Chapter 275: Dou Family (Part 2)

Li Yuanping stepped out of the courtyard, snapping his fan shut with a displeased expression. He walked silently, followed anxiously by Dou Yi, who felt he had caused trouble and dared not speak much. Li Yuanping suddenly stopped, and Dou Yi, caught off guard, nearly stumbled, calling out repeatedly, "Young Master! Young Master!"

"Silence!" Li Yuanping stopped him with his fan. The young man frowned slightly and spoke softly, "Which idiot from the Dou family acted on his own initiative and had that Liu family member replaced? You almost made me lose face in front of my elder brother. If Mother finds out, she’ll have you all flogged!"

"Yes… yes…" Dou Yi knew he would be serving Li Yuanping from now on, but he couldn't bear to offer his father as a scapegoat. He stammered, unable to speak for a moment. Li Yuanping gently waved his hand, turned his head, and said as he walked, "Even if you don't say it, I know it was most likely Old Master Dou. People get more cunning when they're old and powerful; he's always full of schemes."

Dou Yi hurried to catch up, saying respectfully, "This was also for your consideration, Young Master. The Clan Administrator's Courtyard has always been a transitional place for the transfer of the Clan Head position. Young Master Yuanjiao has repeatedly stated his intention to relinquish power, and since you've become the Clan Administrator, the position of Clan Head is a foregone conclusion. My father arranged for more people to be placed so they could assist you when the time comes."

"Heh." Li Yuanping was amused and merely chuckled, "You speak with such certainty. Your father isn't trying to help me; he's trying to harm me! If he truly wanted to help, he should have simply waited for three years. There's no need for him to meddle."

He frowned, looking at Dou Yi, who had lowered his head in shame, and continued, "Your father is merely relying on his influence to expand his power. Why does he need to claim it's for my benefit? Your family is my maternal clan; when I manage the household, you will naturally have your rightful status. Why go to such lengths?"

"Don't think I'm easy to bully because of my youth."

Cold sweat streamed down Dou Yi's back. He watched as Li Yuanping swayed his fan, leisurely stating, "Let's put that aside for now. I don't care who sent you. Since my elder brother assigned you to me, you will follow me and work for me from now on. Forget about your Dou clan."

Dou Yi was stunned. He felt that what Li Yuanping said was completely different from what his father had instructed. When Old Master Dou sent him up the mountain, he had always told him: "Young Master Yuanping and Madam Dou are the pillars of our Dou clan. Relying on them, strive for more power and influence for our family… From now on, our Dou clan will be a renowned name."

But now, hearing Li Yuanping's tone, it seemed Li Yuanping and Madam Dou didn't view the Dou clan as supporters at all; they were wary of them, fearing they would become a burden! His heart was filled with bitterness and sorrow as he lamented, "Young Master, everyone in the Dou clan obeys only you, listening to your every word… The Tian and Liu clans of yesteryear rose to prominence by seizing opportunities. Maternal relatives are a lord's right-hand men, so why must it be like this…"

To his surprise, Li Yuanping stopped, turned back to look at him with interest, and chuckled, "Cousin! My surname is Li! I am the legitimate firstborn son of the main branch."

With that, he turned his head and walked away. Dou Yi was slightly startled and dared not speak further, only following closely behind.

The two walked through the mountains for a while before entering a brightly lit large courtyard. Li Yuanping waited in front of the courtyard for a moment, then saw a maidservant hurrying out with a basin of water. He asked gently, "I wonder if Mother has gone to sleep?"

"Madam has washed her feet and is waiting for Your Lordship inside the room!"

Dou Yi immediately realized this was Madam Dou's courtyard. Remembering the foolish things his father had done and his aunt's strong personality, Dou Yi's legs trembled, and he groaned inwardly. "My old man is courting disaster, and I'm the one who'll suffer the consequences!"

Li Yuanping paid him no mind and led him into the courtyard. He saw a soft yellow light, layered curtains, flickering lamps, and the scent of rosemary incense. Two maidservants stood dutifully by the bed. He bowed respectfully and said gently, "Your child has come to pay respects, Mother. Congratulations on your latest breakthrough; Qi Condensation is within reach."

Madam Dou, seated gracefully at the head, wore luxurious clothes and looked youthful. Her aura had clearly reached the peak of the Fetal Breath stage, just a step away from Qi Condensation. Unbeknownst to many, she was already among the very best foreign cultivators.

In these past few years, Madam Dou had not only managed to keep Li Xuanxuan's many wives and concubines in line with her own methods but had also single-handedly elevated the Dou family, who were formerly just farmers, without neglecting her cultivation.

"Ping'er, there's no need for formalities." Although Madam Dou had a strong personality, she was unreserved with her children. She repeatedly told him to sit down. Li Yuanping nodded and recounted all the events of the evening, down to the end of Li Xuanxuan's letter. As Madam Dou listened from above, Dou Yi felt his scalp tingle. He timidly raised his head and met a pair of eyes like cold stars.

"Come up." Madam Dou spoke softly. Dou Yi quickly moved closer to his aunt. He saw a jade-like hand emerge from behind the curtains, with three-inch long, jade-like nails dyed with balsam flowers. As Dou Yi stared blankly at the hand, Madam Dou lightly flicked it.

"Slap!"

Dou Yi received a solid slap across the face, one side turning crimson. He dared not show any anger, only bowing repeatedly in fear, crying, "Mercy, Aunt! Mercy, Aunt!"

Madam Dou's words drifted down lightly: "Go back and take this slap to your father. Tell him this:" She parted her red lips and uttered a few words: "If there are any more petty schemes, he won't get to keep his life."

***

Yuting Mountain.

Li Qinghong exhaled a long breath, releasing a stream of white qi. The long spear resting on her lap shimmered with spiritual light. The young woman opened her eyes, her spiritual-power-nourished gaze shining brightly in the dark chamber.

"Qi Condensation Second Layer."

For the past five years, Li Qinghong had mostly secluded herself in the mountains to cultivate. She broke through to Qi Condensation in the first three years, and then to the second layer of Qi Condensation in the subsequent two years. Li Qinghong was only in her twenties now, and compared to the normal cultivation speed of breaking through one layer every three to five years, she was quite fast. Only Li Yuanjiao, who was assisted by the Qi Circulation and Spirit Absorption Talisman, was a step ahead of her.

Standing up with her spear, a faint purple glow swirled in the young woman's eyes, making them especially captivating. The Purple Thunder Secret Origin Art truly lived up to its reputation as a former fourth-grade thunder technique; Li Qinghong's aura was like a rainbow, far exceeding that of a typical Qi Condensation Second Layer cultivator.

"Clan Sister…"

A man stood cautiously outside the stone chamber. He was also a son born of a concubine of Li Xuanxuan, but he lacked a spiritual aperture. With Li Xuanxuan having many children, this man had always been unremarkable and was assigned to manage a township on Yuting Mountain.

"Speak." Li Qinghong parted her red lips and uttered two words. The man said respectfully, "Male villagers began disappearing some time ago, continuously for three months. Clan cultivators also came to investigate but found nothing. Moreover, three days later, nine households died consecutively. We reported this to the main family and received permission before daring to disturb you, Clan Sister."

Li Qinghong nodded slightly, asking in confusion, "Where's Uncle Chen?"

The man knew she was referring to Chen Donghe and quickly replied, "He went to the market along with Protector An, escorting furs and spiritual items. He's not guarding the clan currently. The Clan Head is exploring mountains within Shanyue territory, and we don't know if he has returned, which is why…"

"Mm." Li Qinghong nodded. Supporting him, she ascended on wind, gently asking about the situation.

This was the first time in his life the man had ridden the wind and controlled qi. He was immediately enraptured, gazing at the town below and the constantly passing clouds and flying birds, his heart filled with envy. He eagerly responded to Li Qinghong's questions, pointing out the direction for her, and mused inwardly, "How exhilarating!"

Li Qinghong, following his directions, descended to find several empty houses. There were traces of blood on the ground. A glance with her spiritual eye revealed many strange things underfoot. She set down her clan cousin, extended a slender hand, sketched a few runes in the air, and projected a talisman.