Chapter 197: The Conspirators

Chapter 197: The Conspirators

"Emperor's Mandate..."

The ancient and imposing name took both Li Yuanxiu and Li Tongya by surprise.

While Li Yuanxiu was less affected, Li Tongya, who had encountered numerous immortal foundations throughout his life, was stunned to hear of one named after an emperor for the first time. He pondered deeply to himself.

The immortal foundation formed from the River One Qi Technique is called Boundless Ocean, and the one from Cave Spring Clear Spirit Technique is Spring's Echo... The immortal foundation is always closely related to the method of cultivation; Jianixi's technique must also have been equally powerful!

Li Yuanxiu, who was standing beside him, displayed a look of yearning as he listened to the name of the immortal foundation. His ears pricked up instantly, and he felt an uncontrollable desire rising within him.

To cultivate an immortal foundation and to traverse the mysterious realm... the allure of reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm is so tempting! I wonder if in this lifetime I might glimpse the realm beyond Qi Cultivation...

The Li Family's main lineage had already produced three Qi Cultivators, and Li Xuanling was just a step away. The expectations for Li Yuanxiu and his younger relatives were primarily set beyond the Qi Cultivation Realm, hence instigating such thoughts in Li Yuanxiu.

Li Tongya inquired further about the details from Li Feiruo, who patiently answered each of his questions.

Mu Jiaoman had been cautious of Li Feiruo during his lifetime and hadn't said much, so no further useful information was obtained.

"I see," Li Tongya said before smiling warmly to Li Yuanxiu, thus ending the prior topic of conversation.

"We have mobilized a great number of people for this, and many eyes are upon us... We risk becoming targets, so it's not advisable to stay away from home for long. I'll remain here for a month while several elders will stay in the city to watch over things. Go sort out the affairs of the Mount Yue territory with your father. Once that's done, we'll return home together."

"As for Feiruo..." Li Tongya's voice trailed off as he glanced at her, and Li Feiruo quickly expressed her wishes.

Li Tongya nodded in understanding and commended her once more.

"You've worked hard these years. Help Xiu'er handle the affairs and then return to Lijing Town to live a peaceful life."

"Yes!" Li Yuanxiu and Li Feiruo both responded respectfully. Li Tongya then nodded, his figure fading as he rode the wind away... of course, taking the brown eyeball with him.

Left behind, Li Yuanxiu and Li Feiruo exchanged a glance with each other in the courtyard.

Li Feiruo made a welcoming gesture, and Li Yuanxiu took his seat at the head of the table.

The group of Mount Yue Qi Cultivators was stunned and clearly dumbfounded.

"R...Ragged?" they sputtered, repeating his words in disbelief.

Shamoli sighed softly before grabbing the hand of the one in front. He patted his shoulder and explained, "You have spent your lives in this dirt hole... and never had the chance to witness the prosperity beyond our borders. Give it another two years, and you'll understand the difference between good and bad."

They had landed in the town center as they were in conversation, only to see clan soldiers bustling about, armed and rushing in formation through the streets.

Their cold armor clinked sharply; however, they were not heading toward the houses of the rich or common folk but specifically targeting large estates led by either Embryonic Breathing Realm or Qi Cultivators, marching up the stone steps.

Angry shouts then followed as the clan soldiers silently dragged out the obese bodies of the people along.

The Mount Yue clans were not as regulated as those ruled by the Li Family, and each of them was as fat as a pig due to the lack of productive work, and they were screaming as they were dragged out.

It took two soldiers to haul each one, and one even yelled, "Do you know who I am?! My uncle is a Qi Cultivator!"

A soldier promptly kicked him, causing him such pain that he rolled around, unable to speak.

The leader, a third stage Embryonic Breathing Realm cultivator, stood expressionless as he pointed his long sword at the man.

Shamoli, witnessing this, felt his expression change and his unease grow. He stopped a troop of clan soldiers, demanding in a stern voice, "What are you all doing?!"

The leader, looking serious yet honest, still holding his long sword, replied cautiously, "Xu Gongming greets the Great King... We are acting on orders from Young Master Jiao to arrest those among the six major clans who are conspiring with Qimu's remnants. What about you, Great King..?"

"Ah."

Realizing they were searching for Qimu's remnants, Shamoli's expression shifted to one that was between shock and joy.

He then looked fiercely at those clan members and exclaimed, "Good! Brother Jiao is indeed thorough! Go ahead and do what you need to; I have your back!"

With that, he turned to stare coldly at the four Mount Yue Qi Cultivators that were behind him. They were indeed from the six major clans, all of whom bowed their heads guiltily, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Well then, I shall execute my order!" Xu Gongming responded, still expressionless. He gave a signal, and the clan soldiers immediately sprang into action.