Chapter 382 273: The First Appearance of Killing Intent

"See anything you like, Fellow Daoist?"

The disheveled old man raised his eyelids and asked lazily.

Li Conglong said nothing. He reached out, picked up a short sword covered in green rust, and examined it closely.

There was a crack on the blade, and its Spiritual Qi was faint. It was clearly damaged.

"How much for this sword?"

"One hundred and twenty Spirit Stones."

The old man stated the price.

'This piece of junk is worth thirty Spirit Stones at most,' Li Conglong scoffed internally.

But his expression remained unchanged. He picked up an incense burner and frowned.

"This burner is intact, and its quality is passable. If I gave it to someone for Artifact Refining, I might be able to extract a few ounces of Copper Essence."

"If you're interested, Fellow Daoist, the burner is eighty."

Seeing that he seemed more interested in the incense burner, the old man said hurriedly.

Li Conglong didn't answer. He put down the burner and picked up an Ancient Book, making a show of examining it before shaking his head.

"It's all common stuff, not worth much."

The old man frowned. 'Is this poor bastard here just to mess with me?'

As if by chance, Li Conglong nonchalantly picked up a small green bottle from the corner.

"This bottle is rather exquisite. If I buy the burner, could you throw this in?"

The old man glanced over. He had found the small green bottle at the bottom of a river. It had hardly any Spiritual Qi and was only on display to fill space because of its antique design.

He said offhandedly,

"The burner is eighty, and this little thing is two Spirit Stones. Take them both, Fellow Daoist."

Li Conglong haggled a few more times. After some back-and-forth, they settled on a price of forty-two Spirit Stones.

The old man took the Spirit Stones, packed the items, and handed them over, still muttering,

"You're getting a real bargain, Fellow Daoist. That burner was a fine piece..."

Li Conglong took the package, gave a faint smile, and turned to leave.

He didn't linger, heading straight out of the Marketplace. Summoning a gentle breeze, he soon flew across a wide, rushing river.

The wind howled around him. Li Conglong's expression was calm, but inside, his heart was a raging storm.

'This little green bottle... is extraordinary!'

The moment he had picked up the green bottle, he'd sensed an incredibly pure strand of Wood Element Spiritual Energy hidden deep inside it, latent and unexpressed.

The stall owner was only at the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer and didn't practice the Wood Armor Technique, so of course he couldn't detect it.

'A heaven-sent Opportunity!'

Li Conglong was ecstatic. If he hadn't been cultivating the *Art of Heavenly Nourishment and Mystic Preservation*, he would never have discovered the bottle's secret.

After crossing the great river, Li Conglong found a deserted spot in the wilderness. He landed and scanned his surroundings to confirm he wasn't being followed before carving a Cave Mansion into the face of a cliff.

The Cave Mansion was small, just large enough for one person to sit cross-legged.

Li Conglong placed a sound-insulating talisman at the cave's entrance before taking out the small green bottle, holding it in both hands for a closer look.

In the faint light of a flint striker, the green bottle emitted a soft, cyan glow.

Li Conglong took a deep breath and pulled out the stopper.

He poured out a shriveled, jade-green seed, about the size of a soybean.

"This is..."

Li Conglong frowned slightly.

He came from a rural clan and was not widely knowledgeable, so he couldn't identify the seed's origin.

But he could feel an extremely dense Wood Element Spiritual Energy contained within it, brimming with life force, far beyond any ordinary Spiritual Object.

'If I use the *Art of Heavenly Nourishment and Mystic Preservation* to refine this, it will surely help me achieve a breakthrough.'

Li Conglong's eyes burned with intensity.

He was currently stuck at the Great Perfection stage of the Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer, just one step away from the Seventh Layer.

If he could break through, the Li Family's position would be that much more secure.

'Could it be that the Celestial Lord has taken pity on my Li Family...'

Li Conglong muttered to himself, then composed his mind, closed his eyes, and began to circulate his energy.

Jade-green True Qi surged from his dantian, enveloping the seed like silken threads.

It was like a gentle spring rain, irrigating and nurturing the seed.

A faint cyan glow appeared on the seed's surface as it began to slowly absorb Li Conglong's True Qi.

Four or five days passed in a flash.

The seed finally changed. A tiny crack appeared on its surface, and a tender green sprout poked its head out.

An incredibly dense life force radiated out, filling the entire Cave Mansion.

'It worked!'

Famished, Li Conglong eagerly began refining the tiny sprout. As his Wood Armor Technique circulated, the dense life force nourished his Inner Mansion.

Before long, his True Qi began to condense, forming what looked like glistening, verdant droplets of water suspended within his Inner Mansion.

'I've reached the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer!'

A jolt went through Li Conglong.

He would have needed several more years of painstaking effort to break through. He never expected to succeed in one fell swoop with the help of this seed.

He didn't dare let his focus waver, continuing to circulate his Cultivation Technique to solidify his new Cultivation level.

Another three days passed, and Li Conglong opened his eyes.

A sharp light flashed in his eyes. His aura was stable and profound, and his face looked several years younger, as if he had been rejuvenated.

'Heaven is protecting my Li Family!'

Feeling the surging True Essence within his body, the corners of Li Conglong's mouth lifted into a smile.

He silently took stock of the gains from his breakthrough.

With his breakthrough, the many Daoist Skills contained within the *Art of Heavenly Nourishment and Mystic Preservation* surfaced in his mind one by one.

He contemplated them carefully and chose one: the "Spell of Nurturing Transformation."

This Daoist Skill could stimulate life force, enrich Spirit Fields, and accelerate the growth of Spirit Grass. For the Li Family, it was an incredibly practical tool.

'The number of Spirit Fields the Li Family can cultivate from now on can be doubled.'

Li Conglong calculated.

After all, the Li Family were merely "Tenant Farmers" for Wanxiang Hall. Their only purpose was to pay taxes and provide Spirit Rice.

If the Li Family did this job well, Wanxiang Hall would naturally value them more.

'Even if we have to be a dog, we'll be a good dog. Once we get a taste of meat and our fangs and claws are sharp, then we can think about biting the hand that feeds us...'

Li Conglong saw the situation with perfect clarity.

After his breakthrough, he did not immediately return home, but instead turned back to the Marketplace.

On this trip, aside from the one hundred and twenty Spirit Stones of family savings he'd brought, he also had a good amount of Spirit Rice to trade for the Spiritual Materials he needed for his cultivation.

Before, at the Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer, he had been cautious, not daring to flash his wealth for fear of running into vicious Tribulation Cultivators.

But now, at the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer, his True Qi was several times more abundant and robust. He had some ability to protect himself and could afford to be less on edge.

The Marketplace was still bustling.

Li Conglong walked from the outer ring to the inner circle of the Marketplace. Unlike the outer area where Loose Cultivators set up stalls on the ground, this section was lined with proper shops.

'Conglin is skilled at drawing talismans. I can get him some brushes, ink, and talisman paper.'

Li Conglong thought.

Unfortunately, according to the assessment by the Wanxiang Hall Immortal Master, Li Conglin's cultivation talent was mediocre, with very few opened Spiritual Apertures.

The only thing worthy of praise was his understanding of the Dao of Talismans.

Unfortunately, the Li Family was weak with a shallow foundation and possessed few Daoist Scriptures for him to study.

Li Conglong wandered around for a bit, stopping in front of a Talisman shop.

"What can I help you with, Fellow Daoist?"

The shopkeeper was a middle-aged woman who greeted him with a beaming smile.

"Do you have any talisman brushes?"

"Yes."

The woman took out several brushes from under the counter and introduced them one by one.

"This is a Wolf Hair Brush, made from the bristles on the back of a Fourth Layer Embryonic Breathing wolf demon. It costs fifteen Spirit Stones. This one is a White Jade Brush, made from the fur of a Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer sheep demon. It's quite valuable, priced at thirty Spirit Stones..."

Li Conglong picked up the White Jade Brush and looked at it.

The shaft was as smooth and warm as jade, and the bristles were fine. A faint Spiritual Light seemed to flow through it.

The brush was indeed of high quality. For a Talisman Master, a good brush could significantly increase their success rate.

"I'll take it."

Wincing, Li Conglong took out thirty Spirit Stones. He also bought two stacks of talisman paper.

He had heard that powerful Talisman Masters were made, not born—paved with money.

'It's a shame the Li Family isn't wealthy enough to support Conglin. If we could just secure that Resource Land, our income would increase...'

As his thoughts drifted, Li Conglong put his things away. He was just about to head home when he suddenly heard someone call out from behind.

"Hey! Isn't that Brother Conglong?"

Li Conglong turned to see a burly man standing behind him. It was an acquaintance.

"Brother Zhao?"

Li Conglong was slightly startled, then broke into a smile.

The burly man's name was Zhao Xiong. Years ago, when Li Conglong's older brother, Li Conghu, was conscripted to Iron Horse Pass, Zhao Xiong had been his companion.

After his brother's death, it was Zhao Xiong who had returned his belongings.

"I didn't expect to run into you here."

Zhao Xiong strode over, clapped Li Conglong on the shoulder, and laughed.

"Last time I saw you, you hadn't even reached the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer, and now you're already at the Seventh Layer? What amazing talent!"

Li Conglong smiled wryly. 'What talent? It's all thanks to the *Art of Heavenly Nourishment and Mystic Preservation*,' he thought.

"You're too kind, Brother Zhao."

Li Conglong clasped his hands in a salute and asked,

"Brother Zhao, does this mean your military service is over? You don't have to go back to Iron Horse Pass?"

"Mm."

Zhao Xiong nodded and lowered his voice.

"Conglong, are you here for the Treasure Distribution Assembly too?"

'Treasure Distribution Assembly? What's that?'

Li Conglong was puzzled but didn't let it show, simply offering a small smile.

Taking this as a confirmation, Zhao Xiong pulled him over to a nearby tea stall and whispered,

"Lately, a lot of Magical Artifacts have surfaced around Luoyue Lake. Rumor has it that an Immortal's Cave Mansion at the bottom of the lake is about to open."

"I came as soon as I heard, hoping to try my luck for an immortal Opportunity. We can go together."

A chill went down Li Conglong's spine. 'An Immortal Mansion is emerging at Luoyue Lake? Why haven't I heard a thing?'

"With you here, Brother Zhao, we're sure to have a good haul."

Li Conglong said with an unreadable smile.

Zhao Xiong sighed.

"Then again, the Xu and Luo Families have locked down the south and north shores. We can't get through."

"A lot of Loose Cultivators are planning to charge the west shore. We could try to fish in troubled waters."

Li Conglong's heart lurched again.

'The Xu and Luo Families are plotting together to exploit the Immortal Mansion at Luoyue Lake?'

'Those two families have gotten that close?'

'Then why would the Xu Family invite the Li Family to jointly develop that Resource Land, supposedly behind the Luo Family's back?'

A flurry of thoughts flashed through his mind like lightning, but his expression remained calm as he asked,

"The Xu Family and the Luo Family have joined forces?"

"That's right."

Zhao Xiong sneered.

"Those two have been cozy for a while now. When the Immortal Mansion appeared, they teamed up to block the news, trying to hog all the benefits for themselves."

"If some Loose Cultivator hadn't escaped from the bottom of the lake and spilled the beans, we'd all still be in the dark."

Li Conglong lowered his head and sipped his tea, but inside, his mind was reeling.

'Someone is setting a trap!'

'On the one hand, the Xu Family offers to share benefits with the Li Family for no reason. On the other, they're working with the Luo Family to carve up the Immortal Mansion.'

'Even if the Xu Family has a massive appetite, they can't possibly handle both.'

'The most likely explanation is that the Xu and Luo Families don't want a three-way power balance to form around Luoyue Lake, so they plan to eliminate the Li Family first.'

'The Resource Land is the bait, specifically meant to lure me into their trap!'

'Such a vicious scheme...'

A chill ran down Li Conglong's spine.

'News as big as an Immortal Mansion's appearance has spread so far that even Loose Cultivators have heard, yet my Li Family remains completely oblivious!'

'The Xu and Luo Families must have deliberately hidden the news from us, using the Resource Land to divert my attention.'

'In that case, the message my little sister brought was probably also deliberately leaked by Xu Ruowang!'

Li Conglong's eyes turned icy. He raised his teacup, using the motion of drinking to mask his expression.

'The Li Family nearly walked right into a trap, from which we might never have recovered!'

"Brother Zhao, when does this Immortal Mansion open?"

Li Conglong put down his teacup and asked nonchalantly.

"I heard it's in the next few days."

Zhao Xiong scratched his head.

"As for a specific time, no one can say for sure. But the Xu and Luo Families have already gathered a lot of people to guard the lake shore."

Li Conglong nodded, his mind made up.

"Brother Zhao, I have some family matters to attend to, so I must take my leave. We can discuss the Immortal Mansion later."

He stood up and bid farewell to Zhao Xiong.

"All right. You go on and take care of your business."

Zhao Xiong waved a hand, smiling.

"If you head for the west shore, remember to call me."

Li Conglong gave a sound of agreement and strode away.

...

...

「Inside the [Foundation Establishment Realm], Jiang Yi walked between the furrows of a field.」

As Li Conglong broke through to the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer, a verdant green sapling slowly emerged from the soil.

When this "Qi Cultivation Immortal Sapling" matured, he would be able to obtain a stream of perfected Wood Element Qi and temper it into Dharma Nature.

Then, his Wood Armor Technique would be complete.

Jiang Yi stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze distant and profound.

He sensed Li Conglong's every move in the Marketplace, and a faint smile touched his lips.

'The danger has passed. The storm is gathering. If the "Seven Killings" can seize this opportunity, they can rise with the tide.'

'In the heavens, Jia Wood is thunder and the dragon. On the earth, it is the pillar and the beam, embodying the majestic power that reaches for the heavens.'

'It perfectly matches the imagery of a clan spreading its branches and leaves, flourishing for generations.'

'Now that Li Conglong has broken through to the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer, the Jia Wood sapling is growing strong. Everything is proceeding as planned.'

Jiang Yi looked up into the void, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

The premonition of danger he'd been sensing grew ever more distinct.

'It seems the [Immortal Dao] can no longer sit still. They're in a hurry to make a move against me.'