"Where did that damn kid get so many Soul Nurturing Tree saplings?"
Liao Pantu, with the Soul Nurturing Pendant on his head, stood with his hands on his hips in front of the numerous Soul Nurturing Tree saplings on Changming Mountain, both puzzled and excited.
Although the Soul Nurturing Tree saplings here were still small and weak, their sheer number allowed Liao Pantu, as a soul entity, to sense the nourishing power unique to the Soul Nurturing Trees emanating from all directions.
"Strange, there are no new graves in Changming Mountain, so why is the yin energy so strong?"
Liao Pantu observed and felt around while mumbling.
"With so many Soul Nurturing Tree saplings... I wonder how that damn kid gathered so much yin energy... How did he gather the yin energy aggregation method..."
After mumbling for a while, Liao Pantu carefully examined each Soul Nurturing Tree sapling, and once he confirmed that their growth was outstanding, he began to consider other matters.
What if he wanted to stay here?
If this large area of Soul Nurturing Tree saplings grew up, wouldn't it be more efficient for him to cultivate the "Soul Refining Technique" here?
But what about his medicinal garden?
The medicinal garden was complex, with various herbs having different growth habits and environmental needs, requiring continuous supervision from someone experienced.
Moreover, this couldn't be easily resolved with a simple schedule.
Many high-level herbs are valuable precisely because they require specific conditions for growth and a long maturation period. If it were otherwise, high-level herbs would be commonplace in the cultivation world.
Clearly, Liao Pantu had not anticipated such a suitable cultivation location within the sect, so he hadn't hurried to cultivate a successor.
He was now experiencing the consequences of not planning ahead.
As for Lin Xiao's likely disapproval of him cultivating on Changming Mountain, it was not even within his consideration.
After years of interaction, Liao Pantu understood the character of this young sect master well.
If it's beneficial to him and harmless to the sect, Lin Xiao would not refuse.
Thus, for Liao Pantu, the only challenge was how to make a choice between the two options.
For a moment, Liao Pantu was in unprecedented turmoil.
In the imperial city of Puxi Country.
Seeing that He Yi had been absent for half a month with no news, let alone his return, Li Zhouxuan was somewhat puzzled.
That day, he happened to visit the Feathered Palace to report to his ancestor on their recent business dealings with Lingxian Sect.
Yes, after three years, the historical ancestor Li Zhanying had finally emerged from seclusion last month.
Just in time for He Yi's arrival in Puxi Country. This gave Li Zhouxuan the confidence to have normal conversations with He Yi, a cultivator from the cultivation world.
Otherwise, Li Zhouxuan would have had to seek his only Golden Core ancestor, Li Zeyuan, to speak with He Yi, as he felt unprepared to converse confidently.
For those in the mortal world who knew about the cultivation world, there was an inherent fear of its practitioners. Moreover, this He Daoist was a young Golden Core cultivator.
It was clear that he was a favored talent cultivated by a major sect in the cultivation world.
Perhaps, if he were careless or dissatisfied in the mortal world, the major sect could easily extinguish them with a mere gesture.
Fortunately, their ancestor successfully emerged from seclusion and advanced to the mid-stage Nascent Soul, which gave Li Zhouxuan confidence.
Otherwise, he would have been reluctant to let their Zeyuan ancestor talk to anyone.
After all, Zeyuan's straightforward nature and loud, harsh speech could easily cause misunderstandings and were not ideal.
Li Zhouxuan reported the business situation item by item with a long list in hand.
Recently, the three major sects had increased their orders for their own tasks and also raised the quantity of items they procured.
Li Zhanying, who listened to the report from the throne in the palace, stroked his long beard and said:
"It was time. Over the past two years, the three major sects led by Qinghe Sect have completed many production orders from Lingxian Sect. Their stockpile of spirit stones has increased daily. Initially, they might have been hesitant to spend due to a lack of spirit stones. However, after more than two years of stability, they have confirmed that our channels are relatively stable and not easily severed. This means they can expect a steady income in the future."
"That's right, and it seems that the three major sects have hinted at this. Originally, several sects from surrounding countries were in a wait-and-see attitude. Only a few royal families that were friendly with our Li family showed interest in trading. But recently, those sects that were previously waiting have started sending envoys to negotiate," Li Zhouxuan responded.
"Hmm, negotiate well with those envoys. This matter must be handled properly to avoid displeasing Lingxian Sect," Li Zhanying instructed.
"Grandson will obey!"
After discussing the important matters of the royal family, Li Zhanying then remembered the envoy from the cultivation world and inquired about He Yi's recent situation.
"How is Daoist He? He came here to deal with the Kill Stones matter. Is there any news now?"
Li Zhouxuan was also puzzled:
"Replying to Ancestor, Daoist He only inquired about the Kill Stones incident in Huanyou Country on his first day here, but after that, he did not mention anything more. Ten days ago, he suddenly asked what the eastern direction was and said he wanted to travel there for a few days. He hasn't returned yet, and there's been no news."
Hearing this, Li Zhanying paused while stroking his beard, frowned, and after a moment of thought said:
"Although Daoist He has reached the Golden Core stage and must have some protective treasures, logically, he should not be in danger in the mortal world. But just in case, we still need to send someone to search…"
"Notify all the states and let them send idle personnel to search the vicinity. If they encounter him, they should not disturb him but provide convenience."
"However, since he is a Golden Core cultivator, if he hides his tracks, mortals may not discover anything. I will have Zeyuan depart immediately to search in the eastern direction. Regardless, we must confirm this person's safety."
"Grandson will carry out the order and proceed with the notification."
After Li Zhouxuan bowed and left, he hurriedly issued the notifications to various states.
Li Zhanying also promptly used a sound transmission talisman to contact Li Zeyuan.
Thanks to Lingxian Sect, their royal family, relying on the intermediary role and the orders from Lingxian Sect, along with occasional channel benefits from Lingxian Sect, no longer had to live as tightly as before.