Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 560 Making the Deal
Li Xiangming coughed slightly.

As far as the technique itself is concerned, how could he not be satisfied?

But the "Divine Sword Victory View" is currently stored in the inner chambers of the Li family. The jade slip in his hand cannot even be compared to a chicken rib.

"This method is indeed fascinating, but our Li family already has a similar method. Please, Madam Shi, withdraw it."

Li Xiangming shamelessly said something and then returned the jade slip.

The woman in the blue dress took the jade slip blankly, and stood there stunned for a moment.

After a long pause, Li Xiangming reminded her, "Madam Shi?"

The woman in the blue dress finally came to her senses, filled with grief and anger: "What exactly does your Li family want? Do you want the lives of my daughter and me?"

Li Xiangming quickly made his position clear: "Madam Shi has no grudge against my Li family, so please don't overthink it."

The woman in the blue dress was no longer listening to any of it.
She clenched her fists tightly, wanting to vent, but knew that her outburst was pointless.

The more she thought about it, the deeper her resentment grew, and the more ashen her face became. Finally, she knelt down with a thud, choking out, "I don't want anything anymore, I just beg you to let Feng Xue go! Young Master Li, I beg you, as long as you send Feng Xue to Qingju Mountain, I will give you anything and promise you anything."

As she spoke, the woman in the blue dress fumbled among herself, removing her hairpins, bracelets, jade rings, and even her storage pouch, scattering them all on the ground. Her face still contorted with fear, she crawled over on her knees, veins bulging on the back of her hands, tightly gripping Li Xiangming's trouser leg, sobbing uncontrollably, "Young Master Li, look at me again. I'm not bad-looking. If you don't mind, I can serve you."

The woman in the blue dress had a daughter who was at least in her thirties or forties, but she must have taken some kind of anti-aging pill, because her face was without a single wrinkle, and her skin was as smooth and fair as snow, making her look like a young woman in her prime. Even though there were dark circles under her eyes, they only made her pair of bright almond-shaped eyes even more charming, and her plump figure exuded a soft and alluring charm.

At this moment, she pleaded desperately, her eyelashes trembling, her eyes brimming with tears; who could see her and not feel pity?
Li Xiangming quickly helped her up, but the woman in the blue dress insisted on not getting up.

With each pull and tug, even Li Xiangming, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, broke out in a cold sweat.

Thankfully, no one was there.

Otherwise, what kind of image would it have if outsiders saw it?

Li Xiangming sighed and had no choice but to confess, "Madam Shi, there's no need for this. I don't want anything, and I'll let you leave."

Upon hearing this, the lady in the blue dress finally regained some of her senses and looked up at Li Xiangming.

Li Xiangming explained, "Shengyi Sect no longer exists, but it hasn't been completely destroyed. At this moment, Madam and Miss Fengxue are the legitimate successors of Shengyi Sect. As long as Zhenhun Sect doesn't find you, it can't eradicate Dai Nan's rebellion, at least not for the next ten years!"

I don't need to elaborate; you, Madam, should know how dangerous your situation is, right? We were treated like unwelcome guests, but it was out of necessity. Anyway, you're still alive, aren't you?
Letting you leave is not a difficult decision. We were too busy with the beast tide to pay attention in the past, but I've come here now to give Madam an explanation.

But if Madam leaves Danggui Mountain, will she return to Dai Mountain, go to Qingju Mountain, or go to Pushui Market? Different destinations will affect the Li family's situation. Therefore, I need to confirm this with Madam, and I hope she understands.

Upon hearing this, the woman in the blue dress wiped away her tears, realizing that she had been misunderstanding the Li family's intentions all along.

The Li family didn't want her to leave not because they couldn't let her go, but because they were worried that if she left, she would be captured by the Zhenhun Sect, thus exposing the Li family's "interference" in Daishan affairs.

This kind of self-preservation tactic is a common trick used by powerful and influential families.

Despite her grievances, her emotions gradually calmed down. She gently stroked her heaving chest and breathed heavily, saying, "I know that Mount Dai is dangerous, so I don't plan to go back for the time being. Although Pushui Market is safe, the Zhenhun Sect will definitely send people to keep an eye on Shengyi Sect's businesses in the market. The only place I can go is Qingju Mountain. Qingju Mountain is far away in Puxi, so I can probably avoid the Zhenhun Sect thieves and avoid implicating your family."

"Madam is very wise."

Li Xiangming first praised her, then changed the subject: "But as the saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry! It's no secret that Madam comes from the Wang family of Qingju Mountain. How could the Zhenhun Sect not know? Since Madam has already anticipated that they will send people to monitor Pushui Market and investigate the disciples of Shengyi Sect, have you ever thought that the nearby Pucheng is the only way for Madam to go to Qingju Mountain?"

From Danggui Mountain to Qingju Mountain, the vast wilderness stretches out, and if one were to fly, there would be no place that is inaccessible or impassable.

However, the act of flying by cultivators consumes a great deal of magical power.

If they use a stealth technique, it will be even more terrifying.

After all, any escape technique is designed with the intention of getting out of the battlefield as quickly as possible, rather than conserving mana.

It can fly fast, but not far; this is a true reflection of the art of escape.

The Su family's Wind Escape technique from the Purple Yin Cave is an exception. While maintaining extreme speed, it also consumes less mana than casting ordinary spells.

However, this came at a price; the complex combination of spiritual energy points made it fundamentally unsuitable for being passed down through generations.

The woman in the blue dress was neither skilled in wind magic nor a regular Qi Refining cultivator. She would have to fly for a quarter of an hour, stop to rest for a day, and face various dangers. It was estimated that she would not be able to reach Qingju Mountain for one or two months.

Her best option was to travel by water – from Daijiang to Pucheng by boat, and then westward along the Pu River.

If the Soul Suppressing Sect were truly determined, they could have stopped her in Pucheng.

Upon hearing this, the woman in the blue dress froze, realizing it was an oversight she hadn't anticipated!
Li Xiangming had anticipated this, and continued, "If I may be so bold, what is Madam Shi's purpose in going to the Wang family at Qingju Mountain?"

"Of course, we'll borrow troops to relieve the siege."

The woman in the blue dress blurted out.

But before he could finish speaking, Li Xiangming interrupted, "Whose predicament are you helping?"

The woman in the blue dress was somewhat taken aback.

Yes, Shengyimen has been destroyed. Who will be relieved of the siege?
Li Xiangming said to himself, "Could it be that the Wang family is willing to travel thousands of miles to Daishan to attack the Zhenhun Sect and avenge the Shengyi Sect? Even if they are willing, Madam Shi, what are their chances of success?"

The woman in the blue dress remained silent.

Li Xiangming looked at her, his expression suddenly turning serious: "The Wang family has come from afar. If they win, they will only stop at Daibei and cannot harm the foundation of the Zhenhun Sect. After the Wang family withdraws, the Zhenhun Sect will make a comeback. Will the already weakened Shengyi Sect still be able to resist the Zhenhun Sect? If they lose, the Wang family's reinforcements and the remnants of the Shengyi Sect will be completely wiped out, including Miss Feng Xue!"

"Feng Xue."

The woman in the blue dress felt a chill run down her spine and instinctively clutched her chest.

Li Xiangming withdrew his gaze, his tone turning calm: "I am not exaggerating. If the Wang family intervenes in the affairs of Daishan, they will inevitably push Miss Fengxue to the forefront. Otherwise, they will be unable to subdue the remnants of Shengyi Sect, let alone gain the trust of the various forces in Dainan. Once Fengxue appears, she will be accompanied by swords and shadows for the rest of her life. Is this what Madam desires?"

"I just want her to live a peaceful life."

"Then let's stay at Qingju Mountain. I'm sure the Wang family won't refuse such a trivial request. But will Madam be content with that?"

"I have no idea."

The woman in the blue dress was pale. Shengyi Sect was surrounded, but she didn't say a word. She secretly took Feng Xue away and didn't make any contribution to the sect.

Now that her sect has been destroyed and she is burdened with a blood feud, she wants to hide her identity in Qingju Mountain and completely forget the past. Can she be willing to do that?
Of course not!

But how could she bear to let her daughter be in danger for the rest of her life because of her momentary impulse?

The woman in the blue dress was in a state of confusion and unable to make a decision. She could only cling tightly to Li Xiangming's leg and plead, "Please, Young Master Li, teach me."

Li Xiangming sighed and replied, "In my opinion, the Wang family's greatest value lies in protecting Madam and Miss Fengxue. But if that's the case, why travel all the way to Puxi? There's no shortage of secluded villas in Dangui Mountain in Pudong."

The woman in the blue dress paused for a moment: "But isn't your Li family afraid of being implicated by the Soul Suppressing Sect?" Li Xiangming immediately interjected: "The Li family's unwillingness to engage in a pointless struggle with the Soul Suppressing Sect does not mean we are afraid of them!"

After saying that, he smiled faintly: "Please rest assured, Madam, I have the ability to hide Miss Fengxue very well. Madam, just go to Qingju Mountain to ask for help. If the Wang family's reinforcements can defeat the Zhenhun Sect and restore the Shengyi Sect's lineage, then everyone will be happy, and Miss Fengxue will be able to reunite with Madam."

If the Wang family is defeated at Daishan, regardless of the fate of Madam and Shengyimen, at least Miss Fengxue will still be alive, right?
If the Wang family is unwilling to send troops, then the Madam can return to the Li family to temporarily avoid the storm, or take Miss Fengxue and elope far away; the Li family can support that.”

Upon hearing this, the woman in the blue dress's eyes lit up with excitement, but quickly dimmed again: "What exactly does your Li family want? I know I am foolish, so just tell me frankly. Whatever I have, you may take it or leave it."

"Not only do I not want anything from you, Madam, but I will also return the borrowed items to their rightful owners. Please take them!"

As Li Xiangming spoke, he opened his palm and presented the exquisite wooden box containing the Tongming Acupoint Fruit.

The woman in the blue dress took it subconsciously, looked up at Li Xiangming, and said in astonishment, "You...you know the true function of the Clear Mind Fruit?"

Li Xiangming raised an eyebrow and asked in return, "Does Madam think that my Li family lacks the ability to analyze the profound and subtle?"

He didn't know anything about the Tongming Qiaoxin Fruit at first, but he at least managed to get the name out of him. After returning home seriously injured last time, he asked Li Qianhe to conduct a secret investigation in Pushui Market.

Pushui Market is full of news, with countless strange and unusual stories.

The Clear Mind Fruit is naturally among them.

The greatest use of this rare treasure is to refine the Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill.

The Seven Apertures Exquisite Pill can help children concentrate their clear and bright minds.

Unfortunately, the probability is very low, reportedly less than 10%.

But what if?
If one were to attain a clear and insightful mind, one's path in this life would be smooth! Whether cultivating techniques or spells, one would achieve twice the result with half the effort.

The Enlightenment Spring has a similar effect.

However, the Enlightenment Spring is far rarer than the Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill, and it may not appear even once every few thousand or tens of thousands of years.

Moreover, the Enlightenment Spring only temporarily enhances a cultivator's comprehension; once the "emptiness and clarity" state is exited, the cultivator's comprehension will return to normal.

This is different from the enlightened mind that permanently enhances one's understanding.

In short, after learning about the Seven Apertures Exquisite Pill, Li Xiangming also wanted a share of the profits.

But he had a sense of shame and didn't want to take advantage of or bully a widow and her young daughter.

Of course, even if he managed to steal it, he would only be able to watch helplessly, since the Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill was still nowhere to be seen—the Li family couldn't refine pills of that level, and even if they invited the Green Sheep Daoist, it would most likely be to no avail.

If the Li family can't produce it, the woman in the blue dress has a solution!
She was so eager to obtain the Enlightened Heart Fruit, yet she didn't keep it in the Shengyi Sect's storeroom or entrust it to Shi Yuan for safekeeping. Instead, she took it all the way to Qingju Mountain. Surely she couldn't be playing with the monsters?
Furthermore, Li Xiangming had personally seen the blue-skirted woman's storage bag, which contained a large number of high-grade spiritual herbs, far exceeding those of Qi Refining cultivators. No! Even Golden Core cultivators shouldn't carry so many spiritual herbs with them.

"I have always preferred fair trade!"

Li Xiangming half-squatted down and smiled slightly at the woman in the blue dress: "Now that you have gathered all the materials to refine the Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill, why not refine it according to the original plan? If you are worried about the long journey and the risks, my Li family can send someone to escort you to Qingju Mountain. In exchange, I want a Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill!"

As for the price for protecting Miss Fengxue, it was the second Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill.

Normally, when a pill is produced, at least three to five pills are successfully formed. Even with two fewer Seven Aperture Exquisite Pills, Miss Fengxue still has a chance to condense her Clear Mind Aperture, fulfilling the years of effort of Sect Leader Shi and his wife. If things go even better, his wife can even give one to the Wang family and one to the Shengyi Sect. After all, a person can only consume one Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill in their lifetime, right?

Of course, I wouldn't dare interfere with Madam's decision, but I feel she should consider this happy ending for everyone.

"Seven Apertures Exquisite Pill"

The woman in the blue dress trembled slightly; she had never expected the Li family's purpose to be this.

In fact, she had been waiting for the Enlightened Heart Fruit for over a month without any results, and then suddenly heard the bad news from the Victory Sect. She had long since forgotten about refining the Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill.

Is the Seven Orifices Exquisite Pill precious?

Of course it is precious.

But what do the path to Shengyi Sect and the safety of my daughter matter?
Moreover, Li Xiangming was right; once the Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill is refined, it won't be just one or two pills. She took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I can agree to your request: use two Seven Aperture Exquisite Pills in exchange for the safety of me and Feng Xue."

After working for a long time, Li Xiangming finally heard a satisfactory answer and hurriedly signed a contract with the woman in the blue dress—he did not use a blood pact, as he was still very cautious about using blood pacts.

The so-called blood pact is when both parties swear an oath to the heavens.

Heaven will respond in some mysterious way.

But what exactly is the Way of Heaven?
How is the mechanism for breaking the oath and being punished implemented?

Li Xiangming's current level of understanding is far from sufficient to comprehend these things. Therefore, he doesn't want the Heavenly Dao to interfere in his life.

With Shi Fengxue as a hostage, he wasn't worried about the woman in the blue dress never returning; his concern was that she might suffer at the hands of the Wang family.

Thinking of this, Li Xiangming leaned down and instructed, "Madam Shi, although you are from the Wang family, you now have a husband's family, and it is inevitable that you will be estranged by some of your clansmen who are not of deep blood ties. Moreover, with the Shengyi Sect in trouble, once they find out that you have lost your backing, you probably won't be able to bring back this Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill."

Fortunately, Qingju Mountain is far away in Puxi, and they are rarely seen even in Pushui Market. News of the Daishan Incident will not easily spread. Remember, after returning to your family home, you must not open your heart. Instead, immediately ask them to refine the elixir, and then reveal that the demonic calamity on Daishan is severe and that Shengyi Sect urgently needs assistance. If the Wang family is willing, they will send troops to Daishan. You can then ask them to help you find Sect Leader Shi or reclaim Lingyue Peak. If they refuse, it means the Wang family is unreliable, and you must return immediately. As long as the Wang family does not receive definite news that Lingyue Peak has been breached, they will not dare to risk stopping you.”

Hearing Li Xiangming's various warnings against the Wang family, the woman in the blue dress felt a pang of unease. Emotionally, she naturally trusted the Wang family implicitly, but at this moment, she had no way out.

Emotions have become worthless.

She slowly rose, her sharp nails digging deep into her palms, and said, word by word, "Even if it costs me my life, I will bring back the Seven Aperture Exquisite Pill."

"It's good that you have such determination."

Li Xiangming nodded, but felt somewhat insecure.

It wasn't that he doubted his own plans; it was simply that the sect leader's wife in front of him was somewhat unreliable.

His ultimate goal was the Seven Apertures Exquisite Elixir; what was the most precious thing the woman in the blue dress had given up?
It's also the Seven Apertures Exquisite Pill!
When faced with a desperate situation, a normal person will reveal their hand.

Is the Seven Apertures Exquisite Elixir a trump card?
It definitely counts, but at the same time, it's a pie whose value can't be accurately estimated, so what's there to regret?
But she just couldn't figure it out, and at one point she had an emotional breakdown, and even resorted to using her beauty to seduce someone.

Was he lusting after her beauty?
Really!
With such a sect leader's wife and a sect leader's daughter who is ignorant of the ways of the world, Shengyi Sect is probably doomed to complete decline.

Li Xiangming was even worried that the Wang family would exploit the mother and daughter to the point of exhaustion.

After hesitating for a moment, he inscribed a few words on a blank jade slip, intending to have Li Xiangguang give it to Jiang Liang.

Jiang Liang was one of the few people he trusted and who was capable of handling important matters.

(End of this chapter)