"A big problem... what problem?"
Lu Li's tone also turned serious.
As his cultivation level and status within the sect rose, the questions surrounding Azure Pool became increasingly perplexing to him.
In addition, even the 'protagonist' Ye Chenfeng's words had hidden meanings.
All these signs indicate that the matter of Azure Pool is definitely not simple.
Li Yuanchao's voice had never sounded so serious before.
After their initial excitement, the researchers beside them also came to their senses.
His tone was silent, as if he already knew the issue that was about to be discussed.
"Comrade Lu Li, let me first summarize the several suspicious points you raised last time."
Firstly, why has the population base of the Azure Pool Three Commanderies remained unchanged for thousands of years?
Secondly, why does Azure Pool harbor such malice towards cultivators with poor aptitude?
Thirdly, why does Azure Pool show no mercy to outside Rogue Cultivator?
Fourthly, why does Azure Pool hold a " Hastening the Seedlings to Immortal Ascension Assembly every hundred years?
"The four questions, each seemingly having its own interpretation on a surface..."
Li Yuanchao paused, as if gathering his thoughts.
It also seemed to be giving Lu Li time to think.
He first interpreted the four questions using the surface-level answers.
For example, if the population remains unchanged, it can be entirely attributed to low productivity, public health issues, natural disasters, or Rogue Cultivator calamities, etc.
There is also an explanation for the strong malice towards cultivators with poor aptitude.
Bai Sheng himself had previously stated that this was to suppress the lower-level disciples in order to make it easier for the four peaks to win them over.
Killing invading Rogue Cultivator is easier to understand; it's about protecting the common people under their rule.
Even the Hastening the Seedlings to Immortal Ascension Assembly can be seen as an incentive and catalyst for inner disciple.
In short, each of these four questions is valid and reasonable when viewed individually.
But if...
"But if we consider this—of course, Comrade Lu Li, we're considering this now—"
"Although the answer has been derived through computer simulation, it may not be true."
"You need to be mentally prepared; no matter what, stay calm!"
Li Yuanchao seemed afraid that his upcoming answer would shock Lu Li.
For the first time, the veteran hesitated in his voice.
Lu Li, however, seemed much more composed upon hearing this.
Hasn't his journey been a constant treacherous one?
Upon first entering the sect, in order to deceive Bai Sheng, he broke through his cultivation realm at the critical moment of life and death, striving for a sliver of hope.
He was later lured out of the sect, and then crushed and killed Bai Sheng. However, if he had made a slight mistake, someone else would have won.
During the Foundation Establishment stage, he was troubled by his aptitude, teetering on the brink of death, struggling to survive, and nearly perishing.
The journey has been fraught with peril, like walking on thin ice.
Countless trials and tribulations have already tempered his Daoist heart to be as firm as a rock and as stable as a mountain.
Today, though not yet thirty, his heart and spirit are no longer those of the naive young man who first arrived...
He spoke up immediately.
" Director Li, please speak. Of all the matters, this one has finally been resolved."
Hearing Lu Li's clear and melodious voice, Li Yuanchao seemed to be infected as well.
Take a deep breath and open your mouth slowly.
"Comrade Lu Li, what if we look at these four issues from a different perspective?"
One hypothesis is that it involves controlling the number of mortals.
"Secondly, it's about eliminating inferior Spirit Root."
Thirdly, it was to maintain the stability of the ecological environment in the three counties.
Fourthly... regularly select and cultivate top talents to Foundation Establishment.
Li Yuanchao's voice trembled slightly.
"So, can we assume that mortals, as the soil from which Spirit Root are born, must maintain a stable base number? Inferior Spirit Root and external variables need to be eliminated to ensure high-quality individuals, while superior Foundation Establishment cultivators..."
"It's more like mature crops, which are harvested uniformly after a century-long cycle."
"The entire Azure Pool Three Commanderies is like a meticulously designed breeding farm."
And you... are standing in the field.
After the words were spoken, no more sound came from inside or outside the jade pendant.
Silence fell on both sides.
Lu Li's pupils contracted slightly.
My mind was wavering.
Even after mentally preparing myself, I was still met with the government's speculation and analysis.
He was still somewhat dazed.
Although he noticed that something was wrong with Azure Pool, Lu Li originally thought that at best, this sect could only cultivate some geniuses.
The Four Peaks Golden Core can be either consumed or used.
But now, the government's analysis suggests that the entire Azure Pool Three Commanderies seems to be on the plate!
"But... what are the chances?"
Is there a way to break this deadlock?
After a long silence, Lu Li, his voice hoarse, slowly asked the crucial question.
Li Yuanchao took a deep breath and continued speaking.
"Very likely!"
"The way to break this deadlock... running away is impossible."
"If our hypothesis is true, then any movement by a cultivator of your level, such as leaving the three prefectures, would likely be immediately noticed by the farm owners."
"The only solution right now... is weapon forging! High-profile weapon forging!"
"Weapon crafting?"
"That's right, Comrade Lu Li, we analyzed the motives behind True Lord Chiyang's transmission of Dao of Artifact Refinement techniques to you."
"The most likely explanation is that... the other party values your master-level skills highly, and passing on their techniques to you is probably intended to help you reach an even higher level."
"Fortunately, it will be useful to them in the future."
Li Yuanchao waved his hand as he spoke.
The strategy team members were instructed to place the analysis report next to the metal table.
With a thought, an electronic report appeared out of thin air in Lu Li's palm.
The contents contain detailed records of Lu Li's current risk control factors within the inner circle, as well as the optimal route planning.
One of the motivations behind the bestowal of the Dharma by the True Lord Chiyang is...
According to the strategic team members, it is very likely that they want to elevate Lu Li's weapon-refining skills.
They might even resort to methods to deliberately elevate Lu Li's cultivation level.
The purpose was to enable him to refine a third-tier Law Artifact as soon as possible, since a third-tier grandmaster could refine a top-tier third-tier Law Artifact.
The effects of top-tier Law Artifact far surpass those of artifacts of the same rank. If True Lord Chiyang had a top-tier third-rank magical Law Artifact by his side...
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that its power overwhelmed all four peaks of Azure Pool.
It's quite possible that even the sect leader would have to show him some respect.
Furthermore, the cultivation of various skills relies entirely on personal talent; there has been no record of any ability to seize or plunder by force.
Especially in weapon crafting, it all depends on skill and dedication.
Therefore, Lu Li can now confidently display his impressive weapon-refining skills.
Although it is unknown why the many Golden Core of Azure Pool acted as if they had just harvested the lands of the three prefectures, there must be some Secret Method behind it that benefits them.
Only Lu Li can demonstrate value far exceeding his own potential, or reveal enormous future potential.
Only then can one's life safety be guaranteed.
We can figure it out gradually in the future; there will surely be a way to break the deadlock.
After reading the entire strategic report, Lu Li's pupils trembled slightly.
After lying low for so long, the government suddenly told him that he could now be high-profile.
Yes, specifically regarding weapon crafting, the government's advice is as follows.
From this day forward, Lu Li will make his name as a master weapon refiner resound throughout the entire Azure Pool!
He wanted everyone, especially the Golden Core cultivators, to know that in the future, Grandmaster Lu would be able to refine top-tier third-order Law Artifact.
Even... a glimpse into the legendary 'Dao' level Immortal Artificer!