Qu Bushi hurriedly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Reporting to the Family Head, it was indeed Guan Lingdie. She was dispatched to the East Sea by Duxian Dao. Meanwhile, Duxian Dao... has been reshuffling their personnel quite heavily of late, having replaced several people stationed near Baijiang Creek."
"Guan Gongxiao still dotes on his sister after all."
Li Jiangqian nodded inwardly. He could certainly understand the sentiment. Although staying by the True Monarch's side offered abundant opportunities, if it were he, Li Jiangqian—even if Li Quewan had not entered seclusion early to pursue her breakthrough—he would never have had the heart to send her over either...
'Personnel reshuffling... Guan's clan couldn't have scraped the earth clean, sending every female cultivator they could find in the sect over, could they? Knowing Guan Gongxiao's temperament, it's not beneath him...'
When handling affairs revolving around the True Monarch, female cultivators were always more convenient than men. Over the past few years, Li Jiangqian had already gradually replaced the cultivators stationed on the north bank with members of the Fei family and female cultivators, just in case anything went awry.
Qu Bushi lowered his head slightly and continued, "During these past months of standoff between both sides, skirmishes have gradually broken out. Quite a few prominent clans and demonic cultivators have come to snoop. One of them was watching from the sidelines, but having only mediocre skills, he was spotted at a glance by Master Cui out on the river and brought back captive.
"He has already been sent to the side hall, awaiting your orders..."
Not surprised in the least, Li Jiangqian replied, "I already know. He's from the Locust Soul Hall. Protector Cui sent a letter earlier. I will interrogate him shortly."
A trace of frost seeped into his smile as he added, "Their audacity truly knows no bounds. Not only on the river, but demonic cultivators have also been snooping around our north bank. We merely showed them a bit of courtesy, yet a mere Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator, gathering a ragtag rabble, dares to spy on our mountain gate..."
He thought coldly to himself,
'Were it not for greater matters taking priority... for a wretch like that, sending a protector over would be enough to bring back his severed head!'
Qu Bushi felt a chill in his heart upon hearing this. He had not expected the sect across the water would dare to spy so brazenly. Daoist Bai had clearly underestimated the reach of a Violet Palace-level power's informants, while overestimating his own lineage's capacity for secrecy. The old man could only bow his head in silence.
Most of the clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators had been deployed to the riverbanks, leaving Li Jiangqian feeling short-handed on Foundation Establishment cultivators, especially direct-line descendants...
Li Jianglong had returned from the north and remained in secluded cultivation, having reached the eighth level of Qi Cultivation. Once he took the talisman pill and the Three Completes Realm-Breaking Pill, he would be ready to attempt Foundation Establishment. Li Jiangxia was progressing slightly faster, but not by much.
As for the other members of the Li family, the new generation of cultivators—including Fei Qingyi, An Xuantong, and even Li Zhoufang, Li Zhouyang, and Li Xinghan—were gradually reaching the late stages of Qi Cultivation. Li Jiangqian made a rough estimation:
'In about ten years, our family will reach the peak of its Foundation Establishment numbers. Having one Foundation Establishment cultivator per peak or residence won't even be an issue... We will truly become a colossal power like the Xiao family of old...'
While the two were discussing affairs in the north, a cultivator approached from the side, took a small letter from his sleeve, and presented it. After reading it briefly, Li Jiangqian's expression turned rather peculiar.
His gaze swept past the pouring rain outside the window. Waving Qu Bushi away, he turned toward the main hall and sent someone to summon Li Xuanxuan and Li Minggong.
The old man arrived swiftly on the wind, his pace hurried yet his face bearing a smile, as though he had heard some good news. Li Minggong was nowhere to be seen for the moment, likely reaching a critical juncture in her spell refinement.
Currently, the skirmishes with Duxian Dao were not fought in earnest, and there was no shortage of manpower. Cui Jueyin, who presided over the overall situation, understood the underlying secrets and could handle these affairs, so Li Jiangqian did not dispatch Li Minggong, allowing her more time to practice her spells.
Li Xuanxuan took the small letter from Li Jiangqian and read it. While pouring tea for the old man, Li Jiangqian said, "Master Qiuhu fought in the South Sea... She was repelled by the Mohe, and Beidan is lost..."
Every time Li Xuanxuan visited the grand hall, Li Jiangqian would personally pour him tea at just the right temperature. This was the sort of man he was, always making others feel comfortable in his presence. Li Xuanxuan quietly accepted the cup and offered a smile. "It's rare to receive news of Xizhi... That is a good thing... A sword immortal family must have a cultivator on the sword path."
Evidently, the letter had mentioned Li Xizhi unsheathing his sword. Yet Li Xuanxuan's smile was rather strained. Li Jiangqian's frown deepened even further. Setting down the kettle, he whispered, "This whole affair feels completely wrong, from beginning to end. Tell me, why would this Lianmin Zhu Zhen... suddenly seize Shitang? Did Dakonghai Temple truly need to? Even assuming there are secrets beyond the comprehension of low-tier cultivators like us... he took Shitang without harming a single Qingchi cultivator?
"Master Qiuhu was explicitly stationed to guard the north. How could she burst into Shitang in a single breath? Even traversing the Great Void isn't that fast, unless the Master possesses sage-like foresight and knew well beforehand...
"Furthermore, Zhu Zhen lost so much face; if he had truly struck someone dead, it wouldn't have been out of line..."
Li Xuanxuan had been worrying that Li Xizhi might draw too much attention and bring trouble upon himself, and had not considered matters from Li Jiangqian's perspective. Prompted by these words, he asked with suspicion, "What are you implying?"
Li Jiangqian replied in an inscrutable tone, "Some time ago, I received word that Lotus Temple had also ceded territory to the Chengyun Sect."
Pondering this, Li Xuanxuan realized the two situations indeed bore a striking resemblance. Li Jiangqian murmured, "After all, on a sect level, they are the leaders of the immortal path... They shouldn't be so amicable toward Buddhist cultivators..."
The old man understood his meaning. Yet whether Qingchi had intentionally surrendered Beidan in a covert transaction, or was secretly colluding with Dakonghai Temple to hatch some scheme, was difficult to say.
Li Jiangqian glanced at him and whispered, "The one who suffers most is the Lingu family."
The old man stroked his beard and nodded.
According to Li Jiangqian's reasoning, Ning Wan was currently holding Qingchi together on her own, so trading Beidan for external support was understandable. Moreover, what kind of place was Shitang? The Lingu family had operated there for years, using Wuzuo insects and Caican wood to bleed Shitang dry day after day. Ning Wan could not possibly be unaware. Originally, there was a market capable of extracting profits for Qingchi—or rather, for the Ning and Si families. But with Yuanxiu dead, that market was bound to collapse sooner or later.
Seeing the old man remain silent, Li Jiangqian whispered, "Master Ning should still be in the South Sea."
A man like Li Jiangqian would never make groundless guesses; he was subtly hinting that the old man had already checked with the immortal mirror. Li Xuanxuan said worriedly, "I only fear... things may not be peaceful on Zhi'er's side."
This was precisely what unsettled Li Jiangqian. He murmured, "If one can conceal their strength, who would expose it for no reason? Stepping onto center stage never brings peace. It might look like everyone is singing his praises, but with uncle's status, does he really need such flattery now?... Looking at it from start to finish, there is no benefit for him; any benefit belongs solely to Qingchi."
The old man replied, "I don't believe Master Ning would push Xizhi forward merely to gain some advantage. She isn't like Yuanxiu, and the Li clan isn't what it used to be... Do not forget... he is Zhaojing's elder brother."
'Once someone attains the Violet Palace and awakens a Destiny Divine Ability, no matter who they are... their heart changes.'
Li Jiangqian could only nod silently. Though he harbored different thoughts, it was inappropriate to say more, so he said, "Regardless, this doesn't bode well. Master Ning is the supreme authority now, and there are no taboos against Uncle visiting the lake. It would be best to meet with him."
Li Xuanxuan nodded secretly, then changed the subject. "I already know about the Locust Soul Hall. Do not be rash..."
Li Jiangqian smiled. "Grandfather underestimates me."
Li Xuanxuan said no more, yet worry filled his heart:
'Were it not that Daoist Bai was there, and that our family is not north of the river, it would otherwise be very difficult to stay clear of this. This Li family rules an entire domain with iron discipline, controlling multiple fronts from afar, with deep foundations. They are all so-called young masters of a noble clan, governed by a cunning youth draped in black and crimson robes—a golden-eyed noble heir of grand ambition who stops at nothing... This youth's father is a dazzling talent among Foundation Establishment cultivators, and above him sits an ancestral Master whose whereabouts are unknown...
'This is practically the archetype of a villain in a theater play! If our family were located north of the river, we would probably have had to migrate the entire clan overseas by now.'
He said no more and went down to write a letter. Li Jiangqian set down his brush, only to see a young gentleman in red robes approaching from outside the hall, holding a folding fan. It was none other than his uncle, Li Zhouming.
Li Jiangqian smiled. "Uncle is in quite a leisurely mood today, finding time to visit me here."
Though newly married, Li Zhouming showed none of his former suave and dashing demeanor. Instead, his face was filled with bitterness as he shook his head. "These past few months... I haven't been able to visit a single pleasure boat. I have no idea where Shouyu gets her information. Every time I set foot outside, she arrives right behind me. She says nothing, just sits there smiling and watching...
"It scares me into a cold sweat, to say nothing of those poor women. Dropping to their knees in tears is a regular occurrence..."
Li Jiangqian naturally knew about this. Li Zhouming had caused quite a fuss lately, and Li Jiangqian chuckled inwardly. The red-robed man before him shook his head. "I thought I could go to Qingchi to catch my breath and enjoy the scenery, but no sooner did I arrive than I was called back, without seeing a thing..."
He sighed. "In this rainy season, rowing a small boat on the lake to watch the rain is the most relaxing thing. Yet I have no peace of mind for it, so I came here to take refuge."
Li Zhouming disliked mundane chores above all else. For him to be driven to this hall seeking work showed just how cornered he was. Li Jiangqian clicked his tongue and consoled him, "Aunt comes from an illustrious clan and is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, a figure of the first rank... Uncle should put more heart into it. Marital harmony is the best outcome..."
At the mention of this, Li Zhouming turned slightly pale and sighed, "She is a direct descendant of an immortal sect and very capable indeed... Find some work for her too... A dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator tormenting me all day long—I can't take it..."
Li Jiangqian caught his drift. Smiling inwardly while putting on a thoughtful face, he mused,
'That makes sense. A scion of an immortal sect, and the wife of a direct Violet Palace descendant, ought to hold some position. Otherwise, it would be inappropriate.'
Li Jiangqian had been busy with endless affairs lately and had overlooked this matter. He replied, "What Uncle says makes sense. I recall Aunt cultivates 'Hong Fire.' It just so happens that our clan's qi-gathering division is being re-established as the 'Furnace Attendance Department.' We shall have to trouble Aunt with it!"
In the path of qi collection, the Li family possessed a prized treasure called Cuoxiang. It was an ancient Foundation Establishment magical artifact obtained by Li Xuanfeng, originally belonging to the Sima family, capable of storing spiritual energy without letting it dissipate. In effect, this artifact would now be entrusted to Xia Shouyu.
Spiritual energy was always limited, making this no easy assignment. The person in charge needed not only status but also shrewdness. Li Jiangqian's arrangement was spot-on. Li Zhouming did not catch all the nuances; he simply nodded repeatedly and continued, "I truly trouble the Family Head. There is one more matter... Elder Brother Zhoufang's eldest son, Li Jiangzong, has broken through to Qi Cultivation. He cultivates True Fire through the Pheasant Fire Endless Progression Method. Eldest Brother treasures him dearly and hopes he can serve by Aunt Minggong's side. When the time comes, please put in a few good words for him..."
Li Zhoufang had the most flourishing offspring. First came Li Queyi cultivating in Ziyan, and now Li Jiangzong had been added to the fold, each showing excellent promise. With Li Xinghan also in the Yuandu branch, they were practically the foremost prominent lineage among the eldest branch!
Li Jiangqian naturally agreed with a nod. Welcoming a new direct Qi Cultivation descendant was a joyous occasion. Although Li Minggong belonged to the Yuanwan branch, she harbored no sectarian prejudices and would surely be delighted. Smiling, he asked, "How old is this younger brother?"
With a snap, Li Zhouming unfurled his fan and smiled. "Twenty-three years old, slightly younger than Queyi."
No sooner had his voice fallen than a figure appeared outside the hall. Li Minggong wore a white skirt, the lantern in her hand unlit—a stark contrast to her usual attire.
Only then did Li Jiangqian recall that today was Li Chengkui's death anniversary. She had presumably gone to pay her respects, which explained why the messenger had failed to summon her from her abode.
Once a person was gone, the tea grew cold. During the death anniversaries of the first two years, marked by the minor and major mourning sacrifices, there had still been considerable fanfare. Nowadays, few people remembered Li Chengkui. Only the three kinsmen who stood a chance of inheriting his legacy organized lively gatherings each year, staging them more grandly than for their own ancestors. Whether out of pretense or genuine sentiment, since Li Chengkui had no children, someone had to manage his affairs after all.
Li Jiangqian was wearing black robes, which was acceptable, but Li Zhouming was still clad in bright red. While not bad by nature, he was a careless rogue who had hardly met Li Chengkui more than a few times. Even upon seeing his aunt in mourning white, he felt no particular compunction, which made Li Jiangqian wince.
Fortunately, Li Minggong paid no mind to such matters. She spoke gently, "I recently mastered the Miaodai Arts Transformation, the congratulatory gift Tujun gave to the Master back then. This spell aligns exceptionally well with my immortal foundation, and the purple baleful qi on Mount Zhijing is an exquisite treasure for practicing it... Its upper limit is quite remarkable.
"You also cultivate Li Fire, which is even more compatible than my True Fire. You should certainly give it a try; this spell is not as simple as it seems on the surface."
The Tujun Gate's Miaodai Arts Transformation involved absorbing Li Fire and earthly baleful qi, enabling one to breathe out subterranean fiery fiend-wind, and it was by no means easy to cultivate. Having mastered it with the aid of the purple baleful qi, Li Minggong looked visibly pleased.
For Li Minggong, who cultivated True Fire, to be so pleasantly surprised meant that for him, cultivating Li Fire, it would be even better. Stirred, Li Jiangqian nodded repeatedly and sighed, "Nothing from True Master Junjian is ever inferior... Given his good relations with our family, what he offered was bound to be better than what others received... Has Aunt seen the clan's junior yet?"
Li Minggong stepped forward to take a seat and said, "I was just about to discuss this with you. I have already gone to see Jiangzong. He is modest and eager to learn. While being generous and steady enough to inherit the family trade isn't an extraordinary disposition, it already surpasses most people."
Hearing this, it was clear this younger brother was quite promising. Not only had his father Li Zhoufang never received such praise, but even Li Zhouluo in the past had only earned the remark 'good talent.' Li Jiangqian raised his head slightly and breathed a small sigh of relief, sighing inwardly,
'In the Jiang and Que generation, aside from my own brothers, someone presentable has finally emerged!'
Only now did he understand why Li Xuanxuan had arrived on the wind with a broad smile. The old man cared most about such matters, so he must have learned of it early on. Li Jiangqian sighed, "The lack of flourishing and capable descendants has always weighed heavily on Grandfather and the elders. At least having someone of decent talent eases their anxiety and slakes their thirst."
In the Zhou and Xing generation, the only standout at present was Li Xinghan. In the Jiang and Que generation, aside from the golden-eyed siblings, Queyi and Quexi were in Ziyan, leaving only Quewan at the lake. Her cultivation progressed with miraculous speed, leaving no room for children.
Hearing this, Li Zhouming seemed to catch on thoughtfully. He asked about a few family matters, avoiding any mention of the abandoned Funan territory, and said instead, "I heard there was a clash on the river, where Duxian Dao cultivators engaged ours several times, and a demonic cultivator was captured. Which faction is he from?"
Li Jiangqian shook his head and replied, "Bring him up so the elders may see."
He gave a few quiet instructions. Moments later, Qu Bushi entered from outside the hall, dragging a young-looking demonic cultivator whose hands were tightly bound and cultivation sealed. The captive was pale and drenched in cold sweat.
Li Zhouming looked up at him, but the young man was unable to speak. Li Jiangqian said with a slight smile, "While our family was engaged in fierce combat with Duxian Dao, this fellow was peeping from the sidelines. Master Cui's ocular technique is formidable indeed, plucking him out at a glance."
Holding the letter delivered by Cui Jueyin, he scanned it and handed it to Li Zhouming and Li Minggong, saying softly, "He was interrogated earlier. He belongs to the Locust Soul Hall. The Mifan lineage has a considerable background, so he does have backing."
Turning around, he barked sternly, "State your name! And your post!"
The young man immediately knelt and stammered, "This humble one... this humble one is a protector under the Locust Soul Hall, known as Protector Black Rat. I am one of the seven Front Hall Protectors, in charge of the spiritual material taxes across Funan, and also overseeing the local storehouses...
"The Hall Master did not know what was happening on the river and specifically sent this humble one to investigate. It was never my intention to spy! Please see clearly, Master! Master!"
Ignorant of the deeper truth, Li Zhouming reacted genuinely. Snapping his fan against his palm, his mood visibly soured as he shook his head. "Does that so-called Violet Palace favor truly exist? Even if he has a favor, our family actually possesses a Violet Palace Master. We cannot allow ourselves to be trampled upon at will..."
Li Jiangqian sighed deeply. "Uncle might not know, but this Mifan lineage is no simple entity. The Violet Palace power behind it boasts profound origins, tracing back even to a True Monarch... Our family had no choice but to yield!"
Li Zhouming was startled. Only now did he understand more about why Funan had been conceded. He stood up hastily and whispered, "What should we do then! Should we release him..."
"Not so..."
Li Jiangqian did not avoid the kneeling demonic cultivator at all. His gaze swept ever so lightly past his uncle, and he abruptly altered his original words, laughing with feigned fury: "Yet they cannot bully our family like this either! I shall execute him to teach the other bank a lesson!"
The moment these words left his mouth, a surge of unease welled within him. Li Zhouming sprang to his feet in shock and dread, protesting, "He must not be killed! Since a True Monarch is involved..."
Qu Bushi beside them was also stunned and hurriedly pleaded, "Master, I fear he cannot be killed..."
Even Li Minggong frowned slightly, clearly disagreeing in her heart. However, to spare his face, she kept silent. Yet had he insisted, she likely would have spoken up as well.
Li Jiangqian surveyed the room with subtle amusement. His feigned wrath eased slightly as he said in mock indignation, "He may have obtained the token, but he might not be the one to inherit the lineage! Just because he got a token, must everyone revere him like a god!"
The two pleaded with him once more, offering earnest persuasion for quite some time before Li Jiangqian finally relented: "Though we cannot kill him, we cannot let him come and go as he pleases either. Take him down and let him taste some suffering first."
Li Zhouming let out a long breath of relief. Seizing the moment before Li Jiangqian could change his mind, he urged Qu Bushi to take the prisoner away. Li Jiangqian raised his eyebrows, taking in the entire scene, and understood in his heart:
'Protector Black Rat... is an important figure. Good, very good.'
Before leaving, Qu Bushi asked for instructions, "Where should he be detained?"
A thought immediately crossed Li Jiangqian's mind—the Xiaoyuan Glazed Pagoda on the lake was finally ripe for use.
The Xiaoyuan Glazed Pagoda had been sent over years ago by Li Xizhi. It was an exceptionally precious magical artifact meant for tempering junior disciples and punishing offenders, yet it had gone largely unused over the years...
First, by the time it was received, Li Jiangqian had just emerged from seclusion to reorganize clan affairs. The entire Li family was occupied with countless duties, so no one had the time to sort through it.
Second... its power was simply too excessive. Setting aside ordinary Li disciples, even Chen Yang had once entered it, only to emerge battered and soot-stained. He had managed to push through the Taihe Fire, and while the Crop-Harming Wind in the middle was pitifully weak, the Autumn Demise Water at the end was overwhelmingly fierce.
Among the Li family's numerous cultivators, only Cui Jueyin and Ding Weizeng could traverse its entirety.
Yet the benefits gained were hardly substantial. By the time cultivators reached Cui Jueyin or Ding Weizeng's caliber, effects like refining true essence and clarifying spiritual sense were of little consequence, whereas Qi Cultivation disciples could not possibly endure the Taihe Fire.
'In the end, it is an ancient relic. When karmic fruits shift, everything changes with them, making it awkward to use. Fortunately, the artifact allows fine control; unless the North Palace Lightning at the very pinnacle is triggered, it will never prove fatal no matter what. No wonder it was described as an instrument for disciplining disciples—that truly is its only fitting use.'
He commanded coldly, "This fellow is frail and cowardly. Throw him into the Crop-Harming Wind to make him suffer a bit!"
The Xiaoyuan Glazed Pagoda would not take a person's life, but it inflicted relentless torment, enough to leave an indelible mark upon his soul. Qu Bushi dragged him away. Only then did Li Zhouming return to his seat, discuss a few clan matters with Li Jiangqian, and take his leave.
Li Jiangqian sat quietly in the seat of honor, a chill settling in his heart:
'It has begun... Black Rat's capture was not without cause; no wonder it seemed so hasty... Next, it all depends on whether the Locust Soul Hall comes to retrieve him. If they truly send people to fetch him, he likely plays no small role.'
One had to remember that the True Monarch's descent into the world was only six years away. Thus, it was impossible for him to descend as an infant; he would either possess a candidate who already harbored a resonance, or inhabit a reincarnated body whose destiny had only recently awakened... In that case, there would likely be no grand anomalies.
'He has been captured for some time now. News from the north should arrive soon.'
Li Minggong had watched the entire exchange in silence. Seeing Li Jiangqian deep in thought, she frowned and spoke up, "From what this man described, he must be extremely vital to the Locust Soul Hall. They will surely send someone to ransom him."
Li Jiangqian sighed inwardly. Sensing that Li Minggong had also guessed something, he held his tongue and replied, "I should go see for myself."
The woman departed upon flames. While waiting, Li Jiangqian began reading through clan dossiers. After a while, feeling restless and unable to tell which thoughts were truly his own, he stepped outside and leaned against the corridor railing once more with a sigh, gazing into the distance across Jiangbei where the torrential rain poured without end.
"The heavy rain... and the blood of the prominent clans and the Locust Soul Hall... it would be best if none of it spatters onto our family."
Chapter 839