He waved his hand and said, "Weizeng, I have important matters to discuss with the Real Person. Wait at the foot of the mountain for now."
Ding Weizeng naturally complied, allowing Xiao Ruyu to lead him down. Powerful as he was, the man only possessed some fame north of the river and had never seen much of the wider world. Before the Xiao family, he was noticeably restrained.
Step by step, Li Ximing ascended the main peak of Mount Xianyou and arrived once more by the deep pool. This time, no snow fell on Xianyou Peak; the paving stones were clearly visible, and a delightful tranquility pervaded the surroundings. Coming to the water's edge, he saw that the old man was not fishing, but sitting and sipping tea.
"Zhaojing pays respects to the Real Person!"
Li Ximing bowed in greeting and took a seat before the low table. Xiao Chuting maintained his usual unhurried air, merely saying, "No need for courtesy."
This formal visit was quite different from the previous one, where he had merely sought to cultivate ties. The clear tea on Xiao Chuting's table showed a pale amber hue, rippling with spiritual energy of high quality. Li Ximing took a small sip; though of little use to a Violet Palace cultivator, its fragrance was rich and long-lasting.
Pausing briefly, Li Ximing asked in a low voice, "Senior... this northern cultivator follows the Hengzhu Dao lineage... Are there any signs of a scheme behind him?"
Because Xiao Chuting had refused to allow Ding Weizeng up the mountain, Li Ximing's immediate thought had been that something was amiss with the man, breeding suspicion in his heart. Yet the old man shook his head and said in an aged voice, "This person was pushed toward you by Si Boxiu, wasn't he?"
Li Ximing had a sudden inkling of understanding and immediately recounted what had just happened. Xiao Chuting gave a light laugh and replied, "He suspects my cultivation and divine abilities and wants to test whether I have successfully mastered 'Residing in the Ridge.' So he first suggested Fellow Daoist Xiangchun, knowing you would find that troublesome, before mentioning me—all so it wouldn't seem deliberate.
"Yet in the Dao of Kan Water, 'Residing in the Ridge' means Kan Water abiding amid the ridges. Water relies upon its source, and sourced water can be drawn endlessly without depletion; thus, it possesses the power to mend wounds and restore the living, capable of healing your guest elder.
"All he needs to see... is your guest elder walking out of Mount Xianyou fully healed... and Xiao Chuting has nine chances out of ten mastered 'Residing in the Ridge.'"
"Junior was ignorant of divine abilities and nearly caused trouble."
Li Ximing offered an apology and expressed his gratitude for the guidance. Xiao Chuting had had no need to explain so much; a simple excuse would have sufficed. Giving such a detailed explanation was clearly meant to instruct him.
Li Ximing's heart sank slightly at first, and he frowned. "I wonder if Real Person Yuanxiu was merely taking advantage of the situation, or... could Ding Weizeng have been nudged along by his natal divine ability? Would he bother with such leisure?"
"Just seizing the moment... a casual probe, nothing more. Although 'Wood Forms a Square' is a natal divine ability, its forte does not lie in manipulating circumstances. Besides, he is proud by nature and has no heart for such petty meddling."
Xiao Chuting responded casually. Evidently, he had dealt with countless such small ploys over the years, and this hardly counted as anything noteworthy. He then said, "As for Changxi's matter, it looks like you've agreed to it. Do you know the general truth behind the Mingfang Sky Stone back then?"
Seeing him bring up the Kong family, Li Ximing answered, "I know a little of it. Please enlighten me, Senior."
Li Ximing knew the broad outlines of the Mingfang Sky Stone affair—that the Kong family had merely supplied information without lifting a finger. But Xiao Chuting recounted calmly:
"Back then, Tu Longjian refused to take sides for a long time. After breaking through to the Violet Palace, he first entered prolonged seclusion, seeing no one, clearly intending to stay detached from worldly conflicts. He had made a name for himself in the State of Yue, and such conduct naturally drew many cold shoulders.
"The affair of the Mingfang Sky Stone was meant to force Tu Longjian into the fray. Li Xijun was lured toward the cultivator of Chijiao Island precisely to compel Tu Longjian to choose between returning the spiritual tool to Chijiao Island or throwing his lot in with Hengzhu... When he refused outright to choose either, Li Xijun died."
Seeing Li Ximing remain silent, Xiao Chuting continued, "As for what role the Kong family... played in all this... it is hard to say. Changxi is ostracized in Jiangnan; if an opportunity arose to fan the flames and curry favor with the sects, he naturally would not let it slip by. Not to mention... knowing Tu Long's temperament, even if he failed to save Li Xijun, the Mingfang Sky Stone would still end up in your family's hands.
"He has some connection with Chijiao Island. A move that served both ends was hardly beyond him."
Though Xiao Chuting phrased it as 'hard to say,' his underlying meaning was clear: Changxi had helped fan the flames and served as a key instigator, drawing Tu Longjian into Chijiao's trap on one side while ensuring the Li family obtained the Mingfang Sky Stone on the other.
*Perhaps... the Mingfang Sky Stone was the payment Chijiao promised Xuanyue for drawing Tu Longjian out. Changxi traded it through his hands, and in the end it was passed to my family as remuneration.*
Li Ximing naturally understood. If not for the tip from Xuanyue Gate, the Li family might never have moved to seize that Mingfang Sky Stone. It was precisely because the Li family valued the bond between the two houses and had previously nudged Si Yuanli along in accordance with Changxi's wishes—believing the stone to be their 'compensation'—that they had resolved to make the attempt!
Looking back now, the entire affair was exceptionally intricate. His family had merely done the killing, while behind the scenes lay a game played among several Violet Palace figures.
*And Changxiao Gate, who seemingly gained nothing from it... what were they doing?*
While he pondered, Xiao Chuting took a sip of tea and asked softly, "Did Zhaojing accept Changxi's gifts? Now that you know of this, how do you intend to handle it going forward?"
Li Ximing was silent for a while. What Changxi had done back then could not strictly be called harming the Li family; at most, he had made decisions on their behalf. After all, from any objective viewpoint, trading a Foundation Establishment cultivator with no hope of reaching the Violet Palace for a Mingfang Sky Stone was an immense gain...
*Yet back then, my family was merely a mortal cultivation clan. What chance did we have to make our own decisions?*
For Li Xijun's death, Li Ximing could hardly hold anyone fully accountable; at most, his hatred lay with Chijiao. Before Xiao Chuting, he could hardly lay blame too freely, so he could only reply, "When Chijiao plotted against Tu Longjian, our family could never have avoided being ensnared. Even without Xuanyue, harsher methods would have been used. Chijiao was already on bad terms with us; when the time came, it might not have been only Brother Jun who fell...
"It is like someone holding a blade to my throat to force an elder to act. Real Person Changxi merely tugged at their sleeve and demanded a bit of compensation. Whatever benefits he reaped are his own affair, but back then, my family was merely a clan. When a Violet Palace figure offered a hand of support, we had no right to be choosy."
Regardless of how he truly felt about Changxi in his heart, these words gave plenty of face—and not just to Changxi alone.
After all, Xuanyue had fanned the flames, but the Xiao family had remained entirely indifferent throughout. The Xiao family had previously controlled the eastern shore and stripped the Li clan of the right to establish a market town... In countless storms, they had watched from the sidelines without making a single gesture, and even now intended to remain bystanders. If Li Ximing spoke ill of Changxi, what would Xiao Chuting think?
Li Ximing kept only one thing in mind: Mount Xianyou was not the Li family. Though Li Xijun's death remained a knot in his heart, who cared? In the end, it was merely about making the appropriate gestures.
When he finished speaking, Xiao Chuting showed no great change in expression, merely nodding slightly. In a deep voice, he remarked, "For Zhaojing to see things so clearly is truly commendable."
His words carried a faint note of emotion. Achieving the Violet Palace brought immense glory, and even the most steadfast in Dao heart could hardly avoid some pride, not to mention that Changxi was now decrepit with age, pleading bitterly for help...
Turning the subject back, Xiao Chuting smiled and said, "As for your guest elder's matter, you can ask Changxi. He has ways."
Li Ximing offered his thanks. As their conversation grew more superficial, signaling the end of the visit, Li Ximing recalled Si Boxiu's parting remarks and ventured, "Senior has sustained the Xiao family alone in Jiangnan, which must have infringed upon the interests of not a few Violet Palace cultivators. Might there be misunderstandings with any Real Person..."
This was inquiring about Xiao Chuting's enemies. The old man naturally caught the drift, but merely remarked with airy nonchalance, "In Jiangnan, I associate with no one, nor would they believe you and I have joined forces... There is no need to worry... Go on back..."
……
Lake Wangyue, Zhuya Pavilion.
The bluestone lamp bases gave off a hazy glow, mirrored in the inky-black lake water under the deep of night.
Li Quewan withdrew her art and stood quietly in the pavilion for a while. With her clan's Real Person achieving breakthrough, the Bright Yang aura over the lake had grown overly strong and fluctuating; cultivating Quandan in the dead of night was far better, so she had adjusted her practice hours. By the time her cultivation concluded, the night was pitch-black.
"Sister Quewan!"
She had rested for only a moment when a figure came flying over the lake aboard a shuttle, landing nearby. It was a distant younger sister from her own branch who usually cultivated on the islet, named Li Queyi. Younger than her, dressed in a pink dress, with a round face and dainty ears, she looked delicate and adorable. She beamed and exclaimed, "Congratulations, Elder Sister! Your brothers have all been released!"
"What?!"
Li Quewan had been filled with worry, expecting to be summoned to Mount Qingdu, and had not anticipated good news at all. But hearing this, her delight was fleeting, swiftly replaced by unease. She asked, "How was the interrogation conducted?"
She understood why Li Zhouluo had delayed taking action on this matter, and feared even more that Li Zhouluo might simply suppress it heedlessly, which would only harm her... But Li Queyi laughed and said, "Sister, worry no more! Granduncle Chenghuai made a successful breakthrough and has ended his seclusion to take charge of Qingdu! Using a truth-discerning talisman from the Dao of 'Do Not Investigate Me,' he exposed all of Li Dongdi's lies! The rumors fell apart on their own!"
Li Quewan's eyes crinkled in a smile at once. Overjoyed, she said, "Granduncle succeeded in breaking through! That is truly wonderful!"
Li Queyi paused, then added, "It also dragged out dozens of people behind him—some from external surnames, some collateral, and even a few direct-line members. Right now, they've all been locked in the Qingdu Water Manor."
Li Quewan's joy soon dimmed. She spoke softly, "As a member of a collateral branch, I entered the islet, climbed Mount Qingdu, and stood alongside the eldest young master. Criticism and jealousy were only to be expected. It would not do to be overly harsh; if the entire clan is thrown into turmoil because of this, the blame will ultimately fall on me."
Li Queyi looked taken aback. Belonging to the senior Bo branch herself and sharing a close bond with Li Quewan, she had long felt indignation on her sister's behalf. Knitting her delicate brows, she said, "Sister, you think too highly of them. They are nothing but petty characters."
Li Quewan merely shook her head. Rising from the pavilion, she was just about to head to Qingdu to pay her respects to Li Chenghuai when a man in black arrived riding the wind, touching down before them. It was none other than Chen Yang.
"Greetings, Young Lady."
Chen Yang cupped his hands in greeting, and without waiting for Li Quewan to speak further, said in a deep voice, "The Family Head summons you. Please accompany me to the islet at once."
Li Quewan dared not tarry, flying with him on the wind. Upon reaching the hall on the islet, she saw two youths standing outside waiting. One was dressed neatly and had plain features, while the one beside him was valiant and resolute in bearing, with thick brows, clad in armor. Both possessed golden eyes.
"Greetings, Elder Sister!"
Both greeted her, and Li Quewan promptly nodded in return. The two before her were the Second Young Master, Li Jianglong, and the Third Young Master, Li Jiangxia. Both were younger than her, only eighteen or nineteen years old, and both cultivated the Bright Yang arts.
The Fourth Young Master, Li Jiangliang, was still young, but the two young masters before her were both formidable individuals. Li Jianglong enjoyed a reputation throughout the clan for being broad-minded, generous, and thorough, while Li Jiangxia had long held authority. Only recently had he been handling the various families on the eastern shore, rushing back solely for the Violet Palace celebration.
Seeing Li Quewan, Li Jiangxia gave a hearty laugh. "It has been many years since I last saw you, Elder Sister! What a pity that the Xiao family has returned the lands east of the eastern shore. I'll most likely have to take my leave of Father and head back to take over, so I won't be able to chat with you for long!"
Li Jiangxia was noticeably more outgoing than his elder brother Li Jianglong, with a more striking demeanor and a ruthless way of doing things. Consequently, he found greater favor with Li Zhouwei, standing out early on and being entrusted with heavy responsibilities.
Li Jianglong was more reserved, inquiring after the situation of Li Quewan's brothers. Li Quewan answered each question. Soon they were granted audience, and all three proceeded into the hall.
The hall was brightly lit. Li Zhouwei was still holding a vermilion brush, checking off items. The Violet Palace celebration had ended, leaving behind a chaotic aftermath: which family sent return gifts, who congratulated them, whether the gifts were lavish or modest, who failed to attend, and who slipped away halfway through—none of this was easily sorted.
Seeing the three enter, Li Zhouwei finally put down his brush and looked first at Li Quewan, his voice deep: "Wan'er, clan affairs have been settled. Uncle Chenghuai has already spoken to me about it. In the days ahead, send your brothers up Mount Qingdu to do some chores on the Venerable Elder's Fu Peak, which will also help keep the old man entertained."
The Venerable Elder was, of course, Li Xuanxuan. After all this turmoil, even if her brothers were released from Qingdu, their businesses had already collapsed. Such an arrangement was exceedingly fitting. Li Quewan replied respectfully, "Thank you, Family Head!"
Li Zhouwei nodded. "Gossip has never been lacking in the clan—it is merely the power struggles of the sixteen courts. If not one rumor, there will be another. You need only focus on cultivating diligently at Zhuya Pavilion."
Li Quewan hurriedly assented. Li Zhouwei turned to his two sons, handing down a jade plaque, and instructed, "Jiangxia, the Xiao family has ceded seventy-nine families on the eastern shore. Take this token, go to Qingdu to retrieve the immortal registers, pick several peak stewards, court administrators, and guest elders, and make a trip out there to clean things up thoroughly."
"Understood!"
Li Jiangxia's eyes lit up with eagerness, while his elder brother Li Jianglong quietly lowered his head, appearing somewhat subdued.
Li Zhouwei took up his brush once more and asked without looking up, "Do you have any thoughts on how to proceed?"
Without hesitation, Li Jiangxia answered respectfully, "I have long given it thought. Aside from the tributes, we should first station the guards on the eastern shore, ban the consumption of blood Qi, rice flesh, and territorial annexations, then open market towns for trade. Furthermore, we can establish an office in Milin to govern the hundred and eighteen families of the eastern shore.
"Every five years, have the hundred and eighteen families select twenty-four people to cultivate at Mount Milin, with their provisions tied to clan standards. Those who succeed can become deacons in our courts or guest elders; those who fail will return to their families to manage affairs."
Li Zhouwei's brush paused, and he asked casually, "And what if they are unwilling to stay?"
Li Jiangxia frowned and replied, "Then let them go back to run their families."
Li Zhouwei glanced at Li Jianglong standing quietly to the side and finally spoke: "Jianglong, tell me your thoughts."
Li Jianglong bowed and said respectfully, "Reporting to the Family Head: In my view, what Third Brother said is very sound. Milin stands vacant, serving as an ideal place to accommodate the talents of each family. However, the phrasing must be more pleasing: once they complete their studies in Milin and achieve Qi Refinement, they will be free agents. They may request to remain in the clan or on the mountain, return to their own families, or venture out into the wider world."
Li Jiangxia understood immediately, and the youth chuckled, "I was thoughtless. Brother's way indeed sounds far better."
For the impoverished, cramped territories of those hundred and eighteen families, how could they possibly support multiple Qi Refinement cultivators? Having a single family head at that level was already the utmost limit; even if they wished to return home, the conditions simply did not exist... If they wanted to protect their families, their only choice was to stay on the lake...
And the Li family had never restricted cultivators of the lake from roaming abroad. More often than not, after just a year or two out in the world, they would realize how miserable the life of a wandering rogue cultivator was—lacking spiritual energy to cultivate, devoid of spirit rice for nourishment, constantly hiding and fleeing in hardship. Not to mention that the Li family provided spells and techniques for cultivation, so they would naturally return of their own accord.
Chapter 705