Chapter 402: Generation that inherits brightness

Green Capital Mountain.

It had been nearly ten years since Green Capital Mountain was established. With shifts in the leylines, three small peaks had risen on either side, varying in height. The tallest was about a hundred ren, just reaching halfway up Green Capital Mountain's main peak, while the shortest were fifty to sixty ren. Many houses had been built on them.

The highest secondary peak was called Talisman Peak, permanently reserved for Li Xuanxuan, with several talisman-crafting apprentices living there with him. As for the lower peaks, they were given to Li Chengmu and Li Chengshi, brothers from the minor branch of the clan.

Both brothers had now reached the Jade Capital realm and assisted Li Xicheng in managing clan affairs. They were said to be reliable.

Li Yuanjiao thought, 'Xicheng acts by the rules, and these two brothers were raised in the Green Capital Grotto-heaven from a young age, making them loyal and dependable.'

Li Yuanjiao flew back to Green Capital Mountain. The grotto entrance at the mountaintop was brightly lit, with two people standing guard at the entrance. He followed the stone steps downwards, where the path suddenly opened up into a spacious and well-lit grotto-heaven.

This place was, naturally, the former Snake Demon's grotto, now the Green Capital Grotto-heaven. The Li family had renovated it for decades; the cave openings on the walls were very neat. Although the spiritual energy wasn't abundant, its advantage lay in its vastness, capable of accommodating several Foundation Establishment cultivators for practice.

Supporting Foundation Establishment cultivators was a heavy burden, so noble families had high demands for territory. Fortunately, Li Tongya had claimed this place many years ago. Now, with the Li family seeing an increasing number of Foundation Establishment cultivators, they wouldn't be without places to cultivate; it was no longer an issue.

He thought, 'The Urtu Mountain Fire Vein has been established, and Kong Gujun of Xuanyue Sect is still overseeing Urtu to help it gradually stabilize. Ximing is preparing to move there... Qinghong is in seclusion again. No wonder it's so quiet.'

As he was looking, Li Xijun arrived, riding the wind, and respectfully said:

"Greetings, Uncle."

Li Yuanjiao nodded and asked:

"When will you enter seclusion for your breakthrough?"

Li Xijun was cautious in his actions and had remained at the fifth level of Qi Condensation for some time, polishing his cultivation. Now, seeing his profound and refined aura, he respectfully replied:

"Within the next few days."

Li Xijun and Li Yuanjiao strolled through the Green Capital Grotto-heaven for a while. From one area, human voices faintly drifted. Li Yuanjiao said:

"What's up ahead...?"

"The children of the Chengming generation. Most have already entered the grotto-heaven to cultivate."

Li Yuanjiao suddenly understood:

"Unconsciously, more than ten years have passed. The descendants of the Chengming generation have grown up..."

The two flew forward. In a small courtyard, a group of youngsters was gathered, practicing sparring in pairs and shouting continuously.

The group of young boys and girls were naturally the children of the Chengming generation from the family.

Li Yuanjiao had never seen these children before. He gently waved his hand, concealing his presence. As these children hadn't even cultivated the Jade Capital Wheel, they naturally couldn't perceive his hidden form.

Li Xijun had been in seclusion in previous years. He cultivated diligently and didn't have much time for other activities, so he also hadn't seen them much. He too performed a spell, concealed his presence, and watched from the clouds.

The youngest of these children were only six, and the oldest were fifteen or sixteen. Their cultivation ranged from the first level of Embryonic Breathing, the Profound Scenery Wheel, to the third level, the Circulating Wheel.

"No wonder Brother Cheng said there was no one outstanding among them. Most of these children's cultivation talents are average to above average."

Even Li Xicheng, who had the weakest talent among the Xiyue generation, reached the Circulating Wheel by age fifteen. Although the Chengming generation was numerous, most were disciples from minor branches who had been brought into the main clan. Apart from Li Xicheng and a few other Xiyue cultivators who hadn't yet had children, there appeared to be no one with exceptional talent.

Li Xijun's gaze lingered on the dozen or so people in the courtyard. There was no one with an outstanding demeanor, except for the oldest boy, who was tall and well-built and spoke with a bold and generous air.

He had thick eyebrows and sparkling eyes. Holding a spear, he stood in the courtyard and, as the oldest, managed the group of siblings, earning everyone's respect.

Li Xijun watched him closely. He saw him organize the sparring matches among his brothers, guide his younger siblings, and help the injured receive treatment, finding it quite interesting.

He looked at Li Yuanjiao beside him. His clan uncle was very focused. The boys and girls below were gathered, chatting. Li Yuanjiao showed a hint of pleasure and then flew down.

"Brother Liao!"

Li Chengliao was sixteen years old this year, the oldest among the children. He had thick eyebrows but nothing particularly striking about him. He stood holding a sword. The disciples had just finished their training and were gathered by him to sit in a circle.

Once all his siblings were seated, Li Chengliao sat in the center. One of them said:

"Brother Liao, what kind of Immortal Foundation will you talk about today?"

Li Chengliao simply replied:

"You all keep asking me. There are only a few methods for achieving Foundation Establishment in our family. As for how wondrous they are, wouldn't it be better to cultivate them yourselves?"

"Brother, that doesn't make sense."

A girl beside him smiled, her eyes round and her brows curved. She said:

"How many people in our family have even reached Foundation Establishment? You're from the main lineage with high talent; you can succeed at cultivating anything. Those of us with less talent than you can only listen for fun. How could we ever cultivate that far?"

The group of boys and girls nodded softly, all showing signs of dejection. But a small child in the corner spoke up, his voice clear:

"Sister Minggong, that's boring. My father said that Great-Grandfather didn't break through to Jade Capital until he was over twenty, and he still became a Vast Sea cultivator. Foundation Establishment isn't just about talent."

For these teenagers, Foundation Establishment was already a rare and powerful achievement, and Immortal Foundations each had their own marvels. Passed down by word of mouth, they became more and more mysterious and wondrous with each telling. Naturally, all of them yearned for Foundation Establishment.

Li Chengliao nodded and, in a rather elder-like tone, said:

"Cheng is right. Everyone, cultivate diligently. We are all disciples of the main clan, and we've entered Green Capital. Even if you can't reach Foundation Establishment, you must at least achieve some level of Qi Condensation. You absolutely cannot bring shame to your respective lineages."

The disciples answered in unison, "Yes," appearing very harmonious. Although a few boys exchanged competitive glances, the atmosphere remained good.

Li Chengliao smiled as he looked at his siblings, and then spoke again:

"I heard that the clan has recently acquired a new technique, called the 'Pheasant Fire Ever-Pacing Art.' It's a formidable fourth-grade method. By ingesting Ever-Pacing Pheasant Fire, one can cultivate the Immortal Foundation of the Departing Pheasant."

The girl beside him, Li Minggong, quickly asked:

"What's so wondrous about it?"

"How would I know?" Li Chengliao grumbled a reply. The youngsters burst into excited discussion, their eyes filled with longing. Li Cheng also became lost in thought, lowering his head in silent contemplation.

Li Xijun stood beside Li Yuanjiao and whispered:

"They're all quite good. At least they grew up in the Green Capital Grotto-heaven, receiving daily instruction. None of them are wastrels."

Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly. His nephew beside him said regretfully:

"It's just a pity that while these children's talents are much better than their fathers', they are all quite ordinary, with very little hope of reaching Foundation Establishment."

Li Xijun's words were subtle. In reality, without some fortuitous encounters, these children probably wouldn't even reach the ninth level of Qi Condensation. Li Yuanjiao hummed in acknowledgment. A rare softness in his eyes, he chuckled:

"In the past, Great-Uncle was also quite ordinary among his four sons, with only hope of Qi Condensation. Who could have imagined he would become renowned throughout Jiangnan? As long as one has spiritual apertures, there is always hope."

"It's just a pity..." Li Yuanjiao paused slightly: "None of these children have received the favor of an immortal artifact. They can be pillars, but not leaders."

Li Xijun lowered his head and brows. Li Yuanjiao smiled:

"Let's go down and see them."

Li Chengliao was picking up the wooden weapons from the ground. The boisterous voices of his siblings suddenly ceased. The surroundings became so quiet one could hear a pin drop. Only Li Minggong's nervous voice was heard:

"Brother Liao... Brother Liao..."

Called from both sides, Li Chengliao responded by looking up. Only then did he see a young man standing before him, elegantly dressed in white, with a sword on his back, and an otherworldly demeanor.

His eyes immediately lit up with excitement. He nervously said:

"Liao greets Uncle Ji!"

Li Xijun was momentarily stunned. Only then did he realize this child was his elder brother Li Xicheng's eldest son, whom he had seen before. When he was born, he hadn't even been named, but ten years had passed in a flash, and he no longer recognized him.

"You are Li Chengliao?" He felt a little awkward and gently said: "Liao'er... come... greet Great-Uncle."

Li Chengliao then noticed a middle-aged man beside Li Xijun, with close-set eyebrows and slightly elongated eyes, dressed simply in a black robe, and carrying a sword on his back.

'Great-Uncle?!'

Who else could be addressed as 'Great-Uncle' with such reverence by Li Xijun? Coupled with Li Yuanjiao's attire, Li Chengliao was instantly filled with both awe and ecstasy. He bowed down in disbelief, even trembling slightly as he said:

"Chengliao... greets Great-Uncle!"

The heads of the young boys and girls, which had just lifted, instantly lowered again. They didn't even dare to exchange glances. They all bowed together, saying in unison:

"Your juniors greet Great-Uncle!"

Li Chengliao's gaze was too worshipful, causing Li Yuanjiao to subtly avert his eyes. He gently raised his hand, lifting everyone up, and thought to himself: 'If Great-Uncle Tongya were here, these little brats would go crazy with joy.'

Musing to himself, Li Yuanjiao, who was always amiable towards his family, said gently:

"Which lineages do you main clan disciples belong to?"

"Li Chengliao, eldest son of the Zhong lineage!" Li Chengliao started. The girl beside him, Li Minggong, who was the eldest sister, respectfully said:

"Li Minggong, eldest sister of the Yuanwan branch of the Bo lineage."

"Li Cheng, youngest son of the Yuanyun branch of the Zhong lineage."

The twelve answered according to their age. Li Yuanjiao nodded, calculating their ages. The most talented among them, Li Minggong and Li Cheng, were still only comparable to Li Xicheng in talent. He then softly said:

"All of you, cultivate diligently. Among the clan's many cultivation techniques, excluding a few whose spiritual energy is too difficult to gather, all of you may read them and choose the cultivation techniques you prefer."

The youngsters responded. Li Yuanjiao glanced at the scattered weapons on the ground. Sure enough, they were either spears or swords, with an occasional bow or two. He instructed:

"Feel free to learn whatever weapons you like. Don't just focus on these three. Someone in the family should be able to master every type of weapon. The clan can find techniques for you at the market."

After speaking, he softly asked:

"Have you ever killed anyone? Have you ever killed a demon?"

Seeing all the disciples shake their heads, Li Yuanjiao had an idea and said to Li Xijun:

"Tell Xicheng. Now that the family has many Qi Condensation cultivators, don't easily kill the Embryonic Breathing demonic beasts caught in various prefectures and towns. Send them here for the children to experience some bloodshed."

"Yes." Li Xijun replied with a smile. The Chengming generation, however, didn't seem afraid; all appeared eager to try. Li Yuanjiao paused, then mused:

"As for killing people... there will be plenty of opportunities later... no need to do it so early..."

Not to mention the deceased direct descendants of the Li family, over fifty guest cultivators and rogue cultivators had already died by accident, either killed by demonic beasts or harmed by passing rogue cultivators or demonic cultivators. Although Jiangnan was more peaceful than the East Sea, incidents of murder and treasure-grabbing were still commonplace.

Li Yuanjiao instructed the children on their cultivation, and at Li Xijun's cheerful request, reluctantly displayed the Jing Dragon King for the younger generation to see.

Li Chengliao and the others were initially cheering, but when the greenish-gray flood dragon bared its fangs and claws, they were so terrified their faces turned pale, dropping their weapons and collapsing to the ground.

Rejecting Li Xijun's suggestion to separate the Immortal Foundation into snakes, shrimp, crabs, and fish to give the Chengming generation a good beating, Li Yuanjiao took Li Xijun and gracefully departed, soaring on clouds and mist and disappearing above the grotto-heaven.

It was a long time after the two left before the children recovered, yet they yearned even more for the might of Foundation Establishment. Li Chengliao's heart pounded, and he looked at his siblings to his left and right, all of whom were incredibly excited.

"Come on, let's go cultivate!"

Li Yuanjiao, watching Li Xijun's cheerful demeanor beside him, finally let out a few chuckles. He said in a muffled tone:

"You truly are closely related. When you start playing around, you're just like Qinghong! No dignity at all."

Li Yuanjiao softly continued: "When she was little, she insisted on using a spear to hook peaches, then tricked Brother Yun into catching them, which made Brother Yun cry loudly from being hit. She would still laugh gleefully and would only stop when Brother Xiu came to scold her with a smile."

Li Xijun pursed his lips and smiled. He clearly saw the amusement in Li Yuanjiao's eyes. Understanding the unspoken implication, he simply listened obediently, nodding in acknowledgment.

Li Yuanjiao spoke a few more words, breaking free from his memories. He belatedly realized his lapse in decorum and reverted to his composed demeanor, though his tone was much gentler:

"The children are all good, very endearing."

Li Xijun also cupped his hands and softly said:

"I've already asked Brother Ming about Great-Uncle Xuanxuan's matter. He has been wanting to see you."

"Good." Li Yuanjiao said gravely: "I'll go over there now."

Li Xijun nodded, bowed, and departed, first flying towards Urtu Mountain to give Li Ximing a heads-up, to prevent Li Yuanjiao from encountering any awkward situations.

Li Yuanjiao, of course, understood perfectly well. But though he knew, he didn't want to expose it openly. Waiting for the appropriate time, he then slowly descended towards Urtu Mountain.

Urtu Mountain.

Li Ximing was already prepared and waiting. The uncle and nephew sat down. Li Yuanjiao listened as he respectfully finished explaining the matter, resisting the urge to ask, "Did Xijun teach you this?" He said gravely:

"The matter is good... The Hengzhu Sect has managed this path for many years. What did your granduncle say?"

Li Ximing quickly replied:

"Xijun already asked. The elder insists on finishing two years' worth of talismans before leaving, so it will take a bit longer."

"As long as he is willing to go, that's fine." Li Yuanjiao looked him over and praised: "Not bad, almost at the seventh level of Qi Condensation."

Li Ximing quickly said:

"I could have broken through, but I felt my progress was too fast recently and feared my foundation would be unstable, so I haven't broken through yet."

"Mm." Li Yuanjiao nodded. Li Ximing's cultivation guidance followed the combined ways of both the Xiao and Li families, so he wouldn't make such a mistake.

He swept his gaze across the courtyard and saw a painting hanging in a corner, mostly finished. It depicted Li Ximing sitting leaning against something, dressed in white, with a very serene expression on his face.

Li Yuanjiao narrowed his eyes slightly and softly said:

"The painting is quite lifelike."

Li Ximing nodded awkwardly. Li Yuanjiao tilted his head to look at him:

"Do you still like it?"

Li Ximing was startled and replied:

"It's just a painting. What's there to like or dislike?"

Li Yuanjiao simply sighed and walked out with his hands behind his back.