Li Yuanjiao exchanged a few pleasant words with Fei Luoya. Both were in excellent spirits, their smiles warm and hearty. Behind them trailed their two followers, Zhu Xian and Li Wushao, as they flew out of Dajueting together.
Seeing Fei Luoya continually scanning their surroundings, Li Yuanjiao asked, "The expanse stretching from Dajueting to the Eastern Shanyue is lush with mountains and forests, a fertile tract of land. I wonder how Fellow Daoist plans to handle it?"
Fei Luoya turned his vertical pupils toward Li Yuanjiao and replied leisurely, "Previously, with Fu Daimu lurking nearby, all I thought about was being ready to flee at any moment. I never bothered to govern the Shanyue under my rule, simply leaving them to their own devices. Now that I have such a vast territory, I will naturally promote a few subordinates, gather spiritual materials, hunt monster beasts, and cultivate spirit rice. Every year, I can even earn some spirit stones..."
Li Yuanjiao chimed in agreement and said with a smile, "My family excels at such matters. Why not divide this land between the two of us? You provide the land, and we provide the people. With my clan's methods, in ten years' time, we could yield an annual profit of over twenty spirit stones..."
"Oh?"
Fei Luoya nodded gently, made a few evasive inquiries, and steered the conversation toward news of Fuchen Peak in the Qingchi Sect. Li Yuanjiao saw at a glance that he had no intention of collaborating, so he gave a few perfunctory replies and took his leave.
Li Wushao followed quietly behind. Only after they had flown a hundred li did he speak up: "Master, is your injury still serious?"
Earlier, Li Yuanjiao had taken a combined blow from Zhe Ledai's twin swords, frightening Li Wushao out of his wits. His soul was still held in Li Yuanjiao's hands; if anything untoward were to happen to Li Yuanjiao, Li Wushao would lose his life as well.
Li Yuanjiao waved his hand and replied, "It is nothing. Once we return to the peak and enter seclusion, take that precious herb, the Qingyun Elk Fruit, and cultivate your two tail-hooks back."
"Thank you, Master!"
Li Wushao was ecstatic and thanked him profusely. Li Yuanjiao replied, "You are already a member of our Li clan. There is no need for so many courtesies."
Just as master and servant passed a hundred li from Dajueting, a youth clad in white rode the wind to meet them. Tall and handsome as a jade tree, carrying a sword on his back, he cupped his hands and said, "Congratulations, Uncle, on eliminating this scourge."
This youth was none other than Li Xijun. Li Yuanjiao glanced at him and asked quizzically, "Has something happened at home? Why did you come seeking me?"
Li Xijun said softly, "This junior feared Fei Luoya might resort to treachery and attempt to trap and kill you. Uneasy at heart, I watched from afar."
Li Yuanjiao looked back and said, "That was over a hundred li away, and shielded by a grand formation as well. You could see through it?"
Li Xijun nodded. A haze of frost and snow swirled within his eyes as he replied, "This junior received Bright Frost Pine Ridge, which granted me exceptional eyesight to dispel illusions and perceive minute details. Even through the obstruction of a grand formation, I could vaguely glimpse the shifting lights of spells and gauge the situation."
Only then did Li Yuanjiao smile, nodding in praise. "Good. To think this talisman qi possessed such wonder. Once we return home, take the *Clear-Sight Spiritual Pupil* and study it to see if you can cultivate ocular arts with half the effort and double the results. If you can master that art, it will become even more wondrous."
Seeing Li Xijun nod, Li Yuanjiao continued, "Fei Luoya was unwilling to let our clan have a hand in the land. If we could dispatch our people there, we could surely bring in a great deal more revenue."
Li Xijun pondered briefly, understood the crux of the matter, and said in a low voice, "Uncle, do not worry. Fei Luoya does not understand how difficult governance truly is. He is entirely alone; where would he find enough hands to manage every detail? He is simply blinded by greed, thinking he can manage just by promoting a few Qi Refinement subordinates. Once he runs against a wall, he will eventually come seeking our clan."
Li Yuanjiao nodded and answered naturally, "Indeed. The deep-seated habits of the Shanyue are hard to break—they are insatiably greedy and lack all reverence. In our Eastern Shanyue, it took two Qi Refinement cultivators and twelve Jade Capital Wheel cultivators from the Jade Court Guard strictly supervising day and night to yield such revenues. Fei Luoya cannot manage such feats; suffering a loss is inevitable."
The uncle and nephew conversed as they flew, eventually touching down upon Qingdu Peak. Li Xijun pulled back his sleeves and said with considerable solemnity, "Uncle! Our clan has already relocated to Qingdu, and loose cultivators often refer to us as the Qingdu Li family. Our standing as an established clan grows firmer by the day, while the prefix of 'Lijing' no longer fits the reality. It would be better to change it."
Li Yuanjiao cared little for such matters. Qingdu or Lijing sounded all the same to his ears. He merely replied, "Do as you see fit. Once you decide, so be it."
The two men and one demon landed on the peak. Before the courtyard gate crouched a little girl, who beamed and ran over upon seeing them.
"Father! Elder Brother!"
"Xiang'er."
Li Yuanjiao had fathered this daughter only late in life, and in truth cherished her deeply. Yet over recent years, with consecutive breakthroughs, periods of secluded cultivation, and hunting demons, he had rarely even seen her, causing an inevitable rift of unfamiliarity between father and daughter.
Li Yuexiang giggled and held Li Xijun's hand, clearly far closer to him. Observing the scene before him, Li Yuanjiao felt that Li Xijun had changed significantly from before. He smiled and said, "Jun'er has grown much more magnanimous."
Li Xijun replied with a smile and said gently, "Uncle... Xiang'er can have her spirit apertures tested next year. I wonder how her talent will be..."
Seeing Li Xijun's gentle and doting expression, Li Yuanjiao was suddenly reminded of Li Xicheng and Li Ximing. All of them carried themselves with gentle composure, unlike a fierce man like him.
'One by one, they resemble the scions of prominent clans out in the wider world more and more.'
Li Yuanjiao watched in silence. The Li family had humble origins, born of the wilderness with shallow roots. They had risen through ruthlessness, burdened with the anxiety typical of the destitute suddenly coming into wealth, and three generations of them could hardly be considered benevolent.
Now, the Xi-Yue generation had gradually acquired the magnanimity and ease of prominent clan scions. Li Xicheng down the mountain was the most prominent example, not to mention that Li Xizhi and Li Ximing were both easy to talk to. Seeing this, Li Yuanjiao found it hard to tell whether it was good or bad.
'Men like Yuan Chengdun and Xiao Ruyu all carry that natural air of composure, bestowed from birth by their substantial family foundations and powerful backgrounds. It allows them to befriend heroes and maintain harmony with allies.'
Born into nobility and privilege, they had been tutored in statecraft and magic from childhood. Blessed with high talent, the world before them was as sweet as honey—how could they not be composed? Everyone they met dared not offend them and showed them deference, while elders above kept them in check so they would not grow arrogant. Truly, they were blessed by fate.
'Whether one is poised and magnanimous or ruthless and cautious, it is hard to say which is better. Circumstances vary in a thousand ways, and time and fate work together; who can say for sure? But Xijun...'
Fixing his narrow eyes on Li Xijun, he suddenly spoke: "Jun'er."
Li Xijun looked up. He was far more handsome than Li Yuanjiao. Furrowing his brows slightly, he inclined his ear to listen.
Li Yuanjiao lowered his voice. "Sometimes it is best to conceal one's edge. There is no need to stand out too much. Make a few minor mistakes, suffer a few small losses..."
Li Xijun did not quite understand and raised his head in a daze. Li Yuanjiao said solemnly, "Ximing and Xicheng both make mistakes, and realizing their mistakes allows them to change. That brings me peace of mind. Only you are exceptionally perceptive, never making a mistake, and even harbor a quiet mockery toward the world. I have seen it all."
It was the first time Li Xijun had his inner thoughts laid bare. A jolt of terror struck his heart, and he stared blankly at his elder.
In a raspy voice, Li Yuanjiao said, "My elder brother was also this perceptive and magnanimous, a natural-born talent. He was so brilliant and upright that in his entire life, he only ever made one mistake—picking up that spell bead."
"Fate takes delight in striking down heroes. Never underestimate the people of this world."
The tragedy of Li Yuanxiu had left a profound scar. Over a dozen troublesome clan rules had been instituted because of that incident, and the suspicious, hyper-cautious temperament Li Yuanjiao had developed over the years was inextricably tied to it.
Li Xijun bowed deeply and replied, "This junior takes your teaching to heart."
Having given his detailed admonition, Li Yuanjiao felt a stabbing ache at his back and a tightness in his chest. Only then did he remember the injury inflicted by Zhe Ledai was still unaddressed and could be delayed no longer. He instructed, "I suffered a minor injury and must nurse it. When a Foundation Establishment cultivator enters seclusion, it often takes several years. I leave the clan in your care. Your cousins and brothers will listen to you; discuss everything with your Seventh Uncle before acting."
Li Xijun cupped his hands and assented, lost in thought. Watching Li Yuanjiao depart, he picked up Li Yuexiang from the ground and said softly, "Come, Brother will take you down for a stroll!"
...
Mount Lijing.
Li Yuanping sat at the head of the hall as always. Clad in a brocade robe, his face was pale and his eye sockets slightly sunken, though his spirits were reasonably good. Having taken a talisman pill some days ago to break through to the Jade Capital Wheel, his complexion looked noticeably healthier.
"This is as far as I go..."
Although Li Yuanping had broken through to the Jade Capital Wheel with the aid of a talisman pill, it merely bought him a brief reprieve. His cultivation was precariously unstable; if he dared attempt another breakthrough, he would likely only hasten his death.
Setting down the letter in his hand, his expression remained impassive. He merely beckoned Li Xicheng forward and asked in a low voice, "That Meng father and daughter... have they come up?"
Li Xicheng cupped his hands. "Meng Taizhi went out to harvest qi earlier and only just returned. Someone has already been sent to summon him."
Just as his words fell, an elderly cultivator entered the hall. With proper and dignified features and a cultivation at the ninth level of Qi Refinement, he stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Loose cultivator Meng Taizhi greets the Clan Head."
Li Yuanping waved his hand and got straight to the point: "Elder Meng is too polite. Sir, you mentioned you can forge Embryonic Breathing magical artifacts. Is this true?"
Meng Taizhi nodded and replied, "This old man possesses some attainments in artifact refining. While I make no claims about the Qi Refinement level, crafting Embryonic Breathing magical artifacts is well within my grasp. If the Clan Head is interested, this old man can forge magical artifacts for your noble clan to offset the cost of harvesting qi."
Li Yuanping smiled upon hearing this and asked, "Harvesting qi is no easy task, Elder Meng. How much time could you spare for artifact refining?"
Meng Taizhi bowed and replied, "If your noble clan provides the materials, forging one every two months will be no problem at all."
Li Yuanping nodded slightly and remarked, "That would be sixty weapons in ten years. Quite a considerable quantity."
Most of the Li clan's magical artifacts had been seized from slain enemies or purchased from merchants at steep markups. Embryonic Breathing artifacts were primarily used to equip appointed positions on the peaks or bestowed as rewards to the younger generation. If they could obtain this batch of artifacts, things would be considerably easier in the future.
'Our clan has green raven ore, which is an excellent material for forging Embryonic Breathing artifacts. When we establish new manors and peaks in the future, having these artifacts will also make things much more convenient.'
However, Li Yuanping by no means believed Meng Taizhi was simply being charitable and volunteering to labor for free. Turning the small letter in his fingers, he thought to himself:
'With Xiao Yuansi's recommendation letter in hand, the Meng father and daughter could easily have gone about harvesting qi unbothered. Going out of their way to offer this means they most likely have some ulterior motive.'
Li Yuanping did not wish to owe any favors. Glancing at Li Xicheng beside him, he smiled and said, "You have traveled far and are our guests; we cannot trouble Senior like this. My clan still possesses some foundation. Why not treat this as hiring Senior to forge artifacts, and we will provide Elder Meng with additional compensation?"
Meng Taizhi cupped his hands and followed along: "The Clan Head is too courteous. Contributing a modest effort can hardly be called trouble. It is just..."
Li Yuanping had been waiting precisely for this "just." Meng Taizhi continued:
"My humble daughter possesses the ability to summon heartfire to form pills, but alas, this old man is merely an artifact refiner and cannot instruct her."
With that, he bowed respectfully and continued, "I am already one hundred and eighty years old, with few days left to live. My only lingering concern is this daughter granted to me late in life. I hope to obtain an alchemy inheritance to provide her with a livelihood to rely upon... Should we receive your noble clan's alchemy path, we swear never to divulge it to outsiders!"
"Forging artifacts for your noble clan is only the beginning. If there are any other tasks within this old man's power, I shall never refuse!"
'So that was his aim!'
Only now did it make sense to Li Yuanping. Placing the letter onto the table, he said warmly, "Elder Meng, there is no need for this. Our clan has no pressing tasks at present, and an alchemy inheritance is a matter of great consequence. I must consult our clan's ancestor first."
"I trouble the Clan Head!"
Meng Taizhi expressed his thanks. Li Yuanping inquired about a few details, chatted casually about various trifles, and dismissed him.
Li Xicheng, who had observed throughout, stepped forward with cupped hands and said, "Clan Head, of the Meng father and daughter, one holds secret arts and the other possesses extraordinary talent. Why not recruit them into our clan? Once Meng Zhuoyun becomes an alchemist, she could greatly ease the burden on Brother Ming..."
"Mm."
After listening, Li Yuanping gathered the small letters on the table, placed them at the corner of the desk, and said gently, "Take a look."
Li Xicheng stepped forward and read through the small stack of letters one by one:
"Your subordinate has arrived at the Chijiao Island market in the Eastern Sea... There has never been an artifact refiner surnamed Meng here... nor has any refiner been heard departing..."
"Your subordinate has arrived at Chunyi Island in the Eastern Sea..."
"Your subordinate has arrived at Zhuxi Island in the Eastern Sea..."
When Li Xicheng finished reading them all, Li Yuanping explained:
"I have already dispatched personnel to investigate various islands. Starting from the origins of the few spiritual materials sold by Meng Zhuoyun and her father, we found no record of any cultivator surnamed Meng skilled in artifact refining... nor has there been word of any refiner leaving the Eastern Sea recently."
"Even the several locations coaxed from Meng Taizhi's own words yielded no traces."
He tapped the desk and said gently, "Perhaps Meng Taizhi is truly obscure, making his trail difficult to follow. But without verifying this man's origins, how could we recklessly take them into our clan?"
Seeing Li Xicheng lost in thought, Li Yuanping added, "There is no rush in this matter. We have a full ten years. Investigate slowly and observe carefully. As long as we remain vigilant, we will uncover the truth eventually."
He said to Li Xicheng in an admonishing tone, "I have arranged a few men. When you take charge of clan affairs, simply carry out the investigation step by step."
Li Xicheng nodded, feeling a heavy weight on his shoulders. Having followed Li Yuanping for several years, he finally understood the hardships his younger brother Li Ximing had faced. Even inheriting a reformed Li clan came with such complexities; how difficult must it have been for Li Ximing to handle every single matter back then?
Just as Li Yuanping finished speaking, a clan guard arrived to report that An Zheyan and his two sons had returned, having completed the survey of the mineral veins along the southern shore.
"Good! Invite him in at once."
Li Yuanping's face lit up with joy. He coughed twice as three men were brought in. The leader was a cultivator at the ninth level of Qi Refinement with a gleaming bald head. He cupped his hands and said, "An Zheyan greets the Clan Head."
Li Yuanping nodded. An Zheyan, built as sturdy as a bear, spoke in a humble tone:
"Your subordinate has investigated the fourteen subterranean anomalies along the southern shore. In total, there are two mineral veins and seven water veins, holding extraordinary value. Congratulations, Clan Head!"
"Two mineral veins?!"
Li Yuanping rose to his feet at once and pressed, "What kind of mineral veins are they?!"
Chapter 392