Chapter 15 The Young Sect Master’s Strength

After Li Qingqiu meditated in front of the mountain gate for an hour, Yang Jueding walked out from within the School. After several months of recuperation, his injuries had fully recovered, and his entire being’s spirit and energy were restored to their peak state. His eyes were like torches, and his walk was like a Dragon and a tiger, full of Aura.

He walked all the way to Li Qingqiu’s side and sat down, his gaze sizing up Li Qingqiu.

Li Qingqiu asked without opening his eyes, “What is it?”

“Your Cultivation Technique is truly peculiar. The commotion it causes by drawing on the Heaven and Earth Qi is immense, and I feel that the Heaven and Earth Qi you absorb is different from what I know. Although there are hundreds of Schools of Martial Dao, this is the first time I’ve seen an Internal Skill with such rapid results,” Yang Jueding exclaimed in wonder.

Even if Li Qingqiu and the others Cultivated Immortals in front of him, he still wouldn’t understand.

Martial Dao Cultivation, while also absorbing Heaven and Earth Qi to Cultivate Internal Qi, has significant differences from Immortal Cultivation.

Martial Dao Internal Qi is generated by stimulating Acupoints and the Dantian, with Heaven and Earth Qi acting as a stimulant. Immortal Cultivation Origin Qi, however, uses the Physical Body as a tool, refining Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi into Origin Qi, much like Alchemy, which is a process of transformation.

There are too many types of Qi in the world. Spiritual Qi is the Origin of all creation, omnipresent, yet it is the type of Qi most difficult for mortals to capture.

“What? You want to learn?” Li Qingqiu opened one eye and glanced at him, asking softly.

Yang Jueding chuckled, “Can I?”

He hadn’t learned it before because he was reluctant to give up the Internal Skill he had accumulated over twenty years, but seeing the results of these Qingxiao Sect Disciples, he couldn’t hold back.

Anyway, it was difficult for his Cultivation to increase further, so he might as well seek another path.

“Of course, I’ll teach you later.”

Li Qingqiu didn’t hesitate and agreed directly. He had observed Yang Jueding’s actions during this time and was very satisfied with his attitude in teaching the second generation Disciples martial arts.

Seeing him agree, Yang Jueding immediately became happy.

It seemed Li Qingqiu was not an unfeeling person; as long as there was effort, he would give back.

Yang Jueding immediately brought up the matter he had been contemplating for the past two days. His expression became serious as he asked, “Sect Leader, don’t you think the Qingxiao Sect’s development is too slow?”

Li Qingqiu opened his eyes, turned to look at him, and asked, “What is your brilliant idea?”

Yang Jueding continued, “I see Junior Jiang and Zhang Yuchun have gone down the mountain again, which means we are very short of money. As long as there is enough money, we can have more food, forge more weapons, build more houses, and the Qingxiao Sect will naturally develop rapidly.”

He looked at Li Qingqiu, not keeping him in suspense, and continued.

“Have you ever considered cooperating with influential Families and wealthy individuals? This way, you can get money and gain an additional source of strength. You only need to teach people martial arts or give up some power.”

Yang Jueding stopped here, waiting for Li Qingqiu’s reaction. If Li Qingqiu disagreed, saying more would be an offense.

Li Qingqiu raised an eyebrow and asked, “Do you have connections?”

In fact, he had thought about this long ago. He was not averse to cooperating with influential Families and wealthy individuals. In this world, similar to ancient China, influential Families also controlled most of the resources, especially books.

If he could cooperate with influential Families, he could acquire various talents.

Even Immortal Cultivation Schools cannot rely solely on Disciples to Cultivate in seclusion; the introduction of talent is necessary.

The future Qingxiao Sect would definitely need Great Masters for forging weapons, as well as physicians, scholars, and tailors. They couldn’t always go down the mountain to hire people every time they needed new robes. He even wanted to build a city for the Qingxiao Sect, forming a complete system. Of course, these things would take time to achieve.

“I’ve traveled the Jianghu for so many years, so I naturally have many friends. If you don’t mind, then I’ll make a bold suggestion,” Yang Jueding’s spirits lifted, and he straightened his back.

“For a School like our Qingxiao Sect, first, we cannot associate with influential Families that hold official power, as we could easily be encroached upon. Nor can we associate with Families that have connections in other Martial Forest circles, as conflicts would be difficult to resolve in the future. What suits us are newly established influential Families without a Foundation, or newly rich individuals. They lack sufficient strength and need martial power to protect their Family businesses. Our existence becomes crucial. Since they lack their own martial power, they will be wary of us and won’t dare to act recklessly.”

Li Qingqiu looked at Yang Jueding with new respect. He had originally thought Yang Jueding was a rough and unrefined martial artist, but he hadn’t expected him to consider problems so thoroughly.

Yang Jueding provided an answer: “In Meishan Township, near the Taikun Mountain Range, there is such a Family named Qin. Their ancestors once produced a top scholar. Thirty years ago, the world underwent drastic changes, and the Dynasty changed. To escape disaster, they hid in Meishan Township. I passed by a few years ago and had a pleasant conversation with their Family Head. The Qin Family intends to re-emerge. They have always been involved in business, and their Family is prosperous. They are very suitable for our Qingxiao Sect.”

After listening, Li Qingqiu narrowed his eyes and asked, “They might also bring us trouble. No matter how strong the Qingxiao Sect is, it cannot withstand the imperial court’s army of thousands.”

There was a reason the Qin Family hid. If they were labeled as remnants of the former Dynasty, it would be troublesome.

“This is already the closest and most suitable Family for us. Other options are either too far away or already deeply entangled with the Jianghu. There are many Jianghu Schools near the Taikun Mountain Range, a mixed bag of good and bad.”

Yang Jueding said seriously, adding, “Any choice can have risks. It just depends on how you choose and whether you dare to take the gamble.”

Li Qingqiu felt he had a point and fell into contemplation. Yang Jueding didn’t rush him and began to admire the magnificent mountain scenery in front of them.

After a while.

Li Qingqiu spoke, “How about this, you go and invite their Family Head to the mountain for a talk, and I will speak with him personally?”

“Of course, no problem!” Yang Jueding clapped his hands and laughed, feeling very pleased.

He wasn’t happy that Li Qingqiu agreed to his suggestion, but rather that despite Li Qingqiu’s young age, he dared to engage in diplomacy with other forces. With such breadth of vision and courage, the future of the Qingxiao Sect was not to be underestimated.

The two chatted for a few more sentences, then Yang Jueding went to pack simply, as he was going down the mountain today.

If things went quickly, he would be able to bring people up the mountain in five days at most.

After Yang Jueding left, Li Qingqiu remained meditating in front of the mountain gate.

He waited until the sun was about to set, then he saw Zhang Yuchun, Li Dongyue, Li Sijin, and Xu Ning emerge from the forest, each carrying a bamboo basket, returning fully laden.

Zhang Yuchun was also leading three piglets, grunting and squealing all the way.

Li Qingqiu smiled, thinking that his Second Junior Brother was quite capable, able to obtain so many supplies from the villagers. One had to know that Guzhou Prefecture had recently fallen into turmoil, with military mutinies and displaced people.

He waited for Zhang Yuchun and the others to come up the mountain, then they entered the School together, chatting as they walked.

Li Qingqiu then learned that most of these items were given by the families of Huang Shan and Yu Lin, which changed his perception of the Disciples who brought gifts from home.

Hmm, very thoughtful, they could be cultivated more in the future.

That night, Li Qingqiu arranged for two Disciples to be responsible for raising the pigs. The reason for two was mainly because the Disciples were too young and needed to help each other.

The Qingxiao Sect was currently still a School of children; many tasks required teamwork… Five days later, Jiang Zhaoxia and the other two had not yet returned, but Yang Jueding brought the Qin Family members up the mountain first.

This Qin Family member was the Young Lord of the Qin Family, named Qin Jue. He looked like someone from a wealthy Family, was twenty-five years old this year, and was kind, enthusiastic, and generous. He came alone with Yang Jueding. His father didn’t come because he was tied up with other matters.

Li Qingqiu led him into the courtyard to talk, with Yang Jueding accompanying them.

After Qin Jue sat down, Yang Jueding began pouring tea, which made him even more curious about Li Qingqiu.

How could this young Sect Leader make the renowned Dragon-Subduing Hero so subservient?

While exchanging pleasantries with Li Qingqiu, he observed the other Disciples in the courtyard. Wu Maner and three young Disciples were practicing punches, and Li Sifeng stood on the eaves practicing swordplay, all looking quite skilled.

Especially Li Sifeng, his sword techniques were sharp and fierce, completely unlike a child’s. Standing steadily on the eaves, it was clear his kung fu was profound.

After the pleasantries, Qin Jue began discussing serious matters with Li Qingqiu. He first inquired about the Qingxiao Sect’s strength and how much help it could provide to the Qin Family.

“If the Qin Family encounters trouble, I can send at least three experts as powerful as Yang Jueding to assist, and I can also help you Cultivate your Family’s younger generation. The Qingxiao Sect’s martial arts are not simple,” Li Qingqiu said with a light laugh.

Qin Jue looked at Yang Jueding, who nodded and said, “I have also joined the Qingxiao Sect. As long as the Sect Leader commands, I will go through fire and water.”

He turned his head to look at Li Sifeng on the eaves and called out, “Sifeng, show us what you’ve got.”

Hearing this, Li Sifeng, standing on the eaves, turned and directly threw the sword in his hand.

He had practiced this move in advance, using Origin Qi. The longsword was as fast as lightning, thrusting directly towards Qin Jue’s face.

The two were less than five zhang apart, and in the blink of an eye, the longsword was about to reach Qin Jue.

Too fast!

Qin Jue was also a martial artist, but he had no time to dodge and was stunned with fright.

Fortunately, a hand reached out from beside his head, pinching the flying longsword with two fingers. The blade trembled, emitting a crisp sword clang.

Qin Jue subconsciously turned his head and found that it wasn’t Yang Jueding who had acted, but Li Qingqiu.

This greatly shocked him; this seemingly harmless young Sect Leader possessed such skill.

Yang Jueding was also startled. Li Sifeng’s move had even scared him. His original intention was for Li Sifeng to demonstrate a set of sword techniques, but he hadn’t expected the boy to strike so viciously.

What surprised him most was Li Qingqiu’s skill.

So fast!

Faster than him!

Could it be that Li Qingqiu possessed strength not inferior to Jiang Zhaoxia?

Li Qingqiu threw the longsword aside, its blade stuck in the ground, shaking continuously. He glared at Li Sifeng and scolded, “Presumptuous! I told you to show your skill, not to show it like this. Now come over and apologize!”

Li Sifeng quickly jumped down from the eaves and scurried over to Qin Jue to apologize.

Qin Jue forced a smile, saying it was fine.

His heart was first alarmed and angry, then it turned to excitement.

This Qingxiao Sect indeed had capabilities!

After Li Qingqiu kicked Li Sifeng’s backside, he continued to negotiate with Qin Jue. The subsequent discussions went very smoothly, first understanding the Qin Family’s demands, then getting straight to the point and entering the profit exchange stage.

An hour later, Qin Jue was eager to go down the mountain, and Yang Jueding escorted him back.

From now on, the Qin Family would regularly donate a large sum of money and a large amount of supplies to the Qingxiao Sect annually. In return, the Qingxiao Sect would take in six Qin Family Disciples under the age of twelve to learn martial arts, and Li Qingqiu would also select one of them to be his Personal Disciple.

Li Qingqiu saw them off at the mountain gate, watching them descend. At this moment, a prompt suddenly appeared before his eyes:

【Given that the Qingxiao Sect has received external funding for the first time, while retaining its autonomy, you have received a Legacy reward opportunity】