Chapter 388: Meng Family Father and Daughter

Moon-Gazing Lake and Green Pond Mountain are ten thousand miles apart. Even a Qi Cultivation realm cultivator flying at full speed day and night would take two full days and nights. Considering the need to meditate and recuperate in between, a one-way trip would take six or seven days, making a round trip half a month.

Furthermore, the territory of the Green Pond Sect is not entirely peaceful, and many large mountains must be circumnavigated. Li Yuanjiao entrusted his family letter to the Yuan family for delivery, and it had already been over a month since he received a reply.

The Yuan family held the Li family in high regard. As Yuan Huyuan was in seclusion, his eldest son delivered the letter. He respectfully presented the letter, conversed politely for a few moments with proper etiquette, and then bowed and took his leave.

'...Handwritten on the evening of the 28th of the Spring Moon... Congratulations, Father, on your breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment realm... Does the family know about the Eastern Flame Grotto-Heaven? If any items from the Eastern Flame Grotto-Heaven are obtained, those below the Foundation Establishment realm can freely use them. Purple Mansion spiritual medicines, secret techniques, and cultivation methods should be sent to Green Pond immediately, without any delay...'

'...Your child has gained benefits in Eastern Flame; my cultivation reached the fourth level of Qi Cultivation yesterday. Younger brother Ming is still young; I hope Father will be less harsh on him... I obtained several pill recipes from the Eastern Flame Grotto-Heaven. They are enclosed with this letter. The family can profit greatly from them, but absolutely do not let them be leaked...'

'...Regarding younger brother Jun's "Cold Pine Dew and Snow Art," your child entrusted the Yang family to inquire about it. They said there is no such Purple Mansion inheritance in Yue Kingdom, only some rumors in the far northwest of Wu Kingdom. So practice with peace of mind; there's no need to worry.'

Li Yuanjiao finished reading the letter, let out a long breath, and showed a hint of pride: "I hadn't even had a chance to ask about Xijun's matter, but Zhier has already investigated it. With this news, Jun'er can cultivate boldly now."

Attached to the end of the letter was a small, crystal-clear and beautiful bead containing several pill recipes. Li Yuanjiao pondered it for a moment, thinking to himself: 'Green Pond has good techniques. This bead is much more convenient than a jade slip.'

He then extended his spiritual sense into it. They were the Tri-Completion Breakthrough Pill and the second formula of the Spirit-Saving Rejuvenation Pill. Both elixirs were extremely difficult to refine and very valuable.

Li Yuanjiao put the items away, musing: 'First, let Ximing break through to Foundation Establishment, and then I'll study these two items... The spiritual energy in Green Pond is dense, and Zhier's talent is high. By focusing on cultivation, he's actually surpassed Ming.'

He then leaped up, passed through the great formation of Qingdu Peak, and descended towards the lake.

The weather was cold, and many shards of ice still floated on the deep green lake water. As soon as he neared the surface, the lake surged, and the deep green water constantly rose, with the floating ice clattering together.

A black snake head as large as a carriage emerged from the water. Demonic aura surged, and spiritual light flickered. Li Wushao transformed, becoming a black-clothed youth, who clasped his hands and stepped forward to greet him.

"Wushao greets Master!" He lowered his head, his aura surging, and said respectfully: "As per Master's command, I have swept the shores of the five peaks, subjugated three Qi Cultivation realm demons and twenty-five Fetal Breath realm demons in the lake, and collected twenty-six types of spiritual materials."

The demon turned and gently clapped its hands, its magical power surging: "Come out, all of you!"

As he spoke, the deep green lake water parted, and three demons flew out. They awkwardly stood upright, riding demonic winds, and hovered in the air.

Li Yuanjiao looked them over: two plump-headed blue fish demons, one large and one small, at the mid-Qi Cultivation and early Qi Cultivation realms respectively, and a black early Qi Cultivation lake turtle, looking extremely nervous, floating blankly in the air.

Li Yuanjiao waved his hand casually, and the three demons, as if granted a great pardon, descended. Li Wushao cupped his hands and said: "Your subordinate has already scouted the near-shore surface of the eastern bank; there are no Foundation Establishment demons. I have already sent smaller ones deeper into the lake to search."

"Regarding the matter mentioned by the Family Head, Wushao has already marked out several lake areas with abundant spiritual energy. I also sent those two blue fish to find spiritual fish fry that can sense spiritual energy, to bring back and cultivate..."

Li Wushao continued: "Your subordinate also took An Zheyuan to scout the lakebed twice. Three locations have suspected hidden mineral veins in their leylines. I've sent a group of lesser demons to dig and investigate. There should be news soon."

"Good!" Li Yuanjiao nodded with considerable satisfaction.

Having finally subjugated a Foundation Establishment demon, using Li Wushao merely as a thug would truly be a waste of talent. Aquatic creatures have always admired strength and liked to form groups. A Foundation Establishment demon general's influence around the lake was considerable. Previously, they could only gather a few spiritual materials from the lake. Now, they could finally develop it thoroughly.

'Breeding spiritual fish, gathering spiritual materials, mining veins, gathering intelligence... These Qi Cultivation and Fetal Breath realm demons, unlike cultivators, can walk on the lakebed without needing a water-repelling spell. They are very efficient at their tasks.'

He smiled faintly: 'Most importantly, this group of demons doesn't need to be paid family stipends!'

Seeing that Li Yuanjiao seemed to be in a good mood, Li Wushao secretly let out a sigh of relief and said: "However, these lesser demons have become my subordinates, yet they have no protective items. Rogue cultivators often pass over the lake and casually capture one or two..."

Li Yuanjiao nodded and instructed: "Go to the Jade Court Guards and get some identification jade plaques. Distribute them to the demons of the Jade Capital Wheel for protection. The demons below the Jade Capital Wheel will follow in smaller groups. Passing rogue cultivators will show some respect to my family and won't make trouble for you."

"Yes!" Li Wushao responded, and Li Yuanjiao asked: "Since it's difficult to find demon traces in the lake, in your opinion, are there any Foundation Establishment demons near the estuary of Xuanyue Salt Lake that can be captured?"

After subduing Li Wushao, the family's sacrifice for Ximing and Xijun's talismans would be one Foundation Establishment demon short. Li Yuanjiao had Li Wushao search the lakebed for a while, but the lake demons were very cunning and their whereabouts uncertain. Li Yuanjiao had no choice but to turn his attention to the East Sea.

Li Wushao replied: "In your subordinate's opinion, apart from the Azure Water Flood Dragon at the estuary, all others are mediocre. If Master intends to subjugate them, I'm afraid..."

Li Yuanjiao shook his head. Li Wushao immediately understood and replied: "With the master's formation disk in hand, the beasts in the lake are nothing special... To kill or to capture is but a thought."

Li Yuanjiao nodded: "In that case, before Kong Tingyun arrives, quickly capture a demon and bring it back."

Li Yuanjiao and Li Wushao then flew eastward on the wind. Li Qinghong had gone to Mushroom Forest Plain for secluded cultivation, leaving Qingdu Mountain rather empty. Li Ximing cultivated in the courtyard all day, leaving only Li Xijun guarding the mountain.

The chill of winter had not yet receded. Qingdu Peak was not short, and some snow could still be seen at its summit. Li Xijun cultivated the "Cold Pine Dew and Snow Art." Taking advantage of the heavy snow in previous months, he went into seclusion and broke through to the second level of Qi Cultivation.

Having just emerged from seclusion and not touched his sword for a long time, he immediately felt the urge to spar. He searched all over the mountain, eventually finding Li Wen from the Qingdu Immortal Cave, and engaged him in a fight.

Although Li Wen was at the third level of Qi Cultivation, when it came to fighting, he was no match for Li Xijun. His two golden gourd hammers were particularly cumbersome, and Li Xijun's sword art followed a nimble and agile path. Naturally, he suffered repeated defeats.

Li Xijun, in his white robes, held his sword, deflecting Li Wen's two golden gourd hammers from left to right. With another sword thrust to Li Wen's chest, he won all three matches, giving the simple-minded fellow a good beating.

The simple-minded fellow mumbled something, unable to come up with any flattering words. He simply threw down his great hammers, sat on the ground, and said: "Young Master is mighty."

Li Xijun, having just broken through to the second level of Qi Cultivation, his eyes sparkling, said gently: "Wen-ge'er, your cultivation is good. Among the branch families, you are the only outstanding one. I hope you continue to cultivate diligently and don't fall behind."

There were many Qi Cultivation realm cultivators with different surnames in the Li family, but not many with the Li surname. Besides Li Xuanxuan, Li Xicheng at the foot of the mountain, Li Xijun in front of him, and Li Ximing in the alchemy room – these four Qi Cultivation cultivators – Li Wen was the most trusted one.

Li Wen cultivated the quick-progression "Knocking on the Courtyard Guarding Art," reaching Qi Cultivation before turning thirty. After Qi Cultivation, progress should have been much slower, but his mind was pure, and his desire for the Dao was ardent. He was now at the third level of Qi Cultivation, no worse than several other cultivators of different surnames, like Chen Mufeng.

Li Xijun genuinely liked this honest and loyal man. He often sought him out to practice combat techniques. Li Wen did not disappoint, making rapid progress in the past two years.

Li Wen listened, nodded, and rumbled: "Your subordinate understands."

Li Xijun smiled slightly, sheathed his long sword, calculated the days, and thought to himself: 'Ximing practices alchemy every day, and his cultivation hasn't fallen behind much. He's twenty-three and at the third level of Qi Cultivation. If I give him the white talisman from the pig demon, he might reach the fifth level of Qi Cultivation and train to the eighth level of Qi Cultivation within seven years. With the talismanic pills, our family will also have a genius who establishes their foundation in their early thirties!'

Thinking of this, Li Xijun murmured: "Perhaps I should ask Uncle Ping to reduce his burdens a bit..."

Li Xijun walked around Qingdu Mountain for a while, lost in thought, then stopped in front of the Alchemy Pavilion. He paused at the door, hearing intimate sounds from within, and his expression became slightly odd.

"My lord..." After quite some time, the woman in the courtyard withdrew. Only then did Li Xijun step into the courtyard. Li Ximing, before him, was very relaxed, holding a jade slip, with a look of satisfaction on his face.

"Ming-ge'er." Li Xijun called out. Seeing Li Xijun enter, Li Ximing put down the jade slip, tightened his belt, and smiled: "Why do you have time to come over today?"

Li Xijun, being a man of restraint, frowned slightly and was about to reprimand him. But seeing Li Ximing in a rare good mood, he didn't want to spoil it and subtly asked: "Where did that woman come from?"

Li Ximing replied: "My concubine, Lady Dou. It's difficult to have children at the Qi Cultivation realm... So, in my leisure time..."

Li Xijun let out a long breath, looked at his hesitant expression, and couldn't help but burst out laughing, replying: "You're so fond of pleasure; I wonder who you take after."

Li Ximing gave an awkward smile and merely said: "Don't tease me."

Seeing his aura rising and showing signs of progress, Li Xijun couldn't help but ask: "How long will it take you to break through to the fourth level of Qi Cultivation?"

"About a year or so," Li Ximing replied as if it were the most natural thing.

Li Ximing, before him, had already broken through to the third level of Qi Cultivation, and Li Xizhi within the sect was already at the fourth level of Qi Cultivation. Li Xijun couldn't help but sigh: "Such a difference in talent truly makes one envious."

Li Xizhi was five or six years older than the two, so it was normal for his cultivation to be higher. Li Ximing, however, was different. The two were similar in age. Li Ximing practiced alchemy daily, occasionally read alchemy books, and in his leisure time, even invited performers to listen to music, living a carefree life.

Li Xijun, on the other hand, diligently cultivated his Qi every day, honing his sword dao, yet he was still suppressed, always a step behind. The gap was now growing wider and wider.

Fortunately, Li Xijun had strong morale, cultivated self-restraint, and always remained calm. Although the two brothers had a big argument, Li Xijun felt guilt and couldn't get angry. Li Ximing, having let loose sufficiently, felt quite comfortable, and there were no further estrangements between them.

Li Xijun sighed with emotion, while Li Ximing thoughtfully shook his head and said: "Actually, whenever I engage in intimate affairs, I feel more and more that I've made progress. The Radiant Essence within my body becomes more active, like surging flames. Perhaps it's because of this that I was able to break through to the third level of Qi Cultivation so quickly."

"Is that so?" Li Xijun was slightly stunned, looked over suspiciously, and asked: "Are you just looking for an excuse to indulge in pleasure?"

Li Ximing feigned anger and said: "What kind of talk is that!"

The two enjoyed themselves for a while. Li Xijun suddenly looked intently into the distance, seeing two streaks of clear light approaching from the east. As soon as they neared the territory, they were intercepted by the Jade Court Guards and stopped in mid-air for a long time.

"I'll go take a look," Li Xijun murmured, then rose into the air on the wind. Because his cultivation method was different, the wind he rode was bone-chillingly cold, and he moved very quickly in the lingering cold weather. In two breaths, he arrived at the Jade Court Guard's location.

The Jade Court Guard before him was from the Chen family, having just broken through to Qi Cultivation. He clasped his hands towards Li Xijun and said in a deep voice: "My lord, these two claim to be sent by the Xiao family, saying they are looking for the Old Ancestor and have a personal letter from the Xiao family's Old Ancestor."

Li Xijun swept them with his spiritual sense. The two were an old man and a young woman. The old man had a dignified face, thick brows, and large eyes, with a cultivation of the ninth level of Qi Cultivation. The woman had fair skin, was only at the Fetal Breath realm, and was very attractive. She stood sideways, glancing at him with her eyes.

Seeing that the old man was at the ninth level of Qi Cultivation, Li Xijun quietly put a small distance between them. Only then did he ask: "I am Li Xijun of the Li family. May I ask which senior from the Xiao family sent you two, and for what purpose?"

The old man cupped his hands and replied: "My name is Meng Taizhi. I am but a rogue cultivator. In earlier years, I cultivated near Sword Gate and befriended Old Ancestor Yuansi. My young daughter's Qi cultivation was lacking, so he introduced us. We've come to the lake to find a place to settle and gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth."

As he spoke, he pointed to the woman beside him. The woman behaved with great poise and grace. She bowed and said softly: "My name is Meng Zhuoyun. I greet Senior."

Li Xijun took the letter handed to him by the Jade Court Guard, but did not open it rashly. He only used his magical power to examine it, and seeing the familiar style, he believed it somewhat and replied: "Please wait a moment. I will go ask an elder."

He then indicated a place in the town for them to settle, instructing the Jade Court Guards to watch over them. Only then did he ride the wind towards Lijing Town.

Li Xijun was a cultivator from Qingdu Peak, holding a very high status in the family. He quickly passed through the central hall. His uncle, Li Yuanping, was seated prominently at the head, with Li Xicheng listening attentively beside him.

Li Yuanping listened to his report. His attendant, Dou Yi, had already unfolded and presented the letter.

'...The Meng father and daughter, bearing my family's favor, have come to gather Qi. This will likely be for around twenty years. There's no need to consider my reputation; they can serve as guest elders, arranged however you see fit. After twenty years, they are free to stay or leave as they please...'

'...Daoist friend Taizhi is skilled in refining ore essences, and his young daughter, Zhuoyun, has even cultivated under an overseas alchemist master. They can both demonstrate their abilities under your esteemed family's governance...'

Li Yuanping's gaze swept up and down. It was indeed Xiao Yuansi's handwriting. He then simply said: "Since Old Ancestor Yuansi has spoken, send someone to ask what the Meng father and daughter need and arrange a position for them."

Li Xicheng nodded in agreement and replied: "Your junior will first test their abilities and then report back to the Family Head."

Li Yuanping nodded. Xiao Yuansi's intention was that the Meng father and daughter and the Li family could greatly benefit each other, and it was also an act of goodwill. Although the Li family did not currently lack these two individuals, it was a rare opportunity to repay Xiao Yuansi's favor, so they still needed to agree.

He coughed twice, then frowned and said: "Remember to assign someone to keep an eye on them."

Li Xicheng agreed, and said respectfully: "The family's sacrifice has been arranged, awaiting the return of Second Uncle and Senior Wushao."