Chapter 484: Yuan Fuyao

Jiang Heqian sighed and looked at Li Ximing, who suddenly felt perplexed and asked, "I have a question, junior. What happened to Fei Wangbai back then..."

"Wangbai?" Jiang Heqian walked over and took the seat of honor to the side. As he accepted the teacup, he said softly, "Naturally, he was killed by an Immortal Sect."

"Which Immortal Sect was it?" Li Ximing paused, a little confused. Jiang Heqian immediately cursed, "How would I know? Do you think Immortal Sects are good people? Even if it's Xiu Yue, if you truly touch upon their interests, they'll kill you without hesitation! Wangbai practiced the 'Shangyuan True Person Co-cultivation' technique of the Xiuyue Sect. Xiuyue possesses an alchemy method that can refine him to nourish Shangyuan, so Qingchi would have wanted him dead sooner or later!"

Jiang Heqian glanced at Li Ximing and, without waiting for him to speak, casually asked, "As for your Li clan, since you have the Mingyang lineage, why did Li Tongya go and cultivate Kanshui so thoroughly?"

Li Ximing simply replied, "Our family fortunes declined then, and cultivation became difficult, so we had no choice but to cultivate Kanshui."

Jiang Heqian paused. His previous remark was just an opening; hearing Li Ximing's empty words, he couldn't be bothered to press the matter and continued, "Since your noble clan killed Yu Muxian, did you obtain the Foundation Establishment artifact, the Jade Smoke Mountain, from him? After all, it was a family heirloom of ours back then. If it is in your clan's possession, I am willing to exchange for it."

Li Ximing shook his head and replied, "Senior, you've misunderstood. That person died in the grotto-heaven but did not bring the artifact out. It's most likely still on Yuanwu Peak."

Jiang Heqian stroked his beard. Seeing that the artifact was nowhere to be found, he had no choice but to say, "The Yu family has scattered. Does your noble clan have any further arrangements?"

Li Ximing did not intend to tell him too much and simply replied, "It's a trivial matter, no need for Senior to worry... The elders of my family have their own arrangements."

Jiang Heqian let out a laugh and said, "Out of respect for an old friend, I'll offer a word of caution. You must be careful. The demise of my own family is still fresh in mind. If another Jiang family were to emerge here, unable to gain the trust of Qingchi and Jinyu, they would sooner or later face disintegration!" His expression was a half-smile, and his tone sounded more like he was jesting. Li Ximing didn't know how to respond and bowed with cupped hands. Jiang Heqian paused, then said softly, "It's Qingchi's trust, not Yuan Su's. How much lifespan does Yuan Su have left? What could he possibly protect!"

He flicked his sleeve and, having said this, seemed to lose interest in talking. He lowered his gaze and said, "Vengeance has been exacted. I have settled the feud with the Yu family completely. For the rest of my life, I will wander the four seas and will not return to the lake. The Jiang family has become a wisp of smoke; let it be." With that, he stepped out of the courtyard. As if remembering something, he pulled an item from his storage pouch.

The object was round, with black hair strewn about—it was a human head. Its eyes had turned grayish-white, its skin was taut, and its mouth was slightly agape, revealing a dark, hollow interior. "Yu Mugao's head is here," he declared, dropping the object, and without another word, he flew away on the wind.

Li Ximing picked up the object and silently glanced at it. Yu Mugao had once secretly contended with Li Yuanjiao and others, yet he met such an end. Li Ximing instructed, "Take this, show it to all the clan elders and An Zheyuan to somewhat ease their resentment, then send it to my uncle's grave to inform our ancestors." Li Wushao acknowledged, then withdrew, holding the head. Li Ximing, meanwhile, gathered his robes and returned to seclusion for cultivation.

Yu Mugao's head was passed around among the crowd. Some cried, some laughed. Most of the elders simply felt a sense of release, but An Zheyuan was the most agitated, shedding hot tears. After it had made its rounds, Li Xuanxuan hurried down and took the head up the mountain.

Li Yuanxiu's death was one of the most painful events in Li Xuanxuan's life. He endured much torment, yet his hatred did not diminish with it; instead, it festered deeper and deeper within his heart. Just like his left eye, scorched by demonic fire, it didn't usually hurt, but when he squinted, it would burn fiercely, constantly reminding him that the injury lingered.

Li Yuexiang accompanied the elder up the mountain, watching him talk to the tombstone to himself, with the head quietly placed on the platform. Li Yuexiang stayed for half a day until someone came looking for her on the mountain. Upon closer inspection, it was Li Wushao. Li Wushao knelt on one knee and whispered, "Miss, the Yuan family has arrived."

Li Yuexiang had no choice but to leave the burial ground, descend the mountain, and fly on the wind to the central hall of Lijing Town. Outside the hall stood a group of attendants. Before she even entered, she heard Li Chengliao's voice: "Senior, you are too kind! There's no need for this." She stepped inside and saw two attendants behind two figures standing in front.

One person, with neatly combed white hair and a tall stature, was at the early Foundation Establishment cultivation level. He appeared to be around one hundred eighty years old and wore a wide smile. This person was speaking, saying earnestly, "Say no more! Even my Foundation Establishment cultivation is thanks to my virtuous nephew Yuanjiao! Not to mention that Suiyuan Pill, even the thought of breaking through originated because of him!"

As Li Yuexiang entered, she immediately interrupted their conversation. Li Chengliao quickly stepped forward and smiled, "Aunt has arrived! This is Senior Yuan Huyuan and Young Master Fuyao of the Yuan family." The person who had just spoken was Yuan Huyuan. He had broken through to Foundation Establishment at the ripe old age of one hundred. Although it was thanks to that Suiyuan Pill, it was still considered incredibly good fortune. The old man now looked decades younger, like a seasoned cultivator who had achieved enlightenment. As for the young man behind him, he had an outstanding appearance, was tall, and his expression was quite calm. Dressed in brocade robes, he carried a certain nobility. After all, Yuan Chengdun's appearance was already good, so Yuan Fuyao naturally wouldn't be lacking; among cultivators, he was top-tier. Li Yuexiang glanced at him briefly, catching a glimpse of admiration in his eyes. Several boxes of spiritual items were also placed in the main hall, indicating that Yuan Huyuan had made a special trip and regarded this matter with great importance.

Only then did Li Yuexiang respond. Yuan Huyuan was immediately overjoyed and eagerly came forward, saying in a low voice, "I also had a friendship with your father... It's a pity you suffered..." Li Yuexiang was accustomed to such words and simply changed the subject, turning to look at Yuan Fuyao. Yuan Huyuan immediately began introducing him, speaking many pleasantries, when another person arrived outside the door. This person, with a head full of white hair, had hurried over. It was Li Xuanxuan, whose aged voice carried a hint of apology: "I truly apologize, Senior. Several of our family's Foundation Establishment cultivators are in seclusion, and Qinghong has gone to the East Sea, so only I, a Qi Cultivator, am here to greet you."

Hearing this, Yuan Huyuan immediately waved his hand and replied, "No matter, no matter! For a fellow Daoist of your standing to greet me is already exceptional. Given the relationship between our two families, there's no need for such politeness." Everyone present was cordial, chatting amiably amongst themselves, leaving only Li Yuexiang and Yuan Fuyao standing awkwardly. Li Xicheng, understanding the situation slightly, smiled and said, "Sister Xiang, why don't you show Young Master the lake scenery?"

The two went out together. Only then did Yuan Huyuan compose his expression, put away his smile, and solemnly ask, "Do the two of you still know about my family's situation?" Li Xuanxuan paused, then replied, "We know a little." Yuan Huyuan deliberated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Now... if neither Chengdun nor the other person can return, it will be difficult to predict! Fuyao is Chengdun's only direct son; I only ask your noble clan to look after him! Senior Chengdun had already agreed to this earlier..."

Yuan Huyuan's expression became increasingly troubled. His old face trembled slightly as he said, "This visit, putting aside my old face, is to ask if your noble clan could send a Foundation Establishment cultivator to help..." Li Xuanxuan was immediately stunned and remained silent for a moment. After Li Xizhi's reminder, he had long understood that the Yuan family was now in chaos, and furthermore, he didn't know what role they were playing in Qingchi's schemes. He no longer wanted to get involved. However, there was still a connection between the two families. Protecting Yuan Chengdun's descendant was not a major issue, and at a critical moment, he could even be given up, so there was naturally no problem there. But to truly intervene, the situation would be vastly different!

Li Xuanxuan was inherently conservative and only wanted to protect his family's prodigy for a few more years. His face was clearly etched with difficulty. Seeing his expression, Yuan Huyuan lowered his voice even further: "I understand about Yuanjiao, and your noble clan is also going through a tumultuous period... But my family..." How could Yuan Huyuan not know his family's situation? But the old man always wanted to salvage and compensate, unwilling to give up, and had truly used all his connections, so he could only turn to the Li family for help.

Li Xuanxuan sighed inwardly and could only remark, "Senior! This rain has fallen for too long!" As soon as these words were uttered, Yuan Huyuan recoiled as if struck by lightning. He understood that the Li family already knew the Yuan family, due to the death of their ancestor Yuan Licheng and the disappearance of their patron Bu Zi, had become a pawn used by Qingchi to influence Xiuyue, and the risks involved were too great for them to intervene. He gave a bitter smile and said, "Alright... alright... I only ask that you all take good care of Fuyao." Li Xuanxuan comforted him, "Your noble clan has profound foundations; this will surely pass." Yuan Huyuan fell silent. Being in the eye of the storm, there was nothing more to say. He cupped his hands and departed.

Li Yuexiang withdrew, and Yuan Fuyao stepped out of the hall with her, sighing, "Watching them deal in such platitudes is truly boring!" Li Yuexiang lowered her head, her eyes blinking slightly, and replied, "Our two families have been on good terms for many years, so naturally, they should have a good talk." Yuan Fuyao quickly nodded in agreement.

In truth, Yuan Fuyao's mood throughout the journey had not been good. He was quite averse to the idea of a marriage alliance, but Yuan Huyuan's word was law, so he couldn't say anything and could only reluctantly follow along. Along the way, he was calculating. Since the marriage hadn't been finalized, it would be easy to find fault and claim incompatibility of character to back out. But now, seeing Li Yuexiang, he was stunned by her beauty. All his previous dissatisfaction was long forgotten. He stared at her, nodding repeatedly, completely forgetting his earlier intentions, and secretly praised, "What a beauty! What a beauty! Rarely do we see such a person in our clan."

Li Yuexiang seemed unaware. She accompanied him on the wind to the lake, where they chatted idly. Yuan Fuyao suddenly noticed the large dam on the lake and, with some doubt, asked, "What is this for? Raising spirit fish?" Li Yuexiang gently replied, "To block the lake water and protect the realm and its people." Yuan Fuyao sighed repeatedly, saying, "My clan is far inferior to your noble one. With the continuous heavy rain now, I've been managing affairs in the plain and have told my family several times, but they always consider it a waste of manpower and refuse to send cultivators down!"

It turned out that Yuan Fuyao, arranged by Yuan Chengdun, had been managing the towns and people on the Mushroom Forest Plain. Now, opening up, he spoke with considerable depth about each aspect of governing the people's livelihood and managing the populace. Upon hearing this, Li Yuexiang nodded internally, her face still smiling. "Cultivators naturally don't fear this rain, but the common folk by the lake will suffer." Yuan Fuyao suddenly understood. His expression remained unchanged, but in his mind, he thought, 'I've long heard that the Li clan is good at nurturing their people, and it seems to be true.'

Li Yuexiang didn't want to discuss these matters further with him. She merely inquired about some news, and Yuan Fuyao began to boast, talking about all sorts of irrelevant things from far and wide. Li Yuexiang listened casually, when he suddenly asked, "My father personally came to your noble clan. Did he leave any messages? Or anything for me?" Li Yuexiang's eyes narrowed slightly, and she thought, 'It seems... Yuan Chengdun went straight to the East Sea... and didn't leave any messages for the Yuan family...' Li Yuexiang had no intention of keeping the betrothal gifts. She simply replied softly, "Yes, he left betrothal gifts. They are in the central hall. Young Master can ask Senior Huyuan about them."

Li Yuexiang didn't expect that after she finished speaking, Yuan Fuyao, who had been meek and submissive, would puff out his chest and slightly lift his chin, appearing much more confident, and then give a soft "Hmm." The two chatted for a while, and then Yuan Huyuan emerged, flying on the wind with his retinue, and said to Yuan Fuyao, "You shall cultivate here. For all matters, consult with Yuexiang often." Yuan Fuyao seemed somewhat caught off guard and could only nod blankly. Yuan Huyuan offered Li Yuexiang a friendly smile, then flew away on the wind.

Yuan Fuyao's cultivation dwelling had been prepared in advance. Li Yuexiang escorted him and a few attendants there and soon took her leave. Yuan Fuyao had his attendants inspect the dwelling, then sat down to drink tea. A trusted aide on his left asked, "Young Master, what do you think of this Miss Li?" Yuan Fuyao paused, then praised, "She is truly a beauty, but she is quite shrewd." The aide whispered, "Shrewd...?" Yuan Fuyao nodded, looking a little troubled. "I've heard she has an older brother cultivating within the sect who is already at the Foundation Establishment level. If I were to marry her, I fear my lineage would only be left to follow the Li family's commands!" The aides exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. They dared not speak ill of her, for if this Li family woman truly became their mistress, it would be no laughing matter if she held them accountable. Suddenly, they heard Yuan Fuyao whisper, "Go inquire how much my father actually prepared for the Li family. Is there any chance of getting it back?" The aide quickly left. Yuan Fuyao remained seated, secretly pondering, "I need to see if I can get these things back, so we don't have to live under someone else's roof for long... and fall into the Li family's hands."

As Li Yuexiang went down, Li Xuanxuan soon approached her. He seemed to have just heard the news and had rushed over, eager to vet her potential suitor. Seeing Li Yuexiang walk in, he hastily asked, "How was it?" Li Yuexiang waved her hand. Seeing that her grandfather seemed fine, she said, "This Yuan Fuyao... he understands the common people quite well. Other than that, he's boastful and somewhat clever, and his personality is a bit mediocre and greedy. However, his conduct seems upright, though I'm not sure if it's an act. I'll need to observe him more closely."

"Ah?!" Li Xuanxuan was immediately stunned and replied, "Why like that? Are you sure you judged correctly?" Li Yuexiang had made her judgment alone, but hearing her grandfather, she became a little unsure. She said, "I haven't met many people on the mountain, so perhaps my judgment isn't precise. It's a pity my elder brother is in seclusion..." Li Xuanxuan waved his hand and said, "That's convenient. I'll have Chengliao and a few others test him... You don't need to do it yourself."