Father and Son of the An Family

Seated in the place of honor, An Zheyan was turning over a bear paw on his plate with a pair of silver chopsticks. Hearing those words, his eyebrows twitched, pushing his fur hat upward. The rolls of flesh across his face tightened, and his voice turned stern. "What kind of talk is that!" Yet his tone remained relatively gentle, devoid of any genuine reproach. It was evident that An Jingming was the apple of his eye. Had any other clan disciple dared to utter such things, they would have been dragged out and beaten to death long ago; only from An Jingming's mouth could such words make An Zheyan turn grave rather than furious. "The Yu family acts overbearingly and harbors boundless ambition. The Li family, on the other hand, is understated and low-key, yet united and ruthless. Caught between the two, our An family can barely protect our front and rear simultaneously. Are you truly not afraid, Father?" An Jingming stood in the courtyard. The gold ring on his wrist reflected glints of light under the sun. With his hair bound up, the young man stood straight against the wind, staring directly at his father in the seat of honor. "This..." An Zheyan was momentarily tongue-tied. After thinking for a while, he replied, "Haven't I already listened to you and drawn the Ding family over to Lake Wangyue to preserve a tripartite balance? Besides, the Yu family promised not to attack any family that pays tribute. If the Li family ever pushes north, the Yu family certainly won't sit by and watch them expand. Naturally, there's nothing to fear. You only need to focus on your cultivation. Once you achieve Foundation Establishment, our family will secure a firm footing on the lake. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" An Jingming gritted his teeth and shook his head. Looking at his father's pleased expression, he could not bring himself to be angry. Flicking his sleeves, he said in a low voice, "Father! How could the Yu family possibly sit by and watch me achieve Foundation Establishment? Even now, I dare not step outside the clan's protective array! As my cultivation slowly rises year after year, the Yu family will lose their patience sooner or later. They will inevitably find an excuse to murder me!" An Zheyan froze, his mouth opening and tongue moving dumbly, unable to formulate a rebuttal. He could only ask, "Then... what do you propose?" An Jingming cleared his throat and said in his somewhat youthful voice, "Our family's current awkward predicament stems from our terrible geography. Mount Huazhong is wedged between the Li family and the Yu family. The best possible move right now is to turn around and sell Mount Huazhong to the Li family. That will force the Li family to directly face the pressure from the Yu family. We would forge an alliance with them, which in turn will make the Yu family feel threatened by the Li family's rise. "I have heard that Li Tongya has already reached the eighth layer of Qi Refinement, making him the perfect target to draw the Yu family's attention. Our two families can watch each other's backs from east to west. I could even take a Li family daughter in marriage, borrowing the prestige of the Sword Immortal to deter the Yu family. Once I achieve Foundation Establishment, if Li Tongya successfully breaks through, we can rally behind the Li family to resist the Yu family. If he fails to break through, we can take the lead over both families. Each family would take what it needs..." Before An Jingming could finish, An Zheyan's lips were already trembling. His face darkened, and he slammed down his silver chopsticks, shouting in agitation, "No! Absolutely not! Do you know how many spirit fields there are on Mount Huazhong, or how many of our clansmen they sustain? We fought tooth and nail with our lives on the line to seize it! How could we just hand it over to the Li family for nothing?!" An Jingming sighed softly. Knowing his father's nature, ceding territory to avoid conflict was out of the question. He could only say in a grave voice, "Since you are unwilling to cede Mount Huazhong, Father, I have an intermediate plan. The crux of the Li family lies with Li Tongya. That man is extraordinarily cautious, staying holed up in the south to focus solely on his cultivation, making him difficult to eliminate. But if we ally with the Yu family to target Li Xuanling and Li Xuanfeng and get rid of one of them, would Li Tongya still be able to hold back and stay out of it? "Furthermore, the Yu family is still fairly close to us, offering plenty of room for exploitation. Yu Mugao is somber and vicious, a difficult man to deal with. If we unite several families to ambush and slay Yu Mugao, the threat from the Yu family will be reduced by more than half." An Zheyan was thoroughly bewildered by what he heard. Seeing his son plotting to ambush Yu Mugao on one hand while trying to eliminate Li Xuanling and Li Xuanfeng on the other, he could not keep up with the boy's train of thought at all. He muttered, "Then is our An family supposed to be on the Yu family's side, or the Li family's side?" "Both sides!" An Jingming let out a soft laugh, lifting his head slightly as he spoke with a clear voice. "The Yu family and the Li family are mutually wary of each other. That gives our An family the chance to sow discord and play both sides to our advantage. Whether people die on one side, or even if neither side suffers casualties, the feud between the Yu and Li families will be firmly sealed." An Zheyan was genuinely tempted by the prospect. After pondering for several moments, he spoke with some hesitation. "Only... neither side is foolish. How could they simply dance to your tune?" "Rest assured, Father!" An Jingming cupped his hands and answered, "It is precisely because neither side is foolish that they fear each other. And where there is fear, murderous intent will arise. A clash between the two families is inevitable; we will merely serve as the fuse. "Father, as long as you follow the exact words I teach you, we will surely make both families frame one another, bringing mutual ruin upon them both!" *** Lijing Town, a courtyard residence at the foot of the mountain. Mu Yalu strolled back and forth through the courtyard a couple of times before gently seating herself on a stone stool. A servant nearby hurried over to serve tea. Ever since Li Yuanjiao was discovered to possess a spirit aperture and remarkable talent, Mu Yalu's days in the compound had visibly improved. In the past, Li Xuanxuan rarely visited her courtyard, and she had done her best to keep a low profile, minimizing her presence as much as possible. But the moment Li Yuanjiao ascended the mountain, Mu Yalu instantly became one of the most prominent figures in the residence. "Madame, this tea was sent over yesterday from the first branch. They have already sent gifts to our courtyard three times this month." The maid beside her explained in a low voice. This young woman was a descendant of Shanyue refugees who had fully assimilated, becoming indistinguishable from the Eastlanders. Mu Yalu had personally brought her into the courtyard and trusted her deeply. Hearing this, Mu Yalu nodded slightly. Seeing her reaction, the maid whispered, "Young Master Xiu shares a close bond with Jiao'er. The Eldest Madame used to look upon it with distaste, but in recent years, ever since Jiao'er was found to have a spirit aperture, she has started courting favor..." Mu Yalu waved her hand to signal her to stop, saying softly, "The first branch is capable. Over all these years, she has kept the concubines in the compound thoroughly obedient, and she has raised Xiu'er well. She is a woman who knows how to manage a household—no ordinary person. She sees Jiao'er as Yuanxiu's future right-hand man, so naturally she wants to maintain good relations with me." Setting the small teacup on the table, Mu Yalu asked in a low voice, "The matter I asked you to inquire about—have you found out the details?" "In reply to Madame, that man is named Shamoli, the fourth son of Mu Jiaoman. He currently resides on the east side of town." Mu Yalu smiled, her eyes narrowing gently as she said softly, "A heaven-sent opportunity indeed. Eastern Shanyue will only draw closer to the Li family in the future, and once Jiao'er grows up, he will be able to gain some backing from the Mulu clan!" Although the maid could not comprehend why her mistress called it a heaven-sent opportunity, seeing her so delighted made her feel joyful as well. Just then, a soft sound came from the courtyard gate, followed by two light knocks. "Mother, your son has returned!" "It's the young master!" The maid beamed with joy. Mu Yalu hurriedly rose, walked briskly to the gate, and pushed it open gently to reveal Li Yuanjiao standing outside with a bright smile. "Jiao'er!" Mu Yalu stepped forward, pulling him into her embrace, and asked softly, "Have you gotten used to living on the mountain this past year?" "It's been fine. My brothers and sisters all treat me very well." Li Yuanjiao chuckled, strode into the courtyard, and sat down by the stone table. Accepting the teacup, he asked in a low voice, "Father entered closed-door cultivation on the mountain this year. Did anyone make things difficult for you at home, Mother?" "Not at all," Mu Yalu answered softly, refilling his cup with water. Li Yuanjiao let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "Legal Mother treats you well enough, and there are none of those petty, underhanded squabbles in the residence, which takes a weight off my mind. Elder Brother and I don't have to feel distressed over such things, saving plenty of trouble." Seeing Mu Yalu nod with a smile, Li Yuanjiao paused, his expression turning solemn. "I have been handling affairs alongside my elder brother in the Clan Rectorate these past few days, and I've learned quite a bit." Mu Yalu raised her eyebrows to look at him, only to see him set down his teacup and lower his voice. "Mother, did you send someone to inquire about Shamoli?" Mu Yalu took fright, nodded slightly, and answered with some unease, "I did..." Li Yuanjiao shook his head and cautioned her, "Mother, your background is sensitive. If you want to know about these things, just send someone to the mountain to ask me. Do not go asking around outside in the future. The Li family's territory is not like Eastern Shanyue; the Clan Rectorate has many eyes and ears. You do not know the ins and outs of these matters, so do not leave a vulnerability for others to exploit." Mu Yalu was instantly gripped by shock and fear, asking hastily, "What kind of consequences will this bring? Has Mother dragged you down?!" "It's nothing serious." Li Yuanjiao took a sip of tea and smiled. "It wasn't a major issue to begin with. Besides, my brother gave that secret report directly to me and told me to handle it myself. I only came down to remind you, Mother." "That is good to hear." Mu Yalu let out a soft sigh. After mother and son chatted for a few more moments, she steadied herself and dismissed the maid. Only then did she speak softly: "Young Master Yuanxiu... does he still treat you the same as before?" "Indeed," Li Yuanjiao's voice also lowered as he answered. "Among the legitimate sons at home, only my elder brother can cultivate. The clan's population is sparse, so all children of the main branch who possess a spirit aperture are treated equally, regardless of whether they are legitimate or born to concubines, male or female. I haven't suffered any mistreatment; on the contrary, I have received tremendous benefits." "That is very good, then." Mu Yalu felt a wave of relief, yet she had not expected Li Yuanjiao to speak again. "I heard that the family is considering the fact that Fourth Granduncle resides in the Southern Wilderness and is entirely devoted to the Pure Yang path, with no interest in romance or marriage. The clan elders wish to adopt me into Fourth Granduncle's lineage as his eldest legitimate grandson... My return this time was also to ask for your thoughts, Mother." "What?!" Mu Yalu was struck dumb, feeling as though an immense piece of fortune had dropped straight from the heavens into her lap. She asked with a dry throat, "Could it be... could it be that Sword Immortal Qingsui?!" "Precisely." When Li Yuanjiao had first heard Li Xuanling secretly reveal this intention, he had been just as shocked. Looking at his mother's disbelief, he said softly, "He... Father has also agreed. If this happens, I will become the eldest son of the fourth lineage's main line, which will bring immense benefits in the future." "Indeed." Mu Yalu nodded. Her entire heart was devoted to her son, so naturally she agreed wholeheartedly. After pondering for several moments, she whispered, "In that case, you could compete with Yuanxiu for the position of Young Clan Head..." "Mother, don't speak nonsense!" Li Yuanjiao shook his head, his face turning solemn. "The person I respect most is my elder brother, and he is the only one fit to be Young Clan Head. In this life, I only wish to assist him properly; I have no other ambitions." "That is fine as well." Mu Yalu smiled at his response, already turning over in her mind how she might pass those exact words along to the first branch without altering a single syllable. "As for that Shamoli, he is of a pleasure-seeking temperament." The two chatted for a while, and Li Yuanjiao described Shamoli's personality in detail. Mu Yalu smiled and said, "Not everyone can be well-versed in worldly affairs. Your Li family is only decent toward your own people and the commoners under your rule. Falling into the hands of you and your brother, that Shamoli is rather pitiable." "We are handing him a throne to sit upon—what is there to pity!" Li Yuanjiao dismissed the thought and laughed heartily. Mu Yalu looked at him with a gentle smile, counting from Li Xuanxuan down to Li Yuanxiu in her heart, realizing that not a single one among them was easy to deal with. She mused secretly: *Every single person in the Li family is a cunning, wicked sort—both shrewd and ruthless. While their ambitions are directed outward, it's fine. But six or eight generations down the line when the blood ties grow distant, there will surely be a grand spectacle of fierce infighting to watch! Fortunately, my son was born in the earlier generations and won't have to contend with equally shrewd and sly figures!* *** At the summit of Mount Lijing. Li Tongya took several steps through the empty air, his figure shifting sideways like a phantom. Several shadows resembling shimmering water materialized around him, floating before and behind his silhouette for a moment before vanishing with a soft pop. "The River-Crossing Torrent Steps! It is finally mastered. Now I have even greater security when facing enemies. Unless I encounter a Foundation Establishment cultivator, even if I cannot win, I can withdraw with ease." The River-Crossing Torrent Steps had three layers in total. Starting out was moderately difficult, but progressing further grew far more arduous. It had taken Li Tongya seven or eight years just to master the first layer. The River Unity Qi Formula that Li Tongya cultivated had been the foundational art of Lingyu Gate, originating from the same lineage as this footwork. By right, his mastery should have progressed at lightning speed. However, his main energy over the past few years had been devoted to his cultivation, hoping to break through to Foundation Establishment before the age of sixty. Consequently, he only brought out this footwork technique to study and practice whenever his cultivation hit a bottleneck. What should have taken three to four years had dragged on for seven or eight before finally being completed. Within the family, only Li Xuanling possessed notable talent in the path of movement techniques, having mastered this footwork early on; none of the other clansmen had been heard to master it. "It is a pity about that alchemical fire formula. In the vast Li family, we cannot find a single person capable of generating alchemical fire..." Then Li Tongya thought about how the Xiao clan far outnumbered the Li family, yet within the entire Xiao family, only Xiao Chuting and Xiao Yuansi could ignite alchemical fire. With that realization, he felt much more at ease. "No wonder Yu Muxian of the Yu family was held in such high regard after entering the Qingchi Sect. To be able to forge artifacts, he must have met specific cultivation requirements as well." Just as Li Tongya touched down among the mountain rocks, a voice transmission carried by dharmic powers flew into the array, echoing within the cave dwelling. "An Zheyan of the An family has come to pay a visit. Brother Tongya, please open the grand formation!" "An Zheyan?" Li Tongya paused slightly. He had no close friendship with this man; they had merely divided the Lu family with tacit understanding back then. He did not know why An Zheyan had come knocking today. Opening the dharmic array, Li Tongya sat in the courtyard for a few moments before Li Xuanling led An Zheyan inside. Li Tongya glanced at him and spoke courteously. "Li Tongya greets Brother Zheyan." "Brother, you are too polite!" An Zheyan grinned and cupped his hands toward Li Tongya. The formerly glistening bald head now wore a grayish-white fur hat, making him look less like a secular butcher and more like a wealthy country squire. "I heard that Brother Tongya has already broken through to the eighth layer of Qi Refinement. Truly miraculous speed!" An Zheyan accepted a tea bowl, nodding with a beaming smile. The two had not seen each other in decades. Back then, their cultivation levels had been roughly equal. Now, An Zheyan had reached the fifth layer of Qi Refinement, while Li Tongya was already at the eighth layer. "Brother Zheyan overpraises me." Li Tongya did not waste words on idle chatter, asking directly, "What brings Brother Zheyan here today?"