For Li Yunjing at the time, it had been a worthwhile bargain. He could forge connections and sow goodwill, while the cycle of karma would ensure that these powers sheltered the Divine Firmament Dao Sect after his ascension.
A hundred years was neither long nor short for cultivators, but it was enough for those powers to nurture new talent, complete a transfer of authority, or find another patron.
Now, the hundred-year term had ended.
By the terms of the alliance, Li Yunjing had fulfilled his promise completely.
Throughout those hundred years, he had indeed sheltered those powers, sometimes acting in secret and sometimes deterring threats through his influence, keeping them from suffering utter destruction.
Now that the term had expired, the alliance's binding force naturally dissolved.
He no longer bore any obligation to protect those powers.
"Affinity arises and fades; karma has run its course."
Li Yunjing remained calm, without much sentiment.
On the path of cultivation, bargains and agreements like these were countless, each with its own term and karmic ties.
Once settled, they were settled. There was no need to dwell on them.
Looking at the crude cave abode in this deep-sea fissure that had sheltered him for a hundred years, Li Yunjing suddenly curled his lips in an intrigued smile.
"I spent a hundred years secluded here, drawing in spiritual energy, healing, and comprehending the Dao. Though I kept my aura restrained, over so many days and months, the walls of this abode and even the surrounding rock strata inevitably absorbed a trace of my Dao resonance and lingering thunder and gui water aura."
"To high-level cultivators, it might be beneath notice, but to certain low-level cultivators-"
With a slight stir of his divine sense, he carefully swept over the restrictions he had laid down.
A hundred