Chapter 90: Plotting the Quota
Chapter 90: Plotting the Quota
Upon hearing this news, the two looked at each other and burst into laughter.
With good news pouring in, first Old Beggar's cultivation was fully restored, and now the Fang family had suffered a crushing defeat. It was truly a great relief.
"Master, since the Fang family has been severely defeated, we don't need to hurry back. The Extreme Realm is about to open. How about we seize the Fang family's quota and strengthen our sect's power?" Lu An suggested.
Old Beggar pondered for a moment and then nodded.
"Indeed. The light spheres in that secret realm contain many insights from cultivators. Even if one fails to enter the Extreme Realm, they can still gain substantial benefits."
"As far as I know, the Fang family has two quotas each for Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and Core Formation. If we obtain all of them, our strength will surely increase greatly."
Unexpectedly, Lu An shook his head and made an unexpected proposal.
"Master, we only need to secure the Core Formation quota. The remaining four quotas can be exchanged for other conditions, such as establishing a branch of the Three Talismans Sect in Yongning County."
Old Beggar raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Why? The quotas for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment are not insignificant. Why not take them and let my disciples gain some experience?"
He didn't know that Lu An had already absorbed all the light spheres from the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment realms. If they entered now, it would be an empty space with no insights left.
However, Lu An didn't explain and simply said, "Master, just do as I suggest. I now have a deep understanding of the Extreme True Intent and can personally teach Bai Sheng and the others when the time comes."
Old Beggar's heart was stirred. Since Lu An had mastered the Extreme True Intent and could even heal his imbalances, teaching his disciples was certainly within his capabilities.
"Very well. Although my cultivation has been restored to early-stage Nascent Soul, the county governor has been entrenched in this realm for many years. Setting up a branch might lead to disputes."
"Exchanging the quotas will provide him with a graceful exit. He probably won't go to great lengths to fight over such a trivial matter."
The two then discussed some details and left the mountains together.
Outside the mountain, more than ten Foundation Establishment cultivators had gathered, discussing something.
"Brother Ji, most people have arrived. Why don't we start searching right away?"
"Yes, if we delay, he might escape, which would be troublesome."
Ji Xidong knew he couldn't delay any longer and immediately said, "Alright, let's start. He is hiding in that mountain. Whoever finds him first will get the reward. Don't forget to treat everyone."
The crowd laughed and eagerly flew toward the mountain.
However, just halfway there, they all came to a halt.
Two streaks of light quickly approached from the distance and soon landed in front of them.
One of the figures was unfamiliar to them, while the other was the old beggar they had been searching for.
At this moment, Old Beggar was still in tattered clothes, with bloodstains on his mouth, looking as though he had no cultivation at all.
"It's him, it's the old beggar."
"Quickly capture him! He's severely injured and no longer has the strength to fight!"
Several cultivators shouted loudly, urging others to test the waters.
But with a loud clamor and little action, the crowd wasn't foolish. Since Old Beggar dared to come before them, he must have some backup.
"Could it be that the young man gave him confidence?"
But this person looked to have only early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation. How could he possibly be a match for the cultivators present?
They would never have guessed that Old Beggar's cultivation was already fully restored and he was confident.
Ji Xidong was also puzzled but was shocked to see Lu An's figure.
What is Lu An doing here?
This messes up all the plans that my master and I had made!
Seeing the two men's calm demeanor and their lack of fear despite the large number of cultivators, Ji Xidong suddenly had a thought.
"Could it be that my master and the others are pretending to have recovered, trying to deceive these Foundation Establishment cultivators?"
He smiled wryly and shook his head. It couldn't be that simple...
But at this point, he could only play along with their act.
He stepped forward and said loudly, "Everyone, don't be rash. Since the old beggar dares to act this way, he must have taken some kind of elixir. His injuries might have healed!"
Upon hearing this, the others were even more suspicious.
A few cautious ones quietly took a few steps back, already feeling a sense of retreat.
Seeing the effect, Ji Xidong was pleased but maintained his composure and continued, "In my opinion, it's better to retreat first and report this to the county governor. This person is not something we can handle."
As soon as he finished speaking, two people fled without regard for the rest of the group.
If they were going to escape, they needed to do it early. If Old Beggar had truly recovered, those who lagged behind would surely face a bad end.
However, most people did not move. There was something suspicious about this. Severely injured a few days ago, and now fully recovered?
The saying goes, 'Fortune comes from danger,' and they weren't easily scared.
Ji Xidong, feeling anxious, was about to continue persuading when Old Beggar suddenly raised an arm, reaching forward, and coldly said:
"Did I let you leave?"
The few who had attempted to flee suddenly felt a terrifying force pulling them back, their bodies stumbling backward.
In moments, they were back where they started.
Seeing this, everyone was terrified.
"He, he has recovered! Nascent Soul, it's Nascent Soul!"
Just as they were about to try escaping again, it was too late.
Old Beggar glanced at the crowd and said slowly, "Whoever moves, dies."
The cultivators looked at each other in horror, none daring to think of escape.
Ji Xidong's face showed joy. No longer concerned with hiding his identity, he flew to Old Beggar's side.
"Master, you've recovered your cultivation?"
Old Beggar nodded, patted Ji Xidong's head, and said, "I'm fine now. You've worked hard this time."
Ji Xidong's eyes reddened as he thought about how energetic and proud his master had once been and the hardships he had endured since then. His emotions became difficult to control.
In front of others, he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator and a disciple of the National Teacher, known and respected by all. Yet, in front of his master, he was still like a child who used to ride on his master's neck and eat candied fruit.
Lu An was also moved. His senior brother had helped him greatly this time, even risking his life. Lu An felt even more respect for him.
Seeing that the others did not dare to act rashly, Old Beggar stepped forward and spoke slowly:
"You are all prominent figures from various major families in Yongning County. Cultivation is not easy, so I won't make things difficult for you."
"Upon returning, inform your family's ancestors that the Three Talismans Sect plans to establish a branch in Yongning County and welcomes everyone to join."
The crowd stirred at this news.
Old Beggar continued without paying them any more attention:
"I know that among you are those related to the county governor. Please also relay this message to him: Three days from now, I, Old Beggar, will visit him!"