Capítulo 68: Chapter 68: Preparing for Seclusion
The attendees were shocked by this suggestion.
Merge with a sect?
Does that mean our Li family would be effectively extinct?
The Elder's expression also became awkward. He coughed and smiled wryly:
"Xiaoyou, sects in this world all have their own issues. If our entire Li family were to merge, we would certainly be broken up to prevent trouble. At that point, we would truly cease to exist."
He felt some resentment, thinking, although I told you to speak plainly, this is too direct—it's practically suggesting the extermination of our Li family.
He took a deep breath and continued:
"Moreover, there is only a branch of the Divine Talisman Sect near Guyang County. Its strength is not much different from our Li family, so there is really no need to join."
"If we really want to join a sect, we would have to relocate the entire family to Yongning Prefecture, which is a significant cost."
Relocating the entire family would mean losing the assets they had cultivated in Guyang County for many years, which they could not accept.
Lu An, however, smiled slightly and explained:
"I'm not suggesting you move to Yongning Prefecture. Places like that have many powerful families, and with the Li family's strength, it wouldn't be long before you're swallowed up."
"What do you mean then?"
Lu An walked to the center of the hall and addressed the crowd:
"To be frank, a new sect will soon be established in Guyang County, called the Three Talismans Sect. I am referring to this place."
"A new sect?"
The people below were surprised. They had never heard of it before.
"This sect is still in the preparatory stages, and I have a good relationship with its sect master. If you wish to join, he would likely welcome you warmly."
Since County Guard Mo Xuan was inconvenient to appear, the nominal sect master of the Three Talismans Sect was Gu Chuanfei.
Recently, he had been busy setting up the sect, with the location already chosen in the Baishi Mountain Range, not far from Guyang County.
This place had a second-grade high-quality spiritual vein, quite remarkable, but it was occupied by many powerful demon beasts.
Gu Chuanfei wanted to clear them out, but lacked the manpower, and so far, he had only recruited a few hundred people, most of whom were Qi Refining cultivators, with only three Foundation Establishment cultivators.
If the Li family could join, it would be a great boost.
"Three Talismans Sect? Who is organizing it?"
"It is organized by a Core Formation cultivator, Senior Gu."
The Elder, upon hearing this, immediately thought of Gu Chuanfei's figure. He had attended the event during the succession struggle and was familiar with the situation.
He knew that Gu Chuanfei was a newly ascended Core Formation cultivator in Guyang County, and Lu An had a close relationship with him.
A sect established by a Core Formation cultivator would be sufficient for Guyang County. However, compared to the entire Qi Kingdom, it would be relatively minor.
Typically, large sects had at least one Nascent Soul cultivator, and stronger ones might even have three. For example, the Tianshui Sect in Qi Kingdom had three Nascent Soul cultivators, making it the top sect in Qi Kingdom, and not far behind the imperial court.
Yet, the Tianshui Sect was not prominent on the Myriad Mountains Continent due to the lack of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, which kept it from making a significant impact.
The Elder pondered for a while before slowly asking:
"Will Senior Gu allow us to join the Three Talismans Sect?"
"That's for sure. If you join, I can vouch for you and help ensure the Li family overcomes this crisis."
In reality, Lu An did not need to say anything. Gu Chuanfei would not let the Li family face any issues.
Consider this: a newly established sect has the weakest cohesion. If it can't even protect its own disciples, how could it talk about future prospects?
The Elder nodded and looked at Lu An:
"This matter is crucial. Allow me to think it over for a few days and then give you an answer."
"That's understandable. After you've made your decision, you can find me at Lingfu Residence."
Having said that, he turned to Li Ziyou and Yuan Zong.
"Since the matter is settled, I will not stay any longer. Brother Li, could you see me out, and Brother Yuan as well?"
Li Ziyou, knowing that Lu An had something to say, immediately took Yuan Zong with him to a secluded place. Once they were in an unoccupied area, Lu An slowly began to speak:
"Actually, it's nothing serious. I plan to enter seclusion for a long time after returning, which might take a few years. I wanted to inform you, Brother Li."
Li Ziyou was slightly surprised and asked:
"That long?"
Lu An nodded:
"Although my strength is considerable among those at my level, it does not match my current status, which could lead to unforeseen disasters in the future."
"I plan to stay in seclusion until I reach the full stage of Qi Refining. I won't leave until I achieve this."
"I would like to ask Brother Li to help me procure as many Foundation Establishment Pills as possible during this period. The more, the better, for when I emerge from seclusion."
"As for the spirit stones, you can collect them directly from Bai Sheng. I'll notify him."
Li Ziyou nodded solemnly and made a mental note to ensure that Lu An's cultivation did not fall behind during this period.
Lu An then turned to Yuan Zong and continued:
"Also, I need to trouble Brother Yuan. Could you possibly set up a first-grade Qi Gathering Formation?"
Qi Gathering Formations are not uncommon, with many major sects using them. This formation accelerates the absorption of spiritual energy and has no side effects. The only drawback is that it cannot be moved once set up, and it consumes a significant amount of spirit stones, which ordinary cultivators cannot afford.
However, with Lu An's current financial resources, supporting a first-grade Qi Gathering Formation should be manageable.
Yuan Zong, who had a good impression of Lu An, did not hesitate:
"It's no problem. Even if Brother Lu wanted a second-grade Qi Gathering Formation, I could arrange it for you."
Lu An was surprised. A second-grade Qi Gathering Formation? Could it be that Yuan Zong has already reached the level of a second-grade Formation Master?
Yuan Zong, sensing Lu An's thoughts, explained:
"I'm still a bit away from being a second-grade Formation Master, but my ancestors passed down a clever method that allows me to barely set up one."
"However, its effectiveness is slightly weaker than a second-grade Qi Gathering Formation, and the spirit stone consumption is significantly higher."
Lu An understood. Formation Masters and Talisman Masters have similarities, and both are difficult to achieve mastery in. He himself became a second-grade Talisman Master with the help of the Four Treasures of the Study in his sea of consciousness. If Yuan Zong could reach this level on his own, he would indeed be exceptionally talented.
Even if Yuan Zong was still somewhat short of the mark, his accomplishments in formation arts were admirable.
Lu An refocused and shook his head, saying:
"Brother Yuan, a first-grade Qi Gathering Formation will suffice. I can't afford a second-grade one, especially not the makeshift version you mentioned."
"Also, I need to trouble Brother Yuan to set up a few defensive formations in Lingfu Residence while you're at it. At the very least, a warning formation."
He did not want a repeat of the Ding family's night raid, even though that night had been unforgettable.
Yuan Zong was not surprised and agreed to the request.
With these matters settled, Lu An returned to Lingfu Residence.
Bai Sheng and Zhao Wenliang had completed their assessment and were discussing something in the hall.
Seeing the two of them dressed in the uniform robes issued by the Talisman Palace, with a badge on their chests bearing the number "One," Lu An's eyes lit up.
He nodded in satisfaction and said:
"It looks like both of you passed the assessment smoothly. Good job."
The two of them quickly approached when they heard Lu An's voice.
Zhao Wenliang spoke first:
"It's not just passing; Bai Sheng even secured the top spot!"
Bai Sheng's face turned red, and he appeared somewhat bashful, but his eyes revealed a sense of pride.
Lu An smiled slightly. Since Bai Sheng could now draw first-grade high-quality talismans, it was expected that he would achieve first place.
After praising them, Lu An said to Bai Sheng:
"Take some spirit stones and buy some Qi Refining pills from Miaodan Hall for me. I have a specific use for them."
Bai Sheng was intrigued but did not ask further and immediately went to handle the task.
After a while, Lu An looked at the several bottles of Qi Condensation Pills in his hand with satisfaction.
These pills were the most commonly used for Qi Refining cultivators, promoting cultivation with their effects.
Before long, Yuan Zong also arrived with various formation disks and flags, having thoroughly set up the Lingfu Residence with formations. The setup was praised by everyone.
With the medicinal pills and formations ready, along with Lu An's minor Qi Gathering Talisman, it was expected that his progress would not be slow.
He instructed everyone and then entered the secret chamber, retrieving a jade coffin from his storage.
"It's time to explore the secret of this jade coffin. First, I will practice the Yimu Spirit Soul Technique, then advance my Changchun Gong!"
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