Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 769 Intimidating Four Families and Winning Over the Natives (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"Fellow Daoist Wang, we have come here without permission because we have something to ask you."

Leading the group was an elderly man with a red face, dressed in a robe embroidered with flame patterns. He was none other than Patriarch Zhang of "Fire Cloud Valley." He was rather direct, and after a few pleasantries, he got straight to the point: "I heard that your esteemed residence recently had a guest who triggered the 'Nine-Nine Returns to One Tribulation'? I wonder if you could introduce us to him?"

The wiry and sharp-eyed Master Mo of the "Hundred Beasts Manor" and Elder Liu of the "Sky-Splitting Sword Sect," who carried a long sword and exuded a fierce aura, also turned their gazes toward Wang Hanyun, clearly having come for this purpose.

Like Wang Hanyun, the three experts were all very curious about the expert who could trigger a heavenly tribulation and wanted to make his acquaintance.

The Wang family, in particular, was in the lead, keeping that expert at home for several days. Who knows what they were discussing together?
If that extraordinary person sides with the Wang family, and that old man Wang Hanyun gets ambitious again, wouldn't that leave the three families with no place to stand?

Therefore, they were determined to meet that extraordinary person and see if it affected their status in the "Black Wind Mountains".

If they truly harbored malicious intentions, they wouldn't sit idly by and wait to die; they would always call upon their friends and allies to unite against Li Yunjing and the Wang family.

"Well... to be honest with you three fellow Daoists, Fellow Daoist Li is indeed a guest at my residence."

Wang Hanyun had already anticipated this, but he feigned a perfectly measured expression of embarrassment: "However, Fellow Daoist prefers tranquility and has been in seclusion recently, having instructed that he does not wish to be disturbed by outsiders. I am truly unable to..."

"Fellow Daoist Wang, we mean no harm!"

"Such a person is extremely rare, perhaps only appearing once in a thousand years. If we could meet him and hear a few words from him, perhaps we could resolve the doubts that have kept us stuck at the early Nascent Soul stage for so many years!"

Upon hearing this, Elder Zhang frowned slightly, his tone tinged with urgency: "I beg Fellow Daoist Wang to be accommodating, even if it's just to relay a message and inquire!"

"Yes!"

"Please help me, Fellow Daoist Wang!"

The other two echoed this sentiment, adopting a rather humble attitude.

When facing a giant who is suspected of being able to trigger the highest level of heavenly tribulation, one can temporarily put aside any sense of face or reserve.

Wang Hanyun looked at these three old rivals who were usually his equals and even secretly competing with him, but now they were pleading with him in a soft voice just to see Fellow Daoist Li.

A complex feeling arose in his heart, and he gained a deeper understanding of the influence brought about by that fellow Daoist Li.

“I understand the sincerity of the three fellow Daoists.”

He pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "In that case, I, Wang, will risk going to inform the three of you. But whether Fellow Daoist Li is willing to meet me, I really cannot guarantee."

He had no intention of dealing with other forces.

After all, his conversations with Li Yunjing over the past few days had made him realize one thing.

That is, Li Yunjing is not an easy person to manipulate.

The Wang family couldn't afford the price to get Li Yunjing to help him deal with the three people in front of him!

Wang Hanyun didn't have such great ambitions as to dominate the "Black Wind Mountain Range"!
"Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Wang!"

The three were overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly cupped their hands in greeting: "Whether it succeeds or not, we are grateful for your kindness!"

"This matter still depends on Fellow Daoist Li's opinion."

Wang Hanyun nodded, turned around and walked towards the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion" again, thinking to himself: "If he is willing to see me, the Wang family may be able to take this opportunity to further consolidate its leadership position in the Black Wind Mountains; if he is not willing, I must not force him, lest I offend this important person."

Inside the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion," Li Yunjing had already heard everything that happened outside the door.

"They've come at the perfect time... It's a good opportunity to probe these local bullies further and see if we can extract more information about the core power of the Zhao state."

He stroked the jade talisman in his hand, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

Wang Hanyun arrived outside the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion," straightened his robes, and was about to respectfully announce his arrival when Li Yunjing's calm voice came from inside the pavilion first: "Patriarch Wang, please invite those fellow Daoists in."

Wang Hanyun felt a chill run down his spine, thinking to himself that Fellow Daoist Li's supernatural abilities were indeed unfathomable. Even from such a distance and with restrictions in place, he was fully aware of what was happening outside the gate.

"Yes, Fellow Daoist Li."

He quickly replied.

A moment later, Wang Hanyun led Zhang Laozu, Mo Zhuangzhu, and Liu Changlao, whose expressions were a mixture of excitement and trepidation, into the living room of "Tingtao Pavilion".

Li Yunjing did not get up, but remained casually seated in the main seat, his gaze calmly sweeping over the three people who had entered.

His aura was harmonious and restrained, but between the opening and closing of his eyes, there seemed to be subtle electric currents flowing, carrying an invisible pressure.

This oppressive feeling made the three Nascent Soul elders, who were once powerful figures in the Black Wind Mountains, feel their breath catch in their throats. They involuntarily suppressed all their auras and became extremely respectful.

"My names are Zhang Yan (Fire Cloud Valley), Mo Ying (Hundred Beasts Manor), and Liu Zhengfeng (Rending Heaven Sword Sect). I apologize for disturbing your cultivation, fellow Daoist!"

The three bowed almost simultaneously, their postures even more submissive than when facing Wang Hanyun.

Although Li Yunjing looks young, in the cultivation world, those who have reached the highest level are valued above all else. The other party's strength is unfathomable, so they can be humble without any psychological barriers.

"It doesn't matter."

Li Yunjing raised his hand to help them up, and a gentle yet irresistible force lifted the three of them. "Please sit down. Patriarch Wang, please have some tea."

"Yes Yes!"

Wang Hanyun quickly responded and personally poured spiritual tea for the group.

Zhang Yan and the other two sat down, flattered and surprised, only daring to put half of their buttocks on the chair, their backs ramrod straight.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the living room was unusually quiet, and the three of them didn't know how to start a conversation.

Finally, Li Yunjing broke the silence. He tapped the table lightly with his fingertips and looked at Zhang Yan: "'Fire Cloud Valley' is famous for its weapon crafting. I've heard that Fellow Daoist Zhang's fire control technique is quite exquisite."

"Fellow Daoist Li, you flatter me!"

"My meager skills are truly insignificant in front of you, fellow Daoist."

Zhang Yan was surprised that Li Yunjing would speak first, and even comment on his strengths. He immediately perked up and quickly said, "The 'Earth Lung Heart Fire Technique' inherited by my 'Fire Cloud Valley' does indeed have some benefits for refining weapons, but it is only limited to refining ordinary magic treasures."

While his words contained an element of self-deprecation, they also carried a hint of probing, as he wanted to see if this expert was interested in weapon crafting.

Li Yunjing remained noncommittal, then looked at Mo Ying: "'Hundred Beasts Manor' tames exotic beasts, so it must have unique insights into the habits of monsters, and even the mountains and rivers of Zhao Kingdom."

"Fellow Daoist, the manor has indeed dealt with demonic beasts for generations and has some knowledge of the distribution of demonic beasts and the production areas of spiritual materials in the Zhao Kingdom, especially in the border mountains and wastelands."

Mo Ying's heart stirred, and he respectfully replied, "If senior has any needs, I am willing to offer some of the regional maps drawn by the manor."

Without hesitation, he offered a generous gift: the map drawn by the manor was the culmination of countless generations of hard work, far more detailed than those circulating in the market.

These maps allow you to obtain top-tier spirit beasts.

This is the most precious treasure for a beast-taming cultivator.

Li Yunjing neither confirmed nor denied this.

This caused a flicker of disappointment to cross Mo Ying's eyes.

Clearly, his plan to win over Li Yunjing had failed.

Their "Hundred Beasts Manor" collection was of little value to Li Yunjing.

"The way of the swordsman is to break rather than bend."

Finally, Li Yunjing turned his gaze to Liu Zhengfeng: "Elder Liu's sword energy is condensed and does not dissipate, so his foundation is quite solid."

"Fellow Daoist Li has such discerning eyes!"

Liu Zhengfeng felt as if that gaze could see through every bit of the sword energy circulating within his body. He was horrified and solemnly said, "I have been cultivating the 'Heaven-Splitting Sword Technique', but I have yet to comprehend the true meaning of 'Heaven-Splitting.' I have been trapped in this state for nearly a hundred years. I apologize for making you laugh, fellow Daoist."

His words came from the bottom of his heart, carrying a hint of seeking advice.

"You are all outstanding members of the 'Black Wind Mountains,' so you must have a deep understanding of the current situation in the Zhao Kingdom, right?"

Li Yunjing smiled faintly, without giving any direct advice. Instead, he changed the subject: "I have been in seclusion for a long time. When I came out recently, I found that the world has changed a lot. I would like to hear your opinions."

His tone was casual, as if he were just chatting about anecdotes, but Zhang Yan, Mo Ying, and Liu Zhengfeng felt a sudden chill run down their spines.

They exchanged a glance and instantly understood what their fellow Daoist was truly interested in.

He wasn't interested in the "Black Wind Mountains" themselves, but rather wanted to understand the overall situation of the Zhao Kingdom through them!

Wang Hanyun's heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself, "Just as I thought."

"Fellow Daoist Li has inquired, and I dare not conceal the truth."

"The State of Zhao has indeed been going through a turbulent period in recent years."

Zhang Yan took a deep breath and spoke first, his tone even more cautious: "The friction between the Northwest and the Great Yuan is merely the surface. At a deeper level, it seems that the royal family and several top sects within the country, such as the 'Tianyan Sect' and the 'Netherworld Palace,' have also clashed over the distribution of certain interests. It is said that they have secretly competed several times..."

"Moreover, I learned through some special channels that the royal family seems to be secretly carrying out a huge project that requires massive resources, which is one of the important reasons for the increase in annual tribute and the shortage of resources in various places in recent years."

Mo Ying interjected, "The specifics of the plan are beyond our knowledge."

"A disciple of the sword sect once served in a prefecture or county, and I vaguely heard..."

"The royal family seems to be secretly searching for something, or... someone?"

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Zhengfeng added, "This matter is extremely secretive, and it involves the secret guards directly under the royal family."

The three of them spoke one after another, sharing what they knew, or even what they had heard, about the Zhao royal family and top sects.

These statements are far more detailed and insightful than what Wang Hanyun previously provided, although they contain a fair amount of speculation and rumors.

However, pieced together, it already paints a picture of a situation where the Zhao state's leadership was not monolithic and that undercurrents were swirling.

Li Yunjing listened quietly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, his mind racing as he analyzed the value of this information.

"Internal strife between the royal family and sects," "Secret plans," "What are they searching for?"...

This intelligence is extremely important!

"It seems that the waters of the Zhao state are deeper than I imagined."

After the three had finished speaking, Li Yunjing slowly opened his mouth, his gaze sweeping over the four people present: "It is no easy feat for any of you to have lived here for so long and to have been able to stand firm in this chaotic situation." His words carried a hint of appreciation, which made the four of them straighten their backs.

Suddenly, Li Yunjing paused slightly, then asked casually, "If... I mean, if the situation changes in the future, and external forces intervene in the Zhao state, do you intend to continue to be loyal to the Zhao family, or... seek another way out?"

As soon as he said that, the living room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop!
Wang Hanyun, Zhang Yan, Mo Ying, and Liu Zhengfeng's expressions changed simultaneously, and their hearts pounded!

This question is too sharp and sensitive; it's almost tantamount to a direct solicitation and probing!
This fellow Daoist Li is indeed backed by a powerful force that intends to interfere in the Zhao state!
The four of them broke out in a cold sweat instantly, their minds racing as they weighed the pros and cons.

reject?

The opponent's strength is unfathomable, and the forces behind them are probably even more terrifying; we cannot afford to offend them.

promise?

That would be betraying the State of Zhao, a very risky move!

"Senior, you are wise. My Wang family has lived in the Black Wind Mountains for generations. All we seek is the continuation of our family line and the inheritance of our lineage."

In the end, it was Wang Hanyun who gritted his teeth first and said cautiously, "If... if there really comes a day when we can be protected by someone like Fellow Daoist Li, my Wang family... will naturally know what to choose!"

His words were ambiguous, but they indicated a tendency.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan, Mo Ying, and Liu Zhengfeng were torn even more.

Wang Hanyun has already stated that if they hesitate any longer, they will likely be immediately classified as "unusable" by this unfathomable Fellow Daoist Li, and the consequences will be far beyond their ability to bear.

"Fellow Daoist Li, you are wise!"

"In the end, my 'Fire Cloud Valley' is just a sect that makes a living by refining weapons, and has no deep connection with the Zhao royal family."

Zhang Yan gritted his teeth, forced a smile, and quickly added, "If it is the trend of the times, and we are fortunate to have a strong person like you to lead us, then the entire Fire Cloud Valley will naturally follow your lead!"

His words were even more direct than Wang Hanyun's, almost tantamount to surrender.

"My 'Hundred Beasts Manor' is the same!"

"The villa is located in a remote corner, and its only aim is to survive."

"The Zhao royal family has been levying exorbitant taxes and levies in recent years, which has long aroused our dissatisfaction."

Mo Ying's eyes flickered, and he immediately chimed in, "If a truly enlightened ruler appears, my 'Hundred Beasts Manor' is willing to follow in his footsteps!"

He not only expressed his stance, but also took the opportunity to complain about the Zhao royal family to show his "loyalty".

"Disciples of the 'Sky-Splitting Sword Sect' only respect the strong and understand the principles."

"If the Zhao family's virtue is not commensurate with its position, there are reasons for it."

Liu Zhengfeng took a deep breath. As a sword cultivator, his mind was relatively purer and more direct. He said in a deep voice, "If the power represented by Fellow Daoist Li can truly cleanse the world and bring a new atmosphere to the cultivation world of Zhao, my 'Rending Heaven Sword Sect'... would like to hear the details!"

His statement was relatively cautious, but he clearly expressed that he was not opposed to changing sides.

Although the four men's statements differed slightly, their core message was remarkably consistent: they were not die-hard loyalists to the State of Zhao, and could easily change their stance given sufficient strength and benefits.

Li Yunjing took in the reactions of the four people and a faint, enigmatic smile appeared on his face.

He doesn't need these people to pledge their allegiance right now. It's enough to plant this seed in their hearts and establish in their subconscious an image of himself and the forces behind him as irresistibly powerful.

When the Yuanyang Dao Sect prepares to attack, he can then turn the four families of the Black Wind Mountain Range against each other and have them join the Shenxiao Dao Sect's camp.

In the future, the Shenxiao Dao Sect will have local strongmen to rely on when ruling those 30% of the territory, which will be much more convenient than the Shenxiao Dao Sect taking action itself.

"very good."

“You are all wise and capable men who know how to seize the moment.”

“I will remember what you said today.”

Li Yunjing stopped tapping the table, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable power, "Perhaps in the near future, the casual conversation in this 'Listening to the Waves Pavilion' today will bring unexpected opportunities to you all and even your sects and families."

He made no specific promises, but the implication in his words both instilled a sense of awe in the four of them and stirred a burning anticipation within them.

Let's stop here for today.

Li Yunjing picked up his teacup, a gesture to see the guest off.

Wang Hanyun and the other three immediately stood up tactfully and bowed respectfully, saying, "We have disturbed your peaceful cultivation, fellow Daoist. We will take our leave now."

After leaving "Tingtao Pavilion", the four of them looked at each other and saw shock, lingering fear and a hint of indescribable excitement in each other's eyes.

They knew that from this night onward, the fate of the "Black Wind Mountains" and even their own lives would likely undergo earth-shattering changes because of this mysterious Fellow Daoist Li.

Meanwhile, Li Yunjing, inside the pavilion, once again wrote furiously.

Following the intelligence about the situation in the Zhao state, a new entry was quietly added: "The four major local forces in the 'Black Wind Mountains' all have the intention to be won over. Initial contact has yielded positive results, and they can be utilized."

"The matter here is settled; it's time to leave."

He secretly thought.

Staying with the Wang family would be pointless, and might even increase the risk of exposure due to constant visits from other forces.

Without alerting anyone, he slipped out of the window like a ghost and silently disappeared into the deep night.

The Wang family's seemingly impenetrable protective array was rendered useless in his eyes, not even causing a ripple.

After leaving the Wang family mansion, Li Yunjing did not immediately flee. Instead, like a ghost in the dark, he silently wandered in the shadows of the "Black Wind Mountains".

His powerful divine sense flowed like mercury, meticulously scanning the terrain of the mountain range, the distribution of spiritual veins, the lairs of demonic beasts, and the strongholds of the small and medium-sized sects and families.

These detailed pieces of information are also of considerable value for any specific actions that may be taken in the future.

Several days later, a blurry streak of light silently left the area of ​​the "Black Wind Mountains" without attracting anyone's attention.

The day after Li Yunjing left, when Wang Hanyun and others came to "Tingtao Pavilion" to pay their respects again, they found that the place was already deserted, leaving only a cold and desolate room.

On the table, a warm jade slip rests quietly, containing only a few words: "Our fate ends here. Take care of yourself."

Holding the jade slip, Wang Hanyun gazed at the empty pavilion, feeling a sense of loss yet also a faint sense of relief.

This fellow Daoist Li came mysteriously and left just as freely; his methods and purposes are unfathomable.

In any case, the Wang family has at least forged a good relationship with them, and perhaps in the future they will indeed receive an "unexpected opportunity" as they said.

As for the idea of ​​seeking refuge with the other side?
This is a choice!

Not serious yet!

If this fellow Daoist Li Wutian truly possesses immense power and can defeat the Zhao family, their Wang family would naturally be willing to submit to him for peace.

But what if Li Wutian is defeated by the Zhao family?

They remain loyal subjects of the Zhao family!

Guard the "Black Wind Mountains" for the Zhao family!
In short, the Wang family will not suffer any loss regardless of victory or defeat.

As for the other three?

Almost everyone has this idea!

In the eyes of the four masters, preserving their foundation was far more important than switching sides.

At this moment, Li Yunjing was already thousands of miles away.

He stood atop a cloud-shrouded mountain peak, gazing back towards the "Black Wind Mountains," his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"The game between Zhao and Zhao has only just begun."

He muttered to himself, and with a swift movement, he transformed into a faint streak of lightning, hurtling towards the capital of the "Zhao" state.

Having learned about some of the vassal states of "Zhao," Li Yunjing wanted to take a closer look at the true strength of "Zhao."

Three months later, the capital of the Zhao state, "Tian Zhao City," came into view.

This majestic city sits atop a vast plain, its towering walls reaching into the clouds. Constructed from massive obsidian blocks, the walls are covered with countless intricate array runes that shimmer with a faint spiritual light under the sunlight, exuding an imposing aura as solid as a mountain and indestructible as a mountain.

From a distance, the entire city resembles a lurking ancient beast, inspiring awe and fear.

The closer one gets to the capital, the richer and purer the spiritual energy becomes, and the more numerous the cultivators traveling on the official roads become.

The area was bustling with traffic and streaked with streaks of light, among whom were many powerful figures.

Golden Core cultivators are everywhere, and occasionally one can even sense the obscure yet powerful divine sense of Nascent Soul cultivators sweeping across the field.

Li Yunjing concealed most of his aura, maintaining his cultivation at the first level of the Golden Core realm, blending into the crowd entering the city and remaining inconspicuous.

He paid the spirit stones required to enter the city and followed the flow of people through the magnificent city gate, which was dozens of feet high and covered with detection arrays.

Upon entering the city, he was instantly enveloped by the bustling crowds, the dense spiritual energy that was almost overwhelming, and the dazzling prosperity.

The streets, wide enough to accommodate ten carriages side by side, are lined with towering buildings and palaces, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, displaying extreme luxury.

All sorts of shops lined the streets, their signs fluttering in the wind, selling elixirs, magical artifacts, talismans, spiritual materials, cultivation manuals... everything imaginable, including some rare treasures seldom seen in the outside world.

The air was filled with the strange aromas of various medicinal herbs and foods, which were refreshing and delightful.

On the streets, besides the cultivators hurrying about, there were also many city guard patrol teams dressed in uniform armor. They were disciplined, had a fierce aura, and were clearly battle-hardened elites.

Furthermore, some cultivators dressed in official robes, exuding an extraordinary aura, rode past in magnificent carriages or on exotic beast mounts, displaying their status and power.

"As expected of the capital of Zhao, it is indeed magnificent and far superior to the border regions."

Li Yunjing pondered to himself, his gaze calmly sweeping over everything around him, like an ordinary traveling cultivator. But his divine sense had already spread out silently like an invisible spider web, perceiving every detail of this magnificent city.

(End of this chapter)