Chapter 812: Marriage

Li Jiangqian sent Wang Quwan away to heal his injuries. A moment later, a woman emerged from the side hall, dressed in white with a light green long skirt. Upon seeing her, Li Jiangqian finally showed a genuine smile and said, "Greetings, Aunt Xinghan, and congratulations!"

Li Xinghan had just emerged from seclusion. Discovering that her great-nephew had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, she first smiled at him, then nodded and said, "It's I who should congratulate you. I just came out of seclusion and heard about the Muquan Sect's affairs... they're truly arrogant..."

"Not so," Li Jiangqian shook his head. He dismissed the surrounding cultivators, closed the door tightly, and a faint smile appeared on his face as he replied, "This one incident alone reveals that the Muquan Sect won't become a major threat. True Monarch Zhugong's cultivation may be decent, but her governance of the sect is worse than no governance at all. The sect members are nothing but useless individuals, and fundamentally, they are overseas demonic cultivators who cannot, or rather, do not know how to operate within the rules of Jiangnan."

"I can see that Zhugong wants to emulate the methods of the Chenyun Sect, but she is not True Monarch Changyun, nor does she have Zhong Qian under her command. How did the Chenyun Sect swiftly transform into a righteous path? The demonic cultivators under True Monarch Changyun were those who temporarily surrendered to him during the North-South conflict. As a True Monarch, he could kill as he pleased, acting without scruples, and so people feared him. True Monarch Zhugong came with her entire retinue; those under her are disciples of many years, some are juniors, others are relatives. Can she simply kill them at will? A large ship is difficult to turn around. Even our Li family, if we were to change a single system, would have to deliberate repeatedly. What can the Muquan Sect achieve?"

Though the Xuanyu Daoist tradition has been gaining momentum recently, he did not think highly of the Muquan Sect, only saying, "Their demonic practices haven't been thoroughly eradicated. These people have always been troublesome. I'm afraid she might exhaust the people on the East Shore, and if one of their peak masters goes mad and provokes our family, it will be quite unsightly."

Li Xinghan listened to these words and felt a sense of relief. With Li Zhouluo gone, Li Zhouming not handling affairs, and Li Chenghuai returning to seclusion after a brief appearance, she was the only senior cultivator left in the family, which made her quite anxious. With Li Jiangqian's confidence, she felt much more at ease and replied, "It's good that you have a plan... I, however, have another idea... The Muquan Sect is widely recruiting disciples without discrimination. I heard that both the Yuan and Yu clans have sent people to join. Should we..."

Li Jiangqian shook his head slightly, replying, "At any rate, there are Foundation Establishment cultivators managing the sect; they won't run it like a sieve. People we send won't be able to reach the high levels, especially those of us with Purple Mansion cultivation—it's even harder to get close... There's no need to send direct descendants to leave us vulnerable. Let's see if there are any members from the collateral branches who are willing to go."

"Those who went before, not to mention being inferior to Que Yi and Que Xi, were probably worlds apart from Ding Mu. A few days ago, I sent someone to Ziyan to deliver resources to him, and I heard that Daoist Cao treats him quite well, even personally selecting top-grade 'Fetal Breath' cultivation methods for him."

He sighed, then suddenly remembered something and asked with a slight smile, "During the past few years that Aunt has been in seclusion... there's a person named Zhuang cultivating on the West Shore who often writes to request a meeting. Does Aunt know about him?"

Upon mention of this, Li Xinghan looked a bit embarrassed and replied, "I know... That person's name is Zhuang Pingye. His great-grandfather was a renowned rogue cultivator in the Guyan Great Desert, named Zhuang Cheng, famous in Guyan for his unique talisman-sword technique. That day, I went to the Great Desert to eliminate demons and happened to encounter him. We chatted for a few more sentences along the way, politely saying we'd meet again someday. I never expected him to actually come to the lake..."

The implication that someone would pursue her from the Great Desert to the lake was clear to everyone. Li Jiangqian hesitated and asked, "I heard he is one of the most handsome men, with good looks and family background. The sword techniques passed down in his family are also quite unique. In Aunt's view... what is his character like? Do you find him bothersome?"

This was Li Jiangqian asking for Li Xinghan's opinion. She raised an eyebrow slightly and replied, "He is polite in everything, so he doesn't seem bothersome. His family background isn't bad, and at present, he's certainly very sincere. However, my uncle first entrusted this matter to Elder Donghe, who wrote to acquaintances in the Great Desert. They said his reputation in the Great Desert is average; although he's not known for being promiscuous or a playboy, he often frequents brothels and engages in drinking games. That place's atmosphere is just like that... so nothing much can be said."

"He is a young master of a prominent family after all, having cultivated to the Qi Condensation stage and traveled widely, so such things are perhaps unavoidable..."

Li Xinghan shook her head and said, "I think he sees me as a suitable match — not bad-looking, relatively high talent, and my family background can help him. As for genuine affection, there isn't much. In the past, when I traveled in the North Shore and the Great Desert, I met similar people, but none had such a prominent family background... It's my family members who like him very much."

Li Jiangqian had not expected this answer and asked, "Then what is Aunt's intention?"

Li Xinghan pursed her lips and smiled, replying, "For now, he seems sincere, so let him cultivate on the West Shore. After all, seeking profound cultivation and immortality is the righteous path. I am not him, so I cannot fully understand his thoughts. There's no need to always think the worst. Time will tell in the long run."

Li Jiangqian couldn't help but glance at her again and said, "I thought you might be flustered, but Aunt sees things so clearly."

"Oh, you..." Li Xinghan shook her head and chuckled, "Don't underestimate me. Back when I was cultivating and practicing swordsmanship on the North Shore, several talented young men from the Fei family pretended to encounter me. After I refused them once, the Fei family broke their legs, which left me quite embarrassed."

As the two were discussing, someone quickly came from outside the hall, their legs trembling. With a thud, they knelt in the hall and bowed, saying, "Patriarch! True Monarch Houfu of the Great Xiukui Observatory... has appeared on the isle! He wishes to see you and the Elder Patriarch!"

"What?!" Li Jiangqian was momentarily stunned, and both he and Li Xinghan were surprised.

*'This True Monarch from the Great Xiukui Observatory... having no relations with us... why has he sought us out?'*

Li Ximing was not someone known for widespread connections, so this unexpected visit caught everyone off guard. No one could have imagined he would come knocking; it was undoubtedly more bad than good. A chill settled in Li Jiangqian's heart.

*'This is trouble...' *

However, with a Purple Mansion cultivator on the isle, a meeting was unavoidable and could not be delayed for a moment. Instead of inviting him in, it was appropriate for Li Jiangqian and the others to go and pay their respects, in accordance with their respective statuses.

Although this was a minor detail, it was significant for the status-conscious Houfu. He swiftly descended from his seat and, along with Li Xinghan, exited the main hall, heading towards a side hall. Upon entering the doorway, they indeed saw a young man in black shamanistic robes seated in the main position, with a woman in white and a gray skirt standing beside him. A gem of unknown kind adorned her brow, and she was exceptionally beautiful.

Li Jiangqian led the bow, respectfully saying, "Junior Li Jiangqian of the Moonlight Immortal Clan, humbly serving as the Li family patriarch, greets True Monarch Houfu!"

Perhaps due to his thorough courtesy, Houfu was quite polite and nodded, saying, "Rise."

Li Jiangqian stood up but did not sit, instead waiting respectfully to the side. Li Xuanxuan also hurried over from Qingdu. The elder performed his bow, and Houfu raised an eyebrow, saying, "While wandering overseas, by chance, I traveled with your clan's True Monarch Zhaojing for a while. Before we parted, hearing that I was returning inland, he entrusted me with a message."

"Thank you, True Monarch!"

Upon hearing this, Li Jiangqian expressed his gratitude repeatedly. Li Xuanxuan was visibly relieved, hearing that Li Ximing was not seriously harmed, and was almost moved to tears. Li Xinghan also breathed a sigh of relief, her expression clearly shifting from worry to joy. Houfu pointed to Xia Shouyu and replied, "This junior, Xia Shouyu, was also entrusted to me by Zhaojing to bring back. He said she is to be married to one of his juniors, and she is also a descendant of a high-level cultivator from overseas."

Li Xuanxuan had already been observing Xia Shouyu. He had initially thought she was a high-level cultivator from the Great Xiukui Observatory and was pondering her excellent demeanor. Upon hearing these words, his eyes instantly lit up.

*'Zhouming is no longer young... I thought Ximing wasn't concerned... but it turns out he had already made preparations! Excellent, excellent... Now that he's reached the Purple Mansion stage, he handles affairs meticulously...'*

Li Jiangqian, having heard this much, confirmed that Li Ximing's condition must be quite good. His heart immediately felt more assured. He responded, but Houfu seemed disinclined to linger, stating calmly, "We spoke very pleasantly with Zhaojing. He cannot return to the lake for a while but asked Shouyu to bring a letter, instructing the clan to remain disciplined and self-reliant."

"I have important matters to attend to in the west and cannot delay for a moment. Battles are ceaseless on the Great Xiyuan, and the Shu region has suffered its ninth year of drought. A few months ago, local clans collapsed, and sects migrated outwards, with people resorting to cannibalism everywhere. Every moment of delay means hundreds or thousands more deaths. I will not speak further."

Without waiting for their replies, he stepped into the void and departed. The others respectfully saw him off, but Li Jiangqian was still pondering his words, his sharp eyes moving.

*'The Shu region is suffering from a great drought; drought means no rain. A severe drought on land with no rain, and the drying up of pools and springs... this is a sign of a water spirit attaining its position.'*

As he speculated on the state of the water spirit, Li Xuanxuan had already turned his gaze to Xia Shouyu. The elder stepped forward and asked, "I am Li Xuanxuan, young lady..."

"I wouldn't dare!" Xia Shouyu quickly curtsied, taking two scrolls from her sleeve, one red and one gold, and holding them in her palm. She first handed the golden scroll to Li Xuanxuan, politely saying, "Elder, this is what True Monarch asked me to deliver to the family. This golden scroll is for the lakeside, and this red one... is my marriage contract."

She did not appear shy, speaking openly and generously. She replied, "It is for a disciple of the 'Zhou' generation within your clan, named Ming."

Seeing that his guess was almost spot-on, Li Xuanxuan took the golden scroll and nodded with a smile, saying, "Young lady... this child is the True Monarch's direct grandson, his only one."

Xia Shouyu's eyes showed some surprise. She paused for a moment, a smile playing on her lips, then took half a step forward and immediately asked, "Has he emerged from seclusion? I hope the family can arrange a meeting..."

Li Xuanxuan had already taken out the scroll. Li Jiangqian extended his hand and smiled, "Please..."

Houfu's visit seemed to dispel the gloom from the hearts of the Li family members. Their steps became lighter. Li Xuanxuan, following behind, couldn't help but pick up the scroll to read.

Li Ximing had not mentioned anything urgent, only that his injuries had greatly healed and the family need not worry. He was cultivating outside and would not return to the lake for a short time, instructing Ding Weizeng, Cui Jueyin, and others to look after the clan.

He specifically mentioned the Duxian Dao, advising Li Jiangqian and the others not to make relations with the north too rigid and to ease tensions early where necessary:

*'With Changxiao currently scheming from the sidelines, the situation is still unclear. There's no need to involve Yuhui, creating a situation where we face a wolf in front and a tiger behind, caught between a rock and a hard place.'*

Li Xuanxuan put away the golden scroll. By then, they had reached the main hall. Li Jiangqian took the golden scroll to read, waiting for the person sent to invite Li Zhouming to return. After a long while, there was no reply. Li Xuanxuan immediately sensed trouble. Indeed, the person returned looking a bit embarrassed, whispering to Li Jiangqian, "Young Master couldn't be found... he went out to play... and hasn't returned from around the lake..."

With the current control the Qingdu and Yuting Mountains had over the Li family, it was impossible not to find Li Zhouming. He was simply lingering among the flowers again, which was why the person said he couldn't be found. Li Jiangqian felt slightly awkward, but Xia Shouyu was very perceptive. She smiled and said, "No matter, it's a good time for an outing. I'll go along; there's no need to disturb the Young Master's enjoyment."

As soon as she spoke, Li Xuanxuan immediately knew she was a strong-minded individual. He then covered for Li Zhouming. This situation would have to be confronted eventually, so it was better to be direct. He sighed inwardly and replied, "That's right... it's best to go together."

Li Jiangqian had just finished reading the scroll. He thoughtfully put it away and asked, "May I ask which immortal mountain or pavilion overseas your esteemed sect belongs to? We would like to pay our respects."

Xia Shouyu smiled subtly and replied, "My elders merely cultivate on an immortal mountain; it is nothing worthy of being called an immortal mountain or pavilion. True Monarch Zhaojing has shown great kindness to my family and to me. The three True Monarchs were discussing profound matters in the mountains, and when marriage was mentioned, it was bestowed upon us..."

"As for where my elders cultivate... I believe disclosing it might reveal the True Monarch's whereabouts. For now... it's not appropriate to reveal it. I can only explain clearly once the True Monarch returns and gives instructions... I truly apologize."

She answered flawlessly. Li Jiangqian smiled and nodded, saying, "What are you talking about... Although you haven't formally married into the family yet, you are already considered half a senior. There's no need to apologize to us juniors... you flatter me too much!"

The group emerged from the isle together. As they were rising into the wind, they saw a streak of light approaching rapidly from the lakeside. Li Zhouming, clad in a red robe with his fan attached to his waist, was hastily flying towards the lake. Li Jiangqian spotted him at once, realizing the situation was about to become awkward.

Li Xuanxuan had lectured him both sternly and gently, but he had no effective way to handle this junior. Anger flared in his heart again, but with Xia Shouyu present, he decided to save Li Zhouming some face and turned his head away.

Xia Shouyu appeared unconcerned. She bowed slightly and said, "Greetings, Young Master!"

Li Zhouming, who had been guiltily glancing at Li Xuanxuan, found that the elder was not scolding him today. Before he could fully process this, he immediately saw a beautiful woman before him. His eyes lit up with delight, and he repeatedly nodded, saying, "Greetings, young lady..."

It was only when he got closer that he noticed Xia Shouyu had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Although his status was noble, as a Qi Condensation cultivator, casually addressing a Foundation Establishment cultivator as "young lady" made him feel a bit nervous and awkward. However, Xia Shouyu smiled and nodded, looking somewhat shy and endearing, which made him involuntarily lift his chin.

Li Xuanxuan warned him with a look, though he wasn't sure if the boy understood. He said in a deep voice, "This is Immortal Xia, the beloved daughter of an overseas immortal mountain cultivator. Not only is her talent exceptional, her cultivation profound, and her character gentle, but she is also as beautiful as a celestial maiden. This is the marriage arranged for you by your Great-Grandfather... She came to see you today... but where were you off playing?"

"Huh?" Li Zhouming was momentarily stunned. Although his Great-Grandfather Li Ximing had provided him with a noble identity, he hadn't shown much genuine concern for him. Li Xuanxuan had managed him from childhood. Suddenly hearing these words, his face twisted in surprise and delight. He repeatedly thought to himself:

*'So it was Great-Grandfather... Great-Grandfather's powers are truly boundless... indeed, he possesses the demeanor of a True Monarch. Excellent, excellent, to think he found me such a gentle and lovely wife. I'll never curse him in my heart again... Never again. I won't curse him, and I won't let Dad curse him either. I'll even praise him to everyone I meet... Good Great-Grandfather, hehe.'*