Chapter 255: Meeting

Tian Zhongqing had flung his sleeves and departed, leaving Shamoli's mind clouded with dark thoughts and anxieties. Tian Rong, oblivious to the situation, continued to grumble, which only increased Shamoli's agitation. Clearing his mind, Shamoli mused to himself:

"What does Li Xuanxuan mean by this? I've been peacefully living in Shanyue, never interfering with the Li family's spirit fields or treasures. I've been well-behaved every year; surely they haven't grown tired of me. Is this some kind of intimidation?"

Shamoli was deep in thought when the carriage suddenly stopped. Tian Rong was startled, thinking Tian Zhongqing had returned, and quickly fell silent. Then, a hoarse old voice cried out loudly:

"The Master's command has arrived! How much longer will the King wait? Don't miss the appointed time!"

"Grand Shaman! Please, come in!"

Shamoli spoke repeatedly. An old man with white hair and beard, and a rugged face, walked in. He looked frail with age, but his eyes were still bright, staring directly at Shamoli. It was Ah Huila, the old Shanyue man who had surrendered to the Li family years ago. He was now at the peak of the Embryonic Respiration stage, but due to his advanced age, his lifespan was limited, and further breakthroughs were impossible.

Shamoli glanced at Tian Rong. Ah Huila understood with a raised eyebrow. He unceremoniously picked Tian Rong up like a chicken, ignoring his cries of disbelief, and threw him out of the carriage. Tian Rong landed on the ground with a thud and continued to curse. Ah Huila frowned deeply, stuck his head out, and cursed loudly:

"Your father calls me 'old brother'! What do you call yourself? How could Tian Youdao have sired such a good-for-nothing like you? He should have held it in and pulled out, putting you on the ground then, saving our family from your harm!"

These words not only made Tian Rong's lips tremble, but even Shamoli's eyes widened, and he had to pretend not to notice. Ah Huila spat, then turned back and called out:

"Your Majesty!"

Ah Huila was an old minister of the Li family. He had advanced west with Li Xiangping years ago. Tian Youdao was also in that army, but at the time, he was of low cultivation and unremarkable. Ah Huila had even saved him a few times, and Tian Youdao had always called him "old brother." Now, Ah Huila showed no mercy in scolding Tian Rong. Shamoli quickly said:

"Grand Shaman!"

"Get ready and let's go!"

Shamoli cursed inwardly upon hearing Ah Huila's words, but could only nod in agreement. Stepping out of the carriage, he saw that numerous offerings and ceremonial guards were already prepared. Shamoli hadn't even given an order, yet the national treasury had been completely emptied. He nodded awkwardly, then settled into the procession, cursing inwardly:

"Damn it."

"An Zheyuan is quite sensible!"

The young man in black was casually seated cross-legged at the head of the room. He nodded upon hearing the words of the person below him and said with a smile:

"He quietly settled the remaining An clan members in Lijing Town and widely spread the oath made years ago about offering up the Two Mountains. He has made some progress over the years, learning a lot."

Now that Li Xuanxuan was managing the family, Li Yuanjiao was sent to oversee the Clan Rectification Hall. His fierce temperament made him perfectly suited for this task.

"Indeed, he's made great progress!"

The young man below nodded. His brow resembled Li Xuanling's, exuding a sense of calm. It was his son, Li Yuanyun, who was a few years younger than Li Yuanjiao. However, he lacked spirit apertures and had always stayed on the mountain.

Now that Li Yuanyun had married a woman with spirit apertures, he naturally couldn't remain on the mountain. He descended to establish his own residence, where he usually read books, investigated past events, and occasionally visited Li Yuanjiao's manor.

Perhaps because he lacked spirit apertures and had not cultivated, Li Yuanyun had no sharp, imposing aura, but rather a gentle peacefulness. He paused, then continued:

"Shamoli's eldest son has already begun cultivation. He was born to one of our family's collateral branches, and from a young age, he learned the rules of the East. He requested and was granted the Li surname by the family, and is called Li Jiman. He seems quite loyal."

Li Yuanjiao smiled and nodded, finding this news delightful. Suddenly, he paused and said softly:

"News from the clan has arrived: the spirit spring cave in Mount Huaqian is rich in spiritual energy. I will immediately go there for isolated cultivation. We won't have many days to talk like this, so I want to have a good talk with you before I leave."

"That's good news."

Li Yuanyun gently replied and smiled:

"It's a pity that Sister Qinghong went to Mount Huashan a few days ago. And now you, Second Brother, are also leaving, leaving only me idle in Lijing Town."

"Ah!"

Li Yuanjiao shook his head and instructed:

"Qingxiao and Yuanping are only four or five years old. The Yuanqing generation should only consist of us few. Since Second Brother and Qinghong will be in isolated cultivation, you should visit them often when you have time."

Li Yuanyun nodded and simply said:

"I will also be going to Shanyue in a few days to investigate some matters. I can bring some trinkets for the two younger siblings then."

Li Yuanjiao was about to ask more questions when, unexpectedly, someone hurried up from below and respectfully announced:

"Report! Shamoli has come to pay his respects to Your Excellency!"

"Shamoli?! It seems he's here to pay homage, to gauge my intentions... Let him come up!"

Li Yuanjiao asked in return. Li Yuanyun, understanding the situation, prepared to leave his seat, but Li Yuanjiao frowned and said gravely:

"It's fine if you listen. There's nothing to hide between brothers. Just note down truthfully whatever Shamoli says; there's no need to be reserved."

"It's widely rumored outside that Second Brother is Shamoli's great backer; I must listen carefully."

Li Yuanyun made a joke and finally sat down. Then, a tall Shanyue man walked up from below. Though his attire was proper, it completely resembled that of the Eastern people. With a face full of smiles, he called out:

"Brother Jiao, it's truly been a long time!"

"I've missed you terribly, Brother!"

Li Yuanjiao replied with a smile. Noticing Shamoli's gaze lingering on Li Yuanyun beside him, he explained:

"This is Brother Yuanyun, he's one of us. In a few days, he will be going to your territory to handle matters, so please take good care of him!"

"Yes! Yes..."

Shamoli responded a couple of times. He hadn't seen anyone else on his way up, having come straight to Li Yuanjiao, and his mind was completely elsewhere. He carefully asked:

"The Family Head summoned me in such haste this time; are there any instructions? I am truly apprehensive and cannot rest easy!"

"Oh!"

Li Yuanjiao waved his hand and replied:

"Brother, you've done well these past years. Our family elders want to see you, and perhaps even the Ancestor will meet you in person. It's nothing major, just relax!"

Shamoli sighed in relief upon hearing this. He was about to say more but finally noticed Li Yuanjiao's absentmindedness. His rushed visit had probably interrupted their conversation, so he could only chuckle and say:

"With your words, Brother, I am at ease. The Family Head's summons is important and should not be delayed. I will go up the mountain first and visit you again when I have time."

With that, he quickly departed. Li Yuanyun watched Shamoli leave, then pondered for a moment before speaking:

"Since we have his son, Li Jiman, Shamoli isn't of much use anymore... Li Jiman is even more thoughtful. It's just a pity that cultivators at the Qi Condensation stage live for two hundred years. I wonder how the clan plans to deal with him."

Li Yuanjiao set his cup down and replied:

"No rush. Shamoli's cultivation method is excellent, and his strength is considerable. Once Li Jiman reaches the Qi Condensation stage, it wouldn't be bad to even have Shamoli serve as a guest elder."

Li Yuanyun nodded slightly, but then noticed a strange look on Li Yuanjiao's face, who spoke again:

"The 'Purple Thunder Secret Origin Art' is no simple feat! After all, it was once a fourth-grade cultivation method... Shamoli ingested impure qi, yet his cultivation has reached the third level of Qi Condensation in just four years! Truly interesting!"

While the two chatted in the courtyard, Shamoli had already quickened his pace up the mountain. Not daring to fly directly on the wind, he walked along the flagstone path for a while before the small courtyard came into view.

Two clan guards stood quietly in front of the courtyard. Shamoli, being tall, bowed his head as he entered the courtyard. He saw a middle-aged man in grey standing at the head of the room.

The middle-aged man had broad shoulders. He was meticulously wiping a sword with a piece of coarse cloth. The sword had intricate scale patterns, and a cold gleam shimmered across it. Shamoli stared blankly for a moment, then fell to his knees with a thud and kowtowed, saying:

"Your humble servant, Shamoli, greets the Ancestor!"

Shamoli finally understood why dragon-snakes had flown in the sky that night and why the Li family had made such a big fuss. Shamoli pressed his head tightly to the ground, not daring to move, shocked as he thought:

"Foundation Establishment...! He... he has reached Foundation Establishment!"

Li Tongya grunted in response, glancing at him. He slowly sheathed his sword and said softly:

"Shamoli, it's been a while. It seems living peacefully in Shanyue has greatly advanced your cultivation!"