Chapter 375: Eradicating the Pest (II)
"Of course," Li Qinghong replied, sipping her tea, "The Yuan Family's vassals and a small buffer household between the three families."
"Correct." Li Yuanping nodded and continued, "The Ding Family has several Qi Cultivators, including Ding Xiding in the late stage. These two families used to pay tribute to the Ding Family. After our ancestor broke through to Foundation Establishment Realm, Ding Xiding was so frightened that he came to pay his respects and abandoned these two families near our border. Without their tribute, these two families sent us gifts a few times. Seeing no response from us, they have become free and content, even attacking and plundering mortals."
"Plundering mortals…?" Li Yuanjiao asked, sensing something ominous.
Li Yuanping, having thoroughly investigated the matter, replied in a low voice, "I found it strange too, so I sent people to inquire. It turns out the Xiao Family only wants the spirit jade ore and does not require tribute, but the Ding and Yu families do. Hence, the eastern shore families have always been short of labor. Mortals, not needing spiritual energy but producing a lot of output, became their only option..."
When Li Yuanping spoke to this point, everything became clear. After all, it was the territory of the devil gates, and Li Yuanjiao had heard of such things before. Similar transactions involving rogue cultivators were also carried out by the Yu Family, and he had become somewhat accustomed to it. He merely nodded silently.
"I intend to intervene in the lands of the eastern shore families, supporting one or two small households in the Embryonic Breathing and Qi Cultivation Realms. This will be an opportunity to conscript over two thousand people from the branch families, specifically selecting those who are idle and frivolous."
Li Yuanping continued to outline his plans in great detail.
Li Yuanjiao nodded in realization, his narrow eyes showing satisfaction. Li Yuanping's gray-black eyes, rounder than Li Yuanjiao's and similar to Li Qinghong's, also reflected cunningness and intelligence.
"I will deliberately have Xicheng lead these troops. Xicheng is kind-hearted and gentle, reluctant to scold or shout. This group of frivolous men is already unreliable. Once they cross the borders into another family's territory, it is unlikely they will be able to restrain themselves from revealing their true nature…"