Lake Wangyue.
The lake waters were a lush blue-green beneath continuous spring drizzle. Gusts of gentle breeze brushed along the lakeshore, while silence enveloped the small courtyard on the islet. The two kumquat trees before the gate swayed faintly; sheltered beneath the eaves, they were starved of sunlight and looked wilted despite the caress of the spring wind.
With a precious sword hanging at her waist, Li Xinghan stood quietly in the courtyard.
She had now reached the seventh tier of Qi Refining, firmly in the late stage. As a direct descendant of the Li family, once one attained late Qi Refining, one was required to enter the mountains, take medicinal pills, and enter seclusion. She had heard several pills would be bestowed upon her to prepare her for an attempt at Foundation Establishment in short order. Knowing not how many years this departure might take, she had returned home to see her parents.
Hearing footsteps, her mother came out with a warm smile to welcome her, while her father sat astride the doorsill with his head turned away.
Ever since the previous fallout between her father and brother over her brother seeking an official post following her maternal uncle Chi Tiaozong's promotion, Li Xinghan had rarely visited home, mostly communicating through letters. Seeing the place now, the courtyard was exceedingly quiet, the laughter of years past nowhere to be found.
Evidently, words from Uncle Chi Tiaozong carried vastly different weight compared to words from her, Li Xinghan. Though her brother had indeed secured an official post, it was hardly an enviable assignment in some remote locale. Her brother and sister-in-law had moved out regardless, leaving only the two elderly parents living in the courtyard.
Witnessing this, Li Xinghan felt a knot of complex emotions. She offered a few gentle, soothing words, but her father was clearly still angry with her, muttering only a few terse words with a stony face—perhaps holding her responsible for the pain of being separated from his son.
Unable to bear lingering any longer, Li Xinghan revealed the news that she was leaving to attempt Foundation Establishment. After all, it was a trial where failure meant death; her mother froze in fright, her eyes reddening at once.
Her father swung his leg down and opened his mouth, yet his face remained cold. Li Xinghan let out a soft sigh and said:
"The Clan Master has business with me... I have already visited Uncle, and came only to bid you and Mother farewell."
Looking at her father, who had aged considerably, her tone softened noticeably:
"Father... Brother is simply not capable. Even managing the manpower for a minor branch of a mineral vein, he remained thoroughly muddle-headed. It was fortunate he listened to Uncle and dared not accept bribes; only for that did Qingdu spare him from arrest.
"Jiangqian manages the household now, and with his keen eyes, how could he fail to see through Brother's shortcomings? The one overseeing the eastern shore at present is the Second Young Master, Li Jianglong. He has shown me goodwill, which is why word often reaches my ears; they only tolerate Brother out of consideration for my face...
"If I fail my breakthrough and news of my death arrives, it would be best to have Brother resign his post without delay. Brother Zhoufang is already overwhelmed trying to look after our clansmen and siblings; there is no need to trouble him further when that time comes."
Not knowing whether her father had taken her words to heart, she turned and took her leave. Her father remained motionless, watching her depart. Her mother walked her out of the courtyard and returned shortly after, crouching in a corner to wipe away tears.
Only then did Father Li stand up, listening to his wife whisper tearfully:
"Look at you! You promised people you'd speak a few good words on Zhoutui's behalf to inherit Master Li Cheng's legacy, so why did you choke up again? How are you going to explain yourself to them now...?"
Father Li closed his eyes and shook his head.
"Enough of that. That daughter of yours is stubborn and proud. Now that she is about to attempt Foundation Establishment, how could she listen to such talk? It would only disturb her state of mind. Whether Li Zhoutui lives or dies is not worth her life... let alone inheriting any legacy! Just tell him to drop dead far away and stay away from my family."
He sighed and continued:
"Aren't there several immortal temples on the eastern shore? Tomorrow... come with me to pay our respects."
"I've heard the Temple of Compassion by the river is more efficacious," his wife murmured.
Father Li shook his head repeatedly:
"Have you lost your mind? A member of the Li family worshipping Compassion? Aren't you afraid of being crushed to death by a falling roof beam the moment you step inside? Forget it... we're going to the eastern shore!"
...
Li Xinghan rode the wind, descending toward the main hall. Raising her eyes, she spotted a Qi Refining cultivator standing near the hall entrance. He had a jutting chin, sunken cheeks, and monkey-like features, shockingly ugly. Her elder brother Li Zhoufang was conversing with him with an awkward expression. Seeing Li Xinghan arrive, he looked as though he had been granted an imperial pardon, hurrying forward to say:
"This is the Fifth Young Master."
So this man was Li Jiangnian. Counting his age, this young master was only around eighteen years old. While his talent was decent, his appearance bore no resemblance whatsoever to an eighteen-year-old.
His gaze was cast downward, not daring to meet Li Xinghan's eyes. This was not directed solely at her; on the path of immortal cultivation where nearly everyone was handsome and radiant, his hideousness stood out glaringly, prompting him to tuck in his head and murmur:
"Greetings, Aunt."
Li Jiangnian's voice sounded unremarkable, yet it was at least far more pleasant than his face. Clearly, his mental fortitude lagged far behind his older brothers; he lacked even the courage to look others in the eye.
Sighing inwardly, Li Xinghan exchanged a polite pleasantry and entered from the side. Across from her, the seat belonging to Li Jiangliang was empty; the Fourth Young Master was likely accompanying Cui Jueyin out on the river.
The two sisters of the Jiang and Que generation were both at Ziyan Gate, and from the Zhou and Xing generation, only she, Li Xinghan, and Li Zhoufang's brothers were qualified to enter this hall. Glancing around, she immediately stepped forward to pay her respects to Li Minggong and Li Xuanxuan at the dais above.
"Greetings, My Lords!"
Li Minggong nodded with a smile and pointed to the side. Standing there was a square-faced young man in his twenties with bright eyes. Li Xinghan was quite familiar with him—it was Li Zhoufang's treasured son, Li Jiangzong, who had only recently entered Qi Refining and was currently following Li Minggong.
Li Jiangzong was very familiar with her as well. After they exchanged courtesies, Li Xinghan returned to take a seat beside Li Zhouming. This red-robed young master had uncharacteristically abandoned his bad habit of being late, having actually arrived early to sit with proper decorum, drawing a faint smile from Li Xinghan.
*Snap!*
Li Zhouming unfurled his folding fan, masking the movement of his lips, and whispered:
"Say, younger sister... I've been rather tight on funds lately. Everything was confiscated by Shouyu, and she only allows me to forge hairpins for her... Do you have a piece or two of spirit iron or spiritual materials I could borrow? Just so I can attend to the feelings of a few other ladies..."
Li Xinghan let out a dry snort and replied:
"You truly have quite the nerve. If you want spirit iron, go ask Uncle Li Cheng... I hold neither power nor authority; where would I get such things?"
Just then, Li Jiangqian's gentle voice sounded in the hall:
"Now that all our clansmen have gathered, let us discuss the matter of Granduncle Li Cheng."
At these words, all the clansmen fell silent. Li Jiangqian continued:
"This matter should have been settled long ago, but our brothers were either away on duty or in secluded cultivation, making it difficult to assemble everyone. Now that Aunt Xinghan is also about to enter seclusion for her breakthrough, it is high time we settle this once and for all."
Li Cheng had left behind neither offspring nor written testament, making the matter of succession exceptionally thorny. It had dragged on for so many years that Li Zhouda, the eldest and most talented among the contenders, had already reached the mid stage of Qi Refining and would soon approach the optimal age for Foundation Establishment. Li Zhouda had personally paid a visit to Li Xuanxuan, hoping to place this matter on the agenda.
After all, breaking through to Foundation Establishment was a passage of life and death—the very time when Li Cheng's legacy, ranging from cultivation insights and techniques to magical artifacts and resources, not to mention his direct ancestral incense and status, was most urgently needed. If left undecided now, there would be little left to decide later; it would not only lose its greatest value but also foster resentment.
Furthermore, regarding the Six Thunders Xuan Punishment Tokens that everyone coveted—though nominally clan property and not included within the personal lineage he left behind, nearly everyone knew that whoever first inherited the lineage and attained Foundation Establishment through the Path of Thunder would ultimately end up with that magical artifact in hand.
Besides this, there was another even more crucial factor: Li Cheng's father, Li Xi'e, had passed away a few days ago.
Though Li Xi'e was a mere mortal, the old gentleman had been Li Cheng's father! While he said little in ordinary times, his heart undoubtedly leaned toward his closest blood descendant, Li Zhoutui, to inherit the legacy. With his passing, Li Zhoutui's branch suffered a devastating blow.
Of course, even if the clan leaders harbored such thoughts in private, their public stance had always been that they were waiting for several elders to return—diplomatic pretenses always had to be maintained.
Li Jiangqian paused briefly, and Li Xuanxuan spoke in an aged voice:
"Originally, there were three candidates: Zhouda, Zhoutui, and Zhouxun. Zhouda possesses the highest talent and the fiercest temperament, fitting the Path of Thunder remarkably well, though such a fierce disposition also brings its own difficulties...
"Zhoutui has closer blood ties, but like Zhouxun, his talent falls somewhat short..."
In truth, everyone was clear on the three candidates. Li Zhoutui had originally been the closest in blood and the most suitable. Had he not made that impatient, overwrought display of weeping back then that overstepped his place, the decision would have been sealed in his favor right then, sparing them all today's troubles.
Yet the elders of his branch knew not restraint; that display of grief had practically ruined any goodwill the clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators had held for him. Over the years, despite enjoying such fine resources, Li Zhoutui's cultivation remained comparable to that of Li Zhouxun, who had gone out to tend the fields—both still lingering at Embryonic Breathing—which damaged his prospects even further.
As for Li Zhouxun, his talent was fair. Coming from an impoverished branch in his youth, he had been taken into Li Cheng's residence, which granted him a tenuous claim to the inheritance. However, Li Cheng might have merely been observing him without ever leaving a single word of endorsement, so it could not be settled on him back then either.
Later, he voluntarily gave up and went to the islet to oversee spirit fields. Had Li Zhouda not stood before him, his chances would have been quite high; yet placed beside Zhouda now, his prospects paled in comparison.
Having said this, Li Xuanxuan glanced around. Seeing that the others had their heads lowered in contemplation and no one stepped forward to object, he knew there was no disagreement, so he said:
"Bring Zhouda in so everyone may see him!"
Soon, a man clad in leather armor entered from the side. He was powerfully built with a square face, thick brows, and large eyes, bearing a passing resemblance to Li Wen. Yet while Li Wen possessed a clumsy and honest air, this man clearly tasted blood on a regular basis, carrying far more ferocity, his eyes gleaming with sharp vitality.
Stepping briskly before the hall without the slightest hesitation or fear, he bowed:
"Greetings to all elders and brothers!"
Li Xuanxuan nodded and spoke:
"This is Li Zhouda. He currently holds a post at Mount Yuting, tasked with slaying demons and exorcising fiends."
The old man surveyed the hall once more. Only Li Zhoufang hesitated for a moment, casting a glance at Li Xinghan. Li Xinghan, however, felt quite favorable toward Li Zhouda and said softly:
"I stayed by the lake for a time. This elder brother was diligent and conscientious, ranking among the most hardworking of our clansmen."
With Li Xinghan stating her stance, Li Zhoufang kept silent. Both sides were his kin, and he certainly would not speak up for Li Zhoutui at the expense of offending his sister, who held such a promising future. Taking this in, the old man nodded and said:
"The elders all hold high expectations for you, but you must learn to temper your disposition."
"This junior will take it to heart!"
Li Zhouda chuckled, bowing to each of them in turn. Li Minggong stood up and said:
"I shall escort you to Qingdu. The various rituals on the mountain should be prepared by now."
The gathered clansmen then followed Li Minggong to Qingdu, leaving behind only Li Xinghan and a few others. Li Xuanxuan sighed:
"He is fine, fine indeed. It is only because Jiangqian and the others are safeguarding the overall situation that I dared make this choice, knowing we need not rely solely on him in the future. He won't need to take charge of Qingdu, but suppressing a few peaks is well within his capabilities."
Li Zhouda was fine in every aspect; his only flaw was that he was too upright, fierce-tempered, and blunt of speech. He frequently stood up to dispense justice within the clan, which won him the support of many clansmen, but on the path of cultivation, such traits were far from safe.
Li Jiangqian, who had been waiting for this matter to be settled, took a sip of tea with deep, thoughtful eyes, replying:
"Once word of this spreads, Zhouxun is all by himself, so it will be easier for him. But Zhoutui's branch will likely harbor grievances.
"That is one thing. Second... Uncle Zhouda has an explosive temper and cannot tolerate idle gossip behind his back... My proposal is that as soon as the ceremonial rites conclude, we immediately send him into seclusion so that none of it reaches his ears. When he emerges a few years later, the matter will have cooled, saving us plenty of strife."
Li Xuanxuan dreaded such turmoil the most and could only sigh. In truth, they all understood that at this stage, they had no choice but to choose Li Zhouda; Li Zhoutui, in all likelihood, would end up nothing more than a Qi Refining cultivator in the end.
The old man looked at Li Xinghan and spoke warmly:
"Regarding your Suiyuan Pill, I sent people to inquire among various sects two years ago. Later, we obtained a Suiyuan Pill concocted by Yuzhen at the Sword Sect, trading our own pill for it.
"There are also several pills from the family meant for your breakthrough. I will go with you to your cave abode in a moment to instruct you on the sequence of taking them, so you can prepare to attempt Foundation Establishment."
After all, the Li family possessed a talisman pill that could grant a breakthrough of one minor layer without any side effects. Since the pill's existence could not be revealed, the Li family had developed numerous methods over the years. Li Jiangqian now even coordinated multiple pills to disguise it, coating the talisman pill with an outer medicinal shell to blend it in. When the breakthrough was finally completed, the cultivator would merely assume the medicines had performed exceptionally well.
Li Xinghan bowed gratefully and withdrew from the hall. Li Jiangqian then waved his hand to dismiss the attendants on both sides. Seeing Li Xuanxuan's troubled frown, he smiled and said:
"Lord Elder, there is no need to worry so much. He may be short-tempered and fond of fighting, but he is far from foolish. Look at him: brawling day after day, venting anger on behalf of fellow clansmen, and risking his life without hesitation when slaying demons—is that not building a reputation? At that time, when someone who could fight fiercely, disregard his own life, and possessed high cultivation was needed, was the family not lacking such a direct descendant? Prescribing the right remedy for the ailment... it is quite intriguing."
Li Xuanxuan stroked his beard, while Li Jiangqian lowered his voice:
"I have received word that Li Quantao is already garrisoned at Salt Lake, and his son has headed toward Baijiang Creek, supposedly traveling in that region. The surrounding families haven't interfered with him.
"Lord Tiangexia has been transferred to the east to guard the East Sea for Qingchi, and has been granted a larger island. From Qingsong Island all the way to Tai'e Island at the edge of the Reef Sea, everything is under his sole authority. His current status... rivals that of Sect Master Dantai Jin."
A smile appeared on his face as he added:
"There is another piece of news. Fei Qingyi made her first public appearance after marrying Qin Xian, requesting a deployment to guard the East Sea—still aiming to serve under our lord. Dantai Jin allowed her to lead a sizable group of personnel, treating her with great favor."
"That woman certainly knows how to read the wind..."
Li Xuanxuan shook his head repeatedly and remarked:
"When the Si family was in their prime, she avoided suspicion by remaining motionless, not even contacting her own clan, yet never forgot to constantly curry favor with our family—giving away a Foundation Establishment magical artifact without batting an eye. Now that Ning Wan has emerged from seclusion, she immediately serves as a token of goodwill from the Si faction toward the Ning family... Whether you call it good fortune or sharp wits, she has finally spread her wings from the sinking ship of the Fei family, soaring higher and higher."
Li Jiangqian paused for a moment, then stepped down from the main seat, pushed open the doors, and walked out. With a subtle premonition, he gazed toward the north:
'Harboring the Mind to Pierce the Mystery: favorable for the immortal path, favorable for seclusion, capable of clarifying the Twelve Qi.'
'To break through precisely when the True Monarch descends into the world... there is indeed a trace of suspicion.'
Snowflakes fluttered down over the northern shore, congealing into a vast sheet of white in the distance. A spring snowfall was not particularly astonishing, yet observing the extent of the heavy snow, Li Jiangqian smiled and said:
"It has come just as expected... After all these years, the Fei family has finally produced a Foundation Establishment cultivator of their own... But this Fei Qingyi... might have quite a headache on her hands again."
Chapter 844