Chapter 235: Sending Faction to the Mountains

Xiao Chuting paused and said softly, "Now that I am a Purple Mansion cultivator, having mastered my divine abilities and made a name for myself in the Underworld, there are many matters I cannot directly interfere with. Yuansi's idea of me taking action is too naive. The four True Masters of the Qingchi Sect are all observing. I can use my divine abilities to orchestrate and influence the situation, but if I were to personally step in and kill Yu Yufeng, it would break the rules."

Li Tongya quickly bowed and replied, "Everything will be done according to your wishes, True Master. Our family awaits your arrangements respectfully."

Seeing his respectful attitude, Xiao Chuting nodded slightly and responded, "I have reviewed the jade slip Yuansi brought back. It is indeed True Master Xianyou's movement technique, which is very significant to us. Our two families have a good relationship, and your Li family is currently being bullied by the Yu family, so you should be helped. Although I cannot directly intervene in this matter, I can easily control him."

As a Purple Mansion True Master, Xiao Chuting could, in fact, make the Yu family panic and apologize with just one word, even making Yu Xiaogui personally come to apologize. How could they then dare to secretly bully the Li family? His words were merely an excuse to suppress the Yu family and support the Li family in Wangyue Lake. Li Tongya, naturally, was delighted and listened respectfully.

"Furthermore, my Xiao family has become an independent immortal clan, no longer under Qingchi's jurisdiction. We cannot arbitrarily send Foundation Establishment cultivators to kill members of Qingchi families. Fortunately, though my Xiao family is not large in influence, we do have several Foundation Establishment guest cultivators. I will instruct a few of them to make a trip and deal with Yu Yufeng."

Xiao Chuting's tone was calm. Li Tongya acknowledged this, then asked doubtfully, "However, Yu Yufeng is very cautious and spends his days in secluded cultivation within his sect's gates, rarely stepping out. It won't be easy to corner and kill him..."

"Hmm."Xiao Chuting smiled faintly, gently lifting the white jade fishing rod in his hand. He pulled the unbaited jade hook from the deep pool, creating ripples on the water's surface. He replied with a smile, "Yu Yufeng will come out. Not only will he come out, but he will also travel east along the Ancient Li Road to a quiet, uninhabited, nameless hill in the Mushroom Forest Plain, and wait for us there."

Li Tongya felt a chill run down his spine, his pores tingling with dread. He thought to himself, "Could it be... that a Purple Mansion True Master's divine abilities are truly this powerful...?"On his face, however, he nodded gravely. He then saw Xiao Chuting's tone change, becoming somewhat earnest, as he began, "As for your Li family, you must also consider your future path carefully. Once the Yu family falls, there will be no prominent leader in Wangyue Lake. You need to think precisely about where you go from here."

"This junior understands!"Li Tongya nodded solemnly. Xiao Chuting paused, then whispered, "One more person from the Li family must enter the Qingchi Sect."

Li Tongya's expression remained unchanged, but his heart churned with dread. Without hesitation, he asked, "In your view, True Master, who would be suitable?"Li Tongya understood that Xiao Chuting's tone was not seeking input or discussing, but rather a calm instruction. Therefore, he did not offer a single question or rebuttal, answering directly.

Xiao Chuting paused for a breath due to Li Tongya's decisive reply, then chuckled lightly and said, "You are a clever person, and you should understand this matter. Li Chijing's situation was unique because he possessed the Moonlit Immortal Foundation and exceptional talent. Ordinary disciples would not fall into such circumstances. This action is not for your family to offer a sacrifice for the Qingchi Sect to consume, but rather a brilliant strategy that kills three birds with one stone."

"First, your family is still under Qingchi's governance. If you have a disciple cultivating within the peak, they will be well-informed, making various matters easier to handle, and they will also have a powerful backing as a life-saving charm. It couldn't be better."

"Second, the disciple sent to the immortal sect doesn't need to have exceptional talent; an above-average aptitude is sufficient. This way, they won't fall victim to others, and they can still contribute back to the family. If their cultivation is high, they can also gain some power within the sect."

Xiao Chuting's tone remained polite as he continued, "My family has separated from Qingchi, and several disciples have withdrawn. Most of our informants have lost contact, so we don't know much about the internal situation. If your family can send a disciple in, it will benefit both our families. As for who to send, that's your family's decision."

That Xiao Chuting, a dignified Purple Mansion cultivator, would offer so many words, almost as if explaining himself, made Li Tongya appear flattered. He replied, "It's just... entering the Qingchi Sect as a disciple is not something one can simply do..."

Xiao Chuting had already made arrangements. He replied softly, "Qingsui Peak's population is already sparse. Si Yuanbai has left the sect and gone far away, and my Yuansi has also left Qingsui Peak. Only his junior sister, Yuan Tuan, remains there. It is precisely a time when they need assistance. If you can send someone to become her disciple, Yuan Tuan will certainly not refuse."

"This junior is enlightened."Li Tongya nodded. Xiao Chuting also stopped speaking, casting a glance up and down at him before continuing, "You may descend then. I hope you will not fail in your trust and will lead the Li family to prominence."

Li Tongya bowed in farewell, lightly descended from the cliff, and began walking down the mountain. By the pool, Xiao Yuansi nodded gently towards him. Once Li Tongya was out of sight, he soared into the air and landed beside Xiao Chuting, whispering, "Ancestor, did you call for me?"

Xiao Chuting nodded and asked, "Are all matters concerning Guiluan settled? Does she have any grievances or dissatisfactions?"

"Everything is prepared," Xiao Yuansi replied respectfully. "Guiluan took the information about Li Yuanjiao's deeds, reviewed it carefully, and said she is willing to marry."

Xiao Chuting ran his fingers along the white jade fishing rod and said softly, "It's about time for her age. All the young talents in the commandery were presented to her back then, but she remained silent. I then thought she might have the intention of marrying into an outside family, and the Li family is weighty enough."

Xiao Chuting's words made the critical points clear. After all, letting a rogue cultivator from the commandery marry into the family, live out their remaining years quietly on a small, secluded peak within the clan, and marrying out as a Xiao family daughter with a grand dowry to become the matriarch of a lineage were entirely different treatments. Xiao Yuansi also understood this and replied softly, "Ancestor is wise. Knowing that the Li family would indeed not marry our direct descendant daughter, you instructed Yuansi in advance. Otherwise, Yuansi would truly not know how to handle Tongya."

Xiao Chuting merely shook his head and whispered, "Li Tongya is not foolish. The Li family wants an alliance, not to become a subordinate. Guiluan also has good skills and a sharp mind, which is why this opportunity arose."

Xiao Yuansi, being ultimately forthright, felt uneasy discussing these matters that stripped away the veneer of cordiality. He finally remained silent. Xiao Chuting also quietly held his white jade fishing rod. For a moment, only the whistling north wind in the mountains could be heard, making Xiao Yuansi's beard and hair flutter.

Meanwhile, Li Tongya descended the mountain, where two figures were waiting at the foot. One wore a brown bamboo hat, had a neatly trimmed short beard, long eyebrows extending to his temples, and held a saber. His expression was sharp, and he was a Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator. Upon seeing Li Tongya, he lightly cupped his hands and said in a deep voice, "Chen has met Fellow Daoist Tongya."

The other, with a flowing white beard, youthful complexion, and piercing eyes, also cupped his hands in greeting. His cultivation had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. He smiled lightly and said, "I am Old Man Nanshan. I have met Fellow Daoist."

Li Tongya quickly returned the bow. The saber-wielder nodded in response and said in a deep voice, "I am Chen Taojing."

These two were naturally the individuals Xiao Chuting had assigned to deal with Yu Yufeng. After Li Tongya exchanged a few words with them, Xiao Chuchou arrived from afar, riding the wind, and said with a smile, "Thank you all for waiting so long."

The others quickly said it was no trouble. Xiao Chuchou pointed to the saber-wielder Chen Taojing and introduced him, "This is Chen Taojing. He was once a guest cultivator at the Wangyue Lake market. After the market was destroyed, he settled with our family. He cultivates the 'River and Sea Qi Art' and has achieved the Vast Ocean stage, making him of the same origin as Brother Tongya."

Li Tongya immediately nodded, and the saber-wielder's eyes also lit up. They cupped their hands, and Li Tongya said with a smile, "I will have many questions to ask you, Senior."

"Just exchanging notes," the saber-wielder replied politely. Xiao Chuchou then pointed to Old Man Nanshan and introduced him, "Old Man Nanshan, this is an elder of our family."

One peak Foundation Establishment cultivator and two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators—this was the combat strength dispatched by the Xiao family. Xiao Chuchou then introduced Li Tongya to the two, and only then did they all rise on the wind and head west.

After seeing Tian Youdao off, Tian Zhongqing tidied his room. Without daring to delay for a moment, he quickly headed west towards Lijing Town. The dazzling morning sun was slowly rising, and Tian Zhongqing, bathed in brilliant golden light, suddenly thought of Xu Gongming.

"I have elders guiding me, and still I have to run around, unsure if I can overcome these dangers. Brother Gongming is all alone; I don't know how he's faring!"

A faint sense of guilt, mixed with profound relief, churned within Tian Zhongqing's heart. Amidst these mixed emotions and his anxious mood, the ordinarily tedious journey quickly passed.

Lijing Town was separated from the Huajian towns by Ligang Pass. The original dirt road had been replaced by beautifully paved stone slabs. Ligang Pass also had a prominent clan, the Xu family, who later moved to Lijing Town. They were the most low-key, rumored to be descendants of refugees, particularly skilled in business, with several of their juniors handling affairs with the Shanyue. Tian Zhongqing had never been there; he only glanced at it before continuing west.

It was still early. Lijing Town was just awakening from the morning light, with smoke rising from every household. Tian Zhongqing went directly to the foot of Lijing Mountain and said to the two clan soldiers, "Please, gentlemen, could you pass on a message for me and deliver this letter to my elder cousin?"

The clan soldiers looked closely, recognized Tian Zhongqing, and knew that the "elder cousin" he spoke of was Li Jingnian. They quickly nodded, took the letter, and went up. Before long, a message came down. Tian Zhongqing's storage bag and magical artifacts were collected, and one of the clan soldiers led him up the mountain.

Tian Zhongqing entered the mountain and walked along the path for a while until he saw a small courtyard appear before him. He respectfully entered the yard. Inside, there was only a small table by the window, where a woman in palace attire sat, wearing a jade hairpin, with a gentle expression. Beside her, a young girl sat on her knees, gazing at him with some curiosity.

"Zhongqing greets Elder Sister!" Tian Zhongqing said respectfully. Li Jingnian, however, merely held the letter in her hand and said indifferently, "Did Uncle send you here with something to ask?"

Tian Zhongqing was about to speak, but Li Jingnian interrupted him, patted Li Qingxiao's head, and told her to go read on her own. Only then did she listen to Tian Zhongqing's explanation, raising an eyebrow slightly, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation. She set down her teacup and whispered, "How could you be so muddled!"

Li Jingnian frowned slightly. Although her demeanor was gentle, she possessed a certain air of authority when serious, which startled Tian Zhongqing, who repeatedly apologized, whispering, "This younger brother is muddled! This younger brother is muddled!"

Li Jingnian paused, then instructed, "If you're afraid of bringing trouble upon yourself, then give up your position of authority, gather the cultivators from your family's in-laws, and volunteer to go cultivate spirit fields in the Shanyue lands."

Tian Zhongqing nodded repeatedly, then asked hesitantly, "Then, when can I return?"

Li Jingnian pondered for a moment and replied, "You should cultivate diligently. If all goes as expected, someone from our family will go to guard the eastern Shanyue region and establish a sect there. Your days may not be too hard. As for when you can return, that's not something I can say for certain."

Tian Zhongqing nodded repeatedly. Seeing Li Jingnian remain silent, he dared not say more, thanked her, and withdrew.

After Tian Zhongqing left, only the fresh breeze stirred in the courtyard. Li Jingnian waited quietly at her table for a while, and sure enough, she heard a knock at the door. She smiled and said, "Come in."

Then, a young man wearing black boots with silver patterns and a black robe stepped in. He lightly cupped his fist and chuckled, "What did Auntie say?"

Li Jingnian smiled faintly and replied, "Go to the Shanyue region."

Li Yuanjiao nodded, a hint of a smile appearing on his face. He said softly, "Before, they disdained the Shanyue lands as poor, inhabited by wild people with unbound hair and tattoos. Not a single person was willing to go cultivate spirit rice there. Now, they've brought this upon themselves!"

Li Jingnian nodded quietly and said softly, "They would rather spend their time in town idling or engaging in dog and cock fights than go cultivate spirit fields in the Shanyue lands. This is the nature of these prominent cultivators. In contrast, those lower-level cultivators from impoverished backgrounds work day and night, taking on multiple roles, just for an extra pound or two of spirit rice."

"It's simply human nature," Li Yuanjiao said with a laugh. "Prominent families live carefree lives, with elders providing resources. Besides their daily cultivation, naturally, they spend their time enjoying music and entertainment. Tian Zhongqing is actually one of the better ones."

"Most cultivators at the Spirit Fetus realm, knowing they have no hope of breaking through to the Qi Refining stage in this lifetime, start acting recklessly, indulging in sensuous pleasures and amusements, becoming tiresome to behold. Now there's an excuse to send the Tian family's numerous in-law cultivators to cultivate fields in the Shanyue region, saving them from causing trouble by relying on past favors."

Li Jingnian poured tea for Li Yuanjiao, startling the young man who repeatedly exclaimed that he didn't deserve it. Li Jingnian then chuckled, "Although my maternal uncle, Tian Youdao, is loyal, the Tian family has, over the years, grown stronger by relying on his and my mother's remaining influence. They have even taken in a few Shanyue cultivators and have become somewhat presumptuous. This matter serves as a good warning to some of the prominent clans."

Li Jingnian's words implied an excuse for Tian Youdao. Li Yuanjiao understood clearly and nodded, saying, "Both Uncle-Grandfather and Father saw this, which is why they bestowed the spiritual pill upon him and sent him to attempt a breakthrough. However, the Tian clan's conduct is improper. Even without this matter involving Tian Zhongqing, they would still have given us leverage."

After conversing for a while, Li Yuanjiao spoke again, "How is Qingxiao now? Has she been studying and practicing calligraphy?"

Li Jingnian replied softly, "Of course, she has been studying and practicing calligraphy. However, if she lacks spiritual apertures, anything she learns will be useless."

Li Yuanjiao immediately fell silent. He picked up the teacup from the table, took a sip, and whispered, "Uncle's talent is so great, Qingxiao surely won't have any problems."

Though he said this, Li Yuanjiao secretly felt uneasy. The Li family originally had no spiritual apertures. Li Xiangping could only cultivate by using a talisman seed, and Li Jingnian herself lacked spiritual apertures. So, whether Li Qingxiao truly possessed spiritual apertures was genuinely uncertain.

One must know that Li Xuanxuan was already at the fourth or fifth layer of the Spirit Fetus realm at that time. Li Yuanxiu and Li Yuanjiao, brothers, had one mother who was a spiritual aperture possessor at the third layer of the Spirit Fetus realm, and the other was from the noble Mulu clan, which is why both brothers had spiritual apertures. However, Li Xuanling and his wife were both cultivators, yet they gave birth to Li Yuanyun, who lacked spiritual apertures. This shows that the intricacies of the matter are truly hard to explain.