I come to see Bai Yujing today

Chapter 290 Plains
Chen Zhian submitted his memorial, and many undercurrents were stirring in the court.

Wohuangqiu was quite unfamiliar to many officials, simply because this mountain had never engaged in robbery or disorderly conduct, and thus had no great reputation.

Most court officials were unaware that the court had offered amnesty to Wohuangqiu several times, intending to bring the mountain and the fox general on it under the court's rule and grant the general an official title.

However, General Fox refused, and the attitudes of the various noble families were ambiguous, so the matter was left unresolved.

Unexpectedly, it was Chen Zhian who brought this matter to the forefront.

"It is said that when Chen Zhian was vying for the position of seal-holder, he also went to Wohuang Hill."

I don't know what idea he came up with, but he brought up the matter of Wohuang Hill again.

Many officials in the court were discussing the matter, unable to guess or figure out what Chen Zhian wanted to do.

However, for the several aristocratic families who have coveted Wohuangqiu for a long time, Chen Zhian's move is not a good thing.

"Did Chen Zhian learn about the origins of that Fox General?"

Xie Maoxing, the head of the Xie family, and Xie Yaoguang, an elder of the Xie family, sat facing each other.

They looked at the jade slip in their hands, each with a different expression.

Xie Yaoguang looked quite old, with age spots all over his face and deep wrinkles. His brows also had a sinister look, making him appear to be no easy person.

Xie Maoxing said, "The six families of Dayu, and even the Cheng family, all know that this General Fox comes from the Nine Departments, and they also know that the copper coin on her body is a treasure that transcends even the most precious treasures."

If that copper coin is successfully made, it can create a dragon vein, making it priceless.

"And if General Fox could break free of his shackles, he would also become a cultivator of great potential, perhaps even rising to a higher level."

"The imperial court and the six clans of Dayu are all coveting that copper coin, and coveting that General Fox."

It is precisely because of this that Wohuang Hill has been able to exist peacefully, and General Fox has been able to sit high on Wohuang Hill.

Now, the Cheng family, taking advantage of Chen Zhian, a troublemaker, has repeatedly put pressure on the six families of Dayu.

Perhaps the sage wants to use this as a pretext to seize Wohuangqiu, thus definitively settling the ownership of that copper coin and the Fox General.

Xie Yaoguang frowned: "What exactly is Emperor Zhaofu planning? I don't know why he is pressing us so hard."

Xie Maoxing and Xie Yaoguang believed that Chen Zhian's submission of the memorial was merely at the behest of the court, and not his own idea.

The two of them frowned and pondered for a long time.

"If you retreat one step, you will retreat every step of the way."

Xie Maoxing took a deep breath: "The balance between copper coins and General Fox is very likely to be completely broken. If we hand them over to the imperial court... this is not a good idea."

Having said this, he stood up and looked at the vast Xilong Pavilion: "It seems that I should host a gathering here in Xilong Pavilion and invite people from all walks of life... and even the Cheng family, for a chat."

Xie Yaoguang turned his head and asked, "Cheng family...who do you wish to invite?"

"Then please invite the Grand Commander of the Central Divine Realm," Xie Maoxing whispered.

-

Ten days later, it was already the end of February.

Chen Zhian then went to Yanxia Tower.

This time, however, Li Guiwan was merely serving tea, while a scholar sat upright at the table.

This person wore a blue turban and a white robe, and was holding a book in his hand, reading it carefully.

Only after Chen Zhian sat down did this person raise his head and look at Chen Zhian.

The scholar looked quite young, perhaps in his thirties.

His eyes were clear, and he had a smile on his lips. He was extremely refined and looked like a schoolteacher.

"General Chen." The middle-aged scholar rose slightly and clasped his hands in greeting to Chen Zhi'an.

Chen Zhian returned the greeting, then suddenly asked, "Are you Li Yuanxin, the head of the Li family?"

The middle-aged scholar was not surprised and nodded.

Li Guiwan served them and poured tea for them.

Li Yuanxin didn't say many polite words, but instead stated his purpose directly, saying with a smile: "It has been many years since I last came to Xuantianjing."

The reason I've come in person today is because of General Chen.

Chen Zhi listened quietly.

Li Yuanxin continued, "I have long wanted to meet you, this rising star, and see what kind of young person you are who can suppress so many young geniuses in the Great Yu world with your own strength."

Chen Zhian was not modest either, saying, "In this vast world, the younger generation of my Great Yu has already fallen behind."

The vast majority of resources for cultivation were seized by the six families of the Great Yu Dynasty, with only a small portion distributed among the noble families of the world.

The clear hierarchy among aristocratic families led to a similar hierarchy among their sons.

There is little competition among the younger generation of powerful families, and the Great Yu is quite closed off, resulting in the weakest younger generation among all the states.

At this point, Chen Zhian shook his head: "The Great Qian Dynasty is approaching, and the Great Qian Xuanmen and military are like fire and water, their momentum is fierce."

The head of the Li family should know that the six prominent families of Dayu, and indeed the vast majority of other aristocratic families, have no way out.

Even if one were to pledge allegiance to the Great Qian, it would depend on whether the fiercely temperamental ruler of Great Qian would grant their request.

Against this backdrop, the Great Qian invaded, and the older generation fought bravely to resist.

But if the older generation dies out, the younger generation of cultivators won't be able to shoulder the weight of the entire Great Yu Dynasty.

The head of the Li family agreed wholeheartedly and nodded, saying, "Many things in the world are not as one wishes."

I originally thought that as long as I gathered all the resources in the world, refined elixirs and medicines, and vigorously cultivated young and powerful individuals, the power of the aristocratic families would become stronger and stronger.

Unexpectedly, without external competition, the newly emerging powerful families have become increasingly weak, which is truly infuriating.

As he said this, his brows furrowed even deeper: "It's just a pity that things are like this in the world. Once things have come to this point, turning back would only mean giving up even more."

General Chen... I know you harbor resentment towards the aristocratic families, but I did not know that you are a person with the world in your heart. The distribution of many cultivation resources has already been decided.

No one among the six prominent families of the Great Yu Dynasty, or even the most powerful families in the world, was willing to share their own resources.

The imperial court was the same.

"More importantly... it's probably too late to split it off now."

With war imminent, what good is last-minute sharpening of weapons?

The head of the Li family looked directly into Chen Zhian's eyes, his gaze clear and calm.

Chen Zhian disagreed with the Li family head's words and shook his head, saying, "If we don't implement major reforms..."

The Great Yu could not stop the Great Qian.

Li Guiwan was taken aback, wondering why Chen Zhian was so audacious as to utter such disrespectful words about the fate of the nation.

Even Li Yuanxin took a closer look at Chen Zhian.

A few breaths passed.

Li Yuanxin frowned and pondered, then suddenly looked up and said, "You hold the power to punish all under heaven, a power bestowed upon you by Emperor Zhaofu."

I initially thought you were a whip in Emperor Zhaofu's hands, but now it seems... this matter is rather interesting.

As Li Yuanxin spoke, the surrounding void distorted, the clouds and mist dispersed, and even the light shining from afar was refracted into the distance.

Li Guiwan seemed not to have heard Li Yuanxin's words at all.

Chen Zhian was shocked.

This method alone is already quite remarkable.

Today, Chen Zhian's cultivation has reached the Xuanlou level, and he is not far from the Xuanchi. However, seeing that the Li family patriarch has silently isolated the void and even blocked the sunlight, he knows that Li Yuanxin's cultivation is by no means an ordinary Creation Heavenly Realm expert.

"It seems that the heads of the six families of the Great Yu are also of varying strengths."

Lu Qinghe was once defeated by Qin Daduyu with a single palm strike, but I wonder if Li Yuanxin of the Li family can stand shoulder to shoulder with Qin Daduyu. Chen Zhian thought to himself.

Li Yuanxin spoke again, laughing, "You want that plain? I came here today originally intending to make an exorbitant demand for that dragon vein opportunity from you."

But now I've changed my mind.

Li Yuanxin stood up, walked to the railing, and looked at the distant haze.

The drifting smoke and clouds were quite beautiful.

"Do you know... when the Great Yu Kingdom was founded, if my Li family had not been the first to respond to the Cheng family, the Great Yu Kingdom would not exist."

Chen Zhian nodded and said, "I have also heard about how, five hundred years ago, Li Wendao of the Li family led 120,000 iron cavalry and conquered the world."

He was the first generation of the Great Yu God of Literature.

Li Yuanxin said softly, "Among the many aristocratic families in Dayu, my Li family has the longest history, lasting only 1,600 years."

Sixteen hundred years have passed, and several dynasties have risen and fallen, yet my Li family has always remained the most prominent family in the land.

"If it weren't for the emergence of such a powerful figure as the Great Qian Emperor, the Li family would have continued to exist in Taizhuo Prefecture without facing any crisis of survival."

"Why has the Li family been able to last so long?" Li Yuanxin smiled slightly and looked at Chen Zhian, saying, "It's because my Li family is willing to take risks."

Chen Zhian remained calm and composed.

Li Yuan thought to himself, "How about this... General Chen, I know you have been to Wohuangqiu. The plain you want is probably related to Wohuangqiu."

I don't want to ask you if you want the Lianxia River Plain, so I'll give you the whole plain.

All the Li family cultivators stationed there will withdraw. From now on, you can do whatever you want on that plain; no one will interfere…

Li Yuanxin's eyes were burning.

Chen Zhian raised an eyebrow and asked, "In that case, what should I give in return?"

The head of the Li family laughed and said, "Apart from that, my Li family will not attack you again."

Chen Zhian shook his head and said, "Since I have been appointed to the position of seal holder, I shall fulfill my duties in this position!"
"If the Li family has any demons or ghosts that perform blood sacrifices, I will not turn a blind eye."

Li Yuanxin remained calm and said, "The true essence and wonder of the Blood Sacrifice Dao lies in the Great Qian Dynasty."

Da Qian peeked out some scraps from between his fingers, hoping to use them to break the spirit of the Da Yu cultivators.

Moving forward... if the imperial court doesn't interfere, I'll just turn a blind eye.

Now that we have someone like you, the Grand Master of the Great Yu, what harm is there in the Li family ceasing to explore this path?

Chen Zhian listened carefully to Li Yuanxin's words, and then suddenly burst out laughing.

A hint of emotion appeared on his face as he said, "When those in power turn a blind eye, it always invites a lot of trouble."

But... Patriarch Li, you know the intentions of the Great Qian Dynasty, yet you still allow many people in the world to practice the Blood Sacrifice Dao True Method without stopping them.

Ultimately, it's all because of your fear of the Great Qian Dynasty. Even though you know in your hearts that the Blood Sacrifice Dao Truth leaked by the Great Qian Dynasty is ill-intentioned, you still have no choice but to explore and cultivate it.

The thought in their minds was probably... that if they could benefit from it, they could use it to strengthen themselves.

"But let me tell you... once you've tasted the marrow, you'll crave it! Once you're tainted by the blood sacrifice path, it's hard to break free."

Patriarch Li… perhaps many members of the Li family have already reached the level of Blood Sacrifice Dao True Realm, you just haven't realized it yet.”

Li Yuanxin frowned slightly.

A few breaths passed, and he suddenly looked up and asked Chen Zhian, "With the Great Qian Dynasty approaching, the blood sacrifice Dao True Essence flowing from between the fingers of the Great Qian Dynasty may indeed be able to cultivate a few powerful figures and play some role?"

Chen Zhian suddenly burst into laughter: "Patriarch Li, look! You still harbor illusions about the Blood Sacrifice Daoist."

But as I said, if it comes at the cost of the people of Dayu, it will only protect you who are high and mighty.

Then what is the difference between you and the Great Qian Xuanmen who refine bone puppets and perform blood sacrifices?
Thinking about it carefully, if we hadn't forced you to perform the blood sacrifice for the Daoist immortals, some of you would have survived until the Great Qian invasion, which means you lived a little longer.

The head of the Li family also smiled and nodded, saying, "Those who achieve great things often have a temperament that goes against the norm. Chen Zhian, you have already risen to a high position, yet you still care about the people of the world, just like Qin Wenzhou and the Great General of the Heavens!"
Today you berate me, and I will make a deal with you.

I originally wanted to exchange the plains and the support of my Li family for General Chen's support for my Li family.

Now it seems... General Chen is fierce in temperament and unwavering in spirit, so..."

After saying this, Li Yuanxin turned to Chen Zhian and said, "I will give you that plain in Lianxia Prefecture, my Li family will."

In return, I'll give you, Chen Zhian, a promise.

Chen Zhian was immediately surprised and took a closer look at the head of the Li family.

This person possesses profound cultivation, and the Li family is the strongest among the six surnames of the Great Yu Dynasty.

Even now, countless people among the six surnames of Dayu believe that he is the whip in the hands of Emperor Zhaofu and Prime Minister Song.

Li Yuanxin, however, was still willing to place a bet...

"What promise?" Chen Zhian pondered for a few moments before asking.

Li Yuan thought to himself, "If one day you and Prime Minister Song really do bring about a great change in Dayu."

My Li family will definitely confront you.

If my Li family wins, I will cut off your head and hang it high in front of the city gate of Taizhuo Prefecture to intimidate the Great Yu.

"If...you win against Prime Minister Song, please preserve a few bloodlines for the Li family of Taizhuo."

Chen Zhian was slightly taken aback, then nodded.

……

Lotus Summer River lies on Phoenix Hill.

Wen Lichu was worried.

Many houses have already been built on the small Wohuang Hill.

The water village was overflowing with people.

Two hundred and sixty thousand people is already the limit that Wohuangqiu can accommodate.

Yet, a steady stream of refugees continued to arrive seeking refuge.

Wen Lichu stood on Wohuang Hill, gazing into the distance.

Even in winter, the distant plains are still lush and green.

Flat and open.

only……

"They did not agree to the Li family's conditions and arbitrarily extended the water fortress to that plain."

The delicate balance would be broken, and the Li family could then use this as an excuse to send troops.

Wen Lichu tilted her head and thought for a moment, knowing that even if she had broken free of her shackles, she could still take a step further.

However, it is far from enough to be compared with the behemoth that is the Li family.

"To have a dispute with the Li family is like an egg hitting a bone."

Wen Lichu was distressed: "I wonder how Chen Zhian's mediation is going."

"The Li family will certainly not give up such fertile land..."

Just at this time.

Another paper crane flew in from afar.

The paper crane, shimmering with golden light and carrying a hint of divine essence, flew across the sky and landed in Wen Lichu's palm.

After Wen Lichu unfolded it, that wisp of divine essence immediately entered Wen Lichu's mind.

"Is that all?"

(End of this chapter)