Chapter 392: Meng Taizhi

Li Yuanjiao and Vela-tooth exchanged a few words. Both were in good spirits, their smiles enthusiastic. Zhu Xian and Li Wushao, their two attendants, followed behind as they all flew out of the Great Court.

Noticing Vela-tooth continuously scanning their surroundings, Li Yuanjiao asked, "From the Great Court to Dongshan Yue, the mountains and forests are lush, and the land is fertile. How do you intend to manage this area, fellow Daoist?"

Vela-tooth looked at Li Yuanjiao with his vertical pupils and slowly replied, "When Fu Daimu was lurking nearby, I was always thinking about escaping and never bothered managing the Shan Yue people under my control; I just let them be. But now that I have such a vast territory, I naturally plan to promote a few subordinates, collect spiritual materials, hunt demonic beasts, cultivate spiritual rice, and earn some spirit stones each year..."

Li Yuanjiao agreed, chuckling, "My family is quite adept at this. How about we divide this land? You provide the land, and we provide the people. With my family's methods, we could generate over twenty spirit stones in profit every year after ten years..."

"Oh?" Vela-tooth nodded slightly, subtly probed for more information, and then brought up news about Chen Feng from the Qingchi Sect. Li Yuanjiao immediately saw that he had no intention of cooperating, so he offered a few perfunctory remarks, bid farewell, and departed.

Li Wushao quietly followed him. After flying for a hundred miles, he finally spoke. "Master, are your injuries severe?"

Just moments ago, Li Yuanjiao had taken a combined strike from Zhilei's twin swords, which had terrified Li Wushao to his core. His own spiritual essence was still held by Li Yuanjiao, and if anything happened to Li Yuanjiao, Li Wushao's life would be in peril.

Li Yuanjiao waved his hand and replied, "It's nothing. Once we return to the peak and I enter seclusion, you can consume that precious Qingyun Elk Fruit and repair your two hooks."

"Thank you, Master!" Li Wushao was overjoyed, thanking him profusely. Li Yuanjiao responded, "You are already part of my Li family; there's no need for so many thanks."

Just as the master and servant left the Great Court by a hundred miles, a young man in white, graceful as a jade tree, rode the wind to meet them. With a sword on his back, he cupped his hands and greeted them. "Congratulations, Uncle, on eliminating a menace."

This youth was none other than Li Xijun. Li Yuanjiao glanced at him and asked suspiciously, "Is there something urgent at home? Why have you come to find me?"

Li Xijun softly replied, "I was worried Vela-tooth might try to trick you into a trap, so I watched from a distance."

Li Yuanjiao looked back, then said again, "It's over a hundred miles from here, and there's a large formation protecting it. How could you see?"

Li Xijun nodded, a misty aura of frost and snow swirling in his eyes. He replied, "I have inherited the Clear Frost Pine Ridge, which grants me extremely sharp eyesight. I can pierce illusions and detect subtleties, allowing me to vaguely glimpse even through a large formation, observing the flow of spiritual light to assess the situation."

Li Yuanjiao's face finally lit up with joy. He nodded and praised, "Excellent! This Daoist Qi possesses such mystical abilities. Once we return home, take a look at 'Clear Sight Spirit Eyes' to see if you can cultivate pupil techniques with half the effort and double the results. If you can master this art, it will become even more miraculous."

Seeing Li Xijun nod, Li Yuanjiao continued, "Vela-tooth doesn't want my family to get involved. If we could send our people to manage that land, we should be able to generate significantly more income."

Li Xijun pondered for a moment, then understood, and softly said, "Don't worry, Uncle. Vela-tooth doesn't understand the difficulties of governance. He's a lone wolf; where would he find the manpower to manage everything? He's blinded by greed, thinking he can just promote a few Qi Cultivators. But once he hits a wall, he'll eventually come seeking our help."

Li Yuanjiao nodded, responding very naturally, "That's true. The habits of the Shan Yue people are hard to change; they are greedy, insatiable, and disrespectful. My family's Dongshan Yue only achieved such profits after two Qi Cultivators from the Jade Court Guard and twelve Jade Capital members strictly managed them day and night. Vela-tooth can't handle this, so it's inevitable he'll suffer losses."

The uncle and nephew conversed for a while, then landed back on Qingdu Peak. Li Xijun rolled up his sleeves and spoke quite formally, "Uncle! Our family has already moved to Qingdu. Rogue cultivators often refer to us as the Qingdu Li family, and our status as an aristocratic family is becoming more established. The name 'Lijing Fringe' is no longer fitting; perhaps we should change it."

Li Yuanjiao didn't much care about such matters. Whether it was Qingdu or Lijing, they sounded the same to him. He simply replied, "It's up to you. Just finalize it."

The two men and one demon landed on the peak. A little girl was squatting in front of the courtyard gate. Seeing them, she ran up with a cheerful smile. "Father! Brother!"

"Xiang'er." Li Yuanjiao had only recently gained this daughter and actually doted on her greatly. However, in recent years, consecutive breakthroughs, seclusion, and demon-slaying made it rare for him to even see her, causing a growing distance between father and daughter.

Li Yuexiang giggled, holding Li Xijun's hand, clearly much closer to him. Observing this scene, Li Yuanjiao felt that Li Xijun was very different from before. He chuckled, "Jun'er has grown much more composed."

Li Xijun responded with a smile, saying gently, "Uncle... Xiang'er can have her spiritual aperture tested next year. I wonder what her talent will be like..."

Li Xijun's face was full of gentle affection. Li Yuanjiao suddenly thought of Li Xicheng and Li Ximing. These individuals were all gentle and composed, unlike fierce people like himself.

'One by one, they're becoming more and more like the scions of aristocratic families outside.'

Li Yuanjiao watched in silence. The Li family, with their humble origins and shallow foundations, had risen through ruthless means, embodying the unease of the newly rich poor. For three generations, they hadn't been considered truly benevolent.

Now, the Xiyue generation was gradually exhibiting the generosity and composure of aristocratic family scions. Li Xicheng at the foot of the mountain was the most obvious example, not to mention Li Xizhi and Li Ximing, who were both easy to talk to. Li Yuanjiao observed this, finding it hard to say whether it was good or bad.

'Yuan Chengdun, Xiao Ruyu, and others all possess this composed demeanor. It's a natural endowment from a solid family fortune and powerful background, allowing them to befriend heroes and maintain harmonious alliances.'

They were born into nobility, naturally receiving instruction in various arts of power and magic. Their talents were high, and the world before them was as sweet as honey; how could they not be composed? Everyone they met dared not offend them, offering them respect, and with elders to guide them, they wouldn't become arrogant. They were simply born lucky.

'Whether it's composure and magnanimity or ruthlessness and caution, it's hard to say what's good or bad. Circumstances are myriad, and fortune intertwines with destiny; how can one predict? But Xijun...'

He looked at Li Xijun with his narrow eyes and suddenly spoke. "Jun'er."

Li Xijun looked up. He was much more handsome than Li Yuanjiao, and he slightly furrowed his brow, appearing to listen intently.

Li Yuanjiao whispered, "Sometimes, it's better to conceal your sharpness. Don't be too outstanding; make a few small mistakes, suffer a few minor losses..."

Li Xijun didn't quite understand, and for a moment, he stared blankly. Li Yuanjiao said sternly, "Ximing and Xicheng both make mistakes, and they can correct them, which gives me peace of mind. But you, uniquely insightful, haven't made any mistakes, and I've even noticed your disdain for the common people."

It was the first time Li Xijun's thoughts had been seen through, and he was immediately startled, staring blankly at Li Yuanjiao.

Li Yuanjiao said hoarsely, "My elder brother was also this bright and generous, a born genius. So bright and generous that he made only one mistake in his life—picking up that mystic bead."

"Good fortune can slay a hero. Don't underestimate the people of this world."

Li Yuanxiu's tragic lesson was profound; more than ten troublesome rules in the Li family were added because of that incident. Li Yuanjiao's current suspicious and cautious nature is also inseparable from it. Li Xijun bowed and replied, "This junior has learned a valuable lesson."

Li Yuanjiao gave detailed instructions, still feeling a sharp pain in his back, with chest tightness and shortness of breath. He then remembered the injury left by Zhilei was still present and could not be delayed further. He ordered, "I've sustained a minor injury and need to recuperate. Foundation Establishment cultivators typically go into seclusion for several years. I'm leaving the family in your care. All the brothers will listen to you, and for all matters, consult with your Seventh Uncle."

Li Xijun acknowledged with a cupped-hand salute, deep in thought, as he watched Li Yuanjiao depart. He then picked up Li Yuexiang from the ground and gently said, "Come on, Brother will take you for a stroll!"

Lijing Mountain.

Li Yuanping, as always, sat at the head seat. Dressed in brocade furs, his face was pale, and his eye sockets were slightly sunken, yet his spirits seemed fair. Having recently consumed a Talisman Pill to break through to the Jade Capital tier, his complexion looked much better.

"This is as far as I can go..." Although Li Yuanping had broken through to the Jade Capital tier with a Talisman Pill, it merely bought him some time. His cultivation was precarious; attempting another breakthrough would likely hasten his demise.

He put down the letter in his hand without any change in expression, then beckoned Li Xicheng closer and whispered, "Have the Meng father and daughter... come up yet?"

Li Xicheng cupped his hands. "Meng Taizhi just went out to gather Qi and has only recently returned. I've already sent someone to summon him."

No sooner had he spoken than an old cultivator entered the hall. He had a dignified appearance, possessed a ninth-level Qi Cultivation, and immediately stepped forward to cup his hands and say, "Rogue cultivator Meng Taizhi greets the family head."

Li Yuanping waved his hand and asked directly, "No need for formalities, Elder Meng. The elder said he could refine Fetal Breath magical artifacts. Is this true?"

Meng Taizhi nodded and replied, "This old man has some accomplishments in artifact refining. Not to mention Qi Cultivation level artifacts, Fetal Breath magical artifacts are a certainty for me. If the family head is interested, this old man can refine artifacts for your esteemed family to offset the cost of gathering Qi."

Li Yuanping smiled upon hearing this and asked, "It's not easy for Elder Meng to gather Qi. How much time can you spend on artifact refining?"

Meng Taizhi bowed and said, "If your esteemed family prepares the materials, one artifact every two months is not a problem."

Li Yuanping nodded slightly and said, "That's sixty artifacts in ten years—a considerable number."

Most of the Li family's magical artifacts were obtained by defeating enemies or purchased on the market at high premiums. Fetal Breath magical artifacts were mainly used to equip positions of authority on the peaks and to reward younger generations. If they could acquire this batch of artifacts, it would significantly ease their future needs.

'Our family has Qingwu ore, which is excellent material for forging Fetal Breath magical artifacts. These artifacts would also be convenient when establishing new manor peaks in the future.'

However, Li Yuanping absolutely did not believe that Meng Taizhi was so kind as to offer free labor without reason. He weighed the small letter in his hand and thought, 'With Xiao Yuansi's letter in hand, the Meng father and daughter could clearly gather Qi on their own. Their insistence on coming forward most likely means they have an ulterior motive.'

Li Yuanping did not want to owe favors. He glanced at Li Xicheng, who was standing by, and said with a smile, "After all, you are a guest from afar, and we shouldn't trouble a senior like this. Our family still has some resources. How about we simply hire you, senior, to refine artifacts and provide Elder Meng with some additional compensation?"

Meng Taizhi cupped his hands, following Li Yuanping's lead, and replied, "The family head is too kind. It's no trouble at all to offer my meager services, it's just that..."

Li Yuanping was waiting for his "it's just that..." when Meng Taizhi continued, "My daughter has the ability to summon Heart Fire to refine pills. Unfortunately, this old man is merely an artifact refiner and cannot teach her."

Saying this, he respectfully bowed and continued, "I am already 180 years old and likely don't have much time left. This daughter, whom I gained in my old age, is my only concern. I hope she can receive an alchemy inheritance to establish herself... If we acquire your esteemed family's alchemy techniques, we will absolutely not transmit them to outsiders!"

"Refining artifacts for your esteemed family is just one part of it. If there are any other arrangements, this old man will certainly not decline anything within his ability!"

'So that's what he's after!'

Only then did Li Yuanping feel that something was right. He placed the letter on the table and gently said, "Elder Meng, there's no need for such urgency. There are no pressing matters in my family. This alchemy inheritance is quite important, and I will need to consult with our family's old ancestor about it."

"Thank you, family head!" Meng Taizhi offered a few words of thanks. Li Yuanping asked for some details, spoke briefly about various unrelated matters, and then dismissed him.

Li Xicheng, who had been watching, stepped forward with cupped hands and said, "Family Head, the Meng father and daughter—one possesses a secret art, and the other is exceptionally talented. Why not recruit them into our family right away? Once Meng Zhuoyun becomes an alchemist, she could greatly alleviate the burden on Brother Ming..."

"Hmm." Li Yuanping listened to him finish, then gathered the small stack of letters on the table, placed them at the corner, and gently said, "Take a look."

Li Xicheng stepped forward and read through the small stack of letters one by one. "Your subordinate has arrived at the market of Chijiao Island in the East Sea... There has been no Meng-surname refiner here... Nor have I ever heard of any refiner leaving..."

"Your subordinate has arrived at Chunyi Island in the East Sea..."

"Your subordinate has arrived at Zhuxi Island in the East Sea..."

After Li Xicheng finished reading, Li Yuanping explained, "I've dispatched personnel to investigate various islands. Based on the origins of the spiritual items that Meng Zhuoyun and others handled, we've never heard of any Meng-surname cultivator skilled in artifact refining... nor have we heard of any refiners recently leaving the East Sea."

"Even the few locations Meng Taizhi mentioned revealed no traces." He tapped the table and gently said, "Perhaps Meng Taizhi is obscure, making it difficult to trace his whereabouts. But how can we casually admit someone into the family without thoroughly investigating their background?"

Noticing Li Xicheng was deep in thought, Li Yuanping said, "There's no rush in this matter. We have a full ten years. We'll investigate slowly, observe carefully. As long as we remain vigilant, we'll eventually uncover the truth."

He then instructed Li Xicheng as if giving a final warning, "I've arranged for some personnel. When you take over the family management, you can investigate step-by-step."

Li Xicheng nodded, a heavy pressure in his heart. Having followed Li Yuanping for several years, he finally understood his younger brother Li Ximing's difficulties. He was merely taking over a reorganized Li family and already found it so troublesome; how much harder must it have been for Li Ximing back then, with every single task?

As Li Yuanping finished speaking, a family soldier reported that An Zheyuan and his two sons had returned, having thoroughly investigated the mineral veins on the South Shore.

"Good! Quickly invite him in." Li Yuanping was instantly delighted. He coughed twice. Below, three individuals were already being led in. The leader, with a gleaming bald head and a ninth-level Qi Cultivation, cupped his hands and said, "An Zheyuan greets the family head."

Li Yuanping nodded. An Zheyuan was built like a bear, yet his tone was very humble. "Your subordinate has confirmed that among the fourteen anomalous geological points on the South Shore, there are two mineral veins and seven water veins. The value of these findings is considerable. Congratulations, Family Head!"

"Two mineral veins?!" Li Yuanping immediately stood up and pressed, "What kind of mineral veins are they?!"