Chapter 478: Warning

Li Chenghuai, now eleven or twelve years old, was led by Li Yuexiang. He bowed respectfully. Li Xizhi watched them, one a biological sister he had never met, the other a biological son he hadn't seen in years.

Their faces were both strange and familiar, yet neither seemed particularly close to him.

Yang Xiao'er was very excited; she hugged a somewhat bewildered Li Chenghuai, asking about his well-being. Li Xizhi, meanwhile, felt a sense of melancholy and loss, while Li Xuanxuan watched him from the side.

Cultivators often enter seclusion for years, easily missing many things. This is why so many noble family scions become undisciplined, develop extreme temperaments, and turn into useless fops. The Qingchi Sect's policy of internal and external isolation, used to distance relationships, was indeed effective.

Li Xizhi remained silent for a moment. He first had his wife, son, and sister depart, then listened as Li Xuanxuan recounted the year's news. After listening carefully, he inquired about some details within the Immortal Cave, asking in surprise:

"Xiao Yongling and Tulong Jian also killed Yu Muxian? There's no news of this outside."

"This..."

Before Li Xuanxuan could speak, Li Xizhi pondered briefly, then realized and nodded:

"The Xiao family's help... already put us in their debt. Naturally, our family took the blame. Since it wasn't a good thing, the Xiao family wouldn't step forward to claim responsibility."

"That makes sense."

Li Xuanxuan nodded. Li Xizhi raised his head, his expression complex. Though his eyes drooped with sadness, a slight smile played on his lips as he sighed with both sorrow and resignation:

"My father and I once envisioned unifying Wangyue, but I never wished to achieve it by sacrificing his life. Now that Yu Muxian is dead, Wangyue Lake will eventually fall into our family's hands."

"As for when to act..."

He paused, then said softly:

"At the very least, Yu Muxian has extensive connections on Yuanwu Peak. Attacking Wangyue Lake while Yuanwu Peak commands it would be inconvenient, giving Yuanwu Peak a reason to intervene. From my calculations, it would likely cause trouble..."

Li Xuanxuan immediately understood and replied:

"There are still over ten years until the rotation; we'll likely need to do a lot more work."

"Precisely."

Li Xizhi replied:

"It's not a long time, nor a short one—just the duration of two periods of seclusion. We just need to be careful not to let Yuanwu Peak recruit any more disciples."

"Recruit disciples?"

Li Xuanxuan chuckled softly and replied:

"Do you know what the Yu family is like now? After Yu Mugao's death, the power that had been centralized from external families, clan elders, and collateral branches rebounded all at once. Now, if a direct descendant shows even a little talent, they die suddenly. How could they possibly recruit disciples?"

Li Xizhi, with a face like polished jade, lowered his gaze slightly. He did not relax because of his great-grandfather's words; instead, his voice was gentle, resonating softly in the air:

"Great-grandfather, don't let your guard down... My father's entire life was defined by caution, which is highly commendable."

Li Xuanxuan's smile faded, and he nodded gravely, then saw Li Xizhi whisper:

"The Yu family splitting, similar to the Jiangs, is a recent warning."

"I understand."

Li Xuanxuan, of course, understood his meaning: to render Yu Muxian's connections completely ineffective, dismembering and splitting the family was undoubtedly the best method. Moreover, this approach would offer flexibility for advancement or retreat, making things incomparably easier. He then said softly:

"I'll go handle it right away."

"How are the younger generations in the family?"

Li Xizhi quickly changed the subject and asked. Li Xuanxuan nodded and replied:

"Crown Prince Zhou Wei, of Mingyang bloodline, is only two years old and has yet to show his prowess, but his talent should at least be good."

"As for Chengliao, he embodies the spirit of Yuanping: cautious in managing the household, clear-headed in handling affairs, outwardly unassertive but inwardly sharp. He contributed significantly during the Xu Xiao incident back then. He's a good child, but the family has been too peaceful these past few years, leaving him no opportunity to prove himself."

"Chenghuai's talent is decent, and he shows promise for Foundation Establishment. Both of them can serve the Crown Prince, helping him mature into a capable leader, ensuring a century of peace."

"Zhou Wei..."

Li Xizhi was surprised and replied:

"I should meet him. And where is Ximing?"

"Brother!"

No sooner had he spoken than a figure in golden robes appeared at the door, with a bagua symbol on his back and an aura of alchemical fire. It was Li Ximing.

In recent years, Li Ximing had primarily focused on alchemy and rarely entered seclusion. Despite this, his extraordinary talent meant that merely practicing cultivation while refining pills still allowed his cultivation to advance.

Li Xizhi's eyes lit up. He clapped Li Ximing on the shoulder and laughed heartily.

"Where's Auntie?"

"She went to the East Sea!"

As a child, Li Ximing often went to plays with this elder brother, and they were very close. He chuckled blankly a couple of times, feeling a great sense of nostalgia that his brother was almost exactly as he remembered.

Li Xizhi gestured for them to come closer, appearing somewhat urgent. After a slight hesitation, he began:

"I was only able to come out this time because I accepted a mission. I need to go to Qingsong Island to guard it."

He explained that the Qingsong Immortal Cave had briefly connected with the mortal realm before detaching. Although Qingsong Island no longer produced spiritual objects, the incident had left it with a rich concentration of spiritual energy for a long time, meeting many conditions for spiritual absorption, thus making it a blessed land.

The various immortal sects, naturally not wanting to miss out on such a resource, each selected a plot of land and drew boundaries. Li Xizhi had accepted the appointment to guard the area and absorb its spiritual energy.

"Since I've accepted a sect mission, time is of the essence. I need to report back first, then find a chance to visit home a few times, and also go to the East Sea to search for my master's whereabouts. There's no time to delay, so I must first clarify a few things with Great-grandfather to prevent any issues."

Li Xuanxuan understood and adopted a serious listening expression, then heard Li Xizhi say:

"First, regarding the Yuan family: although my master has now disappeared in the East Sea, and the Yuan family is internally conflicted with their patron missing, showing signs of decline, a hundred-legged worm dies without stiffening. Our family must not make any impulsive moves, as it would only harm us."

Li Xuanxuan shook his head with a slight smile, then said seriously:

"After all, our two families are allies, and the Yuan clan has often helped us. Such a thing is naturally impossible!"

"Good! If there's an opportunity, we can even offer some assistance. True friendship in times of adversity is what people remember."

Fearing it wasn't enough, Li Xizhi added a point, then quickly lowered his voice and said gravely:

"Has the family paid attention to this rain? It has been raining for two full years now, and its power is beyond what a Foundation Establishment cultivator can wield."

"Even if Yuan Licheng were to fully recover, he is still merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator who failed his breakthrough. This rain has lasted excessively long! Based on your grandson's deduction, someone is likely behind it, fueling it."

His expression tightened as he said gravely:

"Furthermore, I saw a 'Haze Ray' on the way. This creature falls due to immense water, and typically indicates either 'Harmony Water' or 'Lush Water'. But I vaguely recall my master saying that Yuan Licheng cultivated 'Prefecture Water'!"

Li Ximing was slightly startled and whispered:

"Are you saying... Qingchi is intentionally using divine abilities and magical power to cause this rain?"

Li Xizhi nodded and explained:

"I have some conjectures, conclusions derived from arcane arts. It's a long story, so I'll just explain it simply."

He led the two to the table, where he drew a circle. Iridescent light flowed within it, appearing white.

"Each region has its own spiritual essence. Yue Kingdom is currently at a 'Xuanping Central Aura' state, which is very fragile. The cultivator of Yue, with profound methods, forcibly manifested it through Chi Wei and Chu Yi, making it most suitable for the 'Sword Immortal Upper Yuan' breakthrough in Yue."

"The 'Xuanping Central Aura' is already fragile, and having been continuously influenced by the Immortal Cave and the Waterspout Dragon Clan, it is now on the verge of collapse. From what I see, if this spiritual rain doesn't stop, it will likely dissipate this 'Xuanping Central Aura' completely."

Li Xuanxuan frowned and said:

"If that's the case, the cultivator of Yue won't just stand by."

"I believe the cultivator of Yue has also noticed something is wrong."

Li Xizhi nodded and continued:

"I fear something major will happen in the future... Our family should prioritize self-preservation and act according to the situation!"

"Understood!"

Li Xuanxuan and his great-grandson nodded in agreement. Li Ximing, uncharacteristically solemn, saw that they understood, and Li Xizhi said:

"The East Sea is experiencing descending waters and rising thunder, making it suitable for Auntie to guard. Great-grandfather, please give me a map of Zongquan Island. I'll visit when I have time."

Li Xuanxuan naturally provided it. Li Xizhi no longer lingered; after carefully discussing with his wife, he turned back and said:

"Xiao'er, stay home and keep Huai'er company. I'm leaving first!"

Li Xuanxuan quickly pulled him aside and transmitted a message with his spiritual power:

"Find a Foundation Establishment demonic beast... and don't forget to undergo the ritual initiation!"

Li Xizhi nodded. The two saw him off from Wangyue Lake, their hearts at peace. As they landed together on the peak, Li Ximing said:

"Having someone within the sect means being well-informed and prepared for everything. And elder brother, having cultivated in the immortal gate all these years, you now possess a noble and ethereal appearance."

Li Xuanxuan shook his head and said:

"It's not easy in the sect either. Zhi'er is the most outstanding among your generation. If he hadn't gone to the sect, you wouldn't have to work so hard."

Li Ximing paused, then sighed:

"Great-grandfather, when you say that, I feel ashamed..."

Li Xuanxuan waved his hand. The old man stroked his white beard, then patted the young man's back, saying softly:

"Each of your brothers did their best, and you..."

He showed a nostalgic expression and whispered:

"When I was young, my brothers and elders were either wise, composed, or courageous, yet I alone took the lead position. I always felt a deep sense of guilt... Only as I grew older and saw more did I realize that sometimes it wasn't because you were weak or incompetent..."

The old man paused, then chuckled:

"It was simply that they were too outstanding. If you were in another noble family, you, Li Ximing, might well have been a character who revitalized a generation."

Li Ximing twitched his golden sleeves, shaking his head with a wry smile, and replied:

"When I met Great-uncle, I was astonished; he was like a divine being. Donning armor and robes, with eyes like a tiger or wolf, a truly fierce figure of his generation—I'd never seen anyone like him. Yet, I heard he was not as formidable as our ancestor who sword-slashed Mahākāśyapa and suppressed Fei Yu."

"Every time I think about it, it's incredible. How long must I live in this life to witness such a figure?"

Li Xuanxuan laughed heartily, saying with rare boldness:

"I'm afraid you'll have to wait your whole life in vain!"

Lijing Mountain.

Li Chengliao hurried out of the hall. By the time he finished handling clan affairs, the sun had already begun to set.

He was in charge of the Clan Affairs Hall, and his daily tasks were not many. Cultivators at the Qi Cultivation stage didn't need to enter seclusion for entire years; in the time it took to drink a few sips of water, he could draw up plans and finish all his duties.

Li Chengliao's talent was decent compared to others, but it paled in comparison to those of the Xiyue generation, being only on par with his father's. His prospects for Foundation Establishment were not high, so he wasn't in a hurry to cultivate.

In Li Chengliao's view, cultivation was not something he pursued his entire life; it was merely a tool for governance. A few days in seclusion were less valuable than teaching his children or chatting with his wife.

Upon entering his own courtyard, he heard voices from the inner room. Stepping inside, he indeed saw his father, Li Xicheng, dressed in brocade robes, sitting by a desk.

Opposite him sat a small boy, who looked barely two years old, meticulously arranging several jade sticks on the desk with one hand. He was completely absorbed.

"Father!"

Li Chengliao first spoke, then saw Li Xicheng smile and wave his hand, pointing to the small boy.

The child's face was still round, not yet fully matured, and his eyes were amber gold. Hearing the movement, he looked at Li Chengliao and softly said:

"Dad."

Li Chengliao nodded, watching silently as the child arranged six jade sticks vertically on the desk. Beside him, Li Xicheng's voice was slightly lower as he softly said:

"Your uncle came back for a visit and left quickly. I was in seclusion at the time and didn't hear the news."

"Uncle Xizhi..."

Li Chengliao suddenly understood, then saw his father ponder:

"His meaning is... there's no need to maintain the Yu family. It's better for them to disband sooner rather than later, to minimize further changes."

Li Chengliao nodded slightly. Father and son exchanged a glance, and Li Chengliao chuckled:

"Then let them disband. I'll handle it."

Li Xicheng, holding a teacup, gently placed it on the desk and asked:

"Do you have a method? Preferably one that leaves no trace."

Li Chengliao took a sip of tea:

"That's easy. These people are poorly informed; they probably wouldn't believe it even if they knew Yu Muxian was dead. Plus, with several clan elders blocking news... we just need to let *them* know."

He called out, and soon a Jade Court Guard appeared. Li Chengliao instructed:

"Go to the vault and retrieve the Six-Stone Cloud Plate. And ask Elder An to come here."

An Zheyang soon arrived. As this elder grew older, his temperament became increasingly peaceful. He cupped his hands and responded very politely.

Li Chengliao took the worn-out spiritual artifact from a nearby guard and softly said:

"Elder, please take some people to the Yu family. Tell them that the Yu family harmed our patriarch years ago, and now the retribution has fallen upon Yu Muxian. However, seeing him as a heroic figure, we are sending this spiritual artifact to bury his body, so he doesn't end up without even his bones remaining."

He paused, fearing that An Zheyang might not grasp his true intention. He gave a subtle wink and whispered:

"For this matter, the display can be grander. Gou She is still in the lake and shouldn't be in seclusion yet. Ask him to accompany you. With a Foundation Establishment cultivator present to oversee, we won't fear any unforeseen incidents."

An Zheyang nodded thoughtfully, took the spiritual artifact, and left with a large contingent of Jade Court Guards. Li Chengliao then summoned another person and instructed:

"Inform the various families on the east bank... those Yu family in-laws who have secretly pledged allegiance to us, to collectively rise up tomorrow and clearly sever ties with the Yu family."

Li Xicheng nodded silently from the side. Li Zhouwei quietly looked up at his father, his eyes filled with affection. Li Chengliao then summoned another person and instructed:

"When dispatching the Jade Court Guards... make a bigger stir, so that Guest Elder Lu's people can clearly see."

This person was Dou Yi, now an old man. He quickly nodded and left. Li Chengliao whispered:

"That Guest Elder Lu, who harmed Yu Mugao... it seems he has contacted our family several times in private, but we have been slow to respond. He's a smart man; if he knows about this in advance, he will act accordingly."

"This way, even if something happens afterwards, and someone loyal to Yu Muxian goes mad and tries to intervene, no matter how they search souls, they won't find any fault with our family!"

He gently picked up Li Zhouwei and said with a smile:

"This is what's called... an open scheme."

Li Zhouwei blinked, leaning against his father's chest, and mumbled those two words for a while.