Li Qingqiu glanced at Zhu Yan and said casually, "Wasn't your Zhu clan entangled in trouble, even occupying a large portion of the sect's resources because of it? What, you've managed to extricate yourselves so quickly that you can now concern yourselves with other matters?"
Zhu Yan clearly heard the mockery in his tone. Helpless, she replied, "That was indeed my oversight. I have already warned them."
As the Hall Master of Heavenly Works Hall, she had her own responsibilities. It was impossible for her to keep constant watch over the Zhu clan.
When she learned that the Cultivation Hall had expanded its disciple recruitment, she investigated and discovered the Zhu clan's actions. She had been furious—writing a letter reprimanding the clan elders and preventing Zhu clan disciples within the sect from purchasing large quantities of Spirit Qi Pills.
The matter had weighed heavily on her heart. She had long wanted to find an opportunity to make amends before the Sect Master.
"Such things will not happen again," Zhu Yan said seriously.
Li Qingqiu smiled. "Everyone has emotions. I can understand that. I do not demand that you completely eliminate such matters, but remember to keep them within proper limits. They must not threaten the sect. Otherwise, I will treat it as malicious intent. If not for your years of diligence, I would already have raised my sword against the Zhu clan."
Zhu Yan immediately bowed in gratitude.
"Enough. It's the New Year. Let's not speak of such matters," Li Qingqiu said, catching her arm before she could kneel.
"Then regarding the Zhu clan assisting Liu Jing…"
"Let them do as they wish. But you'd best remind them not to harbor ambitions that do not belong to them."
"I understand."
Zhu Yan nodded, a chill running through her heart. She truly feared that certain clan elders might attempt to control Liu Jing—that would be unacceptable.
She could see it clearly now. The Sect Master truly intended to support Liu Jing. Anyone who dared scheme against him would be challenging him. The Sect Master simply preferred watching from the mountain, waiting for such people to leap into their own graves.
Zhu Yan no longer disturbed Li Qingqiu. She rose, walked around the long table, and went to speak with Chai Yunshang.
Li Qingqiu remained in excellent spirits, a smile lingering on his face.
Mainly because Zhao Zhen's fate tribulation had finally passed—and he had gained another Fate Selection Opportunity.
He now possessed 2 Fate Selection Opportunities. He could use one, keeping the other in reserve in case he encountered an unparalleled genius in the future.
At present, he was quite interested in Jiang Zhaoxia's True Dragon of the Mortal World and Yun Cai's Myriad-Law Spirit Eyes, yet he hesitated. He had a feeling that something even stronger might appear later.
During this New Year, many noticed Li Qingqiu's unusually good mood.
After the festivities, Li Qingqiu began touring the Taikun Mountain Range, inspecting various locations. He even paid a visit to Seeking Immortal Town.
Only by seeing it with his own eyes did he truly understand how prosperous Qingxiao Sect had become.
At the end of the first month of the New Year, Liu Jing ascended to the pinnacle of power within the Liu clan. Liu Lin was forced to abdicate. Naturally, the process was accompanied by bloodshed.
Rumors of Liu Jing carrying a coffin to plead before the Immortal True Person Qingxiao spread swiftly. His story moved hearts, and his rise carried an aura of mystery. Li Qingqiu had long been regarded by the people as an immortal deity walking the mortal world. When the two were woven into the same tale, Liu Jing's reputation surged.
More and more voices proclaimed that Liu Jing was the one destined by heaven.
Southern Chu Prefecture, within the provincial governor's residence.
Liu Jing sat in the main hall, listening as officials reported the funds, grain, weapons, and warhorses delivered by various aristocratic clans. His expression grew dazed.
"So the world is this easy to obtain…"
His emotions were complicated—exhilaration mingled with fear.
After gaining it, one naturally feared losing it. He began worrying whether he could manage it properly.
Taking a deep breath, he cast aside distracting thoughts. What he needed now was to swiftly consolidate power, then sweep across the realm. Within 3 years, he must unify the world.
No!
He had to do even better!
Liu Jing's gaze hardened. His entire bearing began to transform.
…
At the beginning of the second month, under Li Qingqiu's arrangement, Jiang Zhaoxia descended the mountain for training. He also brought along Sword Sect's number one genius, Jian Du.
Jiang Zhaoxia had been unwilling to leave, but Li Qingqiu insisted he train outside for half a year—under the pretext of investigating the uninhabited regions of Southern Chu Prefecture and Yuzhou, and incidentally tempering Jian Du's temperament.
After creating his divine ability, Zhao Zhen entered seclusion, aiming directly for the 9th layer of the Nurturing Essence realm.
Disciples of Qingxiao Sect began spreading across the various peaks of the Taikun Mountain Range. The grand construction plan continued.
At the beginning of the fourth month, Li Qingqiu brought Jin Lang to Source Iron Harbor Town, stopping by to visit Baizhi.
Baizhi's Cultivation Aptitude was Unranked. Her cultivation speed was far inferior to Jin Lang's, so she was astonished at Jin Lang's growth. At the same time, she finally felt at ease.
Jin Lang's cultivation proved that Li Qingqiu genuinely treated them well.
After visiting Baizhi, Li Qingqiu entered Source Iron Harbor Town.
The harbor town had already extended several miles along the coastline. Lofted pavilions stood at the edge of the sandy shore, and ships of various sizes were moored by the sea. The place was bustling.
Aside from Qingxiao Sect disciples, Li Qingqiu also saw mortals and martial artists. It was evident that Source Iron Harbor Town had begun trading with the secular world.
This, too, was under Li Qingqiu's instruction. After all, Qingxiao Sect's development required vast sums of money and resources. With more than 500 disciples active here, they were not afraid of troublemakers.
Yu Lin, who was in charge of Source Iron Harbor Town and the Source Iron Blessed Land, was overjoyed upon seeing Li Qingqiu. He excitedly reported recent developments.
It turned out that some disciples had attempted to dive into the seabed and discovered a mysterious mineral. This mineral contained a special form of spiritual energy and was as hard as Ancient Geng Metal Source Iron. Yu Lin believed it could become an important resource.
Soon, a disciple brought a piece of the mineral before Li Qingqiu.
Li Qingqiu took it in hand and examined it closely. He could tell at once that this stone was indeed extraordinary.
"I'll take it back to Heavenly Works Hall for research. Yu Lin, well done—you have not disappointed my expectations."
Li Qingqiu praised him, which made Yu Lin even more excited. He quickly responded modestly that it was all the disciples' merit and had nothing to do with him.
Afterward, Li Qingqiu went to the mysterious vortex and had Nangong E and Lin Chuan descend to investigate once more. As before, they found nothing.
However, finding nothing was the best possible news. It meant that Source Iron Harbor Town was temporarily safe.
…
Northern Barbarian lands.
The night sky glittered with countless stars, bright as a painted scroll, while the earth below lay in utter darkness, so black that one could not see one's own hand before one's face.
On a stretch of mountain plain, Li Sifeng, Zheng Yunqiao, and more than a dozen disciples from the Training Hall sat around a bonfire.
The Prison Qilin lay sleeping behind Li Sifeng. Even lying down, it resembled a solid wall.
Li Sifeng was toying with his Emperor Xuan Sword, his thoughts drifting.
Zheng Yunqiao sat closest to him. Turning his head, he asked, "This land is far too vast—boundless and endless. To completely exterminate the Xuanji Sect would be as difficult as ascending to heaven. Why don't we return?"
Upon hearing this, the other disciples all looked toward Li Sifeng, their eyes filled with anticipation.
They had fought their way here from Cangzhou. They could no longer calculate how far they were from Qingxiao Mountain. Everyone felt exhausted and wished to return to the sect to rest for several months.
Li Sifeng came back to himself and looked at the disciples. Taking in their expressions, he pondered for a moment before saying, "Very well. We'll return at first light tomorrow!"
As soon as he spoke, the disciples burst into cheers. Some even jumped up, waving their arms in excitement.
They began enthusiastically discussing their achievements on this journey, each boasting of their own exploits.
Watching them, Li Sifeng felt deeply moved.
These disciples were simply too formidable. Most of the time, he had not even needed to make a move himself. It filled him with anticipation toward Qingxiao Sect.
How strong had the sect become now?
Just listening to the Training Hall disciples talk made him eager to return—he felt pressure.
As the Hall Master of the Training Hall, how could he fall behind in cultivation?
Of course, he also missed his wife and children.
Zheng Yunqiao smiled. "Once we return, it will be time to prepare for the Fighting Technique Assembly."
At the mention of the Fighting Technique Assembly, Li Sifeng's interest was piqued. He began chatting with Zheng Yunqiao about it.
A shooting star streaked across the night sky. No one noticed. They had seen such sights many times before—nothing out of the ordinary.
After a while—
The Prison Qilin, which had been sleeping, suddenly opened its eyes. Slowly, it lifted its head and gazed into the distance.
Li Sifeng noticed its movement and turned his head. Seeing it staring into the distance, he immediately stood up and followed its gaze.
At the end of the earth lay only darkness. Apart from the faint outlines of rolling hills, nothing could be seen.
Zheng Yunqiao also stood and asked, "Is there an enemy?"
He was not nervous. Along their journey, they had been invincible, cultivating immense confidence. They feared no challenge or danger on this land.
"I'm not sure. But the Prison Qilin's senses are stronger than ours. It must have detected something," Li Sifeng replied softly.
The other disciples fell silent as well, rising to their feet and drawing their respective weapons.
The Prison Qilin stepped forward, its body slightly lowered, emitting a low, rumbling growl. This confused everyone—including Li Sifeng.
In the past, when facing enemies, the Prison Qilin would simply lift its head and roar. It had never displayed such an irritable and wary posture.
What was going on?
Everyone stared into the darkness ahead.
Unfortunately, nothing could be seen. They could only wait patiently.
Li Sifeng could sense the unease within the Prison Qilin, which left him puzzled. Could it be that someone within the Xuanji Sect was even more powerful than the Prison Qilin?
"So tense a divine beast—what it senses is likely not human."
A hoarse, ancient voice sounded within Li Sifeng's mind, causing him to frown.
"Not human? Could it be ghosts or spirits?" he asked inwardly.
"I do not know. But there are always malevolent entities between heaven and earth. I advise you to withdraw immediately."
The voice came from the Millennium Sword Soul within the Emperor Xuan Sword.
Hearing this judgment, Li Sifeng's expression changed drastically. He immediately ordered, "Everyone pack up and retreat at once!"
Though startled, the disciples reacted swiftly.
In less than 5 breaths, they were already running southward behind Li Sifeng.
Li Sifeng let out a whistle. The Prison Qilin immediately turned around and ran with him.
The group ran faster and faster, occasionally glancing back. The Prison Qilin did the same. Its growls grew increasingly urgent, heightening everyone's tension.
What kind of thing could make a Qilin so uneasy?
A chill crept up the spines of every disciple. The unknown was the most terrifying. They even felt as though something was chasing them.
There was no sound at all—
Yet the sensation was unmistakable.