"The imperial throne is now vacant, and amidst the turbulent political climate, the Wangsheng Tower has also surfaced."
Wu Qingyuan sighed, "Ultimately, there are beings who cannot resist the urge to strengthen their foundations during such opportunities."
The position of Water God, the highest in the prefecture, was something even powerful beings dwelling in the heavens could not ignore.
If they could seize control of it, it would be equivalent to having a powerful being as a strong ally.
"With various factions currently preoccupied by the vacant imperial throne and the Wangsheng Tower, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
He let out a long sigh. Although he had seen through the intentions of those beings long ago, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion whenever he thought about it.
He recalled that in his prime, although he was merely a deity of one region, he was still renowned far and wide. When his avatars traveled the world, all factions treated him with great respect.
Yet now, he had been suppressed for hundreds of years and they even intended to strip him of his divine position!
"Is it difficult to deal with?"
Ji Yuan furrowed his brow, then chuckled self-mockingly in his heart.
Since someone chose to make a move, they must surely understand the power of a true Water God, and the force they employed would be extraordinary.
Otherwise, how could they forcibly depose the most powerful Water God of a prefecture from his divine seat?
"There's no need to worry. I have held this position for five hundred years, and not everyone can simply pull me down."
Wu Qingyuan appeared relaxed, seemingly unconcerned by the matter.
It was understandable. As a deity who achieved the Great Energy realm within a century of becoming a god.
He had weathered countless storms over the centuries. Even when fighting against several peers of the same realm, his expression remained unchanged.
"You should return later. Do not get involved in this matter."
Wu Qingyuan glanced back and said casually.
Hearing this, Ji Yuan nodded. In reality, with his current cultivation level, he couldn't possibly participate in such affairs.
Not only would he be unable to help, but he might even be exploited by the enemy.
As they spoke, Wu Qingyuan suddenly stopped. Ji Yuan then realized they had arrived in front of a pavilion.
This pavilion had nine stories, with bells hanging from the eaves, and arrays and runes flowing around it, focusing its spiritual light inward.
"This is..."
Ji Yuan observed for a moment, then a guess formed in his mind.
This pavilion was likely the library of the Water Mansion, housing the vast collection of the true god of Fuyuan River.
"I have few hobbies in my life, but I am particularly fond of reading. Since becoming a god, I have grown to love various cultivation techniques and secret arts."
Wu Qingyuan said with a smile.
With a wave of his hand, he opened the pavilion door. Looking inside, one could see rows upon rows of bookshelves.
As the true god of Fuyuan River entered the pavilion, Ji Yuan saw countless bookshelves neatly arranged with books.
These included various ancient texts, cultivation techniques and secret arts, and even books related to elixirs and talismans.
Among them were various elixir recipes, methods for forging magic treasures, and diagrams of formations.
"Wait a moment."
Wu Qingyuan gestured, and streams of light flew towards him.
Soon, seven thick books, each emitting a bright spiritual glow, were held in his palm.
"These are all related to the divine path, covering directions for cultivation and some basic knowledge,"
Wu Qingyuan smiled. "There are also some cultivation techniques, as well as many secret arts and insights."
Ji Yuan's eyes suddenly lit up, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.
In his opinion, the value of these books was even greater than several magic treasures.
Without hesitation, he accepted the books offered to him, suppressing his immense joy, and stored them in his spatial artifact.
Then, Ji Yuan solemnly bowed to express his heartfelt gratitude.
"There's no need for such formality. Strictly speaking, you are also considered my junior."
Wu Qingyuan's smile deepened.
Given his close friendship with the founding ancestor of the Xuantian lineage, Ji Yuan was indeed his junior.
"Alright, you may return and cultivate in peace."
He paused, then continued, "When you advance to the Golden Core realm or the Golden Body realm, you may come to the Water Mansion to find me."
As his words faded, Ji Yuan was about to bow again when he felt the surrounding void distort.
Before he could react, he found himself back in the secluded rear hall of Xiaoyuan Mountain.
A moment later, Ji Yuan looked around, but the Water Mansion was nowhere to be seen.
Seeing this, his expression darkened. It was impossible for him not to worry.
Although Wu Qingyuan was powerful and wielded the divine authority of the highest-ranking Water God in the prefecture, his enemies, having decided to act, must surely have their own means of support.
Despite his worry, he couldn't show it directly earlier.
"I hope everything will be peaceful..."
Ji Yuan muttered to himself, then straightened his spirits and called for Liu Qi, who was guarding the side hall.
This former wild cultivator had now washed away all his impurities.
Judging solely by his aura, there was no difference between him and a cultivator from a sect.
Furthermore, after several years, his cultivation had reached the mid-stage of the second realm, not far from the late stage, and he might even break through in a few more years.
"Master!"
Liu Qi bowed respectfully, his face beaming with smiles.
Since following the person before him, he had not only completely shed his identity as a wild cultivator over the years but also finally received the respect he deserved. No one could trample on his dignity anymore.
At least within the five counties and the surrounding thousand miles, there were no forces that dared to provoke the Xiaoyuan Mountain Water God Temple and the newly rising Xuantian Temple.
"Take some men to the vicinity of the Fuyuan River. From now on, no matter what happens, you must report it to me promptly."
Ji Yuan commanded, "Be careful and do not interact with anyone. Whatever happens, just be a distant observer."
Regardless, the situation at Fuyuan River had to be understood at all times.
However, he could not observe directly, lest he cause unnecessary trouble and bring some inconvenience to Wu Qingyuan.
While Liu Qi and the others belonged to Xiaoyuan Mountain, their observation around Fuyuan River would not cause any disruption, as there were already many spies from various factions.
"Your Lord's command shall be obeyed!"
Liu Qi accepted the order and immediately withdrew from the rear hall.
In less than fifteen minutes, he had gathered seven or eight cultivators, each at the early stage of the second realm, and led them towards Fuyuan River at the fastest possible speed.