Chapter 413: Return to Qingdu

"So that's how it is," Li Yuanjiao mused inwardly. 'Back then, Kong Tingyun didn't use any spells when dealing with Wu Shao. Even though Mount Xuanyue isn't as strong as Azure Pond, as a direct disciple, she should have had access to at least one or two spells. She must have been wary of me and didn't exert her full strength.'

After Li Xizhi finished his explanation, he looked at his younger brother and said softly, "This must be the Radiant Sun Technique our family acquired. It's perfectly suited for your cultivation method, Eighth Brother, and will certainly become even more profound once you achieve Foundation Establishment!"

Although Li Xijun had been subdued in a few moves, he didn't appear disheartened. Instead, his heart stirred slightly, and he asked, "Brother Zhi! What are the limitations of your seizing spell?"

"I was just about to tell you," Li Xizhi nodded and explained. "Grasping Light is inherently skilled at knocking down and seizing. Aside from the direct lineage's secret transmissions, the Floating Light Seizing Objects technique is quite renowned even within Azure Pond. This type of spell depends on the opponent's sword cultivation level and the quality of their sword artifact."

"If you cultivate Sword Essence or if your artifact reaches the Foundation Establishment level, it would be very difficult for me to seize it."

He paused, then turned to Li Yuanjiao and said, "If it were the Azure Ruler, not only would I fail to seize it, but my fingers would likely feel as if they were being cut, bleeding profusely. And with the sword intent sealed within the sword, I might even suffer a cultivation setback, perhaps even losing a piece of flesh."

Li Yuanjiao nodded, feeling much more at ease. He asked, "What if an Azure Pond Foundation Establishment cultivator used this spell?"

"Since it's a sword immortal's personal sword, it probably couldn't be seized either," Li Xizhi hesitated for a moment. "However, the methods of Foundation Establishment cultivators are hard to predict, and I don't know what grade of spell it is. It might inevitably cause some disruption, affecting one's sword cultivation."

"Alright," Li Yuanjiao responded, contemplating for a moment before quietly asking, "Has Yu Muxian cultivated this technique?"

Li Xizhi understood his father's underlying meaning and replied respectfully, "Your son does not know..."

Li Yuanjiao's voice was low. "I only hope to preserve the sword intent within the sword. If, by chance, a talented descendant emerges, they could comprehend the sword intent and become a sword immortal. At the very least, it should be used to deal with Yu Muxian; then it wouldn't be a waste."

Li Xizhi sighed inwardly, bowed to his father, and replied, "I've been keeping an eye on Yu Muxian as well. This year, he's been quite well-behaved, crafting artifacts within the sect. But he is a genius, after all; he has already... broken through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment!"

'As expected...' Li Yuanjiao showed no surprise, resting his hand on his sword without speaking. His eldest son continued, "Fei Qingyi, the female disciple from the Fei family who apprenticed at Yuanwu Peak, has already broken through to the fourth layer of Qi Condensation. She cultivates the 'Misty Water Pure Ritual Technique' and is quite favored by Yu Muxian. She is also very submissive to him. If this continues, it may not be a good thing."

"Hmph!" Li Xuanxuan frowned, a look of anger on his face. "The Fei family hasn't sent anyone to visit in years! They've probably long forgotten how Uncle saved their entire family with a single sword stroke and how he pardoned those from Hanyun Peak!"

Li Yuanjiao, however, showed no disappointment. He said softly, "That's how things are in the world. The Fei family is avoiding suspicion because of Fei Qingyi. There's nothing more for us to say; we simply go our separate ways."

Li Xizhi gave a slight bow but did not reply. He changed the subject and recounted Cheng Jinzhu's artifact crafting matters one by one. After a brief consideration, Li Yuanjiao took out a blue and white ore from his storage bag and asked, "This is our family's Misty Water Cold Iron. Can it be used for crafting that artifact?"

"Yes, the Misty Water Cold Iron!" Li Xizhi realized with a nod. "Of course, it can! It will reduce some of the cost. Once it's crafted, I'll have someone send it to the family."

Li Xizhi's words implied that he would cover the cost of crafting the artifact. Li Yuanjiao glanced at him and replied, "As long as you have a good grasp of the situation. Once we return home, I'll have someone transport the cold iron."

Li Xizhi nodded. "I'm trying to gather some information about Situ Mo in the market and will report back to the family. And Huai'er... the family will need to help care for him..."

He looked at Li Chenghuai in his grandfather's arms, showing reluctance to part. He squeezed the corner of his feathered robe, searched himself, but found nothing he could leave for the child. He could only say in a low voice, "In a few days, I'll choose one or two artifacts and send them home for the child."

"Of course." Li Xuanxuan, still holding his great-grandson and not letting go for a moment, nodded repeatedly. Li Yuanjiao then replied, "Your mother also bore you a younger sister. She has already condensed Profound Scenery and is named Li Yuexiang. Her talent is quite noticeable. After some time, we'll send her over for you to see."

"What?!" Li Xizhi was momentarily stunned, a wry smile on his face. He thought to himself, 'You keep muttering that I didn't write to you after having Huai'er, but when did you give me a younger sister? You're only telling me now, and she's probably already seven or eight years old!'

Although he grumbled inwardly, he was still very happy. Of course, he didn't dare to contradict his father aloud, politely agreeing. Li Xuanxuan watched them, chuckling, muttering something about a chip off the old block.

The three bid farewell, called for Kong Heng from the side courtyard, and rode the wind into the night.

Li Xizhi escorted them out of the county. When he turned back, the two old men deferentially approached him again. He resumed his polite yet distant demeanor and asked softly, "Does Tangjin Gate have any industries in the market?"

Li Yuanjiao and his companions dared not linger; they hastily rode the wind and headed west. Li Yuanjiao was concerned about Situ Mo operating in the shadows while they were exposed. He glanced at Kong Heng and asked, "Master... Situ Mo has likely colluded with Zhao Shi, using his power to calculate our movements. As an orthodox Buddhist cultivator, do you have any method of protection? I don't ask that you completely prevent his calculations, only that we receive a warning when Zhao Shi calculates our whereabouts."

"Patron..." Kong Heng looked somewhat ashamed and replied, "Zhao Shi cultivates the Present Law, and with the power of Maha, his divinations are beyond my ability. This humble monk can only use the power of my own Dao tradition to protect myself from being calculated by him... I cannot do anything else."

"Master, there's no need to blame yourself." Kong Heng's disposition was gentle. At Li Yuanjiao's mere mention, he had already become inexplicably ashamed. Li Yuanjiao nodded thoughtfully and mused, 'At least Kong Heng cannot be calculated, which leaves some room for maneuver.'

The group rode the wind all the way, not resting until they reached the vicinity of Moon-Gazing Lake. Qingdu Mountain was very peaceful; the grand formation showed no damage, and the area under its governance was calm and serene, enveloped in tranquility under the setting sun.

Li Yuanjiao breathed a sigh of relief. From afar, a young man in black flew closer. It was Li Wushao, who had flown over early, following the spiritual connection between them. He landed, cupped his fists, and respectfully said, "Wushao greets Master."

Li Yuanjiao nodded gently. Kong Heng pronounced a dharma name and descended onto the island, while Li Xijun and Li Xuanxuan also landed on the mountain.

Li Qinghong, clad in jade armor and carrying a spear, flew out amidst lightning. The siblings met, hesitant yet full of words to share, and took turns recounting what had happened. Li Yuanjiao questioned, "Zhang Yun? Zhang Huaide?"

Zhang Huaide, bearing the surname Zhang and appearing to have significant background and means, had long been suspected by the Li family of being a sect disciple who had turned to demonic cultivation. Now, with Zhang Yun personally intervening to protect him, it was confirmed.

"Precisely," Li Qinghong confirmed. "This shows that regarding the demon tribulation, the Golden Feather Sect not only released cultivation methods and garnered Purple Mansion's attention, but also sent direct descendants to personally guide it. The demon tribulation in Golden Feather's own territory was likely also orchestrated."

Li Qinghong made this deduction. Li Xuanxuan, standing beside her, added, "That's normal. For so many years in Golden Feather's territory, the accumulated treasures of the aristocratic families have been quite tempting... Moreover, the growing aristocratic families have already encroached upon Golden Feather's monopoly on cultivation techniques and secret methods. They've long wanted to eliminate them quickly."

"Apart from the Golden Feather and Azure Pond sects, several of the other seven sects have also sent disciples with no hope of advancement to cultivate demonic paths, such as Changxiao and Ziyan. While these sects can't claim to dominate the situation, they can at least get a share of the spoils."

Li Qinghong continued, "Since Zhang Yun's departure, those demon cultivators have grown even more brazen, capturing cultivators all over the desolate mountains. It's not just our family... I heard that the Shen family, an immortal clan from Yue Prefecture bordering the northern part of the desolate mountains, also sent people, but they were likely forced to retreat by Zhang Yun."

Li Xuanxuan shook his head and said, "Don't bother with them. Just avoid provoking them."

Li Qinghong nodded gently, then flipped her hand and produced a jade box, smiling, "Take a look!"

Li Yuanjiao took it, and his spiritual sense swept over the fruit. It was entirely crimson, pulsating like a heart, set against grayish-black leaves. A look of joy immediately appeared on his face. "A Blood Sun Fruit... Lu Ken truly works efficiently! Xizhi is currently in Libu County; have him take this and deliver it to that Foundation Establishment Alchemist."

Li Yuanjiao put away the treasure, considering the matter settled. Li Xijun, still worried about his wrist injury, softly tried to persuade him, and Li Qinghong, upon hearing it, insisted he go to his cultivation cave.

Li Yuanjiao politely agreed, but instead went to Li Yuanping's courtyard. He had originally planned to stay with Li Yuanping, take medicine for his wound, and then postpone healing for another year or two. However, when Li Yuanping heard he was injured, he stubbornly closed his doors and refused to see him.

Ultimately, Li Yuanjiao couldn't resist his siblings and had to go into seclusion to heal his injuries.

Li Xijun landed in front of the mountain. On a rock before him stood an eight or nine-year-old girl, dressed in white, smiling with narrowed eyes. She said softly, "Brother!"

"Xiang'er," Li Xijun replied with a smile. Li Yuexiang looked more like Xiao Guiluan, with willow-shaped eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and a graceful, generous demeanor. Although she hadn't fully grown, she already appeared to be in her teens.

Li Yuexiang twisted her hands and replied, "Father only saw me once, and now he's gone back into seclusion..."

Li Yuexiang was the only girl of the Xiyue generation, and her elder brothers in the Li family adored her. However, Xiao Guiluan had raised her well, so she wasn't spoiled. Instead, she seemed a little uneasy because she rarely saw her father.

"Sigh..." Li Xijun knew this was unavoidable. Many spoiled young masters from aristocratic families and sects were like this; often, their parents were already Foundation Establishment cultivators when they were born. A brief period of seclusion, and the child would already be half-grown. Another period of seclusion to comprehend some Dao laws, and in the blink of an eye, the child would be almost an adult.

"Actually, Brother Xizhi and Uncle Jiao also didn't see each other much. Both children were raised by Madam Xiao..." Li Xijun simply comforted his sister, who was on the verge of tears, and said softly, "Your father has to look after the family. You should try to be more understanding..."

Li Yuexiang was already a Fetal Breath cultivator. Li Xijun took her hand to distract her and smiled, "I brought back a little nephew for you. Is your mother happy to see him?"

Li Yuexiang pouted and quietly said, "Another one who won't see his dad..."

Li Xijun could only offer an awkward smile and led her up the mountain.

***

Salty Lake Estuary.

Situ Mo, clad in golden robes, arrived on the wind, his expression grim and unpleasant. He traveled along the river, hands clasped behind his back, riding a golden light, silent.

The demonic creatures in the great river below saw the golden light overhead and immediately went into hiding, not daring to move. He thought with a sullen face, 'What a pity. I missed this opportunity. The Li family is prepared now, making them much harder to deal with... It's rare to catch a few during a mission like this... Who knows how long I'll have to wait until next time.'

As he was thinking, a yellow light suddenly approached over Salty Lake. It was a powerfully built, bald monk, entirely crimson, with wide, glaring eyes. He immediately spoke, "Situ Mo! What have you done?! It's a complete mess! Absolutely ridiculous!"

Situ Mo's face was grim, his teeth gritted. He retorted, "Better than an old coward like you who doesn't even dare to show his face! You cultivate a 'Wrathful Dao'? It's more like a Cowardly Dao!"

"Damn it, I cultivate the Wrathful Dao, not the Stupid Dog Dao! I've been calculating for three years. The Li family has plenty of hidden trump cards. He wouldn't dare kill you, but he could use some talisman swords or spell swords to slice me up!"

Situ Mo scoffed but didn't deny it. Even he himself carried many hidden tricks. He only ridiculed, "Whose fault is it that your Wrathful Dao is so fragmented, fighting each other like mad dogs? How many remember Maha's death? How many think of revenge? Otherwise, it wouldn't just be a minor master like you who came."

"What do you know! Preserving the Dao tradition is key! Once someone reclaims Maha's position, dealing with the Li family will be as easy as pie, won't it?"

Situ Mo was stunned for a moment and found it somewhat reasonable. He eyed the monk warily and retorted, "If that's the case, why are you messing around in the south then?!"

"Heh heh..." The great monk chuckled, then said fiercely, "Since the Li family killed Maha, perhaps the key to reclaiming Maha's position lies within the Li family? What harm is there in trying?"

His expression changed, returning to his wrathful gaze. He bellowed, "Don't ask this and that! I only ask you, I clearly told you to just kill Li Xijun and not to get entangled with that rustic monk, just retrieve the body and come back. Why did you set up formations and ambushes, only to mess everything up?!"

Situ Mo's face showed a sinister expression as he replied, "What use is Li Xijun? If I'm going to kill, I'll kill Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong..."

"You fool!" the monk roared. "What do you know?! What aristocratic families fear most is a generational gap! Even if you were wounded but still managed to kill Li Xijun, that would hurt him more than severely wounding Li Yuanjiao! Even if you crippled Li Xijun, it could sicken the Li family for fifty or sixty years, perhaps even bringing them to the brink of collapse!"

Situ Mo remained silent, secretly sneering inwardly, 'How could I not know? You, this monk, are skilled at divination. If I were to kill him easily, the karma would be settled, and you'd calculate that it wouldn't benefit your breakthrough to Maha, so why would you stay to help me? You'd just walk away, and where would I find such a capable helper who isn't afraid of the Li family?'

'If I'm going to kill, I'll kill a big one!'

The monk scolded him thoroughly, and finally, still somewhat exasperated, asked, "How long will it take for you to return from there?"

"Probably ten years..." Situ Mo seemed to have a headache. "Mount Xuanyue has dispatched a Foundation Establishment cultivator to oversee matters overseas... she has quite a few tricks... named Kong Tingyun. I have no choice but to deal with this."

He opened his eyes wide, his gaze somewhat cold and sinister. "It would be best if I could find an opportunity to kill her, then I wouldn't have to waste time there... and it would also create some trouble for my cousin, preventing Mount Xuanyue and Tangjin from reconciling..."