Chapter 68

Liu Yi emphasized the phrase "at all costs" twice. Lu Li looked at Liu Yi’s beautiful face and vaguely understood the profound meaning behind it.

If he nodded, he could marry the most beautiful young lady of the Liu family, and he would also become the most prestigious son-in-law of the Liu family. The Liu family would bestow upon him endless resources to help him improve his strength. If the Liu family could survive this disaster, he would become a new noble in Wuling City, able to walk around the city with impunity in the future.

The question was... could he agree?

He had more important things to do. He wanted to join the Fifth Rank Royal Family as a guest scholar, use their teleportation array to go to Central State, and ask the Lu family to send strong family members to rescue his parents.

He was the child of the Lu family, one of the ten major bloodlines in Central State. How could he casually join the inner or outer halls of another family? Lu Ling had explicitly warned him that he could only join any family as a guest scholar and absolutely could not join the inner or outer halls.

Therefore, he could only smile bitterly and say, "Miss Liu Yi, I am very sorry. I can promise to do my best to help the Liu family in times of need. I have my own difficulties and cannot join the outer or inner halls of any family. I am really sorry."

Liu Yi's eyes immediately dimmed, but she still asked hopefully, "Really can't?"

"Can't." Lu Li's tone was very firm. He thought for a moment and said, "Or you could talk to your family and give me some resources? I can swear a blood oath that as long as I live, I will do my utmost to help the Liu family."

"Ha ha."

Liu Yi sat back, shaking her head and said, "Lu Li, your idea is too naive. Even if I believe you, even if I guarantee it with my life, it won't work. No family will waste resources on a guest scholar. No one believes in oaths."

With the conversation at this point, there was nothing more to say. Lu Li bowed slightly and said, "Miss Liu Yi, thank you for your hospitality. I'll go back now. Rest early."

Lu Li left, and Liu Yi remained in the pavilion, feeling disheartened. She doubted her charm for the first time. It was one thing for those big shots to not be interested, but for Lu Li, a bumpkin from a tribe, to also not be interested?

Sasa!

A moment later, an old man quietly approached. Seeing Liu Yi's dim eyes, he asked in surprise, "Failed?"

Liu Yi looked up at Elder Seven and smiled bitterly, "Grandpa Seven, Lu Li has his own difficulties. He can't join any family's outer or inner halls. He said he would do his best to help the Liu family in times of need..."

"Nonsense!"

Elder Seven directly interrupted Liu Yi, saying coldly, "A good-for-nothing. Ignore him. Let him fend for himself. Also... pass my word that no high-level mystic weapons, elixirs, or techniques can be exchanged with him. Even if he has contribution points, it's not allowed. Only low-level items can be exchanged, and the contribution points will be doubled."

After saying this, Elder Seven turned and left. To him, a genius who couldn't be used by the Liu family was no different from a waste. The Liu family couldn't afford to spend a lot of resources to cultivate a white-eyed wolf who might turn around and bite the Liu family.

"Grandpa Seven..."

Liu Yi wanted to say a few more words, but Elder Seven had already left, not giving her a chance to explain.

"Should I try again?"

Liu Yi looked in the direction of the guest hall. She didn't particularly like or dislike Lu Li. If she could marry him, it would be a good outcome. At least she wouldn't have to worry about when the family would give her to those big shots to play with.

Lu Li occasionally looked at her with a slightly intoxicated gaze, which meant he was somewhat attracted to her. If she lowered her pride and reserve, she might succeed in getting into Lu Li's bed. Given her understanding of Lu Li's character, he would definitely take responsibility.

"Forget it!"

In the end, Liu Yi shook her head and rejected the idea. She had her pride; she wasn't a woman who could be with anyone. Since Lu Li had already refused her, how could she shamelessly offer herself?

...

Lu Li returned to his courtyard. Seeing him slightly drunk, Lu Ling smiled and asked, "What happened? Did the Liu family's young ladies try to get you drunk? Did you misbehave?"

Lu Li scratched his head awkwardly and said, "Sister, what are you talking about? How could I misbehave?"

"Ha ha ha!"

Lu Ling laughed loudly and teased, "My little brother has grown up. Well, go back and practice. The sky of Wuling City can change at any moment. You need to become stronger; otherwise, how will you save your sister when the time comes?"

"Save my sister?"

Lu Li was taken aback. Thinking about the situation Liu Yi mentioned, he pondered for a moment and asked, "Sister, if the Zhao family really destroys the Liu family, where will we go?"

"Heavenly Martial City!"

Lu Ling pointed south and said, "If the situation really gets that bad, we'll go directly to the capital of Heavenly Martial Kingdom. Then we'll find a way to join the Zi family and become their guest scholars."

The Northern Desert has three kingdoms: Heavenly Martial Kingdom, Heavenly Cold Kingdom, and Heavenly Cool Kingdom. Wuling County belongs to Heavenly Martial Kingdom.

However, the people of the Northern Desert have a weak sense of belonging to their country. Many would say they are citizens of the Northern Desert rather than citizens of Heavenly Martial Kingdom or Heavenly Cold Kingdom.

Because!

In the Northern Desert, the establishment of countries is too rapid. Take the current three countries; the oldest has only been around for about eighty years, and the youngest, Heavenly Cold Kingdom, was founded just fifteen years ago.

There are too many martial artists in the Northern Desert. The emergence of any strong individual often marks the rise of a major family. When major families rise, they will fight for territory and resources.

The Northern Desert is only so large, and the largest territories and resources are in the hands of the royal families. Therefore, large-scale wars are inevitable. If a family wins, it will become the new royal family, establish a new country, and change its name.

In the past few hundred years, the Northern Desert has seen the rise of over thirty countries. Therefore, the people of the Northern Desert have a very weak sense of national identity. They don't care what country it is; they are all citizens of the Northern Desert.

In Lu Li and Lu Ling's hearts, there was no difference between Heavenly Martial Kingdom, Heavenly Cold Kingdom, and Heavenly Cool Kingdom. Joining the royal family of any country was the same, as long as they could use the teleportation array to go to Central State.

The capital of Heavenly Martial Kingdom is the closest to Wuling City. If something happened, Lu Ling would have Lu Li take her to Heavenly Martial City.

"Practice, practice!"

Thinking about the journey of tens of thousands of miles to Heavenly Martial City, Lu Li's heart became particularly heavy. The struggle at the Ice Abyss would likely end soon, and a major battle in Wuling City was imminent. If the Zhao family won, he would face relentless pursuit.

"Within half a month, I must comprehend the Thunderbolt Mystic Technique and find a way to condense the Divine Sea. If I reach the Divine Sea realm and possess the Thunderbolt Mystic Technique, my combat power will skyrocket, and my chances of survival will greatly increase."

Lu Li sorted out his thoughts, returned to his room, and began practicing. He didn't practice the Thunderbolt Mystic Technique but focused on breaking through the remaining half of his meridians, aiming to fully open all his meridians and reach the peak of the Black Tortoise realm first.