Chapter 498: Struggle

When Chen Yang spoke, he imagined various reactions the boy might have, but confident he had said nothing wrong and that his cultivation was superior, he merely lowered his head slightly, appearing humble.

"I'm not breaking any rules? What can you do about it?"

When no reply came, his gaze quickly fixed on Li Zhouwei's face. His dark pupils shifted towards the narrow corners of his eyes, revealing a grim, appraising look. He neither bowed nor saluted, even projecting an air of condescension.

His glance met the young lord's eyes, and his heart instantly felt hollow. All his sinister thoughts and arrogance seemed to be seen through completely. He thought:

"This is bad."

In a flash, Li Zhouwei suddenly stepped forward. Chen Yang felt his throat constrict as a pair of hands shot up like lightning, clamping firmly onto his neck.

"You!"

He had never imagined Li Zhouwei would suddenly erupt with such ferocity, like a tiger or leopard charging, powerful and heavy. His balance gone, Chen Yang was knocked to the ground with a thud.

"Thud!"

Chen Yang's back of the head hit the stone floor hard, making him see stars. The impact was undeniably severe; if not for his fourth-level Fetal Breath cultivation, he would have likely passed out.

A surge of furious energy flared up in his throat. His hands grasped at the air as several spells appeared in his mind, and he barely managed to restrain his shock and anger. But then he realized his opponent had straddled him, pressing down on his chest and pinning his arms to either side, making it impossible to cast any spells.

Chen Yang couldn't breathe, and his spell-casting posture was controlled. Panic seized him, but he was no simple opponent. His mind quickly reacted, and he tried to pry Li Zhouwei's hands away.

"His cultivation is far lower than mine! As soon as I channel my spiritual power, I can immediately subdue him!"

No sooner had this thought formed than Li Zhouwei decisively let go. Freeing his hands, he picked up the inkstone from the desk and swiftly smashed it onto Chen Yang's head. Immediately, Chen Yang's forehead turned a mixture of red and black, black ink spreading as his eyebrows shot up in fury.

"Go to hell."

The blow made Chen Yang's hands loosen. Being a fourth-level Fetal Breath cultivator, he recovered from the momentary daze in an instant. His overwhelming contempt and rage finally broke free, and he grabbed Li Zhouwei's clothes with both hands, intending to pull him up.

Chen Yang was no ordinary child. Over the past century, the Chen family had developed numerous sword arts and techniques. While their Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment might not rival the direct lineage of the Li family, their Fetal Breath level techniques were certainly not inferior. A green light began to glow in his hand.

"Clang."

But Li Zhouwei once again defied his expectations. With a cold clang of metal, the desk was kicked over, and Li Zhouwei had already drawn the long halberd from underneath it.

The green light in Chen Yang's hand halted. The cold, gleaming tip of the halberd was pressed directly against his neck. The icy chill of the metal sent shivers down his spine, and his burning anger and hatred quickly died down, completely subdued.

'Damn it... Who puts a halberd under a desk! It's not a personal sword! Is he always guarding against assassins or something!'

Before he could think further, a sharp pain in his throat made Chen Yang quickly step backward. His gaze met those dark golden eyes, which showed no emotion. For a moment, only the sound of two pairs of boots scuffing on the ground, one moving forward, one backward, filled the courtyard.

Li Zhouwei remained silent, his eyes calm, as he slowly forced Chen Yang into a corner. Only then did he speak his first words:

"Don't look at me with that kind of expression."

Chen Yang paused, then with practiced ease, he completely wiped the expression from his face, quickly adopting a facade. All traces of cunning, disdain, and calculated observation vanished.

But he felt Li Zhouwei's grip tighten further. The halberd moved forward, pressing hard. Chen Yang found it unbelievable, thinking frantically:

"Is he insane?!"

"Thunk."

The halberd deeply pierced the wooden wall behind him. Chen Yang's heart finally thudded with a terrifying realization, like a mountain collapsing. Sweat streamed down his face, his legs lost all strength, and he softly crumpled to his knees. He lowered his head, only for the person in front of him to lift his chin.

He was forced to meet those dark golden eyes, watching as the various ring-like shapes within them gently contracted, like black rings floating unstably in molten gold.

Seeing the fear in Chen Yang's eyes, as he had wished, Li Zhouwei silently released his grip, letting Chen Yang slump before him. Chen Yang struggled to support himself, vaguely noticing three figures standing quietly at the entrance of the courtyard.

One wore dark golden armor with broad shoulders, another was clad in flowing white robes with a sword on his back. Neither spoke, simply observing. Only an old man quickly stepped forward, righted the overturned desk, and asked:

"What happened?!"

Chen Yang's blood, mixed with ink, dripped slowly from Li Zhouwei's forearm. The boy cupped his hands and replied:

"Reporting, Master, it was nothing but some playful roughhousing."

Li Xuanxuan sighed, beckoned for the white ape waiting outside the courtyard to enter, and whispered:

"Take him down and soothe him with a Tranquility Spell. The child is frightened and will probably need a good rest."

Chen Yang was carried away by the white ape and quickly taken out of the courtyard. Li Xuanxuan frowned at the mess on the ground, casually performed a few spells, and used his spiritual power to neatly arrange the various objects before finally sitting down.

Once Li Xuanfeng had sat down, Li Xijun, a smile playing on his lips, sat down and began to brew tea, speaking softly:

"This young man from the Chen family... he's quite interesting."

Li Xuanfeng merely observed Li Zhouwei closely, then commented casually:

"He has a fierce demeanor."

Li Xuanxuan remained silent, but Li Xijun showed no trace of concern, chuckling:

"He has ample ferocity and cunning, but lacks caution. His talent makes him arrogant and unwilling to bow his head. In this era, he might kill and establish himself, but sooner or later, his arrogance will be his downfall."

As Li Xijun spoke, Li Xuanxuan nodded slightly. Li Zhouwei, sitting obediently nearby, blinked, seemingly understanding the underlying meaning, and accepted it silently.

"I only hope he can change after experiencing some setbacks."

Li Xuanfeng shifted his cup, whispering:

"People like that don't change. Take Gani Xi from back then, for instance; he always used his sharp edge carelessly, seeing no one as a match, and when a major event came, it was simply his death."

Li Xuanxuan, who had been pondering for a long time, finally spoke, answering softly:

"Only our young lord here can manage that Chen family child."

With that one sentence, Li Xuanxuan redirected their concerns. He smiled, patted Li Zhouwei, and said softly:

"It's been less than two years, and he's already reached the second level of Fetal Breath, the Inheritance of the Bright Wheel."

Li Xuanfeng had been observing him carefully and, after a long pause, said:

"I've been traveling back and forth between the Southern Frontier and the East Sea these past days, and I've paid special attention to several things. Let me explain clearly."

He paused, then said softly:

"First, there's this Bright Yang. In the past, its lineage was rare, with remnants only found on a few overseas islands. Now, due to the Eastern Fire incident, Bright Yang Foundation Establishment cultivators are appearing both domestically and abroad, gradually becoming known."

"This Foundation Establishment is most suitable for descendants, but cultivators often gradually become more fierce in temperament, either growing more domineering or more stubborn, influenced by the immortal foundation."

Li Xijun frowned slightly, thinking of Li Ximing on the mountain. Li Xuanfeng continued:

"Among Yin and Yang, Bright Yang corresponds to Jueyin. Their cultivation paths complement and clash, so one must be careful."

"The State of Wu, bordering the West Sea to the northwest and known as Jizhong, has a State of Chen, also called the State of Daughters. Their cultivation is Jueyin. They don't often interact with the current world, but one should be wary."

Li Xuanfeng gave his instructions, and Li Xijun nodded silently. The elder then casually mentioned some recent events, and Li Xijun, ever astute, asked:

"Regarding Situ Chen of the Grand Gold Gate..."

Li Xuanfeng's expression remained unchanged as he flatly denied:

"It has nothing to do with me."

The white-robed youth nodded thoughtfully. Li Xuanfeng then pulled Li Zhouwei closer and asked:

"Wei'er, Bright Yang embodies the domineering nature of governance, and it's said to aid cultivation. From now on, I'll need you to look after family matters more."

"Zhouwei understands."

Li Zhouwei nodded. Li Xijun finally couldn't hold back and asked:

"Why is it that... when Brother Ming cultivates Bright Yang, he seems to differ from many of its descriptions?"

Li Xijun thoroughly explained Li Ximing's situation before and after. Li Xuanfeng stroked his beard, saying softly:

"I think Ximing was never meant to cultivate Bright Yang! Bright Yang is a worldly path, suited for minds like Xicheng and Chengliao. He should cultivate paths like the Twelve Qi or True Jade. His current disposition doesn't align with this path; it goes against his true nature everywhere, making it pointless."

"So that's how it is!"

Li Xijun felt his hands go numb. He stared blankly as he placed the jade pot on the desk, suddenly remembering a moonlight night when Li Ximing, as if sensing something, gently placed the Golden Sun Brilliant Essence into his hands, proposing to exchange their cultivation techniques.

A burning pain rose in the young man's heart. His voice was low and heavy:

"How could we... how could we have known? We only wanted to give him the best..."

Listening from the side and seeing Li Xijun's expression, a rare look of anger appeared on Li Xuanxuan's face. He simply said:

"Don't talk about who's to blame! There's no such thing!"

Li Xuanfeng read the reproach in his brother's gaze and said softly:

"I shouldn't have said anything. Our family's 'Bright Splendor Brilliant Essence Scripture' is of extremely high quality. Ximing would never be at a disadvantage. Even if he chose himself, he would pick the higher-grade one for his Great Dao, wouldn't he?"

Li Xuanfeng did not know that Li Xijun and Li Ximing had once considered exchanging cultivation methods when they were younger. Li Xijun, however, remembered it clearly. His face quickly returned to calm, but his heart mourned:

"These things, one after another... I've truly wronged Brother Ming."

Li Xuanfeng only chatted for a moment, not lingering. He stood up, took out his bow, and said to them:

"I'll be leaving now. I'll return home to visit in a few years."

Li Xijun and Li Xuanxuan saw him off together. Li Xuanxuan was in a relatively good mood, unaware of the turbulent emotions and deep sorrow hidden beneath the calm exteriors of his grand-nephew and younger brother.

At Doufu Mountain, the Song family.

The Song family's territory was south of the Mushroom Forest Plain and north of Helin Commandery. It was of moderate size and considered an ancient family.

The Song family's current territory was somewhat disproportionate to their actual strength, especially after their last Foundation Establishment cultivator perished. A mere Qi Cultivation family should not have occupied such a large territory.

However, the Song family once had a female cultivator who willingly became a concubine and married a disciple who came down from Qingchi Mountain. Later, this disciple became the Sect Master of Qingchi, and the Song woman also benefited, breaking through to Foundation Establishment. The Song family then prospered rapidly.

Unexpectedly, this disciple named Chi Wei later broke through to Purple Palace realm, and their blessings extended indefinitely. Even though the Song woman was merely a concubine, she was able to ensure her family's prosperity for a century.

"It's a pity that their descendants weren't ambitious, leading to such a decline!"

Yuan Huduo stood quietly in the courtyard, filled with the clamor of gongs and drums. He appeared much younger than Yuan Huyu, with deeply sunken eyes and a more prominent nose, giving him a somewhat sinister look.

In the courtyard below, people came and went, laughing and greeting, yet no one dared to approach him. Only the Song family head stood behind him, fawning, uttering insignificant words.

Yuan Fuyao, clad in a red robe, stood smiling in the courtyard. His childhood sweetheart, veiled, was in the back garden. He was truly pleased with himself, having gained both wealth and a beautiful woman. His face was slightly flushed, showing his triumph.

Yuan Huduo, however, quietly narrowed his eyes, observing the courtyard. Soon, he spotted an old man standing at the very edge, clad in dark golden armor, arms crossed, coldly watching the scene unfold.

Yuan Huduo didn't probe with his spiritual sense, but he intuitively sensed that this person was extraordinary. He quickly called someone over and whispered:

"Go and find out which white-haired, gold-armored person from the Li family is here."

Yuan Huduo vaguely guessed his identity; it was at least highly probable he was a member of the Li family. Yet, he showed no fear, having somewhat anticipated this.

"What patience! I've been roaming outside day after day all this time, and I've finally waited for you!"

Yuan Huduo reflected that he himself wouldn't have been able to endure such a slight. He knew the Li family would come sooner or later, and he was indeed waiting for them.

"A mere annulment of an engagement, they can't possibly kill me, can they? At worst, a harsh scolding, perhaps a big fight, or even injuring me."

The more strained the relations between the two families became, the clearer the message sent to the Chi family. Since his life wasn't at risk, Yuan Huduo was content with this outcome.

"But no matter who it is... even Li Qinghong... just not this fierce deity..."

When his subordinate came up and whispered a few words, Yuan Huduo's expression immediately darkened. He mumbled:

"It's him after all! Li Xuanfeng, the Golden Geng Steel String!"

Yuan Huduo had not been raised to be a family head from a young age, nor did he possess extraordinary talent like Yuan Chengdu. It had taken him most of his life just to reach Foundation Establishment. How could he not be afraid?

His talent was not high, and he wasn't skilled in combat. He relied on pills to break through, and among the clan cultivators, he was only considered mid-tier. How could he be a match for Li Xuanfeng! Even if Li Qinghong came, she could probably take his life within a hundred moves.

Yuan Huduo took a deep breath, fixed his gaze, and realized that those eyes, which commanded awe without anger, were already looking at him.

"Damn it!"

Yuan Huduo forced a stiff, strained smile. His hand, hidden in his sleeve, suddenly gripped the fabric. He had long heard that this formidable man was utterly fearless, and his heart filled with dread and suspicion.

Finally, he watched as the man approached step by step, gradually drawing nearer through the laughing, crowded throng. The crowd instinctively parted, forming a small path for him to advance unimpeded.

In Yuan Huduo's ears, only the cold sound of the dark golden boots tapping on the ground seemed to echo. He forcibly suppressed the urge to flee, pretending to be calm as he stood his ground.

Li Xuanfeng walked straight up to him. Not until Yuan Huduo could clearly see the patterns on his dark golden spirit armor did Li Xuanfeng slightly tilt his head and quietly say:

"Yuan Huduo?"

The cold voice was remarkably clear amidst the clamor, sending chills down his spine.