togophonebook Chapter 162: Self-Strategy?
Chapter 162: Self-Strategy?
"Does Elder Li have something to say?" Yang Jiuli asked.
"Indeed, there is something I am unsure whether I should say or not!" Li Wannian said.
"If there's anything you need, Elder Li, please feel free to speak," Yang Jiuli said.
"When my Li clan cultivators arrived at the warship, they discovered 'Frosty Fiend Sword Qi' on the hull that rivaled that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator," Li Wannian said.
He glanced at Yang Jiuli out of the corner of his eye, observing the latter's expression.
"'Frosty Sword Qi'..." Yang Jiuli was taken aback.
"You didn't know?" Li Wannian took a sip of tea.
"I don't know," Yang Jiuli said. "I didn't sense any sword energy when I left."
"None of the cultivators on this trip cultivate the Frostfire Sword Qi!" he said, looking puzzled.
"Nothing found!" Li Wannian whispered.
He glanced at Yang Jiuli, but didn't detect anything unusual in the latter's eyes.
Yang Jiuli looked at Li Wannian and said, "Elder Li, is there some problem with your question?"
"This chilling sword energy also appeared outside my Yunmeng Lake four years ago when you went to Longhu Town!" Li Wannian said.
"It appeared four years ago too!" Yang Jiuli's gaze sharpened, as if deep in thought. He then looked at Li Wannian and smiled, "Elder Li, do you perhaps believe that this chilling sword energy is related to me?"
"Hehe, this matter is too coincidental to be suspicious, which is why I came to inquire," Li Wannian said with a smile.
"Hehe, it's no wonder Elder Li is suspicious. Now that we talk about it, this matter is indeed too much of a coincidence..." Yang Jiuli said with a smile.
He took a sip of tea.
Then, he put down his teacup, looked at Li Wannian, and said, "But, does Elder Li really think that Jiuli was able to cultivate the Frost Fiend Sword Qi that rivals the Foundation Establishment stage four years ago? If that's the case, why would I have bothered to study pill-making and talisman-making techniques day and night?"
His tone carried a hint of self-deprecation.
It seems they also wish they had such strength.
"I don't believe it!" Li Wannian said, "but the two Foundation Establishment cultivators mentioned this matter yesterday, which aroused my curiosity as well."
After Li Ruidao's visit yesterday, Li Wannian's doubts gradually dissipated.
This matter was discussed with Yang Jiuli.
Firstly, Li Wannian also wanted to see if it was related to Yang Jiuli.
Secondly, if it really is related to Yang Jiuli, his words can be seen as a subtle way of informing the latter that Li Shi has already become suspicious.
As for whether Yang Jiuli is that sword immortal.
It was not important to Li Wannian.
After all, Yang Jiuli never betrayed the Li family of Yunmeng Lake.
This time, he also saved Li Yourong.
Furthermore, the two sides are on good terms.
Li Wannian even hoped that Yang Jiuli was that sword immortal.
In this way, their lineage's foundation within the Li family will be strengthened through their relationship with the other party.
Other factions that want to suppress it should also think twice.
Yang Jiuli could also understand the meaning behind Li Wannian's last words.
This was clearly a way of telling him that Li had become suspicious.
"Oh, I wonder what the two elders think?" Yang Jiuli asked with great interest.
"Hehe, just as you said, in just sixteen years you have cultivated the Frostfire Sword Qi that is comparable to the Foundation Establishment stage, and you are also proficient in Qi Refining, Alchemy, and Talisman Making. Not to mention those with low-grade spiritual roots, even those geniuses with mid-grade spiritual roots in the third-tier immortal sects cannot do this."
Li Wannian laughed.
"It seems this was just a coincidence; some prodigy from a celestial sect happened to be passing by and stepped in to uphold justice." He stroked his beard slightly.
"A prodigy of the immortal sects." Yang Jiuli's eyes shone with longing. "Unfortunately, I come from a mediocre background and have no chance to join the immortal sects." He sighed softly.
"Hehe, you don't need to be modest. With your talent, you'll be promoted to a second-tier alchemist in no time," Li Wannian laughed. "At that time, your reputation will surely spread throughout the cultivation world of Chu... and your offspring may not be inferior to those geniuses of the immortal sects."
"Lacking natural talent, Jiu Li can only practice diligently and strive to advance to the second-tier alchemist as soon as possible," Yang Jiu Li said.
"Your time is precious, so this old man won't bother you any longer!" Li Wannian smiled slightly, then got up to take his leave.
Yang Jiuli escorted him out of the courtyard.
"As expected... the Frostfire Sword Qi has been discovered." Yang Jiuli murmured to himself after watching Li Wannian leave.
"Fortunately, at this point they are only suspicious... without any evidence... After all, with only a low-grade spiritual root and a main cultivation of the 'Azure Wood Technique,' yet he has cultivated 'Frosty Fiend Sword Qi' comparable to the Foundation Establishment level, even if it were said out loud, few people would believe it."
"However, they will definitely pay more attention to me."
Yang Jiuli's mind was as clear as a mirror.
This advancement of the "Taiyin Evolutionary Divine Technique" to the second level allowed him to condense a second-tier "Past Life Talisman," resulting in a surge in overall strength.
Although it aroused Li's suspicion.
Overall, however, it is insignificant.
Furthermore, he has been with the Li family for nearly twenty years now, with only five years left on his contract, at which point he can leave the Li family.
In this way, over the years, as long as he is careful and does not use the "Frosty Sword Qi" again, he will not reveal his trump card.
Of course, if there were a real life-or-death crisis, Yang Jiuli would not be so rigid as to insist on fulfilling the contract to the fullest extent.
Moreover, the contract states that it can be terminated in the event of force majeure.
Life-or-death crises are naturally included.
It's just that no one dares to actually terminate their contract with the Foundation Establishment families in private.
"It just so happens that Li Yourong's soul was injured by the 'Flame Wolf Smoke Bell'... causing her to become confused. I also happened to give her a Soul-Soothing Pill... putting her into a deep sleep. Otherwise, I would most likely have been exposed this time..." Yang Jiuli whispered.
"It seems I need to prepare more, otherwise, if I encounter something like this again, it might be difficult to handle."
After much deliberation, he began to consider the oversights of his previous trip to the Black Wind Mine, hoping to find a way to rectify them.
"If Li Yourong's soul hadn't been damaged and she was still conscious, how could I make her fall into a deep sleep?"
Yang Jiuli began to devise various plans in order to find a way to deal with the situation.
First: Was it a bewitching spell? (This would only increase suspicion later.) Rejected.
Second: Induce them to take the pills. (This is feasible)
"A pill that makes people fall asleep...without side effects...I've got it!" He began to organize some pill formulas from his previous life.
Soon, Yang Jiuli's eyes lit up.
"Once the 'bewitching intoxicant' is taken, it will confuse the mind and soul, making one feel drowsy and fall into a deep sleep, just like after drinking alcohol."
With a sudden thought, he decided to collect some of the medicinal materials for this pill and refine it into a pill.
……
Afterwards, Yang Jiuli entered the cave and began refining the "Soul-Stabilizing Pill".
This is a top-grade first-tier pill, and it is not difficult to refine. Yang Jiuli naturally refined it with ease.
The first batch produced five pills, all of which were of the highest quality.
The second batch produced six pills. He deliberately added water, resulting in four of them being barely acceptable.
To outsiders, he would naturally say that because it was the first time he had refined the pills, the first batch did not produce any pills, but the second batch luckily produced four pills.
The following day, Yang Jiuli handed four pills to Li Wannian.
Li Wannian was overjoyed at this and declared that Yang Jiuli was a genius alchemist.
It should be noted that Li Yourong only managed to produce one pill yesterday, and it was of inferior quality.
Even when looking at Yang Jiuli, Li Wannian specifically asked if the latter had any feelings for Li Yourong.
If he is interested, he can step in and bring the two together.
Originally, Li Wannian naturally wanted to introduce his own granddaughter.
Unfortunately, Yang Jiuli had refused several times before.
This time, it was surprising to see that Master Yang, who was usually cautious and didn't concern himself with external affairs, actually took the initiative to go to the Black Wind Mine with Li Yourong.
Li Wannian analyzed that it was most likely that Master Yang had feelings for his grandniece, otherwise why would he risk his life?
It should be noted that last time Liu Gexian used a Foundation Establishment spiritual object as bait, he remained unmoved.
Anyone with a discerning eye can easily guess what's going on.
That's why Li Wannian made this suggestion, saying that even if he was his nephew's son-in-law, he was still one of his own!
"Elder Li is joking! Master Li has the potential to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, how could I presume to presume?" Yang Jiuli politely declined.
"Why be modest, Master Yang? A second-level alchemist paired with a Foundation Establishment genius, aren't they a match made in heaven?" Li Wannian laughed.
Li Yourong was such a genius that the Li family naturally did not want to marry her off to another family of immortals, thus benefiting other powerful clans.
Marrying her to Yang Jiuli was clearly the best arrangement.
"There is a huge chasm between a first-level alchemist and a second-level alchemist. Even if I study day and night, I am not entirely confident in advancing," Yang Jiuli said. "Jiuli really dares not consider marriage before this." He bowed to Li Wannian to apologize.
Yang Jiuli did not directly refuse, giving the impression that once he entered the second-level alchemist stage, he would consider marriage.
This also fits his public persona.
After all, everyone in the Li family believed that Yang Jiuli went to the Black Wind Mine for Li Yourong's sake.
If he refuses outright, it will naturally arouse suspicion.
"No rush, no rush, I believe you will definitely advance." Upon seeing this, Li Wannian laughed and thought that Yang Jiuli was afraid that he would not be able to advance to the second-level alchemist, so he dared not speak easily. If he advanced, the matter would be almost certain.
He then left with a happy expression.
"I need to find a chance to get rid of the remaining 'Soul-Stabilizing Pills'!" Yang Jiuli murmured to himself as he watched Li Wannian leave.
He has now accumulated countless resources.
However, it's obviously not easy to sell it here in Blackwind City.
Afterwards, he returned to his cave to cultivate.
……
Li Wannian left.
He found Li Yourong with great joy.
"Uncle... I wonder how effective the 'Soul-Stabilizing Pill' is?" Li Yourong asked after making Li Wannian a cup of tea.
Li Wannian had come this morning and taken away a Soul-Stabilizing Pill.
It was only two hours later, and he came to visit again, which surprised him. So he asked in a tactful way.
"The Soul-Stabilizing Pill was quite effective," Li Wannian said. "Uncle has come here on another important matter."
"Something else important?" Li Yourong asked in surprise, then quickly added, "Is there an enemy attacking?"
Li Wannian shook his head and said, "It's about you!"
"My business?" Li Yourong was even more suspicious and looked at Li Wannian.
"Hehe, how old are you this year!" Li Wannian looked at Li Yourong and laughed.
"Forty-three!" Li Yourong said, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead with a hint of embarrassment.
"At forty-three, you're not young anymore! It's time to get married!" Li Wannian said. "What do you think of Master Yang?"
"Ah!" Upon hearing this, Li Yourong's expression changed, and she lost her composure for a moment, as if someone had touched a nerve, her cheeks turning red.
She lowered her head slightly.
Upon seeing this, Li Wannian stroked his beard and smiled slightly, knowing that something was amiss.
After all, Yang Jiuli's talent for alchemy is rare even among Foundation Establishment families.
Moreover, he was cautious and meticulous, devoted to the Tao, and had no bad habits.
His character is also excellent.
The only drawback is that one starts cultivating late and has no hope of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.
But this time, Yang Jiuli volunteered, risking his life, to go with Li Yourong to the Black Wind Mine.
It even saved her life.
Such friendship is truly precious.
Whether or not she has reached the Foundation Establishment stage is clearly not important to the girl at the moment.
That's why Li Yourong adopted this attitude.
The same applies to the Li family.
What they want is a second-tier alchemist.
Whether Yang Jiuli achieves Foundation Establishment or not will not affect the overall situation.
"Uncle has already inquired about this matter with Master Yang!" Li Wannian said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Li Yourong looked up, her expression showing concern. She pursed her lips and spoke in a barely audible voice.
"What did he say?" As soon as she finished speaking, Li Yourong lowered her head slightly, her heart pounding.
She had no idea how she managed to say those words.
If it were in the past...
She would never have spoken like that to anyone else.
"He said you have the potential to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, and he dares not presume to approach you," Li Wannian said after taking a sip of tea.
"I dare not presume to do so..." Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment appeared in Li Yourong's eyes, and she pursed her lips.
"Is this why you've always kept your distance from me?" she murmured to herself.
I wanted to ask Yang Jiuli about his feelings several times.
But she could clearly sense that the latter was deliberately avoiding her and keeping his distance.
Hearing Li Wannian's explanation, she suddenly understood and felt even more favorably toward Yang Jiuli.
"But why would I care?" Li Yourong murmured to herself.
"Haha, but Master Yang also said that once he becomes a second-level alchemist, he will consider marriage." Seeing Li Yourong's appearance, Li Wannian knew that the matter was likely to be settled, so he continued to speak and told Yang Jiuli what he had said.
"A second-tier alchemist..." Upon hearing this, Li Yourong looked up, her eyes bright, and stared at Li Wannian with gleaming light.
"Hehe, with Master Yang's talent, he should be able to become a second-tier alchemist within ten years!" Li Wannian said with a smile.
He had originally intended to mention that Li Yourong should prepare for Foundation Establishment, but thinking of everything that had happened before, he swallowed his words.
Building a foundation is no easy task.
Age, temperament, and elixirs are all indispensable.
Li Yourong missed several opportunities.
Seeing Li Feiyu and Li Rui establish their foundations inevitably affects one's mindset.
Under these circumstances, even with Foundation Establishment Pills, the probability of success will be much lower.
Moreover, the ingredients for the Foundation Building Pill are difficult to obtain.
The elders of the Li family in the Azure Flame Immortal Sect, even if they had any, would only give them to their descendants.
It won't be easy for Li Yourong to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill.
As for the "Great Blood Qi Pill," the probability of establishing one's foundation with it is less than 10%, and those who succeed are all people with great perseverance.
"With Fellow Daoist Yang's talent, he can indeed become a second-tier alchemist within ten years!" Li Yourong murmured.
She felt a little nervous.
"But I..." she sighed inwardly.
Although she has the potential to reach the Foundation Establishment stage.
Whether or not a foundation can be established is uncertain.
After all, Li Chengzhi and Li Xian possessed Foundation Establishment Pills in the past, yet they still failed to establish their foundations.
This clearly shows that building a foundation is no easy task.
"Don't worry, as long as both sides are in love, there's no reason why things won't turn out well," Li Wannian said with a smile.
He then got up to take his leave.
Li Yourong saw Li Wannian off.
"Foundation Establishment... It seems I'll have to put in more effort to find a Foundation Establishment spiritual item!" Li Yourong muttered to herself.
She dared not even dream of the Foundation Establishment Pill.
As for that Foundation Establishment spiritual item, it's worth a try.