Father's Ambition

Everyone says that good news makes a person feel refreshed, and Li Dazhi was beaming with health and vitality at the moment, clearly having encountered something good.

He didn't bother to hide today, landing directly in front of the entrance to the cave abode where Li Ping'an lived. Just as he was about to knock, the two vermillion doors opened on their own.

Immortal Qing Su, clad in a light white dress, appeared behind the door and cupped his hands in greeting to Li Dazhi.

"Greetings, Ancestor Master."

"Ai, this is chaos, utter chaos!"

Li Dazhi quickly returned the bow, his eyes searching for Li Ping'an's figure as he spoke.

"You are Ping'an's Master. If we're going by seniority, then we'll just call each other by our respective titles... Where is Ping'an?"

Qing Su moved aside, allowing him to enter, and said, "He's cooking."

"Cooking..."

Li Dazhi narrowed his eyes and smiled.

He knew his son's cooking skills;

They were absolutely explosive, even within the entire Old Li family.

Just as Li Dazhi was about to say he'd wait at the cave entrance, he saw Li Ping'an carrying a large iron pot, moving from the inner cave to the front hall.

A rich aroma wafted out, making Li Dazhi's mouth water.

This was actually a famous dish from his hometown – Iron Pot Stewed Goose!

And this 'goose' was a spirit fowl, he wondered how it would taste.

Li Dazhi's gluttonous desires were thoroughly stirred.

Li Ping'an placed the iron pot on the stone table and with a gentle wave of his right hand, several dishes of condiments floated over and landed near the pot.

He smiled, "Master, please eat first. I'll go to my room with Father to discuss some matters."

"Mm," Qing Su's lips curved into a faint smile. He floated to the stone table and took a seat, listening as Li Ping'an briefly explained how to eat the meal.

Li Dazhi: ...

Actually, it was fine to eat first and then talk.

Li Ping'an took off his homemade apron, glanced at his father with a hint of confusion, and called out, "Dad, why aren't you coming in?"

"Coming, coming."

Li Dazhi sighed inwardly. He figured that given Ping'an's Master's appetite, this pot of goose wouldn't be finished quickly, so he went into Li Ping'an's room with peace of mind.

Closing the door and activating the formation, with a barrier set up by a Heavenly Immortal outside, the father and son still conversed in their hometown dialect.

"Dad, how did it go?"

"It's done," Li Dazhi said with a smile. "It was a bit earlier than we planned, but the timing was excellent, and the results exceeded expectations."

Li Ping'an took a pot of mountain spring water and began to brew tea for his father, asking, "What about Elder Xiao Yue?"

"Didn't you give me that jade slip? The one with the Eagle language?"

Li Dazhi rolled up his sleeves and sat down in front of Li Ping'an, smiling.

"Just as you said, I publicly recommended Elder Xiao Yue to the Sect Master, putting her in charge of the subsequent magic artifact sales. I also made sure to appear very enthusiastic."

Enthusiastic?

Li Ping'an was curious about how enthusiastic his father had been at that moment.

Li Dazhi continued:

"Xiao Yue left the sect yesterday and returned to her base in East Sea Market Town.

"I sent Wei Yanzi to accompany her, and Wei Yanzi will report on Xiao Yue's every move afterward.

"This Xiao Yue is indeed capable, intelligent, and has strong organizational skills.

"Although there are many Immortals in the sect, most of them prefer to cultivate in seclusion. It's quite difficult to find another outer sect elder as competent as her.

"It's perfect to have her ensure the sales channels for the first few batches of magic artifacts."

Li Dazhi's explanation was quite brief, but Li Ping'an couldn't help but think more deeply.

Li Ping'an then asked, "Before Xiao Yue left, did she meet with Vice Sect Master Mo Yi?"

"She did, at the banquet... Oh, right, Vice Sect Master Mo Yi announced he's going into closed-door cultivation."

Li Dazhi raised an eyebrow at Li Ping'an:

"Vice Sect Master Mo Yi said he's going into seclusion to break through a bottleneck and wants to reach the sixth-grade Heavenly Immortal realm as soon as possible. He probably won't come out for the next few years."

Li Ping'an looked slightly puzzled.

Was Vice Sect Master Mo Yi voluntarily entering closed-door cultivation because he saw that his father's momentum was unstoppable?

Li Dazhi added, "That Elder Bi has also gone into closed-door cultivation... The Sect Master told me."

Li Ping'an placed the teacup in front of his father and smiled, "They're quite clever, seeing that the situation isn't favorable and hiding away to avoid losing face."

"Hmph!"

Li Dazhi said with a dark expression:

"They must be waiting to see the follow-up on the Casting Cloud Hall. If your dad and I mess it up... you just watch! Those two old geezers will jump out immediately!"

Li Ping'an chuckled, "Is the matter of the Casting Cloud Hall settled?"

"The Sect Master approved it, and the sect will fully support it."

Li Dazhi squinted and smiled, taking a sip of tea, looking very relaxed.

"From now on, this Casting Cloud Hall will be headed by your dad, and I'll have the final say in everything.

"This is also my first proper assignment within the sect, and I'm determined to achieve something.

"You don't need to worry about this at all. This is my old line of work. The core tasks are organizing production, personnel management, technical upgrades, and sales channels. I'll focus on product quality and production efficiency, without blindly expanding production or exploiting the disciples.

"Also, I've spoken to the Sect Master about the things you reminded me of. We won't push things to the extreme and will leave a way out for the rogue cultivators."

Truly, "I'm Opening a Factory in the Immortal Realm."

Li Ping'an smiled, "Although I've said it many times and you're probably tired of hearing it, your own cultivation is the foundation of everything, no matter when."

"This is actually not bad," Li Dazhi winked. "I've been so tired these past few days, being pestered by all the elders asking questions. I even broke through a minor realm. I'm now an eighth-grade Origin Immortal."

Li Ping'an's smile froze.

He shouldn't have asked!

Old Li's heaven-defying talent and great fortune had completely dominated the path of cultivation!

Li Dazhi lowered his voice, "Ping'an, shall I transmit some power to you?"

"The one-year period isn't up yet," Li Ping'an shook his head dejectedly. "Let me finish Foundation Establishment first. Foundation Establishment is more important, especially since I lack earth in my Five Elements, and my Dao body has many imperfections."

"The herbs you gave me last time, I've already asked Brother Yun Chenzi to help refine them into pills. It should slightly improve your aptitude."

Li Dazhi pondered for a moment:

"Ping'an, there's one more thing. I gave the Sect Master an idea without consulting you."

"What is it?"

"Well, some Sect Masters from friendly sects also saw our assembly line."

Li Dazhi chuckled, "These Sect Masters are very shrewd. They've directly settled in our Myriad Cloud Sect and refuse to leave. The Sect Master has made many empty promises, but they remain unmoved.

"So, I suggested to the Sect Master that we could set up branch halls of the Casting Cloud Hall in these sects in the future.

"The most crucial aspect of the Casting Cloud Hall is actually the resource integration of a major sect.

"The Eastern Continent's cultivation world is vast. Rogue cultivators outnumber sect Qi cultivators by more than ten to one. The output of ordinary magic artifacts from our Myriad Cloud Sect alone cannot capture even ten percent of the Eastern Continent's market.

"Instead of hogging it all, it's better to bring in friendly sects with deep relationships. We can all earn spirit stones together.

"Our Myriad Cloud Sect will try it out first with the Casting Cloud Hall. If this path proves viable, then in three to five years, we'll provide the technology and set up Casting Cloud Hall branch halls within their sects, taking twenty to thirty percent of the profits. Once everyone is making spirit stones, we'll form a magic artifact refining alliance and start setting standards.

"This refining method won't be a secret for too long. Other sects will surely follow suit. We just have a head start. Expanding through franchising is a good approach to capture the market."

Li Ping'an gave a thumbs-up and said seriously, "Dad, from now on, I'll focus on my cultivation and won't meddle in the affairs of the Casting Cloud Hall."

"Good, you focus on your realm."

Li Dazhi nodded slowly, his expression unusually serious as he spoke in a gentle tone, "Now that you've taken a Master, becoming an Immortal is the top priority. Immortals live for tens of thousands of years, and True Immortals can live for an epoch. With such long lives, cultivation levels can be honed through sheer persistence.

"Ping'an, usually you're the one setting rules for me, but today, I'll set three rules for you."

Li Ping'an lowered his gaze obediently, "Okay, you speak, and I'll listen."

"First, if you don't reach the Void Refining Realm within three years, we'll increase the frequency of power transmission."

Li Dazhi said sternly, "My cultivation level is far higher than yours now. Every time I transmit power to you, I have to be extremely careful, and the negative impact on my cultivation is minimal.

"Ping'an, you really don't need to be so self-restrained.

"I understand your strong self-esteem, but in this cultivation world without laws or regulations, having more self-preservation ability is always good."

Li Ping'an nodded, "Yes, I understand. I will cultivate diligently."

"Alright, that's the second rule."

Li Dazhi straightened up, placing his hands on his knees.

"Regarding Ningning, I know you have your own thoughts, but child, we are men, and men must have responsibility.

"If you have feelings for Ningning, then tell her in advance, give her a timeframe, and say when you'll officially start pursuing her. Then, pursue her properly.

"Keeping someone in suspense isn't good. If you truly feel that Ningning cannot be your Dao companion, then propose becoming sworn siblings. She'll understand."

Li Ping'an smiled, "Dad, I've already spoken to Junior Sister Mu. Matters of the heart depend on future development; it's not like doing business where you set deadlines."

"You really said that?"

"Mm."

"Confessed your love?"

"Not yet."

"Look at you!" Li Dazhi spread his hands, earnestly persuading, "With your situation, if this were my younger days, people would write 'playboy' on the walls with chalk!"

"Dad, I know what I'm doing. You focus on your Casting Cloud Hall!"

Li Ping'an urged:

"You were saying the third point."

"Third," Li Dazhi chuckled, "Before that Xiao Yue left, she asked me to look after her disciple. I went to the outer sect and saw her. She's a nice young girl, quite pretty, just not very tall. Tell me, do you want to bring her over to be your maid?"

Li Ping'an laughed, "That young girl is actually only about seven or eight years younger than you."

"Ah?" Li Dazhi was stunned, "She looked so delicate."

Li Ping'an said, "Elder Xiao Yue just wants to place an informant by our side. Dad, you should arrange for this young girl to work in the Casting Cloud Hall, have her do some miscellaneous tasks. That way, Elder Xiao Yue can rest assured."

"That arrangement works. For this Casting Cloud Hall, I plan to set it up directly following the old factory structure. This is what I'm best at."

Li Dazhi narrowed his eyes slightly:

"This Xiao Yue, she's already showing signs of acting independently.

"She's been managing businesses outside the Myriad Cloud Sect for years, has extensive connections, deep roots, and is a Golden Immortal disciple herself.

"I don't know what she's thinking or what she wants. If not handled properly, she could be trouble in the future."

Li Ping'an teased deliberately, "Dad, are you already thinking about such matters?"

Li Dazhi was startled, then chuckled, and said in a low voice, "Ping'an, Dad has figured it out."

"You speak, I'll listen."

"You and I, father and son, since we are established in the Myriad Cloud Sect, we should rely on the Myriad Cloud Sect."

A new aura of determination filled Li Dazhi's brow:

"I don't care for power, yet now I must contend for this immortal influence.

"Since that's the case, I don't need to hide anymore. This Casting Cloud Hall will be my place to gather strength!

"Besides, most of the immortals in the sect are pure and detached. Only a few are blinded by power. I quite like the Myriad Cloud Sect.

"Let's, father and son, build a great career here and make the Myriad Cloud Sect flourish!"

Li Ping'an performed a respectful bow, "Then I'll just lie back and wait for you to lead me to success."

"You brat!"

Li Dazhi's composure broke, and he laughed and cursed, "I'm just saying I have this ambition. There's still a long road ahead to achieve it!

"With your Ancestor Master here, we won't be bullied.

"Let's work hard together, father and son."

Li Ping'an smiled, "Dad, look at you. We can't not have a drink today."

Li Dazhi glared and cursed, "Are you worthy of drinking with me? We're discussing important matters!"

In Li Dazhi's eyes, the Casting Cloud Hall was the Myriad Cloud Sect's 'magic artifact factory'. When he talked about its future plans, he spoke fluently, and Li Ping'an couldn't get a word in.

This was professionalism.

Li Dazhi could only stay for an hour. He still had to return to the Myriad Cloud Hall to prepare for the Casting Cloud Hall.

The Casting Cloud Hall was his future foundation, so he had to oversee it personally.

As Li Dazhi was leaving, he glanced at the emptied iron pot and the neatly stacked pile of bones, his expression unreadable.

Ping'an's teacher looks so slender, yet eats so much.

After Li Dazhi left, he didn't visit Li Ping'an for several months.

It was only when Li Ping'an occasionally went to visit his old man that the father and son saw each other.

His father was indeed busy.

With the full support of the Sect Master and various elders, the Myriad Cloud Sect's Casting Cloud Hall was established within the sect's grounds in just half a month, occupying an entire deserted peak.

The sect first seconded twenty Origin Immortals and three hundred outer disciples to become the 'workers' of the Casting Cloud Hall.

At the same time, the Sect Master assigned several elders skilled in artifact refining to diligently study the twelve magic artifacts, continuously improving and optimizing them.

This freed Li Ping'an, so he didn't have to spend time and energy on this matter.

While Li Dazhi was rushing about, he also diligently meditated and cultivated in his spare time each day, as his own cultivation level was the foundation of his stability.

A month later, the first batch of six thousand good-quality flying swords was sent to the market town by the coast of the Eastern Sea.

Elder Xiao Yue, who had already made preparations, sold out the flying swords, priced at only 60% of the market price, in just two days.

Even Xiao Yue, without any prior instruction, set the date for the second batch of 'good-quality magic artifacts' to be sold, organizing a pre-sale in the market town.

Li Dazhi immediately announced the expansion of production, and batches of quality flying swords were continuously sent to the coast of the Eastern Sea.

After six months of operation, Casting Cloud Hall earned over 300,000 low-grade spirit stones for the sect, astonishing all the elders of the Myriad Cloud Sect.

—This was after deducting all costs, leaving a net profit of over 300,000 low-grade spirit stones.

It wasn't that they had never seen so many spirit stones before; the Myriad Cloud Sect had a deep foundation and could be considered a large and prosperous sect.

However, this prosperity had been accumulated over a long period.

The elders truly hadn't expected Casting Cloud Hall to earn spirit stones so quickly.

After one year of operation, Casting Cloud Hall had opened a hundred assembly lines, earning two million low-grade spirit stones for the sect. The elders were utterly shocked.

One elder requested the Sect Master to order an increase in the monthly allowance for disciples, but Li Dazhi vetoed it outright.

Li Dazhi had a point—it was easy to raise monthly allowances but difficult to lower them. The sect could use the surplus spirit stones as reserves or establish rewards and benefits for disciples.

The Sect Master pondered deeply and adopted Li Dazhi's suggestion.

After two full years of operation, Casting Cloud Hall could stably earn over 200,000 low-grade spirit stones for the sect each month.

Limited by the number of shops in the market town and the sect's resource integration, this figure had already reached its current limit.

In the market towns along the coast of the Eastern Sea, the Myriad Cloud Sect's magic artifact shops had established a reputation for quality and affordability, building goodwill among rogue cultivators. Various resellers were thriving.

Li Dazhi timely introduced a batch of top-grade magic artifacts, comparable in quality to magic treasures, specializing in the flashy, impractical, and bizarre styles, which also achieved considerable success.

For a time, everyone in the Myriad Cloud Sect was discussing 'Ancestor Dazhi's business acumen' and the many benefits this person of great fortune had brought to the sect.

Li Dazhi's reputation within the sect soared, and he even gained the nickname 'Immortal of Great Wealth.'

In contrast, Vice Sect Master Mo Yi and Elder Bi's closed-door cultivation periods were tactfully extended.

While his father was exhausted to the point of nearly wasting away, Li Ping'an had a much easier time.

Although Qingxu was mostly in closed-door cultivation, whenever she wasn't, she would preach the Dao, give lessons, and teach combat to Li Ping'an.

Mu Ningning still visited Li Ping'an every few days. Li Ping'an had added a bedroom for her in his cave abode, and she occasionally stayed there for a few days.

Although the two had not directly confessed their feelings, they had developed considerable unspoken understanding.

Li Ping'an's self-control was quite good; facing his increasingly beautiful junior sister, he could still maintain a stable Dao heart.

After Mu Ningning understood her senior brother's feelings, she didn't push too hard, allowing everything to develop naturally.

When it came to cultivation, Mu Ningning was quite frustrated.

She didn't know how Senior Brother Ping'an cultivated. No matter how hard she studied or how much effort she put in, her cultivation speed was still slower than Li Ping'an's, and there was a trend of him falling further and further behind.

This truly worried her.

In two years, Mu Ningning encountered one bottleneck but still smoothly reached the ninth stage of the Light Condensation Realm, only half a step away from Void Refining, able to break through at any moment.

Reaching the Void Refining Realm in five years of cultivation was already considered gratifying progress, and Mu Ningning was highly regarded by the immortals of Colorful Cloud Peak.

However, when they were alone and Mu Ningning secretly observed Li Ping'an, even if Li Ping'an didn't deliberately disguise himself, she could no longer see through his realm. She could only see a faint spiritual energy swirling around her senior brother, his skin becoming more translucent, his aura profound, gentle, and in harmony with nature, with occasional clouds and mist surrounding him.

This was clearly the Dao charm that only appeared in the mid to late stages of the Void Refining Realm!

Li Ping'an felt a little embarrassed about this.

It wasn't that his aptitude had been fully restored.

Thanks to the pill that the Peak Master of Medicine Dust Peak refined to improve aptitude, he had only gone from lacking earth in the Five Elements to having a bit of earth in the Five Elements.

It was simply...

The father's love was as immense as a mountain.

Just as Li Ping'an thought he would continue cultivating peacefully in the mountains for a few more years, a jade slip pierced through clouds and fog, integrating into the Myriad Cloud Sect's mountain protection formation.

Two hours later, a mountain patrol disciple, holding a jade slip from the Affairs Hall, landed outside the formation of Li Ping'an's cave abode and called out loudly:

"Senior Brother Ping'an, are you cultivating?"

Seeking votes and collections!

Also, a question: Fellow Daoists, do you think the update schedule should remain two consecutive updates at noon, or one update at noon and another at 7 PM? I'm flexible and will listen to your opinions.