Chapter 500: Chen and Li

Upon hearing her brother's words, Li Yuexiang showed no sign of joy. She was preoccupied with deeper concerns and whispered, "I'm not wronged; I just fear offending them too severely and causing trouble."

Li Xijun gently shook his head and replied, "There's no longer any question of offending them. Everyone is focused solely on profit, and the Yuan family has already lost its moral standing."

Li Yuexiang nodded. Li Xijun then unfolded and read a small letter in his hand, whispering, "Go prepare yourself. Zhi-ge will return in a few days to pick you up and take you to Qingcong Island... There's still room in his immortal cave, and cultivating there would be quite beneficial."

Only then did a hint of joy appear on Li Yuexiang's face, and she nodded gently. Li Xijun didn't want to say more, so he dismissed the two. After listening to the reports from his subordinates, a smile appeared on his face. He walked out of the hall and quickly arrived at the Pill Pavilion, following the corridor.

Li Ximing, clad in a Daoist alchemist's robe, was sitting leisurely in the hall. His clothes were dry and slightly faded. Having just broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, he was in high spirits.

Li Xijun knew him well. Though Li Ximing appeared calm and composed on the surface, he was secretly overjoyed. So Li Xijun decided to play along, quickly walking up to him and asking in surprise, "Ming-ge, that fast? Was it smooth?"

Li Ximing nodded cheerfully, tightening his sleeves as he replied, "After all, I took a pill, so breaking through was easy. I still need to recuperate for a while and stabilize my cultivation before I leave seclusion."

Full of excitement, and having said this, he was about to explain in detail when he suddenly looked Li Xijun up and down, exclaiming with both surprise and joy, "You've established your Foundation!"

Li Xijun smiled slightly and nodded gently. Li Ximing quickly stood up from the ground, placed a hand on his shoulder, and chuckled, "What powerful Pine-Snow spiritual energy!"

Li Xijun nodded gently, waiting for him to calm down. Only then did he say, "There's something I need to tell you."

As Li Ximing listened to Li Xijun recount Li Xuanfeng's words, he frowned, silently shook his head, and questioned, "I don't agree. My Mingyang cultivation has progressed rapidly, even surpassing direct descendants of immortal sects. How could it be unsuitable? Perhaps the Ancestor's standards have become too high after living in the Southern Border..."

He suddenly clenched his fist and said as an afterthought, "If what the Ancestor said is true, if I had followed the family's arrangements back then, my cultivation wouldn't have been much slower..."

While he pondered to himself, Li Xijun's peripheral vision caught sight of a potted orchid on the table. After several years in seclusion, it was still flourishing. It seemed to have been specially cared for.

His gaze flickered, and he quickly turned his head, looking at the alchemy furnace nearby, where the flames flickered erratically. Outside, a fierce storm raged. Li Ximing, confused, didn't understand why Li Xijun's expression had changed.

Li Xijun paused, then suddenly asked, "Ming-ge, have you taken a liking to orchids recently?"

Li Ximing felt a little awkward and hastily said, "I just keep them; it has absolutely nothing to do with Zhuoyun!"

No sooner had he spoken than he realized his words were a bit rushed. He then saw Li Xijun suddenly frown, looking at the storm outside the hall. He whispered, "It's a celestial phenomenon!"

Li Ximing was still trying to form his words, but Li Xijun's statement cut him off. In an instant, Li Xijun disappeared. Li Ximing flew out on a golden light, standing beside him atop Qingdu. From there, they gazed into the distance, seeing a golden light far to the south.

Their immortal foundations slowly fluctuated. They vaguely saw a colorful light rising from afar. Li Ximing said with envy, "Someone has probably broken through to the Violet Palace stage!"

The iridescent light quickly spread, transforming into various vivid animal and bird-shaped clouds across the sky. At the center of this sea of clouds was a precious elephant formed from white clouds, appearing to trumpet loudly, emanating streaks of golden light.

The golden light surged forward like waves. All the vegetation in the mountains gently swayed. Leaves fell like rain, scattering golden yellow across the mountains. Li Xijun slowly closed his eyes, carefully sensing the rising spiritual energy in the world.

Li Ximing also paused, realizing what was happening. Both brothers closed their eyes and carefully absorbed it. After about the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, they exchanged glances. Li Ximing sighed, "The Profound Peace Atmosphere... it has completely dispersed!"

"It's rare for it to last so long."

Li Xijun carefully looked in the direction where the clouds converged. Estimating it to be Hengzhu Dao, he whispered, "Hengzhu Dao has gained another Violet Palace cultivator!"

The two brothers simultaneously flew back down the mountain on the wind. Li Ximing said, "I clearly remember that Hengzhu Dao and Xiuyue have always had good relations. But how can such a breakthrough be controlled at will? The celestial phenomenon announces it to all four directions; this is the final push overwhelming the world's spiritual energy."

Although the Li family now gradually possessed some foundation, they had almost no means to detect things like the Profound Peace Atmosphere or the Water-Falling Thunder-Rising phenomenon, which were related to the Violet Palace's spiritual aura. At present, they could only watch helplessly, unsure of how the world's spiritual energy had transformed.

"After all, we don't have the relevant spells. If we hadn't known there would be a change and paid close attention to sense it, we probably wouldn't have even noticed this subtle shift..."

Li Xijun sighed. Li Ximing, standing beside him, asked, "Why not ask Aunt to come back and use her thunder spell? It seems like she might be able to gather some information."

"I don't think it'll be easy."

Li Xijun had discussed this carefully with Li Qinghong. Back then, it seemed they could only perceive it because Water-Falling Thunder-Rising was connected to thunder spells, but now it would likely be difficult. He only whispered, "Just write a letter and ask Zhi-ge about it."

Chen Mufeng returned from the main hall to his residence. He hadn't expected to find his wife, Lady Li, sitting in the courtyard, with two elders seated at the head.

One wore a brown robe. The empty sleeve where his arm had been was slightly conspicuous. His beard and hair were withered, and his eye sockets were deeply sunken. He exuded the air of someone nearing the end of their life.

The other person's aura was much steadier. He carried a long sword on his back. He wore a light gray robe, his back slightly bent as he leaned against a wooden chair.

Chen Mufeng was very familiar with these two faces. Back then, when Old Master Chen entrusted him to Chen Donghe, he had respectfully sat by the tables of these two elders. Chen Mufeng immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Mufeng greets Master and Elder."

Li Qiuyang's aged face was solemn. This elder, who came from a farming family, was now one of the most senior members of the clan. Yet, his expression remained as it had always been.

He had led horses for Li Xiangping and presented swords to Li Tongya, witnessing a century of hardship. Even though Chen Mufeng's cultivation was much higher than his, he showed no impatience, only lowering his head in silence.

Chen Donghe looked at the man before him, also remaining silent. The two elders sat quietly, creating a solemn atmosphere that even silenced Lady Li, who was beside them.

He was feeling anxious when he saw his elder, Chen Donghe, wave his hand and say softly, "It's good news. Chen Yang's talent has caught Qingdu's eye. Congratulations to you both."

At these words, both instantly relaxed. Chen Mufeng cupped his hands and chuckled, "Many thanks for your guidance, elders!"

Li Qiuyang slowly nodded and put away the wooden staff in his hand. His empty sleeve drifted silently in the air. With a serious expression, he whispered, "Feng'er! Bring this boy up for a look."

Chen Mufeng immediately sent someone to call the boy. Li Qiuyang, before him, was not only his mentor but also his former father-in-law. Unfortunately, his daughter had died young, which was why he had married the current Lady Li.

Chen Donghe waited in silence. When Chen Yang quietly walked up from the front of the hall, he examined him closely and frowned.

Li Qiuyang, as if his eyesight was failing, squinted and stared for a long time. He thought to himself, "He has a somewhat fierce and cunning appearance. But those eyes, when he's thinking... they resemble Chen Erniu from back then... Both of them hide a great deal of thought within."

These eyes were grayish-black. His eyebrows were longer than those of the Chen family, a highly familiar characteristic. Li Qiuyang had dealt with people like this for nearly a century; it was precisely the demeanor of the Li family's main lineage.

"This child is quite interesting," he thought. "He has inherited all the cunning and intelligence of both the Li and Chen families. No wonder Xijun asked me to take a careful look... He truly is extraordinary!"

He paused, then said, "Qingdu's intention is for this child to cultivate under Donghe."

These words greatly surprised the couple. They exchanged glances, both seeing joy in the other's eyes.

They had already harbored this thought for a long time. Chen Yang was the most talented child in their entire family; he should have been entrusted to Chen Donghe for careful guidance.

However, the Chen family had always maintained a clean reputation, never doing anything that could easily arouse suspicion. Chen Donghe, moreover, never returned to the Chen family and held no fondness for old ties. Thus, this idea had long remained hidden in their hearts.

After all, Chen Donghe was a late Qi Refining stage cultivator, and his status among non-family members in the household was one of the highest. It was even rumored that he had learned the main family's sword techniques. Chen Mufeng's face lit up with joy, and he was about to pull the child forward to express gratitude, but Chen Donghe said, "Don't you two get too happy too soon. I've already rejected the idea."

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold. Chen Yang's eyes moved slightly, and he lifted his chin. He listened, a slight frown on his face, feeling only a faint throbbing pain in his forehead again.

Yet, this small expression of his made both elders at the head of the table pause. A thought quickly flashed through Chen Donghe's mind: "He has pride."

Chen Donghe adopted the demeanor of an old man and quietly said to Lady Li beside him, "I, however, see this child as having impure intentions. The main family has repeatedly proposed it, but I've rejected all their suggestions."

At these words, Lady Li understood. She took a step forward, took the child's hand, and said solemnly, "The Xuanjing Spirit Oath... swear it in front of these two esteemed elders..."

The mother and son went through the motions for a while. Chen Yang's expression remained as calm as still water; he allowed his mother to say whatever she wished. Li Qiuyang tapped his pipe. Chen Donghe silently watched the child's behavior, then stepped down from the platform, took Chen Yang's hand, and led him out of the main hall.

He walked all the way to the riverside, pulled Chen Yang down to sit, and began speaking from the time Chen Erniu fled to Lijing, recounting events up to the current situation. He then quietly said, "Our Chen family has survived by the grace of the Li family ancestors for a single meal. For generations, we have been entrusted with important duties, which is how we came to be as we are today. United, both benefit; in conflict, there is the pain of kin. Your intentions must be pure,"

Chen Yang's expression seemed to soften; he pressed his lips together and remained silent. He then whispered, "Yang'er understands. The main family's grace and might are immense."

To Chen Donghe's ears, these words sounded like: 'Ancestor, Yang'er understands that the main lineage has many Foundation Establishment cultivators and even ties to immortal sects and Violet Palace cultivators, so he won't do anything foolish.'

Chen Donghe sighed, pulled him up, and said solemnly, "Outside this hall is Moon-Gazing Lake. Our entire Chen family relies on the main family's benevolence. If, in the future, you ever make a move that wrongs the main family, may the heavens bear witness, and may your body and spirit be utterly annihilated."

Chen Yang stared blankly at him for a moment, looking at the slowly darkening night. He had no choice but to repeat Chen Donghe's words.

Chen Donghe, feeling dispirited, waved his hand gently and whispered, "Go back now!"

The young man looked back with every step, unable to resist glancing at the person whom the entire Chen family admired and depended on. He then walked away and soon disappeared from sight.

Chen Donghe sat alone by the lake for a while. He saw Li Qiuyang returning from the mountains after completing his task; the magical wind he rode was weak and unsteady, swaying in the air. Chen Donghe quickly supported him, and they landed together on the shore. Li Qiuyang stroked his beard and whispered, "Thank you, Donghe."

Few in the Li family could address Chen Donghe in such a manner. Chen Donghe silently nodded in acknowledgment. Li Qiuyang then said softly, "My crippled body was burned by merging flames. Whenever there's a storm, the pain is so intense I can't speak, as if my bones are being crushed, and my spiritual power is completely lost. Even riding the wind is a problem for me now."

Li Qiuyang had long avoided seeing people. Chen Donghe had repeatedly called on him but couldn't meet him. Now that he finally encountered him, he imagined Li Qiuyang must have suffered greatly from the erratic weather over the past few years, so he angrily exclaimed, "That despicable little scoundrel of the Xu family!"

"Donghe, there's no need for that."

Li Qiuyang whispered, "At our age, there's no longer anything to find despicable or not despicable. He was a heaven-sent talent, and he committed no acts to incur divine wrath or public outrage, yet he died because of me. The retribution should be upon me."

His face bore a deep sense of forbearance, which left Chen Donghe speechless. Li Qiuyang looked deeply at him. The elder spoke, "Jingtian passed away, and five of your seven souls have gone with her. Where is the light in your eyes? The younger generation might not see it, but you, Chen Donghe, were not originally like this."

Chen Donghe was even more speechless. Li Qiuyang lowered his head slightly. The two walked by the lake in the night for a while. Chen Donghe whispered, "I accompanied her for over sixty years, and she... grew accustomed to it."

Li Qiuyang sighed softly, his expression a little shaken, and said in a weathered voice, "Donghe... why do you insist? Even without Xuanxuan, I understand her somewhat. It's just habit. She has no spiritual aperture... She treated her entire life as a struggle; how could she love anyone?"

Chen Donghe's usually placid face finally showed intense emotional change. He whispered, "Ultimately, it's just my own affair."

Li Qiuyang said, "I just see that you can't move on! You still have over a hundred years of life left... If you continue to live like a walking corpse, it would have been better to die together in the Shanyue land back then!"

Chen Donghe slowly stopped in the darkness, not answering. The graceful figure slowly appeared in his eyes. Chen Donghe had accompanied her from childhood to adulthood, from birth to death, marrying and having a daughter. It seemed as if everything had been fulfilled as desired, accompanying her to fulfill her wishes and slowly bringing things to an end. It seemed even Chen Donghe himself was immersed in it.

Yet, he had long understood one thing and had deliberately pushed this matter to the back of his mind. But this matter always lingered in his heart like a shadow, turning into various thoughts. Now, it finally revealed its true form.

Li Jingtian seemed to be grateful to him and trusted him. She was willing to marry him and have a daughter, but she had never once looked at him with the eyes of a husband.

He had long understood: Although she was a mortal, and as fragile as tofu in his hands, she still possessed an almost cruel, desperate resistance towards everything she didn't love.