Xiao Chuting paused, then said softly, "Now that I have attained the Purple Mansion, forged my divine ability, and registered my name with the Netherworld Court, there are many matters I am forbidden from meddling in. Yuansi's notion of having me personally intervene was far too naive. All four Zhenren of the Qingchi Sect are watching. It is one thing to set chess pieces in motion using my divine ability to steer the situation, but entering the board myself to kill Yu Yufeng would violate the rules."
Li Tongya hastily clasped his hands and answered, "Everything shall be handled according to Zhenren's wishes. Our family awaits your arrangements."
Seeing his respectful demeanour, Xiao Chuting nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "I examined the jade slip Yuansi brought back. It is indeed Zhenren Xianyou's movement technique, which holds great significance for us. Our families share close ties, and your Li family is currently being bullied by the Yu family. We ought to help. While I cannot take the field myself, I can still manipulate him with ease."
Now that Xiao Chuting was a Purple Mansion Zhenren, a single word from him would make the Yu family tremble and apologize. Yu Xiaogui would have to visit in person to make amends, and they would never dare mistreat the Li family in secret again. These words were merely Xiao Chuting seeking a pretext to suppress the Yu family and foster the Li family's rise on Lake Wangyue. Li Tongya naturally welcomed this with open arms and listened with utmost reverence.
"Furthermore, my Xiao family has already established itself as an independent immortal clan, no longer under Qingchi's jurisdiction. Ordinarily, we cannot dispatch Foundation Establishment cultivators at will to slaughter families under Qingchi's rule. Fortunately, although our family's forces are not vast, we still retain several Foundation Establishment guest cultivators. Shortly, I will have a few of them make the journey to dispose of Yu Yufeng."
Xiao Chuting's tone was calm. Li Tongya murmured an acknowledgment, then asked dubiously, "However, Yu Yufeng is cautious and spends his days cultivating in seclusion behind his sect gates, never taking a step outside. Encircling and slaying him will not be an easy task..."
"Mm."
Xiao Chuting offered a slight smile. He gently raised the white jade fishing rod in his hand, lifting the baitless jade hook from the deep pool and sending ripples across the water's surface. With a faint smile, he answered, "Yu Yufeng will come out. Not only will he come out, but he will also travel east along Guli Road to an isolated, nameless hillock on the Xunlin Plain to await us."
A chill ran down Li Tongya's spine, and goosebumps rose across his flesh. He thought to himself in shock, *Could it be... the power of a Purple Mansion divine ability is formidable to such a degree?!*
On the surface, he nodded solemnly. Xiao Chuting's tone shifted, becoming somewhat earnest and well-meaning as he continued, "As for your Li family, you must also carefully consider the path ahead. Once the Yu family collapses, there will be no more tall trees catching the wind on Lake Wangyue. Where you go from there requires careful deliberation."
"This junior understands!" Li Tongya nodded with solemn gravity.
Xiao Chuting paused, then said in a low voice, "The Li family must also send a member into the Qingchi Sect."
Li Tongya's expression remained steady, but stormy waves churned in his heart, filling him with dread. Without hesitation, he said, "In Zhenren's view, who would be suitable?"
Li Tongya could tell from Xiao Chuting's tone that this was neither a question nor a negotiation; it was a calm, matter-of-fact instruction. Thus, he offered neither doubt nor defense, answering directly.
Xiao Chuting paused for a breath at Li Tongya's decisiveness, then let out a soft chuckle. "You are an intelligent man, so you should understand this matter. What happened to Li Chijing was solely because he possessed the moon essence immortal foundation and exceptional aptitude; ordinary disciples would never meet such a fate. This move is not asking your family to offer up a child for Qingchi Sect to consume, but rather a wise stratagem that kills three birds with one stone.
"First, your family still resides under Qingchi's jurisdiction. Having a clansman cultivating within the peaks will keep your ear to the ground, ease the handling of various affairs, and provide you with a backer and a protective talisman—which could not be better.
"Second, this disciple sent to the immortal sect need not possess extraordinary talent—merely above average will suffice. That way, they will not face foul play, can give back to the family, and can attain some authority within the sect once their cultivation improves."
Xiao Chuting's tone remained courteous as he continued, "My family has broken away from Qingchi. Several disciples have been withdrawn, and most of our spies have gone silent, leaving us poorly informed about their internal affairs. If your family can send a disciple in, it will benefit us both. As for whom to dispatch, that is your own household affair to decide."
For a grand Purple Mansion cultivator like Xiao Chuting to speak so extensively, almost as if explaining himself, made Li Tongya put on a look of being overwhelmed by the honor. He replied, "It is just that... one cannot simply enter as a Qingchi disciple at will..."
Xiao Chuting had already prepared the arrangements. He gently answered, "Qingsui Peak was thinly populated to begin with. Si Yuanbai has left the sect for distant lands, and my clan's Yuansi has departed Qingsui Peak as well. Only his junior sister, Yuan Tuan, remains alone on the peak. It is precisely when she needs helping hands. If you send someone to take her as their master, Yuan Tuan will certainly not refuse."
"This junior has been enlightened." Li Tongya nodded.
Xiao Chuting ceased speaking, looking him up and down before adding, "Then go on down. I hope you will not fail this trust and will lead the Li family to prominence."
Li Tongya clasped his hands in farewell, lightly drifting down from the cliff and walking toward the foot of the mountain on foot. Beside the pool, Xiao Yuansi gave him a slight nod. Only after watching him disappear into the distance did Xiao Yuansi rise into the air and land beside Xiao Chuting, asking in a low voice, "Ancestor, you summoned me?"
Xiao Chuting nodded and asked, "Have Guiluan's matters been handled? Does she harbor any resentment or dissatisfaction?"
"Everything has been prepared properly," Xiao Yuansi answered respectfully. "Guiluan took the records and news regarding Li Yuanjiao's deeds, reviewed them carefully, and said she is willing to marry."
Xiao Chuting flicked the white jade fishing rod with two fingers and said softly, "Her age has reached its time as well. Back then, she met the young talents of the commandery one by one yet remained utterly silent throughout. I surmised she likely wished to marry outside our clan, and the Li family carries sufficient weight."
With these words, Xiao Chuting laid bare the underlying realities. After all, having an itinerant cultivator from the commandery marry into the family—spending the rest of her days in quiet seclusion on some remote peak—was worlds apart from marrying into another clan as a daughter of the Xiao family, complete with ten li of red dowry to become the matriarch of a household branch. Xiao Yuansi understood this as well, answering in a low voice, "Ancestor is truly wise. Knowing that the Li family would certainly refuse to take a daughter of our direct line, you instructed me in advance. Otherwise, I truly would not have known how to answer Tongya."
Xiao Chuting merely shook his head and said quietly, "Li Tongya is no fool. The Li family seeks an alliance, not subjugation. And since Guiluan has both capable methods and a sharp mind, such an opportunity arose."
Xiao Yuansi was honest and upright by nature. Tearing away the veneer of friendship to lay such calculations bare made him uncomfortable, so he fell silent. Xiao Chuting likewise quietly held the white jade fishing rod. For a time, only the howling northern wind blew through the mountains, fluttering Xiao Yuansi's hair and beard.
***
Meanwhile, Li Tongya descended the mountain. Two figures were already waiting at the base.
One wore a brown bamboo hat, had neatly trimmed short whiskers and long eyebrows reaching his temples, and held a sabre with a sharp gaze. He was a cultivator at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. Seeing Li Tongya, he lightly cupped his hands and said in a deep voice, "Chen greets Fellow Daoist Tongya."
The other had fluttering white whiskers, the complexion of a youth beneath crane-white hair, and brightly glowing eyes. He likewise clasped his hands in greeting. His cultivation had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. With a light chuckle, he said, "This one is Nanshan Weng. Greetings, Fellow Daoist."
Li Tongya hurriedly clasped his hands in return. The sabreman nodded in response and said gravely, "This one is Chen Taojing."
The two were naturally the reinforcements Xiao Chuting had assigned to deal with Yu Yufeng. As Li Tongya chatted briefly with them, Xiao Chuchou arrived from afar riding the wind, laughing. "Forgive me for keeping you all waiting."
The others quickly insisted it was no trouble. Xiao Chuchou pointed toward the sabreman, Chen Taojing, and introduced him: "This is Chen Taojing. He was once a guest elder at the Lake Wangyue market. After the market fell, he settled with our family. He also cultivates the River Unity Qi Formula and formed the 'Vast Sea,' sharing the same origin as Brother Tongya."
Li Tongya nodded at once, and the sabreman's eyes lit up as well. Both cupped their hands, and Li Tongya smiled. "I must ask for Senior's guidance often."
"It is merely mutual exchange," the sabreman replied with modest courtesy.
Xiao Chuchou then pointed to Nanshan Weng. "Nanshan Weng is a veteran of our clan."
One peak Foundation Establishment and two mid-Foundation Establishment—this was the fighting force deployed by the Xiao family. Xiao Chuchou then introduced Li Tongya to the pair. Only then did the group rise on the wind and head west.
***
Having seen Tian Youdao off, Tian Zhongqing tidied up his room and wasted not a single moment, scampering off westward toward Lijing Town. The dazzling morning light rose slowly, draping Tian Zhongqing in brilliant golden rays. Suddenly, the image of Xu Gongming sprang to mind.
*I had guidance from an elder, yet I must still scurry in every direction without knowing if I can turn calamity into fortune. Brother Gongming is all alone; heaven knows what he will do!*
A faint sense of guilt welled in Tian Zhongqing's heart, intermingling with deep relief as a whirlwind of mixed feelings churned within him. Amid his anxious thoughts, the otherwise tedious journey passed swiftly.
Between Lijing Town and the townships around Mount Huaqian lay Lidaokou. The original dirt road had been replaced by neatly laid stone paving, constructed quite handsomely. Lidaokou also had a prominent surname, the Xu family, who had later relocated to Lijing Town. They were exceptionally low-key; word had it their ancestors were refugees who had fled here and were particularly skilled in commerce. Several of their sons and daughters were in charge of affairs involving the Shanyue. Tian Zhongqing had never visited this place before; he merely glanced at it and continued westward.
The hour was still early. Lijing Town had just awakened beneath the morning sun, and smoke curled upward from hearths in every household. Tian Zhongqing went straight to the foot of Mount Lijing and said to the two clan soldiers on guard, "May I trouble you two to relay a message and deliver this letter to my cousin?"
The clan soldiers looked closely and recognized Tian Zhongqing, knowing that the cousin he referred to was Li Jingtian. Nodding hurriedly, one took the letter and headed up the mountain. Before long, word came down. Tian Zhongqing's storage bag and magical instruments were confiscated, and a clan soldier escorted him up the mountain.
Tian Zhongqing entered the mountain and walked along the path for a while until a small courtyard appeared before him. He entered respectfully. Inside the room, a single low desk sat by the window, where a woman in courtly dress with a jade hairpin sat with a gentle expression. Beside her, a young girl sat on her knees, gazing at him with curiosity.
"Zhongqing greets Elder Sister!" Tian Zhongqing called out respectfully.
Li Jingtian merely held the letter in her hand and said flatly, "Uncle sent you here. Is there some matter on which you seek counsel?"
Tian Zhongqing was just about to speak when Li Jingtian waved her hand to interrupt, stroking Li Qingxiao's head and telling her to run along and read on her own. Only then did she listen to Tian Zhongqing finish his tale. Her brows arched slightly, half-amused and half-exasperated. Setting down her teacup, she said in a low voice, "How could you be so muddleheaded!"
Li Jingtian frowned slightly. Though her disposition was gentle, when she grew solemn, she naturally carried an imposing presence. Startled, Tian Zhongqing repeatedly begged for forgiveness, murmuring, "Your younger brother was muddleheaded! Truly muddleheaded!"
Li Jingtian paused, then instructed, "If you fear bringing disaster upon yourself, resign from your authority of your own accord, take the cultivators related by marriage in your clan, and volunteer to head to the Shanyue lands to cultivate spirit fields."
Tian Zhongqing nodded repeatedly, then asked hesitantly, "Then... when may I return?"
Li Jingtian pondered for a breath and answered, "Focus on cultivating properly. If things go as expected, someone from the family will be sent to the Eastern Shanyue to stand guard and establish a mountain gate. Your days might not be all that bitter. As for when you can return, that is not for me to say."
Tian Zhongqing nodded again and again. Seeing that Li Jingtian remained silent, he did not dare say more, offering his thanks before retreating.
With Tian Zhongqing gone, only the gentle breeze stirred the courtyard. Li Jingtian waited quietly before her desk for a while. Sure enough, a knock sounded at the door. With a pleasant smile, she called, "Come in."
A youth wearing black boots stitched with silver patterns and a black robe stepped inside. Cupping his hands lightly, he said with a chuckle, "What did Aunt say?"
Li Jingtian smiled faintly and replied, "To the Shanyue lands."
Li Yuanjiao nodded, a smile touching his face as he said softly, "Previously, they looked down on the Shanyue lands for being impoverished and filled with savages sporting disheveled hair and tattoos. Not a single person was willing to go there to plant spirit rice. This time, they ran right into it themselves!"
Li Jingtian nodded quietly and said softly, "They would rather race dogs and fight cocks in town than manage spirit fields in the Shanyue lands; such is the disposition of these cultivators from prominent clans. By contrast, Embryonic Breathing cultivators born of poverty labor day and night, juggling multiple duties just to earn another jin or two of spirit rice."
"It is merely human nature," Li Yuanjiao laughed and replied. "The prominent clans live without worry, their resources supplied by their elders. Apart from daily cultivation, they naturally occupy themselves with listening to music and seeking pleasure. This Tian Zhongqing is considered among the better ones.
"Most Embryonic Breathing cultivators, once they know they have no hope of breaking through to Qi Refinement in this lifetime, begin to behave recklessly, wallowing in carnal pleasures and breeding disgust in all who see them. Now that we have a pretext, driving the cultivators related to the Tian clan off to the Shanyue lands to farm will keep them from stirring up trouble on account of past favors."
Li Jingtian poured tea for Li Yuanjiao, who hurriedly protested that he was unworthy of the honor. Li Jingtian then smiled and said, "Though my uncle Tian Youdao is loyal, over the years the Tian family has grown increasingly bold on the strength of his and my mother's past favors, even taking in several Shanyue cultivators and losing their sense of propriety. This affair serves as a fine warning to the prominent clans."
Li Jingtian's words carried the intention of exonerating Tian Youdao, which Li Yuanjiao understood clearly. He nodded and said, "Granduncle and Father saw it all. That was why they bestowed elixirs upon him to allow him to seek a breakthrough. However, the atmosphere within the Tian family is rotten; even without this matter involving Tian Zhongqing, they would have left some other handle for us to seize."
The two conversed for a time before Li Yuanjiao asked, "How is Qingxiao doing lately? Has she been reading and writing?"
Li Jingtian answered gently, "Of course she has been reading and writing. But if one possesses no spirit aperture, studying anything is of no use."
Li Yuanjiao fell silent at once. Taking a sip from his teacup, he said in a low voice, "Uncle-in-law had such fine talent; Qingxiao will surely have no problem."
Though he said this, drums beat in Li Yuanjiao's heart. The Li family originally had no spirit apertures; Li Xiangping had only been able to cultivate using a talisman seed, and Li Jingtian possessed no spirit aperture either. Whether Li Qingxiao truly had a spirit aperture was genuinely impossible to say.
One had to remember that Li Xuanxuan was already at the fourth or fifth layer of Embryonic Breathing by that time. As for the brothers Li Yuanxiu and Li Yuanjiao, one was born of a mother who was an aperture-bearer at the third layer of Embryonic Breathing, and the other from the noble bloodline of the Mulu clan—which was why both possessed spirit apertures. Yet Li Xuanling and his wife were both cultivators, and they had still given birth to Li Yuanyun, who lacked a spirit aperture. Clearly, the inner workings of such matters were truly difficult to fathom.
Chapter 235