Chapter 370 - 223: Dragon Aspect Conspiracy
The red sun rises in the east, as dawn spreads across the sky.
On the official road leading from the Imperial City to Northwest Cangzhou, at the forefront is a handsome young nobleman with sword-like brows and starry eyes, bright eyes, and shining teeth. On his left is a lovely lady in red, and on his right is a tall, hat-wearing maiden, all walking leisurely towards the morning sun.
Central State is the foundation of the Ancestral Source, vast for millions of miles.
The Jiuli Dynasty alone spans fifteen states.
Any one of the six inner states is no less vast than the Eastern Desolate Southern Domain.
However, due to the autocratic monarchy, which has suppressed and cleansed for tens of thousands of years, there are no sects or factions within the Jiuli Dynasty, at most some minor aristocratic families, who are also dependent on the court, so it is not as chaotic as the Eastern Desolation.
Especially under the feet of the emperor in the six inner states, Evil Cultivators, Demon Dao, and even Robbers have almost no place to stand.
But the outer nine states are not so safe, although there are state officials to maintain order, the methods of cultivators are many, and the officials are not all high-tier cultivators.
Li Jizhou and the others deliberately slowed their pace, waiting for the situation after the Ninth Prince left the inner states, enjoying a leisurely journey.
“Hong Luan, have you practiced the method of Dual Cultivation?” Li Jizhou asked casually.
Hong Luan giggled, seeing no one around, a fuzzy tail emerged from beneath her cloak, sweeping over Li Jizhou: “Giggle~ Is the young master planning to take me?”
“I have the idea, but you need to refine the upper technique of Dual Cultivation.” Having practiced dual cultivation for ten years with An Liuli in his previous life, Li Jizhou naturally included this in his cultivation means.
Of course, he never concealed his curiosity and desire for exploration of other races.
“Rest assured, young master. Once we return this time, I shall concentrate on practicing the secret technique of Dual Cultivation!” Hong Luan remained smiling, making it hard for Li Jizhou to discern if she was teasing or sincere.
However, Li Jizhou did not need to discern, as Hong Luan was his maid. When he wanted, she should provide.
The same rule applied to the other three women.
Having said that, Li Jizhou looked at the Sable.
It seemed she did not hear his conversation with Hong Luan, as her eyes darted around cautiously, ears lifting and lowering the hat that covered them.
Li Jizhou did not disturb her. With her beside him, his sense of security greatly increased.
After another month, sometimes flying, sometimes walking, observing the Jiuli Dynasty distinct from his past Eastern Desolation, feeling spiritual energy abundant without barren spots, occasionally exchanging words with the people, they had already thoroughly left the capital city, setting foot into Cangzhou territory.
“Young Master Li, we’ve reached Cangzhou. If it pleases you, would you like to visit our family’s home?” Two itinerant merchants at the Qi Cultivation Stage met on the way, looked at the Cangzhou city gates with smiles and invited Li Jizhou.
The two brothers make a living traveling to and from the Imperial City, selling small items, not earning much Spirit Stone but living without worries, meeting minimal cultivation needs.
In their early twenties, both reached the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation and still held future expectations.
Their biggest goal is to accumulate enough wealth for a Foundation Establishment Pill when reaching the peak of Qi Cultivation.
Understanding through minor details, Li Jizhou conversed with them, gaining more knowledge about the Jiuli Dynasty’s livelihood.
After all, being cultivators, compared to common mortal dynasties with natural disasters and death threats, the people of a cultivation dynasty are more easily satisfied.
Moreover, because spiritual energy is plentiful, minimum cultivation needs for lower-level cultivators are mostly met. Additionally, many have limited talents, unable to pursue higher-level resources.
Also, the royal family is offered the nation’s resources and possesses the Quasi-Immortal Artifact to fortify the country, leaving lower-level cultivators nearly no chance, so the rebellion probability is small.
Those who truly rebel are court ministers, royal nobles, those with a strong demand for higher-level resources.
“I appreciate the kind offer, but I have matters to attend to. Let’s part ways here, the mountains high and roads far, until we meet again!” Li Jizhou smiled and waved.
“Until we meet again!”
Watching the brothers leave, Li Jizhou, along with his companions, stepped into Cangzhou City.
——-
Meanwhile, in a dim secret chamber.
“The eunuch delivered news that the Saint Emperor has taken the Tier Six Lifespan Extension Pill again, with little effect!” Empty yet suddenly a voice emerged from a chamber with nine clay statues.
However, after the voice sounded, no response came for a long time, creating a somewhat oppressive atmosphere.
“Alas!” A long sigh followed, with another voice: “Like this, the Saint Emperor likely has only two hundred years of lifespan left.”
“I have pushed the Array to its limits, utilizing all accessible high-tier array bases, yet… it still requires at least 150 years!”
“What shall we do? Tradition dictates that even if the Saint Emperor hasn’t appointed a successor, once the previous emperor’s life expectancy drops below a hundred, the Ancestral Artifact must be passed on. Wouldn’t our millennial planning go to waste!”
…
Discussion arose, filled with dissatisfaction.
“Has there been any word on the Guanghan Seal from the Moon Worship Dynasty?”
“Emperor Cangming has executed over ten commander-level nobles in pursuit, yet no results. It seems that plan must be abandoned.”
“Therefore… we can only seek the Immortal Elixir to help His Majesty extend his lifespan further.”
“Easy to say, but how could we, in our current state, have such fortune to acquire the Immortal Elixir? Furthermore, even if fortune gifted it, why let him have the benefit?”
“What else but our millennium arrangements coming to nothing? We’ve invested as much as the Immortal Elixir over a thousand years!”
“I say, with Emperor Cangming’s support, why bother with such meticulous planning? Strike unexpectedly, there’s a chance for victory!”
“Fool! Have you not witnessed the power of the Quasi-Immortal Artifact? Why have the nine great dynasties had endless disputes without any being wiped out? It’s because the Quasi-Immortal Artifact fortifies each nation.”
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