Chapter 620: Return to Huzhou

Before Li Yuanqin could react to his words, Chi Fubo's expression already changed. Startled and suspicious, he quickly interrupted Ning Hejing, exclaiming urgently, "Uncle Hejing, what are you saying! Yuanqin is my dearest friend, how can you speak of him like that!"

Several elders from the Chi family's collateral branch, who were nearby, also looked displeased. Li Yuanqin's suggestions had thoroughly considered their branch's interests, greatly satisfying them. But Ning Hejing's few words had disrupted the good atmosphere in the hall, making it unpleasant.

Chi Zhihu's dissatisfaction was evident on his face, though he suppressed his anger, his eyes fixed on Ning Hejing with a deep gaze. He thought, 'That scoundrel is completely loyal to the main branch. Talking about empowering people from our collateral branch is like pulling teeth for him. He's just lashing out wildly...'

As Chi Fubo's words faded, the hall fell into profound silence. Li Yuanqin quietly replied, "I merely practice cultivation alongside Brother Fubo. The two branches have been entangled for a long time. Brother Fubo and I reside in Yishan City, thousands of miles away. How could I possibly have the ability to sow discord? You think too highly of me, Elder."

"Yuanqin, you don't need to say more." Chi Fubo shielded him, knowing full well that Li Yuanqin's current status was a crucial component in this changing situation and he had to be won over. He whispered, "Please step back. I will explain it to him."

Ning Hejing's face was grim, his eyes slightly dimming as he watched coldly. Once Li Yuanqin had withdrawn, Chi Fubo sighed deeply and urgently replied, "Uncle Hejing! Is there anything that couldn't have been said in private? Why be so utterly transparent and confrontational!"

"Yuanqin's extensive help stems from two things: a deep resentment and the ambition to control the Li family. How could I not know that he sows discord extensively? We should use him as the situation dictates. Once he's deeply embroiled, how can he easily extricate himself? Sooner or later, he will only serve our purpose. What's wrong with that?"

He shook his head repeatedly, urging, "Uncle Hejing, you oversee the Disciplinary Peak, and it's one thing for you to act fiercely on a normal day, but now that we're in dire straits, why are you pushing people away!"

Chi Fubo paused, seeing that the other party remained unmoved, and whispered, "This is not the time to discuss such things. Please, Uncle Hejing, quickly produce the Sect Master's order to appoint the various uncles to the peaks, so we can preserve the main family."

Ning Hejing's eyes narrowed slightly, his pupils unreadable, as he stated grimly, "The Sect Master ordered me to seal off the peaks. There was no other standing order left behind." How could Chi Zhiyun have left any such order? He hadn't even taken the Sect Master's seal into his cultivation retreat, nor was he at the Purple Mansion realm to foresee so far ahead. How could there be an order appointing people from the collateral branch? But how could Chi Fubo not know this? Whether Chi Zhiyun had left a final will or not was irrelevant; the standing orders Li Yuanqin kept mentioning were merely documents they had drafted themselves. Yet, Ning Hejing's blunt refusal instantly made Chi Fubo's face fall. Ning Hejing, however, maintained a relatively gentle tone with him, whispering, "The matter is too significant for any rash action. There are still several Peak Masters within the sect who are trusted confidantes of the Sect Master, possessing both strength and good character. Their contributions over the years have been substantial, so promoting them now would not be out of line. I will oversee the Disciplinary Peak, and you elders can assist from the side. If the situation deteriorates, then we can make further decisions."

Chi Fubo's gaze swept across Ning Hejing's face, and he finally realized that the other party's true purpose in summoning them was to find Chi family members loyal to the main branch. His heart swelled with both anger and a cold laugh.

"Understood," Chi Fubo replied with a calm face, then retreated a few steps. Several uncles present showed their displeasure, but with the Disciplinary Peak's formations lurking menacingly around them, what else could they say? They all dispersed, leaving only Ning Hejing behind.

He rubbed his brow, the shadow on his face lingering. He summoned a confidant and whispered, "I thought the collateral branch would see the bigger picture and unite to protect the main branch, but they are all of the same ilk, wanting me to appoint only those from their branch. If I were to do that, I would betray the Sect Master's trust. I can no longer trust them." He added, "Go and invite the other Peak Masters here."

As Ning Hejing made his own arrangements, Chi Fubo emerged from the main hall. The expressions of all the Chi family members present were grim. Chi Zhihu said indignantly, "I think he's even more overbearing than Si Yuanli!"

Chi Fubo's expression was somber. He whispered, "Ning Hejing is a loyal dog of the main branch; his mother was a direct descendant of the main branch, so naturally, he won't side with us. This person is also radical, ungracious, and self-righteous. How can he last? I'm afraid he'll ruin everything."

Chi Buxin, despite his aged appearance, spoke with the most decisive tone. He whispered, "When did Chi family affairs become the Ning family's business to meddle in? If he weren't currently controlling the Disciplinary Peak, killing him would surely cause unrest. Why should we care about his opinion?"

Li Yuanqin was waiting outside the hall and had heard most of the conversation in just a few remarks. He quietly said, "If only the Sect Master had left an order."

The others were waiting for him to speak. Having heard that much, they waited for the next sentence. Chi Fubo whispered, "Brother Yuanqin, you mean..."

Li Yuanqin looked up slightly, gazing at the spiritual mist drifting among the immortal sects, and said quietly, "The Sect Master is in seclusion for his breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm. According to custom, someone should temporarily take over the Sect Master's position."

Chi Fubo's heart was stirred, but he still had his wits about him. He sighed, "But we are weak and lack legitimacy or popular support. Without a mandate, and with Ning Hejing's opposition, taking the main position ourselves would be inviting death and simply aiding Si Yuanli."

Li Yuanqin replied, "The Sect Master has no sons, but Chi Zhiyan has many wives and concubines, and there is still a legitimate son within the sect. Though he is a child, he can be jointly put forward." His expression remained unchanged, his voice slightly lower, as he transmitted his words to them using a secret technique: "Elder Ning claims to be acting for the main branch. If a direct descendant of the main branch gives an order personally, how could he refuse to obey? With the main branch gone, you elders are the senior members of the Chi family. Would that child trust anyone else? Such a move would leave the Sect Master with nothing to say, even if he emerged from seclusion; he might even reward you elders..."

Chi Fubo and the others exchanged glances, then entered a hall together. They activated formations and cast spells to seal the area. Chi Fubo whispered, "But what about the future..."

Li Yuanqin already knew what he was thinking. The Chi family's main branch had finally suffered a major setback, and it was impossible for these people not to consider taking their place. Wouldn't this roundabout approach just put power back in the main branch's hands? "For now, secure yourselves. In the future, with all powers in your hands, and your own people controlling the Disciplinary Peak, you can slowly observe the situation. If everything goes smoothly..." The young man's voice was frighteningly low, yet it made Chi Fubo's eyes light up. Li Yuanqin's face was illuminated by the light of the magical lamps. He continued, "Elder, this child is still in the Qi Condensation realm. After Qi Condensation comes Foundation Establishment, and Foundation Establishment is a life-or-death hurdle."

Moon-Gazing Lake.

Various cultivators traveled across the lake. A man in white, wearing a sword at his waist, landed on a peak, propelled by frost. It was Li Xijun. He walked up the steps where two young men were waiting by the hall.

One, wearing a large cloak, was tall and carried a spear on his back. He had an extraordinary demeanor, with sharp, powerful eyes. This was Li Chengliao, the former family head.

The other, slightly younger, carried a sword at his waist and appeared thinner. Dressed in a long robe, he stood beside Li Chengliao. This was Li Chenghuai, the son of Li Xizhi.

Li Zhouwei was still overseas, but these two brothers of the Chengming generation had returned from the north to manage the family. Li Chengliao, being the former family head, naturally handled these matters with ease.

Li Chenghuai was now also at the seventh layer of Qi Condensation and managed affairs in the mountainous region of Yue. Although he didn't possess his father's demeanor, he was quite adept.

Both came to pay their respects to Li Xijun, appearing as young men. Looking at Li Xijun, his age seemed to be similar to theirs; they looked more like brothers than uncle and nephew.

"After all, elixirs and spiritual treasures nourish people," Li Xijun understood. In the generation of Li Tongya and Li Xuanfeng, their family had hardly relied on elixirs and spiritual treasures, depending solely on their own cultivation. They aged naturally and quickly. Li Tongya established his foundation late, and by the age of seventy or eighty, he looked fifty or sixty. By the time of Li Yuanjiao and others, the situation had noticeably improved, and by Li Xijun's generation, they had truly adopted the appearance of a noble family's direct descendants. All three Xis maintained youthful appearances, looking no different in age from some of their juniors.

"Eighth Uncle," Li Chengliao stepped forward to bow, handing over a letter and softly saying, "News from Zongquan Island – it's good news." Given that an elder had just passed away, Li Chengliao spoke of good news without any smile, maintaining a serious demeanor. Li Xijun gently took the letter and unfolded it to read: "Zhouwei has broken through to Foundation Establishment during his seclusion."

Li Zhouwei had taken three Breakthrough Pills and a Talisman Pill with him before his departure, so his breakthrough was to be expected. Li Xijun nodded and continued reading.

Before his Foundation Establishment breakthrough, Li Zhouwei had written about several matters in his letter, and they were indeed all good news.

The first piece of news was that Li Cheng, who practiced lightning cultivation, had reached the eighth layer of Qi Condensation. If the family sent him a single elixir, Li Cheng could then cultivate the *Sky Cloud Lightning Inquiry Art* and attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment.

Although Li Qinghong's *Purple Lightning Secret Origin Art* was a celestial treasure from the Lightning-Guiding Cloud-Mooring Dao, it was a cultivation method that altered spiritual energy, and its own grade wasn't high; only the supplementary Violet Talisman Primordial Light Secret Art was exceedingly powerful. The *Sky Cloud Lightning Inquiry Art* that Li Cheng was currently cultivating was an ancient technique brought back from the Three Drums Wall of Qingqiao Monastery. Not only did it cause less life-span reduction, but it was also more profound than the *Purple Lightning Secret Origin Art*. Its brilliance lay in the fact that the Dao foundation it forged was also the Profound Thunder Lake, and Li Cheng had already mastered the Violet Talisman Primulus Light Secret Art!

Li Xijun secretly praised, "Cheng is young, but his cultivation is fast, and his cultivation method is excellent. If he can successfully establish his foundation and pass this life-or-death hurdle, he will certainly be a candidate for our family's protector..." This news greatly improved his mood. Reading further, the second piece of news was the birth of Li Zhouwei's second son.

"The second son is handsome, doesn't cry or fuss, but has a rather large appetite. He shows no supernatural signs and is no different from a mortal."

Li Xijun felt relieved. Li Jiang'ao's appearance was still vivid in his mind, and the absence of any supernatural signs was already excellent news. He continued reading: "Although the second son shows no supernatural signs, I, Zhouwei, bear a heavy destiny, and I fear that all my sons might be descendants of Mingyang, which is no small matter. I hope Uncle-Grandfather will consider this, and it would be best not to enter him into the family register for now."

Li Xijun immediately understood. Li Zhouwei was clearly still wary because of Li Jiang'ao, fearing that this second son, though human in appearance, might be a demonic entity inside. He was very cautious: "He won't be entered into the four lineages. His name will be Li Jiangqian. If Uncle-Grandfather has any considerations or concerns, please reply to me."

Li Xijun let out a slight breath, folded the letter, and congratulated Li Chengliao, "Congratulations!"

Li Chengliao nodded gravely and whispered, "What a pity about Xu family..." The matter of Li Jiang'ao had long been sealed, known only to a handful of people. Li Chengliao knew that the woman had died suddenly but was unaware that his eldest grandson was confined to the mountain. Hearing about the birth of Li Jiangqian, he felt a wave of relief: "I was worried earlier that the An family would also die, and rumors would surely spread among the various families. Fortunately, Qian'er is safe, and I am now at ease."

Li Xijun nodded discreetly, dismissed the two, and turned to enter the main hall. His gaze swept over the table. He cast a spell to connect with a grand formation, and immediately, a brilliant clear light shone, revealing a jade casket.

This jade casket was acquired by Li Tongya. It was incredibly sturdy, adorned with mysterious patterns, and capable of containing Purple Mansion-grade spiritual treasures. However, it hadn't been used in the family for many days.

He put away the jade casket, rose on the wind, and flew north. After traversing more than half of Moon-Gazing Lake, he stopped in the middle of it. Before him appeared a large island, shimmering with light and filled with constant sounds of thunder and fire, faintly revealing the ruined walls and debris beneath. This was Lake-Center Isle, the ruins of the Moon-Gazing Lake Market.

A white ape stood on the lake. Upon seeing him, it bowed. Its massive body cast a large shadow. It whispered, "You've arrived, Elder." "Senior."

Although the Li family was unsure of Elder He's true background and was temporarily holding their forces, such a precious opportunity could naturally not be wasted. Li Qinghong and Li Ximing had already gone to Lake-Center Isle.

That year, when the market was destroyed, Chen Taoping of Lingyu Gate died, and the ancient formation was shattered by the Thunder-Breaking Wedge, forming a prohibitive grand formation that had shimmered over the lake for seventy years.

The prohibitive grand formation was difficult to break, but cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage could move freely within it. At that time, the market's treasures were plundered by successive Foundation Establishment cultivators. Now, the formation's power was gradually weakening, and some Qi Condensation cultivators could even endure it for a while. The contents within had been ransacked over and over, to the point where no one bothered to go there anymore.

Li Xijun entered it, landing on the island. Indeed, the spiritual energy was dense. He carefully estimated, "Just one spot on this lake is comparable to our own Qingdu Mountain! If it's a place where spiritual energy converges, it might even rival Wushan."

If not for the extreme difficulty of entering and exiting the prohibitive grand formation, the inability to set up new formations within it, and its inherent insecurity—making it unappealing for Foundation Establishment cultivators and unsustainable for Qi Condensation cultivators to stay long—someone would likely have occupied this place long ago.

Before him lay ruins everywhere, with lush weeds growing profusely. White bones underfoot had disintegrated into large and small weathered fragments. Li Xijun landed on the wind at the very center, where the ground was covered in formation patterns. Four pale stone pillars stood in the middle, encircling a deep well.

A young man in golden robes, performing calculations with his fingers in the center and reading the runes on the stone pillars, brightened when he saw Li Xijun and called out, "Brother Jun, you're back! Did you bring that item?"

Li Xijun nodded and stepped forward, landing on the dilapidated formation base. The deep well, which served as the core of the formation, was covered in intricate, mysterious patterns. The water within the well seemed to have been completely drained, leaving only a dark, cavernous void.

Li Xijun had made a special trip back to Qingdu specifically to retrieve this jade box.

"According to family history, this jade box was taken from this well by our great-grandfather..." A box symbolizes defense and storage, and this deep well was the core of this grand formation. Li Ximing initially thought it was a symbolic item used to suppress the formation's core, similar to the five types of spiritual water in the core of their own Qingdu Mountain formation, and thus he asked, "If this is indeed what suppresses the formation's core, perhaps it could help in breaking the formation."

But the young man in white robes meticulously examined it twice, comparing the patterns on the ground with those on the jade casket, and shook his head, saying, "No... this jade casket doesn't match the grand formation. This item isn't an auxiliary object for the formation's core."

Li Xijun pondered for a moment, a realization dawning on him. He replied, "It seems this profound well was dug specifically to guard and conceal this jade casket..."