Chapter 172: The Xiao Familys Scheme

Chapter 172: The Xiao Family's Scheme

"Thank you, Senior!" Xiao Ruyu thanked as he cupped his fist, but he did not wish to owe a favor to the Li Family over a few thousand mortals.

Shifting the conversation tactfully, he chose his next words with great thought and care. Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

"However, before leaving, my elders specifically instructed that the closer the two families are, the more such minor details must be clearly settled to avoid any potential future complications. Keeping this in mind, I dare not take advantage of your generosity..."

Seeing him handle the matter so cleanly and with such propriety, Li Tongya regarded him even more highly.

"What do you suggest then?"

"For every batch of mortals delivered to Lixia Prefecture, our Xiao Family will compensate one Spirit Stone for every thousand mortals."

Xiao Ruyu's offer was considered generous. After all, with the Azure Pond Sect setting a precedent, all families looked up to the sect's actions. Without proper regulation, the mortals under their control were merely seen as resources to be exploited. Save for a few cultivators with special needs who might value them, most looked down upon them.

"Alright, let's settle it that way then!" Li Tongya said in agreement.

Xiao Ruyu nodded, then brought up another matter, "There's also another reason for my visit... The Guli Road hasn't been maintained over a long time, with many paths becoming overgrown and hazardous due to roaming beasts. This has led to a disruption in communication between families and only those who have attained the Qi Cultivation Realm can traverse the prefecture freely, which poses a significant inconvenience! Our Xiao Family wishes to restore the Guli Road, establishing relay stations at the borders of each family's territory. In areas where there are gaps, the Xiao Family will fill them. This way even the Embryonic Breathing Realm cultivators and commoners can travel for trade, thus benefiting all families along the Guli Road."

"Oh?"

Li Tongya was surprised that the Xiao Family would undertake such a thankless task.

He pondered briefly before speaking.

"For the Xiao Family to lead this effort benefits my Li Family greatly, and naturally, I have no reason to disagree. However, if I may be so bold, why would your esteemed family bother with such a thankless task?"

Li Tongya was never one to meddle unnecessarily but given the long-standing friendship between their families and the kindness shown by Xiao Yuansi and Xiao Chuting to the Li Family, he attempted to dissuade them.

"Thank you for your concern, Senior." Xiao Ruyu simply smiled.

On his way through Guli Road, he had met with many families, all of whom had readily agreed, though they probably were laughing behind his back. Only Li Tongya cared enough to offer advice, and Xiao Ruyu was grateful for that.

The girl countered with her wooden spear, retreating a few steps and using her left hand to parry Li Yuanjiao's sword. She chuckled and said, "You're really cunning, Brother Jiao."

"Hmph."

Li Yuanjiao snorted lightly, also stepping backward and putting away his sword. "There's nothing cunning about it. It's just that your spear technique is solid enough to block a few of my moves, Qinghong!" he scoffed.

Li Qinghong giggled, aware that she had been at a disadvantage earlier, and conceded, "It's naturally easier to learn with a family sword technique. I've even sought the best spear teacher from the mountain foot, yet I'm still struggling..."

"Why bother with a spear when there's a family sword technique to practice? Spear techniques are easy to start but hard to master without proper guidance. You could spend a lifetime failing to get anywhere," Li Yuanjiao frowned, gazing intently at her with a serious expression.

Li Qinghong, however, placed her spear against the wall and explained, "The thought of practicing the sword technique gave me a headache! Father brought various weapons for me to choose from, and they said longer weapons have an advantage, so I chose the spear. Father was very pleased and encouraged me to keep at it."

Seeing that it was Li Xuanling's decision, Li Yuanjiao abandoned the idea of persuading her to switch to swordsmanship. Hanging up his wooden sword and straightening his robe, Li Qinghong also leaned her spear against the corner and began to undo her hair. The practice had left a rosy tint on her face, lending her a feminine charm.

A respectful voice came from outside after a double knock on the door.

"Young Master, Madam is calling for you!"

"Got it," Li Yuanjiao replied, seeing an old servant at the door with his head bowed. He was the one who usually served his mother.

"Did something happen?" Li Yuanjiao asked, slightly worried.

"Some people from Eastern Mount Yue came saying that... Mu Jiaoman had passed away due to serious injuries last night," the servant replied after a brief moment of hesitation.

Li Yuanjiao's eyes sparkled, showing no emotional disturbance over the death of this uncle he had never met. Instead, he was visibly excited. Seeing Li Qinghong laughing beside him, he turned and asked, "What's so funny?"

Li Qinghong, though not fully aware of the details, sensed intuitively that this was a good omen.

Suppressing a smile, she looked up at him cheekily as she replied, "Nothing much... just that it's good news!"

"Hehe." Li Yuanjiao giggled, then hurried out of the courtyard, bursting with excitement.

"The nine towns and twenty-six tribes of Eastern Mount Yue will soon all belong to our family!"