Chapter 26 Trouble

Words : 988 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

However, after Li Zhirui followed Li Shiting to the marketplace, she reported what they had encountered on the road to Li Shiren, enraging him so much that he wished he could grind those three families into ashes. "Ren, the most important thing now is to guard against and find the one hiding in the shadows," Li Zhirui hurriedly urged Li Shiren. The usually aloof Li Shiting also spoke up, "Shiren, now is not the time to completely fall out with those three families." Although the Li family's strength was superior to any of those families, if they joined forces, even the Li family could not contend with them, and the Yuanming Sect would not allow the Li family to annihilate those three families either. "Zhirui, where do you think they will strike next?" Li Shiting's delicate eyebrows knitted slightly, a touch of worry appearing on her usually indifferent face. "Having lost three Foundation Establishment cultivators this time, they shouldn't dare to make a direct move again, so they could only be planning something with the two shops," she hypothesized. Li Zhirui had been considering this issue all along the way, and he already had a suspicion, directly saying, "Cloudtop Pavilion!" Unlike the grocery store, Cloudtop Pavilion had been in business for several months and had left a good impression in the hearts of the cultivators, and a tavern was more convenient for mischief. "Are they planning to sabotage the Spirit Food, and then frame Cloudtop Pavilion to undermine its business and the Li family's reputation?" Li Shiting instantly understood what Li Zhirui was getting at. Li Zhirui seldom interacted with this aunt of his, and his impression of her was solely of her being cold, but now he also thought she was very clever. "So, how should we resolve this issue?" Li Shiren suddenly asked. "It's simple, just install some Memory Stones in the kitchen and the main hall, which would prove our family's innocence and catch the culprit at the same time," she suggested. All these developments had put Li Zhirui on high alert. It was normal for a family's growth to encounter obstacles and enemies, but just by opening two shops, the Li family had already drawn the ire of three families, perhaps even more forces! If this continued, who knew how many similar troubles the family would face! But this was not something Li Zhirui or the Li family could control, for as long as the Li family continued to develop, it would inevitably harm the interests of other forces, thus becoming their enemy. Unless the Li family gave up on development—but how could that be possible? To solve such a situation, Li Zhirui believed there was only one answer: to make the Li family stronger so that other forces wouldn't dare target or scheme against the Li family! However, this was not something that could be achieved immediately. The Li family needed time to grow. "He's here!" Li Shiren exclaimed with excitement, immediately ready to rush out and seize him. Li Zhirui quickly held back Li Shiren, saying, "Ren Uncle, wait a little longer, let's see if he has any accomplices." As expected, the man's shouting not only attracted the attention of the patrons inside the shop but also drew over many passing cultivators. "I've always heard people say that the food at Cloudtop Pavilion is not only delicious, but the Spiritual Energy is also more abundant. Now it seems, they must have used some unknown substances!" At that moment, a cultivator in the crowd conveniently stepped forward with a hint of realization on his face, saying, "No wonder I suddenly felt unwell a few days ago. I'm afraid it's because I ate Spirit Food here at Cloudtop Pavilion!" "This... I thought I was the only one experiencing this; I didn't expect others to have the same problem!" Gradually, a few more cultivators stood forward. "Compensation! This black shop should be smashed! We can't let it continue to harm people!" In a moment, the crowd was riled up, with some already storming into the main hall, rolling up their sleeves, ready to wreak havoc on the shop. As the Shopkeeper, Li Shihua appeared panicked, but if someone looked at his face carefully, they would notice that it was all superficial, even somewhat forced. "I'd like to see who dares to lift a hand!" With Li Shiren's thunderous bellow, the imposing presence of a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment burst forth, instantly quieting the clamorous scene. Li Shiren approached the man who started the commotion, suppressing his rage, and asked, "You said the bug, you found it in the Spirit Food, because Cloudtop Pavilion is unclean, and even used spoiled Spirit Beast Meat?" "Yes! So many people are watching! It's from the Spirit Food served by your establishment," he said, sensing something ominous, yet in this situation, he had no choice but to brace himself and continue. "Is that so? Then let everyone see how those foul meats and bugs got there!" Li Shiren sneered, his eyes filled with unmistakable murderous intent, frightening the man so much that he trembled all over. In front of everyone, Li Zhirui took down all five Memory Stones installed in the main hall and activated them with mana. The Memory Stones clearly recorded how he had planted the bugs and spoiled meat into the Spirit Food and then, in feigned anger, slammed the table and loudly accused to set a trap. "What explanation do you have left?" Li Zhirui looked at the man with a mocking smile. The man instantly collapsed to the ground, aware that he was likely beyond escape this time. Seeing this, the other culprits attempted to flee, but Li Shiting casually flicked her hand, and a vine materialized out of nowhere, binding them tightly.

Chapter 26 Trouble

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