Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1877: 1407: Arrangements (Part 2)
Previously on Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan...
“To begin with, Confucianism doesn’t appeal to me; next, I’ve got a minor grudge against Confucianism; moreover, I’ve witnessed countless ordinary folks enduring misery due to Confucianism’s deeds, stirring pity in my heart for their plight; lastly, no further explanations—it’s simply my inner calling, pursuing a pure state of mind!”
With a composed smile, Li Zhirui remarked, “Now, do you trust me?”
In truth, once Li Zhirui disclosed his real identity, Mo Wen had already started to accept it, since someone of his stature couldn’t possibly be lying.
From Mo Wen’s perspective, the initial two reasons Li Zhirui gave were rather trivial, while the fourth one truly drove his actions.
The third reason? Mo Wen dismissed it outright. How could a cultivator in seclusion, particularly at the Heavenly Immortal Realm after enduring endless ages and tribulations, develop compassion for the woes of ordinary mortals with a Dao Heart forged in the fires of life and death?
And go to such lengths to curb Confucianism and improve the lives of those commoners?
Frankly speaking, neither Li Zhirui as an outsider nor Mo Wen himself would spare a thought of pity for the wretched existence of those masses.
Noticing Mo Wen’s skeptical look, Li Zhirui realized the third point wasn’t convincing at all, leaving him exasperated that his honest words fell on deaf ears.
Shaking his head in resignation, he swiftly reactivated his Secret Technique to mask his cultivation, preventing detection by the Daoist magic network.
“What are your intentions? Any tactics in mind?” Mo Wen inquired.
This step was crucial, shaping the ultimate result!
“My approach is straightforward: disseminate damaging rumors about Confucianism, undermine it from the grassroots level, and erode the faith the common people hold in it.”
Li Zhirui explained, “Should it work, Confucianism will face a devastating setback, potentially hindering its future progress.”
And that would suffice.
Did he need to devise a way to eradicate Confucianism entirely? He doubted possessing such overwhelming power.
“That straightforward?” Mo Wen responded, a hint of doubt in his voice.
“Straightforward? Spreading the message to the masses and making them accept it swiftly—is that easy?”
Shaking his head, Li Zhirui added, “I’ve laid the groundwork already. When I launch it, you must promptly join in to amplify the rumors’ reach.”
“Your role won’t demand heavy burdens or excessive labor—just trail my guidance.”
Mo Wen gave a nod; yes, by this arrangement, they’d evade any blame.
“Could you connect me directly with the higher-ups in the Mo Family, Legalist faction, and other schools?”
“You aim to enlist more allies?”
“Naturally, drawing in additional forces benefits the cause.”
“However, the wider the circle of insiders, the greater the leak risk—keep that in check,” Mo Wen cautioned.
“I’ll limit it to one or two extra schools.”
In the end, Li Zhirui secured from him the details to reach a Legalist faction leader and a Military Family figure.
“Stay put for the moment until I signal.”
With everything conveyed, he departed without delay, as numerous affairs still demanded his focus.
Mo Wen remained seated in silence, observing his retreat, without rising to bid farewell.
Deep down, he found the scheme dubious and overly basic; could the dominant Confucianism among the Hundred Schools truly crumble under such tactics?
Yet, as Li Zhirui pointed out, with the merchant lurking unseen, failure wouldn’t reveal him, so Mo Wen withheld opposition and permitted the venture.
Meanwhile, Li Zhirui wasted no time reaching out to the two contacts via the fresh details and arranged encounters: one for dawn the next day, the other within the hour!
The urgent one hailed from the Military Family’s elite, embodying their doctrine of swift, resolute strikes.
At the designated spot, the Military Family cultivator showed up right on time.
Peng Yue was the man’s name, a robust figure of plain features, but the scar near his eye lent him a striking edge.
Peng Yue shoved the door open and cut straight in: “Cut the pleasantries—what do you want from me?”
“I seek the Military Family’s alliance in opposing Confucianism!” Li Zhirui stated boldly, without evasion.
“What’s your strategy?”
This response sparked a spark of optimism in Li Zhirui, signaling genuine curiosity!
“Details withheld for now. Once the Military Family commits, I’ll share the full plan.”
He sidestepped Peng Yue’s query, wary of risks if the Military Family hadn’t pledged involvement yet.
“Fine, reconvene here tomorrow at this hour. I’ll deliver my decision.”
Then he rose abruptly and exited.
The exchange wrapped in under fifteen minutes.
Li Zhirui shrugged off the rudeness; it paled against the indignities he’d faced in weaker cultivation days.
After wrapping up that affair, instead of heading back to the inn for respite, he sought out the Rangers.
“How goes the recruitment of more Rangers as I requested yesterday?”
The current group was too scant for Li Zhirui’s ambitions, prompting the call for broader enlistment.
“Many comrades are keen to participate.”
“Word of our grand endeavor has them green with envy, scrambling to get involved.”
In any case, these Rangers boasted vast connections, and per their report, over a hundred new recruits in a single day!
Still, the count fell short; expansion was essential.
Besides, training was required to sharpen their abilities in spreading the message convincingly.
“Good work, but we need far greater numbers, and you must instruct them in the art of compelling rhetoric to sway any audience.”
From his Storage Magical Treasure, Li Zhirui withdrew a hefty sum in silver coins to cover the Rangers’ needs.
He also handed over a few concise manuals he’d authored himself, guiding techniques to stir feelings and immerse listeners in belief.
These routine duties he delegated rather than handling solo, empowering the initial Rangers with key roles.