Cultivating Immortality: What kind of cheat can you use if you don't have money?

Chapter 178 The Scheme of the Qingchi Immortal Sect

[You recall what Xuanji said about the tacit understanding among the three sects. You express your doubts about Xihe.]

Xihe explains to you: This situation is different from the past. The Dao Sect's plan this time has long exceeded the scope of the internal competition among the three sects.

They secretly colluded with the Northern Zhao Kingdom, intending to introduce a powerful external force to disrupt the Xuan Kingdom's power structure.

The Zhengyang Immortal Sect is still kept in the dark, unaware that the Dao Sect's scheme is still adhering to the rules.

You asked her why she didn't go to the Zhengyang Immortal Sect.

Xi He's face showed a hint of bitterness: Qingchi Immortal Sect had previously been outmaneuvered by Dao Sect through clever tactics, losing faith with Zhengyang Immortal Sect on an important matter, resulting in a significant drop in their reputation and a loss of influence within Zhengyang Immortal Sect.

More importantly, the Daoist sect acts in an extremely secretive and cunning manner, and we currently lack substantial evidence.

The Zhengyang Immortal Sect will not completely break ties with the Dao Sect, which is also one of the three sects, based solely on our word.

[You then asked Xihe how she determined that the Daoist sect was connected to the forces of the Northern Zhao Kingdom.]

[Xihe tells you: The tomb guardians are a secret force belonging to the Northern Zhao Kingdom, the Tomb Clan. If you don't believe me, I'll have you investigate through the Northern Zhao Kingdom's stronghold at Tingyu Pavilion.]

[You recalled how Xuanji and the Emperor joined forces to capture the tomb guardian, only to be rescued by Daozong. You believed Xihe's words even more.]

After the conversation, you feel that Qingchi Immortal Sect is more like placing a bet and testing the waters.

They want to use you as a weapon to test their strength against the Dao Sect with minimal cost, while they hide behind the scenes to observe and wait for their opportunity.

The sincerity is limited, but you'll bear most of the risks.

So you decided—

First, establish preliminary cooperation with the Qingchi Immortal Sect, utilize their intelligence, and act according to circumstances.

Second, resolutely refuse to cooperate; it's too risky to negotiate with a tiger.

"Heh, all talk and no action," Li Qingyi thought with a cold laugh.

The Qingchi Immortal Sect's explanation seemed reasonable, but in reality, it left room for maneuver in every aspect, allowing them to both attack and defend.

They wanted to use themselves as pawns to confront the Daoist Sect and the mysterious Tomb Sect head-on, but they were unwilling to offer their real bargaining chips.

Moreover, many details in the conversation are suspicious and thought-provoking.

"No, we can't negotiate with a tiger for its skin," Li Qingyi quickly decided.

"I am not without leverage now. Cooperating with the Emperor to expose the Crown Prince's true identity and completely bind the royal family to the war effort is a much safer option. There's no need to risk everything."

"I choose option two."

[You sneered repeatedly. You pointed out that Xihe's proposal lacked sincerity, trying to force you to confront the Dao Sect and the Tomb Sect head-on with empty words, which was not the way to cooperate. You politely declined the proposal.]

Seeing your resolute attitude, Master Xihe raised her stakes again. She stated that the Qingchi Immortal Sect was willing to completely sever ties with the Dao Sect, but after the matter was settled, the ownership of the Metal element would be determined by the Qingchi Immortal Sect.

You refused again, stating that Tingyu Pavilion also needed the element of metal.

The two sides held vastly different positions, and after several rounds of back-and-forth, they ultimately failed to reach an agreement. The atmosphere was somewhat tense, and the meeting ended on a sour note. Ren Ziyu personally escorted you out of the cave, remaining silent the entire way, her expression complex.

You meet up with Qi Xuanjia, who has been waiting for you. Seeing you are safe and sound, he seems relieved and doesn't ask any further questions. Without further delay, you speed towards the imperial city.

[You successfully returned to the capital. You directly requested an audience with Emperor Li Wuyai, intending to reveal the shocking secret of Li Xuance's origins, using it as a foundation for deepening cooperation and completely drawing the royal family into the camp against the Dao Sect.]

However, when you are led into the Hall of Mental Cultivation, you are surprised to find Zhao Jingci also inside, playing chess with Li Wuyai across a chessboard.

Your heart skipped a beat! Zhao Jingci had actually returned to the capital and was appearing before the emperor so openly? What did they talk about?

You suppressed your surprise and reported the matter according to protocol. Li Wuyai glanced at you, his expression indifferent, and gestured for you to wait aside.

You quietly found a corner to sit down.

Zhao Jingci placed another piece and exchanged a few words with Li Wuyai in hushed tones. After a while, he got up and left.

As they passed by you, their gaze seemed to sweep across your face almost imperceptibly before they strode away.

You thought to yourself: Zhao Jingci's sudden appearance must be for some purpose.

What did he say to the emperor? Should I reveal this secret now?

After much deliberation, you decided to take the gamble. What's fake can never become real. Li Xuance's lineage is the ultimate bargaining chip to completely pull the royal family to your side. You believe that no emperor could tolerate this.

After you finished speaking, the emperor did not show the shock or disbelief he had expected; he simply looked at you calmly.

[You sensed something was wrong, and had no choice but to discuss the attack on the Dao Sect with the Emperor in your capacity as the young master of the sect.]

[Li Wuyai's attitude towards you has changed drastically. Without saying a word, he seized you and questioned you about where he hid the Third Prince, Li Xuanyi.]

[You are utterly shocked. Aren't you right here? You said you stayed with Qi Xuanjia the whole time and had the emperor verify your bloodline.]

Seeing that you were still trying to deny it, the emperor used a bloodline verification method, which proved that you were not of royal blood.

[A storm raged within you! Seeing that you remained silent, the emperor imprisoned you in the imperial jail, subjecting you to daily torture.]

For someone who has practiced "True Explanation of Kendo," these injuries are insignificant, and may even seem minor.

You pondered silently, wondering where things had gone wrong. The emperor wouldn't distrust you for no reason, and the bloodline verification wouldn't have failed inexplicably.

You thought of the Clear Pool Immortal Sect, and you thought of Xihe.

You suspect they've tampered with your bloodline, but you're powerless to defend yourself now.

[The Heavenly Prison is filled with resentment, and the Three Paths Gu hidden within your body has begun to thrive. In just seven days, it has already reached the sixth level of Qi Refining. You lament that humans are inferior to insects.]

Although your magic is sealed, the powerful sword energy within your sword embryo is still usable. You know you can't delay any longer; you must break out.

You sent the Three Paths Gu deep into the Heavenly Prison to poison a large number of prisoners, attracting the guards' attention.

You, however, used your sword energy to sever the chains binding you, split open the cell door, and began your escape.

[After a series of thrilling but ultimately safe battles, you've reached the vicinity of the Heavenly Prison's exit. This is a relatively spacious hall, the final barrier leading to the surface.]

However, a middle-aged man dressed in a dark red official robe, with an aura as heavy and imposing as a mountain, was already standing with his hands behind his back, waiting there.

You knew you had to act swiftly, using your strongest strike to fight for a chance of survival! However, your opponent was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, and your stunning sword strike only inflicted a minor injury.

You sighed inwardly, "As expected, escaping from prison is still too difficult. The difference in skill level cannot be completely bridged by one or two killer moves."

Just as you were preparing to calmly face death, a large hand grabbed you.

You return to the Emperor's Hall of Mental Cultivation. Before the hall stands not only the Emperor, but also someone who looks exactly like you.

The only difference is that there is no trace of the other party having practiced the "True Explanation of Swordsmanship".

Furthermore, he exuded the aura of an imperial dragon! Majestic and righteous.

The fake Li Qingyi will behead you with a single sword stroke.

[You're dead. Rewards are being calculated.]

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