Chapter 844: Determining the Successor

Moon-Gazing Lake.

The lake water was a deep green, and a continuous spring rain fell. Gentle breezes swept along the lakeshore, and the small courtyard on the islet was utterly silent. The two kumquat trees in front of the door swayed slightly. Shaded by the eaves and deprived of sunlight, they appeared listless, even with the spring breeze.

Li Xinghan stood in the courtyard, a precious sword at her waist.

She was currently at the seventh level of Qi Condensation, already in the late stage. As a direct descendant of the Li family, reaching the late stage of Qi Condensation meant entering seclusion in the mountains to consume elixirs. She had heard that after taking several elixirs, she would soon attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment. Unsure how many years this would take, she decided to return home to see her parents.

Hearing the movement, her mother emerged from the courtyard with a smile to greet her, while her father sat astride the doorstep, his head tilted.

Since her uncle Chi Tiaozong's last promotion and her brother's unsuccessful attempt to secure an official position, which had caused a rift with her father and brother, Li Xinghan had rarely visited home, instead sending letters. Now, looking at the courtyard, it was very quiet, and the laughter from years past was nowhere to be found.

It was clear that her uncle Chi Tiaozong's influence was vastly different from her own. Although her brother had managed to get an official post, it was not a good one, located in some remote area. Her brother and sister-in-law had moved out, leaving only the two elderly parents to live in the courtyard.

Li Xinghan felt a complex mix of emotions as she observed this. She spoke a few comforting words, but her father was clearly still angry with her, replying curtly with a stern face. Perhaps he even blamed her for the pain of their children's separation.

Li Xinghan immediately felt she couldn't stay. She revealed the news of her impending Foundation Establishment breakthrough, knowing it was a life-or-death endeavor. Her mother was stunned, her eyes instantly reddening.

Her father also lowered his leg and opened his mouth, though his face remained cold. Li Xinghan sighed and replied, “The family head still needs to see me… I’ve already visited my uncle. I just came to bid you both farewell.”

She looked at her father, who had aged considerably, and her tone softened as she continued, “Father… my brother is not very capable. Even managing a minor mining vein, he’s still muddled. It was only because he listened to uncle and didn’t accept bribes that Qingdu didn’t arrest him. Now that Jiangqian is managing the family, his insight is sharp; how could he not see through brother’s affairs? Currently, the one in charge of the East Shore is Second Young Master Li Jianglong. He’s been showing me favor, so these matters often reach my ears. They tolerate him out of respect for me… If I fail my breakthrough and news of my death arrives, it would be best for brother to resign from his post early. Brother Zhoufang has already gone through enough trouble for the sake of the family’s siblings; we wouldn’t want to bother him further then.”

She didn’t know if her father had truly listened. Turning, she departed. Her father remained motionless, watching her leave. Her mother saw her out of the courtyard and quickly returned, squatting to wipe away tears.

Only then did her father stand up, listening as his wife whispered, “Look at you, you promised them again… to speak well for Zhoutui to inherit Master Cheng’s legacy, but then you faltered again… Now it’s hard to explain to them…”

Her father closed his eyes and shook his head, saying, “Enough of that. Your daughter is stubborn and proud. Now that she’s attempting Foundation Establishment, how can she hear such talk? It might only disturb her mind. Li Zhoutui’s life or death isn’t worth risking hers… Let alone any legacy. Just tell him to stay far away and not involve my family.”

He sighed and added, “Aren’t there a few immortal temples on the East Shore? Tomorrow… come with me, and we’ll offer prayers.”

“I heard the Temple of Compassion by the river is more efficacious,” his wife replied. Li father shook his head vigorously, saying, “You’re confused too. A Li worshipping Compassion? Aren’t you afraid of being crushed by a falling beam inside the Temple of Compassion? Come on… we’ll just go to the East Shore!”

Li Xinghan ascended on the wind, descending directly towards the hall. As she raised her eyebrows, she saw a Qi Condensation cultivator standing near the hall entrance, a man with a pointed chin and monkey-like cheeks, astonishingly ugly. Her brother, Li Zhoufang, was speaking with this man, looking embarrassed. Upon seeing Li Xinghan, he appeared as if granted a great pardon, stepping forward and saying, “This is the Fifth Young Master.”

It turned out this man was Li Jiangnian. Calculating his age, this young master was only around eighteen, and his talent was indeed good, but his appearance did not at all reflect that of an eighteen-year-old.

His gaze was cast downward; he dared not look at Li Xinghan. This was not directed at Li Xinghan specifically; in this path of cultivation where everyone was handsome and spirited, his ugliness stood out, causing him to retract his head and whisper, “Greetings, Aunt.”

Li Jiangnian’s voice was ordinary, at least much better than his face. Clearly, his willpower was also far inferior to his older brothers; at least he lacked the courage to look others directly in the eye.

Li Xinghan sighed inwardly, exchanged a polite word, and entered from the side. On the other side, Li Jiangliang’s seat was empty; the Fourth Young Master must have gone to the river with Cui Jueyin.

Both sisters of the Jiangque generation were at Purple Mist Sect. Among the Zhouxing generation, only Li Xinghan and her brother Li Zhoufang were permitted to enter this hall. She looked around, then immediately went up to pay respects to Li Minggong and Li Xuanxuan.

“Greetings, honored sirs!”

Li Minggong nodded with a smile, pointing to the side where a square-faced young man stood. He looked to be in his twenties, with bright eyes. Li Xinghan was quite familiar with him; it was Li Jiangzong, Li Zhoufang's treasured son, who had just entered Qi Condensation and was currently accompanying Li Minggong.

Li Jiangzong was quite familiar with her and offered a bow. Only then did Li Xinghan return to her seat beside Li Zhouming. This red-robed young master had surprisingly cured his bad habit of being late, arriving early and sitting properly, which brought a slight smile to Li Xinghan’s face.

“Clack!”

Li Zhouming instantly opened his fan, using it to conceal his mouth as he spoke in a low voice, “Sister… I’m short on funds lately. Shuyu has confiscated all my things, only allowing me to make hairpins for her… Do you have one or two rare metals or spiritual materials I could use? Just to help smooth things over with others…”

Li Xinghan chuckled, replying, “You’re truly bold. For spiritual metals, you can ask Uncle Cheng… I neither hold power nor manage affairs, so where would I get so many things?”

Just then, Li Jiangqian in the hall softly said, “Now that all family members are present, let us discuss the matter concerning Uncle Cheng.”

At his words, all the family members quieted down. Li Jiangqian continued, “This matter should have been settled long ago, but our brothers are either away or in seclusion, making it hard to gather everyone. Now that Aunt Xinghan is also going into seclusion for her breakthrough, it is opportune to finally decide this matter.”

Li Cheng had no direct descendants and left no written instructions, making his succession a troublesome affair that had dragged on for years. Li Zhouda, the eldest and most talented, was even already at the mid-stage of Qi Condensation. Seeing that he would reach the age for Foundation Establishment in a few years, Li Zhouda personally visited Li Xuanxuan, hoping to put this matter on the agenda.

After all, breaking through to Foundation Establishment was a matter of life and death, the period when Li Cheng's legacy—from cultivation techniques to magical artifacts and resources—was most needed, as was his direct lineage and status. If it wasn't settled now, there would be no good time to settle it later, not only losing its greatest value but also causing discomfort among people.

As for the Six Thunder Profound Punishment Token, which everyone coveted, it was said to be a clan item and not part of the inherited lineage. However, almost everyone knew that whoever first obtained the lineage and cultivated the Thunder Dao to Foundation Establishment would ultimately gain possession of the artifact.

Besides this, there was another, more crucial matter: Li Cheng's father, Li Xice, had passed away recently.

Although Li Xice was a mortal, the old master was Li Cheng’s father! While he didn’t say anything openly, he must have inwardly favored his closest blood descendant, Li Zhoutui, to inherit. With his death, the Li Zhoutui line suffered a significant blow.

Of course, even if several high-ranking members thought this way, they publicly maintained that they were waiting for the return of several elders, as such formalities needed to be observed.

Li Jiangqian paused briefly, then Li Xuanxuan said in a raspy voice, “Originally, there were three candidates: Zhouda, Zhoutui, and Zhouxun. Zhouda has the highest talent and the fiercest temperament, which perfectly suits the Thunder Dao, but this fierceness also brings difficulties… Zhoutui is closer by blood, but like Zhouxun, his talent is somewhat inferior…”

In truth, everyone knew the three candidates well. Li Zhoutui was originally the closest by blood and the most suitable. If he hadn't cried out so impatiently and presumptuously back then, the decision would have been made in his favor, and there wouldn't be this current trouble.

However, the elders in his family did not know how to exercise restraint, and that cry almost completely ruined the goodwill several Foundation Establishment cultivators felt towards him. Over the years, Li Zhoutui had enjoyed such excellent resources, yet his cultivation was similar to Li Zhouxun, who was out overseeing fields—both were still at the Fetal Breath stage, which only made things worse.

As for Li Zhouxun, his talent was decent. Back then, his family was poor, and he was taken in by Li Cheng, thus gaining some inheritance rights. However, Li Cheng might have only been observing him, never mentioning a single word, so he could not have been confirmed as the successor back then.

However, he later voluntarily gave up and went to oversee the spiritual fields on the islet. If Li Zhouda hadn't been in the picture, his chances would have been quite high, but now, compared to Li Zhouda, his prospects had dimmed.

After Li Xuanxuan finished speaking, he looked around. Several people were bowing their heads in thought, and no one stood up to speak. Knowing there were no objections, he said, “Let Zhouda come forward and present himself!”

Soon, a burly man in leather armor entered from the side. He had a sturdy physique, a square face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. He bore some resemblance to Li Wen, but while Li Wen’s demeanor was simple and clumsy, this man clearly had seen much bloodshed and was far more formidable, his eyes burning with intensity.

He strode quickly to the front of the hall, completely unafraid, and bowed, saying, “Greetings to all elders and brothers!”

Li Xuanxuan nodded and spoke, “This is Li Zhouda. He currently serves at Jade Court, undertaking tasks of subduing demons and evil spirits.”

The elder looked around again. Only Li Zhoufang hesitated for a moment, glancing at Li Xinghan. Li Xinghan, however, had a good impression of Li Zhouda and said softly, “I stayed by the lake for a while, and this brother is diligent and conscientious, considered very hardworking among the clan members.”

Once Li Xinghan expressed her opinion, Li Zhoufang remained silent. With both sides being his own kin, he certainly wouldn't speak up for Li Zhoutui at the expense of his promising sister. The elder saw this, nodded, and said, “All the elders have high hopes for you, but you need to temper your temperament a bit.”

“This junior accepts the teaching!”

Li Zhouda chuckled, bowing to each person in turn. Li Minggong rose and said, “I will take you to Qingdu. All the various rituals on the mountain should be ready.”

The group of clan members then followed Li Minggong to Qingdu, leaving only Li Xinghan and a few others. Li Xuanxuan sighed, “He is good, yes, and with Jiangqian and others overseeing the overall situation for now, we won’t have to rely solely on him in the future. That’s why I dared to choose him. He doesn’t need to manage Qingdu, but suppressing a few peaks is certainly within his capabilities.”

Li Zhouda was good in every aspect, except that his nature was too upright, his temper violent, and he was not articulate. He would often uphold justice within the clan, gaining much support from fellow members, but such a disposition was not considered safe on the path of cultivation.

Li Jiangqian had been waiting for this matter to be settled. His gaze was deep as he sipped his tea and replied, “When this news spreads, Zhouxun, being a solitary individual, will be fine. But for Zhoutui’s lineage, I’m afraid there might be some complaints. That’s one thing. Second… Uncle Zhouda has a volatile temper and cannot stand idle gossip. My suggestion is that as soon as the formalities are complete, he should immediately be sent into seclusion, so he doesn’t hear anything. By the time he emerges in a few years, the matter will have faded, and there will be far fewer disputes.”

Li Xuanxuan feared such disturbances the most and could only sigh. In truth, all of them understood that given the current situation, they had no choice but to select Li Zhouda. Li Zhoutui would likely remain a Qi Condensation cultivator even in the end.

The elder glanced at Li Xinghan and said in a gentle voice, “As for your Suixuan Pill, two years ago I sent people to inquire among various families. Later, we obtained a Suixuan Pill refined by Yuzhen from the Sword Sect and exchanged it for our own. And the several elixirs the family has for breakthroughs, I will accompany you to your cave dwelling shortly to teach you how to take them in sequence, in preparation for attempting Foundation Establishment.”

The Li family, after all, possessed a Talisman Pill, which allowed for a breakthrough without side effects. Since the elixir couldn't be revealed, the Li family had learned many methods over the years. Li Jiangqian now even used various elixirs in combination, with the Talisman Pill disguised among them by a layer of outer pill coating. When the final breakthrough occurred, people would only perceive its exceptionally good effects.

Li Xinghan bowed gratefully and then withdrew from the hall. Only then did Li Jiangqian wave his hand, dismissing the people on both sides. Seeing Li Xuanxuan looking worried, he smiled, “Elder, there’s no need to worry so much. He may be short-tempered and enjoy brawling, but he’s not foolish. You see him fighting daily, venting for the clan, and risking his life to eliminate demons—isn’t he building reputation? At that time, being able to fight, to risk his life, and having high cultivation, isn’t that precisely the kind of direct descendant the family needs?… Addressing the symptoms like this is quite interesting.”

Li Xuanxuan stroked his beard, while Li Jiangqian whispered, “I received news that Li Quantao is already stationed at Xian Lake, and his son has also gone to White River Creek. Reportedly, he is traveling in that area, and the surrounding families haven’t bothered him. Lord Xia of the Heavenly Pavilion has been transferred to the east to guard the East Sea for Qingchi. He has obtained a larger island, from Green Pine Island all the way to Tai'e Island by the Reef Sea, with full authority assigned by him. His current status… is comparable to Sect Master Tantai Jin.”

A smile appeared on his face as he added, “There’s also news that Fei Qingyi, after marrying Qin Xian, made her first appearance. She was asked to guard the East Sea, which means she'll be serving under Lord Xia. Tantai Jin let her take a large group of people out, so she's quite highly regarded. This one is a person with good foresight…”

Li Xuanxuan shook his head emphatically and replied, “When the Sima family was at its peak, she avoided any suspicion and didn't even contact her own family, yet she never forgot to constantly show favor to ours, even gifting Foundation Establishment artifacts without hesitation. Now, with Ning Wan emerging from seclusion, it immediately becomes a signal from the Sima faction to show goodwill towards the Ning family… Whether you call it good fortune or cleverness, she has finally spread her wings and soared higher and higher from the sinking ship of the Fei family.”

Li Jiangqian paused briefly, then rose from the main seat, stepped forward, pushed the door open, and looked northward as if sensing something:‘His intent reaches the profound, beneficial for the immortal path and seclusion, capable of clarifying the twelve qi.’‘Yet he chose to break through precisely when a True Monarch descended… which makes it somewhat suspicious.’

Heavy snow fell on the north shore, condensing into a vast white expanse in the distance. Spring snow was not particularly surprising, yet Li Jiangqian observed the extent of the snowfall and smiled, “Speak of the devil… After all these years, the Fei family finally has another Foundation Establishment cultivator of their own… but this Fei Qingyi…”