Chapter 828: Chapter 280: Ning Zhuo’s Scalp Tingling
Upon hearing Li Xiangshang say he could help create a temporary army, Qing Chi was greatly surprised.
She asked, “Is there such an innate talent in the world? That’s too powerful, is it a high-class talent?”
Li Xiangshang touched his smooth nape and spoke honestly, “It’s just low-class.”
Qing Chi immediately became skeptical, “Low-class talent can also create an army? I’m not a three-year-old; I know how hard it is to form an army. Every step is a challenge, and it gets harder the further you go.”
“You can form an army with just a low-class talent?”
Li Xiangshang had to supplement, “It’s temporary, a temporary army.”
“What kind of talent is it then?” Qing Chi pursued.
Li Xiangshang didn’t answer directly at this point, “Even if it’s temporary, something as significant as forming an army requires consulting others.”
“Why don’t we see your father first?”
These past days, Qing Chi had visited the Yang Enhancement Institute multiple times looking for Jiao Ma (Ning Zhuo), each time failing.
She had also encountered Li Xiangshang several times.
Thus, Li Xiangshang understood Qing Chi’s situation quite well.
Soon, he found Qing Yan.
Upon hearing Li Xiangshang wanted to support Qing Chi in forming an army, Qing Yan was astounded.
But he didn’t ask about Li Xiangshang’s talent, instead questioning his motive, “How has my daughter earned the favor of Lord Li?”
Li Xiangshang touched his smooth nape, “I was sent to the White Paper Immortal City because our Dragon Lord wants to help it get through this Ghost Tide. Hence, resolving the White Paper City Lord’s predicament is key.”
“I’ve brought Golden Nest Demon Seed this time, which can enhance the Golden Swallow Bloodline, and with the Spirit Contract Treasure Refining Array, refining the Golden Swallow Fork is a sure bet.”
“I reviewed the Yang Enhancement Institute’s list and found only one suitable candidate, Sun Tiesheng.”
“I picked him and offered him the Golden Nest Demon Seed, but he refused.”
“So I consulted Dean Zheng, who suggested I approach the Sun Family in the city to pressure Sun Tiesheng.”
“I tried.”
“In the end, however, the Sun Family protected Sun Tiesheng.”
“Sigh, after all, they are family.”
Li Xiangshang spread his hands, “Sun Tiesheng is the most suitable candidate. I’ve checked the list multiple times and confirmed there is no one more fitting.”
“I can only consult Dean Zheng again, who told me the Sun Family reckoned my situation and were confident, so he advised me to deliberately choose someone else to provoke the Sun Family and Sun Tiesheng. He doesn’t believe the Sun Family arranged for Sun Tiesheng to enter the Yang Enhancement Institute would be indifferent about the Golden Swallow Fork’s ownership!”
Qing Yan listened but still didn’t understand, frowning, “What does all this have to do with you helping my daughter build an army?”
Li Xiangshang chuckled, “Listen to me.”
“I know Miss Qing Chi has affection for a young man named Jiao Ma. He cultivates with the Jiao Family’s technique, abundant in yang energy. Although his cultivation level is currently low, he will surely surpass Sun Tiesheng in the future, or at least be on par.”
“Thanks to Miss Qing Chi’s numerous visits to the Yang Enhancement Institute, I learned this Jiao Ma has quite the quick wit, having cleared his name and caught the eye of the White Paper Immortal City Lord.”
“I plan to use Jiao Ma to provoke the Sun Family and Sun Tiesheng.”
Saying this, Li Xiangshang looked towards Qing Chi, “But I assured Miss Qing Chi I wouldn’t really choose Jiao Ma.”
“I aim to help people fulfill their dreams; it’s in my nature. Seeing Miss Qing Chi repeatedly go with high hopes yet leave disappointed also unsettles me.”
“Thus, on one hand, I help Miss Qing Chi form an army, increasing her chances of winning her man. On the other, by Qing Chi and Jiao Ma being so close, Jiao Ma will surely gain great momentum. Then, when I spread the news of already selecting Jiao Ma, the Sun Family will feel threatened, provoked, and agree to cooperate with me.”
Qing Yan fell silent after hearing this speech.
Reflecting briefly, he looked at Li Xiangshang with a slightly complex expression, “You sure have a warm heart.”
He then looked at his daughter, seeing her gaze filled with anticipation towards himself.
Thus, the father sighed deeply, “I’ve never been optimistic about their future. After all, one is from the Human Clan, the other from the Ghost Clan.”
Qing Chi immediately retorted, “There are quite a few perfect matches in our village, all inter-clan marriages.”
Qing Yan glared, “Those are ordinary folks; our family and the Jiao Family’s situation isn’t the same!”
Qing Yan grumbled, “The old saying got it right, girls are hard to keep at home when grown! You grew up and feel like you’ve gained independence…”
Qing Chi interrupted, “Dad, it’s my life; I’ll take charge of it!”
“You!” Qing Yan was infuriated, but after all, she is his daughter, so what can he do?
Realizing the pace of this conversation was leading to an argument, he returned to the original topic, “I know unless you try, you will never let go.”
“Fine, this time I’ll agree to assist you wholeheartedly!”
Qing Chi’s eyes gleamed instantly, not expecting her father to agree so straightforwardly, thinking there would be much quarreling.
“Dad!” Excitedly, Qing Chi hugged Qing Yan.
Qing Yan sighed again, gently patting Qing Chi’s shoulder, his tone somewhat desolate, “I’ve grown old, yearning for you to find a good match.”
“I’ve always believed Jiao Ma is not your ideal partner. Though I agreed to assist you, I’ve never changed this view.”
“Furthermore, the reason I consented this time is mainly I feel this greatly benefits you!”
“Even if it’s just a temporary army, as long as you make accomplishments and enter the sight of the Immortal City’s upper echelon, it will undoubtedly aid your cultivation in your later years!”