Chapter 745: Jiangque

The wilderness.

A pale golden longboat soared through the clouds, a streak of light in the sky. At its center stood a man dressed in white, flanked by Li Jiangqian and Li Quewan who waited silently. Li Wen stood at the stern, guarding with a golden gourd hammer.

Li Zhouwei had stayed overnight at the Xuanyue outpost and departed the next day. He did not usually wear white, but today was the memorial day for his father, Li Chengliao, so he had specially changed into it. He rested one hand on the side rail of the spirit boat, remaining silent.

The Li family owned few flying artifacts, and shuttle-type craft were rarely used. The main reason was that the Li family controlled the eastern and northern mountainous regions, where there were simply too many low-level cultivators. So many, in fact, that some had to leave the family to find their own way. There were quite a few impoverished cultivators who could fly, so there was no need to equip them with such items for most tasks.

Furthermore, the direct descendants and talented individuals from outside families who joined the Li clan were subject to strict discipline once they entered the province. Their duties, whether related to cultivation or mundane affairs, rarely took them beyond a hundred *li* within the province. Few bothered to acquire shuttle-type crafts, save for a select few who were particularly favored by their parents.

As for Li Jiangqian's brothers, they simply didn't dare to acquire shuttle-type crafts. After all, neither Li Ximing nor Li Zhouwei had requested flying artifacts from the clan during their cultivation. Moreover, since his brothers didn't need to travel north or to the East Sea, there was even less reason for them to have one.

The very spirit boat they were currently on was the first flying artifact built by the Li family after they became an immortal clan. It was the posthumous work of the old West Bank cultivator He Jiumen, and was named 'Qu He'.

This spirit boat was considered high-grade among Qi Condensation artifacts. Unfortunately, He Jiumen was not of noble origin and did not understand transformation techniques, so this spirit boat could not change size at will. It was far inferior to Ning Wan's Evergreen Cloud Boat. However, in all other aspects, it was quite impressive. Fortunately, others couldn't tell that it lacked transformation abilities, making it presentable.

At this moment, it cut through the wind at great speed, heading towards the East Bank. After standing for a while, Li Zhouwei received a letter from Li Wen. It was a dark-colored handwritten note. He glanced at it briefly before tucking it into his sleeve.

"Kong Yu committed suicide..."

Li Jiangqian, standing behind his father, did not notice Li Zhouwei's change in mood. The spirit boat gradually slowed and stopped in a mountainous area on the East Bank. Soon, there was a commotion as a young man, riding a black horse with bloodshot eyes, galloped out. Nearing the boat, he dismounted, boarded, and respectfully said:

“Father!”

Li Jiangqian took a quick look, recognizing the young man as his third brother, Li Jiangxia. He smiled as he watched him, listening to their father's still gentle voice:

“It’s been a while since we last met. Your second brother has also returned from Xuanyue. Come aboard, let’s return to the lake together.”

Li Jiangxia’s face was alight with smiles. He bowed to Li Jiangqian and Li Quewan, then announced brightly:

“It’s been a long time, eldest brother. Your younger brother has missed you dearly.”

Li Jiangqian had spent some time with his second brother, Li Jianglong, but had only met his third brother, Li Jiangxia, a few times, so it truly had been a long time. Li Jiangqian replied with a smile:

“Third brother, your cultivation has improved. You must diligently practice during the Qi Condensation stage. How are your spells coming along? Daoist cultivation is fundamental, so you should seize the time to properly train in protective techniques; it will also be more beneficial for breaking through to Foundation Establishment!”

Li Jiangxia raised an eyebrow, also smiling, and said:

“Clan affairs are numerous, and elder brother works hard managing the family, yet you still think of your younger brother... Thank you for your concern, Jiangxia has taken note.”

The two concluded their exchange. Li Zhouwei had heard everything clearly but did not speak. The group sped onwards, and Moon-Gazing Lake appeared in the distance. Li Quewan deliberated for a long time before finally speaking:

“Reporting, Family Head... Calculating the fates of the Xuanyue direct descendants will likely be quite difficult. My Wulü technique for divining Foundation Establishment cultivators already has stringent conditions, and for these few who are breaking through to Purple Mansion, it will be even more challenging...”

What Li Ximing had mentioned earlier about personal belongings was clearly related to divination, and everyone present could tell. However, Li Zhouwei understood that Li Ximing had used an immortal artifact and was merely making an excuse. He replied:

“No matter. I will ask a True Master to handle this; you need not trouble yourself.”

Li Quewan, relieved, withdrew. Once the spirit boat was securely docked within the province, Li Jiangqian followed closely behind Li Zhouwei into the hall. As they walked through the grand hall’s corridor, they saw a man in black robes standing before the main hall in the distance.

The man had a humble, subdued demeanor, with a string of jade tied at his waist. Li Jiangqian paused, startled, before recognizing him: it was his own brother, Li Jianglong.

In the nearly two years that had passed, he had matured. The last vestiges of childishness had faded, and beneath his golden eyes and long brows, his face now held the magnanimity characteristic of the Chen family. His demeanor had also changed significantly, appearing much more docile.

Li Zhouwei took his seat at the head, and Li Jiangqian stepped to stand on his left, listening as his father said:

“Bring both Liang’er and Nian’er here.”

Li Jiangqian was still quietly observing Li Jianglong. He watched as his brother retreated to a corner, bowing without a word, his eyes fixed on the ground… A stark contrast to Li Jiangxia's cheerful demeanor.

Below, Li Jiangxia had already begun reporting on affairs in the East Bank. These matters had been reported to the province earlier, so Li Jiangqian listened casually.

It must be said that Li Jiangxia's abilities were not weak. With ample support from Li Jiangqian, the forces dispatched by the Li family were all capable individuals. The chaotic East Bank was naturally brought under firm control, various families submitted, and the direct descendants were sent to the Hidden Woods.

Once he finished his report, Li Jiangliang and Li Jiangnian entered the hall, one after the other. Their elder brother scanned them with a discerning gaze, noticing that Li Jiangliang, who walked in front, had a pair of golden pupils, a handsome and lively, endearing appearance. Upon reaching the hall, he bowed, respectfully addressing his father.

There was nothing surprising about his own brothers' appearances. Li Jiangqian's gaze merely brushed over his fourth brother, Li Jiangliang's, face, before settling on Li Jiangnian, who followed behind.

The young man's pupils widened slightly. For the first time, he felt surprise towards one of his brothers, instead of his usual calm scrutiny. Not just him, but everyone else in the hall, except Li Zhouwei and Li Jiangnian himself, collectively gasped for a moment.

His face had very shallow eyebrows, extremely high cheekbones, and a sharp chin, with the skin on both sides of his face drawn taut. If Li Jianglong, who had the most ordinary appearance among the Jiangque generation, could still be described as having a magnanimous look, then Li Jiangnian's face truly had no discernible advantages.

However, Li Jiangqian was not someone who judged by appearance. He did not scrutinize his youngest brother's face; instead, he gazed at Li Jiangnian's eyes beneath his lashes, feeling a slight shock. His hand tightened, then relaxed.

They were bewildered, gray eyes.

Li Jiangliang's voice still echoed in the hall. Li Zhouwei asked some concerned questions, but few could focus on Li Jiangliang. Everyone's gaze was fixed on Li Jiangnian's eyes. The child was extremely slow-witted and completely oblivious, merely watching Li Jiangliang answer each question with a bewildered expression.

Li Zhouwei asked a couple more questions, then finally said:

“Jiangnian, what is your cultivation level now?”

Li Jiangnian’s eyes were slightly mismatched in size, giving him a somewhat comical appearance. Nervousness quickly brought tears to his eyes, and he choked out:

“Fetal... Fetal Respiration second layer.”

As he had only just begun cultivating, his cultivation level was lower than Li Jiangliang's, but not terrible. Yet, his brothers remained utterly silent. Li Jiangliang stood properly in front, the contrast too stark. Li Zhouwei withdrew his gaze and spoke:

“I called you here today for two reasons: first, to inquire about your cultivation and see your progress, and second, to give you some instructions as I will soon enter seclusion.”

Li Zhouwei’s cultivation had long been ready to advance to the late Foundation Establishment stage. With Xuanyue's arrangements for Li Ximing, and the decision to no longer defend Shanji Commandery, it was not advisable to wait any longer, so he immediately decided to enter seclusion.

He first glanced at Li Jiangqian and said:

“Jiangqian, you are now at the eighth layer of Qi Condensation and have a good grasp of Foundation Establishment. First, refine your cultivation and practice your spells. Continue to oversee affairs in the province. Uncle Chenghuai has turned to cultivation, and Zhou Luo has taken charge of Qingdu. There are many family matters, so you and your nephew should consult frequently.”

Li Jiangqian hastily nodded and bowed, watching as his father continued:

“Jianglong, your cultivation has improved over the past two years, and you have studied many Xuanyue spell techniques. Go to the Funan region, take over the positions of Fei Qingyi and Li Anshuo. These two will be under your command; act according to the orders of the Ming Palace clan elders.”

At these words, Li Jiangxia secretly sighed in relief. He currently managed the various families on the East Bank, which were under the jurisdiction of Hidden Woods Mountain. He had also established a palace in the Hidden Woods, and would henceforth be the superior there. His greatest fear was that Li Jianglong would take over the Hidden Woods, which would mean all his painstaking efforts would be handed over.

Li Jianglong respectfully acknowledged, not surprised. Li Anshuo’s wife was from the Chen clan, which could be considered part of Li Jianglong’s maternal lineage. He had also been disciplined by Li Jianglong earlier and had a handle held against him. Li Zhouwei could not possibly be unaware of this. Since Li Anshuo managed mundane affairs in Funan, it was naturally most suitable for Li Jianglong to take over there.

After arranging for the two, Li Zhouwei then said in a deep voice:

“Jiangxia will continue to govern the East Bank. That area borders the wilderness, and stability there is especially important. Among your brothers, you alone have the experience, so there’s no need for a change.”

Li Jiangxia hastily bowed in thanks. By the time he rose from his bow, the entire Li family's power had swiftly transitioned from several Foundation Establishment elders to their Qi Condensation juniors.

Li Zhouwei glanced around, a slight smile appearing on his face. He paused for two breaths and then said:

“Zhou Luo governs Qingdu, and Li Wen will return to Yuting. Only Hidden Woods remains vacant. Do any of you have a suitable candidate?”

Li Jiangqian immediately replied respectfully:

“Elder Donghe is capable of this task.”

At these words, none of the brothers showed much change in expression; not even Li Jianglong, whose maternal clan was the Chen family, reacted significantly.

This was because the elder held a very high position, was incorruptible, and was extremely strict with his own family members. The Chen family feared even mentioning him and certainly dared not rely on him as a patron. He offered no benefit to Li Jianglong either.

Li Jianglong, in turn, said:

“Your son has been away for a long time and is unaware of the changes within the family, so I dare not make suggestions. However, this position is important, and a high-level Foundation Establishment cultivator should be appointed to it.”

Once he declined, Li Jiangxia, without hesitation, respectfully said:

“The position of Hidden Woods is too valuable. It should be held by upright and honest family members. It has always been vacant. Now that several elders are not at home, your son believes it would be best to leave the position open and send a few highly respected elders to the palace as advisors. This way, they can manage the East Bank. With too many people, minds may diverge, and it will be more convenient for elder brother to mediate from the center.”

Li Zhouwei was using a vermilion brush to ink the orders for various individuals to take up their posts. The words of these children caused not a ripple in him; he merely chuckled softly.

‘Each of them has their own calculations.’

For Li Jiangqian, taking charge of the province, stability was paramount. He also didn't want an overly powerful Hidden Woods Mountain Lord. A rule-abiding Qi Condensation elder best served his interests, so naturally, he was the first to propose Chen Donghe.

Although Li Jiangxia's words sounded pleasant, in the end, he simply didn't want an overseer who could meddle in all his affairs. While Li Jiangqian was far away at the lake, the Hidden Woods master would be close at hand, and any appointed person would be under his control. Naturally, leaving the position vacant was the best option.

That left Li Jianglong, who had gone to Funan and couldn't care less about the state of the Hidden Woods. Of course, a strong Foundation Establishment cultivator being appointed would be beneficial, as it would prevent his two brothers from gaining too much power.

Having heard these few remarks, Li Zhouwei understood perfectly and instructed:

“Cui Jueyin hails from Chongzhou, possesses governance talent, has profound Daoist cultivation, and is skilled in spell techniques. Hand it over to him... Jiangliang will also enter the Hidden Woods for cultivation, so he won’t have to stay in the province all day.”

Li Jiangliang quickly bowed. Though intelligent, he was still young and didn't fully grasp the underlying meaning. He responded with a smile. Only then did Li Zhouwei look at the youngest, Li Jiangnian, and let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

“As for Nian’er… he will cultivate in the province for now. We can discuss further once he reaches Qi Condensation. All of you may leave!”

The brothers responded and withdrew. Once out of the hall, Li Jianglong took Li Jiangliang's hand, his face beaming with smiles, and said cheerfully:

“Liang’er is so well-behaved. That Senior Cui is a direct descendant from Chongzhou; learn diligently from him.”

Qingchi Sect, Jiutian Pavilion.

The spring rain had just fallen, making the stone steps gleam. Li Xizhi, draped in a feather robe, sat by a table. He poured tea from a jade pot; a clear, vibrant green liquid filled the cup, its refreshing fragrance intoxicating. He smiled and said:

“This is Hundred Longevity Spring tea brewed with spring rain. My dear wife, please have a taste.”

The woman beside him looked at him with smiling eyes. She picked up the cup, tasted it, took a sip, and then watched him brew another tea. He took out a cup and set it aside, then Li Xizhi said earnestly:

“This cup is Sobering Warmth, a high-grade tea made from authentic Qi Condensation spiritual materials. Though it may not taste as good, it has the effect of calming the mind and stabilizing cultivation.”

Yang Xiao’er took the cup to sample it, her gaze still fixed on him. She smiled and said:

“You’ve been in seclusion for so long, I’ve missed you terribly.”

“Oh, you...”

Li Xizhi simply said:

“For us Foundation Establishment cultivators, a few months in seclusion are but a few hours in our perception. And you’re already missing me again?”

Yang Xiao’er sipped her tea and said:

“What? Is that not allowed?”

Li Xizhi chuckled, then said earnestly:

“Your Immortal Foundation Treasured Vase technique is formidable; do not underestimate it. It has a similar profoundness to my family’s Brilliant Origin Gate. The Yang family has provided you with such a wonderful thing, so cultivating diligently is paramount.”

At the mention of the Yang family, Yang Xiao’er paused slightly. Just then, a person ascended the mountain path. Dressed in silver-white attire, with a neat jade crown and a vibrant red brocade robe draped over him, his face round and pleasant, it was precisely the eldest disciple, Quan Yudan.

This child was prone to flights of fancy and often overly dramatic. He hastily said:

“Reporting, Master, Tantai Jin has arrived with the Sanyong Envoy. Protector Wushao has already gone to greet them; they are now on the mountain path!”

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiao’er immediately rose from her seat. Li Xizhi, a little helpless, shook his head and said:

“What did I think it was… Yudan, your temperament is still lacking… And in your actions too, you do everything based solely on your preferences. You are neither from a noble Wang-Xie family nor a Golden Core true disciple; where do you get such a temper? Your junior brother has already gone out for experience; as long as your temper doesn't change, you will not be allowed to leave the mountain!”

Upon hearing this, Quan Yudan quickly composed himself and nodded in assent. The Jiutian Pavilion was, after all, rather dull, and he often yearned to go outside. At once, he replied:

“Your disciple will remember!”

He quickly withdrew. Just then, a man in an ornate crown, a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, ascended the mountain path. He was elegant and refined, with a short sword at his waist. His face was full of politeness as he smiled and said:

“Greetings, Pavilion Master!”