Free Web NovelChapter 538: Chapter 38: Heading Toward Core Formation
Ultimately, Master Chunyuan dismissed everyone to have a private conversation with Li Ji’an.
Although his behavior was somewhat impolite under the Business Alliance’s protocols, considering this was the Si Shui Commerce Association, even if the Alliance Leader Tong came, he would have to pay some respect to President Yuxiao.
However, having a private chat with Li Ji’an right here in the hall was much more secure than taking him outside, so President Yuxiao agreed immediately.
"Little Friend Huang, don’t be nervous. You and I both hail from the shattered Celestial Cyan Domain. Nowadays, the Celestial Cyan Domain is plagued by demon cultivators, and people live in misery. I only blame myself for my insufficient strength, unable to exorcise demons and protect the Dao. Meeting a fellow countryman today, I wanted to have a private chat with you," said Master Chunyuan fondly, full of nostalgia for his homeland, after everyone left.
"Senior’s concern for your homeland is truly admirable; please accept my condolences."
"Ah, little friend, do you still have family or friends back home?"
Li Ji’an shook his head. "I was an orphan since childhood, fortunately taken in by my master. Now that my master has passed away, I have no one left."
"Another unfortunate soul," Master Chunyuan sighed slightly.
"Then, little friend, are you aware of the Shadowless Sect’s vile tactics during this demon upheaval in the Celestial Cyan Domain?"
Li Ji’an shook his head. "Since I came here, I’ve been focused on cultivation, so I’m not aware of the later events."
Master Chunyuan immediately narrated the collusion between the Shadowless Sect and the demon cultivators of the Two Domains, with much exaggeration, though the victims were changed from the Ten Thousand Laws Palace to the common people of the Celestial Cyan Domain.
To secure a smooth Core Formation in half a year, Li Ji’an fully cooperated, immediately expressing his deep anguish.
Master Chunyuan then subtly probed Li Ji’an about his relationship with Wu Weixiong.
Li Ji’an "truthfully" stated that they met for the first time on the spiritual ship and had no further connections.
This conclusion matched the intelligence Master Chunyuan had gathered.
That’s why he had the idea of using Li Ji’an as bait to lure Wu Weixiong.
If they had been inseparable friends or had deep ties, he wouldn’t have had this idea, as it could easily backfire.
After confirming their relationship, Master Chunyuan inquired about Li Ji’an’s cultivation and preparations for the Core Formation breakthrough.
Li Ji’an also truthfully stated that apart from President Yuxiao arranging a high-level Core Formation Dao Field at Feihong Immortal City for him as a privilege of the Business Alliance’s upper echelon, he received no other support.
This drew a sigh from Master Chunyuan.
"Little Friend Huang, after all, we are foreign cultivators. It’s normal for the local cultivators to be wary of us, but... judging from your magical power, without a Core Formation Spirit Treasure, your prospects seem bleak."
Li Ji’an gave a wry smile, agreeing, but after a moment of thought, he revealed that luckily, his master left him a Core Formation Spirit Treasure, allowing him to barely make an attempt.
After all, when borrowing the Feihong Dao Field for Core Formation in half a year, the magical power cloud would be hard to conceal.
However, upon hearing this, Master Chunyuan’s expression froze momentarily, and he swallowed the words he had prepared.
In casual conversation with Li Ji’an, he first inquired if Li Ji’an had any relatives or kin back in the Celestial Cyan Domain. If he did, he could use this as leverage against Wu Weixiong, stirring hatred in Li Ji’an, making it most suitable for cooperation with him.
This was his ideal approach, but he knew the chances were slim, so after Li Ji’an mentioned having no relatives, Master Chunyuan skipped over it without much disappointment.
Since he couldn’t use hatred to drive him and found it difficult to pressure him due to Business Alliance rules and the other party’s status, he could only resort to offering benefits.
Seeing Li Ji’an’s desire to achieve Core Formation, he was prepared to offer a lower-tier Core Formation Spirit Treasure to entice cooperation.
But the other party already had a Core Formation Spirit Treasure, making him realize that the cost of enticement exceeded his original expectations.
He initially thought a lower-tier Spirit Treasure would make him ecstatic.
Now it seemed that without a top-100-ranked Core Formation Spirit Treasure, it would be difficult.
"Alas, Uncle’s Nascent Soul is the top priority!" After some quick consideration, Master Chunyuan made up his mind.
"Little friend, we seem to get along rather well today, and I would like to form an eternal friendship with you. With your current magical power, one Core Formation Spirit Treasure might not be enough for successful breakthrough.
I happen to have a top-100-ranked Core Formation Spirit Treasure, which I could give to you."
"..." Li Ji’an paused abruptly.
This move left him suspicious.
He originally thought his visit was primarily to probe his relationship with Wu Weixiong, expecting some hostility.
Unexpectedly, after some probing, he was actually offered a Core Formation Spirit Treasure!
After the shock, Li Ji’an decisively clasped his hands in salute. "Senior, I am forever grateful for your great kindness, but... how could I possibly deserve such a precious Core Formation Spirit Treasure? It’s truly... Please, Senior, clarify your intentions."
Master Chunyuan smiled warmly. "Rest assured, little friend, I mentioned earlier that meeting a fellow countryman in this foreign place stirred my homesickness. You also align well with my preferences, so I wouldn’t want to see you fail in your Core Formation.
Additionally, I do indeed need your help with a small matter."
"Senior, just give your orders, and I will spare no effort," Li Ji’an said solemnly.
"Not at all, not at all..." Master Chunyuan smiled warmly and added, "Little friend is aware that my ancestral relic was seized by the Shadowless Sect, and their Sect Leader is unreasonable. Hence, I wish to redeem this item through Wu Weixiong.
However, Wu Weixiong has long been by the side of the Shadowless Sect Leader, and I have had no opportunity.
If little friend could help arrange a private meeting with Wu Weixiong, it would be sufficient.
Of course, if Wu Weixiong knows in advance it’s me inviting him, he would surely not dare to come, so little friend needs to come up with a plan."
Li Ji’an suddenly realized.
