Chapter 204: With Feiwang Bai

Moonlake, having been the stronghold of the sect Yuehua Yuanfu centuries ago, naturally possessed excellent geomantic and spiritual veins. The South Bank, near Mount Dali, was rich in spiritual herbs and demonic creatures. The West Bank, close to the great desert, had a loose geological structure and yielded various spiritual ores. The North Bank, however, was where spiritual veins converged, with magnificent mountains and rivers. The East Bank, occupied by the Yu family, was flat and fertile land.

Li Tongya flew across Moonlake for the first time, heading towards the North Bank. The journey, spanning several hundred li, would have taken a day and a night by boat. In some areas, aquatic demonic creatures resided; they emerged to probe Li Tongya’s aura before scuttling back into the water.

Li Tongya bothered little with these creatures, lacking any benevolent urge to slay demons. Once in the water, these creatures became cunning and troublesome. Without a fox demon to gather intelligence, killing a young one might invite an elder, which was hardly worth the meager scraps; getting entangled would only bring more trouble.

Halfway, he flew past the ruins of the market on the lake island, which had been thoroughly plundered. Business for large ships had long ceased, with only the formidable barrier array above still operating, emitting flashes of lightning.

Li Qinghong watched quietly the entire way until the North Bank appeared before them. She observed the clear lake water crashing against the cliffs, sending sprays of foam into the air. A waterfall cascaded from a stone cave on the cliff, plunging into the lake with a thunderous roar. She examined it carefully and said softly:

“The North Bank’s terrain is higher and its climate colder, with many cliffs, rock faces, snowy peaks, and cold pools along the shore, unlike the boundless reed marsh near our home. Both have their unique advantages. If we speak of nurturing life, the South Bank’s climate is much more pleasant. But for cultivation, the North Bank, with its magnificent mountains and rivers and concentrated spiritual veins, is superior.”

Li Tongya nodded in approval and continued flying north for a while, the terrain becoming increasingly steep. Finally, a towering, precipitous peak emerged into view, shrouded in mist and clouds, adorned with ancient, vigorous pine and cypress trees. A translucent array enveloped it, giving it the appearance of a celestial realm.

Buildings stood densely on the mountain, and figures could vaguely be seen moving—some sitting cross-legged, others sparring with spears and swords. Snow covered the mountaintop, where a small, elegant pavilion was nestled.

Clad in a gray robe, Li Tongya ascended through the air, lightly tapping the array and channeling his spiritual power as he murmured:

“This humble rogue cultivator, Wan, has come to visit. I ask senior to reveal himself.”

Instantly, several figures ascended from below, their spiritual senses probing. Li Tongya’s robe, sewn from spiritual fabric, subtly blocked these prying gazes. After standing in the air for more than ten breaths, a stream of light flew up and halted before Li Tongya.

This middle-aged man, in an embroidered white robe, landed gracefully before him with a smiling face. His demeanor was refined and elegant; it was indeed Fei Wangbai.

“This is not the place to speak, Brother Wan. Please come inside.”

Fei Wangbai was quick-witted, readily addressing him as "Brother Wan." Li Tongya nodded, and together with Li Qinghong, landed at the small pavilion on the mountaintop. They followed Fei Wangbai into the pavilion, took their seats, and picked up their tea. Only then did Fei Wangbai sigh:

“Brother Tongya, please accept my condolences.”

“Alas.” Li Tongya paused, knowing well what Fei Wangbai referred to but not wishing to dwell on it. Instead, he gestured towards Li Qinghong and said:

“This girl is the child I spoke to senior about. Please take a look, senior.”

Fei Wangbai observed Li Qinghong for a few moments, finding her quite pleasing. When he asked her to open her hands, he saw calluses from wear. He nodded slightly and replied:

“Rest assured, Brother Tongya, I will personally guide her.”

This matter had already been settled, so there was no great surprise. As long as Li Qinghong wasn't a lazy, dissolute character, Fei Wangbai was certain to accept her. At Li Tongya’s mere gesture, Li Qinghong knelt and respectfully said:

“Master!”

Fei Wangbai nodded repeatedly in acceptance, and watching Li Qinghong, he mused:

“It's enough that she's sensible; I don't expect her to achieve anything extraordinary. This girl is pretty and pleasant to look at.”

Fei Wangbai greatly valued appearance; the Fei family’s disciples were all good-looking, and slovenly appearances grated on him. Seeing Li Qinghong, he felt a sense of relief and said gently:

“You may go out. I wish to speak with your great-father.”

“Yes!” Seeing Li Tongya nod slightly, Li Qinghong respectfully withdrew. She quickly exited the inner hall and saw white snow fluttering outside, drifting down in the dim night. Smiling, she took a step forward and opened the courtyard gate.

“Oh dear!” Unexpectedly, someone cried out and stumbled in from outside the gate. Fortunately, Li Qinghong, being a third-level Fetal Breath cultivator, gracefully sidestepped, avoiding them. She then saw a splendidly dressed youth fall with a thud, grimacing in pain.

“Who are you?” Li Qinghong smiled as she helped him up. At her age, she was at her most radiant, her voice spirited and rising, possessing an innate brightness. Yet, her features held a gentle grace, causing the youth to blush and stutter, unable to speak.

“Fei... Fei Tongxiao.”

Clink. Inside the room, Li Tongya watched Fei Wangbai set down his teacup and smiled faintly. Fei Wangbai, feeling awkward, shook his head and mumbled:

“That child...”

“Youthful infatuation is understandable.” Li Tongya gently offered an excuse. Fei Wangbai nodded, then brought the conversation back, saying solemnly:

“Brother Tongya, are you truly confident you can find two or more Foundation Establishment cultivators to assist after you achieve Foundation Establishment?”

“Indeed.” Li Tongya nodded lightly, appearing perfectly confident, and replied:

“My younger brother had someone bring me a Suiyuan Pill. With the enhancement of this pill, it’s worth gambling on.”

Upon hearing this, Fei Wangbai sighed softly and replied:

“We are not disciples of great sects; we lack the secret cultivation techniques passed down through generations. We don’t know what our chances are for Foundation Establishment. It has always been a gamble with one's life...”

“My great-grandfather died trying, my father also died trying. Out of ten members of my Fei family over three generations who attempted to break through to Foundation Establishment, only I succeeded.”

This topic cast a somber mood over both men. Fei Wangbai regained his composure, clenched his jaw, and said gravely:

“Alright! I trust you, Brother Li Tongya!”

He raised his cup in a toast, then smiled again:

“I can buy Brother Tongya three years. During these three years, the Yu family will definitely be too busy to target your family. After three years, for another five years, the Yu family will be in disarray, tying down Yu Mugao.”

Seeing Li Tongya nod, Fei Wangbai continued:

“However, Brother Tongya must succeed. These eight years were bought at the cost of many backup plans and hidden pieces. If Brother Tongya fails Foundation Establishment and perishes...” Fei Wangbai sighed softly, his voice muffled:

“Then this lake truly will become the Yu family’s sole domain, with all other families dismantled one by one over the next century, destroyed by Yu Mugao!”

Li Tongya nodded lightly. If he failed Foundation Establishment, the Li family’s threat to the Yu family would significantly diminish. The Li family might enjoy a night of peace, but once news of Li Chijian’s death returned, they would still face the fate of clan annihilation.

Li Tongya rode the wind across the lake for a while until the brilliant morning glow rose and the vast reed marsh of the South Bank finally appeared before him. He stopped and watched for a while, a wave of emotion washing over him.

“Gambling my life.”

Looking at the small island within the reed marsh, Li Tongya gently landed on it. The rugged rocks glittered with a golden light in the morning sun, and Li Tongya suddenly felt a pang of disorientation.

He remembered years ago, leading Xiang Ping through the reed marsh, standing on this muddy bank with the pháp giám in hand. He had stripped off his top, ready to swim to the island, while Xiang Ping huddled in the reeds, clutching the pháp giám. Li Tongya was just a half-grown boy then, bare-chested under the setting sun, instructing his younger brother.

“Sir! Where are you headed?” Li Tongya slowly raised his head. A small boat glided across the calm lake surface. The old man at the bow, clad in a straw cape and with a face full of wrinkles, propelled the boat with a long bamboo pole, smiling as he asked:

“Sir, are you going to Licuan Estuary?”