Chapter 704: Immortal Clan Origins

He then waved his hand and said, "Weizeng, I have important matters to discuss with the True Man. Please wait at the foot of the mountain."

Ding Weizeng naturally agreed and was led away by Xiao Ruyu. Although formidable, this man was only famous in Jiangbei; he had not seen much of the world and was quite restrained around the Xiao family.

Li Ximing ascended the main peak of Mount Xianyiu step by step, returning to the deep pool. This time, Mount Xianyiu was not covered in snow; the bricks and stones were distinct, creating a serene and pleasant atmosphere. Upon reaching the pond, the old man was not fishing but sitting and drinking tea.

"Zhaojing greets the True Man!" Li Ximing bowed.

He settled before the table. Xiao Chuting, as unhurried as ever, simply said, "No need for formalities."

This formal visit was different from his previous attempt to forge connections. The clear tea on Xiao Chuting's table was a pale yellow, its spiritual energy rippling, indicating high quality. Li Ximing took a small sip; it offered little benefit to a Purple Mansion cultivator, but its aroma was potent.

Li Ximing paused, then lowered his voice. "Senior... this cultivator from Jiangbei practices the Hengzhu orthodoxy... is there any hidden agenda behind him?"

Xiao Chuting not allowing Ding Weizeng up the mountain was Li Ximing's first hint that the man might be problematic, immediately raising his suspicions. However, the old man shook his head, saying in a raspy voice, "This person was pushed forward by Si Boxiu, wasn't he?"

Li Ximing seemed to grasp the situation and immediately recounted what had just happened. Xiao Chuting chuckled, replying, "He doubts my divine ability cultivation, wanting to test if my 'According-to-the-Ridge' ability has been mastered. So he first put forward Fellow Daoist Xiangchun, knowing you'd wish to avoid trouble, and then brought me up, making it seem less deliberate."

"However, the Kan Water path of 'According-to-the-Ridge' means Kan Water resides within the ridge. Water relies on its source; an endless supply of water can be drawn from a source. Thus, it possesses the power to heal and revive the injured, and can cure your guest elder's wounds."

"He merely needs to observe... that your guest elder's injuries heal completely and he leaves Xianyiu Peak... then it's almost certain that my 'According-to-the-Ridge' has been achieved."

"This junior was ignorant of divine abilities and nearly interfered." Li Ximing apologized, thanking him for the clarification. Xiao Chuting didn't need to explain so much; a simple refusal would have sufficed. Explaining it so clearly was undoubtedly a form of guidance.

Li Ximing's heart sank slightly, and he frowned. "I wonder if True Man Yuanxiu acted opportunistically or... was Ding Weizeng even set in motion by his Destiny Divine Ability? Does he have that much idle time?"

"Merely opportunistically... just a casual test. While Mu Chengfang's is a Destiny Divine Ability, it isn't used for manipulating situations. He's an arrogant man and has no interest in such intrigues." Xiao Chuting replied casually. Clearly, he had dealt with such minor ploys many times over the years and didn't consider them significant.

He then said, "Regarding Changxi, I see you've taken on the task. Do you have a general understanding of the Mingfang Heavenly Stone incident from back then?"

Seeing him bring up the Kong family, Li Ximing replied, "I know a little. Please enlighten me further, Senior."

Li Ximing was generally aware of the Mingfang Heavenly Stone affair; the Kong family had only provided information, not actual assistance. Yet, he listened as Xiao Chuting slowly recounted:

"Back then, Tu Longjian had long remained neutral. After breaking through to the Purple Mansion, he went into seclusion for a long time, seeing no one. He clearly intended to stay out of affairs. He made his name in Yue State, so such conduct naturally drew much disapproval."

"The Mingfang Heavenly Stone incident was designed to force Tu Longjian into action. Li Xijun was lured to the cultivators of Chijiao Island, which was also meant to force Tu Longjian to choose between returning the spirit artifact to Chijiao or siding with Hengzhu... He steadfastly refused to choose, and thus Li Xijun died."

Seeing Li Ximing remain silent, Xiao Chuting continued, "What role the Kong family played in this... is hard to say. Changxi was ostracized in Jiangnan. If there was an opportunity to stir up trouble and curry favor with various sects, they naturally wouldn't let it pass, not to mention... given Tu Longjian's temperament, even if Li Xijun couldn't be saved, the Mingfang Heavenly Stone could still have ended up in your family's hands."

"He had some connections with Chijiao Island; something that benefited both sides might not have been impossible for him to arrange."

Xiao Chuting said it was "hard to say," but his implication was that Changxi had actively promoted the matter and was a key facilitator. On one hand, they helped Chijiao lure Tu Longjian; on the other, they ensured the Li family acquired the Mingfang Heavenly Stone.

'Perhaps... the Mingfang Heavenly Stone was the reward Chijiao promised Xuanyue to involve Tu Longjian, and Changxi simply acted as an intermediary, making it a reward for my family in the end.'

Li Ximing understood this implicitly. If not for Xuanyue Sect's information, the Li family might not have even attempted to seize that Mingfang Heavenly Stone. It was precisely because the Li family valued their friendship with Xuanyue, and also, at Changxi's instigation, they had previously persuaded Si Yuanli, believing the Mingfang Heavenly Stone to be a "reward," that they decided to try!

Now, looking back, the entire affair was extremely complex. While his own family merely carried out the killing, behind the scenes was a grand scheme involving several Purple Mansion cultivators.

'And what exactly was the Changxiao Sect doing, seemingly gaining nothing from this...'

As he pondered, Xiao Chuting sipped his tea and softly asked, "Has Zhaojing accepted anything from Changxi? Now that you know about this, how will you handle it in the future?"

Li Ximing was silent for a moment. Changxi's actions back then couldn't be strictly considered harmful to his family; at most, they were a decision made on his family's behalf. After all, from any perspective, a Foundation Establishment cultivator without Purple Mansion prospects being exchanged for a Mingfang Heavenly Stone was a huge gain...

'But my family was just a minor aristocratic family back then; how could we possibly make our own decisions?'

Li Xijun's death was something Li Ximing found difficult to pursue. At most, he could hate Chijiao. In front of Xiao Chuting, he could not criticize Changxi too much, so he could only reply, "Chijiao wanted to scheme against Tu Longjian. My family could not have avoided it anyway. If not through Xuanyue, they would have used even harsher methods. Their family is at odds with mine; it might not have been just Junior Xijun who suffered..."

"This matter is akin to someone holding a knife to kill me, forcing my elder to act. True Man Changxi merely tugged on their sleeve and demanded some compensation. Whatever benefits he gained are one thing, but my family was merely an aristocratic family back then. When a Purple Mansion cultivator offers assistance, we did not have the luxury to be selective."

Regardless of his inner thoughts about Changxi, these words showed great respect, and not just towards Changxi alone.

One must remember that Xuanyue had indeed promoted the matter, but the Xiao family remained indifferent. The Xiao family had previously controlled the East Shore and stripped the Li clan of their right to build market towns... they had stood by during various upheavals without taking any action, and even now, they intended to continue doing so... If Li Ximing spoke ill of Changxi, what would Xiao Chuting think then?

Li Ximing kept only one point in mind: Xianyiu Peak was not the Li family. Although he harbored a deep unresolved issue regarding Li Xijun's death, who truly cared? At most, they just expected a formal response.

After he finished speaking, Xiao Chuting's expression remained largely unchanged. He nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Zhaojing's broad-mindedness is truly rare."

His words carried a sense of deep feeling. Achieving Purple Mansion was glorious, and even cultivators with the firmest Dao hearts could not avoid a sense of pride, let alone when Changxi was now aged and pleading bitterly...

Changing the subject, Xiao Chuting smiled, "Regarding your guest elder, you can ask Changxi. He has a method."

Li Ximing thanked him twice. The conversation grew shallower, and as the visit neared its end, Li Ximing recalled Si Boxiu's words before he left. He then asked, "Senior, you have single-handedly supported the Xiao family in Jiangnan, which must have infringed upon the interests of many Purple Mansion cultivators. Do you have any misunderstandings with any True Man...?"

This was a question about Xiao Chuting's adversaries. The old man naturally understood and merely said lightly, "I do not associate with anyone in Jiangnan, nor would they believe you allied with me... no need to worry... you may leave now..."

Wangyue Lake, Zhuyating Pavilion.

The bluestone lamp base emitted a hazy light, reflecting in the ink-dark lake. The night was deep.

Li Queluan finished her cultivation and stood in the pavilion for a short while. After her True Man's breakthrough, the morning sun on the lake was too strong and variable for stable cultivation. It was better to cultivate the complete elixir late at night, so she had adjusted her schedule. Now, having finished, the night was pitch black.

"Sister Queluan!"

She had only rested for a moment when someone flew over the lake and landed nearby. It was her distant cousin from the same lineage, Li Queyi, who usually cultivated on the island. She was younger than Li Queluan, wore a pink skirt, had a round face and delicate ears, looking delicate and charming. She simply smiled and said, "Congratulations, Sister! Several of our brothers have been released!"

"What?!" Li Queluan, who had been worried, thinking she would be summoned to Qingdu Mountain, was astonished by this good news. However, her joy quickly faded, replaced by unease. She immediately asked, "How were they interrogated?"

She understood why Li Zhoulou had been slow to act on this matter, and she feared that Li Zhoulou would recklessly suppress it, which would only harm her. But Li Queyi smiled and said, "Sister, don't worry! Uncle-Grandmaster Chenghuai successfully broke through and came out of seclusion to take charge of Qingdu. With his 'Talisman of Truth' that discerns without probing, Li Dongdi's torrent of lies was exposed, and the rumors collapsed on their own!"

Li Queluan immediately narrowed her eyes and smiled. She exclaimed joyfully, "Uncle-Grandmaster successfully broke through! That's excellent!"

Li Queyi paused, then added, "And along with that, dozens of people behind him were caught, including those of other surnames, collateral branches, and even direct descendants. They are all now confined in the Qingdu Water Mansion."

Li Queluan's joy quickly dimmed. She softly said, "As a collateral branch member entering the island and ranking alongside the eldest young master, there was bound to be criticism and jealousy. It's not advisable to be too harsh, otherwise, it will cause unrest within the clan, and then it would be my fault."

Li Queyi's expression froze. She was also a direct descendant of a prominent branch and had a very good relationship with her sister Li Queluan. She had long felt a sense of injustice. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed, and she simply said, "Sister thinks too highly of them. They are just minor figures."

Li Queluan only shook her head. She rose from the pavilion, about to go to Qingdu to pay her respects to Li Chenghuai, when a black-clad man rode the wind and landed nearby. It was Chen Yang.

"Greetings, Miss." Chen Yang cupped his hands in salute. Without waiting for Li Queluan to say more, he said in a deep voice, "The family patriarch has summoned you. Please come to the island with me at once."

Li Queluan dared not delay and rode the wind with him. Arriving at the main hall on the island, she saw two young men waiting outside. One was dressed smartly and had an ordinary appearance, while the other beside him was brave and resolute, with thick eyebrows and dressed in armor. Both had golden eyes.

"Greetings, Clan Sister!" Both spoke. Li Queluan quickly nodded in response. These two were the Second Young Master Li Jianglong and the Third Young Master Li Jiangxia, both younger than her, only eighteen or nineteen, and both cultivated the Mingyang method.

The Fourth Young Master, Li Jiangliang, was still young. These two young masters were formidable individuals. Li Jianglong was known in the clan for his wise reputation as "Harmonious and Far-Sighted," while Li Jiangxia had already gained power and influence. A few days ago, he was still managing various families on the East Shore and had only rushed back for the True Man Purple Mansion conference.

Upon seeing Li Queluan, Li Jiangxia burst into laughter. "It's been many years since I last saw you, Clan Sister! Unfortunately, the Xiao family has returned the lands east of the East Shore, so I'll likely have to bid farewell to Father and go take over again. I won't be able to chat much with you!"

Li Jiangxia was noticeably more outgoing than his older brother Li Jianglong. His demeanor was more striking, and his actions more decisive, thus he was more favored by Li Zhouwei and had stood out early, being entrusted with significant responsibilities.

Li Jianglong was more reserved and inquired about the situation of Li Queluan's brothers. Li Queluan answered all his questions. Soon, they were invited in, and the three proceeded into the hall.

The hall was brightly lit. Li Zhouwei was still using a vermilion brush to mark something. The Purple Mansion conference had concluded, leaving behind a complicated aftermath. Which families sent return gifts, congratulations, whether the gifts were substantial, which families didn't attend, which left halfway through—these were clearly not matters easily settled.

Seeing the three approach, Li Zhouwei finally put down his brush. He first looked at Li Queluan and said in a low voice, "Queluan, the clan's matters are concluded. Uncle Chenghuai has spoken with me. For the coming days, send your brothers to Qingdu Mountain to work under Old Master Fu's peak. It will also help the Old Master alleviate some boredom."

The Old Master was, of course, Li Xuanxuan. After all this turmoil, even if her brothers left Qingdu, their businesses would be ruined. This arrangement was extremely suitable. Li Queluan respectfully said, "Thank you, Family Patriarch!"

Li Zhouwei nodded. "There has always been much gossip in the family. It's merely a power struggle among the sixteen prefectures. If it wasn't one thing, it would be another. You just focus on cultivating well in Zhuyating Pavilion."

Li Queluan quickly assented. Li Zhouwei looked at his two sons, handed them a jade tablet, and instructed, "Jiangxia, the Xiao family has ceded seventy-nine families in the East Shore. Take this token, go to Qingdu to retrieve the Immortal Register, appoint a few Peak Envoys, Mansion Stewards, and Guest Elders, and go clean things up there."

"Yes!" Li Jiangxia's eyes gleamed with eagerness. Second Brother Li Jianglong quietly lowered his head, appearing somewhat silent.

Li Zhouwei picked up his brush again, not looking up, and asked, "Do you have any ideas?"

Li Jiangxia replied without hesitation, respectfully saying, "Your son has long considered this. Besides collecting tributes, first dispatch various guards to the East Shore to prohibit the consumption of blood energy, the excessive use of resources, and private land mergers. Then, establish market towns for commerce. Afterward, set up an academy in Milin to govern all one hundred and eighteen families in the East Shore."

"Every five years, twenty-four individuals from these one hundred and eighteen families will be selected to cultivate at Milin Mountain. Their treatment will be linked to the clan. Those who achieve cultivation success can become stewards in our mansion or guest elders. Those who do not succeed will return to their respective families to manage affairs."

Li Zhouwei paused his brush and casually asked, "What if they don't wish to stay?"

Li Jiangxia frowned and replied, "Then they can return to manage their families."

Li Zhouwei glanced at Li Jianglong, who stood quietly beside him, and finally said, "Jianglong, you speak."

Li Jianglong bowed and respectfully said, "Reporting to Family Patriarch, your son believes Third Brother's plan is excellent. Milin is currently vacant and perfectly suited to house talents from various families. However, the wording should be more appealing: once one completes Qi Condensation training in Milin, they will have free status, able to request to stay within the clan, on the mountain, return to their own family, or even venture out into the world."

Li Jiangxia immediately understood. The young man smiled, "I overlooked that. Elder Brother's phrasing indeed sounds better."

From the impoverished and cramped territories of the one hundred and eighteen families, how could they possibly support several Qi Condensation cultivators? A single family head was likely the absolute peak. Even if they wished to return to their own families, they wouldn't have the resources. To protect their families, their only option would be to remain on the lake.

And the Li family did not typically restrict cultivators from the lake from venturing out. Often, after just a year or two, they would realize how painful the life of a rogue cultivator was—without spiritual energy for cultivation, without spiritual rice for nourishment, constantly hiding and drifting. Not to mention, the Li family also provided cultivation techniques, so they would naturally return.