After his trip to Tianxuan City last night, Zhao Li had a lot of things figured out, clearing his mind.
Thinking back, he had made great progress during his three years away from home, but he also felt a pull to return. This made him plan the upcoming events more tightly.
Zhao Li intended to say goodbye to Li Ming, but when he went to find him, he couldn't.
Asking the butler, Zhao Li learned that Li Ming and his father were in the living room preparing to receive guests; it seemed they had an important visitor.
Zhao Li thought about it. His leaving wasn't a big deal, and it wouldn't be convenient to disturb them. He left a letter in the room along with a Dou Spirit Pill. With Li Ming's Dou King strength, it would be useful.
He then informed the butler and left alone.
Although it was still early morning, there were already many pedestrians on the street. The occasional cries of vendors selling their wares filled the air. In this scene, Zhao Li felt quite peaceful. People living in peace and contentment was just like this; it was good...
Facing the morning sun, Zhao Li paid attention to his surroundings while walking towards the center of Tianxuan City.
Tianxuan City was very large, as Zhao Li had seen last night. However, even without rushing, two hours were enough for him to reach the city center.
The city center was exactly like Sky's Edge City, also emitting extremely dense Spatial Energy. Looking at the dark channel, Zhao Li's thoughts returned to a few days ago. He recalled the thrilling and dangerous journey through the Spatial Wormhole a few days prior, shaking his head with lingering fear.
Zhao Li followed the crowd, queuing up to move towards the Spatial Wormhole.
Suddenly, Zhao Li's eyes narrowed. He saw a very noticeable announcement hanging at the exit of the Spatial Channel—the Li Family was seeking a Seventh-Grade Alchemist and purchasing Seventh Grade Pills that could heal injuries for a Dou Sect.
Seeing the content of the announcement, Zhao Li recalled what happened last night and understood the meaning behind Li Ming's 'drunk' lamentations. He likely wanted to probe the background of his teacher, Lin Lan. Even more, he probably had some intentions when he started interacting with him.
When Zhao Li figured this out, he couldn't help but laugh. Li Ming, that guy, was a case of being too clever for his own good. If he had something to say, he should have just said it instead of being so hesitant and scheming.
After last night, Zhao Li also considered Li Ming a friend. Since he saw the announcement, Zhao Li wasn't planning to leave anymore. He would help if he could; it wasn't a difficult task for him.
Zhao Li shook his head inwardly; he could somewhat guess Li Ming's concerns.
Zhao Li's figure flickered and disappeared. Along with him, the announcement in front of the Spatial Wormhole was also taken away.
Zhao Li's sudden disappearance caused the person behind him to rub their eyes, seemingly in disbelief, and then exclaim, "A Dou Sect!"
His exclamation drew the attention of those around him, who looked over. A Dou Sect was a top-tier expert in Tianxuan City. But they saw nothing, and the disturbed crowd quickly settled down.
However, the disappearance of the announcement caused the Li Family members to become flustered. Combined with the recent disturbance in the crowd, the person in charge here immediately sent someone back to report.
...
In the Li Family living room, Li Lei and his son were entertaining a young man with a handsome face and a shifty expression.
Early this morning, Sun Xiaochuan's apprentice came to the Li Family and said his Master would arrive soon. Li Lei and his son prepared early and had been waiting here since dawn, but there was no sign of Sun Xiaochuan.
They dared not leave, fearing that Sun Xiaochuan would arrive just as they left, which would be displeasing.
They had no choice but to stay here and chat idly with Sun Xiaochuan's apprentice, Sun Changqing.
However, time passed, and the sky was already bright. The person who said he would arrive soon still hadn't come.
After sitting dryly in the Li Family hall for two hours, Li Lei and his son were already feeling a bit agitated.
Li Lei looked outside repeatedly but saw no one. He asked Sun Changqing again.
"Young Brother Sun, may I ask when your Master will arrive? Has something delayed him on the way?"
Sun Changqing's eyes darted towards the passing maids, occasionally winking at them, like a lustful ghost.
Hearing Li Lei ask the same question again, he also felt very annoyed and said impatiently.
"Patriarch Li, my Master said he'll be here soon, and he definitely will. What are you so anxious about? Just wait here properly."
Hearing this, the anger that had accumulated in Li Ming's heart was about to erupt, but Li Lei stopped him.
"Young brother is right, I was too impatient."
Li Lei smiled apologetically and then stopped talking, simply closing his eyes to wait.
Finally, as the sun was high in the sky and the daylight was bright, a figure appeared in the main hall, followed by an unpleasant smell.
His rat-like eyes scanned the living room, seeing only Li Lei and his son there, his eyes darting around.
Seeing that Li Zhenxuan was not present, Sun Xiaochuan used this to cause trouble and said with dissatisfaction.
"Li Lei, where's your old man? Why isn't he here to welcome me?"
Li Lei tried hard to control his emotions. The situation was stronger than him, that was the reality. He could only greet him with a smile.
"Father is in seclusion attempting to break through to Mid-stage Dou Sect. He couldn't welcome you, please forgive him. We have been waiting for you for a long time. Was something delayed?"
Sun Xiaochuan's clothes were disheveled. Hearing what Li Lei said, he felt disdainful and said casually.
"Heh, with his talent, what kind of breakthrough could he have? It's a waste of effort. What could I have been delayed by? I just went to the House of Red Delights to see Miss Xiaocui. What? You seem a bit dissatisfied?"
Seeing signs of his son about to erupt again, Li Lei stopped him once more and sent him away.
"Ming'er, go prepare the banquet first to welcome Senior Sun."
He himself adopted a humble and submissive posture, cupping his hands towards Sun Xiaochuan.
"Senior, you've misunderstood. How could I be dissatisfied? I was just looking forward to you arriving sooner."
Sun Xiaochuan was noncommittal, leaning back in the chair. Seeing a maid come up to pour tea, he grabbed her over. The maid dared not resist, her face pale and trembling.
"I won't waste any more words. You want me to refine pills, Li Ming already told me about it. You provide the medicinal ingredients and give up eighty percent of the Spatial Wormhole's profits for three years."
Upon hearing this, Li Lei's face turned ashen. He recalled it again, making sure he hadn't misheard, before asking.
"Senior, are you mistaken? We previously agreed on five percent of the profits."
Sun Xiaochuan lay sprawled on the chair without any regard for appearances, already starting to grope the attendant who had come to pour tea. The attendant dared not resist, her face pale and trembling. Hearing Li Lei's question, he spoke indifferently, though his words were full of arrogance.
"That was before. Now I've changed my mind. I want eighty percent."
Li Lei ultimately didn't erupt. If Li Zhenxuan weren't here, the Li Family might not even be able to hold onto their vast fortune.
His mind raced. He didn't want to agree, but for the moment, there was nothing he could do. He could only change the subject.
"Senior, you've come a long way. Let's eat first."
Sun Xiaochuan was indifferent. He didn't care at all what Li Lei thought. The Li Family, he was set on taking them for all they were worth.
...
"Father, that old man is just going too far! If we really give up eighty percent, who will feed all the mouths in our Li Family? I'm afraid our family will fall apart before others even come to tear us apart."
Li Ming heard about Sun Xiaochuan's sudden change of heart from Li Lei and was furious.
Although Li Lei had somewhat anticipated Sun Xiaochuan's change of plans, he hadn't expected the old man to be so greedy. This kind of behavior was practically forcing the Li Family onto a dead end, but he was helpless.
"He is bullying us, but so what? What can you do? Not to mention your grandfather is critically injured, even if he were at his peak, we couldn't afford to offend Sun Xiaochuan. Alchemists are like a hornet's nest! How did someone like him achieve such success? Alas~"
Seeing his father sighing and lamenting, yet completely helpless, Li Ming couldn't stand it anymore. He hardened his heart and said,
"At worst, I'll swallow my pride and beg brother Zhao Li, give him the five percent profit we originally prepared, and ask his Master to help..."
But as he spoke, his voice grew softer and softer, until it was barely a whisper.
Li Ming also knew that things wouldn't always go as smoothly as he hoped. He felt he didn't have that much influence.
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