Chapter 2102 1520: Refusal
Chapter 2102 1520: Refusal
"Junior has an urgent matter and requests an audience with the three Spirit Ancestors, Qingxuan, Qingpeng, and Qingcang, as well as the Yao Ancestor!"
Li Qingwen's figure soon appeared at the mountaintop, a place dedicated to the cultivation of the Heavenly Immortal Ancestors, and also the area with the most abundant Spiritual Energy in the family.
However, his request for an audience was not immediately met with a response, as the three were busy cultivating, and unless by chance, one generally had to wait for some time.
The wait could range from a few days to half a year, all depending on one's luck.
This time, Li Qingwen's luck was quite good, and in just a few days, he received a summons from Qingcang.
"Greetings, Spirit Ancestor."
Qingcang waved his hand and directly asked, "Speak, what's the urgent matter for which you've requested an audience?"
He then truthfully relayed the news that various factions planned to target the Cave Abyss Sect and that they had already privately contacted several Elders in the family.
At first, Qingcang's expression remained relatively normal, as he could understand the scheming thoughts of those factions, who merely wanted to take advantage of the Cave Abyss Sect's declining strength.
But upon hearing the latter part, his brow furrowed.
For some reason, he felt that something was not right about this matter, and a sense of foreboding settled in his heart.
"This matter likely has a problem!"
"Ah!?" Li Qingwen was taken aback, unable to comprehend why his Spirit Ancestor would say such a thing.
"If those factions truly wished to form an alliance with the family, they shouldn't be contacting the Elders privately; they should visit directly." Qingcang's face turned grim, but though he sensed something wrong, he couldn't pinpoint it.
At this moment, Li Qingwen also realized the oddness.
Indeed, if they truly intended to ally with the family against the Cave Abyss Sect, they shouldn't have contacted a few Elders privately!
Even if they wanted to avoid drawing attention, they should use those Elders to convey messages to the family, instead of being detected by him and then interrogated.
"This might be a trap targeting the family!"
As for who might be scheming...
It could be the Cave Abyss Sect, wary of the factions truly uniting, and thus planning to strike preemptively to eliminate potential threats; or it might be other factions wanting the Li family to be the vanguard, testing the Cave Abyss Sect's strength.
In any case, regardless of which scenario, it was not good news for the Li family!
Should they fall into the trap, at best, the Li family would suffer significant losses and be severely weakened; at worst, their Inheritance Method could be lost, plunging the family into a crisis of annihilation.
"Such a vicious and calculated plot!" Upon figuring it out, Li Qingwen grit his teeth and spoke, his eyes filled with fury.
"It seems that in the near future, tumult may arise in the coastal areas again. The family must be more cautious, not fall into others' schemes, and refrain from getting involved in this muddy water." Qingcang couldn't help but advise.
"Yes! The Spirit Ancestor's words, I will remember! I will also repeatedly remind all family members to act carefully and consider their actions thoroughly before proceeding."
At this moment, Li Qingwen felt a wave of relief, glad that he consulted the Spirit Ancestor's advice before moving forward; otherwise, the family might have truly fallen into a trap.
"Very well, during this period, we will take turns overseeing the family. Should anything arise that cannot be solved, seek us immediately!"
"Thank you, Spirit Ancestors, for your hard work."
"Go now."
Qingcang waved his hand, sending Li Qingwen back to the family hall.
"Alas! Truly a season of unrest!"
The sigh on the empty mountaintop was quickly swept away by the gentle breeze.
When Li Qingwen spoke to the Elders about the Spirit Ancestor Qingcang's decision not to make a move against the Cave Abyss Sect, they reacted with great surprise.
"Why would the Spirit Ancestor refuse? Is this not a good thing?" a certain Elder asked, puzzled.
He then explained Qingcang's reasoning and added, "For safety's sake, the family should not get involved in this."
After all, the Li family does not lack for Inheritance Methods, especially since Li Zhirui, before his transcendence, left several sets of Spiritual Objects and Spirit Seeds to the family. Hence, the Li family truly does not lack Spiritual Objects.
Previously, the idea of dealing with the Cave Abyss Sect seemed lucrative, especially with other factions involved; the family merely needed to assist, minimizing casualties.
However, if this were a trap set by other factions, then the Li family would be in significant trouble.
Upon hearing this, although everyone felt that the Spirit Ancestor Qingcang and the Clan Leader were overthinking, it had come to this, and they could only accept it.
A few days later, several Earth Immortals arrived stealthily.
"They've come!"
Li Qingwen received a Jade Slip from a clansman in charge of the Formation, activated it casually, and heard the message within.
It spoke of discussing important matters, of a complete plan guaranteeing the acquisition of precious Spiritual Objects and Methods, sounding perfect without a flaw.
But he remained unmoved, simply directing someone to lead them to the Guest Welcoming Hall, saying they'd wait briefly, as he'd soon arrive.
From Li Qingwen's attitude, it was clear he did not prioritize or care much about this matter.
Otherwise, he would have appeared immediately to warmly welcome them.
Instead of being led into the hall, offered only a pot of Spiritual Tea, then left unattended. It was somewhat strange, even disrespectful.
The leader from the Yumen He Family, and Earth Immortal, thought to himself: this visit probably won't yield results.
Based on the Li family's attitude, their arrival was not welcome, complicating the forthcoming invitation.
After a while, Li Qingwen finally arrived late, verbally apologizing, though his demeanor showed none, "My apologies, apologies, for making everyone wait."
"Fellow Daoist Li, we understand you're busy with affairs."
"Why have you come so discreetly, may I ask?" After taking his seat, he proactively inquired.
"Fellow Daoist Li, we bring excellent news for your family this time."
One of the Earth Immortals, seeing Li ask so directly, likewise stated their purpose bluntly, "Now that the Cave Abyss Sect's strength is greatly weakened, they still occupy vast, rich spiritual land, along with countless spiritual objects and Methods accumulated over the years, all of significant value!"
"So we wish, during the Cave Abyss Sect's decline, to unite and act against them, eradicating them. If successful, your family could gain numerous precious Spiritual Objects!"
"Indeed, as Fellow Daoist said, this is an excellent idea, but..."
Li Qingwen nodded in agreement, then shifted gears, "The issue is, our family's Elders are all secluded in intense cultivation. Without a Heavenly Immortal Ancestor leading the clansmen, I cannot feel at ease, so this might disappoint you all."
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