That afternoon, Li Ling went to bid Luo Mu farewell.
"Li Ling, are you planning to go back?"
"Yes. A small problem has come up back home."
"What sort of problem?"
Li Ling immediately explained what had happened in the North Sea.
Luo Mu sighed. "You've built up quite an enterprise over the years. Plenty of people must be green with envy."
Li Ling said, "That's why I used up those resources early, turning them into investments to nurture talented disciples."
Luo Mu nodded. "You were right to do so. You now have several Foundation Establishment true disciples under you. When trouble comes, they can at least lend a hand.
"But don't always think you and your disciples have to shoulder everything yourselves. Mystic Xin Peak may have declined, but we've established ourselves independently as well. If you truly need us, just ask."
He paused, then said, "My duties make it inconvenient for me to travel, but your Granduncle Han and Granduncle Lin can still go to the North Sea Region to help. Those two idle their days away, and since the Old Ancestor passed on, there's been no one to keep them in line. Doing something useful would be good for them. They may not have any great abilities, but they were true disciples of a major sect, after all. They're more than capable of handling ordinary rogue cultivators in the North Sea Region."
Touched, Li Ling said, "Things haven't reached that point yet. Thank you, Granduncle Luo."
Not long afterward, Li Ling went to Elder Shang as well and told him the news from the North Sea.
Elder Shang said, "The mastermind hasn't surfaced yet, but I also believe this was no coincidence. Someone is testing the waters. Li Ling, how do you intend to handle this situation?"