Chapter 521: Dam Sheep

The spring rain fell ceaselessly.

Li Tongya's tomb had only been renovated ten years ago, but the tombstone remained the original one, simple yet grand, standing silently in the spring rain.

Bai Rong stood before the tomb for only a few breaths. Looking at the numerous stone tablets, he spoke some words in a flustered manner, then retreated, somewhat dazed, saying, "Never mind... I'll come back another day... Let's go sit down for now."

Li Xijun surmised that Bai Rong felt a bit uncomfortable, so he led him to the main hall. People had already been instructed to make arrangements, and a storage bag was now brought forward. Li Xijun said respectfully, "Congratulations on your breakthrough, Senior. I've prepared a small gift; please accept it..."

Being a creature of the demon realm, Bai Rong didn't stand on ceremony. He took the storage bag, casually hooked it onto his belt, and settled into his seat.

Small in stature, he sat cross-legged, turning to the side to ask, "After emerging from my retreat this time, I paid my respects to the Purple Mansion cultivators and heard about the current shifting tides. Is it true that True Master Shangyuan is about to achieve a breakthrough?"

Seeing Li Xijun nod, Bai Rong continued, "My master said that there's discord and conflict within the Immortal Dao. The Lei Yun Cave Heaven, which had been procrastinating and shifting responsibility with the Dragon Clan, has apparently been abandoned. Over a dozen Purple Mansion cultivators entered the cave together, made a quick fortune, and swiftly departed."

Li Xijun didn't understand the mysteries of this so-called Lei Yun Temple Cave Heaven. It seemed that even Purple Mansion cultivators couldn't completely empty it of its treasures. He sighed inwardly, "It's a pity my family had no chance to get a share. I had originally thought my aunt might find an opportunity there..."

Since the topic had come up, he immediately seized the opportunity to ask, "May I ask, Senior... my elder brother's master has fallen into this cave heaven... and there's been no news since. I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse..."

Li Xijun was, of course, referring to Yuan Tuan. Bai Rong picked up his cup, seeming to have anticipated this question, and smiled, "A Yuan family member? Cultivating the Azure Declaration path? They were bound to face this tribulation..."

Bai Rong sipped his tea and replied, "You should know that cave heaven belongs to the Lei Yun Temple. In its heyday, it called itself the 'Cloud-Anchoring Thunder-Directing Path.' And its founding patriarch came from the north; he was once the foremost disciple of the Yan Yang Temple Palace!"

"Yan Yang Temple Palace?" The name sounded quite familiar. Li Xijun, having thoroughly studied the clan history and having personally presided over the Six Yan Destined Fate ritual for Li Wushao, immediately recalled, "That's the lineage obtained by the Yuan family's ancestors!"

"The Yan Yang Temple Palace was quite interesting back then," Bai Rong chattered on. "This temple palace originated from its master, named Can Yanzi. In ancient times, he became a registered disciple under Daotai. Later, he had a sudden idea to merge immortal and Buddhist practices."

"But he couldn't maintain it; he lost his mind and transformed into an immortal peak in the north called Mount Yan... These are ancient stories, no need to dwell on them... In short, it has quite a background."

"My Great Li Demon Cave sits here watching the shifting winds, and we recognize this Yuan family. Their cultivation follows the Azure Declaration path – 'Azure Yan Divine Mountain, Subduing Primordial Nature.' Nowadays, very few cultivate Earth Virtue, so the Yuan family still has some renown."

He propped his feet up, leaning comfortably back in his chair, and casually remarked, "The Yuan family thought no one noticed them, and they didn't even take many precautions. But how could they escape the discerning eyes of Golden Core cultivators? They recognized at a glance that the Yuan family's lineage was none other than that of the former Yan Yang Temple Palace from the north!"

The rest was self-evident. Li Xijun followed his train of thought, speaking softly, "So that's it! Perhaps the Purple Mansion cultivators wanted to gain more from this cave heaven by leveraging the relationship between the Yan Yang Temple Palace and Lei Yun Temple..."

Bai Rong nodded, smiling somewhat cynically, "No matter how much the 'Cloud-Anchoring Thunder-Directing Path' declined, it was still a human legacy. How much favor could a few dragons get by surrounding it? Naturally, they had to find someone who aligned with the lineage... and send them in as a key."

Li Xijun immediately understood, murmuring inwardly, "No wonder Yuan Tuan disappeared without a word; she must have had no choice. With such information circulating among Purple Mansion and Golden Core cultivators, no matter how clever she was, how could she have guessed? It's likely Qingchi sent her out, and the Dragon Clan's Purple Mansion cultivators were waiting for her there, leaving her helpless."

"As for Yuan Chengdun... he probably knew later and tragically went to the East Sea, leaving behind contingencies to secure a retreat for his eldest son, only for them to be sold off cheaply by his own elders... Alas!"

Li Xijun felt a pang of sorrow, a sense of "the fox mourning the death of the rabbit." He imagined the Yuan family must have felt the same way when Li Tongya fell, completely manipulated from birth to death. This gave rise to a feeling of dread in his heart: "When Chi Wei wanted to refine pills back then, Yuan Tuan stubbornly suppressed her cultivation to avoid breaking through Foundation Establishment. I wondered how Qingchi had no leverage over her, assuming it was simply because her ancestors had a better immortal foundation. Now it seems... she had many uses, and they would be needed sooner or later!"

A scene flashed before his eyes: Yuan Tuan silently suppressing her cultivation on the mountain, while Chi Wei and others sat on the clouds, smiling ironically. He was momentarily lost in thought. Bai Rong, seemingly oblivious to him, reached into his sleeve, pulled out a string of fruit, and popped one into his mouth.

'I just can't get used to spiritual tea; fruit tastes much better,' Bai Rong muttered to himself, then continued, "The Yuan family is just like that! You aristocratic families are not much different from the demonic beasts raised on our peaks..."

Li Xijun acknowledged him, but his heart suddenly sank. 'Zhi-geer never mentioned this! If Purple Mansion cultivators were surrounding that cave heaven, wouldn't his going there mean an uncertain fate between life and death?' Fear rose in his heart, but he couldn't contact Li Xizhi now. He could only suppress it, hastily summon someone, and quietly instruct them to send a messenger.

Bai Rong, still seated, suddenly asked, "There's a rumor in my cave that your clan is descended from Mingyang?"

Li Xijun sighed inwardly, feeling that this matter was spreading wider and wider, something that would eventually be impossible to conceal. He merely waved his hand. Bai Rong looked thoughtful.

After chatting for a while, Bai Rong quickly grew restless and hurriedly delivered his message: "I heard from the elders in the cave that they'll be going to the North Sea in a few months to observe a ceremony, likely the significant event of Shangyuan's breakthrough. It's best for us to avoid going to the North Sea too often; there might be Golden Core cultivators watching..."

"While it's hard for us to go to the North Sea ourselves, we can watch from afar. What if we gain some insight?" He chuckled, "After all, it's a grand event that happens only once every few decades. Moreover, this is Shangyuan, the first Sword Immortal in over a hundred years. Just imagine the entire world, both within and beyond the seas, from Embryonic Breath to Golden Core, watching this – it's a joy in itself."

Li Xijun, having finally gotten an opportunity, was unwilling to let him leave easily and quickly asked another question: "Is the Yu Zhen path, then, without a 'fruit position' holder?"

Bai Rong paused slightly, then his expression grew solemn, and he nodded, "Indeed! If Shangyuan successfully breaks through, he won't just be the first Golden Core in five hundred years; he will refine the 'Yu Zhen Six-Nine Harmony of Emptiness' and become the master of the Yu Zhen fruit position. We will witness the transformation of heaven and earth."

He smiled, a foxy slyness appearing on his face, "If another True Lord Shangyuan emerges, among other things, perhaps all hundred cultivation arts will change accordingly."

Li Xijun escorted him out of the mountain. Watching him fly back into the Great Li Mountains, Li Xijun's heart remained uneasy. He saw his own clansmen below, all cheering enthusiastically, with ceaseless songs and dances. After all, expansion was truly an excellent way to resolve conflicts. The massive "cake" of the Yu family had been devoured, and seven other families were completely uprooted and sent to the Shanyue region. The remaining space was sufficient to give rise to seven or eight prominent clans, and everyone was eager and full of hope.

Li Xijun returned to the Jade Terrace, his mind unsettled: "A great change is coming... If True Master Shangyuan succeeds, it will likely be the greatest transformation in five hundred years."

The Central Hall.

The hall's steps were polished clean, and the crisp, pleasant sound of boots echoed as Li Zhouwei strode in. The clan soldiers on either side bowed their heads.

Having broken through to Qi Refinement, he began managing some affairs within the clan, gradually taking over duties at the Clan Elder's Courtyard. The oddness he'd carried since birth had largely faded; he looked more like a living person now, and occasionally even smiled when speaking. However, when his subordinates made mistakes, his gaze would sharpen, instilling fear. Chen Yang, holding his sword, followed behind him, entering the inner chamber together.

Li Zhouwei placed his long halberd on the rack, then glanced carefully at Chen Yang, who stood beside him. Seeing that Chen Yang was still at the fifth level of Embryonic Breath, he said, lowering his gaze, "Chen Yang, come forward."

Below, Chen Yang's alarm flared. Like lightning, he mentally reviewed all recent events, finding no fault. He thought to himself, 'What is this fierce tiger planning now... This isn't right...' He stepped forward, bowing respectfully, "At your service!"

Li Zhouwei took a jade bottle from his embrace, tossed it to Chen Yang, and said casually, "This is Mind-Clearing Powder. Take it quickly and break through."

Chen Yang was slightly stunned, then accepted it doubtfully. Li Zhouwei, wiping his weapon, said softly, "I know you're not convinced. I will report to Qing Du and try my best to allocate resources to you as if you were a direct descendant." He sat quietly and continued, "You can certainly try to see if you can catch up to me."

Chen Yang slowly raised his head, seeing that the man's usually calm eyes finally held a hint of a smile, openly and frankly looking at him. Chen Yang grunted his acknowledgment, then, seeing Li Zhouwei wave his hand, quickly retreated.

Not until he had walked out of the main hall and slowly returned to his own cave dwelling did a look of eagerness appear on Chen Yang's face, his grey eyes narrowing slightly. He had been suppressed by Li Zhouwei for several years. Though outwardly obedient, he secretly analyzed Li Zhouwei's every move, pondered his character, and handled every task meticulously, using it all as a stepping stone for his own advancement. Chen Yang quietly calculated, muttering, "Then I'll try... We are both descendants of Qing Du..."

In the main hall. Li Zhouwei watched him leave, put away his weapon, and quietly gazed at the sunlight in the hall. 'Chen Yang is resourceful and decisive... and he prides himself on his Li clan bloodline, ambitious... It's just a pity he's not my direct brother...'

As he took over clan affairs, he gradually gained an understanding of his peers. Li Ximing's descendants were not thriving, Li Xijun remained single, and only Li Xicheng's lineage had more members. Looking around, most had good dispositions, but their talents were merely average, far inferior to Chen Yang's. Li Zhouwei could only promote them to mid-level positions, but it was difficult to keep them close.

He pondered for a moment, not overly concerned. He simply removed his outer robe and stepped into the courtyard behind. Li Zhouwei's grayish-brown eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something amiss. His spiritual perception pierced through, finding a docile woman standing there, her head bowed in silence.

He glanced at her briefly and understood: 'My fourteenth birthday passed a few days ago, and the family has already sent someone.'

Understanding, Li Zhouwei stepped forward confidently, pushed open the door, and entered. The woman was slightly startled. She rose and, lowering her gaze, said, "This humble servant, Xu Peiyu, greets the Young Lord."

Li Zhouwei acknowledged her, slowly approached, bade her sit, and began to observe her carefully. The woman had a slightly round face, slender eyebrows, and curved eyes, a typical appearance of northern Jiangnan, clearly chosen with care. She seemed several years older than him and wore a smile even before speaking.

While Li Zhouwei observed her, Xu Peiyu was also quietly observing him. She only looked into his eyes for a moment, not carelessly, yet she was suddenly seized by an emotion. She suddenly felt as if a expanse of golden light stood before her; his eyes seemed to be filled with vibrant colors that made one's mouth water. She gasped, "Ah!"

Xu Peiyu, at eighteen, had seen many attempts at flattery and knew how to play hard to get, turning men around her finger. Yet, at this moment, she was still captivated, an inexplicable passion surfacing in her heart, so much so that she didn't notice the person before her taking her hand. All her previous schemes vanished completely before that face and those eyes. They disappeared before Xu Peiyu even realized, and she remained oblivious until she was on the bed.

Li Zhouwei merely watched her blushing face. His eyes were frank, clear, conveying his desires. He asked, "Are you from the Xu family? What do you want?"

It was a golden opportunity, yet Xu Peiyu was speechless. That extremely pleasing face rendered her powerless. After a moment's thought, she replied, "A gentleman like you, even if he gains something and gives nothing in return, only makes women like him more."

She felt extreme gratification in her own devotion, as if enveloped in the shadow of a colossal entity, a deep sense of security arising within her. Even if he were to devour her body like a tiger or leopard, she would still consider herself happy. Li Zhouwei was momentarily stunned. He suddenly felt a strange sensation, a fervent emotion he seemed never to have experienced before. He couldn't help but smile faintly and spoke some pleasant words.

Li Zhouwei was naturally able to perceive others' emotions. He felt as though a fire burned before him, completely dedicating itself to him, and a never-before-felt touch of emotion welled up in his heart. After all, he was only fourteen. Though cunning, the books he had read only taught him how to cunningly deal with enemies, how to divide factions, and how to maintain status; they never taught him about love. He merely held her, and, imitating what he'd read in books, began to confide in her, suddenly feeling some expectation: "Most of my Zhong branch are devoted to one person for life... taking Ancestor Tongya as an example... even if I can't give a wife the formal title, I can still have only her..."

As he was thinking, he noticed that Xu Peiyu didn't seem to be listening to him. Instead, she was gazing dazedly at his nose bridge, her slender hand resting on his shoulder, quietly tracing downwards until it reached his chest. Li Zhouwei's eyes narrowed slightly, his emotions instantly calming. He observed her carefully for two glances and immediately understood.

He grew distant, giving two self-deprecating laughs. He suddenly understood a simple truth: "To deal with those of unstable mind, all one needs is a highly alluring Mingyang body." He looked down, as if a fantasy was shattering: "It's a pity I am born with extraordinary abilities; most people in the world are weak-willed to me. She is a mortal; how could she withstand my test?"

He had no choice but to push her away, returning to his seat of honor. Looking at the infatuation in Xu Peiyu's eyes, he mused, "No wonder they fear me!"