Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1877: 1407: Arrangements (Part 2)

Previously on Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan...
Li Zhirui cautioned the shopkeeper about the Confucianists' proposed class divisions, which would severely undermine the merchants by barring their children from imperial exams and potentially relegating them to low status. Alarmed, the shopkeeper reported the threat to the Jinzhou merchant headquarters, prompting a high-level discussion where leaders agreed to curb the Confucianists' dominance while cautiously vetting Li Zhirui's sudden proposal. Returning to the inn, Li Zhirui planned a measured alliance with the merchants to connect with the Legalist faction, wandered the capital observing biased laws favoring Confucian scholars, and began secretly forming an underground network of rangers for future intelligence. Shopkeeper Mo Wen invited him to discuss collaboration, probing his motives, to which Li Zhirui responded by revealing his identity as an East Continent Immortal Tao cultivator training in Daqian.

“To begin with, I harbor no fondness for Confucianism; next, a minor grudge exists between me and them; moreover, I've witnessed countless ordinary folk tormented and plagued by Confucianism's deeds, stirring deep compassion within me; lastly, no further motives exist— I simply heed my inner voice, pursuing a pure and unclouded spirit!”

With a serene smile, Li Zhirui remarked, “Now, do you trust my words?”

In truth, the moment Li Zhirui disclosed his real identity, Mo Wen had already started to accept it, considering how his status made deception utterly implausible.

From Mo Wen's perspective, the initial two explanations held little weight, while the final one truly drove his actions.

Regarding that third justification? Mo Wen dismissed it outright. How could a cultivator immersed in secluded practice, particularly one at the Heavenly Immortal Realm with eons of experience amid life's tempests, whose Dao Heart had weathered endless cycles of birth and demise, possibly harbor pity for the wretched existences of ordinary mortals?

Would such a figure invest immense toil to curb Confucianism and uplift the plight of those masses?

In plain terms, neither Li Zhirui as an outsider, nor Mo Wen himself, would stir even a flicker of empathy upon beholding the destitute fates of commoners.

Noting Mo Wen's skeptical look, Li Zhirui realized the third point found no credence, leaving him exasperated that his honest confession met such doubt.

With a resigned shake of his head, he swiftly reactivated his Secret Technique to mask his cultivation base, preventing detection by the Daoist magic network.

“What are your intentions? Any tactics in mind?” Mo Wen inquired.

This pivotal choice would shape the ultimate result!

“My approach remains straightforward: disseminate damaging tales about Confucianism, erode it from the grassroots level, and erode the faith of the populace in them.”

Li Zhirui explained, “Should it take hold, Confucianism will endure a devastating setback, potentially hindering their long-term prospects.”

And that achievement would suffice.

Did he intend to eradicate Confucianism entirely? He doubted possessing such formidable capabilities.

“That straightforward?” Mo Wen responded, his tone laced with disbelief.

“Straightforward? Convincing vast crowds to absorb and embrace the message in mere moments— is that effortless?”

Shaking his head, Li Zhirui continued, “Preparations are underway on my end. When I initiate, you must promptly amplify the circulation of those whispers.”

“Your role demands minimal strain or exertion— merely shadow my moves.”

Mo Wen gave a nod; truly, this setup shielded them from any blame.

“Could you connect me with key figures from the Mo Family, Legalist faction, and additional schools?”

“Seeking more allies?”

“Naturally, bolstering our numbers benefits the cause.”

“Yet greater awareness heightens leak risks; heed that caution,” Mo Wen advised.

“Sufficient to enlist just one or two additional schools.”

In the end, Li Zhirui secured from him channels to a Legalist faction leader and a Military Family notable.

“Restrain action until my signal.”

With essentials covered, he departed without delay, as pressing duties awaited.

Mo Wen remained seated in silence, observing his retreat, offering no farewell.

Deep down, he deemed the scheme dubious and overly basic; could the dominant force among the Hundred Schools truly crumble under such tactics?

However, as Li Zhirui noted, with the merchant lurking unseen, failure posed no revelation of his hand, so Mo Wen withheld protest, granting leeway.

Meanwhile, Li Zhirui wasted no time, reaching out via the fresh contacts to arrange encounters— one slated for dawn the next day, the other within the hour!

The urgent appointee hailed from the Military Family's elite, embodying their doctrine of swift, resolute strikes.

At the designated spot, the Military Family cultivator appeared right on schedule.

Peng Yue, his guest, cut a sturdy figure with plain features, though a jagged scar by his eye lent a rugged allure.

No sooner had Peng Yue entered than he demanded, “Cut the pleasantries; what's your aim in summoning me?”

“I seek the Military Family's alliance in opposing Confucianism!” Li Zhirui declared without hesitation.

“Outline your scheme?”

A spark of hope ignited in Li Zhirui at this, signaling genuine curiosity!

“Details withheld for now. Upon full commitment from the Military Family, I'll reveal all.”

He sidestepped Peng Yue's probe, wary of divulging strategy before securing participation, lest unnecessary dangers arise.

“Fine. Return here tomorrow at this hour. My response will be final then.”

Thus concluded their exchange as he rose and exited abruptly.

The discussion spanned scarcely fifteen minutes.

Such brusqueness from Peng Yue failed to irk Li Zhirui, paling against affronts endured in his weaker cultivation days.

After wrapping another affair, rather than retreating to the inn for respite, he sought out the Rangers.

“How fares the recruitment of additional Rangers I requested yesterday?”

Their current ranks proved too sparse for Li Zhirui's ambitions, prompting calls for broader enlistment.

“Many comrades expressed eagerness to participate.”

“News of our grand endeavor sparked their jealousy and urgency to contribute.”

These Rangers boasted wide connections, and per their report, a single day's efforts yielded over a hundred new recruits!

Yet this tally fell short; expansion must persist.

Besides, equipping these newcomers demanded focus, honing their abilities to sway opinions through rhetoric.

“Excellent work, though quantities remain inadequate, and instruction in compelling oratory is essential to captivate audiences.”

From his Storage Magical Treasure, Li Zhirui withdrew a generous sum in silver coins to fund the Rangers' operations.

He also provided several concise manuals of his own composition, guiding techniques to stir sentiments and immerse listeners in the narrative's truth.

These routine duties he delegated to the initial Rangers, bestowing upon them weighty duties.

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