Gathering (6200+ words)

"Damn it... they're just bullying Li Qingjing because the sun is setting on his life and he won't last much longer, aren't they?"

As Aaron fished for information, he rolled his eyes inwardly.

He recalled that when he had first taken control of the Li Family, things had seemed much the same.

In his prime, he had outlived all his peers, basked in boundless glory, and held great power in his hands alone.

But once he grew old, all manner of challenges began to emerge.

Not even Core Formation cultivators could escape this vicious cycle!

'Perhaps... this is human nature?'

'I'll string them along first... then have Li Qingjing come out and kill them... Patriarch Fang is an upright man, after all. His hands must not be stained with innocent blood...'

Aaron's smile grew ever gentler as he exchanged empty courtesies with Pu Donglai...

Half a month later.

On a barren mountain devoid of spiritual veins.

Beneath the dim sky, a dark green streak of spiritual light skimmed close to the ground as it discreetly arrived outside a certain cave abode.

"Daoist Lan, you've finally come!"

Pu Donglai appeared to be the host, receiving this low-profile, elderly Foundation Establishment cultivator in black at the entrance to the cave abode.

"Hmph!"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Lan snorted and took out a jet-black bamboo hat, placing it over his head. It immediately blocked out other divine senses.

"Daoist Lan is truly cautious!" Pu Donglai said with a smile.

"Your Azure Cauldron Sect may be willing to smash the pot when it's already broken, but this old man still has a family..." Patriarch Lan snorted. "Once we enter, if you dare reveal this old man's true identity... don't blame me for showing no mercy!"

"Of course!" Pu Donglai readily agreed and