"This formation's core is at least Tier 2. Although incomplete and unusable as-is, there's still much to learn from it…"
After seeing Luo and Qin off, Li Ye returned to the base of the Void Tree and eagerly began studying the incomplete formation diagram they'd left behind.
Just as Luo Feibai had said, this was indeed part of the formation of the ancient cave dwelling. Li Ye had once helped them devise a method to break it, so he recognized it at a glance.
"This idea of using living items as active formation nodes… suits me quite well."
Li Ye pondered, glancing back at the Void Tree.
He was already applying a similar concept by using the tree as the core of his formation but compared to the elegance and depth of the diagram's design, his method was more basic.
If he followed the logic of this incomplete formation, he could potentially incorporate even more spiritual plants into his array, greatly boosting its power and variability.
"My current understanding of formations is still lacking. Being able to designate the Void Tree as the core was already a challenge. But if I can raise my skill to High Tier Level 1, I might be able to fully integrate the essence of this diagram into the Green Vine Verdant Wood Array…"
"By then, the tree's faint domain-like effects could be fully utilized. Upgrading the array to Tier 2 should be entirely within reach!"
At the thought, Li Ye couldn't help but chuckle.
"Heh! Those two brought me a great gift this time!"
He didn't know if they had withheld parts of the diagram, but what they'd already given was more than enough. If they hoped to dangle the rest as future bait, it wouldn't be nearly as effective now.
"What a load of nonsense…"
With a smack, Li Ye tossed aside a letter and shook his head with a sneer.
Ever since he'd made his allegiance clear a few days ago, word had spread from Pingyang Mountain, confirming where he stood.
The Lan Clan already down to just a couple of old cats naturally didn't dare say much. In their state, picking sides against the alliance would probably get them swallowed whole in a single bite.
But the other mountain factions weren't so restrained, and both overt and covert opposition soon followed.
A few factions that had once been warm and welcoming abruptly cut off all contact.
Several families that had previously arranged for Li Ye to set up formations for them sent word that they no longer needed his services the Tu Clan's formation master had already handled it.
That was an outright attempt to steal his business cutting off his chance to gain field experience, grow his network, earn rewards, or improve his formation skills through practice.
But to Li Ye, this kind of thing was barely an inconvenience.
He'd only done those tasks casually to build a public image. If he wanted to improve, he had the system panel to rely on.
It was the Lan Clan elders who were genuinely distressed like someone had died.
As for the letter he'd just thrown away, it had come from the Zhang Clan of Tongfu Mountain second only to Pingyang in regional influence. The letter was filled with both veiled threats and false kindness, clearly warning him to stay out of this mess.
"Or don't say we didn't warn you."
That line made Li Ye laugh out loud.
With his current mindset, he didn't even feel a strong sense of belonging to this world let alone this specific region he'd chosen solely for Foundation Establishment.
He wasn't interested in local power struggles. He simply understood that if you're part of the game, you have to pick a side.
By leaning one way, he'd only have to deal with pressure from the opposing camp, while his side would at least offer some protection.
If he refused to take a stance, though, both sides would likely treat him as an enemy and come after him together.
Naturally, Li Ye wouldn't let that happen.
Still, while the alliance and clans only cared about where he stood for now, once he'd chosen, it was likely they'd try to drag him into their affairs more and more.
Just like at the Purple Profound Sect, there'd be endless sect missions, errands, and dirty work disguised as duties.
However, there was a key difference here: as a half-recognized mountain lord, Li Ye had autonomy.
Thanks to the formation he'd built, even if he ignored all orders, the alliance couldn't do much about it.
And once the Void Tree grew stronger, even a Foundation Establishment cultivator might not be able to shake the Green Vine Verdant Wood Array.
"For now, I'll make my stance clear and use their support as cover. After a few years of farming and gathering resources, I'll hit Foundation Establishment… and anyone who dares bother me after that?"
"I'll slap them all to death!"
Li Ye sneered coldly.
....
"Senior, do you… huh? Senior Heimu, you're still here?"
As usual, Ye Qiong was hanging around the entrance of Sanhui Market, hoping to pick up a commission or two, when she suddenly froze upon seeing someone walk in.
This senior had taken some information from her previously and left right away.
But not long after, news spread that someone named Li Ye had wiped out the traitors of Changcui Mountain and helped the Lan siblings reclaim their family's estate.
She had even seen that man herself once when he came to the market he had an unassuming face, yet carried a calm and carefree air, completely different from the gloomy aura of Senior Heimu. That alone had put her doubts to rest back then.
"Ran into some trouble with that matter, ended up lingering outside a while longer,"
Li Ye replied casually, motioning for the girl to follow him.
Now that the affairs of Changcui Mountain were all settled, he could afford to step away for a bit without anyone noticing.
Naturally, it was time for "Daoist Heimu" to make an appearance again to fulfill his role of selling pills and purchasing spirit plants.
Ye Qiong quickly caught up. "Does Senior have any instructions?"
But just hearing his explanation had her imagination spinning.
Could it be that Senior Heimu had originally been looking for the Lan siblings, only for Li Ye to get to them first?
Or… was he injured and forced to retreat by Li Ye?
That would explain why he hasn't shown up in so long not even daring to come to the market!
Ye Qiong speculated wildly, thinking the senior's expression looked even more sullen than usual. Then she heard his raspy voice:
"I need to collect seedlings or seeds of Earth Dragon Ginseng, Mindroot Flower, and White Yin Fruit. I want you and your friends to keep an eye out… If they come across any while foraging, I'll pay them a fair price."
"Take these spirit stones and talismans as well. If anyone's in a rush to sell, feel free to buy on my behalf. I'll come by regularly to pick up what you've gathered. The talismans are for your protection… Just don't lose the goods I need!"
Smack!
A storage pouch was tossed straight into her hands.
After all, she had played a crucial role in locating the Lan siblings and had also proven to Li Ye that she and her circle of low-tier gatherers held unique potential in certain areas.
The seedlings of those spirit plants weren't particularly expensive at this stage, and handing her some spirit stones and talismans was no big deal. With her watching out for opportunities, there'd likely be at least some results.
And even if she ran off with the goods, it wouldn't be much of a loss for Li Ye.
At worst, he'd just ask the local market toughs to track her down and make sure she understood the price of betrayal.
Of course, this was just a side hustle. The bulk of the acquisitions would still have to be handled by Daoist Heimu himself.
Ye Qiong instinctively opened the pouch for a quick peek and her pupils instantly shrank. She nearly gasped aloud.
She had never seen so many spirit stones in her life!
Her heart pounded wildly, and without hesitation, she swore a heart demon oath right there in front of Li Ye.
"Good reaction… Work hard. If you manage to gather enough, there will be more rewards in store."
Li Ye gave her shoulder a light pat and said no more, striding straight into a shop along the roadside.
"Shopkeeper, do you buy pills here?"
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 145+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader