"Miss, Li Xuan won against Chai Zhicheng," an old man said in a courtyard within the Qing Manor.
"It turned out as I had guessed. That Li Xuan is no simple person. However, that Mu Qingfeng is truly annoying," Qing Ruoyi nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised by the outcome. Yet, when mentioning Mu Qingfeng, her expression showed a trace of disgust.
"Miss, although Li Xuan won this duel, I fear he is not enough to contend with the Mu Manor. Furthermore, would Li Xuan truly be willing to act as our Qing Manor's thug?" the old man immediately asked.
Qing Ruoyi pondered for a moment before replying, "Li Xuan is a new face. Based on the clues from our investigation, he is most likely from the previous district. To have passed through the Sky Barrier Land at the Reincarnation Realm already indicates his strength is not inferior to that of an ordinary Master Realm cultivator."
"Moreover, even if he doesn't possess the strength to contend with the Mu Manor now, it doesn't mean he won't in the future. Grandpa Chu, what do you think if we help him advance to the Master Realm? What would his strength be then? If our Qing Manor faces peril, would he not intervene?"
The old man was stunned for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "Miss, if this person truly just takes the benefits and leaves, what recourse do we have?"
Qing Ruoyi fell silent for a moment, then said, "Given the current situation, we can only gamble. Otherwise, the vast Qing Manor will truly become a wedding dress for the Mu Manor. As a descendant of the Qing family, I have no choice."
The old man fell silent. Qing Ruoyi's words were not without reason. Qing Ruoyi was the sole successor to the vast Qing family. While Mu Qingfeng claimed to be fond of Qing Ruoyi, anyone could see he intended to absorb the Qing Manor.
"However, to ensure everything is foolproof, I must still meet Li Xuan. At the very least, I need to lay out our position," Qing Ruoyi thought.
The old man was startled, then looked at Qing Ruoyi with confusion. "Miss, if we discuss this openly, what if Li Xuan refuses?"
Qing Ruoyi smiled. "I believe few people would have the audacity to refuse our Qing Manor's Celestial Pool."
"The Celestial Pool!" The old man's pupils contracted, and he fell silent. Even he himself found the Celestial Pool difficult to refuse. If Qing Ruoyi used this as leverage, Li Xuan would likely agree.
"Grandpa Chu, although using the Celestial Pool to gain a favor is still better than falling into the hands of the Mu Manor. One must know what is more important. Alright, I will go out for a while." Qing Ruoyi stood up and left.
"The Celestial Pool?" In the inn, Li Xuan was somewhat surprised when Qing Ruoyi appeared, but even more surprised by her words. The so-called Celestial Pool further piqued Li Xuan's curiosity about what kind of place it was.
Qing Ruoyi nodded slightly. "Young Master Li Xuan, to be frank, our Qing Manor is facing some trouble. If not handled properly, we might not survive in Dou City. If not for this, I wouldn't have informed you about the Celestial Pool."
Li Xuan nodded slightly. Although he didn't know the benefits of the Celestial Pool, he could tell that Qing Ruoyi's words were sincere.
"The Mu Manor has top-tier strength in Dou City. Your Qing Manor and the Duanmu family are slightly weaker. Coincidentally, in your generation, Miss Ruoyi, you seem to be the only successor. This situation is indeed somewhat awkward," Li Xuan remarked.
Li Xuan had some understanding of the power distribution in Dou City. Especially with the appearance of Qing Ruoyi and Mu Qingfeng, Li Xuan wouldn't be foolish enough to wait for them to introduce themselves. Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory; this is the most basic principle.
Qing Ruoyi looked at Li Xuan with some surprise. "I didn't expect Young Master Li Xuan to have already figured out my situation. Indeed, Mu Qingfeng claims to like me, but who can't see that he intends to absorb our Qing Manor? It's just that our Qing Manor currently lacks the ability to contend with the Mu Manor, hence our ambiguous stance."
Li Xuan smiled. "So, Miss Ruoyi intends to seek my help. But I am curious, how can you be certain that I possess the strength to help the Qing Manor in this struggle?"
"Also, in Dou City, you should not be lacking in suitors, Miss Ruoyi. Similarly, there should not be a shortage of powerful spiritual masters. I admit my charm is not that great yet."
Qing Ruoyi gave a wry smile. "Young Master Li Xuan's concerns are understandable. Furthermore, if you were to agree directly, I would actually be more worried. The reason I value you is precisely your talent and potential."
Qing Ruoyi paused. "After all, in so many years, no one has managed to pass through the Sky Barrier Land at the advanced Reincarnation Realm."
Li Xuan felt a slight shock. He had inquired about Qing Ruoyi's background, but had Qing Ruoyi not known his as well? Even Mu Qingfeng likely knew. These heirs of noble families were truly all astute.
"As for strength, with Young Master Li Xuan's current cultivation, he naturally cannot contend with the Mu Manor. But if you advance to the Master Realm, I believe you will have no equal," Qing Ruoyi said with a smile.
Li Xuan remained silent for a moment. If he reached the Master Realm, even the advanced Master Realm would not be an issue for him. And advanced Master Realm cultivators were unlikely to exist in this central district, considering the existence of the rear district in this Land of Chaos.
"Miss Ruoyi, the method of advancement you mentioned, is it the Celestial Pool?" Li Xuan inquired.
Qing Ruoyi nodded slightly. "From what I know, Young Master Li Xuan's physique is extremely powerful. If you can further refine it, even without revealing your identity as a sword cultivator, your body refinement alone would be enough to make the Mu Manor wary. And the Celestial Pool can not only enhance your physique but also advance your cultivation realm."
Li Xuan's impression of Qing Ruoyi further improved. After all, since entering Dou City, Li Xuan had not displayed any of his sword cultivator techniques. Yet, Qing Ruoyi had managed to discern this, which was not something an ordinary person could achieve.
"If I reach the Master Realm, I will assist the Qing Manor in its time of crisis," Li Xuan decided after some deliberation.
Given the current circumstances, even if Qing Ruoyi hadn't approached him, Mu Qingfeng would likely not let him off easily. In that case, why not accept this opportunity that offered mutual benefit?
Qing Ruoyi's face lit up with joy, and she extended her hand to Li Xuan. "In that case, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."
Li Xuan smiled and extended his hand, shaking Qing Ruoyi's. "Pleasant cooperation."