Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan

"The second matter, I'm preparing to go into seclusion to try and make a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage," Li Zhirui gave it some thought before he added, "Of course, before that, I will refine some more Spirit Pills to facilitate trading between our family and the Southern Edge Commerce Association."

Although the strength of the Li family had grown substantially, the channel through the Southern Edge Commerce Association remained crucial. If it didn't reach a breaking point, it was still necessary to maintain a good relationship with them.

"Really?!"

"Zhirui, are you confident about this seclusion?"

The two asked one after the other, their excitement mingled with concern. As for the trade with the Southern Edge Commerce Association, it was nothing compared to Li Zhirui's breakthrough!

"I have some confidence, let's give it a try." Such matters were not something Li Zhirui could be certain about. If anything unexpected happened, it would only lead to disappointment.

Moreover, even if this seclusion did not result in a breakthrough, it wouldn't matter. After all, Li Zhirui was still very young, and a Golden Core cultivator's lifespan is five hundred years. He hadn't even reached half of that yet, so he had plenty of time to attempt and learn from errors.

"We can't help much with this matter in the family. You'll have to be more cautious on your own. Don't force the breakthrough. If it doesn't work, just come out of seclusion to avoid damaging your state of mind," Li Shiqing said calmly, his voice carrying both worry and a hint of guilt.

The guilt stemmed from the fact that the family couldn't offer much help to Li Zhirui; on the contrary, they had been a burden to him in many aspects. This would become even more pronounced after his breakthrough!

"Uncle, you needn't feel guilty. My current achievements wouldn't have been possible without the family's support," Li Zhirui genuinely replied.

If the family hadn't trusted him back then and scraped together some Spirit Stones for his alchemy practice under those difficult circumstances, Li Zhirui wouldn't have had such smooth progress. His two Contracted Spirit Beasts had also been obtained with the family's help.

Li Zhirui was not an ungrateful person; he acknowledged the kindness of his family. As long as he could afford it and it didn't harm his own interests, he was of course willing to give back.

"If only Li Zhiyue were as sensible as you," Li Shiqing said bitterly, even with a sense of disheartenment.

Li Zhirui found it difficult to respond to such a remark and remained silent. Although he too held some dissatisfaction, as a member of the same generation, agreeing wouldn't be beneficial for familial relationships.

Fortunately, Li Shilian stepped in to divert the topic, preventing the situation from becoming more awkward, as he asked, "Zhirui, do you have anything else to discuss?"

"I do!" Li Zhirui paused before he continued, "I hope the family can impart the Wanling Sutra to Fengwu."

This idea had been circling in Li Zhirui's mind for many years, he just hadn't found an appropriate opportunity to bring it up until now.

Since its founding, the Li family had never imparted the Wanling Sutra to members of other surnames.

To accomplish this, aside from other considerations, Li Zhirui would need to have made a significant contribution. That way, whether he wanted to repay a favor or had other motives, he would at least have the clout to propose such an issue.

"This..." Li Shiqing and the other looked at each other, seeing hesitation in each other's eyes.

Given Li Zhirui's many years of contributions, making an exception for him once was not out of the question. Besides, he already possessed the Wanling Sutra himself. Since it was not obtained from his family, he wasn't bound by any oath and was free to teach it to others.

But if an exception were made in this case, surely other family members would then want the Wanling Sutra for their own spouses—what would they do then?

Unequal distribution of wealth is worse than general scarcity!

Even if Li Zhirui had made outstanding contributions, other family members would inevitably foster resentment. Such is the flawed nature of humanity.

"Given your and Fengwu's contributions, you fully deserve an exception from the family to be taught the Wanling Sutra, but there are bound to be many clansmen who will be dissatisfied, so..."

Since Li Zhirui had broached the subject, he obviously had taken every aspect into consideration and said with a smile, "Let's have Fengwu keep this matter secret for now. After my breakthrough, we'll find an opportunity to make it public, and also incorporate it into the family rules."

He was prepared to use his formidable strength to decisively quell the clansmen's dissatisfaction!

Although he could barely manage to do so now, the effect would definitely not compare to after the breakthrough to Nascent Soul.

Incorporating it into the family rules could also somewhat mollify the dissatisfaction in the clansmen's hearts, and it would give them a clear path to follow — if you want to obtain the Wanling Sutra for your spouse, then work hard to contribute to the family!

Li Shiqing and Li Shilian both instantly understood Li Zhirui's intent. The method was good, but it could damage his image in the minds of the clan members.

However, since Li Zhirui had already spoken, they assumed he did not mind this point, and after exchanging looks and nods, they agreed, "Let's do as you suggest."

"Thank you, Uncle and Elder Lian!" Li Zhirui was overjoyed to see the matter settled.

With a better cultivation technique, the likelihood of Jiang Fengwu's breakthrough to Nascent Soul increased!

"You'll pass the cultivation technique to Fengwu yourself, but for now, you can only transmit up to the Golden Core Realm, and make sure she swears to keep it secret." It's always better to speak plainly beforehand.

"Don't worry, Uncle," Li Zhirui certainly wouldn't make such a tremendous oversight.

Li Shiqing nodded and said no more, merely waving his hand in a shooing motion, "If you don't have anything else, you should go back first."

"Then I'll take my leave." After saluting and saying goodbye to his elders, Li Zhirui turned and left.

Li Shilian watched his retreating figure, opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately closed it and sighed with mixed emotions before taking his leave as well.

When Li Zhirui returned to his cave dwelling, Jiang Fengwu was still busy in the Array Hall. He couldn't share the exciting news with her right away and certainly couldn't just wait around, so he went straight to producing several furnaces of Spirit Pills to get a feel for it.

After all, in recent years, aside from traveling and undergoing trials, he hadn't had the time to make Spirit Pills, and suddenly doing so now, he felt a distinct unfamiliarity with the process.

Luckily, Li Zhirui's alchemy skills were genuinely and progressively honed. With a bit more practice, he quickly regained his touch.

By the time Jiang Fengwu returned, his alchemy skills had also returned to their peak level from years ago, which relieved Li Zhirui. He had just promised to make many Spirit Pills, and failing to do so would have been quite embarrassing.

"You're back?!" After finishing the Spirit Pills he was working on, Li Zhirui stepped out of the Alchemy Room with a bright smile, "I have a surprise to tell you!"

"What surprise?" Jiang Fengwu appeared somewhat astonished.

"I pleaded with Uncle today, and he agreed to teach you the Wanling Sutra!"

Jiang Fengwu's pupils dilated sharply, her tearful eyes turning towards Li Zhirui.

Seeing her reaction, Li Zhirui added with a smile, "Of course, we can't leak this information for now. Be sure to keep it secret to avoid stirring up dissatisfaction among our clan members."