Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 787 The Mortal Plan, the Dynasty's Liberation (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
A moment later, a slightly hurried streak of light landed on the cloud platform outside the "Purple Cloud Palace." The light dissipated, revealing Zhu Wanyun's figure.

She had specially changed into a more formal butler's outfit today, but the unease between her brows was hard to completely hide.

Led by a disciple, she cautiously entered the palace that symbolized the highest authority of the sect, feeling more nervous than ever before when she came to report on matters.

In the side hall, she saw Li Yunjing again.

Although Li Yunjing's expression remained gentle, the invisible pressure emanating from his position as sect leader in this majestic hall still made Zhu Wanyun feel a pang of fear. She quickly bowed and greeted him, her voice lower than usual: "Wanyun greets the Supreme Sect Leader."

"No need to be polite."

Li Yunjing raised his hand to support her, and a gentle force supported her: "Wanyun, you've worked hard managing the manor all these years."

"It is Wanyun's duty to share the burden of the sect leader, and I dare not complain about the hardship."

Zhu Wanyun quickly replied.

"Now that I have moved here, 'Qiwu Villa' will remain vacant for the time being."

Li Yunjing nodded slightly and cut straight to the point: "You have rendered meritorious service to the manor and have also worked hard for me. You deserve a reward."

With a flick of his sleeve, three objects appeared out of thin air, hovering in front of Zhu Wanyun.

The first item was an exquisite jade bottle, its surface warm and smooth, with a faint fragrance emanating from it.

"This is a 'Purple Mansion Pill,' which will increase your chances of forming your core by 30%."

Li Yunjing's voice was calm, but it made Zhu Wanyun's breath catch in her throat!
"Purple Mansion Pill"!
This is a priceless treasure that countless Foundation Establishment cultivators dream of, and it's priceless!
The second item was a jade pendant with a shimmering purple light, engraved with intricate thunder patterns, faintly connected to Li Yunjing's aura.

"This jade pendant contains one of my divine abilities, which can withstand a full-force attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator at the fourth level."

"At the same time, it is also a token; by holding this jade pendant, one can seek the protection of the sect."

The third item was a bulging "treasure bag".

"There are a thousand high-grade spirit stones, a number of pills to improve cultivation, and some refining materials. Consider it compensation for your hard work over the years."

Li Yunjing concluded by saying this.

Zhu Wanyun is a well-behaved woman who has managed "Qiwu Manor" for years without causing him any trouble, so Li Yunjing is willing to lend her a hand.

Zhu Wanyun was stunned when she saw the three gifts in front of her that would drive any Golden Core cultivator crazy. Her mind went blank, and she could hardly believe her eyes and ears.

This reward is truly too generous!
It was so heavy that it made her feel apprehensive.

"Your Excellency, this...this is far too precious...I am unworthy to accept it..."

Her voice was trembling slightly.

There are so many benefits!
She was completely terrified.

"Take what is given to you."

Li Yunjing's tone left no room for argument: "This is what you deserve."

"As for where you are going... 'Qiwu Manor' will be temporarily looked after by 'Seven Star Palace'."

"You've been away from home for many years, it's time for you to go back and visit."

"I hereby grant you leave to return to the capital of the Ming Dynasty to visit your family."

He paused, then continued, "These rewards are enough to give you a superior position in the royal family, and also to put your parents at ease."

Upon hearing that she could go home, tears of excitement and longing welled up in Zhu Wanyun's eyes.

She left home to follow Li Yunjing for many years. Although she had a bright future ahead of her, her longing for her hometown and relatives never ceased.

To receive such a generous reward and to be able to return home in glory to visit one's family is an incredible blessing!
"Wan Yun...kowtows to express her gratitude to the Supreme Master for his great kindness!"

With a thud, Zhu Wanyun knelt down, her voice choked with emotion yet unwavering: "I will never forget the Sect Leader's great kindness! In the future, whatever Your Majesty commands, I will gladly die for you!"

"Get up."

Li Yunjing accepted the bow and said calmly, "Go back and cultivate diligently, striving to form your core as soon as possible. When you return, the sect will have more important matters to entrust to you. Go!"

"Yes! Wan Yun will certainly live up to the Sect Leader's expectations!"

Zhu Wanyun bowed deeply again before carefully accepting the three gifts. Suppressing her excitement, she withdrew from the side hall.

Leaving the "Purple Cloud Palace," Zhu Wanyun glanced back at the majestic, purple-shrouded palace, her heart filled with boundless gratitude.

Everything we have today is thanks to the grace of that young master.

She gripped the purple jade pendant tightly, secretly vowing to repay this kindness with all her might.

Without lingering, she quickly packed her belongings and, carrying with her the generous reward that could change the fate of the royal family and Li Yunjing's edict, embarked on her journey back to the capital of the Ming Dynasty.

The royal family's life has remained unchanged over the years.

The Shenxiao Dao Sect remains wary of the Zhu family dynasty and will not allow any experts at the Golden Core realm to emerge from this family.

Now that Li Yunjing has told her to break through to the Golden Core realm as soon as possible, it means that the seal has been broken.

The Zhu family has a new future.

Zhu Wanyun needed to return to Yingtian Prefecture as soon as possible to inform the royal family of Li Yunjing's orders and let all her clansmen know that their fate had changed.

Zhu Wanyun was eager to return home and piloted the flying magical artifact specially granted to her by Li Yunjing.

A nimble and swift "Qingyun Boat" traveled day and night, and in just over ten days, the towering city walls of the majestic capital of the Ming Dynasty, "Yingtianfu," came into view.

The closer they got to the capital, the more excited Zhu Wanyun became.

She gripped the Purple Thunder Jade Pendant tightly in her hand, feeling the immense power and supreme authority it contained, and felt utterly confident.

What he brought back was not only a generous reward, but also the hope and turning point that the entire Zhu imperial family had been waiting for for hundreds of years!

Without alerting anyone, she quietly entered the city and headed straight for the heart of the imperial palace.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Imperial City.

The current emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who is also Zhu Wanyun's father, was discussing state affairs with several trusted senior ministers, his brows furrowed with a deep and unyielding worry.

The royal family depended on the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" for survival. Although they enjoyed worldly wealth and honor, their path to immortality was cut off. The sword of "not being able to form the elixir" always hung over their heads. This oppressive feeling of being dependent on others and having no hope for the future had long been ingrained in the marrow of every core member of the Zhu family.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty!"

Suddenly, a series of light but hurried footsteps came from outside the hall. A eunuch, disregarding etiquette, almost stumbled into the hall, his voice trembling with excitement: "Princess Wanyun... Princess Wanyun is back! She... she just barged in!"

"Wan Yun?"

The emperor was taken aback, then his face showed displeasure. "This girl is getting more and more unruly! Isn't she serving at Shenxiao Mountain..."

His words came to an abrupt halt, for Zhu Wanyun's figure had already appeared at the palace entrance.

At this moment, Zhu Wanyun was travel-worn, but her posture was upright, her eyes were bright and sharp, and although her aura was still at the peak of Foundation Establishment, she had a hint of confidence and... majesty that she had never had before.
That was a composure that stemmed from a strong inner strength.

"Father! Your Majesty, I have something important to report!"

Zhu Wanyun strode forward, not even having time to perform the full curtsy, her gaze sweeping intently over the dumbfounded old ministers in the hall.

The emperor suppressed his displeasure and waved for the old ministers to leave for the time being.

"Wanyun, what's wrong? Why are you so panicked?"

Once only the father and daughter remained in the hall, he said in a deep voice, "But what about Shenxiao Mountain..."

"Father!"

"It's a joyous occasion! A truly joyous occasion!"

Zhu Wanyun took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, but her voice still trembled with excitement, "Sect Leader... Sect Leader Li Yunjing, he... he has lifted the shackles on my Zhu family!"

"what?!"

The emperor abruptly stood up from his dragon throne, his eyes wide with disbelief, almost thinking he had misheard. "You... what did you say? It's untied? How? Master Li..."

Zhu Wanyun said no more and presented the Purple Thunder Jade Pendant with both hands: "Father, please look at this!"

The emperor accepted the jade pendant with some skepticism. The moment his fingers touched it, the pure and vast thunderous aura it contained, along with a unique pressure belonging to Li Yunjing, caused him to tremble violently!

As a member of the royal family, he was more familiar with the power characteristics of the high-ranking members of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" than anyone else, so this jade pendant could not be faked!

In particular, the majesty that it exuded, far surpassing that of an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator, made his heart tremble with fear!
"This...this is..."

The emperor asked cautiously.

"This is a token personally bestowed by the Supreme Master!"

"It contains a supreme divine power, capable of withstanding a full-force attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator at the fourth level!"

"With this jade pendant, you can seek the protection of your sect!"

"The Supreme One himself told me to form my core as soon as possible!"

Zhu Wanyun asked with utmost reverence, "Father, don't you understand what this means?"

"I...I understand! I understand!"

The emperor held the warm yet heavy jade pendant in his hands, which trembled uncontrollably. His face flushed, and he was so excited that he could hardly contain himself: "Heaven bless my Zhu family! Heaven bless my Zhu family!"

Thousands of years of repression and forbearance seem to have finally come to an end at this moment!

This means that the new headmaster, Li Yunjing, has undergone a fundamental change in his attitude towards the Zhu imperial family!

This means that the Zhu family members can finally pursue the Golden Elixir Path openly and honestly, without having to worry about suppression from the sect!

"And these!"

Zhu Wanyun then took out the bottle of "Purple Mansion Pill" and the "Treasure Pouch" full of resources. "This is the 'Purple Mansion Pill' bestowed by the Supreme Being, which helped me form my core! And these resources... Father Emperor, the Supreme Being's kindness is as heavy as a mountain!"

The emperor looked at the "Purple Mansion Pill," a pill capable of driving countless Foundation Establishment cultivators mad, and then at the bag full of high-grade spirit stones and pills; his eyes instantly reddened.

"Good! Good! Wanyun, you are a great contributor to the Zhu family!"

He held his daughter's hand tightly, his voice choked with emotion: "A true hero!"

"Wanyun, does Sect Leader Li have any further instructions?"

After the initial excitement subsided, the emperor quickly calmed down, a sharp glint in his eyes: "How will the Zhu family conduct themselves in the future?"

"Although the Supreme One did not say it explicitly, his meaning is clear." "Our Zhu family should keep to our duty, be loyal to the sect leader, and be loyal to the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect'."

"Now that the sect has entered the highest level of combat readiness and opened up a massive amount of resources, this is a golden opportunity for the rise of the Zhu clan!"

"Select the elite disciples from the clan to join the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect,' cultivate diligently, and strive to achieve the Core Formation or even the Nascent Soul stage as soon as possible!"

Zhu Wanyun's expression turned solemn, and she said in a low voice, "Only by demonstrating sufficient value and loyalty can we seize this opportunity and truly change the fate of the Zhu family!"

"That's right! That's right!"

"I hereby issue an imperial decree to open the royal treasury and allocate all available resources to help all disciples who are on the verge of Foundation Establishment to advance to the next realm!"

The emperor nodded repeatedly, his face radiating an unprecedented glow. "Wanyun, you will represent the royal family and devote yourself entirely to seclusion to break through to the Golden Core stage! This 'Purple Mansion Pill' must be obtained successfully!"

"My son obeys the order!"

Zhu Wanyun solemnly agreed.

Soon, a secret decree was issued from the Hall of Mental Cultivation, summoning the most core members of the entire Ming Dynasty imperial family.

When the emperor announced the news and displayed the Purple Thunder Jade Pendant and the "Purple Mansion Pill," all the core members of the Zhu imperial family were first in deathly silence, and then burst into ecstatic shouts and excited tears!

The shackles that have bound us for thousands of years have finally been shattered today!
Long-suppressed hopes and ambitions erupted like a volcano.

The deepest power within the entire Ming Dynasty royal family began to operate at high speed, with all resources being directed towards the most talented members, and an unprecedented wave of cultivation swept through the royal family.

The source of all these changes points to the young sect leader who sits atop Mount Shenxiao.

Zhu Wanyun's name thus left a significant mark on the history of the Zhu imperial family.

She returned with Li Yunjing's grace, truly changing the fate of her family.

All of this was nothing more than a small scheme by Li Yunjing!
When a great calamity breaks out in the future, mortals will also need to be taken care of, and the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" cannot ignore mortals.

But with so many ordinary people, how can they be managed?
Can it rely solely on the two million people of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect"?

That's just wishful thinking!
Only by relying on the power of human regimes can rule be achieved. During this great calamity, the current royal family is too weak to accomplish anything.

Li Yunjing then lifted the blockade, allowing the royal family to increase their power.

The royal family had no idea why this was happening.

In fact, just like the "Ming Dynasty", there were also some small countries and forces such as the "Youyue Kingdom", "a part of the Zhao Kingdom", "crossing the mountains", "East China Sea", and "South China Sea".

These forces will be gradually unsealed, allowing them to increase their power cap.

After Zhu Wanyun left, Li Yunjing did not stop.

With a slight thought, he once again issued two decrees through his authority as the sect leader.

Before long, two beams of light, slightly restrained yet filled with suppressed excitement, landed outside the "Purple Cloud Palace".

Fu Chao and Ma Xingyuan straightened their robes, glanced at each other, and both saw the tension and excitement in each other's eyes.

Although they were old acquaintances of Li Yunjing, things were different now. Li Yunjing was now the supreme leader of the sect, and they dared not be negligent in the slightest.

Led by the elder, the two entered the side hall.

Upon seeing Li Yunjing seated upright again, their imposing presence as the sect leader made them instinctively want to perform a grand salute.

"Fu Chao (Ma Xingyuan) pays respects to the Supreme Master!"

Li Yunjing smiled slightly, and with a gentle force raised his hand, stopped them from bowing: "This is an informal occasion. We are old friends meeting again, so there is no need to be so formal."

Even so, Fu Chao and Ma Xingyuan did not dare to be presumptuous and maintained a respectful posture, only their bodies relaxed slightly.

"I have summoned you here because I have something to tell you."

Li Yunjing got straight to the point, "The sect is currently in need of manpower, and your foundation is quite solid. You have been working diligently in the sect, which I have all seen."

Fu Chao and Ma Xingyuan felt a sudden tightness in their chests, holding their breath as they knew this would determine their future.

In the past, the two of them could joke and bargain with Li Yunjing.

Now, they wouldn't dare.

The gap in social status was too large, and many barriers arose between friends.

"Fu Chao has been training for many years and now has the cultivation level of the fourth level of the Golden Core realm."

"Effective immediately, you will be transferred to the 'Hall of General Affairs' to assume the position of elder and assist in managing the sect's external trade and some resource allocation matters."

Li Yunjing pondered for a moment and said, "This is both a test and an opportunity. I hope you will make the most of it."

Fu Chao was overjoyed upon hearing this!
Elder of the General Affairs Hall!
This is a position with real power, far more promising than managing soldiers in the military!
He immediately bowed, his voice trembling with excitement: "Fu Chao obeys! I will certainly live up to His Majesty's trust and will do my utmost!"

“Ma Xingyuan, you are quick-witted, eloquent, and good at socializing.”

"Effective immediately, you will be transferred to the 'Hall of Rites' to assume the position of steward, assist in the preparation of the grand ceremony, and be responsible for some of the liaison and reception with affiliated sects and aristocratic families."

Li Yunjing nodded, then looked at Ma Xingyuan: "This position concerns the reputation of the sect, so we must be careful and attentive."

Ma Xingyuan was overjoyed!
Being a steward in the "Hall of Rites" is an incredibly lucrative and desirable job, especially during this crucial period of preparing for the grand ceremony. It allows one to access countless connections and resources!
"Ma Xingyuan obeys!"

His face flushed with excitement, and he bowed deeply: "Thank you for your guidance, Master! Xingyuan will do his utmost to complete this task perfectly!"

"Ah."

"There are spirit stones and pills here to help you two stabilize your cultivation and reach the Perfection Realm as soon as possible."

Li Yunjing was fairly satisfied with their reactions. He flicked his finger, and two "treasure pouches" similar to those he had given to Zhu Wanyun flew toward them. "Since you hold your positions, you must have the ability to do so. Do not disgrace me."

"Thank you for your generous gift, Your Excellency!"

The two accepted the "treasure pouch," and after briefly probing it with their divine senses, they were so astonished by the abundant resources inside that their hearts raced. They quickly bowed in gratitude again, saying, "We will certainly cultivate diligently without ceasing and will never fail the Supreme's expectations!"

They understood that Li Yunjing was promoting his old friends, but the prerequisite was that they themselves had to prove themselves.

"Go. Take up your post immediately, and the elders will arrange your specific affairs."

Li Yunjing waved his hand.

"Yes! I'll take my leave!"

Fu Chao and Ma Xingyuan suppressed their overwhelming joy and respectfully withdrew from the side hall.

As they left the "Purple Cloud Palace," the two exchanged a glance, both seeing the excitement and drive almost overflowing in each other's eyes.

"Senior Brother Fu, the Supreme... the Sect Leader is truly..."

Ma Xingyuan was so excited that he didn't know what to say.

"Stop saying anything!"

Fu Chao nodded emphatically, his eyes filled with unwavering determination: "Only by serving you to the death can we repay the Sect Leader's kindness in promoting us! We absolutely cannot let the Sect Leader lose face in front of the Supreme Elders!"

"That's right!"

The two immediately transformed into streaks of light, rushing towards the "Hall of General Affairs" and the "Hall of Rites" respectively, their hearts filled with boundless anticipation for the future.

After handling the appointments of Fu Chao and Ma Xingyuan, Li Yunjing did not immediately throw himself into the mountain of official duties.

Promoting these former subordinates is both a matter of remembering old friendships and a way to place reliable people in key positions within the sect.

These people may not be the most capable, but their loyalty is more important in the early stages.

His gaze returned to the mountain of jade slips on his desk, which contained the latest intelligence on the sect's grand formation upgrade, the first cleanup operation by the Conquest Hall, and the unusual activity of demonic energy in various places.

The position of the supreme leader is never a moment of peace.

He has too many things to deal with.

As for other old friends and acquaintances, we'll leave a little bit for them to visit later.

He can't possibly appoint his own people to important positions as soon as he takes office; that would make people think he's being unfair.

His gaze swept over an inconspicuous communication jade talisman on the table, which was the private communication channel between Wen Bin and Liao Wanqing.

These two former comrades-in-arms in the East China Sea are now struggling in the Golden Core stage, a far cry from his current status.

After a moment's hesitation, Li Yunjing did not send a message directly. Instead, he took out a blank "Shenxiao Post" and, using his finger as a brush, left several lines of writing on it amidst swirling purple lightning.

The content was not official business, but rather a private invitation to Wen Bin and Liao Wanqing to visit the "Shenxiao Mountain Range" at their leisure to exchange cultivation experiences. The tone was peaceful, just like always.

These two are people I have a personal relationship with, and they are true geniuses. They have a very high probability of breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm in the future.

Since they are all "one of us," he naturally wouldn't distance himself from them; on the contrary, he would try to win them over and use them for his own purposes and for the "Shenxiao Dao Sect."

He summoned a trusted elder and instructed him, "Send this letter to the East Sea and personally deliver it to fellow Daoists Wen Bin and Liao Wanqing. Do not make a fuss about it."

"I will obey the law."

The elder respectfully accepted the jade token and quietly withdrew.

This approach not only fulfilled the sentiments of old friends and expressed the feelings that had not been forgotten, but also avoided the trouble that might have arisen due to their low level of cultivation.

Next, Li Yunjing processed several plans regarding vassal forces requesting an increase in their power cap.

With a stroke of his pen, he approved the plans of "the new dynasty of Youyue Kingdom", "the descendants of meritorious soldiers of the Hengyue Mountain Anti-Demon Army", "the Bibo Island of the East China Sea", and "several loyal island lords in the South China Sea", allowing the emergence of Golden Core cultivators within their forces and permitting them to exchange some of the sect's basic resources based on their merits.

With each approval, he attached the same conditions: core disciples must be sent to the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" for cultivation as a sign of loyalty; their forces must undertake more obligations such as defense assistance and resource supply.

These measures are like throwing pebbles into a calm lake.

A more cohesive and powerful network of vassal forces, centered around the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," has been formed.

The sole purpose is to accumulate strength to cope with future catastrophes.

After doing all this, Li Yunjing finally turned his attention to the jade slips that concerned the core interests of the sect.

He took a deep breath, his eyes became sharp and focused, and his aura seemed to merge with the immense fortune of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" behind him.

The first document I reviewed was the upgrade plan for the "Nine Heavens Thunderfire Demon Refining Array" jointly submitted by "Tiangongtang" and "Seven Star Peak".

This formation is one of the core elements of the sect's protective formation. The plan proposes that it requires a massive amount of rare spiritual materials and that at least three Nascent Soul seventh-level formation grandmasters should lead it simultaneously.

(End of this chapter)