Chapter 400: Deer Demon Invitation

The news of Li Jing's passing arrived, and the entire Li family went into mourning. Although she was only a mortal, she was still Li Xiangping’s daughter, Li Xuanfeng’s younger sister, and one of the most senior members of the family.

Chen Donghe rushed back with his wife’s body, his demeanor showing no outward signs of distress. Li Yuanjiao met him, keeping his gaze downcast and remaining silent throughout.

Chen Donghe had finally returned. Now seventy years old, he had only reached Qi Cultivation at thirty, and though he looked to be in his early fifties, he was already considered an elder. At the funeral, he stood ramrod straight.

Li Qinghong had just learned of her mother Lu Wanrong’s death when her aunt Li Jing’s body was brought back to the Li family. With two relatives dying in quick succession, she was overcome with grief. Her face, which had just shown the vibrancy of a recent breakthrough, was now filled with sorrow.

After over half a year of busy preparations, all matters were finally arranged properly. Li Qinghong, who had just achieved a breakthrough, experienced fluctuations in her cultivation due to the intense joy and sorrow, and had to enter seclusion to stabilize it. Li Yuanjiao was left to manage the household.

Qingdu Mountain.

As usual, Li Yuanjiao led Chen Donghe into Qingdu Mountain. Seeing that Chen still seemed quite energetic and composed, Li Yuanjiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief and politely said:

“I'm sorry to have troubled you all these years, Uncle. Now that the younger generation has grown up, there's no need for you to stay in that harsh place anymore. From now on, the qi collection can be handed over to them. Uncle, you can cultivate in peace.”

“Not at all.” Chen Donghe first bowed politely, then sighed and replied, “Who does the family intend to send there?”

Li Yuanjiao replied, “An Zheyuan has two sons, both married to women from our Li family. Both now have mid-stage cultivation; they can manage the situation, and are reliable and loyal. I intend to have them alternate in qi collection.”

Chen Donghe nodded. “I will write a letter right away to instruct Bai Yinzi,” he paused, then continued, “Bai Yinzi of Guyan Temple is interested in forming connections. You can send some of our own people there to establish in-law relationships. Within twenty years, they should become a wing for our family, serving as a chess piece for deeper penetration into the great desert.”

“Good.” Li Yuanjiao readily agreed. His spiritual sense swept over Chen Donghe, revealing that he now had an eighth-level Qi Cultivation. So Li Yuanjiao politely said, “Uncle, you've worked hard and achieved much over the years, and we must reward you. The family has a secretly transmitted barrier-breaking elixir. Please take and consume it, Uncle, to break through to the ninth level of Qi Cultivation.”

“This... I am already old and frail,” Chen Donghe hesitated, frowning. His words were sincere, not just polite formality. “How can I be worthy of this medicine? It would be better to leave it for Ximing and Xijun... I am already over seventy years old! What difference does it make whether I break through to the ninth level of Qi Cultivation sooner or later? It should still be given to the younger generation...”

Li Yuanjiao had no choice but to forcefully put the elixir into his hand and explained, “We've already reserved enough shares for the children. Uncle, if you refuse, how will others be convinced?”

Chen Donghe reluctantly accepted it, muttered a few words of the Xuanjing Spiritual Oath to himself, and went to find a place for seclusion.

Li Yuanjiao sat down on a stone stool. A pile of old books that Chen Donghe had brought back lay on the table; they had all been collected and annotated by Li Jing during her lifetime. He gathered them up and let out a soft sigh. “Aunt... what a pity.”

He sat in the courtyard for a while before a tall man entered, bowed, and said, “Xicheng greets the Ancestor.”

“Hm.” Li Yuanjiao raised a hand, using his magical power to lift him. Li Yuanping's health had gradually weakened over the past six months, and most of the clan's affairs had been handed over to Li Xicheng. Li Xicheng cupped his hands and said, “The family's output is gradually increasing. The first batch of spirit fish, reared by demonic beasts in the lake, has been harvested and sold for a full seven spirit stones. There will be more and more in the future, increasing our annual income by at least four or five spirit stones.”

“As for the two ore veins, they have been deeply excavated, but we haven't found too many minerals yet. There should be output in a few more years.”

When Li Yuanping took over the Li family, it was a struggling aristocratic family with annual deficits, always robbing Peter to pay Paul. By the time it was handed over to Li Xicheng, it was already a well-managed household with an annual profit of over ten spirit stones. Li Yuanjiao nodded subtly as he listened to the income reports.

“In recent years, the family has added three Qi Cultivators and five miscellaneous qi practitioners. They have already replaced several Embryonic Breath practitioners among the five peaks.”

The Li family was now showing the signs of a prominent aristocratic family. Miscellaneous qi practitioners were emerging like bamboo shoots after rain, and there were also many Qi Cultivators. Li Xicheng himself had a third-level Qi Cultivation.

“An Zheyuan, a ninth-level Qi Cultivator, leads the group. Chen Donghe, Ximing, and Uncle Xuanxuan are all late-stage Qi Cultivators. Tian Zhongqing, Xu Gongming, Bai Hou, Chen Mufeng, Li Wen, and others are mid-stage Qi Cultivators. Early-stage Qi Cultivators include eleven outsiders and Jade Court Guards. In total, there are twenty-seven Qi Cultivators and forty-one miscellaneous qi practitioners.”

“As for Foundation Establishment cultivators, there are four: Second Uncle, Aunt Qinghong, Senior Wushao, and Master Kongheng. Our Li family's power now directly rivals that of the former Yu family, and we are already the overlords of the lake.”

Li Xicheng sighed, “Currently, the common people under our rule number over 450,000. Spirit fields are scarce, and we have done our best to manage them. We are only limited by the oath of the three families, which prevents us from advancing north. Otherwise, we could sweep across Wangyue, annex Mimolin, seize Hanyun, and the Fei and Yu families would be nothing to speak of!”

With newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators and a vibrant, thriving atmosphere throughout the Li family, the number of Qi Cultivators and miscellaneous qi practitioners was steadily increasing. However, the space released by yielding the Five Peaks and establishing new positions was becoming exhausted, creating a situation where there were too many people and not enough resources.

Li Yuanjiao listened as Li Xicheng finished speaking, then nodded slightly and replied, “To advance north, unless Yu Muxian dies first, and we secure a place within the Qingchi Sect, allowing Wangyue Lake to be affiliated with Qinghui Peak... only then can we gain momentum.”

“Qingchi's affiliations rotate every seventy years, and Yuanwu Peak only has about twenty years left in its affiliation.”

Li Xicheng acknowledged with a sound, and Li Yuanjiao then whispered, “Now that our family has four Foundation Establishment cultivators, we can seriously consider establishing a branch family overseas. Firstly, most of the Foundation Establishment demon generals within the sea have some background, making them difficult to capture. Secondly, it would allow us to communicate with both internal and external regions, acquire spiritual materials, and absorb population.”

Li Xicheng simply waited for him to make a decision, acknowledging obediently. Li Yuanjiao, however, still felt somewhat uncertain and could only muse to himself, “Firstly, most of the islands, big and small, overseas are already claimed. It's difficult to find a safe and spacious foothold. Secondly, at least two Foundation Establishment cultivators would be needed to establish a stable base, and sending anyone out... doesn't seem quite right.”

Li Wushao, a local strongman of the East Sea, would be the most suitable person to send. However, the ore veins in Wangyue Lake had only just begun to be excavated. Without a demon general guarding them, the group of demons wouldn't be agreeable, and if Li Wushao were away for too long, problems might arise.

Li Yuanjiao was still calculating in his mind when he saw An Zheyuan hurriedly approach from below and respectfully say, “Ancestor! A fox has delivered a message.”

“Hm? Bring it up quickly!” Li Yuanjiao heard it was a fox demon, knew it was a letter from Bai Ronghu, and quickly replied. An Zheyuan's expression was a bit strange; he nodded and went down.

Before long, An Zheyuan flew up again. In his arms, he held a pillow-sized red fox with blood-red paws and blue eyes, holding a jade slip in its mouth, looking very well-behaved.

“So it's a fox... not a fox demon...” Only then did Li Yuanjiao understand An Zheyuan's words. He took the jade slip and read it carefully.

“...The cave has already appointed a demon general to come. It's a deer demon with mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation. It sent generous gifts and wishes to discuss something with your esteemed family...”

'So it's a new demon general taking office,' Li Yuanjiao thought. 'This demon cave's reaction is quite slow...' He nodded in understanding and handed the jade slip to Li Xicheng. Li Xicheng glanced at it, then hesitated and said, “This demon deer... must be afraid of our family, right?”

“How could it not be afraid!” Li Yuanjiao chuckled and explained, “The previous one died at our hands just a few years ago. And Bai Ronghu handled everything cleanly, without even a hint of a ripple. This is usually the treatment reserved for the three sects and seven major clans! He's coming here to guard despite himself. He naturally has to negotiate with our family. Otherwise, wouldn't he just be sitting there foolishly on the peak, waiting for our family to take his life?”

Li Yuanjiao glanced at the small red fox standing quietly and motionlessly before him and softly said, “Then let's see what kind of demon deer this is.”

Li Xicheng nodded slightly and told An Zheyuan to take the fox and withdraw. Only then did he remind, “Ancestor... Uncle Xuanxuan's inner demons are growing heavier. Though the elder doesn't speak of it, we cannot stand by and do nothing.”

Li Yuanjiao's expression darkened slightly. He flicked his sleeves and said in a deep voice, “Xijun has mentioned this to me several times. I inquired for a long time and heard that the Hengzhu Daoist Sect has a method to resolve it. Find someone to take him there!”

With these words, Li Yuanjiao, looking quite unconcerned, flew off by himself.

Li Xicheng was stunned for a moment. He let out two bitter laughs, then looked up at Li Yuanjiao's receding figure and mumbled with difficulty, “But... but the cost is immense. Uncle Xuanxuan simply refuses to go!” He was in a dilemma. The Jade Court Guard stood silently by his side. Li Xicheng pondered for a moment, then softly said, “I can only ask Brother Jun!”

Ancestral Hall.

Li Xijun stayed on the mountain for another half a year. Everyone thought he was grounded and didn't disturb him, allowing him to enjoy the peace and quiet. He cultivated his swordsmanship and magic, both of which showed improvement.

When the news of Li Jing’s death returned, Li Yuanjiao came in and talked with him several times. Li Xijun changed into white mourning clothes in the ancestral hall, still thinking of Li Xuanxuan: “The elder's spirit wasn't good to begin with. I wonder if he can bear it.”

After cultivating in the ancestral hall for another half a month, Li Xijun had originally planned to stay until the three-year period was over before going out. However, when Li Xicheng came in a hurry and relayed the news from both sides, Li Xijun immediately couldn't sit still.

'Neither side is yielding...' Li Xijun thought. 'Oh, dear!'

Li Xijun was worried about Li Xuanxuan. Hearing that Li Qinghong was in seclusion and Li Yuanjiao was out and nowhere to be seen, he couldn't hold back any longer and finally left the ancestral hall, flying towards the Elixir Pavilion.

Stopping at the entrance of the Elixir Pavilion, he saw a woman standing quietly by the door. She had fair skin, beautiful features, and surprisingly, Qi Cultivation. Her gaze quickly stopped on his face, and she respectfully said, “This junior greets Senior.”

“Ah, Miss Meng.” Li Xijun replied somewhat distantly and proceeded to knock on the door himself.

Li Ximing was using the vermillion long-flowing elemental fire to refine elixirs. With a push of his hands, six elixirs flew out, and he carefully put them away one by one. He softly said, “Which fellow Daoist?”

Li Xijun waited for a moment until Li Ximing put away his elixir fire before entering the hall. Li Ximing, happy to be caught refining elixirs properly for once, laughed and said, “You've been cooped up inside for a year, are you finally willing to come out?”

Li Xijun shook his head and asked, “Let me ask you, how many elixirs has Uncle consumed this year? Is it still within normal limits?”

When this was brought up, Li Ximing's expression wasn't very good either. He whispered, “It's very difficult. Many Serenity Pills, Jade Ice Pills, and Shifting Cloud Pills have been taken, but their effects are getting worse. I'm afraid we can't delay any longer. Grandfather always refuses to talk about it, and Second Uncle doesn't ask often...”

Li Xijun shook his head gently. “Second Uncle has already come to the ancestral hall several times, waiting for me to bring this up. Although the two elders don't appear very close on the surface, they are father and son after all.”

Li Ximing felt a little bitter. “They're both too proud to give in, being so hesitant...” His words were unclear, and it was hard to tell whom he was referring to. Li Xijun glanced at him, shook his head, and sighed.

In recent years, Li Xijun had meticulously researched the clan history in the ancestral hall. At this moment, he simply said, “The father and son originally had a rift. Their elder brother, the only one who could resolve it, died young, deepening the rift. Uncle Xuanxuan can't bring himself to speak, and Uncle Jiao can't say soft words either, but they are both suffering greatly inside...”

Li Xijun took out a jade slip from his robes and said gently, “Uncle Jiao doesn't say it aloud, but he clearly cares deeply. He sent people to inquire about it earlier. Now, Uncle's condition cannot be cured by ordinary elixirs. The Hengzhu Daoist Sect has a Serene Mind Immortal Spell that should be able to help.”

“I know that too,” Li Ximing replied, sighing helplessly, “This spell requires many spiritual materials as aids. Each time costs forty to fifty spirit stones. Grandfather is used to being frugal; how could he agree to it!”

“That's easy enough to handle,” Li Xijun whispered. “I'll trick him into going out under the pretense of searching for spirit water. Once we reach Hengdong County, we'll act first and report later. We'll invite the Hengzhu disciples, and Uncle will have no choice but to comply.”

Li Ximing nodded repeatedly and said, “A good method. However, with the two of you traveling south and so many demonic cultivators around, something might happen...”

“No need to worry; let Kongheng escort us,” Li Xijun replied. “He comes from a righteous Buddhist sect and is very skilled at calming the mind and nurturing qi. There won't be any problems on the way.” He blinked and smiled, “It's just that I'm not comfortable bringing this up myself. You'll have to present it to Uncle Jiao as your own idea.”

Li Ximing nodded in understanding. “Understood.”

Li Xijun didn't waste words. He nodded gently and flew directly towards the mountain cave dwelling to invite Li Xuanxuan.

Li Ximing was left sitting distractedly in the Elixir Pavilion. Meng Zhuoyun gently pushed the door open and came in, softly saying, “Brother Ming...”

Li Ximing sighed in relief and gestured for her to come closer. The two exchanged glances, and Meng Zhuoyun sat down beside him. Having been together for over a year, they had long since broken through any barriers and had nothing to hide.

Li Ximing naturally pushed aside her white robe and squeezed her smooth, tender shoulder, his mind on other matters. His gaze lingered for a moment on Meng Zhuoyun's delicate features. He then noticed a dark blue osmanthus flower pinned in her hair; it appeared to be a magic artifact, and it looked exceptionally beautiful against her white robe.

Meng Zhuoyun, feigning tenderness, noticed his gaze and softly said, “This was left by my father before he died. The elder spent several days crafting it.”

Li Ximing whispered, “Elder Meng passed away? When did that happen?!”

“Last night,” Meng Zhuoyun said quietly. “He overestimated himself. He died after only three months of secluded cultivation for a breakthrough.”

Li Ximing immediately released her shoulder awkwardly and consoled her, “My condolences... my condolences...”

Meng Zhuoyun chuckled and softly said, “What's wrong? Are we not doing it today?”

“What a pity about Elder Meng...” Li Ximing prattled on. “Ah, such is life and death, there's nothing that can be done. He lived for over 190 years; many Foundation Establishment cultivators don't live as long as he did. Think about how many cultivators can live to be two hundred years old...”

Meng Zhuoyun looked at the prattling man in front of her. She let out a scoff, finding it quite amusing, but then couldn't help but let tears fall. She tearfully kissed him and bit his lower lip.

Li Ximing's mouth tasted slightly salty. Knowing she was sad, he prattled on, trying to comfort her. Meng Zhuoyun in front of him finally dropped her pretense and cried out tearfully, “Are you going to do it or not!”

Li Ximing stared at her blankly for a moment, then pulled her into his embrace. The woman in front of him finally burst into tears.

“Oh, come on! Think about how few people can live to be two hundred years old...” Li Ximing kept repeating those same few phrases. Meng Zhuoyun cried and laughed at the same time, her gaze very complex. After a long while, she finally sighed softly.

“Alas!”