The truth wasn't anything unusual.
The Zhao Clan's plan had begun centuries ago.
Like every major power, the Zhao Clan had naturally planted spies within the Li Clan.
However, unlike ordinary intelligence gathering, the Zhao Clan had been far more ambitious.
Rather than merely infiltrating disciples or servants, they had carefully selected a group of cultivators with clean backgrounds.
Each of them received resources, guidance, and fabricated identities before being sent into the Li Clan separately.
Their objective was simple.
Become true members of the Li Clan.
Every one of them repeatedly made contributions to the clan.
Some donated precious treasures.
Some completed dangerous missions.
Others risked their lives protecting Li Clan members during major conflicts.
Everything they did served a single purpose.
To earn the Li Clan's complete trust.
Only after gaining sufficient merit would they slowly climb the clan hierarchy.
The process took centuries.
