Chapter 474: Now the Fei Family

Several people exited the secret chamber. Li Xuanfeng, clad in black-gold armor, led the way. He took the seat of honor at the head, while the others stood to either side. He sat upright and asked:

“Have you gained any insights?”

Everyone nodded. Just then, a surge of energy had caused insights to emerge from their Rune Seeds. The Rune Seeds in their Qi Seas glowed more brightly, and several incantations also appeared in their minds. They could now sense the Immortal Mirror in the Great Void through their Rune Seeds, and by silently chanting the incantations, they would receive a response.

Seeing everyone nod, Li Xuanfeng paused slightly and said in a deep voice:

“This is good news. Xi Zhi in the sect should have sensed it.”

Those seated below all nodded, but with the mourning period not yet over, their spirits were not high, and they showed little joy. Li Xuanfeng paused slightly, then softly said:

“Although Yu Muxian is dead, do not act rashly on the lake for now. Once I return to the Southern Borders, I will use the Ning family's influence to understand the compromises regarding the sect's interests. After I send a letter back, we can proceed with this matter.”

Li Qinghong nodded and replied:

“We will await your news within the clan. However… there was someone in the Yu family back then who was skilled with swordsmanship, named Yu Mujian.”

As she brought this up, few in the hall remembered the person. Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly, and Li Qinghong turned to explain to the younger generation:

“When the Yu family was at its peak, several brothers each possessed unique abilities. Yu Muxian was incredibly intelligent, Yu Mugao was ruthless in his methods, and there was also Yu Mujian, who once lost to Grandfather. He then devoted himself to seeking the Dao in the north and has been missing ever since.”

“If this person is still alive, he might have already broken through to Foundation Establishment. We still need to be wary.”

Upon hearing this, Li Xicheng, who had been managing the family affairs at the foot of the mountain, understood and replied:

“In recent years, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, and others have successively managed the family, each sending internal contacts to sow discord within the Yu family. I will investigate whether there has been any communication or where he might have gone.”

Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly, feeling that everyone was capable. He then waved his hand, dismissing the others, and kept Li Qinghong.

He asked:

“I heard… that the Fei family has not been very close to our family in recent years. Is it perhaps because Fei Qingyi is cultivating at Yuanwu Peak?”

Li Qinghong nodded, briefly explained the situation, and softly said:

“That's right… The Fei family hasn't sent us any letters for many years. The kindness shown back then was forgotten long ago.”

Back then, Fei Yihe, the young master of the Fei family, had gone to the Southern Borders with him. Li Xuanfeng still held letters that Fei Yihe had entrusted him to deliver home. Hearing this, he raised an eyebrow and said in a deep voice:

“I will pay a visit to the Fei family.”

Li Qinghong looked a little worried and quickly said:

“I… will also go with you.”

Li Xuanfeng did not object. The two rose on the wind, flying out from the great formation on the mountain. They headed north, passing directly over a large continent covered in ruins and formations.

“That's the Lake Central Continent Market of yesteryear.”

Li Xuanfeng glanced at it briefly. This market had been frequented countless times by wandering cultivators, and the forbidden grand formation was still occasionally active. He said:

“I estimate that in another ten years or so, with a few Foundation Establishment cultivators and a formation master, we should be able to clear out the remaining formations in this lake and establish a foothold there. The Lake Central Continent is prosperous and can support cultivators.”

Li Qinghong nodded; her own family had long considered this idea. As they flew past together, the northern shore of Moon-gazing Lake appeared, with its higher terrain, rich spiritual veins, magnificent mountains and rivers, sheer cliffs, stone walls, and snow-capped peaks. Li Xuanfeng surveyed the scene, then descended with her towards Hanyun Peak.

Directly approaching them was a middle-aged cultivator in white robes, exuding a chill. As he raised his eyebrows to look, his heart secretly skipped a beat.

The woman before him, walking on lightning, was a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. With willow-like eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, she appeared to be in her late twenties, and there was a sense of familiarity about her.

Seeing that the woman was no ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, and the other person was clad in black-gold armor—a mere glance at him caused a stinging sensation in one's eyes, and his face seemed as if carved by a knife. He made a judgment in his heart:

“They are disciples of an Immortal Sect.”

Immediately, he bowed deeply, respectfully lowering his head and saying:

“This is the Hanyun Fei family. May I ask the names of you two seniors?”

Li Xuanfeng remained silent. Li Qinghong, however, was polite and gently said:

“Li Qinghong of Qingdu.”

At these words, the man before her was struck as if by lightning. His face paled, his lips trembled slightly, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond. After a hesitant breath, he murmured:

“So… so it is your esteemed clan… I am Fei Tongcai. Greetings, seniors.”

Fei Tongcai then understood the sense of familiarity. Li Qinghong had stayed at the Fei family for three years back then, and he had met her a few times along with Fei Tongxiao and others. He secretly took a breath and lowered his head, saying:

“May I ask, seniors…”

Li Xuanfeng finally spoke, lowering his voice:

“Our two families are old acquaintances. Now that we are visiting, does it mean Hanyun Peak is no longer open to us?”

Fei Tongcai was sweating profusely, unsure of what to say. He could only bow slightly and reply:

“This junior is of little standing… I must ask the family head to personally welcome you.”

He hurriedly retreated. Li Qinghong, standing nearby, quietly explained:

“The Fei family was ordered not to cultivate the 'Jian Dao Jin' back then, rendering centuries of their cultivation system obsolete. Everything had to start from scratch, and in these past few decades, they haven't even produced a single Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

Li Xuanfeng stood with his hands behind his back and replied:

“People tend to seek advantages and avoid harm, so the Fei family's choice isn't entirely wrong. However, whenever I recall how Second Uncle saved the entire Fei family with a single sword, only to receive such a reward, I always feel a certain discomfort.”

Li Qinghong was about to speak, but her expression subtly changed. Below them, Hanyun Peak glowed as the Cloud-Gathering Southern Sky Great Formation, which the Fei family had relied on for years, abruptly rose. It shimmered with a brilliant white light, enveloping the entire immortal peak.

Li Xuanfeng raised an eyebrow. From a distance, he saw a person flying towards them, bearing a seventy percent resemblance to Fei Yihe, with a dashing appearance. However, his current expression was grim. He approached on the wind and said in a low voice:

“I am Fei Tongyu, head of the Fei family. Greetings, seniors.”

The Fei family activating their grand formation was a blatant display of distrust, especially since Li Tongya had once saved their entire clan's lives—this act was exceedingly offensive. Yet, Family Head Fei Tongyu personally came to welcome them, putting himself at risk, showcasing a contradictory behavior that made Li Qinghong secretly shake her head.

“Brother once said this person was like a weasel busy preparing for winter. Indeed, he's just like that. Constant vigilance is one thing… but to offend and not even do it cleanly, he's truly a fence-sitter…”

Li Xuanfeng, however, observed him carefully, a smile of ambiguous meaning appearing on his face, and said in a deep voice:

“So you are Fei Tongyu! Good!”

He took a letter from his embrace and said indifferently:

“This is what your father asked me to bring to you! From now on, conduct yourself well!”

With a casual toss, the letter, along with a storage bag, smacked into Fei Tongyu's embrace. Li Xuanfeng then turned and flew away on the wind. Li Qinghong naturally stepped forward, coordinating with him, and said with feigned urgency:

“Friend, how could you do such a thing! That was truly impolite!”

Fei Tongyu, hearing news of his father for the first time in decades, was dazed from the impact. Furthermore, having been subjected to Li Xuanfeng's disdainful gaze, he had long lost his composure, completely flustered from head to toe. He could only stammer:

“I!… This! Oh dear!”

With that throw and departure, Li Xuanfeng had effectively retaliated against the other party's offense. Li Qinghong played the good cop, softly saying:

“Friend! This matter is truly uninteresting!”

Fei Tongyu paused in the air as if in a dream, appearing somewhat sluggish. Clutching the letter from his father tightly, tears streamed from his eyes as he said in a pleading tone:

“I was just afraid… Never mind… Please, friend, come and sit a while on the peak.”

Li Qinghong knew Li Xuanfeng hadn't gone far. She nodded slightly and descended with him on the wind. Fei Tongyu hurriedly tried to guide her into his cave dwelling, but Li Qinghong had no intention of staying long. She merely said:

“You and I can just take a walk on this peak.”

As Li Qinghong was now a high-level cultivator at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, Fei Tongyu dared not say more. He bowed and led the way, finally setting foot on the snow-covered peak. Looking up, she saw a strangely shaped, roofed hall, completely sealed off.

Li Qinghong had also stayed with the Fei family for a few years and understood their customs; they always left their courtyards open to admire the moon and snow. She glanced at it with some confusion, and Fei Tongyu quickly explained:

“That was where my brother lived during his lifetime. He never appreciated the moon, so he specially sealed off the top of the hall.”

“During his lifetime?”

Li Qinghong's expression changed, and she asked in surprise:

“What is the situation now? Where is your brother, Fei Tongxiao?”

Fei Tongyu lowered his head and bowed, his face flushed, showing a very humble posture as he replied:

“He failed to break through to Foundation Establishment, and has since turned into cold wind and snow, disappearing without a trace.”

“Fei Tongxiao is dead?”

Li Qinghong truly paused, not having expected that this man actually had the ambition to attempt Foundation Establishment. A former acquaintance had passed away just like that, leaving her speechless for a moment.

Fei Tongyu shed tears and said:

“It happened a few years ago…”

Li Qinghong remained silent. The two walked to Fei Wangbai's grave, where the tombstone was already covered in purple moss, looking exceptionally desolate in the snow.

After all, they had once observed the master-disciple etiquette, so Li Qinghong paid a brief respects. Only then did the two slowly walk up the cold mountain, covered in pine and snow, and after crossing the ridge, they immediately saw the familiar pavilion.

Back then, she had practiced spear arts in that pavilion, and Fei Tongxiao would come looking for her every day, always climbing up from the mountainside. Now, decades later, this small pavilion surprisingly remained.

Fei Tongyu led her inside. The two pots of winter sweet plum blossoms by the door were well-tended, covered in white frost. The door panels were cleanly painted with white lacquer, and the stone steps were smooth and shiny from wear, though a thick layer of frost had accumulated as no one had stepped on them for some time.

The two sat down at a stone table in the courtyard. Fei Tongyu immediately began to weep, revealing the desolation of a middle-aged man worn down by the years. He softly said:

“My brother… passed away three years ago. He left a letter for me, asking me to give it to you. I was instructed by Qingyi not to send anyone over, so I never dared to.”

He took a small letter from his storage bag, no bigger than a palm. Li Qinghong's almond eyes drooped slightly, and a few lines of text were simply written on it:

“Senior Sister, Tongxiao is dull-witted and could not achieve success. In my youth, I was reckless and disruptive, but fortunately, I never led Senior Sister astray from her path.”

“But Senior Sister, for forty-eight years, amidst the pine and snow of Hanyun Mountain, my heart remained as steadfast as the green mountains, unwavering.”

Fei Tongxiao had once cultivated under Fei Wangbai alongside him, but they all understood it was merely a transaction between the two families. Fei Wangbai had never taught anything truly profound, and it was never mentioned again after they left.

That address, "Senior Sister," hadn't been heard for decades.

The handwriting was simple black ink. Li Qinghong looked at it carefully for a moment, then turned her head and whispered:

“Did your brother have any descendants?”

Fei Tongyu replied:

“He never married, nor did he take concubines.”

Li Qinghong put the letter away, turned her head, revealing her snow-white neck, and replied with a somewhat hoarse voice:

“Why did he have to…”

Fei Tongyu closed his eyes and wept, clutching his father's letter tightly but never daring to open it. He merely kept his head down, staring at the cracks between the floor tiles. Both fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

After a long while, Li Qinghong finally raised her head as if startled, and softly said:

“Your esteemed clan…”

The four words 'conduct yourself well' lingered in her throat for a moment, but Li Qinghong did not utter them. She cupped her hands in farewell, then gently raised a slender hand and picked a plum blossom from the winter sweet plum in the ceramic pot by the door. She then departed in a flash of lightning.

Fei Tongyu, however, remained kneeling, slowly opening the letter little by little. As he looked at the familiar handwriting, he let out a low sob.

Li Qinghong flew out on the wind. Li Xuanfeng was standing by the lake, gazing blankly at the scene in the middle of the lake. Seeing Li Qinghong descend, he murmured:

“What a sight it must have been when Second Uncle, with black hair and white robes, arrived wielding his sword.”

He raised an eyebrow and looked at Li Qinghong, noticing her somewhat downcast expression. He asked:

“How was it?”

“It's nothing.”

Li Qinghong shook her head and replied:

“A… former acquaintance… died after failing to break through.”

Li Xuanfeng flew south with her, then paused and said:

“Don't think too much about it… Our lifespans are long; we will witness many more such events.”

Li Qinghong nodded silently. The two landed together on the peak, and Li Xuanfeng said:

“I still need to visit a few more families. You may go cultivate now.”

Li Qinghong had already lost her mood. She nodded in agreement, forcing herself to maintain her spirits as she returned to the peak, where she again saw heavy rain falling, steadily covering the entire mountain.

She had only taken a few steps when Li Xijun, who was waiting for her at the summit, saw his aunt descend. He stepped forward and softly said:

“Most of the family affairs have been arranged. Li Wushao's spiritual essence has also been re-extracted and given to Yue Xiang. For the next few years, Yue Xiang and you, Aunt, will need to oversee the family matters.”

Upon hearing this, Li Qinghong immediately understood. Sure enough, Li Xijun said:

“Your nephew will now enter seclusion to cultivate, preparing to break through to Foundation Establishment.”

Li Qinghong asked:

“Do you have any spiritual elixirs prepared?”

Li Xijun smiled slightly, took out a white jade bottle from his embrace, and replied:

“It's the Suiyuan Pill. Ming-ge'er left his for me back then.”

Only then did Li Qinghong breathe a sigh of relief, murmuring:

“At least he has some conscience!”

Li Xijun laughed, seeming to be in good spirits. After a few moments of hesitation, he softly said:

“If… I don't succeed… please be more lenient with Ximing, elder… Chengliao in the family is intelligent and capable… As for Chenghuai… although his talent isn't as good as his father's, it's still quite decent; he should be treated well…”

He rambled on, repeating many things. Li Qinghong listened carefully to it all, then said:

“Go, go! Stop saying such inauspicious things!”

Li Xijun smiled faintly, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply. Li Qinghong, meanwhile, looked at the rain clouds in the sky, calculated with her fingers, and mused to herself:

“I wonder when this rain will clear, and if winter will be delayed this year…”

She spoke up, saying:

“Since you are breaking through to Foundation Establishment, it would be better to go to Yuting Mountain. That place has pines and snow, which perfectly align with the imagery.”

Li Xijun, having prepared for his own Foundation Establishment breakthrough, must have considered this. He frowned and said:

“But the spiritual energy there isn't dense enough…”

“Here.”

Li Qinghong patted her storage bag, and a green jade bottle flew out from it. She said softly:

“This is the Yuwa Spirit Liquid, a Foundation Establishment spiritual item, originally brought back by the Ancestor. I learned a technique in the Eastern Sea that can atomize this spiritual object to increase spiritual energy for a few years, which will be perfect for your breakthrough.”

How could Li Xijun not see that this was originally meant for Li Ximing? However, he also understood priorities and did not argue, respectfully agreeing:

“Then I will trouble Auntie!”