Chapter 384: Yu Shan Evening Clouds

Li Yuanjiao accompanied Yuan Huyuuan to Mushroom Forest Plain. Yuan Huyuuan landed with him on a peak, excused himself, and went to the clan to discuss the exchange of pills.

Li Yuanjiao sat on the peak for a while, accompanied by a Yuan family direct descendant who was a Qi Cultivator. This person was pleasant to look at and articulate. Li Yuanjiao responded absently, his mind elsewhere, as a feeling of suspicion crept in. He mused:

"Hook Snake... the Life-Binding Dispelling Method... the North."

He rested his hand on the table, tapping lightly, a cloud of suspicion in his mind. The Yuan family member next to him noticed his distraction and, not daring to disturb him, slowly fell silent. As Li Yuanjiao pieced things together, his expression grew grim.

'To merely survive amidst Purple Mansion divine abilities and karmic entanglements, everything becomes suspect... First, I must fully understand the "Six Weirs Life-Binding Dispelling Method," then return to investigate the Hook Snake.'

It wasn't until Yuan Huyuuan returned, riding the wind from outside, that a smile appeared on Li Yuanjiao's face. He eagerly asked:

"Senior, how did it go?"

Yuan Huyuuan flicked his sleeve and smiled, saying:

"Naturally, there's no problem."

Yuan Huyuuan, who came from the same lineage as Yuan Tuan, wielded considerable power within the Yuan family. Despite being only a Qi Cultivator, he had managed the household for many years. He now presented two jade slips, introducing them:

"This is the 'Six Weirs Life-Binding Dispelling Method.' Fellow Daoist, please examine it carefully! The other one is the necessary Cold Qi Gathering Method; please check if you already possess it or something similar."

Li Yuanjiao accepted the jade slips. The core of the method was sealed by a secret technique, leaving only the introductory and concluding sections accessible. After reading, Li Yuanjiao suddenly spoke:

"Senior! I do have a couple of questions."

Yuan Huyuuan, who had been lost in thought, looked up abruptly as Li Yuanjiao's gaze met his. He answered with a slight start:

"Please, my virtuous nephew, speak your mind."

"If the spell casting fails, the 'Six Weirs Life-Binding Dispelling Method' only states that the spiritual items are lost, but it doesn't mention the fate of the demonic beast. Since your clan has attempted it multiple times, perhaps you could enlighten me."

Yuan Huyuuan listened, then paused, before offering a wry smile.

"At best, one suffers injuries and a shortened lifespan; at worst, it results in death..."

Li Yuanjiao's smile diminished slightly. He simply stated:

"Senior, this spell... indeed requires a substantial investment."

While Li Yuanjiao appeared somewhat displeased on the surface, he felt immensely relieved and satisfied inwardly.

Li Yuanjiao was immediately intrigued by the spell, and not merely for a small Hook Snake. While the allure of Foundation Establishment combat power and his family's need for cold qi were appealing, they were secondary considerations.

In his view, the spell's most significant benefit was to mask his family's regular practice of capturing demonic beasts alive. The Li family had been searching for a similar technique for quite some time.

'After all, my family often needs to capture demonic beasts alive for sacrificial purposes. These creatures vanish without a trace once they are brought up the mountain. While one or two instances might be overlooked, increasing frequency in the future could make it difficult to avoid suspicion if someone were to investigate.'

'With this technique, we can openly capture demonic beasts and bring them back to the mountain. After the sacrifice, a simple declaration of spell failure will suffice to explain their disappearance...'

Moreover, Li Yuanjiao understood that the Yuan family's repeated failures were simply due to their inability to acquire suitable Purple Mansion-level spiritual items, forcing them to use Foundation Establishment-level items, which naturally led to frequent failures.

His own family possessed a continuous supply of Lunar Moonlight of unknown grade. Furthermore, when Yu Muxian visited Moon-Gazing Lake, and the Immortal Mirror revealed its divine power, the entire secret chamber was filled with platinum-colored osmanthus and moon-bright orchids.

The Li family, unable to identify these spiritual items, nevertheless collected and stored them. Despite their ignorance of proper preservation methods and their crude spirit-sealing techniques, which caused daily dissipation, a significant quantity still remained intact within a Purple Mansion-level jade box.

With this new assurance, Li Yuanjiao then inquired:

"Senior, what is the origin of this spell? I wouldn't dare use any secret technique that is of unknown provenance or could potentially offend others."

While Li Yuanjiao had made his calculations, Yuan Huyuuan, observing his expression, felt a slight awkwardness, as if he had been holding back. The moment Li Yuanjiao asked, Yuan Huyuuan quickly tried to make amends:

"This 'Six Weirs Life-Binding Dispelling Method' was acquired by my ancestor from the Yan Yang Temple Palace in the North. He gained the inheritance and ascended rapidly, establishing the Yuan family as it is known today. It has been..."

Yuan Huyuuan calculated on his fingers, then replied:

"Roughly sixteen hundred years, I'd say."

"Sixteen hundred years?!"

Li Yuanjiao muttered to himself for a moment, finding it hard to believe. Yuan Huyuuan explained:

"My ancestor encountered a golden opportunity to establish a Daoist lineage. Regrettably, that era was a dark age. The ancient Wei Kingdom had fallen, the Hu and Jie hundred tribes had migrated south, and golden-natured demonic evils roamed rampant. Even though my ancestor was a True Man, he could only manage to protect himself..."

"Later, our family was displaced, constantly moving south. Our True Man ancestor was seized and devoured by golden-natured entities midway. Our clansmen scattered and fled, and most of our Daoist heritage was lost. My particular branch fled to the Xu Kingdom six hundred years ago, with only two Qi Cultivators remaining."

Yuan Huyuuan's expression became tinged with pride as he continued:

"Our ancestor continued south, engaging in many conflicts with the Chi family ancestor before eventually occupying Mushroom Forest Plain. As descendants of Purple Mansion cultivators, Foundation Establishment experts frequently emerged within our ranks. Over a century later, when the Qingchi Sect was established, our family integrated into it, at which point we controlled four of its twelve peaks and enjoyed a period of great prosperity."

Li Yuanjiao continued to listen. Yuan Huyuuan then offered an awkward smile and quietly admitted:

"Unfortunately, our family failed multiple attempts to achieve the Purple Mansion realm, leading to a gradual decline..."

Li Yuanjiao could clearly perceive his despondency. Jiangnan was vastly different now from a few centuries ago; back then, cultivators were rare, spiritual treasures were abundant, and immortal abodes had just retreated from the world, marking a period of great change and opportunity.

The Yuan family's strength at that time was comparable to their current state. After several centuries, little had changed, which naturally bred a sense of resentment.

Yuan Huyuuan sighed:

"Back then, Ziyan was merely a small temple. The Kong family scurried about for a minor county magistrate. Wan Yu Sword served as a humble guest elder under the Eastern Li Sect. The Chen family of Lingyu rented a cave dwelling on our land, humbly begging for thirty spirit stones. All four major sects combined couldn't even compare to one of our market towns... Now... now... *sigh*!"

During the era when snake-dragons ascended to true dragons, the Yuan clan gradually squandered their opportunities. This remained a persistent sorrow for many elder members of the Yuan family. Yuan Huyuuan could only sigh repeatedly, unable to speak further.

Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly. The Yuan family's misfortune was evident, and this account served to alleviate about ten or twenty percent of his suspicion.

'At least the "Six Weirs Life-Binding Dispelling Method" itself isn't a trap. This technique predates the history of Qingchi itself...'

He grasped the spell in his hand. The other item provided by the Yuan family was a Qi Gathering Art, specifically for collecting Lin Ming Cold Qi. He put both away, then produced the pills and said softly:

"Please have a Foundation Establishment cultivator from your esteemed clan accompany me to capture the demon. Once successful, I will deliver the pills, and Senior can then unlock the secret method on the jade slip for me."

"Very well!"

Yuan Huyuuan nodded eagerly, replying:

"Virtuous nephew, please wait a moment! I've already summoned a fellow clan member."

The two waited for a while. Soon, a burly man, with a full beard and thick eyebrows, descended into the courtyard on the wind. He glanced at Li Yuanjiao, then cupped his fists and said:

"I am Yuan Chengdun. Greetings, Clan Head, Fellow Daoist!"

Yuan Huyuuan introduced him:

"This is my clan brother, Yuan Chengdun. His Immortal Foundation is 'Fu Qingshan,' and he excels at subduing demons and evil. Have him accompany you, Fellow Daoist. A mere pig demon will surely be an easy capture for him."

Yuan Chengdun was quite renowned during the demonic calamity, and Li Yuanjiao had heard of his name. He immediately showed his pleasure and bowed respectfully with cupped fists.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist!"

Yuan Chengdun, who carried two short staves on his back and possessed a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation, appeared to be a man of few words. He simply gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Li Yuanjiao casually asked a couple of questions, then led him towards the lake.

The Li Family.

Li Yuanping was seated prominently in the main hall. Standing respectfully beside him was a tall young man with thick eyebrows, who exuded a benevolent aura; this was Li Xicheng.

The talents of the Xiyue generation were notably strong. Apart from Li Yuexiang, Li Yuanjiao's late-born daughter who was not yet six and whose innate talent remained unknown, all other direct descendants were quite capable.

Li Xicheng, who was over thirty and already at the second layer of Qi Cultivation, was speaking respectfully at this moment:

"...The issue at the mine has been resolved... It was a rat demon... Uncle Qiuyang was dispatched to handle it..."

Li Yuanping listened carefully until he finished, then patiently advised:

"Cheng'er, the Qingwu mine yields the most, so it's crucial to keep it under our direct control. You were right to dispatch Uncle Qiuyang... Every disturbance at the mine must be thoroughly investigated. It's possible someone is using demonic beasts to cover up the gaps left by mineral theft..."

Li Xicheng, with his tall stature, lowered his head and nodded thoughtfully, responding:

"I will bear that in mind, Senior."

"Good."

Li Yuanping nodded and continued:

"Go to Shanyue. I've arranged for you to meet Li Jiman there; have a heart-to-heart talk with him. The Shanyue region yields abundant resources..."

Li Xicheng nodded in affirmation. Li Yuanping then asked:

"Considering the passage of time, most of the Chengming generation have come of age. You have numerous descendants; are any particularly outstanding?"

Li Xicheng replied:

"The talents of the children from both the main and minor branches are all promising. Two illegitimate branches were reintegrated into the main clan because their descendants possessed spiritual apertures. There are now a total of eleven, all cultivating on the mountain."

"As for those who are truly outstanding..."

Li Xicheng paused, then said in a low voice:

"Each of them possesses the talent to become a Qi Cultivator. However, in terms of truly exceptional talent or character, I haven't yet observed anyone..."

Li Yuanping, unhurried, said gently:

"With the new system in place, the four lineages are much closer. These children live and eat together on the mountain. As long as they are devoted to the family and can become Qi Cultivators and key members in the future, they don't need to possess extraordinary abilities."

Li Yuanping glanced at Li Xicheng beside him, still feeling somewhat uneasy. He explained in detail:

"All direct descendants from both the main and minor branches are to cultivate on the mountain. This is to foster familiarity among them, so that they can be dispatched to govern peak estates in the future. As for Qingdu Mountain, with you brothers overseeing it, there won't be any significant issues."

The uncle and nephew discussed matters thoroughly. Then, a person approached from below and announced respectfully:

"Reporting, Clan Head... Xiao Muyun from Yushan is here to visit!"

"Xiao Muyun?"

Li Yuanping paused in surprise, then exclaimed with delight:

"Quickly welcome him in!"

A young man, appearing no older than twelve or thirteen and cultivating at the third layer of Fetal Breath, then entered. Dressed in black, he bowed steadily and announced:

"Muyun greets Uncle!"

This youth was indeed Xiao Muyun, Li Qingxiao's son and the orphan of Xiao Xian, as well as the young master of Yushan. Li Yuanping quickly descended to help him up, examining him closely. Seeing his composed demeanor and bright eyes, he praised:

"Excellent, excellent bearing, excellent presence."

Xiao Muyun humbly cupped his fists. To be at the third layer of Fetal Breath at only twelve or thirteen was truly impressive. Li Xicheng also approached, smiling:

"So it's my cousin."

Li Qingxiao and Xiao Muyun had been rescued by the Li family's concerted efforts, so Xiao Muyun naturally felt a strong affection for the two men. Li Yuanping eagerly asked:

"Has something happened in Yushan? Your second uncle has already achieved Foundation Establishment; if you need anything, your maternal family will support you!"

Xiao Muyun was deeply moved, and simply replied:

"Uncle! When my father and grandfather both fell years ago, it was our family who intervened, made numerous arrangements, and provided assistance with spirit stones and talismans, thereby securing my family's leadership!"

"Yushan is now entirely under the control of my mother and me, with only a few stubborn elders remaining. I have come this time to return the seventy spirit stones we borrowed!"

He retrieved a storage bag from within his robes, handed it to Li Xicheng, and said respectfully:

"Should your family ever be in need, the Yushan lineage will certainly provide its full support!"

"Oh!"

Li Yuanping shook his head and replied:

"Yushan is, after all, the Xiao family. Too much interaction might give rise to gossip. Your greatest help would be to cultivate diligently and achieve Foundation Establishment as soon as possible."

"Yes, Uncle!"

Xiao Muyun responded with firm resolve. Li Yuanping then instructed Li Xicheng:

"Take your cousin on a tour and introduce him to his brothers."

Li Xicheng cupped his hands and agreed, and the two departed amiably. Only then did Li Yuanping open the storage bag. Inside were eighty spirit stones, ten more than he expected, along with a small, heartfelt letter from Li Qingxiao, every word sincere.

'With these eighty, the deficit for the family's array construction has been covered.'

The matter that had long weighed on his mind was finally resolved. He put away the storage bag, and his mood, for once, significantly improved.

Just as he had finished arranging these matters, a clan soldier entered the hall from outside, taking two steps in, and spoke in a hushed voice:

"Clan Head, the Elder has inquired... if there are any calming spiritual items left in the clan?"

The Elder referred to was, of course, Li Xuanxuan. The Li family had suffered significant population losses, making him the sole individual who could still be addressed as an Elder.

Li Yuanping hesitated, then whispered:

"If necessary, I will immediately dispatch someone to Qingdu Peak to inquire."

Li Xuanxuan was only seventy years old, yet he appeared much older due to multiple uses of lifespan-shortening techniques and three or four severe injuries. Year after year, he stubbornly toiled on the path of talismans, refusing to relent.

Li Xuanxuan had little hope of further progress in his cultivation, his current level having been achieved through numerous fortuitous encounters. Now, having stubbornly immersed himself in the art of talismans, he was becoming increasingly paranoid.

Whenever he cultivated and meditated, numerous illusions would plague him, causing mental blockages that only calming pills could alleviate.

The old man could barely draw talismans anymore. He continually consumed the family's calming pills, yet each dose made him feel he was pointlessly squandering the family's spirit stones, spurring him to draw talismans with renewed, almost desperate, intensity.

Li Yuanping closed his eyes and sighed. Li Xuanxuan held the highest seniority in the family, and no one could persuade him to rest, not even for a moment.

'A few pills are a minor concern... but I'm afraid... alas!'

The Li family had consulted someone for a divination, which indicated Li Xuanxuan still had eighty to ninety years of life remaining; his long life was only halfway through. Yet, observing his frenzied, self-exhausting state, it seemed likely he would lose over a decade of that predicted lifespan.

Li Yuanping was lost in thought, feeling a sudden chill and coughing uncontrollably. He took a sip of medicinal tea brewed from spiritual flowers, and only then did a realization strike him:

"I don't have many years left myself."

A wave of dizziness washed over him. He quietly settled back into his main seat, gently tapping the table:

"Eleven individuals... all show promise of achieving Qi Cultivation... Sister Hong is on the verge of Foundation Establishment. In another thirty years, Ming'er will likely also achieve Foundation Establishment. Then, our family will have fifteen or sixteen direct descendant Qi Cultivators..."

Li Yuanping's thoughts inexplicably drifted to the Yu family of old, and his heart sank slightly:

"Prosperity often precedes decline... I wonder if this boy Xicheng will be able to manage the family effectively..."

(Chapter End)