Chapter 813 - 430: Cangyuan Secret Realm (Part 2)
Kun Yuanba raised his eyebrows slightly, showing interest in the secret transaction proposed by Li Mu. Li Mu is a top-tier Artifact Refining Master of this era; collaborating with him would greatly benefit Kun Family’s overall strength.
"Oh? Sect Master Li is willing to conduct transactions with our Kun Family?" Kun Yuanba’s tone carried a hint of surprise as he looked at Li Mu and asked, "This is indeed an alluring proposal. What exactly does Sect Master Li have in mind?"
"Has Clan Leader Kun heard of Li’s Treasure Tower?" Li Mu smiled slightly and asked.
"Li’s Treasure Tower, of course, I’ve heard of it. Though established not long ago, it sells nothing but top-quality Spiritual Artifacts and Spirit Pills, and it is well acclaimed among cultivators. Could it be that Sect Master Li means..." A glint of understanding flashed in Kun Yuanba’s eyes, seeming to have guessed Li Mu’s intention.
"Indeed, this tower is managed by people I appointed. Would the Kun Family be willing to engage in deep collaboration with Li’s Treasure Tower?" Li Mu nodded affirmatively, confirming Kun Yuanba’s guess, deciding to support the Kun Family.
The Eight Great Clans are certainly not a bloc. Supporting some while suppressing others is how Li Mu aims to achieve his desired outcome.
Upon hearing this, Kun Yuanba frowned and pondered, seeming to weigh the pros and cons of this proposal. Collaborating with Li’s Treasure Tower means collaborating with Li Mu. With his superior Artifact Refining Skill, it would undoubtedly bring enormous benefits to the Kun Family.
However, beneath enormous benefits often lurk unknown dangers. As the Clan Leader of Kun Family, Kun Yuanba must proceed cautiously and consider comprehensively.
"Sect Master Li, why suddenly have this notion?" Kun Yuanba asked, looking at Li Mu with significant meaning.
Meeting Kun Yuanba’s gaze, Li Mu responded calmly, "Clan Leader Kun, to be frank, the reason I have this thought is because I regard highly the strength and potential of the Kun Family. Another important reason is the Cangyuan Secret Realm; I hope the Kun Family will wholeheartedly support me."
"Hmm! Could it be that there is something in the Secret Realm that Sect Master Li is intent on obtaining?" Kun Yuanba’s expression became solemn, staring at Li Mu and asking cautiously.
At this, Li Mu shook his head and chuckled, denying, "I have no items that I am intent on obtaining, Clan Leader Kun misunderstood. I merely wish to plant some high-tier Spirit Plants within the Cangyuan Secret Realm. These Spirit Plants are extremely beneficial to my cultivation, but require very specific external environmental conditions, which only the unique environment of the Cangyuan Secret Realm can satisfy."
After listening, Kun Yuanba furrowed his brows, seemingly not fully satisfied with this explanation. He pondered for a moment and then tentatively asked, "Just to plant a batch of Spirit Plants? If needed, why doesn’t Sect Master Li collaborate with us... what Spirit Plants cannot be found? So troublesome?"
Li Mu took a deep breath and solemnly said, "Clan Leader Kun, what I said contains no deceit; my aim is indeed merely to plant a batch of special Spirit Plants in the Cangyuan Secret Realm. I can swear upon my Dao Heart and also guarantee that the Kun Family’s interests in this transaction will not be harmed."
Kun Yuanba heard and showed a trace of surprise in his eyes, not expecting Li Mu to be so earnest, even willing to swear on his Dao Heart as testimony, which inevitably increased his trust in Li Mu.
"Thank you, Sect Master Li, for your trust. However, matters concerning the Cangyuan Secret Realm require unanimous agreement from the Eight Great Clans for the decision to pass. What the Kun Family can accomplish is very limited!" Kun Yuanba furrowed his brow, speaking with some difficulty.
Li Mu nodded, expressing understanding towards Kun Yuanba’s predicament, then candidly said, "Clan Leader Kun, I understand your meaning. This matter should be considered long-term, with careful planning; it’s not difficult to resolve."
"Oh? What great strategy does Sect Master Li have?" Kun Yuanba asked curiously.
Li Mu smiled slightly and confidently said, "Clan Leader Kun, if we can allow the other seven clans to see the tangible benefits of our collaboration, then they would naturally be willing to support me entering the Cangyuan Secret Realm to plant Spirit Plants."
After hearing this, a glint flashed in Kun Yuanba’s eyes, understanding the intention of Li Mu. He aims to use benefits to tempt the Eight Great Clans. Though this method is straightforward and crude, it is very effective, as no clan would refuse enormous benefits, and the Kun Family stands to gain the most as the first to seize this opportunity.
Kun Yuanba contemplated silently, realizing this was a rare opportunity; if he could establish a long-term collaborative relationship with Li Mu, the Kun Family’s future would reap great rewards, possibly even surpassing Nangong and Wang Families to become the leading clan.
Kun Yuanba took a deep breath, looking at Li Mu, solemnly said, "Sect Master Li, this plan is indeed very attractive; I agree!"
Li Mu heard and showed a satisfied smile, confidently saying, "Clan Leader Kun, thank you for your trust; our cooperation will certainly be very successful."
"Indeed, indeed, the thanks are due to Sect Master Li." Kun Yuanba laughed heartily, implying, "However, the specific details of the cooperation still need further discussion."
"Of course." Li Mu nodded and replied, "When the time comes, I’ll have Shopkeeper Liu visit for discussions about the cooperation details."
The two conversed happily, and Li Mu served Spirit Tea in hospitality.
Several days later, Liu Yalan represented Li Mu in conducting multiple deep communications and exchanges with Kun Family. Both parties conducted detailed discussions and planning regarding the cooperation on spiritual materials procurement, spiritual artifact transactions, etc., including resource sharing, benefits distribution, and more.
Time flew by. Under Li Mu’s concession, Kun Family reaped great benefits from this cooperation, refining the Chi Lian Fire Phoenix, Cyan Jade Ginseng King’s high-tier Spirit Pills and Spirit Talismans, with Li Mu personally refining Tier Six Spiritual Treasures. Various rare resources flowed continuously, laying a solid foundation for the Kun Family’s strength leap.
As the collaboration deepened, the Kun Family members increasingly felt the huge benefits brought by this partnership. Not only did the family’s treasure vault grow richer, but the cultivation of family members also advanced rapidly due to acquiring high-quality cultivation resources.
The Kun Family’s status among other clans also gradually rose. Clans initially competing with the Kun Family saw its significant growth due to the collaboration with Li Mu, were shaken, and began probing Liu Yalan’s stance, seeking to collaborate with Li Mu similarly – none received satisfying replies.
However, the Kun Family’s Clan Leader successfully commissioned Li Mu to refine Daoist Soldiers, which is already underway, making the Seven Great Clans very alarmed.
The Kun Family somehow managed to cozy up to Li Mu, who is a mighty figure supported by the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, possessing Array and Artifact Dual Mastery, and a veritable genius titan. With their collaboration, the Kun Family thrives, its influence steadily rising.
The Seven Great Clans naturally see this and feel urgent concern.
They each attempted to contact Li Mu but were invariably politely rejected; Li Mu seems to favor only the Kun Family, which left other clans feeling deeply frustrated.
Moreover, the news of the Kun Family’s Clan Leader commissioning Li Mu to refine the Daoist Soldiers was like a heavy bomb, stirring great upheaval among the Seven Great Clans. Daoist Soldiers are incredibly powerful; once successfully refined, the Kun Family’s strength would ascend further, which is unacceptable to other clans.
The Seven Great Clans gathered again to discuss countermeasures.
"That shameless old scoundrel Kun Yuanba somehow managed to cozy up to that guy, surely promising something." The white-haired Clan Leader Wang Hong of Wang Family said angrily.
"Now what? If we let Kun Yuanba obtain Daoist Soldiers and continue to flaunt his power?" Clan Leader Ji Zhantian of Ji Family asked worriedly, looking at everyone.
"We must find a way to stop him! We can’t sit idly by." Shangguan Yun frowned deeply, suggesting.
"Easy to say, how to act? Directly attack the Kun Family?" Clan Leader Ouyang Wu of Ouyang Family sneered coldly, rebutting, "The Kun Family now has the Sword Sect Supreme Elder’s backing, extensive high-tier Spirit Treasures supporting, and once they have Daoist Soldiers, we can’t beat them even together."
"Don’t forget, two thousand years ago, Central State Spirit Realm’s top cultivation clans numbered thirteen; now, only eight remain!" Nangong Lie reminded the clan leaders present ominously, "If we let the Kun Family become dominant, who can assure they won’t gradually devour us?"
Hearing this, the vast conference room fell into silence. The clan leaders faced each other with grave expressions, filled with worry. They all understood clearly that the Kun Family’s rise posed a significant threat to their status and interests.