I Accumulate Spirit Roots for My Next Life

Three months ago, the Ninth Prince had already left the residence to travel the Dynasty.

Ostensibly, it was to temper his Dao Foundation, but he took a clerk with him, and when the Crown Prince spoke to him about it that night, his eyes were furious.

Clearly, the Ninth Prince wanted to inspect the realms and summarize what he saw, scoring points before the Saint Emperor.

At that time, the Crown Prince even encouraged Li Jizhou to find a way to join the Ninth Prince.

Since it was impossible to stop the Ninth Prince’s actions, having the Seventh Prince do the same might at least balance the Saint Emperor’s favor.

Back then, Li Jizhou replied to the Crown Prince that the Ninth Prince had refused his request.

Now Chongwen Residence spoke, and it was time for Li Jizhou to travel.

For a dynasty like Jiuli, where royal power is supreme and tyranny is the rule, where individual strength is paramount in the pursuit of Dao and ascension, the suffering of the people and difficulties of living are of no real concern to the rulers.

In such a nation, the people are merely blood bags for the royal family and the ruling class.

As long as the blood bags continuously supply the ruling class, fend off foreign invasions, and sustain the rulers, it’s enough.

Anyway, they are cultivators, they won’t starve to death.

Therefore, the ruling class’s primary concern is population size, particularly birth rates and emigration to other countries.

Secondly, ensuring there is no rebellion.

They don’t even need to put up a facade like ordinary dynasties, pretending to care about people’s suffering and being concerned about the realm before literati and ministers.

The court in this dynasty is composed of high-tier cultivators, all chasing resources, all vested interests.

Expecting them to allocate resources to the people? Fool’s dream.

Of course, there are those like Chongwen Residence who genuinely hope for the nation to prosper and the people to be strong.

However, such men are destined not to hold office in such a dynasty.

After bidding farewell to Chongwen Residence, Li Jizhou waited for a few days.

Until Hong Luan returned.

“Master, it’s been months apart, did you miss me?” Hong Luan habitually teased Li Jizhou with her fluffy tail.

Li Jizhou grabbed her tail and rubbed it, asking, “Enough teasing, how is it? Did you find Liu Hongling?”

Over the year, besides sending Cyan Dome to the Eastern Desolation to find Gua Gua, he had dispatched Hong Luan to Cangming’s Imperial City to look for Liu Hongling.

In the Dynasty, the line of Earth Spirit Masters was not particularly favored.

Firstly, Central State’s earth veins are buried deep, unlike the treasures that can be found in the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp.

Secondly, apart from Earth Spirit Masters’ skill in finding dragon spots, their offensive techniques cannot compare with Central State’s high-tier cultivators, and advancing as an Earth Spirit Master is far more difficult than cultivating Magical Power.

However, half a year ago, Li Jizhou learned more from Chongwen Residence about the Celestial Spirit Master, the progenitor of the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp, and developed a hypothesis for advancing Earth Spirit Masters, hence the desire to locate Liu Hongling.

“Master, the Liu Sister you mentioned, I searched the entire Cangming’s Imperial City but found no trace. Are you sure she is there?” Hong Luan flirtatiously asked.

Li Jizhou frowned slightly at her words.

Before his previous life’s demise, he heard from the Shangguan family that An Liuli had been captured in Cangming’s Imperial City. He initially thought that given An Liuli’s closeness to Liu Hongling and her status as an Earth Spirit Master, she might have been taken together.

Now it seems not.

“Is she dead or alive? If alive, could she still be in Guzhu City?” Li Jizhou shook his head, not willing to dwell on it.

The Ten Thousand Poison Swamp harbors deep hostility towards Jiuli Dynasty, making it impossible to send someone to investigate Guzhu City.

Half-demons find it easy to become playthings there.

Li Jizhou temporarily shelved the idea of finding Liu Hongling.

“It’s time to go out and explore!” To establish a Top-Grade Dao Foundation, one needs enlightenment from the heavens.

Moreover, over the year, Li Jizhou had exhausted almost all his stored resources in cultivation; it’s time to seek more Spirit Stones from the Crown Prince and Dragon Aspect.

Early the next morning, Li Jizhou actively sought out the Crown Prince.

“Brother, yesterday I heard people say that Ninth Brother’s current tour of the world is to understand people’s sufferings and comprehend the state affairs of our Jiuli Dynasty, which many praise.

Some even say that Ninth Brother’s actions will surely win Father’s commendation.

I’m afraid, upon his return, I won’t be able to compete for favor with him anymore!”

The Crown Prince had long understood the Ninth Prince’s intentions and was already quite irritated; Li Jizhou’s deliberate mention made him even more anxious.

He glared at Li Jizhou, displeased: “Old Qi, I told you last time to join Old Jiu, and what happened? You were merely refused and gave up. Now, watching helplessly as Old Jiu is about to seize your favor, you don’t attempt to make amends and instead act resigned. What am I supposed to think of you?”

“Brother, you’re right, but at this point, how should I make amends?” Li Jizhou earnestly inquired.

Hearing his words, the Crown Prince’s expression improved slightly, as he leaned closer: “What else can you do? If Old Jiu can travel the world and return offering advice to Father, why can’t you?”

“Brother means for me to travel the world now too?” Li Jizhou feigned ignorance.

“Not only must you go, but you must also outperform Old Jiu!” The Crown Prince looked at Li Jizhou, increasingly frustrated.

“Outperform Ninth Brother? Please teach me, Brother!”

“Ah, you… how do you compete for Father’s favor with Old Jiu? Come closer!” The Crown Prince shook his head in disdain, finally guiding his brother earnestly:

“He merely observes, you must act!”

“He sees the people’s hardships; you must resolve them and bring relief, showcasing your kindness and compassion, naturally gaining Father’s favor!”

“…” After listening to the Crown Prince, Li Jizhou was momentarily speechless.

Unable to discern if the Crown Prince was ensnared by Dragon Aspect’s ministers’ Dragon Slaying Skill or setting a trap for him.

In such a society, should a prince genuinely act accordingly, he could indeed win public accolades and even earn the Saint Emperor’s commendation.

However, this would basically destroy any chance of assuming the throne.

Regardless of the Crown Prince’s intentions, his words suited Li Jizhou’s goals.

“Brother’s advice has been enlightening; your foolish brother has gained much, and will set off tomorrow. However, Brother, please support me with some Spirit Stones, otherwise, I lack the means to aid the people!”

“…” The Crown Prince abruptly stared at Li Jizhou.

This guy speaks so forthrightly now?

Over the year, Li Jizhou borrowed many Spirit Stones from the Crown Prince.

Ultimately, Crown Prince Li Zhi nodded and provided Li Jizhou with ten thousand Middle Grade Spirit Stones once more.

To counter the Ninth Prince, the Crown Prince went all in.

Leaving the Crown Prince’s Mansion satisfied, just returning to the Seven Kings’ Palace, Long Zhenxiao arrived.

Wood Element Spirit Stones are the greatest asset for Li Jizhou’s cultivation, yet Wood Element Spirit Stones are not something easily obtained by just anyone, even if he has Spirit Stones, they are hard to buy.

Thus, his highest demand from Long Zhenxiao is for Wood Attribute Spirit Stones.