Chapter 218: The Aspiration of Qinghong

After dozens of exchanges, Li Tongya sheathed his sword. The surging river water transformed into dozens of clear, bright water swords, hovering silently, while the remaining waves floated around him, enveloping him. The cold climate caused tiny ice crystals to appear in the river water beside him, and from time to time, a string of icy powder rustled down.

Fei Wangbai also put away his spear and stood still. The cloak behind him transformed into countless streams of brocade, then quickly dispersed into spiritual energy and vanished. The wind and snow gradually subsided, and Li Tongya's flowing water manipulation technique also dissipated. The river water dropped like heavy rain, pattering onto the mountains instead of turning into hail upon landing.

"Brother Wangbai, your spear skills are excellent."

Li Tongya's imposing aura slowly receded as he landed back by the jade table. Fei Wangbai also descended, smiling, and whispered, "Everyone knows Brother Tongya's swordsmanship is superb, but few know his water manipulation technique is equally impressive."

After their exchange, both had a good understanding of each other's abilities. This would better prepare them for future confrontations, as a real bout was far more effective than a verbal introduction. They now knew each other's true capabilities and intricate techniques.

After exchanging a few compliments, Li Tongya chuckled and shook his head, then suddenly looked up and smiled, "My Qinghong is here."

Fei Wangbai flicked a finger, and the small door to the pavilion creaked open. Someone came up the stairs with light footsteps. Dressed in white, carrying a spear, and smiling like a crescent moon, it was naturally Li Qinghong.

"Greetings, Master!"

"Greetings, Grandfather! Congratulations on reaching Foundation Establishment!"

"Mm-hm," both elders replied. Another young man emerged from within the pavilion, cupped his hands in greeting to them, then stood respectfully to the side.

"This is my direct grandson, Fei Tongxiao," Fei Wangbai introduced him with a smile, then spoke, "What do you think?"

Li Qinghong and Fei Tongxiao, standing nearby, seemed not to have heard. They only saw the two elders sitting opposite each other, not speaking. Clearly, Fei Wangbai had cast a spell, subtly drawing them into an illusion.

Li Tongya merely glanced at them and understood what Fei Wangbai was implying. He shook his head and replied, "My Qinghong is a Foundation Establishment seed. I would be reluctant to marry her off to anyone. Unless she herself agrees, my family will not give her away in marriage."

Fei Wangbai shook his head regretfully. He had watched Li Qinghong grow up over the past three years and thought highly of the child. He could only apologize for his presumption and change the subject.

Li Tongya chatted with him for a few more moments. He put down his cup and smiled, "Thank you for your hospitality these past few years. Qinghong, thank the senior."

Li Qinghong curtsied gracefully and expressed her gratitude. Only then did Li Tongya take out several jade boxes from his storage pouch and say softly, "I entrust this child to your care, Brother Wangbai. This is a small token of my appreciation, unworthy as a true mark of respect."

Fei Wangbai, unable to refuse, waved his sleeve and accepted them. Li Tongya chatted with him for a couple more minutes, then finally cupped his hands in farewell and departed, riding the wind with Li Qinghong, leaving Fei Tongxiao standing in the pavilion, looking forlorn.

"Tongxiao," Fei Wangbai took a sip of tea and said in a low voice, "Go cultivate when you have time. Don't let others leave you too far behind, lest you lose all hope."

Fei Tongxiao respectfully nodded and exited. Only then did Fei Wangbai gently set down his cup and say with a touch of emotion in a low voice, "It's just a pity that girl's talent is too exceptional."

Li Tongya flew over the lake, riding the wind. Beneath him, the deep blue lake water sparkled. It was late, and pale moonlight cast its glow. Li Qinghong beside him was in high spirits, a smile unconsciously curving her lips.

On one hand, her elder family member had achieved Foundation Establishment, providing a strong backing. On the other hand, she would also see family members she hadn't seen in years. Li Qinghong felt a surge of elation. If Li Tongya hadn't been there, she would have started humming a tune.

"Qinghong," Li Tongya suddenly spoke and asked with a smile, "Qinghong, that young man from the Fei family probably has some feelings for you. What do you think of him?"

"Ah." Li Qinghong hadn't expected Li Tongya to ask about this. She was slightly startled. After pondering for a few breaths, she replied with a resolute expression, "This junior has no romantic inclinations, nor do I wish to be a wife or concubine..."

Li Qinghong's almond-shaped eyes gleamed with spirit. Her dark hair, tied behind her head, was lifted by the evening breeze from the lake, and moonlight illuminated her vermilion lips. Li Qinghong declared clearly, "Though a girl, not a man, I also have the ambition to forge the Six Wheels and refine divine abilities! I want to pursue immortals and eliminate demons, to guard the realm and bring peace to the people! With a flick of my red spear tassel, even heroes shall be humbled, and immortals shall lower their gaze in awe!"

Li Tongya had not expected such words to come from Li Qinghong's mouth. It struck him with awe. Looking at Li Qinghong's smiling face, he was silent for a few breaths, then said softly, "It's difficult."

Li Qinghong's expression grew even more resolute. She took Li Tongya's hand and whispered, "Qinghong wants that 'Purple Thunder Secret Core Technique'!"

"No," Li Tongya shook his head and directly refused her. He said gently, "The 'Purple Thunder Secret Core Technique' was adapted from a fourth-grade cultivation method, but it is a secret technique. Though thunder is a supreme destructive method, the technique is too overbearing; it can cut off one's descendants and even reduce lifespan..."

"Grandfather, I know," Li Qinghong nodded and said through clenched teeth, "It is precisely because I want to learn the supreme destructive methods of thunder, and the family has that Foundation Establishment spear. This junior never intended to serve others as a wife or concubine. This technique is Qinghong's most favored."

"Alas," Li Tongya shook his head and advised, "You still have a few years of Qi Refining ahead. You should reconsider."

Li Qinghong respectfully assented. When she looked up, Mount Lijing, bathed in the pale golden glow of the formation, was already distantly visible before them. Seeing that she was about to reunite with her parents and younger siblings, Li Qinghong's spirits immediately lifted. Li Tongya, however, remained frowning, with an unspeakable feeling in his heart.

"Qinghong has lofty ambitions. I wonder if it will be a blessing or a misfortune."

Bringing Li Qinghong, he landed on the mountain. Li Xuanxuan and Li Xuanling were already waiting in the mountain pass. Li Xuanling and his daughter, not having seen each other for many years, naturally embraced tearfully. Li Xuanxuan, meanwhile, stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Second Uncle... someone from the Xiao family is here. Senior Xiao Yuansi has been waiting in the courtyard for a while."

Li Tongya was watching with a smile. He was startled by the news and quickly turned his head. He followed Li Xuanxuan into the house. Stepping over the threshold, he saw Xiao Yuansi sitting to the side, holding a jade slip. Li Tongya adjusted his grey robes and cloud-patterned sleeves, then said respectfully, "Tongya greets Senior. I apologize for keeping you waiting!"

Xiao Yuansi put away the jade slip in his hand. His expression was quite complex, and he sighed, "Not at all, not at all. Now I should be calling you fellow Daoist."

Xiao Yuansi had personally witnessed Li Tongya ascending the immortal path step by step. When he first met him, Li Tongya was merely a small cultivator at the third level of Embryonic Breathing, revolving the spirit wheel. Now he had established his immortal foundation. He sighed, but then saw Li Tongya compose himself, cup his hands in a bow, and say gravely, "Senior's kindness to my family is as great as a mountain, and you have guided us with earnest teachings like a master. To be called fellow Daoist would truly humble this junior!"

Xiao Yuansi chuckled. His mood relaxed considerably, and he smiled, "This is a great joyous occasion, don't overthink it! With you achieving so much, I can also report back to Chijing."

Li Tongya took a seat lower than Xiao Yuansi. Then he saw Xiao Yuansi smile, "My ancestor made an auspicious agreement with your family back then. Tongya, do you still remember?"