"Did this child of yours truly take only one shichen? Haha, who do you think she is—a princely heir, or An Jingming?"
Guest Elder Hu gave a stifled chuckle, mocking him in his heart for not knowing his place and being completely ignorant of cultivation. He merely said, "I ask you only this: from the moment you gave her the cultivation method to the moment she claimed to have refined her first wisp of spiritual energy, how much time elapsed in total?"
Li Baotuo froze for a moment, pondered for a breath, and answered, "Replying to Senior, two days and one night had passed."
"Two days and one night!"
Hearing this, Li Chengzhi, who sat to the side, finally straightened his back. A look of surprise crossed his face, and he said softly, "Although Lijing Prefecture is the foundation of a prominent surname, its spirit vein ranks among the lower nine prefectures. Two days and one night is already remarkably high aptitude!"
He spoke only half his thoughts, leaving the rest lodged in his throat as he mused inwardly, 'If she has enough spiritual resources, she might even contend for a spot to enter the Isle five years from now. If Li Baotuo's line can be elevated back to the main branch... that would mean another solid connection for me within the Isle!'
While Li Chengzhi's mind grew active, Hu Jingye was no slower to react. He immediately thought of his precious son and said in a low voice, "Oh? Her talent is passable."
Hu Jingye was a Qi Refinement cultivator, and fortunately, his youngest son possessed decent talent. If Li Shuwan could be elevated into a cultivator of the main branch, Hu Jingye would undoubtedly make an enormous gain. Assuming an air of haughtiness, he said softly, "It will be exceedingly difficult for your daughter to return to the Isle, yet placed among the surrounding prefectures, her talent is still quite respectable..."
His tone softened considerably, but fearing Li Baotuo might realize he had designs of his own, he kept his face stern and said gravely, "With Chengzhi here, we are all our own people, so I will not beat around the bush. Once Shuwan's talent is reported, the clan will also provide corresponding resources and cultivation methods... But in the end, she still falls somewhat short of returning to the Isle. I can make up the difference on Baotuo's behalf... It all depends on whether she applies herself."
He maintained his airs, and the transition seemed natural enough. But Li Baotuo had received schooling in the manor when he was young, and punting boats back and forth along the riverbanks had shown him plenty of the world. He caught on immediately:
'Damn it, the old bastard changed his tune... My Shuwan's talent must be extraordinarily high. How he puts on an act!'
He responded cheerfully, wearing the simple, honest look of a peasant farmer, smiling and nodding repeatedly without committing to any real answer. Seeing him feigning ignorance, Hu Jingye was undeterred and said bluntly, "My youngest son happens to be eight years old and possesses fine aptitude. If you do not look down on us, Baotuo, and are willing to give me face, let us arrange a child betrothal. This old man has some savings that can support Shuwan's cultivation, and the matter of your family's return to the Isle will be entirely on my shoulders."
He was, after all, a Qi Refinement cultivator. Before him, the two of them were hardly different from ants. With him casting aside his pride like this, Li Chengzhi and Li Baotuo were immediately put in an awkward spot.
Li Baotuo could only look toward Li Chengzhi. His clan uncle grit his teeth in embarrassment; the terms were not overly unfair, making it awkward for him to intervene, so he hesitated and took a sip of tea.
The clan rules were exceptionally strict, and the Li family's direct lineage feared nothing more than the charge of "bullying others using clan influence." Li Chengzhi was always polite and courteous to everyone, and his dealings with Hu Jingye relied entirely on the other man giving him face—a face as thin as paper—making it truly difficult to speak up.
Seeing no help coming from him, Li Baotuo had no choice but to stall for time, saying in a low voice, "A humble man like me knows nothing about... returning to the Isle... I fear wasting My Lord's resources. How could I dare agree so hastily? My child is fond of play, and I fear she still needs..."
"What kind of talk is that, Baotuo!"
Hu Jingye frowned and said softly, "Though my Hu family cannot compare to the old four surnames, we are well-reputed in Wutu Prefecture. The resources I promised will certainly be provided. There is no need to worry."
Seeing Li Baotuo lower his head, he took a step back and said gently, "I am not pressing you, either. Let us settle this matter first. If any changes occur in the future and Shuwan develops other inclinations, this is merely an engagement. At worst, it can be dissolved, and the goodwill between us will still remain, will it not? When Shuwan becomes a disciple of the main branch, could she possibly fear being unable to break a petty engagement?"
'Damn it!'
At those words, Li Chengzhi indeed saw a trace of wavering on Li Baotuo's face. His heart sank, and he sighed inwardly, 'How could it be that simple!'
Li Chengzhi was himself a disciple of the main branch and knew well how severe the Clan Rectory was. If Li Shuwan became part of the main branch later, breaking the betrothal would put Li Shuwan in the wrong. It would have a huge impact on the Hu clan and would likewise taint Li Shuwan's reputation, perhaps even reaching Mount Qingdu... If the lords up there heard of such conduct, who knew what they would think!
As Li Baotuo fell silent, Li Chengzhi found himself unable to sit still any longer. He averted his gaze, furrowing his brows as he looked elsewhere to signal his disapproval.
"My Lord... my humble family truly cannot aspire to such heights!"
Whether Li Baotuo understood the hint or simply never intended to agree, he sighed, shook his head, and finally delivered his verdict. Hearing this, Li Chengzhi was both surprised and delighted, while Guest Elder Hu's smile faded, leaving him speechless for a long time.
This was a resounding slap to his pride. No matter how hard Hu Jingye tried, he could no longer keep his composure. His face darkened, and he abruptly rose to his feet, snapping, "You invited me here solely to inspect your daughter. Now that I have looked at her, you turn around and treat this old man with disdain! Who conducts themselves like this? It is utterly unreasonable!"
"I, Hu Jingye, have cultivated between Wutu and Lijing for many years. Who doesn't give me some face? Li Baotuo, you are thoroughly insolent!"
Li Baotuo had not anticipated how sharp-tongued he would be and panicked at once. Rising hastily, he replied, "I asked My Lord to inspect my humble daughter, but I never imagined you would immediately demand a marriage pact, My Lord! Though a mere mortal, I still love my daughter... Knowing nothing about your esteemed son, how could I decide so hastily? As a parent, I only fear pushing my child into a pit of fire!"
In his anxiety, he had let his tongue slip. Hu Jingye flew into a rage and roared, "Boy, are you mocking my Hu family's upbringing?!"
He was a Qi Refinement cultivator after all. In his wrath, that shout boomed like thunder, instantly shaking dust and sand loose from the roof beams. It rained down over everyone with a rustling clatter. Outside the house, Li Baotuo's sons stood fuming, yet dared not speak a word.
"Impudent!"
Li Chengzhi and Li Baotuo were struck motionless by his intimidating aura. Hu Jingye snapped his sleeves violently and stormed toward the exit. Li Baotuo's legs shook with terror, while his wife crouched despairingly at the doorway, too frightened to move.
Seeing everyone terrified, the embarrassment and rage pent up in Hu Jingye's chest finally found release. Striding toward the front of the house, he left them looking at his back. Li Chengzhi leaped up from his seat, shouting in horror, "Are you mad?! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
He grabbed Li Baotuo and pulled him along. Seeing his elderly nephew scramble and crawl outside, and noticing that Hu Jingye had not yet flown off on the wind, Li Chengzhi realized the man was still trying to exert control—this was merely an implicit threat. Thus, lifting his robes, he hurried out, calling, "Guest Elder Hu! Those were thoughtless words!"
Li Baotuo had never seen the greater world, after all, and was truly terrified now. Clambering out on hands and knees, breathless and dizzy, he suddenly heard a clear, ringing voice drift down from midair:
"Lord Hu puts on quite an impressive display!"
The chilling sarcasm in that voice nearly scared Li Baotuo out of his wits. His stiff legs pushed him up, and he saw a woman standing before the gate, holding none other than his dear daughter by the hand.
His mind went blank. He saw that the woman was an immortal clad in blue-and-white feathered garments, her hair as black as ink, adorned with a single white blossom. Her eyes held a hazy violet glimmer. Before he could get a clearer look, a soft thud sounded beside his ear.
Plop!
His clan uncle, Li Chengzhi, who had not shown a shred of terror throughout the entire ordeal, now wore an expression that looked like a shattered porcelain vase, etched with boundless horror. As if the bones had been pulled from his legs, he collapsed, his head striking the ground with a thud and knocking into Li Baotuo's waist, sending the two rolling together into a heap.
His head spinning, Li Baotuo saw his clan uncle leap past him like a frog and drop to his knees again in front of him, wailing, "Chengzhi pays respects to My Lady!"
Li Baotuo was a step slower, his eyes catching Hu Jingye's expression just in time. The glare and bluster on the old fellow's face had completely vanished, replaced by sheer bewilderment as he slumped to the ground like a puddle of mud.
Of course Guest Elder Hu had seen Li Qinghong.
When Li Qinghong summoned the formation's lightning to open Lake Central Islet, he had watched from far away on the shore, suspecting that his whole existence wouldn't even withstand a single bolt of her lightning. He had never dreamed of crossing paths with this exalted figure, let alone hearing her say words like "Lord Hu puts on quite an impressive display!"
It was like a bolt of white lightning striking him senseless, terrifying him out of his wits. His very mind seemed shattered as he lay limply on the ground.
Yet Li Qinghong did not spare him even a single glance. Looking at the sweating Li Chengzhi, she pondered for a moment and said softly, "Chengzhi?"
Li Chengzhi answered respectfully, "Junior's father is Lord Ximing."
"So you are Ming'er's son."
Li Qinghong's casual mention of "Ming'er" was what truly terrified Li Baotuo. With his forehead pressed against the dirt and his vision blurring, he finally believed that she was indeed that legendary thunderbolt atop Mount Qingdu. Then came her understated remark:
"I was merely passing through, yet I managed to watch quite a fine show!"
Hu Jingye finally regained some wits, his lips trembling, unable to form words, his face pale as paper: "My Lady... My Lady misunderstands."
'It's fortunate that I was the one who came. Eldest Uncle cherishes our clansmen most; had he been the one here, this fellow surnamed Hu would already have lost his head...'
Li Qinghong's voice was airy and clear: "I found this child pleasing to the eye and chatted with her a bit longer, yet you were already scheming to marry her to your son. Hu Jingye, what a clever abacus you play, daring to interfere in the marriage of my family's main branch."
"It seems my Clan Rectory has governed too strictly... so much so that you've come to think the direct lineage of my clan are all spineless pushovers? Hmm?"
"My... My! Lady..."
The softer and calmer Li Qinghong spoke, the more Hu Jingye felt the fury underlying her words. Li Qinghong was famous for having a gentle temperament; no one in the Li clan had ever provoked her anger. Hu Jingye was the first, and he was already scared limp.
He stammered incoherently, his eyes rolling back as if about to faint. Li Qinghong flicked a finger, sealing away the old fellow's entire cultivation. She said softly, "Chengzhi, take him to Chenghuai."
Li Chengzhi hastily called people over to haul him away, while Li Qinghong said, "Baotuo's branch hasn't returned to the clan for many years, and my Eldest Uncle misses them dearly as well. Come along to meet him."
Li Chengzhi respectfully complied. Carrying the young girl, Li Qinghong rode the lightning and vanished. Li Baotuo remained kneeling on the ground, while Hu Jingye lay there with icy limbs, staring blankly at the sky.
"Congratulations, Baotuo!"
Li Chengzhi stepped over Hu Jingye as though he weren't even there, smiling as he helped Li Baotuo up. Streaks of light flickered across the sky, descending toward the courtyard one after another. Li Baotuo felt as if he were dreaming, hearing choruses of congratulations from all around.
...
Pingya Isle.
When Li Shuwan touched down upon the peak, her face was slightly pale. She had heard of the great lake since childhood, but never knew Lake Wangyue was this vast. In mere moments, they had crossed countless surging waves, arriving on this isle in the blink of an eye.
It was her first time seeing such a grand palace. Before she could take a closer look, she noticed an old man seated within the hall, bathed in seven motes of azure light. He looked exceedingly benevolent as he came up cheerfully to greet them, smiling, "Wan'er has arrived..."
Li Shuwan replied politely and noticed a youth standing on the other side of the hall, dressed in dark red trimmed with gold, his face turned sideways toward her. Sunlight spilled over him. With just a single glance, Li Shuwan felt a sharp sting in her eyes and could not stop tears from streaming down.
Li Xuanxuan assumed she was frightened and coaxed her gently. Li Qinghong sighed softly, recounted what had just happened, and said, "Eldest Uncle, the clan's discipline is perhaps a bit too strict after all. While the main branch has it easy within the Isle, the lesser branches in the prefectures suffer plenty of grievances."
Li Zhouwei cast a thoughtful look at the girl before looking up and answering, "What My Lady mentions... Granduncle has brought up as well. Yet regulations are like a tightening hoop—they cannot be easily loosened. Li Baotuo belongs to a lesser branch, after all; were it not for that status, how could he have summoned Hu Jingye? Could anyone else have exchanged a single word before Hu Jingye? Having received exceptional favor, one must be bound by rules, lest they turn around and bully others."
Li Xuanxuan tucked a book slip into Li Shuwan's arms and comforted her, sending her to the side hall to memorize it. In his heart, he still felt tender toward his clansmen and leaned toward supporting Li Qinghong, so he did not speak further. Li Zhouwei said in a deep voice, "The gulf between levels of cultivation is impassable. If we relax things here, they certainly won't be bullied by ordinary cultivators, but they will be even more prone to seek out other mortals to oppress. By then, another distinct hierarchy will form among mortals, which is no good thing."
Li Qinghong nodded and replied, "Act as you see fit. Our family has always tried to be as fair as possible. Some grievances are unavoidable, yet we should not cause our descendants to lose heart either. My purpose on this trip was also to inspire the various branches, which is why I was rather stern."
Their discussion drew to a close just as Li Shuwan emerged from the side hall, saying in a soft, delicate voice, "My Lady, I have memorized it."
"So fast!"
Li Xuanxuan nodded with a smile. The selection of talisman seeds was growing increasingly stringent, and the children chosen were ever more outstanding. He tested her with just two questions, and Li Shuwan answered both correctly. Li Zhouwei turned aside and said, "Summon the eldest young master."
Li Jiangqian arrived in the hall shortly after. The warm and enthusiastic boy greeted all three elders respectfully, then addressed Li Shuwan as sister. Smiling, Li Qinghong cast out the Chongming Dongxuan Screen, and the two children began reciting according to the incantation.
Li Zhouwei kept his gaze fixed on Li Shuwan. Seeing the two sitting cross-legged to receive the talisman seeds, he took a step forward, the dark red and gold fabric of his attire gleaming faintly as he whispered, "This child's soul seems unusual; she can peer into the secrets of others."
"Yes."
Li Qinghong had noticed as well and agreed with him. The three waited in eager anticipation. After a night passed, a glimmer of light shone from within the screen's radiance. Both children opened their eyes at once, unusual expressions on their faces.
Li Jiangqian looked mostly enlightened. Dusting off his hands, he stood up and bowed, "Qian'er has received the talisman. Many thanks to my seniors for watching over me!"
Li Shuwan was filled with shock and curiosity. Watching her older brother bow, she hurriedly followed suit to express her gratitude. When she looked up, however, she found all four of them staring at her in stunned silence.
Li Qinghong rose abruptly. Between the young girl's eyebrows, an orange radiance gradually surfaced. Shaped like a flower petal and sized like a pearl, it shone with pure light, flashing three times before slowly dimming away.
* * *
"Senior Bai Rong harbors no malice toward me... But when Mount Dali is involved, the dragon lineage and the fox tribe previously had poor relations. Now that I am the one asked to convey this matter... perhaps this is also an attempt between the two tribes to change their relationship."
He carefully recalled Bai Rong's words, and his mind gradually grew clear:
"While easing relations between the two tribes is indeed..."
Chapter 662