Sending a Soul into the Netherworld, Beholding Five Hundred Years

Qiu Yan dispersed the information in his mind, then looked up and said, "During the previous Metropolitan Examination, Li Kuo served as an examination official. Because of some unusual activity, I discovered him and brought him under my control."

Xi Muyuan added, "What a coincidence. He actually ended up becoming Zhang Lian's confidant, and even such secret gatherings were held at his residence."

"This was no coincidence." Qiu Yan shook his head. "Li Kuo had originally been Tian Youqing's subordinate and belonged to the New Party. But after I got hold of his weakness, I intended to steer him toward the Old Party. During the Metropolitan Examination, he had already offended Tian Youqing, so he no longer had room to advance within the New Party."

"So that was it. With a purpose behind Li Kuo's actions, success naturally came more easily. Still, as far as I know, Brother Qiu, you do not have many connections in the city. Though you have earned the Emperor's and the Grand Chancellor's favor, you cannot arrange many hands. How, then, did you help Li Kuo? Could it be entirely through his own ability? If so, Brother Qiu, you should be careful. A man like that will never remain beneath another for long; he is bound to harbor other ambitions."

Qiu Yan nodded. "Brother Xi's concerns are justified. However, Li Kuo succeeded mainly because of fortune. His Fortune had risen, and with a little guidance, everything naturally went his way."

"Fortune is so elusive. How could it possibly—" Xi Muyuan was still speaking when he saw Qiu Yan's smile and immediately understood. "Of course. With Brother Qiu's current cultivation, you can turn rot into miracle." Qiu Yan said no more. Raising one hand, he let a wisp of hazy purple qi drift from his fingers.