.
Zhao Qi watched all this quietly, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes.

On the surface, Zhao Qi fully supports any decision Li Yunjing makes!
Outsiders would never see anything discordant from her.

After everyone had left, only Zhao Qi and Li Yunjing remained in Li Yunjing's courtyard.

As for Zhu Wanyun, she was going back to the palace to say her final goodbye.

Zhu Wanyun is a woman who is still somewhat useful. Li Yunjing plans to place her in "Qiwu Manor" so that someone can take care of the manor and look after its spiritual herbs and beasts.

Zhao Qi walked to Li Yunjing's side and said softly, "I didn't expect you to be so respected here."

"In the cultivation world of the Ming Dynasty, the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' is the only overlord!"

Li Yunjing smiled calmly and said, "But these are all worldly matters. After I leave tomorrow, I'm afraid I'll find it difficult to come here again."

"The mortal realm is indeed not a place for us cultivators to linger!"

Zhao Qi nodded, then asked, "What are your plans for me next?"

"You!"

Li Yunjing's gaze was deep as he slowly smiled and said, "In 'Crimson Sun Market' and 'Ten Thousand Swords City,' there are two stores of 'Star Moon Trading Company.' How about you keep an eye on them for me for the time being?"

"Of course, I can accommodate any other interests you may have!"

"I'll listen to you for now!"

A hint of anticipation flashed in Zhao Qi's eyes as she said softly, "If I break through to the Golden Core Realm, I still want to travel around the Southern Heaven Continent and see the sights!"

"no problem!"

Li Yunjing smiled slightly and said, "Within a hundred years, the two of us will still be going to the 'Far North'!"

"Too!"

The two exchanged a smile and then went to rest.

Zhu Wanyun arrived early the next morning.

Li Yunjing rewarded her with two Foundation Establishment Pills and a set of top-grade spiritual artifacts before allowing Zhu Wanyun to go into seclusion to break through her cultivation level.

"You're certainly rich and powerful!" Zhao Qi chuckled.

"Now all I have left are treasures!"

Li Yunjing, feigning the arrogance of a nouveau riche, spoke in a gruff voice.

Actually, this isn't Li Yunjing being arrogant at all!
After paying for the "Dragon and Phoenix Yin-Yang Heavenly Secret Pendant," he still possessed far too many valuable items and riches.

Li Yunjing believed that among Golden Core cultivators, there were few who were richer than him.

With such a level of wealth, Li Yunjing could certainly be a little proud.

Moreover, after Li Yunjing returned to the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" this time, he planned to give some treasures to his woman, friends, and core members of the "Zixiao Party" to enhance everyone's overall strength.

Anyway, Li Yunjing has so many treasures in his possession that he can't sell them in a short time.

Moreover, these treasures are all powerful weapons, and Li Yunjing really didn't want to sell them to the enemy!
These are treasures equivalent to nuclear bombs!

Once it falls into someone else's hands, who knows who it will end up with, or whether it will eventually be used against him?

Since we're not short of money right now, we might as well let our woman and brothers benefit!

At least with these treasures, they can help him fight his enemies!
After sending Zhu Wanyun back to her room to cultivate and break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, Li Yunjing and Zhao Qi sat in the "driver's seat," piloting the "Azure Cloud Boat" towards the "Red Sun Valley."

In the cultivation world of the Ming Dynasty, the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" was renowned far and wide, and its environment was a hundred times safer than that of the East Sea!
Li Yunjing stood at the bow of the "Qingyun Boat," his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance with a faint smile on his lips.

Zhao Qi stood beside him, holding a jade slip in her hand, carefully examining the topographical map of "Red Sun Valley".

Li Yunjing smiled, then his gaze sharpened as he looked ahead: "'Crimson Sun Valley' is almost here. Let's prepare to land."

The "Azure Cloud Boat" floated above the "Red Sun Market" outside the "Red Sun Valley".

As soon as Li Yunjing and Zhao Qi disembarked, they were greeted by several market officials.

"Senior Brother Li! You've arrived!"

The group bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with excitement.

Li Yunjing was a prominent figure, the patron of the "Red Sun Valley" lineage within the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect".

The market managers were naturally overjoyed to be able to meet such an important figure.

Li Yunjing casually offered a few words of encouragement to these people before taking Zhao Qi to "Star Moon Trading Company Store No. 1".

Today, the shop is managed by Cong Rujin.

When Cong Rujin saw that Li Yunjing and Zhao Qi had actually arrived, he was greatly surprised.

He quickly realized what was happening and bowed repeatedly to greet them.

"Ok!"

Li Yunjing nodded, looked at Zhao Qi, and then said to Cong Rujin, "From now on, Zhao Qi will be in charge of the first and second stores of 'Star Moon Trading Company'! She is my woman and represents me fully!"

"Yes! Boss!"

Cong Rujin's heart skipped a beat. He quickly bowed to Zhao Qi and respectfully said, "Cong Rujin greets Madam Zhao!"

Zhao Qi smiled slightly and calmly accepted Cong Rujin's greeting. She then said indifferently, "Manager Cong, there's no need for such formalities. I'll need your help with the business in the future."

Cong Rujin nodded quickly and said respectfully, "Madam Zhao, rest assured, I will do my best and never let you down."

Li Yunjing nodded in satisfaction, then said to Zhao Qi, "Qi'er, this 'Star Moon Trading Company' is one of our important businesses, and I will entrust it to you to manage from now on. Manager Cong is very experienced, so you can ask him for advice if you don't understand anything."

"I see!"

Zhao Qi nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the furnishings of the shop, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes: "This shop is quite large; it seems Manager Cong has indeed put a lot of thought into it."

"Don't dare take it!"

Cong Rujin quickly replied modestly, "Madam Zhao, you flatter me. This is all thanks to the wise decisions of the boss, Madam Xing, and Madam Yue. I was just following orders."

"All right!"

Li Yunjing smiled and then said to Cong Rujin, "You go ahead and get busy. I'll show Zhao Qi around."

"Yes! I'm resigning!"

Cong Rujin respectfully withdrew, while Li Yunjing led Zhao Qi on a tour of the trading company, giving her a detailed introduction to its operations and main businesses.

“The development of the first and second stores of ‘Star Moon Trading Company’ has fallen behind.”

As Li Yunjing walked, he said, "All of this depends on you!"

"Ok!"

Zhao Qi nodded, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes: "That's right. It seems to me that the cultivators here are of a very low level, all of them are Qi Refining Realm cultivators! These cultivators can't earn any spirit stones from their businesses at all!"

"Yes! That's exactly the situation!"

Li Yunjing smiled and said, "These are the resources I'm leaving for you, enough second-tier treasures to attract many Foundation Establishment cultivators to come and trade!"

As they were talking, Li Yunjing handed ten "treasure pouches" to Zhao Qi.

“No problem! I’ve run shops in Donghai before! Running a business here is a piece of cake and won’t take up much of my time. I can get the shop up and running smoothly!”

Zhao Qi accepted the "treasure bag" with a calm expression.

This kind of trivial matter was too easy for her.

Li Yunjing glanced at the sky and said to Zhao Qi, "It's getting late, I should head back. I'm leaving the business to you. Just let me know if you need anything. Here, the 'Ten Thousand Mile Communication Talisman' is more than enough to exchange information!"

"Just go back to your sect and focus on your cultivation!"

Zhao Qi smiled slightly and said, "I will handle everything here."

After bidding farewell to his woman, Li Yunjing boarded the "Azure Cloud Boat" and left the "Red Sun Market," heading towards the "Divine Firmament Mountain Range," a thousand miles away.

After returning to the "Shenxiao Dao Sect", Zhu Wanyun officially emerged from seclusion, and her cultivation successfully broke through to the first level of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Li Yunjing took Zhu Wanyun back to "Qiwu Manor", handed over all the miscellaneous tasks to Zhu Wanyun, and left her with thirty second-tier "puppet mechanical beasts".

The news of Li Yunjing's return to the mountain spread quickly.

Before long, some members of the "Purple Cloud Party" within the sect sent Li Yunjing messages of greeting.

Surprisingly, Fu Chao was among them!

"Old Fu! You're out of seclusion! Let's get together!"

Li Yunjing could ignore other people's messages, but he had to reply to Fu Chao's messages without hesitation, immediately!
After sending the message, Li Yunjing gave Zhu Wanyun a few instructions and then hurriedly left "Qiwu Manor". He did not fly or use the teleportation array along the way.

Right there on "Seven Star Peak," I walked around while replying to various messages.

During this time, he also sent messages to Yu Yunyi and Lü Ruoxi.

Unfortunately, neither of them replied to him. He didn't know if they were in seclusion or not at the sect.

"Old Li! I'm almost at Qiwu Manor!"

When Li Yunjing leisurely strolled to the vicinity of the entrance to the "Seven Star Palace," his communication talisman vibrated again, revealing a message that Fu Chao was coming.

"That impetuous guy!"

Li Yunjing felt a warmth in his heart and jokingly scolded her.

He quickened his pace and headed towards the entrance of the "Seven Star Palace".

Almost at the same time, a person came up from below, and it was an old friend I hadn't seen for many years!
Fu Chao today is less impetuous than he was back then, and seems much more composed.

"Old Fu!"

Li Yunjing greeted him with a smile.

"Old Li!"

Fu Chao was deeply moved to see Li Yunjing come to greet him at the door, and a smile appeared on his face: "Long time no see!"

"Hahaha!"

The two smiled at each other and then gave each other a big hug.

"You brat, where have you been all these years? The last time I looked for you, you weren't at the mountain gate!"

Li Yunjing patted Fu Chao on the shoulder and laughed heartily.

(End of this chapter)