Chapter 321: Lake Offering

"Now, let's talk about Yu Mugao, who cut quite an arrogant figure. Dressed in flowing black robes, he held a divine weapon in his hand and declared, 'The phoenix tree awaits the phoenix. Little cultivator, will you surrender?!'"

The tavern was bustling with activity. Onlookers, heads tilted back and eyes wide, listened intently, forming several concentric circles around the gray-robed man in the center. He sported a goatee and spoke with a serious expression.

"An Jingming, a peerless immortal talent, naturally sneered as he looked up and retorted,"

"'My immortal bones are favored by heaven. What kind of phoenix tree are you, a mere centipede?'"

As soon as the gray-robed man finished speaking, the onlookers burst into applause and cheers. The storyteller, pleased and rather proud, stroked his beard.

At the edge of the crowd, a boy of about eleven or twelve stood gracefully. He was wrapped in a fur cloak, its snow-white fur adorning his cuffs, clearly indicating he was a young master from a wealthy family. Oddly, the surrounding crowd seemed to overlook him, yet an empty circle mysteriously formed around him. The boy's left hand held a younger child, a boy of about five or six, who also appeared bright and bore a strong resemblance to him.

"Brother Xizhi, An Jingming is so famous," the younger boy murmured in a childish voice. The elegantly dressed youth waved his sleeve and smiled, saying,

"An Jingming performed many good deeds in his lifetime, possessed extraordinary talent, and met a tragic end. Naturally, people remember him more vividly."

The younger boy nodded, not fully comprehending but clearly impressed. Being small, he couldn't see clearly into the crowd, and with the continuous cheers, he could barely hear anything. So he quickly asked,

"What happened next?"

"Next?" Li Xizhi stood with his arms folded, answering indifferently,

"The play says he fought against multiple opponents, battled his way out, and from then on roamed freely between heaven and earth, unburdened by any ties."

"The play says?" Li Ximing tilted his head, unable to resist asking,

"But what really happened?"

"Naturally, he was killed by the Yu family. His head was even preserved and is likely now displayed in the Yu family's treasure vault."

Li Xizhi's expression grew somber. Young cultivators often harbor dreams of achieving Qi refinement in three years and Foundation Establishment in ten, so he felt a profound sense of pity for An Jingming. He then gently lifted Li Ximing and said softly,

"Read fewer plays and more clan history. Only then will you understand the bloody realities that lie beyond the peaceful facade of these few towns."

Li Ximing leaned into his embrace and hummed in agreement. Suddenly, a man appeared before them, a sword at his waist and a solemn expression. His tone, however, was tinged with a hint of helplessness as he whispered,

"Young masters... you certainly made me search for a long time."

Li Xizhi glanced at him and replied,

"Congratulations, Uncle Gongming. Achieving Qi refinement certainly makes a difference; you found us even faster than the Jade Court Guards."

"Oh, it was nothing," Xu Gongming, who had just emerged from seclusion after successfully breaking through to Qi refinement, was overjoyed. Praised by Li Xizhi, a smile immediately touched his lips as he replied, "Young master, you are too kind!"

The Li family had enjoyed five years of peace. The news of Li Tongya single-handedly repelling the Yu family further solidified his reputation as the "Sword-Slaying Mahas." The Moonchasm Sword's fame grew even wider, with rumors reaching as far as Wu and Xu. Meanwhile, the Li family, having steadily built its strength, saw several members achieve Qi refinement over these five years. First, Lady Dou cultivated Qi refinement using the Minor Clear Spiritual Qi, bringing a period of prestige to the Dou clan. Later, Xiao Guilan achieved Qi refinement using the Xiao family's Clear Twilight Vital Energy, a third-grade cultivation method known for its ability to dissolve misfortune and neutralize poisons, using softness to overcome strength. Her power surpassed that of ordinary Qi refiners like Lady Dou. Including Xu Gongming, who had just exited secluded cultivation, and Li Xuanxuan, who was in the market city, the Li family now boasted five early-stage Qi refinement cultivators practicing orthodox methods, which was more than enough to secure their home.

"What is the matter now?" Li Xizhi, who now possessed a cultivation of the third level of Embryonic Breathing, asked while holding Li Ximing. Xu Gongming whispered in response,

"The Second Master has returned from Wutu Peak and is currently engaged in a detailed discussion with the Family Head in town. They are waiting for the two young masters to join them."

Hearing that his father had returned from Wutu Peak, Li Xizhi's expression became solemn, and he said seriously,

"I understand. Thank you, Uncle Gongming!"

With that, he cast a Divine Movement spell and hurried towards the foot of the mountain.

Li Yuanping was now almost twenty years old. Years of managing the household had imbued his gaze with an intimidating presence, even when it rested. Although his complexion remained pale and his cultivation was only at the third level of Embryonic Breathing, he was not to be underestimated. Li Yuanjiao, dressed in his customary black robes, sat beside him. His cultivation had just broken through to the sixth level of Qi refinement. He held a light purple jade slip in his hand and said in a deep voice,

"Has Xizhi taken Ming'er out again?"

"Indeed," Li Yuanping chuckled and replied, "Brother, the time is drawing near. There won't be many days left for him to stay at home, so it's good for the two brothers to spend some quality time together."

Li Yuanjiao nodded silently. Earlier this year, Yuan Tuan from Qinghui Peak had emerged from secluded cultivation, successfully establishing his foundation and cultivating the Immortal Foundation Qingxuan Yue. He had since taken over as the peak master of Qinghui Peak and begun accepting disciples. Upon emerging from seclusion, Yuan Tuan sent a letter to the Li family. The letter was warmly worded, first informing them of and expressing condolences for Li Chijing's passing. It then stated that he had accepted a mission and would come to Moonlit Lake in a few months to examine Li Xizhi's innate talent. Although the Li family lacked the accumulated secrets and methods for testing innate talent and potential that the Three Sects and Seven Gates possessed, Li Xizhi's cultivation speed was clear evidence of his aptitude: achieving the third level of Embryonic Breathing in six years made him well-qualified to enter the Green Pond Sect.

Li Yuanping put down the vermillion brush in his hand. Noticing Li Yuanjiao's solemn expression, he asked with a hint of doubt,

"What matter, if I may ask, brought you back personally, Brother?"

"By my reckoning, it's time to pay the tribute to the Green Pond Sect," Li Yuanjiao replied with a frown. Li Yuanping, enlightened, responded,

"Brother, don't worry. Although the demonic calamity has gradually subsided in recent years, business in the market city remains robust. Over the past few years, we've also gained several more external cultivators of miscellaneous Qi, and the family's spiritual resources have yielded a bountiful harvest. There should be no issue in meeting this tribute. I have been busy with this matter for the past few days and have already organized all the necessary affairs. There will certainly be no omissions."

Li Yuanjiao listened to Li Yuanping's response, nodded approvingly, and said,

"You have managed the family's affairs these past few years, so I am naturally at ease." He then changed his tone, lowering his voice, "However, I received news from Guilan that this year, Yu Muxian of Yuanwu Peak has personally taken charge of the tribute collection and is now sailing towards Moonlit Lake on a cloud ship bathed in rosy light!"

"Yu Muxian!" Li Yuanping froze, his expression growing somewhat grim. He lowered his head and said,

"This is certainly problematic..."

Li Yuanjiao exchanged a glance with him; both understood the difficulty of the situation. After all, Li Tongya had severed Yu Xiaogui's cultivation path. It was said that Yu Xiaogui had been sustaining his life with blood sacrifices of spiritual medicine for years. Yu Muxian had extensive connections within the sect, and there were already those on Yuanwu Peak who sympathized with Yu Xiaogui. However, Yu Muxian himself had remained silent for a long time, and given the Li family's Sword Immortal's formidable reputation which had resounded throughout the region on multiple occasions, no one dared to cause trouble. Now, Yu Muxian, a Foundation Establishment immortal cultivator, was personally approaching Moonlit Lake with an intimidating aura. Li Yuanjiao felt a secret unease. Everyone knew the Li family was a lineage of sword cultivators, and that the Qinghui Sword Immortal and Moonchasm Sword were blood brothers, both immensely renowned.

"But only we know our own struggles..." Only Li Yuanjiao and Li Yuanping within the entire Li family knew of Li Tongya's death. Li Yuanjiao pondered silently for a moment, then offered comfort, saying, "I once heard our late grand-uncle say that Yu Muxian is a self-serving and ungrateful person. Our family also has the protection of an immortal clan, so perhaps he won't go too far."

Li Yuanping nodded slightly, a hint of calm appearing on his pale face. Just then, a dashing youth in a brocade fur coat walked into the courtyard, one hand holding a younger boy. Li Xizhi released the younger boy's hand, stepped forward, and respectfully said,

"Xizhi greets Father and Younger Uncle."