Chapter 490: Chapter 490: 491: The Third Master is Fishing

“The current situation in Aolai Country is very unclear, and the information we possess is not all-inclusive, hence we need a variable to help us draw out all the unstable elements within Aolai Country.”

Master Rong spoke slowly, it was evident that she had been plotting for a long time.

Li Xiaobai pondered this undertaking in his heart, a veritable magnet for animosity, it would allow him to glean a significant wave of Attribute Points, and furthermore, unveil the opportunity to open a shop to earn Spirit Stones. It seemed quite favorable, but inherent dangers also lurked within.

Within the Eastern Sea, there were no small number of cultivators who could breach his defenses. Although Master Rong’s words were assuring, who could know whether she was telling the truth?

Should a millennium-old demon leap out from some unexpected corner, he would unquestionably be the first to suffer.

“By quelling these families, there will be no more obstacles within Aolai Country, and Young Master Li could then open his shop with peace of mind and earn Spirit Stones.”

“This will be a substantial profit, could Young Master Li be content merely watching from the sidelines?”

Seeing that Li Xiaobai had yet to respond, Master Rong continued to speak, still fixating on the Spirit Stones as leverage.

“Since the Vice Leader has spoken, it would be rather difficult for me to refuse. However, as I currently find myself penniless, rashly entering these prominent families’ territory, I fear that securing a foothold would be quite challenging.”

Li Xiaobai shook his head and wagged his tail, literally grinding his teeth, the decision already crystallizing in his heart. He had grasped the secrets within Aolai Country; although the Vice Leader outwardly sought his agreement, in truth, he had no choice in the matter.

From the moment he learned these secrets, his destiny to aid in this matter was sealed.

Nevertheless, even if he were to be their pawn, he wouldn’t toil for naught. Without seeing Spirit Stones, he would not make a move.

We cultivators can’t wait for tomorrow to seize an advantage!

“Heh, if Young Master Li is willing to cooperate, we certainly won’t let you suffer. How much seed money does Young Master Li desire?”

Master Rong said with a mild laugh, everything within her control; Li Xiaobai did indeed have a unique fondness for Spirit Stones.

“Then let’s just start with a simple ten million top-grade Spirit Stones, which I reckon is not too much. In the territory of the Eastern Sea, this should just barely enable one to stretch their legs.”

Li Xiaobai rubbed his hands together and said nonchalantly, as if it were his due.

Master Rong and Huahuo each had furrowed foreheads, thick with black lines. They had encountered those who asked for the moon before, but never one who presented their outrageous demand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

The expression, the tone, it was all too reminiscent of a wealthy man. If they didn’t know him better, they would truly believe that when Li Xiaobai spoke of Spirit Stones, his discussions always began in the millions.

Ten million top-grade Spirit Stones, and that’s merely stretching your legs? How long are those legs of yours?

Are you from the Giant Tribe?

Huahuo, casting a glance at Liuren who was fixated on tackling the fruit tray on the desk, felt quite speechless. Her second sister always abandoned all thought process upon returning home, engaging only in fighting or feasting, never caring for the substance of the conversation.

“Ten million it is. For Young Master Li, this amount is just right. However, having received the Spirit Stones, we expect you will pay closer attention to the matters of Aolai Country going forward.”

Master Rong’s eyes flashed with a strange brilliance, showing no intention of bargaining. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed over a Space Ring.

Li Xiaobai glanced at it and felt a twinge of regret. She handed over the Spirit Stones so readily, indicating that his asking price was too low. He should have asked for more, his vision was still too narrow.

“Master Rong, please speak plainly about what you would have me do.”

Li Xiaobai said earnestly.

“Currently in Aolai Country, there is a declining household which, due to its past glory and splendor, is now suppressed by others and has become a marginalized minor clan on the brink of extinction. Young Master Li’s task is to infiltrate this family as a breakthrough point and simply stir the waters.”

Master Rong rested her chin in her hand, slowly saying.

“Is it the Zong Family?”

Li Xiaobai’s expression changed, remembering the things he had heard at the port, he couldn’t help but ask.

“Correct, it is indeed the Zong Family. The current Zong Family is a dying flame in the wind, merely lacking the final straw that could break the camel’s back—an existence that is looked down upon by all clans, and is the most suitable point for a breakthrough.”

Master Rong was somewhat surprised; she hadn’t expected Li Xiaobai to have heard of the Zong Family.

“When coming here, I had some contact with the Situ Household. What is this family like?”

Li Xiaobai asked.

“The Situ Household is very ambitious. In recent years, their ambition has been sky-high, annexing many medium and small-sized noble families, with a faint tendency to become the preeminent noble family. Simultaneously, they are also a force that outwardly maintains good relations with me.”

“Now, the outside world is rife with rumors that I am at odds with my elder sister, vying for the position of King in Aolai Country. Many families with ambition are eager, showing their goodwill towards me, wishing to help me overthrow the rule of the Eastern Sea’s Aolai Country in one fell swoop. The Situ Household is the most active among these.”

“However, from their usual behavior, it is not hard to find that in Aolai Country, there are still many forces hiding in the dark, silently taking sides, and watching for changes. What Young Master Li needs to do is to cause a big stir, impacting the interest of the major families, so as to test out exactly how many forces harbor malicious intentions.”

Master Rong smiled faintly, speaking lightly.

“Then may I ask about these rumors…”

Li Xiaobai looked at Huahuo and Master Rong, seemingly sensing something.

“Of course, this was my little sister’s idea. The so-called struggle for power was a message released by this palace. Unexpectedly, these dull-headed people actually took the bait.”

“They think they have found a new backer and see hope for their families to grow stronger. What they never considered is that all of this is nothing but a complete setup.”

Huahuo snorted coldly, a glint of cold light flickering in her eyes as she spoke ominously.

She had not the slightest bit of affection for these noble families.

“I see, now I understand.”

Li Xiaobai felt a shiver in his heart, realizing that his feeling was not wrong. Indeed, it was a vast conspiracy vortex, and it was all orchestrated by the Vice Leader herself.

This was entrapment!

Pretending to be after power and influence to lure these eager fish to the bait and then to capture them all in one fell swoop. The entire scheme was not complicated, but the targets were the citizens of Aolai Country. Elder Tong’s mindset and tactics were extraordinarily ruthless.

Recalling Uncle Ying’s pleading when asking for mercy, it’s no wonder the Vice Leader hadn’t immediately punished him. It turned out there was such a relationship in between.

“Since that’s the case, from this moment on, Young Master Li is the promising young genius invited from the borderlands by my second sister, specifically to exchange insights with the young talents of Aolai Country. We have enjoyed our chat today, and for the next few days, Young Master Li may wander around Aolai Country at his leisure.”

“In a few days, Aolai Country will host a competition among the young talents. Please be sure to attend, Young Master Li.”

Master Rong covered her face with her hand and laughed lightly, appearing to have enjoyed the conversation immensely, as if she had thrown the previously discussed secrets out of her mind.

Li Xiaobai bowed with clasped hands, a picture of respect: “To exchange insights with the young geniuses of Aolai Country is an honor for me!”

He knew that once he left this room, the events of today would no longer be mentioned by anyone.