The family of Consort Zhen is located in the Qingzhou Territory, precisely where the Jiuli Dynasty enfeoffed Li Jizhou.

The Qingzhou region is a border area in the southeastern part of the Jiuli Dynasty, adjacent to the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp and the Nanling Demon Tribe. It has always been a place where cultivators from three sides mix and trade, especially after the battles between the Jiuli Dynasty and the swamp, making it even more mixed.

The Nanling Demon Tribe and various sects from the swamp cohabit in the area.

The family of Consort Zhen in Qingzhou used to be a family with a Nascent Soul Ancestor, which would be considered a top-tier power even in the Eastern Desolate Southern Domain, but within the dynasty, no matter how large the family, they are subject to the rule of the Saint Emperor, and the most prosperous families are always the ones associated with the royal court.

With Consort Zhen’s entrance to the palace, particularly after the birth of the Seventh Prince with the Innate Wood Spirit Body, her family received favor and now many in the family hold positions in the Qingzhou Government Office.

Back then, when Li Jizhou was confirmed to have a natural Wood Spirit Body, the Jin family of Consort Zhen, Li Jizhou’s maternal relatives, decisively sent four half-demons they had raised since childhood to the Imperial City, hoping to amuse the Saint Emperor.

However, the Saint Emperor, in order to maintain his reputation for not being enticed by women, decisively refused and ultimately granted the four half-demons to Li Jizhou as his personal maidservants.

After the wars among the hundred tribes, the Nanling Demon Tribe became more united, and they are especially protective of true demon tribes. It’s absolutely impossible for them to be oppressed by the Human Race; only half-demons, whom they consider a shame to the Demon Race, are enslaved, humiliated or killed at will, even by demon tribes.

Thus, many half-demons would escape to the Human Dynasty or the swamp.

However, even in the Human Race, half-demons are mostly regarded as tools.

Firstly, like the demon race, half-demons possess the ancient bloodline inheritance of demon beasts and, with the right cultivation methods, progress incredibly fast initially. Notably, those with strong bloodlines may awaken ancestral blood in a single day and rise against all odds—there are records of one awakener forming a Demon Pill on the same night.

Therefore, many half-demons are initially cultivated as expendable warriors for their low-cost combat capabilities.

Secondly, female half-demons, due to generations of optimization by the demon race since ancient times, have evolved to resemble the Human Race, known as the most sophisticated among myriad beings. Hence, both female demon cultivators and half-demon female cultivators in human form are extraordinarily beautiful.

Moreover, certain characteristics of half-demons are particularly thrilling for some male human cultivators, making them even more desirable, so some half-demon female cultivators end up as playthings for male human cultivators.

The four half-demon female cultivators sent by the Jin family to the dynasty are unparalleled, whether in terms of loyalty cultivated from a young age, reliability of their Divine Souls bondage, or their capabilities. Particularly, their appearances and figures are of top quality.

Having given instructions to Cyan Dome, Li Jizhou strode out of the inner courtyard.

"Minister pays respects to the Seventh Prince." Long Zhenxiao bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities, Lord Long," Li Jizhou nodded indifferently.

Regarding the all-powerful Dragon Aspect of the Jiuli Dynasty, his first thought was of the usual insubordination seen in mundane dynasties, with coups and changes of ruling power,

or why the emperor would revolt.

Thus, since awakening his Innate Wisdom, he had always been cautious of the Dragon Aspect.

Offending the Crown Prince or the Ninth Prince seemed less of a threat in the short term; unless the Saint Emperor transformed and they ascended the throne, they couldn’t easily kill him.

However, with the Dragon Aspect’s power and means, offending him could easily invite death.

"Your Highness!" Long Zhenxiao didn’t waste words, pulling out a jade box from his storage bag and presenting it with both hands.

"Your Highness, blessed by the Saint Emperor’s favor today, envied by others, my grandfather says, Your Highness now holds the Saint Emperor’s heart and is boundless in future achievements.

I do not wish to remain under my grandfather’s shelter forever, so I hope to assist Your Highness in advancing further." Long Zhenxiao sincerely expressed his motivations and hopes.

This left Li Jizhou slightly stunned.

So direct?

Daring to brazenly participate in the crown prince struggle and boldly talk about it.

Li Jizhou pondered briefly, seemingly only the offspring of the Dragon Aspect in the current Jiuli Dynasty could act so confidently.

If it were anyone else saying this, Li Jizhou would suspect it was a trap.

Yet, is the offspring of the Dragon Aspect so eager to choose sides?

Considering the vast enterprise of the Dragon Aspect family, Li Jizhou found it difficult to judge the truth.

After all, the reason had a sound foundation.

The Dragon Aspect family has a large enterprise but brings peace to the Saint Emperor, as the Dragon Aspect had split his family three hundred years ago.

The main house of the Dragon Aspect now only includes his direct lineage for three generations, whereas all other offspring have branched out and operate independently, seemingly disunited.

"Lord Long, you searched the wrong person. I know my own capabilities well; being granted favor from my father today is simply because of my filial piety, known even to heaven and earth.

As for advancing further...It has never crossed my mind.

With my talent, if resources are plentiful, it’s likely to form a Golden Core before fifty. With several dozens of high-grade Celestial and Earthly Spiritual Objects, forming a supreme Dharma Aspect is possible, and reaching ultimately, I estimate becoming a Heavenly Venerable would require the blessing of the Immortal Ancestor..." Li Jizhou spoke rather sincerely.

Long Zhenxiao originally smiled slightly, ready to offer encouragement upon hearing the first part, but his expression stiffened slightly after hearing the rest.

Forming a Golden Core before fifty, creating a supreme Dharma Aspect, cultivating to the Heavenly Venerable realm...

This is what he calls knowing one’s capabilities?

Divinity Transformation, Refining Void, Harmonization Dao, taking the Tribulation...These four thresholds aren’t for talents alone to decide.

Even the Dominant Body of Great Xia stopped at Harmonization Dao.

And the Crown Prince with an Innate Chaos Body of the transcendent Yu Hua Divine Dynasty didn’t reach the Tribulation.

In today’s world, those who advance past Divinity Transformation, is any talent mediocre?

But after Divinity Transformation, beyond talent, it still requires character, opportunities, and insight, three indispensable elements.

However, shortly, Long Zhenxiao’s face flashed with delight.

"Your Highness! With such ambition, I am willing to provide full support!"

Li Jizhou shook his head slightly, "How easy is it? Lacking resources, everything is but mere words."

Upon hearing this, Long Zhenxiao contemplated a bit: "Your Highness, our cultivation journey is indeed like ten thousand people crossing a single-log bridge—victory to the brave who face conflict! As long as Your Highness triumphs, sky’s resources could be yours to command?"

Li Jizhou quickly waved his hands: "Mind your words, Lord Long! I only wish to cultivate in peace now."

"I understand!"

Li Jizhou said no more, just glanced at the jade box in his hands.

Long Zhenxiao’s face showed pleasure, promptly opening the jade box.

Ten verdant Wood Attribute Spirit Stones glistened.

"Lord Long, your generosity is noted; I won’t forget this gracious gift. If I can have these Wood Attribute Spirit Stones every year, I am confident of forming a Golden Core before forty!" Li Jizhou felt jubilant.

With these ten Wood Attribute Spirit Stones, my cultivation speed can increase by at least ten percent!

Long Zhenxiao felt a tightening in his chest.

Wood Attribute Spirit Stones are a hundred times more precious than ordinary Spirit Stones and are mostly found where wood spirits thrive, which human cultivators have great difficulty obtaining.

These ten Wood Attribute Spirit Stones cost the Long family considerable effort.

The Seventh Prince actually expects ten more every year?

Yet, thinking of his purpose, Long Zhenxiao assuredly said: "Your Highness, focus on your cultivation, I will do my utmost to provide these!"

Li Jizhou slightly raised an eyebrow, "Was just a joke; didn’t expect him to agree so readily?"

What truly is this man’s objective?