Chapter 302

"????"

The little white dragon had a head full of question marks.

It almost exploded into action.

I treat you as Big Brother, and you treat me as a tribute??

Being sent to the Marquis of Annan, wouldn't that mean becoming a pet for others to play with like those monsters in the monster pen? As proud as the little white dragon was, it naturally couldn't accept it.

But the little white dragon didn't erupt immediately, but asked:

"Big Brother, why?"

Li Rui sighed lightly: "Little White, you've been targeted, I'm afraid your father can't protect you either."

Hearing this.

The little white dragon was horrified, its back feeling cold.

It knew that its Big Brother was never a frivolous person, and even less would he joke about such issues.

The old dragon is at the Earth Immortal realm; even the old dragon can't protect it, so what kind of existence must it be that wants to take action against it.

"What exactly happened?"

Li Rui then laid out the matter of the Red Flame Fire Fox completely.

When the little white dragon heard that the Giant Stone City Lord and a Monster Lord wanted to capture it, it also broke out in a cold sweat.

If it weren't for Li Rui's action, it would probably have been made into dragon soup by now.

"Big Brother, thank you for saving my life."

The little white dragon was intelligent and quickly figured it out.

Li Rui: "Thinking it over, the entire Yunzhou is the only place that can protect you, Little White. If you want to survive this, you must bow your head and take the insult, do you understand?"

The little white dragon had some struggle in its eyes.

What kind of existence was it?

It was the little overlord of the Ten Thousand Mountains, its father was an Earth Immortal, and it had always walked sideways; where had it ever taken an insult?

But as Li Rui said, if you want to live, you must endure.

"Okay, I'll listen to Big Brother."

If it were before, it would definitely have preferred to be stewed rather than take an insult.

But having followed Li Rui, its temperament had restrained somewhat, and having already seen the hope of becoming a dragon, how could it be willing to die?

Seeing the little white dragon agree.

Li Rui finally revealed a trace of a smile.

He had some connections in the Marquis of Annan's mansion; if the little white dragon went, of course, it wouldn't be treated as a monster pet, and the treatment would probably be quite good.

But after all, it's the Marquis of Annan's mansion, not Qinghe.

If the little white dragon went and its temperament was still as perverse as it was now, it might be casually killed by some expert in the mansion.

That's why he didn't tell the little white dragon about his arrangements, just to deliberately suppress the little white dragon's arrogance.

The next day.

The little white dragon followed the Heaven and Earth Alliance's merchant caravan to Yunzhou.

Yuan Yuan Dingting, as a Marquis.

The territory under his jurisdiction originally needed to offer tribute gifts to show loyalty; the more valuable the gift, the more loyal one is.

Calculating the time, it was almost time.

When the little white dragon arrived in Yunzhou, he would arrange to send the little white dragon into the Marquis's mansion as a tribute.

Half a month passed in a flash.

On this day.

Li Rui was nourishing the Immortal Blade "Dragon-Slaying" in his room.

At this time, compared to when it was first formed, Dragon-Slaying had obvious changes; the pitch-black surface began to show luster, and purple-gold light faintly flowed, with divine brilliance beginning to appear.

This was the effect of his daily nourishment.

Today's immortal blade was already enough to crush most Fourth-Rank weapons and was already quite sufficient.

"Good blade."

Li Rui stroked Dragon-Slaying, unable to put it down.

With the North Heaven Gate's weapon mastery, plus the immortal blade, it was simply like adding wings to a tiger, allowing his strength to rise another level.

He was already looking forward to the day the immortal blade was completed.

"It's just a pity, still haven't nurtured an artifact spirit."

Li Rui felt a little regretful.

The most essential difference between an immortal weapon and an ordinary spiritual weapon is whether it has an artifact spirit. Only by nurturing an artifact spirit can Dragon-Slaying become a genuine immortal weapon.

He had also asked Elder Tiekuang before.

According to Elder Tiekuang, it would take at least several years, or even decades, to nurture an artifact spirit.

Although the time is long.

But it is very worth it. One must know that some Earth Immortals still don't have immortal weapons and can only make do with spiritual weapons as weapons. For him, a Fifth-Rank Sea-Observing, to possess an immortal weapon is already shocking; spending more time is as it should be.

Just as he was nourishing Dragon-Slaying with Immortal Su Xuan Qi.

Wang Zhao's voice sounded outside the door.

"Master, someone is looking for you, saying they came from the Yunzhou Marquis's mansion."

Li Rui immediately put away his true qi.

He sheathed the long blade and opened the door: "People from the Marquis's mansion?"

Wang Zhao nodded: "Yes, they said they came for the tribute matter."

Li Rui raised his eyebrows slightly.

The tribute, of course, refers to the little white dragon.

After the little white dragon went to Yunzhou, there was naturally no need to worry about being coveted anymore. Now that the Marquis's mansion suddenly sent someone saying it was because of the little white dragon, could it be that the little white dragon caused trouble in the mansion?

With doubts.

Li Rui walked to the main hall and saw a middle-aged man already in the hall.

The middle-aged man stood up and bowed to Li Rui: "Li Jiaoxi."

Li Rui also bowed in return. He recognized that this middle-aged man was a steward of Marquis Yuan, named Hou Tian.

They had met before at the Qinghe hunting grounds.

Since they were acquaintances, he asked directly:

"Brother Hou, is the Marquis dissatisfied with the tribute?"

Hou Tian smiled and shook his head: "Not at all. The Marquis has already received the item Li Jiaoxi sent to the Marquis. That little white dragon has a gentle temperament and is deeply liked by the Marquis. It has been reported to the imperial court and cited as an auspicious omen. The Ministry of Rites is preparing to confer the title of Qinghe River God upon that little white dragon."

"Li Jiaoxi has made a meritorious recommendation, so the Marquis specifically asked me to bring a return gift."

Auspicious omen River God??

Li Rui blinked.

He didn't expect the little white dragon to be such a talent.

Calculating by the days, it had only been seven or eight days since it entered the Marquis's mansion, and it was actually able to gain Marquis Yuan's favor and even become the Qinghe River God.

Imperial court conferment is extremely strict.

Besides having requirements for the monster's strength, the requirements for character are even higher.

Those monsters that stir up trouble and have a bad track record have no chance of becoming mountain gods or river gods.

That the little white dragon could be conferred as a River God is a great piece of good news.

'From now on, Little White is also a monster eating imperial grain.'

Li Rui was instantly happy.

He sent the little white dragon to the Marquis's mansion to take refuge; he never expected the little white dragon to give him such a surprise.

As for the return gift.

According to the etiquette of the Yu Kingdom, generally speaking, only when officials of vassal states offer tribute will there be a return gift. Generally speaking, it is already a great piece of good news if the tribute sent by officials of one's own country can be praised.

How could there be talk of a return gift?

But since Marquis Yuan is giving it, he will just take it.

He couldn't help but become curious about what the return gift would be.

Spiritual pills?

Spiritual weapons?

Hou Tian cleared his throat: "The Marquis wants Li Jiaoxi to be the instructor of the Marquis's inner courtyard."

Li Rui was startled.

Li Jiaoxi of the Marquis's inner courtyard.

But looking at the title, it doesn't seem very loud; after all, compared to titles like instructor of the Ten Thousand Imperial Guards, it really is too different.

But in terms of status, it is truly not low.

What kind of people live in the Marquis's inner courtyard?

It is Marquis Yuan and his wife; only eight adopted sons and a few trusted aides can enter and exit at will, and this inner courtyard instructor is one of them.

It's just like an ordinary instructor training the guards, but if you add the ability to enter and exit the Prince's mansion at will, then it's extraordinary.

It is a great favor.

It represents that Li Rui has truly entered the core of the Marquis's mansion.

Li Rui hissed lightly.

'Why does this Marquis value me so much?' But since it is a return gift and reward, of course, there is no possibility of refusal.

He bowed: "Thank you, Marquis."

Hou Tian accepted it calmly, because this was a gift accepted on behalf of Marquis Yuan.

"The Marquis also said that Qinghe is a key location for the Witch Kingdom to move north, so Li Jiaoxi needs to prioritize the war, so there is no need to go to the Marquis's mansion."

"Yes."

Li Rui had originally thought about strengthening his relationship with Hou Tian.

Never expected.

Hou Tian delivered the message and then didn't stay for even a moment, returning directly to Yunzhou.

Being so straightforward was somewhat beyond Li Rui's expectations.

Just sent Hou Tian away.

Lines of small characters appeared before Li Rui's eyes.

No errors, no omissions, read it all in one go!

【Congratulations to the host for completing the achievement "General and Prime Minister" intermediate plot — Inner Courtyard.】

【The inner courtyard of the imperial palace and princes is a place that all good officials in the world must go to. Stepping through the door, only then do you know the sky is high and the sea is wide. Congratulations on being an official for several years and finally entering a prince's home. This is a qualitative leap, please continue to work hard.】

【Task "Inner Courtyard" completed, reward settlement in progress...】

【Task rating: C.】

【Obtained 20 achievement points!】

【Achievement points reached 100, reward acquisition in progress...】

【You traveled and asked about the Dao with a friend, met an immortal on the road, and were bestowed with immortal opportunity.】

【Obtained "Spirit-Raising Book"!】

【Young hero, please start your perfect Jianghu journey!】

【Age +5】

【Name: Li Rui】

【Age: 15】

【Talent: Martial Bone, Superb Comprehension, Wisdom Eye, Great Dream Wandering Immortal, Monster-Suppressing Victory】

【Cultivation Method: Long-Life Art, Dragon Wandering Nine Heavens Map, Dragon Elephant True Origin Strength】

【Item: Spirit-Raising Book】

【Achievement: 0/100】

Reward obtained!

Li Rui's expression shook.

Almost at the moment the small characters appeared, strange information surged into his mind like a wild wave.

Spirit-Raising Book!

'There are immortal cultivators in the world, with spiritual roots as the foundation. Only superior spiritual roots can see the immortal path. If it is a top-grade spiritual root, the path is smooth. What is recorded in the Spirit-Raising Book are all methods for improving spiritual roots, totaling nine methods, for future generations to follow.'

Methods for improving spiritual roots!

Li Rui was instantly overjoyed.

"At critical moments, the system is still reliable!"

He searched everywhere for methods to improve spiritual roots but couldn't find any, and in the end, the system delivered it to his hands.

The Spirit-Raising Book is truly a top-tier item.

Just as he was rejoicing—

The small characters on the panel appeared again.

【Detected that the host has completed all "General and Prime Minister" beginner plots, obtained one reward enhancement.】

【The Spirit-Raising Method is an ancient method for raising spirits. Detected that the host's current environment has dissipated spiritual energy, cultivation method is being improved...】

【Obtained improved version of Spirit-Raising Method.】

Li Rui widened his eyes instantly.

'Should I kowtow to it?'

It really is getting whatever he wants. This reward enhancement directly dispelled his last doubts.

Li Rui closed his eyes.

He carefully experienced the nine methods recorded in the Ten Thousand Spirits Method.

'Practicing three methods can enter middle-grade spiritual roots, six methods can enter superior-grade spiritual roots, and with all nine methods, one can open top-grade spiritual roots!'

The method to reach top-grade spiritual roots.

This is simply wonderful.

However, Li Rui looked at the nine methods in the Ten Thousand Spirits Method, and the items required were all rare in the world.

Wanting to collect all nine items is not an easy task.

This was also within Li Rui's expectations; improving spiritual roots is inherently a heaven-defying method, it would be strange if it were simple.

Very quickly.

Li Rui's mind was attracted by one of the nine methods.

"Use immortal energy to nourish the Spirit-Testing Stone, then grind it into powder and swallow it raw to improve spiritual roots."

His eyes lit up.

Didn't he happen to have a Spirit-Testing Stone in his hand?

'Nourishing with immortal energy, my Immortal Su Xuan Qi should be about the same as immortal energy, I can definitely try.'

According to what is said in the Spirit-Raising Book.

When the Spirit-Testing Stone is nourished into gold stone with immortal energy, it is done.

Li Rui didn't expect that he could practice the method recorded in the Spirit-Raising Book so quickly; it was truly a coincidence.

'Wonderful.'

Immediately.

He returned to his room and set about nourishing the Spirit-Testing Stone.

Immortal Su Xuan Qi is truly wonderful and has endless uses; not only can it nourish immortal weapons, but it can also be used to improve spiritual roots.

It belongs to the second creation.

Witch Kingdom, Giant Stone City.

City Lord's Mansion.

Deep underground in the huge palace, there is a secret room.

No one knows about this secret room except for the Giant Stone City Lord himself.

Now.

The secret room has been occupied by a scarred great dragon; its huge body makes the spacious secret room seem a bit crowded.

The great dragon seemed a bit irritable:

"Damn it, how can this Yuan Yuan Dingting's true intent be so powerful?"

Monsters have extremely strong recovery abilities.

These wounds would originally have healed in at most a month, but Yuan Yuan Dingting left his own Soldier Saint True Intent in its body, constantly destroying its vitality. It couldn't make up for the damage, and after recuperating for such a long time, not only did it not recover, but the situation became increasingly worse.

"It seems I can only use Dragon Qi to crush this true intent to completely erase Yuan Yuan Dingting's methods."

When the great dragon thought of Yuan Yuan Dingting.

The hatred in its eyes grew.

If Yuan Yuan Dingting hadn't interfered, perhaps it would have been close to stepping into the First Rank, and it wouldn't have been so aggrieved.

"Kill, kill, kill!"

At this time.

A person walked into the secret room.

The Giant Stone City Lord looked at the great dragon with awe: "Dragon Lord, the matter is a bit troublesome..."

"Speak!"

The great dragon looked at the Giant Stone City Lord's timid appearance and was a bit impatient.

The Giant Stone City Lord continued: "That little white dragon has been found, but... but it has already been sent to the Marquis of Annan's mansion by the Military Advisor of the Qinghe Anning Guard as a tribute and has become a town-mansion divine beast."

The great dragon narrowed its eyes:

"That little white dragon went to Yuan Yuan Dingting's home?"

"Yes."

The Giant Stone City Lord said, biting the bullet.

The next instant.

The great dragon was out of its mind with anger, its roar shaking the sky; the ground of the City Lord's Mansion trembled slightly because of this, and he almost thought it was an earthquake.

A quarter of an hour later.

The Giant Stone City Lord walked out of the secret room with a gloomy face.

'Daring to ruin the Dragon Lord's good deeds, you must pay the price!'

(End of chapter)