Clan Cultivation: Starting from Foundation Establishment on Mount Luoxia

Qian Fugui paused, his fingers moving across the abacus.

He looked up at Li Xiaoyao, his professional smile fading slightly, his eyes becoming serious: "Fellow Daoist Li, are you referring to that ancient ruin a thousand miles to the northwest?"

"Indeed." Li Xiaoyao observed the change in his expression. "Does Steward Qian understand?"

Qian Fugui was silent for a moment, then lowered his voice: "I know a little... To be honest, Fellow Daoist Li, our caravan saw similar ruins in a demiplane with the character '丁' in its name a few years ago."

He paused, as if considering his words: "That site is also from ancient times, and it too has gatekeepers who guard it."

"However, according to the judgment of several heritage scholars we consulted at the time... it was not naturally formed, but man-made."

"Those gatekeeper priests weren't living people either; they were some kind of... 'living puppets'."

"A living puppet?" Li Xiaoyao's heart skipped a beat.

"Yes, they look just like living people, they can think, they can fight, and they even have simple emotional reactions."

"But in essence, it is a puppet creation driven by some ancient restriction." Qian Fugui's voice was even lower.

Li Xiaoyao pressed further, "Then why did the person build such ruins? And leave behind living puppets to guard them?"

The smile on Qian Fugui's face vanished completely.

He looked around to make sure the soundproof barrier was intact before moving closer and speaking in a voice so low that only the two of them could hear: "Fellow Daoist Li, the answer to this question... is quite troublesome."

"I can only tell you one thing—it's related to a 'breakthrough.' I can't say anything more; I genuinely don't know the details."

Qian Fugui sat up straight, his expression returning to that of a businessman with a cautious demeanor: "Fellow Daoist Li, that's all I can say."

"If you really want to understand the origin and purpose of these relics, I can help you contact the manager of the main channel of the myriad worlds."

"They may have more detailed intelligence... but that level of information is often prohibitively expensive, probably beyond the reach of most Foundation Establishment families."

"Moreover, knowing too much is not always a good thing. I hope Fellow Daoist Li will consider this carefully."

He looked at Li Xiaoyao and said earnestly, "As for your Bing-749 ruins... I can only say that it's best not to go and explore them lightly before your family's strength is sufficient. Ancient artifacts often involve causes and effects that are beyond imagination."

Li Xiaoyao's heart was filled with turbulent emotions.

Is it related to a "breakthrough"? Is it a breakthrough to Foundation Establishment? Purple Mansion? Or... something higher?

Qian Fugui's warning also served as a wake-up call for him.

Indeed, even if the Li family knew the secrets of the Sanctuary, what could they do with their current strength? If it truly involved high-level matters, rashly touching upon them could bring unpredictable fortune or misfortune.

"Thank you for your guidance, Deacon Qian."

Li Xiaoyao solemnly cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "I will carefully consider this matter."

Seeing that he had taken it to heart, Qian Fugui's expression softened slightly, and he added, "However, if Fellow Daoist Li really wants to explore that sacred place, I have a practical suggestion."

"Speaking."

"Wait," Qian Fugui said. "When the Blood Moon Tide approaches, specialized 'Relic Hunters' will appear."

"Those people have been exploring various dangerous ruins for years, and are skilled at breaking taboos and avoiding danger. They are willing to risk their lives for opportunities. Fellow Daoist Li can issue a commission at that time and hire them to lead the charge."

He paused, then added, "Of course, the risks are also obvious—they might embezzle the most important treasures, or abandon their employers in a moment of crisis."

"But it's still better than having our own children fill in. Moreover, with our Myriad Realms Connectivity acting as an intermediary, we can sign strict contracts, which at least guarantees basic integrity."

This is a realistic and ruthless suggestion, but it does align with the mindset of a businessman—trading spirit stones for security, and hiring mercenaries for the lives of his family members.

Li Xiaoyao kept those two words and the suggestion in mind: "I will consider it carefully."

"That's good."

Qian Fugui breathed a sigh of relief and smiled again. "Fellow Daoist Li is a wise man. What we business people fear most is impulsive and risky customers. If the person is gone, the business is over."

The two chatted about other topics before Qian Fugui took his leave to continue arranging the market.

Li Xiaoyao stood by the window, gazing at the bustling temporary market below, but those two words kept echoing in his mind.

Breakthrough... but what exactly is being broken through?

What exactly is locked up in the tainted sanctuary? Why is it that spiritual energy is absorbed and then transformed into malevolent energy?

Connecting to the "demonic calamity" encountered in ancient times (C-749), the "source of defilement" sealed deep within the sanctuary, and the legend of the gatekeeper priests using blood sacrifices to maintain the seal...

A vague yet terrifying conjecture gradually took shape in Li Xiaoyao's mind.

But he had no evidence and dared not think too deeply about it.

Qian Fugui is right—knowing too much is not a good thing before the family has enough power.

"Second Uncle."

Li Tongya walked to his side and asked in a low voice, "Is what that Steward Qian said credible?"

"Seven parts truth, three parts reservation."

Li Xiaoyao pulled himself together. "You can't completely trust what merchants say, but they have no reason to lie to us about something like this—tricking us into going to our deaths wouldn't benefit them. As for those two words..."

He looked at Li Tongya and Li Chijing: "Remember, don't spread what you heard today."

"The matter of the Sanctuary will be put on hold for now. The most important thing right now is to take advantage of the opportunity brought by this Multiverse Crossroads to solidify the foundation of our family."

"yes!"

For the next three days, Luoxia Market was bustling like never before.

The goods brought by the Myriad Realms Crossroads were dazzling, ranging from the most basic cultivation supplies to rare treasures, attracting a large number of cultivators.

The An family, Baicao Group, Wan family and other forces also sent people to purchase, and the independent cultivators even took out their savings to exchange for what they needed.

Li Xiaoyao instructed Li Tongya and Li Chijing to lead several clever disciples to carefully observe the market.

They not only looked at the goods, but also observed the business model of Wanjietongqu—how to display them, how to price them, how to communicate with customers, and how to handle disputes.

These are all valuable business experiences.

Three days later, the transaction was completed as scheduled.

The large quantity of supplies purchased by Li Xiaoyao—elixirs, magical artifacts, talismans, array materials, and spiritual herb seeds—was neatly packed and sent to Houtu Jinya.

Meanwhile, the Li family's Golden Fiend Ore Essence, Fire Heart Stone, Centaur, and Fiend Pattern Beast Hide were also taken over by the caravan of the Myriad Realms Crossroads.

Qian Fugui personally accepted the difference of 84,000 spirit stones to settle the matter, and also gave him an extra batch of basic pills. He smiled broadly and said, "Fellow Daoist Li, it's a pleasure to cooperate with you! Our caravan will stay in this plane for seven days, and then set off for the next plane. If you need anything else, please feel free to come and find me in the next few days."

"Definitely." Li Xiaoyao cupped his hands in farewell.

The temporary market at the Crossroads of All Realms lasted for four more days. On the morning of the seventh day, twelve flying boats took off one after another, piercing through the turbid clouds and disappearing into the void.

They came suddenly and left just as quickly.

But their impact is only just beginning.