"How is the situation in the clan now?"

After a few casual exchanges, Lin Mu inquired about the state of the Li Clan.

Li Lai replied respectfully, "Reporting to Master, everyone in the clan is currently practicing the Cultivation Technique you left behind. Our overall strength has improved significantly, and nothing else major has occurred."

"How can you say nothing major has occurred?" Li Tong, being straightforward and blunt, interjected. "Miao King, you don't know, but some time ago the Xing Family—"

"Li Tong!" Li Lai snapped her head around to glare at Li Tong. Her face was now devoid of any smile, replaced by an invisible authority.

As the Li ethnic group's Saintess and the Miao King's disciple, Li Lai's prestige within the Li Clan was steadily rising, and she naturally carried an awe-inspiring aura.

"Li Tong, shut your mouth!" Seeing his younger brother about to speak recklessly, Li Zhou's expression changed drastically as he hurriedly tugged on Li Tong. "If you speak nonsense in front of the Miao King, I will never take you out with me again!"

Li Zhou held a mixture of reverence and fear for the Miao King. If Li Tong's careless words were to provoke the Miao King, you could die without even knowing how.

Li Tong felt wronged, but a thought of the Miao King's status silenced him. Still, his face was a mask of resentment and grievance.

"Enough. I already know about it," Lin Mu said nonchalantly. "Li Lai, what are your thoughts?"

Although he was the Miao King, he preferred not to meddle too much in the affairs of the Miao Territory. Since Li Lai was the Saintess and his disciple, the matter ultimately hinged on her own thoughts.

Li Lai bit her red lip and suddenly knelt. "I will leave it all for Master to decide!"

Seeing this, Lin Mu sighed softly in his heart. "Li Lai, you are my disciple. Although you are an in-name disciple for now, you will eventually become a true direct disciple. If you wish to join with the Xing Family, I will officially promote you to a direct disciple right now. If you are unwilling, then this matter… is dropped."

"This disciple is willing to serve Master for life! I do not wish to marry!" Li Lai knelt, her voice brimming with emotion.

"Very well. Since you've made your decision, let the matter rest," Lin Mu nodded, accepting her choice.

"Thank you, Master!" Li Lai kowtowed in gratitude, her heart full of emotion.

She never wanted to marry into the Xing Family, nor did she want to leave Lin Mu's side. She only wanted to serve Lin Mu her entire life and watch over the Li Clan for her master. So what if the Xing Family was powerful? Would they really dare commit such insubordination and force her, the Li ethnic group's Saintess?

"Alright, rise," Lin Mu said, looking Li Lai over. "Have you been slacking in your cultivation recently?"

"Replying to Master, this disciple would not dare to slack off," Li Lai replied with a faint smile, releasing a trace of her aura.

BOOM!

In Lin Mu's eyes, this aura was not particularly strong, but the Brothers Li Zhou were greatly shaken. They staggered back several steps, their eyes wide with shock. They felt an aura from Li Lai that instilled a deep fear within them.

The brothers were considered outstanding prodigies among the younger generation of Bai Miao Village. Furthermore, because of their meritorious service in following the Miao King, Li Xuan had not only promoted them but had even taken them as her disciples. As a result, their cultivation had progressed by leaps and bounds.

But compared to Li Lai, they were nothing.

What shocked them the most was that they usually only saw Li Lai sitting on the mountaintop, staring blankly in a certain direction, hardly ever cultivating. How had her Cultivation Level become so powerful in such a short time?

A bitter realization dawned on the two brothers: based on her aura alone, they believed that even if they joined forces, they would be no match for Li Lai.

They exchanged a look, and a wave of bitterness washed over both of them. Comparisons truly are odious. As expected of the Miao King's disciple!

"Hmm, you haven't disappointed your master too much," Lin Mu nodded, his tone betraying no joy or anger.

However, Li Lai's heart trembled. She sensed that her master was somewhat dissatisfied with her cultivation progress. "Master, please forgive me! This disciple will definitely work harder on my cultivation in the future and will absolutely not disappoint you!" Li Lai knelt, her pretty face slightly pale.

Lin Mu raised a hand, and Li Lai's body rose involuntarily. "I will personally guide your cultivation for the next few days. I hope you won't disappoint me."

"Thank you, Master!" Li Lai was excited, but felt the pressure even more. The prospect of her master's personal guidance made her quite nervous.

"You don't need to be nervous. Cultivation depends on innate talent, personal insight, and diligence. Opportunities and fortune are also indispensable. However, with my guidance, you will certainly avoid many detours."

Lin Mu had high expectations for his disciple, Li Lai. She was naturally close to nature and possessed a clear, spiritual mind. As long as she applied herself, her future achievements would be limitless.

"Yes, Disciple will remember Master's teachings!"

After speaking with his disciple, Lin Mu turned his gaze to the Brothers Li Zhou. He still had a fairly good impression of the two.

Being watched by Lin Mu, both Li Zhou and his brother felt a little nervous.

"You two have also done well, improving your strength by a whole level in such a short time. Li Xuan must have given you quite a bit of guidance, right?"

The Brothers Li Zhou were startled. He saw through it without us even saying a word? He even knew the Great Elder had guided us?

"Replying to the Miao King, the Great Elder has taken us as her disciples. We dare not be lax in our cultivation," Li Zhou said nervously.

Being questioned by the Miao King, Li Tong no longer dared to speak out of turn. He was so nervous he didn't even know where to put his hands.

"Mm. Li Xuan has placed high hopes on you two. Don't let her down."

After a few more words, Lin Mu dismissed the Brothers Li Zhou, leaving only Li Lai behind.

"Li Lai, do you know why your master has asked you to stay?" Lin Mu's expression turned somewhat serious.

Seeing this, Li Lai felt nervous but also puzzled. He's already asked about my personal cultivation and the clan's affairs, and he respected my opinion on the Xing Family's proposal. What else could there be that only I should know?

Li Lai could only answer honestly, "This disciple is slow-witted. I do not know Master's intentions."

Lin Mu stated solemnly, "I have come to Southern Sky this time to enter a period of secluded cultivation."

Li Lai was surprised. Master is going into seclusion? This is no small matter.

"You are the Li ethnic group's Saintess and also my disciple. There is no harm in telling you this," Lin Mu said. "This period of seclusion could last as long as half a year or as short as three to five months. Therefore, all clan affairs will need you to manage them."

"Rest assured, Master. I will certainly not disappoint you!" Li Lai was not foolish; she understood her master's meaning instantly. "During your seclusion, I will not let anyone disturb your cultivation, Master!"

Lin Mu nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. With that, I can be at ease."

He hesitated for a moment before adding a warning, "If the Xing Family truly wishes to form a union with the Li Clan, you may decide for yourself. However, if you are unwilling and they try to use their power to pressure you, remember this: do your best to avoid conflict with them. On the day I emerge from my seclusion, I will most certainly get you justice!"

Li Lai said earnestly, "Master, this disciple will remember!"

Lin Mu nodded, though another matter came to mind.

It seems... the person ranked tenth on the Sky Ranking is Southern Sky Xing Zirong. This man... could very well be part of the Xing Family.

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