Li Zhirui's mind was abuzz with calculations, while those present had a mix of reactions—some understood his intentions, while others were simply bathed in joy, believing that Li Zhirui was a fine young man who prioritized the interests of the family clan.
Sitting at the head of the table, Li Shiqing asked with a smile in his eyes, "Have you made your decision?"
If anyone among the dozen people present could see through all of Li Zhirui's schemes, it was none other than Li Shiqing.
However, Li Shiqing wasn't displeased or felt that there was anything wrong with Li Zhirui's approach. On the contrary, he grew increasingly appreciative and valued Li Zhirui.
Previously, under the rule of the Beast Taming Sect, the Li family's development was sluggish due to the sect's oppressive and feudal ways. But at the same time, this ensured that the Li family's surrounding environment was relatively peaceful and not in direct contact with the true Cultivation World.
As a result, the concept many clan members held had not changed, or rather their way of thinking had become fixed; one after another, they were all without cunning or political savvy—naïve and simple-minded.
But things were different now. The Li family had moved away from Bailang County and arrived upon this vast sea. The real and cruel Cultivation World was opening its gates wide, awaiting the cultivators of the Li family.
If they continued as before, who knew how many clan members would fall prey to the schemes of others and become mere skeletons along the path of cultivation.
Now, Li Shiqing, discovering that Li Zhirui, a significantly valued member of the family and even the future leader of the Li family, was so astute, how could he be anything but satisfied?
"Yes!" Li Zhirui knew that his inner thoughts had been seen through by Li Shiqing, but showed not the slightest panic, and crisply responded, "As soon as the family selects the clan members to cultivate, I'll begin teaching them."
As for alchemy insights, Li Zhirui needed to organize them first. Ever since he started learning alchemy, he had not forgotten to record his own enlightenments and doubts. By today, he had filled two Jade Slips with his notes, amassing tens of thousands of words.
"Since you're willing, then let's decide on this matter," Li Shiqing gestured with his hand and said, "Everyone can go about their business."
After leaving the main hall, Li Zhirui, following Li Shile, went to the storage room to hand over the Spirit Pills he was to contribute to the family for the month.
"You're not one to be taken advantage of, kiddo. You didn't set any conditions on the main hall; what's your game?" Li Shile had become quite close to Li Zhirui after many interactions, so he felt comfortable teasing him like that.
Li Zhirui, with a smile, replied, "Sir Yue, what are you talking about? Could it not be that I simply want to repay the clan for all the kindness they've shown me over the years?"
"It's not that I doubt your loyalty to the family, but you definitely have other schemes up your sleeve," Li Shile said, not buying Li Zhirui's smooth talk.
Seeing that Li Zhirui was unwilling to speak, Li Shile didn't press the issue. After all, the youngster knew where to draw the line, and with his second elder brother's intelligence, he had surely seen through the young man's intentions.
"Sir Yue, I must be going," Li Zhirui said. He needed to get his insights in order quickly. It would be quite embarrassing if, by the time the family had their personnel sorted out, his preparations were not ready.
—
Three days later, Li Zhirui was joined by seven clan members appointed by the family. Among them were two previously cultivated alchemists from the family, and most were his elders, with only Li Zhilan being of the same generation but also his clan sister.
After greeting everyone, Li Zhirui then took out his prepared alchemy insights, handed them over to everyone, and said, "I actually don't know alchemy—it's all just practice makes perfect."
"In these Jade Slips, I've noted all the issues I encountered during my practice, along with the solutions and important points to pay attention to during alchemy."
"So I hope the elders can fully grasp the content of the Jade Slips. Then we can start practicing. It's also a way to save some Spiritual Medicine for the family. What do you think?"
"Mm, Zhirui is right! It's indeed necessary to thoroughly understand the Pill Recipe before alchemy, as it enables faster mastery of the Methods," Li Shihe, the highest in seniority and one of the only two alchemists, affirmed Li Zhirui's approach. This support was crucial; otherwise, as a junior, it would have been uncomfortable for him to start assigning tasks to his elders, even if his intentions were good.
Li Zhirui bowed slightly to Li Shihe to express his thanks and couldn't help but feel introspective in his heart. He was still too young. Although he had some cleverness, he was bound to have oversights.
"Gather in the Alchemy Room ten days from now." Li Shihe took charge.
After arranging everyone's tasks, they all dispersed, and ten days later, the group of eight gathered in the Alchemy Room.
"Zhirui, I can now concoct the Jade Spirit Pill," Li Shihe began, "but I always feel like there's something wrong in the process."
As an Alchemist nurtured by the family clan, Li Shihe's talent in alchemy was no less than Li Zhirui's, and he had more experience. Although he hadn't reached the realm of mastering all methods through understanding one, the ten days had been enough for him to learn the Water Refining of the Jade Spirit Pill.
Li Shihe stepping forward was also for Li Zhirui's benefit, to avoid any awkwardness as he guided everyone else.
Now that he, the highest in seniority and also the Pill-refining Elder of the family, was willingly accepting Li Zhirui's guidance, how could the others possibly refuse?
"Please begin, Elder Shihe," Li Zhirui respectfully said.
Truthfully, Li Zhirui wasn't really qualified to advise Li Shihe. Judging from his alchemy technique, his skill was unknown times more proficient than Li Zhirui's. His spell hand movements were precise, seamlessly concocting seven Jade Spirit Pills.
The only shortcoming might have been that Li Shihe was accustomed to the Fire Refinement Method. At the beginning of extracting the essence of the Spiritual Medicine, the force was a bit excessive, leading to a slight deficiency in the essence's measure.
"I felt there was something wrong before, but I couldn't pinpoint the problem. So, it was right here."
Upon hearing Li Zhirui point out his issue, Li Shihe looked at him with admiration, "You truly are the Kylin Child of our Li family!"
"Elder Shihe, you are simply used to the Fire Refinement Method, which is why you didn't notice. But other than that, everything was perfect. I can't reach your level," Li Zhirui said, not out of false modesty, but because he spoke the truth.
Li Shihe waved his hand, saying, "Each of you come one by one, let Zhirui take a look."
The other elders began their alchemy, and Li Zhirui was pleasantly surprised to see their performance. He hadn't expected that among the people present, besides the original two Alchemists, another one out of the five was able to concoct the Jade Spirit Pill. Although it was a struggle to produce only one pill of subpar quality, they still managed to succeed.
Unbeknownst to Li Zhirui, some of these people were alchemy apprentices, and others had powerful Divine Senses; in short, they all had certain advantages in concocting the Jade Spirit Pill.
The insights into alchemy provided by Li Zhirui were exceptionally comprehensive, which enabled a clan member with a powerful Spiritual Soul to learn the process of concocting the Jade Spirit Pill.
With this example set, Li Zhirui believed that there might be a few more people in the clan who could possibly learn to concoct the Jade Spirit Pill.
Unfortunately, until the moon reached its zenith, none of the others had managed to learn, always failing at a certain step.
Li Zhirui sighed inwardly. Given the current situation, these few indeed lacked natural talent for alchemy.
If they insisted on learning, it would likely require a significant amount of Spiritual Medicine for them to practice with before they could possibly succeed.
"Let's stop here for today," Li Shihe said, not feeling disappointed by the outcome.
Because the Li family had tried similar approaches before with little success, Li Shihe was actually very satisfied to see one member successfully learn to concoct the Jade Spirit Pill.
"Remember to come to the Alchemy Room tomorrow at Chen hour," he said, then gestured for Li Zhirui to follow him as they left.