Li Xuanxuan drew back his hand. The fair-skinned man on the ground had no choice but to remain kneeling, unable to rise. Only now did anger show on the old man's face. The tea on the table was left untouched, simply sitting there cooling, as he said in a hoarse voice:
"In this matter... how much was Chengkun involved?"
Li Xixuan knelt obediently, his fair face pressed against the floor, and answered in a low voice:
"Grandfather... why do you ask this?"
Li Xuanxuan cast a heavy gaze upon him and murmured:
"I know... Chenghuai's divine marvel dragged out a whole bunch of people, leaving not a single one of you in peace and throwing the other surnames and lesser branches into panic. That was why I persuaded him to back off. Now that Chenghuai has entered seclusion, you still want to invite him out... Have you prepared some sorcery to test him... or have you devised some cunning trick to circumvent it? All while managing to force Zhouluo into a massive loss of prestige... Is this how you act as an elder?"
Li Xixuan said in a low voice:
"It was only for the sake of Chengpan's clean reputation."
Li Xuanxuan chuckled in sheer exasperation. His eyes widened, his demeanor abruptly turning fierce, and he said hoarsely:
"I don't care what schemes you tossed around to pull this off, so that in the end, among the four, only Li Hun would be found guilty of a major crime—what wishful thinking! Chenghuai might not dare investigate you, but do you think I wouldn't dare? There is no one else here right now; I will summon Chenghuai over this instant."
Li Xixuan could no longer keep his composure. He shifted forward an inch, tears instantly streaming down his cheeks as he choked up:
"Your grandson merely feels that the clan is far too harsh! Zhouluo, Xinghan, and the others, along with you, respected Elder, live comfortably on the islet, but have you ever spared a thought for how our flesh and blood below actually live? In other immortal clans, mortal descendants of the main line might not live as local despots, but at the very least they enjoy boundless wealth and throngs of servants! Yet in our clan, though we are proud descendants of the direct line, the moment my children were tested and found without spirit apertures, they were reduced to farming the fields! Qingdu only grants them enough for a full stomach, while everywhere else is subjected to relentless, ghostly surveillance, unsparing and harsh beyond measure. If my children are treated like this, what of the other clansmen? In our family's century of glory, how many tears from direct descendants have been shed in the dark corners?
"Those with other surnames are not under Qingdu's surveillance, so they live quite comfortably. Meanwhile, inside and outside the islet, though more and more clansmen possess cultivation, unity deteriorates by the day. Has the Elder ever considered the reason? Chengpan is already considered one of the better cases—would the Elder care to see just how much affection those elevated from the surrounding areas into the islet actually have for this family? Before they rose to prominence, they were made to swallow chaff and husks; now that they have spirit apertures, they are expected to dedicate themselves to the lake and consider the common people. How could things ever be so convenient?!
"I saw it with my own eyes and grieved in my heart, so in private, I took care of the younger generation as much as I could. Later, Chenghuai took charge of Qingdu—impartial and incorruptible to a fault, arresting several clan elders and severing all of those practices. The lake was swept clean, but does the Elder know how many people were swallowing their tears beneath that cleanliness? They are all of Wangyue's bloodline, yet the islet remains so utterly heartless!"
He knocked his head against the ground several times with loud thuds, sobbing:
"I am an old man with not many days left to live. Your grandson indeed had selfish motives—your grandson wanted those few sons of mine to have better lives! But your grandson likewise cannot bear to see the clansmen below grow more estranged day by day! Among the younger generation, Zhoufang and Zhouyang see it clearest of all. They have constantly fought to secure protection and privilege for the children of several elders, yet they are repeatedly rejected by Qingdu. If this continues... a great calamity will surely befall our family!"
Li Xuanxuan's breathing grew ragged as he listened, and he snapped harshly:
"What? Should our family divide everyone into tiers and ranks, then, with those named Li being first-class, enjoying wealth and prestige from birth to death?! When other surnames decline, they can till the soil, but those named Li cannot?!"
Li Xixuan bowed again, weeping bitterly as he replied:
"Respected Elder... Qingchi is Chi and Si's first-class Qingchi; Ziyan is Kan and Wen's first-class Ziyan; even Wanyu is the Cheng clan's first-class Wanyu! Respected Elder, the whole world is divided into tiers and ranks! The first class belongs to high cultivators and the scions of high cultivators! They say sects vie for power and profit with unending internal strife, yet there is still a first class sitting high above! Our family carries the name of Li—why can we not be of the first class?!"
Flushed red with rage, Li Xuanxuan stood up from his seat in a violent flurry, raised his foot, and kicked the man squarely in the head, sending him tumbling several meters away. The old man barked:
"You... you read all those books on Qingdu in vain!"
Li Xixuan's fair face was smeared with blood as he cried out:
"It is precisely because I read those books! Respected Elder! This whole matter was only meant to prove that the divine marvel could also make mistakes, to get those clan elders released and boost clan morale! Chengkun knew nothing of the deeper details... I know he was distressed that Chengpan was dragged down, yet he understood the bigger picture and came to help me. Xingsai only just died... and as a father, Chengkun didn't utter a single complaint! Now even he came out to assist me—does that not show where people's hearts lie?! On the contrary, Xi'e and Chengzhi were cherishing their own feathers... shrinking back halfway! Respected Elder, can you not discern who is loyal and who is treacherous?!"
Li Xuanxuan was consumed by fury and broke into a cough, frightening Li Xixuan so much that the rest of his words were choked back into his throat. The old man fiercely flicked his sleeve and ground his teeth:
"Get out! Get the hell out!"
Li Xixuan kowtowed three times and withdrew, utterly despondent. Li Xuanxuan coughed violently for a spell before sinking back into his seat, frightening Li Shuya, who brought him tea with reddened eyes.
He sat in his seat until late at night, then brought out a wooden box from the courtyard and took out jade slips to stroke them. These were writings left behind in Li Tongya's hand, preserved with great care by Li Xuanxuan. Looking over them again and again now, he remained in silent grief.
***
Lake Wangyue.
Li Zhouluo returned to the lake and interrogated the West Shore families through the night. As expected, the problem still lay with Li Hun and Ren Ting. Although it was unclear who had directed things from above, on the ground, every deed had been carried out by Li Hun. Li Hun was sentenced to death and was currently held in the hall.
The results of the interrogation showed that all four believed they were already doing wrong. Not only had Ren Ting failed to realize that the offerings were brought up from below to curry favor, but in his memory, the He woman didn't even bear the surname He. Though Li Hun had sensed something, his testimony pointed entirely at An Xuanxin.
"If Father were to investigate with magical arts, the four would likely appear innocent while the West Shore people seemed guilty. But upon closer inspection, the West Shore people are innocent too... The intermediaries are either dead... or fled..."
He had a faint inkling of the design. Right as he was swamped and overwhelmed, he saw Li Zhoufang enter from outside the hall and bow respectfully. This eldest brother already wore a long beard and looked middle-aged. Li Zhouluo hurriedly set down what he was holding and nodded:
"My thanks to Eldest Brother."
Li Zhoufang appeared somewhat fatigued, shaking his head slightly as he answered:
"This affair has put Uncle Chengkun in a very awkward position. I simply couldn't sit still, not wanting to bear the stigma of unfilial conduct... There is also a reason I came to see the Family Head... Uncle's daughter, Sister Xingsai, passed away, leaving behind a child..."
Li Zhouluo gripped his brush tightly, almost able to guess what he would say next. Fortunately, hurried footsteps sounded the very next moment, and a Jade Court Guard entered in haste, bowing:
"Family Head, an urgent dispatch from the wilderness! Master Cui has arrived on the islet with members of the Kong clan!"
Li Zhoufang was the most observant of propriety, and what was more, matters of ancestral privilege were never urgent. He shook his sleeves and promptly took his leave. Although Li Zhouluo gained a breathing space, he was even more anxious about affairs to the east and immediately had them brought up.
Wearing Daoist robes, Cui Jueyin strode in briskly from outside the hall. He and Ding Weizeng now stood alongside each other as the Li clan's two strongest martial pillars and were held in great esteem. Li Zhouluo stepped down swiftly. Cui Jueyin saluted and said concisely:
"Reporting to the Family Head, the reason for Duxian's retreat has been clarified. An overseas lineage, the Xuanquan Nüqing Grand Dao, emerged from the river and struck into Shanji, driving off the Baiyedu Immortal Dao and seizing the Xuanyue mountain gate!
"Real Person Zhugong of the Xuanquan Nüqing Grand Dao has established a sect in the mountains, claiming to inherit the Tongxuan lineage. She founded a branch called the Xuanmu Shenquan Nüqing Dao, abbreviated as the Muquan Gate, to 'relieve peril and aid distress,' consolidating Xuanyue Gate under their shared Tongxuan heritage. She renamed the Xuanyue mountain gate Mount Muquan and formally instituted their rule!"
Li Zhouluo was deeply shaken. He watched as Cui Jueyin continued:
"Three months from now, Real Person Zhugong will host a banquet for cultivators on Mount Muquan. It is said that cultivators from Ziyan Gate have already ascended the mountain today, and Real Person Tinglan of Ziyan Blessed Land has personally gone as well."
Compared to Li Zhouluo's shock, Cui Jueyin had actually anticipated something of this, having accompanied Li Ximing to Ziyan Gate and conversed at length with Ziyan Gate's cultivators, picking up some roundabout hints.
From above, Li Zhouluo listened to his words and asked:
"How did the Kong clan react?"
Under the banner of relieving peril and aiding distress, the Muquan Gate had inherited the legacy of Xuanyue Gate. The Kong family, whose status had already dwindled to the margins, suddenly found themselves in a delicate position. Li Zhouluo had seized upon the heart of the matter. Cui Jueyin had clearly made observations in advance as well, replying:
"Most of the Kong family are bewildered and at a loss. Two Kong juniors inquired about the Muquan Gate, only to be driven back by Kong Guxi. At present, the Xuanyue side has shown no intention of contacting the Muquan Gate, nor has the Muquan Gate sent anyone to approach the Kong family."
Li Zhouluo let out a breath of relief, glad that their clan's position had not yet become awkward. Just then, Chen Yang hurried in from outside the hall and bowed:
"Family Head! An envoy from the Muquan Gate has arrived on the islet! He says he has come to deliver an invitation."
Hearing this news, the Muquan Gate's attitude was evidently amicable. Li Zhouluo said with delight:
"Welcome him up at once!"
Soon, a young man in golden robes and cyan lower garments entered the hall. His skin was fair, his attire splendid, and his face was full of smiles. Behind him followed a man wearing a bamboo conical hat and plain clothes, his face obscured. The young man spoke:
"Dai Jinquan of the Xuanmu Shenquan Nüqing Dao greets the Family Head. With joyful occasions near at hand, I congratulate your immortal clan on evergreen prosperity, flourishing through generations..."
He delivered a long string of festive felicitations. Forcing a smile, Li Zhouluo replied:
"I have often heard of your immortal Dao's illustrious name. Now that you have relocated to the inland realm and been blessed with precious land, it is truly cause for great celebration..."
After all, the Li clan was sheltering the Kong clan. The Muquan Gate cultivators had occupied someone else's mountain gate, which inevitably carried some friction. Hearing this, Dai Jinquan's delight grew even more pronounced. He drew a gold-and-cyan invitation from his sleeve and said:
"Your noble clan has likely heard as well. Three months from now, our Real Person will host a banquet for cultivators on Mount Muquan. When the time comes, we hope your immortal clan will grace us with your presence for drinks..."
Having accomplished his goal, he spoke a pleasantry or two and then paused. The man wearing the bamboo hat behind him took a step forward and removed the hat, revealing a vibrant, spirited face.
Wen Wu of Ziyan Gate!
Wen Wu produced a purple-gold medallion from his sleeve and said solemnly:
"I am Wen Wu of Ziyan Gate. We have met previously, Family Head. Accompanying the Muquan Gate on this trip, I have come to convey the Real Person's intentions."
At these words, Cui Jueyin immediately used a pupil technique to discern its authenticity. Wen Wu presented the medallion in his hands, from which a plume of purple smoke divine ability surged, manifesting into form on the spot. All around were astounded, and Li Zhouluo stepped down from his seat to bow.
The purple smoke took the shape of Real Person Tinglan, standing firm in the hall. Glancing around, she recognized Cui Jueyin, raised her brows, and said:
"Jueyin, your clan's Real Person Zhaojing made arrangements long ago, and I have already discussed it with him at Ziyan: the Xuanyue lineage belongs to the Muquan Gate... Out of regard for Wangyue's face, Zhugong will not touch them first. Have your clan make arrangements early so that both sides preserve face."
Cui Jueyin respectfully assented. The Real Person vanished. Dai Jinquan and Wen Wu, who had knelt on the ground, completed their salutations of farewell. Only then did everyone rise. Wen Wu put his bamboo hat back on without a word, and the two departed.
Li Zhouluo had Chen Yang escort them out in person. Sighing slightly in relief, he instructed:
"Bring the Xuanyue people up!"
Inwardly, he wondered with suspicion:
'Xuanyue is also a Tongxuan lineage? That is not entirely impossible...'
North of the Jiang, there was indeed a Tongxuan lineage—none other than Xuanmiao Temple, which Changxi had entrusted. Sumian had always regarded himself as a descendant of Tongxuan's Xuxiang. Li Zhouluo pondered to himself:
"Xuanmiao Temple begins with Xuan, and Xuanyue Gate also begins with Xuan. The Muquan Gate's full name is Xuanmu Shenquan Nüqing Dao—calling it Xuanmu Dao works too, so it also begins with the character Xuan..."
While he was pondering, Kong Guxi rushed up. The sect master looked anxious, his face covered in tears. Bowing in the hall, he said respectfully:
"Family Head... our mountain gate has now been stolen by the Muquan Gate..."
He used the word "stolen" to state his stance clearly. Li Zhouluo, though harboring doubts, put on a look of sorrow and indignity as he asked:
"Sect Master Kong, I heard the Muquan Gate claims your sect is of the Tongxuan lineage... Why haven't I ever heard you mention this before?"
At this question, even Kong Guxi showed a trace of resentment and desolation on his face. The sect master bowed and answered:
"Reporting to the Family Head, the Tongxuan lineage has an illustrious origin and is connected to our 'Yu Ganshan.' Back when our Real Person founded the sect, he affiliated our lineage under Tongxuan, calling it the Xuanguang Yiyue Grand Dao. But because our lineage was incomplete, unable even to name a founding ancestor, it was never recognized by others, and later we ceased mentioning the title.
"When the Real Person was alive, he busied himself day and night for the sake of this title, seeking only the world's recognition, yet it all came to nothing in the end. Now... now that things have come to this pass! To annex us, they actually acknowledge it instead!"
Li Zhouluo nodded somberly, walked forward, and solemnly helped Kong Guxi up, replying:
"Sect Master Kong, we have discussed this carefully. Though Duxian has retreated for now, that does not mean they cannot march south again. Our Real Person is away, and the wilderness is rife with lurking perils... I fear we may not be able to protect your noble sect when the time comes...
"Now that the Muquan Gate has expelled Duxian Dao and Real Person Zhugong offers shelter to Xuanyue, word has it that they are searching everywhere across Shanji Commandery for Xuanyue disciples. Sect Master, why not lead your people there to evade Duxian Dao's covert malice and preserve your lineage?"
Kong Guxi's heart turned icy cold.
From the very moment the Muquan Gate claimed to "relieve peril and aid distress" for Xuanyue, his hopes of re-establishing the sect had vanished into thin air. If the Muquan Gate was already relieving peril, aiding distress, and merging to salvage the Xuanyue lineage, what would it mean if another Xuanyue Gate sprang up in the west?
The reason this sect master had not wanted to leave the Li clan a few days ago was merely that the timing was not ripe, not because he had abandoned the lineage. Right now, it was impossible for him not to harbor hatred toward the Muquan Gate, and his words just now had expressed it to the greatest possible extent.
Yet Li Zhouluo's meaning was even clearer: the general trend of current affairs was not something that the Kong clan or the Wangyue Li clan could stem. His whole body going limp, Kong Guxi knelt down in a daze, mumbling in a low voice:
"Fam... Family Head..."
Chapter 789