Chapter 229: Cultivation Method

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yongling’s expression subtly changed. After a moment of hesitation, he whispered, "This... wouldn't it be disrespectful to the noble families? I'm afraid it's inappropriate."

Li Tongya naturally understood that Xiao Yongling’s words were merely polite formalities. He cupped his hands and said, "The affairs of our two families have not yet been openly declared, and my breakthrough to Foundation Establishment has not been widely publicized. To so grandly take the main seat would be to needlessly lose the initiative. Brother Yongling, there's no need to overthink it. The friendship between our families is natural; there's no need to be constrained by common etiquette."

Xiao Yongling nodded repeatedly. How could he not understand the implications? He was simply concerned that assigning them to a lower position might create resentment between the two families. That's why he had come to find Li Tongya early, specifically pointing out the Li family's position, waiting for Li Tongya's response. He then cupped his hands and said, "Brother Tongya, you are discerning. Yongling has already arranged seats on the other side and staggered the positions of the various families from Moonlit Lake to be far from the lowest seats. When the time comes, with the mist and clouds, no one will rudely probe with their spiritual senses to look around. Rest assured, everything will be fine."

Xiao Yongling handled the matter smoothly. Li Tongya nodded with a smile, expressed his thanks, and headed towards the lower seats. Xiao Yongling personally saw him off before returning to the main area, which was still largely empty. Behind him, Xiao Jiuqing praised, "Seeing Elder Brother's interaction with Senior Tongya is like mountains echoing valleys and the moon shining on a clear stream—truly astonishing."

Xiao Yongling chuckled, patted his shoulder, and laughed, "Oh, your mouth! If you're second at giving compliments, no one dares claim first."

Xiao Jiuqing smiled and repeatedly apologized. Xiao Yongling chuckled, then grew slightly serious and replied, "That's an exaggeration. Both Li Tongya and I tend to overthink and speak tactfully, which is why our words align so well. If Li Xuanfeng had come today, I would have explained the pros and cons to him the night before, then arranged the seating. I wouldn't have taken such a risk."

Xiao Jiuqing quickly nodded, then spoke again, "I understand, thank you for the lesson. However, I heard that the Azure Pond Sect's southern frontier has been struck by a demonic disaster again, and they are recruiting people to go to Yishan City. Is there any truth to this?"

Xiao Yongling shook his head and replied, "The Demon King of the Southern Frontier and the Azure Pond Sect have always colluded. It's just Chi Zhiyun's scheme. Fortunately, our family is not currently under Azure Pond's jurisdiction, so there's no need to worry."

As the Xiao brothers chatted, Li Tongya had already found a seat. After waiting for a while, people gradually began to fill the upper seats. A white-haired old man sat down in the seat next to him. He looked around curiously, then glanced at Li Tongya, his expression immediately shifting to surprise. He respectfully said, "Greetings, Senior..."

The area around Li Tongya was filled with seats for cultivators at the Fetal Breath and Qi Refining stages. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator sitting alone among them, everyone nearby avoided him out of fear. This person only dared to offer a greeting, afraid that Li Tongya might be some eccentric rogue Foundation Establishment cultivator, and didn't dare to say more. He turned his head and quietly drank his wine.

Li Tongya was also content with this. He looked up, watching as the jade platform at the top gradually filled with people. Then he heard an announcement: "Cultivation Transcendence Sect, True Person Shangyuan has arrived!" "Among the Three Sects and Seven Gates, Cultivation Transcendence Sect is the first to arrive."

Discussions buzzed all around. Li Tongya looked up and saw a figure already seated at the high table. The True Person wore white, loose-fitting robes, with green jade adorning the collar. Their face was indistinct, and a sword swayed loosely at their waist. They sat upright at the head table, holding a jade cup with fingers as white as jade, quietly examining it. There seemed to be nothing particularly remarkable about them.

"It is a great honor to trouble Senior with such a long journey and for bestowing your precious invitation. Our humble peak is truly graced by your presence, and Chuting is deeply grateful."

Xiao Chuting's voice echoed across the peak. Li Tongya's expression became slightly serious as he listened. He saw the True Person at the head table put down the jade cup and nod slightly, as if in acknowledgment. He couldn't help but think to himself, "Xiao Chuting is adopting such a humble stance... This person must be a True Person at the late or even peak stage of Violet Palace. Although the Cultivation Transcendence Sect has always been low-key, it is still one of the Three Sects and possesses profound heritage!"

Those below whispered even more amongst themselves. The Cultivation Transcendence Sect, though one of the Three Sects, was the most inconspicuous among them. Not only was its mountain gate elusive, but it also allowed the noble families under its rule a great deal of autonomy, subtly adopting a posture of observing the unfolding events. It was also the only sect that had a Violet Palace immortal family under its governance.

Li Tongya was still listening to the whispers around him when he saw a red light flash at the head table, and another Violet Palace cultivator appeared, with a youthful face and hair like a crane's feathers, holding a jade ruler, his white beard flowing. "Mystic Mountain Gate, True Person Changxi has arrived!" "Changxi greets Senior!"

As soon as True Person Changxi appeared, he hastily cupped his hands in greeting. True Person Shangyuan, clad in white robes with green jade on his collar, at the head table, responded softly. Only then did True Person Changxi dare to raise his head, turn, and congratulate, "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist, on your breakthrough to Violet Palace."

Li Tongya, from his lower seat, observed carefully and was secretly astonished. He focused on the sword at True Person Shangyuan's waist for a moment, then quickly lowered his head, not daring to look further. He mused, "This True Person Shangyuan is probably a Sword Immortal; otherwise, it would be difficult for several other True Persons to be so respectful."

"Metalworking Gate..." "Long Night Gate..."

The Violet Palace cultivators at the head table arrived one by one, all gesturing with cupped hands towards True Person Shangyuan before taking their seats. Except for True Person Shangyuan of the Cultivation Transcendence Sect, all the others brought Foundation Establishment disciples. Li Tongya observed carefully; besides the positions for the Three Sects and Seven Gates, there were also a few Violet Palace immortal families.

"Azure Pond Sect, True Person Buzi has arrived!"

As soon as the True Person from the Azure Pond Sect arrived, the main seats were now full. Xiao Chuting smiled and cupped his hands, exchanging a few pleasantries. Then, celestial music filled the air, presenting a scene of peace and tranquility.

Li Tongya looked up for a while and saw a familiar face among the people at the Purple Mist Gate's table. That person was stroking his beard, happily drinking wine, using his jade chopsticks to pick through the dishes, and humming some tune.

"This fellow, he's living quite comfortably now!"

Li Tongya was amused and exasperated. He shook his head helplessly, watching the man take his seat below the True Person of Purple Mist Gate. He should have reached Foundation Establishment by now. Li Tongya sighed to himself, "It's not very convenient right now, but I wonder if I can find an opportunity to ask him about something. This Lingyanzi said he'd send spirit stones to my family, but there's been no news for years, yet here he is, living it up."

This person was naturally Lingyanzi, the Purple Mist Gate cultivator who had come to Lijing Mountain during their pursuit. Li Tongya and he had conspired to eliminate the two Long Night Gate cultivators, but they were left with two enchanted storage bags that they couldn't use. So, they had let Lingyanzi take them back to exchange for spirit stones, with the promise that he would return them.

Li Tongya hadn't really expected the fellow to deliver them personally, and sure enough, after more than ten years, Li Tongya hadn't seen a single thing. Now that he saw the man, he decided to ask about it. "I'm just afraid this old guy will renege on the debt. I'll just ask. If it doesn't work out, then it's a lost cause!"

Xu Gongming rode his horse along the mountain path. It had just rained, and the ground was very muddy. The horse's hooves kicked up splashes of mud. The dripping sounds of water in the forest and the distorted sound of the wind reached him, making him frown slightly.

He was now at the fourth layer of Fetal Breath cultivation, and he could run much faster than the horse he was riding. But humans are always lazy, and even immortals are no exception. For him to get off and walk in this rain, he'd rather just stay indoors.

Xu Gongming was now over thirty years old. Old Master Xu had passed away last year, and someone from the mountain had been sent to offer condolences. After all, Old Master Xu was Xu San's son, and there were still some ties with Li Xuanxuan and Li Xuanfeng.

Xu Gongming repeatedly thanked the envoy and sent him back. Alongside his gratitude, there was a sense of sadness, as this signified that the favor between the Xu family and the main household had diminished further. After managing the funeral affairs, he hastily came to the Huajian towns to take up his post.

Upon arriving, he first visited the person in charge from the main household. Xu Gongming then rushed non-stop to the small courtyard behind the town to meet Tian Zhongqing, the Tian family's representative for their interests in the Huajian towns.

Xu Gongming dismounted, and a young servant came forward to take the reins and lead the horse away. Xu Gongming gently knocked on the door and said to the approaching doorkeeper, "Please inform your master that his old friend Xu Gongming has arrived."

Both the Xu family and the Tian family were long-standing households in Lijing Town. Their old residences were close by, and Xu Gongming used to play with Tian Zhongqing when they were children. After many years apart, they no longer recognized each other. However, since meeting a few years ago and having worked together frequently, their relationship was considered quite good.

The door creaked open, and a handsome young man emerged, a sword at his waist. He stepped forward, delightedly saying, "I haven't seen Gongming in months!"

Xu Gongming laughed heartily and politely entered the courtyard. Tian Zhongqing closed the courtyard gate, had a servant bring tea, and exchanged pleasantries with him for a while. Xu Gongming then made a gesture of congratulations, saying, "Congratulations, Brother Zhongqing! It seems the second Qi Refining cultivator from an outside family is going to be from your household!"

Tian Zhongqing laughed heartily. The Tian family's peak Fetal Breath cultivator had ascended Lijing Mountain a few days ago, received elixirs bestowed by the main household, and had already gone to Huajian Mountain for secluded cultivation. Knowing Xu Gongming was congratulating him on this matter, he smiled, "This is entirely due to the generosity of the main household. We are endlessly grateful in our hearts. If there's anyone to congratulate, it's the main household."

He then grew serious and replied, "My clan uncle is already over fifty years old. He was discovered years ago from among the older farmers through re-evaluation of his cultivation roots. His talent is excellent, but unfortunately, he started cultivating too late, needlessly missing the best opportunities. Now, he can only try for Qi Refining. If he succeeds, that's best. If not, then he can only become a mixed-Qi cultivator."

Xu Gongming nodded slightly. Li Qiuyang's breakthrough had failed, and the Li family had only just announced new rules a few months ago, informing everyone about Qi Refining and mixed-Qi cultivation. He first offered a few congratulations and spoke some auspicious words.

Tian Zhongqing responded to each point, then whispered, "Brother Gongming, have you come here this time... with instructions from your clan?"

Xu Gongming shook his head and whispered in reply, "How could there be any instructions? I'm merely assigned to the Huajian towns. After all, there are more cultivators in Lijing Town now, and the spiritual energy isn't as abundant as before, making cultivation less favorable. Those old fellows who have no hope of Qi Refining and are just biding their time don't care, but I can't just waste my time there."

Xu Gongming took the tea, took a sip, and then continued, "My old master passed away a few months ago. He still had some ties with those on the mountain, so someone came down to offer condolences. When I brought up the matter, I found an opportunity to be released."

"I see!"

Tian Zhongqing nodded, raised an eyebrow, and cupped his hands, "Brother, please accept my condolences."

"Oh."

Xu Gongming waved his hand, a hint of bitterness on his face. He replied, "The legacy of our ancestors has been used up. The Xu family now only has me as a cultivator. If I don't achieve Qi Refining, I'm afraid our family will decline and become no different from commoners or impoverished households."

Tian Zhongqing paused slightly. His Tian family was currently the most powerful under the Li family's rule and naturally never had such worries. He could only sigh reassuringly and replied, "Brother Gongming, your talent is exceptional; Qi Refining will naturally be no problem for you."

It would have been better not to mention it. Upon hearing the words "exceptional talent," Xu Gongming found it particularly ironic. He chuckled bitterly and replied, "Brother Zhongqing, you've been in Huajian for a long time, so your information is probably not well-informed. If you knew the news from the clan, you probably wouldn't say 'exceptional talent'!"

Tian Zhongqing was immediately stunned and couldn't help but ask. Seeing his reaction, Xu Gongming raised an eyebrow, put down his cup, and said with a smile, "Brother, take a guess: what are the cultivation levels of those two from the main household now?"

"Those two?"

Tian Zhongqing pondered slightly, knowing Xu Gongming was referring to Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong. He smiled and said, "I don't know about the other one, but I've seen Young Master Jiao's cultivation speed. Could it be the fourth layer of Fetal Breath?"

"The fourth layer of Fetal Breath?"

Xu Gongming sneered and replied, "They have both cultivated the Jade Capital Wheel and reached the fifth layer of Fetal Breath!"

"What?!"

Tian Zhongqing's mouth suddenly went bitter. He knew his own talent was the highest in the Tian family, yet he was only at the fourth layer of Fetal Breath. Li Qinghong and Li Yuanjiao, merely seventeen or eighteen years old, had already reached the fifth layer of Fetal Breath. He immediately sighed, "I've truly been cultivating in vain for over a decade!"

Xu Gongming also sighed and remained silent. Both fell into a moment of quiet, with only the rustling autumn wind and the sound of raindrops left in the courtyard. Xu Gongming drank two large sips of tea before whispering, "Can the bloodline of Foundation Establishment be so noble? Three generations all at Qi Refining. It truly makes us envious."

"Qi Refining?"

It was Tian Zhongqing's turn to sneer now. He interrupted, whispering, "The Old Ancestor hasn't emerged from seclusion for many years. It's possible he's already refined six cycles, broken through to Foundation Establishment, and is rebuilding the family!"

Xu Gongming was startled. He calmed himself and thought carefully, finding it increasingly plausible but not entirely agreeing. He simply replied, "It's only been three or four years. Foundation Establishment is a matter of life or death. The Old Ancestor is most likely in seclusion, attempting to break through to Foundation Establishment, and is at a critical juncture. As for success or failure, it's still unknown."

As they discussed this topic, both fell silent simultaneously, drinking tea to cover their awkwardness and fear. After more than ten breaths, Tian Zhongqing finally calmed himself and said doubtfully, "It's just that their cultivation speed is truly astonishing. The Yu family and Fei family are also Foundation Establishment families, but I heard that the Yu family only produced one genius, Yu Muxian. Apart from that immortal sect disciple, Yu Mujian and Yu Mugao were also in their late twenties to nearly thirty when they reached Qi Refining..."

The Tian family had produced Spirit Aperture descendants for three generations and gathered extensive information from various sources, having connections both on and off the mountain. Tian Zhongqing's words truly opened Xu Gongming's eyes. He nodded repeatedly and replied, "Starting cultivation at seven, and only cultivating for ten years by seventeen. One cycle every two years..."

They exchanged a glance. Tian Zhongqing whispered, "I've also been to Lijing Mountain; its spiritual vein isn't as good as Huajian Mountain's. The difference between Fetal Breath stages shouldn't be so vast."

Tian Zhongqing paused, then extended his left hand. The young man's eyes grew brighter as he pressed down each finger, stating gravely, "Talent." "Elixirs." "Spiritual energy."

Both men froze for a moment. Xu Gongming opened his mouth, then lowered his head as if guilty. Tian Zhongqing also slowly began to speak, and both said in unison, "Cultivation method!"