Chapter 244

“Two of Circles.”

“Pung! Five of Characters.”

“Mahjong!”

A game ended. Liu Yumei picked up a piece of cloud cake, bit into it, and, having lost all her small change, threw out a large bill for the others to break.

She picked up her cup and took a sip of tea. The afternoon sun, combined with a gentle breeze, created a perfectly pleasant sense of leisure.

By the kitchen door, Aunt Liu lifted a large stone onto a big jar, preparing pickles for the family to eat next season.

Uncle Qin was building something on the plot of land in front of the courtyard, planning to make a greenhouse. When they used to live in the university faculty housing, the Old Madam insisted on growing vegetables in places meant for flowers. Now that they were in the countryside, with ample space for vegetables and grains, she wanted to plant some flowers.

Earlier that morning, Li Sanjiang had seen this and, annoyed, asked, “Can flowers be eaten?!”

The Old Madam simply replied, “A-Li wants to see flowers.”

Li Sanjiang immediately said, “Oh, planting flowers is good. Anyway, we have enough food at home.”

The card game continued.

Grandma Hua asked, “Why haven’t I seen Marquis Sanjiang?”

Liu Jinxia: “He’s gone to attend a vigil.”

Grandma Hua: “I saw him strolling around the village this morning.”

Liu Jinxia: “What a thing to say! Who can predict exactly when someone will die?”

Grandma Hua: “I didn’t mean it like that.”

Liu Jinxia: “He’s attending the beginning and end of the funeral rites. As soon as someone passes, he has to go to the house to manage things.”

Grandma Hua: “I see, no wonder.”

Some families, with few relatives or members, lacked someone to manage the funeral, so they would invite experienced people like Li Sanjiang to handle everything from the start. Today was not the day for the funeral, but when the actual ceremony took place, Uncle Qin, Marquis Shan, and others would bring paper effigies, tables, and chairs to help out.

Liu Jinxia reached for a piece of cloud cake, put it in her mouth, and chewed, smiling as she said, “This is delicious! I took two pieces home yesterday, and my Marquis Xiang and Marquis Cui each had one; they both enjoyed them so much. Today, I’d like to ask for a few more from Sister Liu.”

Liu Yumei: “It’s fine as long as the children like them. When we finish, I’ll have A-Ting count how many are left and pack them all for you to take home.”

Liu Jinxia: “Alright, thank you.”

People in this line of work are skilled at reading others. Liu Jinxia had long since observed that Liu Yumei was not a calculating person; if you wanted something, you just had to ask directly, without being shy.

Grandma Hua was even more direct, asking, “Do you still have the mung bean ones from last time?”

Aunt Liu, by the kitchen door, called out, “Those are gone. I’ll pick up a fresh batch tomorrow morning, so you can have them by tomorrow afternoon. And for Aunt Lian’s children, I specifically asked them to prepare extra Golden Thread Pastries this time.”

Grandma Hua chuckled, “That’s wonderful, but I don’t need too many; it’s just me. Give more to Marquis Lian; she has a bigger family.”

Grandma Hua was the sole surviving relative of a martyr. Ever since she met Liu Yumei, she had never been formal with this “Sister Liu.” Instead, she felt a genuine closeness, truly considering her an elder sister. Liu Yumei also treated her differently, often calling her “crazy old woman.” Grandma Hua, who was known for her fiery temper, would not get angry when called this here; instead, she would chuckle in response.

Wang Lian, blushing, said, “How can I accept this? It’s too much.” Each time she came, she received gifts, only able to offer some homemade dishes and help sweep the courtyard in return. She knew she was taking advantage and didn’t want to be so shameless, but her family’s situation was such that after school, her grandchildren would always look at her with hopeful eyes, wanting her to pull out something delicious from her pocket.

A new hand was dealt, and Wang Lian had a bye.

Liu Yumei’s hand, as she was drawing cards, suddenly paused. She then rotated the long card in her hand, its surface glinting and catching everyone’s eyes at the table. She slipped the card into a table crack and flicked it with her fingertip.

Liu Jinxia, Grandma Hua, and Wang Lian all froze, their eyes unfocused.

Only after the Old Madam had finished this did Uncle Qin stop his work, straighten up, and look towards the village entrance. Aunt Liu stopped chopping vegetables and twirled the knife skillfully in her palm.

Seven clear and direct murderous intentions were steadily approaching. The last time something like this happened was when Lin Shuyou’s master and grandfather visited. However, that time, the pair had deliberately displayed an intimidating aura, coming to seek an explanation. They carried an oppressive presence, not murderous intent, which allowed Zhuangzhuang to mediate and gave the Old Madam room to let things go lightly. If those two had come with such overt killing intent, as today, then forget Zhuangzhuang, even if Li Zhuiyuan himself pleaded, that family temple would absolutely not have been allowed to remain. It wouldn’t matter how smoothly they prostrated themselves later. Furthermore, the misunderstanding itself was unimportant and needed no explanation.

This wasn’t purely about family face. The Dragon King family had been established for so long that their enemies were widespread. If you dared to show weakness, countless entities would immediately swarm and tear at you like mad. A-Li’s situation was the best example: the Qin and Liu families, on the spiritual side, not only showed weakness but utterly collapsed. Li Zhuiyuan wanted to “erase” them but had to provoke the other party into explicitly saying, “We will wipe out your entire family.” This wasn’t because Li Zhuiyuan didn’t understand the rules of the jianghu, but because he had no choice. First, he was on his “river journey,” and those who undertake such journeys inherently carry heavy karma, and he was particularly under the Heavenly Dao’s scrutiny. Second, there was a clear understanding between him and the Heavenly Dao. He dared to act against True Monarch Pudu and meet the gaze of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in the deep sea because he knew the Heavenly Dao needed him to state his position. Therefore, the young man had to pursue procedural justice in his actions. He had no choice; the Heavenly Dao was standing right behind him, watching.

The Old Madam, however, had fewer qualms. She would simply follow the old ways of the jianghu. “You dared to come here with murderous intent. If you can leave alive today, then I will personally take down the plaque of this Dragon King household.”

As they got closer, the perception became clearer, just like the evolving emotions of Xiong Shan by the fish pond. Uncle Qin and Aunt Liu were first surprised, then cautious, then puzzled, then surprised again; then cautious, puzzled, surprised... and finally, angry! The murderous intent came first. After sensing the killing intent and then investigating the specific aura of the approaching parties, they were surprised to find it so weak, fleeting, and powerless. They even doubted themselves, wondering if the opponents were deliberately concealing their strength. They didn’t hesitate to investigate again thoroughly. Once confirmed, anger naturally arose. They had thought at least seven black jiao dragons were attacking the Dragon King household. Who knew it was just seven fat koi fish, fed by believers in a Taoist temple’s fish pond!

Uncle Qin looked at Aunt Liu. He had no desire to deal with such small fry. The main reason was that even though he was often home, he sometimes had to go out and handle affairs, so he wasn’t short on fights. If Aunt Liu was also too lazy to make braised mixed fish, then it would be assumed that Xiong Shan would take care of them. After twirling the cleaver in her palm, Aunt Liu continued chopping vegetables, meaning she was too lazy to go out. Those seven small fry were less important than the salt content in the pickled mustard greens on her cutting board.

However, what surprised both of them was the sudden aura the Old Madam emitted. Uncle Qin dropped his hammer, and Aunt Liu put down her cleaver. If the Old Madam felt an urge to “play,” they would certainly have to accompany her. It wasn’t out of concern that their mistress, being old, might have an accident; it was a matter of etiquette, just as someone helps arrange dishes at mealtime and clears them afterward. To their surprise, Liu Yumei’s next words made both of them freeze.

“Light the Heavenly Fire lantern. Remember, don’t extinguish it until Xiao Yuan and the others return from their journey.”

Liu Yumei placed her index finger on her brow. When she moved it away, a tender, white flame appeared at her fingertip. With a flick of her finger, the flame flew into the kitchen, lighting a candle. Aunt Liu quickly picked up the candlestick, using her other hand to shield the flame. This was the Old Madam’s soul lamp; though not her entire soul, it contained one of her ethereal souls. Normally, extinguishing it meant drawing the flame back into the Old Madam’s body. If it were to extinguish unexpectedly, the consequences would be severe, essentially leaving the Old Madam with an incomplete soul from that point on.

Liu Yumei raised her right arm. The weather was getting warmer, and she was only wearing one layer, so her sleeve slid down, revealing her arm. With her left thumb and forefinger spread, she measured her right arm. What she was measuring was her age.

“Mistress…”

Uncle Qin disregarded everything else, instantly flashing into the courtyard. He couldn’t understand what the Old Madam was doing. Was this to deal with those seven small fry? Were they even worthy?

“Silence!” Liu Yumei snapped.

She not only forbade them from dissuading her but also from speaking at all. The Old Madam, having detached one of her ethereal souls to light the celestial lamp, now had a hint of confusion in her eyes. An ordinary person would become foolish or dull after losing an ethereal soul. While Liu Yumei wouldn’t be reduced to that, she could become slow-witted. She was doing it on purpose, because the most taboo thing for what she intended to do next was to overthink.

For prominent families undertaking “river journeys,” it was always the “river traveler” who went out, with little interaction with the family back home. For example, Zhao Yi had prepared everything he needed to take from home before his river journey. After lighting the lamp, he consciously severed ties with his family. Although Li Zhuiyuan lived with Liu Yumei, he only enjoyed tea and clothes. At most, he could provide some memorial tablet materials at a loophole in the Heavenly Dao. Li Zhuiyuan had never been to the ancestral secret grounds of the Qin and Liu families. The young man didn’t know how many fierce entities and treasures were hidden there. Because it was meaningless; even if he knew, he couldn’t use them now, unless there were no living members left in the Qin and Liu families, which included both blood relatives and those tied by legal/spiritual lineage. Theoretically, whatever assistance Li Zhuiyuan utilized now, Liu Yumei, Uncle Qin, and Aunt Liu would correspondingly have to endure an equivalent karmic backlash. This rule of the Heavenly Dao was also to prevent established large families from oppressing others with their power, creating a monopoly on the river.

But what if others were courting death… actively seeking trouble themselves? Xiao Yuan and the others left in the morning, and this group with murderous intent arrived in the afternoon? They couldn’t be enemies of the Qin and Liu families; the Dragon King family didn’t have enemies of this caliber. Moreover, Xiao Yuan, as a successor of the Dragon King, conducted his river journey quietly, being benevolent and disliking making enemies. Therefore, these revenge-seekers could only be after Xiao Yuan, and they were “fresh” enemies, still steaming hot from the steamer. The most crucial point was that Xiao Yuan had not communicated this matter to her. Given that child’s meticulous style, if he had recently gotten into any trouble, he would have subtly informed her during their tea sessions. If he didn’t inform her but they still came, then it must be related to the new river waters. Liu Yumei even vaguely suspected this might be a deliberate opening left by the child for her to act. If that were the case, then this child’s strategizing and calculations regarding the river waters were truly beyond imagination. But even if she was being calculated, Liu Yumei would accept it gladly.

Regardless of whether this link truly existed, she, the Old Madam, was going to “jump in” today! With her left hand measuring her right arm, for the current situation, she chose the most uninhibited and reckless years of her youth. Two red spots appeared on her right arm. Her left index finger and thumb drew inward. Along with them, the Old Madam’s loose, wrinkled skin tightened. At this moment, she was returning to her youth, even her greying hair gradually turning black and smooth.

Aunt Liu had just managed to set up a barrier and place the candlestick within it. When she looked up and saw the Old Madam returning to her youth, her eyes immediately widened. As someone born into the Liu family, she naturally knew about the secret art of “Returning to the Grandeur” in the Liu family’s ultimate techniques. This secret art came at no small cost; it required a long period of recuperation to recover and was generally only used when facing truly formidable opponents. Furthermore, after using this secret art, it not only reverted one’s age but also overlaid subsequent memories. The secret art was successfully performed, and Liu Yumei became young again. Although she was still dressed in the Old Madam’s style of clothing, with three old lady card players in front of her, she had, in a true sense, returned to her younger self, transforming from the Liu family’s Old Madam back into the Liu family’s Young Miss. Liu Yumei chose this period of her life because she believed that at this age, she was the most flamboyant, the most decisive, and most importantly… she thought the least. She wanted to make herself forget her current situation, forget that her young man was on his river journey, and forget all limitations, so that she could be “ignorant and innocent” and fully participate in this karma.

Uncle Qin still couldn’t understand. Aunt Liu understood a little more. The Old Madam was thinking deeply and was incredibly decisive, and she acted immediately upon the appearance of those seven murderous intents, even before fully contemplating the situation. This matter couldn’t be overthought; too much thinking would tie one’s hands and feet.

Liu Yumei’s gaze fell on the three old ladies in front of her, her eyes showing confusion. She didn’t understand why there was a card game in front of her, and why her card partners were three old women. The flickering candlelight in the kitchen interrupted Liu Yumei’s thoughts at that moment. Liu Yumei then looked at Qin Li, who was standing in front of her, her gaze sharp. Liu Yumei at this age didn’t recognize him, but felt an inexplicable familiarity. Qin Li instinctively began to bow.

Liu Yumei: “A member of the Qin family?”

Qin Li’s lips trembled; he didn’t know how to answer, because legally speaking, Old Madam, you are also a member of the Qin family.

Liu Yumei: “Go back and tell that scoundrel not to pester me anymore.”

Qin Li, steeling himself, replied, “Yes.”

Aunt Liu was walking towards them at that moment. Hearing this, she somehow felt like laughing in such a serious situation, and the more she tried to suppress it, the harder it became. The Young Miss Liu of that time never imagined she would truly fall in love with that scoundrel, not only bearing him a son but also personally raising their granddaughter.

Liu Yumei’s gaze fell on Aunt Liu. In an instant, Aunt Liu understood why A-Li was so flustered. Liu Yumei at this age was not the strongest, but she was the most formidable. The eldest young lady of the River Dragon King family was not a sheltered noblewoman. Her sword followed her will, striking anyone she pleased, and given the Liu family’s status at the time, no one dared to come seeking an explanation. Furthermore, that young master of the Qin family was famously devoted to her. Not long ago, he even took it upon himself to give her the key to the Qin family’s ancestral sealed land as a gift, simply because he found the beads on the keychain lustrous and beautiful.

Aunt Liu bowed to Liu Yumei. Liu Yumei didn’t recognize these two people, but they gave her a strong sense of familiarity.

Just then, a figure stepped out onto the second-floor balcony. It was A-Li. Today, she was still wearing her training uniform, though it was a pale green, making her stand tall and graceful like a slender bamboo. Liu Yumei looked at A-Li, and a heartfelt smile appeared on her face as she asked, “Which branch of my Liu family is this girl from? She’s as beautiful and spirited as I was when I was young.”

But the next moment, as if sensing something amiss with A-Li, Liu Yumei’s eyes flashed with anger: “How dare they! Who did this?!”

The candlelight in the kitchen began to flicker wildly, so violently that it was almost extinguished. The rage in Liu Yumei’s eyes quickly dispersed, and her sense of confusion intensified. She was stopping herself from thinking, preventing herself from breaking the mental trap she had set for herself. Liu Yumei lowered her head. The blurred consciousness was very uncomfortable, but she still spoke: “This girl, send her to my room from now on. I want to personally instruct her.”

Uncle Qin: “Yes, Mis…”

Aunt Liu quickly responded first: “Yes, Young Miss!”

“Slap!” A fiery red handprint appeared on Uncle Qin’s face. Clearly, although “Mistress” wasn’t fully uttered, Liu Yumei had heard what she was about to say. She didn’t bother to think why she could infer the entire word from just one syllable. Uncle Qin stood stunned, his face burning with pain, but he dared not touch it, much less activate his vital energy to heal.

Liu Yumei: “People brought by that scoundrel are all cut from the same cloth!”

Uncle Qin: “…”

At this moment, the seven Taoists were drawing closer and closer, their murderous intent becoming increasingly palpable. Liu Yumei: “Where did these blind fools come from?” She opened her palm. From the east room, a hum sounded. The sword box under the bed opened, and a sword flew out, landing in Liu Yumei’s hand.

As she turned to leave, Liu Yumei paused again and asked A-Li on the second-floor balcony: “Little girl, will you come with me?”

A-Li didn’t speak.

“If you want to go, come down.”

A-Li took a step, walked forward, off the balcony, and descended. The sword caught her from below. After catching her, with a fluid swing, the girl landed steadily on the ground.

Liu Yumei reached out and took A-Li’s hand: “Which branch of my Liu family are you from? Who is your father?” That pale green training uniform was only permitted for direct descendants of the Liu family. Uncle Qin had learned his lesson. He knew the answer but dared not reply. He felt that if he answered that the girl’s father was her son, he might get a sword through his chest next. Uncle Qin and Aunt Liu didn’t dare to speak, and A-Li was silent.

Liu Yumei: “Mute?”

A strong wave of tenderness rose again. The candle flame in the kitchen, which had just quieted down, once again swayed wildly. After suppressing this inexplicable emotion, Liu Yumei said, “Never mind. No matter which branch you’re from, you’ll follow me from now on.” In the Liu family, she had the confidence to say such things.

A-Li nodded.

Liu Yumei smiled and walked out, holding the girl’s hand. “From now on, you’ll follow me, Young Miss… No, just call me ‘Sister’.”

Aunt Liu and Uncle Qin secretly exchanged glances. When Liu Yumei was this age, neither of them had been born yet, so they truly didn’t know how to serve her. But there was nothing they could do; they still had to follow, careful not to get too close, deliberately maintaining a distance.

The seven Taoist priests had now reached a cement bridge. After crossing it and then turning from the village road onto a small path and walking straight for a while, they would reach Li Sanjiang’s house. Just then, the seven Taoist priests stopped. On the other side of the bridge, a woman appeared, holding a sword in her right hand and leading a girl with her left. It was clear that the woman could not only see them but was also deliberately blocking their path.

The elder Taoist priest leading the group, whose Taoist name was Guangxu, flicked his whisk and calmly stated, “It seems you are allied with evil spirits.” Although they couldn’t sense any evil aura from the woman, they had come to eliminate demons and defend righteousness. If the woman dared to block their way here, she would be deemed an accomplice. He didn’t use a question but a declarative sentence, indicating he had no intention of asking for reasons; he simply wanted to eliminate the problem directly.

Liu Yumei raised her head and looked at Taoist Priest Guangxu. Taoist Priest Guangxu only felt that the woman’s gaze was incredibly sharp, causing his heart rate to quicken at that moment. Because he couldn’t sense any aura from the woman, Taoist Priest Guangxu could only assume it was because the woman was too beautiful. Yes, although her attire was a bit old-fashioned and there was a lingering sense of age about her, her appearance and skin were undeniably youthful, complemented by an inherent heroic spirit. Taoist Priest Guangxu didn’t know the woman’s true age, and of course, what he understood even less was her identity. The woman’s gaze left him and looked behind him. Taoist Priest Guangxu felt a pang of disappointment. Was she looking at his younger martial brothers behind him?

In fact, Liu Yumei was still looking at him, but she was no longer merely observing him; she was using the art of “Gazing at Auras” to trace the source. “You dared to come here with murderous intent. How could merely killing you be enough?” The reason “Liu Yumei” chose to revert to this particular age was because she knew that at this time, she was the most ruthless and unrestrained in her actions.

Taoist Priest Guangxu said, “Do not associate with evil spirits and lead yourself astray. How about this: after this humble Taoist removes that evil cultivator, I will take you back to Qingcheng Taoist Temple. You can serve as my cauldron, and I will help you wash away your karma and earn merit. And yes, that little girl, I’ll take her too. This humble Taoist treats everyone equally and will purify her as well.”

Liu Yumei smiled.

Taoist Priest Guangxu nodded with satisfaction: “It seems you agree. Very good, those who understand the times…” He found himself unable to speak the rest of his sentence. He didn’t know why, only that there was a strange, cool, slippery sensation in his mouth, something he couldn’t bite through. He opened his mouth, letting it slide out. Taoist Priest Guangxu’s eyes widened in horror: it was a section of a tongue, its severed end incredibly smooth. Only then did he belatedly realize that his own tongue had been severed.

The six Taoist priests behind him still didn’t know what had happened. They were still envious, jealous, and indignant. They had come down the mountain to eliminate demons, and unexpectedly, their most senior uncle encountered such a good fortune, acquiring two at once. But when they saw their uncle suddenly flapping his arms wildly and making incomprehensible noises, they finally realized something was wrong. They rushed forward to check: a tongue lay on the ground, and blood continuously poured from their senior brother’s mouth.

“Oh no, evil spirits are attacking!”

“Form the array!”

“Engage the enemy!”

The six Taoist priests each drew their swords and set up an array—the Seven Star Temple’s unique sword formation. But as soon as the sword array was formed, there was a clatter on the ground. All seven swords, including the one in Taoist Priest Guangxu’s hand, fell to the ground. On the hilt end of every fallen sword, there was a severed hand that had been holding it. At this, all seven Taoist priests were dumbfounded, and a deep fear gripped their hearts. How do you fight an opponent who makes you unable to resist, who simply severs your hands and feet without explanation? The abbot had ordered them to descend the mountain to slay the evil spirits tormenting Wen Chenzi, but he hadn’t told them that the evil spirits had such terrifying figures on their side!

At this moment, Taoist Priest Guangxu was the most panicked and terrified, because he had just said those words, and now he couldn’t even utter words of plea or explanation. From beginning to end, although Liu Yumei held a sword, she never swung it. To deal with them, such action was unnecessary; just a little bit of leaked sword energy was enough. She even had to be careful, fearing that too much leaked sword energy might directly shred them.

By the distant fish pond, Xiong Shan, with a Chenzhou Talisman on his forehead, was curiously peeking in this direction. “Huh, who is that? Dressed like the Old Madam, but not the Old Madam, so young?” Lihua nervously tugged at Xiong Shan’s hand: “Those two adults over there said it. When the Old Madam makes a move, you shouldn’t look if you’re not supposed to.” Xiong Shan: “I’m just waiting to clean up afterward. Those corpses can be used to fertilize the fish pond.” No sooner had he spoken than Xiong Shan grunted and lowered his head.

“What’s wrong?” Lihua nervously looked at her husband, seeing blood flowing from his eyes. Xiong Shan immediately knelt down: “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have looked.” Seeing that her husband was not in mortal danger, Lihua actually breathed a sigh of relief. She dared not look towards the bridge, so she looked to either side, noticing that in the far distance, by the field ridges, the two adults, Qin and Liu, were standing there respectfully, heads bowed. “Even the two adults can only stand there waiting, and you dared to look?”

“I know I was wrong, Lihua, quickly get me some ointment.”

“I think it’s better to let it flow for a bit longer. We can treat it afterward; you need to bleed enough.”

“You’re right, wife. I’ll bleed a bit more, as an apology.”

Under the peach orchard, a figure also stood, observing the scene. “Rustle... rustle...” A gust of wind blew by. Little Oriole, who was in Bearded Man’s courtyard holding Benben and making paper effigies, looked up. The wind, coming from outside, only blew into the peach orchard, yet it made her heart pound with genuine fear. Benben, who had been playfully amusing himself in her arms, now properly put his limbs down, closed his eyes, and began to feign sleep. Around the figure under the peach orchard, peach blossoms, severed by sword energy, continuously fell. Yet, it remained standing there, not avoiding, but continuing to watch. The sword energy could only cut down the peach blossoms, but not it. It raised a hand. From under the offering table in the courtyard, the alcohol vapor from the wine jar was drawn out, gathering in its hand under the peach orchard. It had suppressed itself for countless years. Aside from that young man resembling Wei Zhengdao, who could pique its interest, only today had something else interesting happened. After taking a mouthful of wine, it continued to watch. Another round of wind came. This time, it didn’t just sever peach blossoms but also countless peach branches, quickly accumulating a pile around it. But it still watched, its posture unchanged. It even thought that after that Young Miss dealt with the seven on the bridge, she would probably turn into the peach orchard and fight with it, a creature that didn’t know where to put its eyes. “This Young Miss’s temper is quite interesting.”

On the bridge. Liu Yumei gently caressed A-Li’s face; she loved the delicate, smooth touch. At the same time, visible sword lights appeared, cutting towards the seven Taoist priests on the bridge at a not-too-fast speed. Even though they had all lost a hand, their agility remained. Under the deadly threat of the sword energy, the seven Taoist priests began to continuously dodge. Although they were in a sorry state, they mostly managed to avoid the attacks. Only the two with the poorest footwork received a few minor cuts. The white sword energy disappeared. Just as everyone thought they could breathe a sigh of relief, in an instant, they simultaneously realized that the surrounding trees, the crops in the fields, and even the bridge piers had all grown taller. Immediately after, they realized it wasn’t that those things had grown taller, but that they themselves had shrunk. Because their two legs, at some unknown point, had been severed and fallen to the ground. Everything happened so quickly that they didn’t notice anything at first. It was only after their eyes had seen for a while that the pain truly struck. It turned out that the truly unavoidable sword energy was invisible.

Liu Yumei looked at A-Li and asked, “Are you betrothed yet?” In Liu Yumei’s youth, men and women married young. As for engagements and betrothals, they happened even earlier, especially in prominent families.

Liu Yumei: “Are you already betrothed?”

A-Li didn’t react.

Liu Yumei: “It’s fine. If you’re betrothed to someone you don’t like, tell your sister when the time comes, and I’ll help you call it off.”

A-Li shook her head.

Liu Yumei frowned slightly: “You’re still young, what do you understand? Boys your age only know how to sweet-talk. Don’t be fooled. Marriage is for life, and there’s absolutely no room for carelessness. How about this, I’ll go speak with your father. I’ll cancel your engagement for now. You can play around and have fun. When you’re older and have seen the world, then you can marry someone you truly want.”

A-Li smiled.

Liu Yumei nodded with satisfaction. She truly adored this little girl.

Meanwhile, facing her, the seven Taoist priests, who had first been forced into position by her white sword energy, now had their legs severed and were effectively seated. Next, it was time to settle scores. Liu Yumei walked forward, holding A-Li’s hand. In her eyes, various colors and light flickered. Along with her, the surrounding feng shui and atmospheric energies were pulled, as if by a whale swallowing, seized, and then positioned here.

“Oh…” Liu Yumei suddenly felt that the “Gazing at Auras Technique” seemed a bit different; it was smoother and easier to wield when calling upon feng shui power. Could it be that I’ve recently gained new insights into the “Liu Clan’s Gazing at Auras Technique”? Never mind. I’ll deal with this matter first, then thoroughly examine and categorize it later.

Liu Yumei: “If you want to live, invite your patriarchs to possess you!” Regardless of the Taoist sect, they generally had such methods. However, inviting patriarchs to “possess” them didn’t mean actual possession, but rather a spiritual and energetic blessing to increase their success rate when using certain difficult spells. With severed hands and feet, the seven Taoist priests were already terrified. At this moment, they immediately began to follow orders and cast spells, fearing they would be a step too late. The seven Taoist priests sent by Seven Star Temple this time came from seven different lineages. They believed this was an opportunity to descend the mountain to slay demons and earn merit, so they aimed for an equal share of contribution. Now, when inviting the patriarchs, all seven lineages simultaneously called upon them.

The power of feng shui and the atmosphere furiously blessed them. Liu Yumei raised her head, looking skyward. At the same time, for the first time, she raised the sword in her hand. And slashed down fiercely!

Mount Qingcheng was a land of spiritual power and wonder, home to many long-established Taoist temples. Many of these temples remained closed to the public even today, and some, though located on Mount Qingcheng, had no discernible entrance. At the entrance of Seven Star Temple, an old sweeping Taoist priest watched the young Taoists playing in front of him, his eyes filled with kindness. His true identity was known to very few within the temple, and he enjoyed this feeling of blending in like a white dragon in a fish’s disguise. Compared to grander Taoist temples, Seven Star Temple’s history wasn’t particularly long. When it was founded, it only had three lineages; the subsequent four were added by later generations. He was the founder of the fifth lineage, a figure who could be called a patriarch in the Seven Star Temple’s lineage. The patriarchs of the sixth and seventh lineages were also still alive, but they stayed secluded, enjoying the offerings from their disciples.

“Pfft…” The old sweeping Taoist suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. He looked up and saw a phantom sword energy hovering above him. The old Taoist immediately showed horror, saying fearfully, “Which fellow Taoist has arrived? Is there some misunderstanding?”

Liu Yumei’s voice emerged from the sword: “Kill ten direct disciples, or I will sever your cultivation foundation!” There was no room for negotiation; it was merely an order. The old Taoist discerned the decisiveness in the other party’s voice. He immediately looked at the young Taoists below who were practicing and playing, and his eyes instantly turned red. Previously, he had an excellent relationship with these young Taoists; they liked him very much. But now, the old Taoist picked up his broom, leaped, and swept directly at one of them. With a “smack!”, the Taoist’s body exploded, followed immediately by the next. Ten must be killed, absolutely ten. That person had the ability to destroy his cultivation foundation. No, absolutely not. He still wanted to achieve immortality. How could he be ruined here!

The same thing was happening in two other places within Seven Star Temple. Two patriarchs, who had been in secluded cultivation for many years, suddenly broke out and began to slaughter their own direct disciples. Inside Seven Star Temple’s main hall, Ling Fengzi had just finished a discussion and dismissed his junior brothers. He was supposed to personally lead the team to Nantong, but due to some minor matters, he had a more senior junior brother lead instead. Just then, as Ling Fengzi picked up his tea, he suddenly felt a terrifying vibration from within the main hall. Ling Fengzi immediately formed a hand seal and struck the offering table in front of him. The statue above slowly tilted backward, revealing the grotto-heaven within. This was the resting place of Seven Star Temple’s past abbots and lineage masters. Burying them here not only allowed them to suppress the temple’s fortune but also enabled them to draw nourishment from the temple, seeking an opportunity for ascension after death. But now, all the coffins, regardless of age, began to tremble.

“Crack…”

“Crack…”

The lids of some coffins had already cracked open. The ancestral predecessors were struggling and resisting frantically, as if collectively rising from the dead! Ling Fengzi cried out in horror, “What is happening? What is going on?!”

“Boom! Boom! Boom!” From inside each coffin, booming sounds echoed, as if invisible bolts of thunder were fiercely striking down. The perfectly preserved bodies of the ancestral predecessors, whose faces were like those in life, were now turning into charcoal one by one. Along with them, the accumulated fortune of Seven Star Temple since its founding was also shattered. Ling Fengzi cried out in horror, “What is happening? What is going on?!”

The slaughter outside continued. Initially, it was the three living lineage masters doing the killing. Then, those who inherited these lineages were also threatened and began to kill. Throughout Seven Star Temple, screams echoed everywhere. Countless Taoists, filled with profound bewilderment and despair, died at the hands of the elders they usually respected deeply. These elders even feared that ten wouldn’t be enough, afraid that person wouldn’t be satisfied. Even after killing ten, they didn’t dare stop, wanting to kill a few more for insurance.

Just then, starting with the old sweeping Taoist. His broom was already covered in blood, yet a sword energy still cleaved into his body, splitting his brow and causing his life force to irreversibly drain away rapidly. “You… you said… you would spare my foundation…”

“I won’t destroy your foundation; I just want your life!”

Nantong, Siyuan Village, Cement Bridge. Liu Yumei, using the power of feng shui, slashed down with her sword. This was the true application of the art of feng shui; this was the manifestation of the Dragon King Liu’s deep heritage.

“Since you dared to trespass presumptuously and insult my Dragon King household, then today, I shall sever your lineage!”