Lake Wangyue.
The lake waters were a lush green, and the spring rain fell without end. Gentle breezes drifted along the lakeshore, stirring ripples as they passed. Within the small courtyard on the isle, all was quiet. Two kumquat trees before the gate swayed faintly, shaded by the eaves and deprived of sunlight; even brushed by the spring breeze, they looked withered and dispirited.
Li Xinghan stood in the yard with a precious sword at her waist.
Now at the seventh layer of Qi Cultivation, she had entered the late stage. As a member of the Li family's direct line, upon reaching late Qi Cultivation, one was expected to enter the mountain, consume medicinal pills, and enter secluded cultivation. She had heard that with several pills taken in succession, she would soon be able to assault Foundation Establishment. Since she did not know how many years she would be gone, she had returned home to see her parents.
Hearing footsteps, her mother came out with a smile to welcome her, while her father sat astride the threshold with his head turned away.
Ever since maternal uncle Chi Tiaozong received a promotion and she had parted on bad terms with her father and brother over her brother seeking an official post, Li Xinghan had rarely visited home, mostly communicating through letters. Looking around now, the courtyard was dead quiet; the laughter of former years was nowhere to be found.
Evidently, Chi Tiaozong speaking up and Li Xinghan speaking up were worlds apart. Though her brother had managed to secure a post, it was hardly a good one, having sent him off to some remote backwater. Her brother and sister-in-law had moved out anyway, leaving only the two elders living in the courtyard.
Li Xinghan felt a knot of mixed emotions. She offered a few kind words, but her father was clearly still angry with her, offering only terse replies with a stiff face, perhaps blaming the pain of their separation on her as well.
Li Xinghan immediately found it hard to stay. She broke the news that she was leaving to seek Foundation Establishment. After all, it was a do-or-die ordeal—success or death. Her mother froze in fright, her eyes reddening at once.
Her father took his leg down from the threshold and opened his mouth, but kept his expression cold. Li Xinghan sighed and said, "The Family Head has business with me... I have already visited Uncle, and I came to bid you and Mother farewell."
She looked at her father, who had aged considerably, and her tone softened. "Father... my brother simply lacks capability. Even managing the manpower for a minor mineral vein branch, he remained thoroughly muddle-headed. It was only fortunate that he listened to Uncle's advice and dared not take bribes, which kept Qingdu from arresting him.
"Now Jiangqian manages the family, and his eyes are sharp; how could he fail to see through my brother's doings? At present, the East Bank is overseen by the Second Young Master, Li Jianglong. He has shown me goodwill, so news of these things often reaches my ears. They only tolerate Brother out of deference to me...
"If my breakthrough fails and word of my death arrives, it would be best to have Brother resign his post as soon as possible. Brother Zhoufang has already worn himself thin for the sake of the clan's siblings; we shouldn't trouble him further when that time comes."
Unsure whether her father had taken her words to heart, she turned and left. Her father remained motionless, watching her depart with his eyes. Her mother walked her out of the courtyard and returned shortly after, squatting to the side to wipe away tears.
Only then did Li's father stand up. He heard his wife whisper, "Look at you. You promised them again... to speak a good word so Zhoutui could inherit Master Cheng's mantle. Why did you clamp up again? How are we going to give them an explanation now...?"
Li's father closed his eyes and shook his head. "Forget it. That daughter of yours is stubborn and aloof. Since she's 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 isn't worth risking her life over... let alone some mantle. Tell him to drop dead somewhere far away and not drag my family into it."
He sighed and added, "Aren't there several immortal temples on the East Bank? Tomorrow... come with me to pray."
"I've heard the Lianmin Temple by the river is more efficacious," his wife replied.
Li's father shook his head vigorously. "You're getting muddled too! Someone surnamed Li worshipping Lianmin? Aren't you afraid of being crushed to death by a falling roof beam the moment you step inside? Forget about it... we'll go to the East Bank!"
***
Li Xinghan rode the wind aloft, descending all the way toward the main hall. Raising her brows, she spotted a Qi Cultivation cultivator standing near the hall doors. With sharp, monkey-like features, he was strikingly hideous. Brother Li Zhoufang was speaking with the man with an awkward expression. Seeing Li Xinghan arrive, he looked as though he had received a general pardon, stepping forward to say, "This is the Fifth Young Master."
So this man was Li Jiangnian. Calculating his age, he was only around eighteen. While his talent was decent, his appearance did not look eighteen in the slightest.
His gaze was cast downward, not daring to look at Li Xinghan. This was not directed at her specifically; along the path of cultivation where everyone was handsome and poised, his ugliness stood out conspicuously, causing him to shrink his neck and murmur, "Greetings, Aunt."
Li Jiangnian's voice sounded ordinary—at least far better than his face. Clearly, his resolve fell far short of his elder brothers; he lacked even the courage to look others in the eye.
Li Xinghan sighed inwardly. After a polite greeting, she walked inside from the side. On the other side, the seat belonging to Li Jiangliang was empty; the Fourth Young Master was likely accompanying Cui Jueyin on the river.
The two sisters of the Jiang-Que generation were at Ziyan Gate, and from the Zhou-Xing generation, only Li Xinghan, Li Zhoufang, and his brother could enter this hall. Looking around, she first stepped forward to pay her respects to Li Minggong and Li Xuanxuan.
"Greetings, my Lords!"
Li Minggong nodded with a smile and pointed to the side. Standing there was a square-faced young man around twenty years of age with bright eyes. Li Xinghan was quite familiar with him—this was Li Zhoufang's precious son, Li Jiangzong, who had just attained Qi Cultivation and was currently attending to Li Minggong.
Li Jiangzong was very familiar with her and bowed in greeting. Only then did Li Xinghan return to take a seat beside Li Zhouming. This red-robed young master had actually kicked his bad habit of running late, arriving quite early and sitting with utmost propriety, which brought a faint smile to Li Xinghan's face.
*Snap!*
Li Zhouming flicked open his fan to conceal his mouth and whispered, "I say, Sister... I've been rather short on funds lately. Everything has been confiscated by Shouyu; 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 other families..."
Li Xinghan let out a dry chuckle and answered, "You certainly have nerve. If you want spirit iron, you could have asked Uncle Cheng for it... I hold no power and manage no affairs; where would I get so many materials?"
Just then, Li Jiangqian's gentle voice sounded from within the hall:
"Now that everyone of the clan has arrived, let us discuss the matter regarding Granduncle Cheng."
Once these words fell, all the clansmen quieted down. Li Jiangqian continued, "This matter should have been settled long ago, but our brothers were either away or in seclusion, making it difficult to gather everyone. Now that Aunt Xinghan is about to enter seclusion for her breakthrough, it is the opportune time to settle it once and for all."
Li Cheng had left behind no offspring nor written instructions, making the question of succession a thorny issue. After dragging on for so many years, Li Zhouda, the oldest and most gifted of the candidates, had already reached the mid-stage of Qi Cultivation. Seeing that he would soon approach the age to attempt Foundation Establishment in a few short years, Li Zhouda had personally paid a visit to Li Xuanxuan, hoping to bring this matter onto the agenda.
After all, breaking through to Foundation Establishment was a life-or-death hurdle—precisely the time when Li Cheng's legacy was most needed, ranging from his insights and spells to his magical artifacts and resources, as well as his direct lineage offering-incense and status. If not settled now, there would be little point in settling it later; not only would the inheritance lose its greatest value, but it would also breed resentment.
As for the Six Thunders Xuan Punishment Tokens that everyone yearned for, although they were nominally family property and not officially part of the inherited lineage, nearly everyone understood that whoever first obtained the lineage and achieved Foundation Establishment in the path of lightning would ultimately receive that magical artifact.
Besides this, there was an even more pivotal factor: Li Cheng's father, Li Xi'e, had passed away a few days ago.
Though Li Xi'e was merely a mortal, the old master was Li Cheng's father! While he usually kept silent, in his heart he naturally favored his closest blood descendant, Li Zhoutui, to inherit the mantle. With his passing, Li Zhoutui's branch suffered a devastating blow.
Of course, even if several higher-ups held this view in their hearts, the official stance had always been to await the return of several elders; perfunctory courtesies had to be observed.
Li Jiangqian paused briefly, and Li Xuanxuan spoke in an aged voice: "Originally, there were three candidates: Zhouda, Zhoutui, and Zhouxun. Zhouda has the highest talent and the fiercest temperament, fitting the path of lightning exceptionally well, though that fiery disposition also presents difficulties...
"Zhoutui is closer in bloodline, but like Zhouxun, his talent is somewhat lacking..."
In truth, everyone was well aware of the three candidates. Li Zhoutui had been the closest in blood and the most suitable. Had he not made that unseemly, impatient display of weeping back then—usurping the role of the host—the matter would have been settled on him right then, without all the wrangling today.
Yet the elders of his branch did not know moderation, and that cry had ruined almost all the goodwill the Foundation Establishment elders held for him. Over the years, despite enjoying such lavish resources, Li Zhoutui's cultivation was merely on par with Li Zhouxun, who had gone out to oversee the spirit fields—both still in Embryonic Breathing, which damaged his standing even further.
As for Li Zhouxun, his talent was decent. Impoverished in his youth, he had been taken into Li Cheng's estate, which granted him some claim to succession. However, Li Cheng might only have been observing him, never leaving behind a single word on the matter, so it could not be settled on him back then either.
Later, he voluntarily gave up and went to the isle to tend the spirit fields. Had Li Zhouda not stood before him, his prospects would have been quite promising, but compared to him now, his chances had dimmed.
Having spoken his piece, Li Xuanxuan looked around. Several members bowed their heads in contemplation, and none stepped forward to object. Knowing there was no disagreement, he said, "Bring Zhouda in for us to see!"
Soon, a man clad in leather armor entered from the side. Sturdily built with a square face, thick brows, and large eyes, he bore some resemblance to Li Wen. Yet while Li Wen possessed an awkward, simple air, this man had clearly seen plenty of blood; he was far fiercer, his eyes gleaming with sharp vigor.
He strode briskly to the front of the court, devoid of fear, and bowed. "Greetings, elders and brothers!"
Li Xuanxuan nodded and spoke: "This is Li Zhouda, currently serving at Mount Yuting, tasked with subduing demons and exterminating monsters."
The old man glanced around again. Only Li Zhoufang hesitated for a moment, shooting a glance at Li Xinghan. Li Xinghan, however, had a good impression of Li Zhouda and said softly, "I stayed by the lake for a time; this elder brother is dedicated and conscientious, counting among the most hardworking of our clansmen."
Once Li Xinghan stated her stance, Li Zhoufang held his tongue. Both sides were his clansmen, and he certainly would not clash with his promising younger sister just to speak up for Li Zhoutui. Taking note of this, the old man nodded and said, "The elders all think highly of you, but you must rein in your temper."
"Junior takes this to heart!"
Li Zhouda chuckled and bowed to each of them in turn. Li Minggong stood up and said, "I will escort you to Qingdu. The various rituals on the mountain should be ready."
The assembly of clansmen followed Li Minggong toward Qingdu, leaving only Li Xinghan and a few others behind. Li Xuanxuan sighed: "He is fine, but it is only because Jiangqian and the others are watching over the broader situation, so we don't have to rely on him alone, that I dared make this choice. There is no need for him to manage Qingdu; suppressing a few peaks is well within his capability."
Li Zhouda was fine in every regard, except that his nature was too upright, his temper too violent, and his speech unpolished. He frequently upheld justice within the clan, and though this won him the support of many clansmen, it was hardly safe on the path of cultivation.
Li Jiangqian had been waiting for this matter to settle. With deep, inscrutable eyes, he sipped his tea and replied, "Once word spreads, Zhouxun is all alone and won't mind as much, but Zhoutui's branch will likely harbor grievances.
"That is one aspect. Second... Uncle Zhouda is short-tempered and cannot bear to hear petty gossip... Junior's suggestion is that as soon as the ceremonial rites conclude, have him enter secluded cultivation immediately before he hears any whispers. When he emerges a few years later and things have cooled down, many disputes will be avoided."
Li Xuanxuan dreaded such turmoil the most and could only sigh. In fact, all of them understood that at this stage, they had no choice but to choose Li Zhouda. Li Zhoutui, in all likelihood, would remain merely in Qi Cultivation to the end.
The old man looked at Li Xinghan and said warmly, "As for 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, exchanging it with one of our own.
"There are also several other pills from the family meant for breakthrough. I will go with you to your immortal's cave shortly and instruct you on the sequence to take them, in preparation for assaulting Foundation Establishment."
After all, the Li family possessed a talisman pill that could advance one a layer without any side effects. Yet they could not reveal the existence of such a pill. Over the years, the family had learned many disguises; now Li Jiangqian even combined various pills, coating the talisman pill with an outer medicinal skin to blend it in. When breakthrough occurred at last, the recipient would merely believe the pills had yielded extraordinarily remarkable results.
Li Xinghan bowed gratefully and withdrew from the hall. Only then did Li Jiangqian wave his hand to dismiss the attendants on both sides. Seeing Li Xuanxuan's troubled face, he chuckled: "Elder, there is no need to worry so much. The man may be hot-tempered and fond of brawling, but he is no fool. Look at him getting into fights day in and day out, venting anger on behalf of clansmen, and throwing himself into monster-slaying without regard for his life—is that not building prestige? Back then, skilled in battle, willing to risk his life, and high in cultivation... wasn't the family lacking just such a member of the core line? Administering the medicine that fits the illness—it's quite intriguing."
Li Xuanxuan stroked his beard, while Li Jiangqian lowered his voice and continued: "I have received news that Li Quantao is already stationed at the Salt Lake, and his son has also headed to Baijiang Creek. It is said he is traveling that area, and none of the surrounding families have troubled him.
"Lord Tiangexia has been transferred east to guard the East Sea for Qingchi and granted an even larger island. From Qingsong Island all the way to Tai'e Island by 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. It is said she requested to be stationed at the East Sea, meaning she is going under Lord Tiangexia's command. Dantai Jin allowed her to lead a sizeable contingent out, showing she is heavily relied upon."
"That one has a sharp eye for reading the room..."
Li Xuanxuan shook his head repeatedly and answered: "When the Si family was at its peak, she avoided suspicion by remaining aloof, not even contacting her own kin, yet never forgot to constantly curry favor with our house, gifting Foundation Establishment magical artifacts at the drop of a hat. Now that Ning Wan has emerged from seclusion, she immediately serves as the signal for the Si faction to show goodwill to 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 forward from the master seat, pushed open the doors, and walked out. With a hint of perception, he gazed toward the north:
*‘Juxin Chongxuan—beneficial to the immortal path, beneficial to secluded cultivation, capable of clearing and brightening the twelve qi.’*
*‘To break through right as a True Monarch descended into the mortal world... there is indeed something slightly suspicious about it.’*
On the northern shore, heavy snow fell in flurries, blanketing the far distance in pristine white. Spring snow was not particularly astonishing, yet Li Jiangqian observed the expanse of the snowfall and smiled:
"Just like that, it arrives... After all these years, the Fei family has finally produced another Foundation Establishment cultivator of their own... But this Fei Qingyi... might well have another headache coming."
Chapter 873