Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

”Saying that old thief just wants to survive and is thinking of opposing the Upper Sect, even fancifully trying to cultivate True Pill Power to match the Upper Sect? How foolish!”

Qin Songyuan showed a bitter smile: ”Indeed, the Liu Family’s foundation isn’t even as strong as ours. Saying that we have the ambition is far more believable than saying the Liu Family does.”

”Has there been any lead on the rumor monger?” Qin Henian no longer cared about the latest gossip.

Qin Songyuan shook his head helplessly: ”This person acts meticulously, always using Secret Talismans to spread rumors, and besides the Liu Family Market, traces are found in Immortal Cities across other markets, the scope is vast, irregular, and without leads.”

”Can we start with the Secret Talisman?”

”Impossible, once the Secret Talisman is handled, after disseminating ethereal rumors, it turns to ashes, leaving no trace to follow.”

”The source of such technique in the Secret Talisman?”

”The functionality is only that of ordinary Tier One Communication Talismans, but the methods... My grandchildren gathered many Tier One Talisman Masters and none could replicate it, even consulting with Elder Zhou of the Upper Sect, whose skill as a Second Tier Talisman Master also found it difficult to reproduce, likely using some yet-to-be-exposed technique.” Qin Songyuan reported truthfully.

”Then tell me, what is the intent of this person? Intentionally tarnishing my reputation, or harboring hatred against the Liu Family?” Qin Henian’s expression was unpredictable.

”To spread such rumors, there are only three purposes. The first, having a feud with the Liu Family, coincidentally the actions of the ancestor years ago have lessened their concerns, possibly even inspired by the ancestor’s methods.

The second, intentionally provoking conflict between the Qin Family and the Liu Family, akin to watching tigers fight from the mountain, this move must be guarded against, likely wanting to replace one of the five main family forces.

The third, harboring resentment against our Qin Family, framing us to use the Liu Family as the knife.” Qin Songyuan already had an outline in mind.

He continued with his analysis: ”However, our Qin Family sitting in the Southwest rarely makes enemies, always upholding virtues and broad favors, it’s hard to imagine who would resent us, so the third point can essentially be ruled out.

As for the second, given the current situation of Cangyun State, I have yet to see any power capable of replacing the five families, and the Outer States forces likely disdain involvement, so I believe this too can be ruled out.”

Qin Henian nodded in satisfaction, as he got older, he was less willing to think, having a grandson who likes to think made things much easier for him.

Facing Qin Songyuan’s well-founded analysis, Qin Henian widened his eyes, a glint flashing between them: ”Then, it is said, this person has a grudge against the Liu Family!”

”Hahaha, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, I would like to meet this fellow Daoist.”

Qin Songyuan slightly hesitated at these words, and finally could only sigh silently, not daring to speak further.

Qin Henian’s focus on the Liu Family is indeed an unwise move for the Qin Family, but Qin Songyuan understood the feelings between the ancestor and Liu Jingchun, and he couldn’t persuade him.

”You try to find a way to contact this Daoist.”

Qin Songyuan wore a helpless expression: ”Ancestor, this person spreads rumors with such secretive means because he is unwilling or afraid to expose himself, it’s unlikely we can contact him.”

Qin Henian rubbed his palm, a flash of inspiration: ”Since we can’t contact him privately, then let’s publicize contact, share the information we know.”

”This...” Qin Songyuan stopped, isn’t contact for conspiring?

After thinking about his ancestor’s style, he understood.

Moreover, if the other side responds, it could slightly reduce the Qin Family’s suspicion of spreading rumors.

Thus, that day he arranged for clansmen to secretly release information, continuing to reveal the Liu Family’s dirty laundry and sending a remote message to Li Ji’an, seeking cooperation.

----------

While the outside world despised the latest rumor as baseless, within the Liu Family’s ancestral land, there was a sense of dread, sweat flowing.

Led by Liu Changgeng, a small group of informed high-ranking family members sat around, their faces all gloomy.

”Who is it? Why does someone know our actions so accurately?”

”Even the timing is perfectly spot-on?”

”Those who know about this matter are only us few.”

...

Liu Changgeng’s sinister triangular eyes swept over the others one by one.

”Patriarch, you know me, since beginning to consolidate five years ago, I have been secluded and never left the ancestral land, nor contacted the outside world.”

”I have always been tight-lipped, not revealing even a bit in my sleep.”

”Father, you wouldn’t suspect me, right?”

...

Each person attested to their innocence.

Liu Changgeng finally snorted coldly, looking towards the bamboo grove where Liu Jingchun was confined.

The others hastily shifted responsibility.

”Could it be that old stubborn secretly communicating with Qin Henian?”

”Hmph! He claims to be for the family, how is this any different from placing our Liu Family on the chopping block?”

”Since he is unwilling to follow the ancestor’s instructions, what’s the use of keeping him? Let’s kill him.”

Liu Changgeng slowly shook his head: ”With my methods, unless personally releasing the restriction, not even a fly can enter, how can he communicate with the outside world?”

”Investigate! We must get to the bottom of this!” he ordered in a deep voice.

Fortunately, the Biyun Sect did not believe the rumors.

As the secret meeting ended, Liu Changgeng gritted his teeth: ”Regardless of whether it is that old stubborn, he is now useless to us, keeping him is instead a hidden danger, prepare to send him to join the ancestors.”

Others unanimously agreed.

Liu Changgeng finally looked around at them, a glint of ruthlessness in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Gugu was ten zhang beneath his feet.

And Li Ji’an, through Gugu, heard his words, his heart momentarily paused.

But he quickly chuckled softly.

Guessing that his final words were to detect internal spies.

Gugu had slipped from the bamboo grove with double restrictions three years ago when Liu Changgeng once again ordered Liu Jingchun to connect with the Earth Vein.