Family Cultivation: I Become a Mirror

Li Yuanjiao had been cultivating on Qingdu Mountain for over half a year, and although his cultivation level had improved, breaking through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment was still a distant dream. After all, Foundation Establishment is not like Qi Cultivation; it is common to break through only once in several decades.

"Father has yet to set off, always busy with one thing or another, unwilling to depart until all matters are properly arranged."

Li Xuanxuan had been preparing for more than half a year but still had not set out. Li Xijun did not urge him, just patiently waiting because after all, collecting Cold Water was not an important matter, and rushing might reveal their intentions.

Li Qinghong was in closed-door cultivation, with no one to guard the home, so Li Yuanjiao couldn't indulge too deeply in his practices and would often come out to cultivate spells and the Sword Dao. While studying the Sword Canon, Li Wushao descended on a gust of wind, clad in a black robe.

Li Wushao, who had gratefully received the "Clear Cloud Elk Fruit", consumed it for cultivation. Under his black robe, two dark shadows were already faintly emerging, and it looked as though in another year or so, the hooks would be fully formed.

Li Wushao said,

"Family Head, there are two individuals who have arrived at the foot of the mountain, claiming to be from the Han Family of East Sulphur Island here to visit."

Li Yuanjiao was somewhat surprised and asked,

"The Han Family from East Sulphur Island?"

Li Yuanjiao had heard of this Han Family; the Foundation Establishment demon beast used for their family's rituals was captured near East Sulphur Island, where Li Yuanjiao had stayed for some time and had some understanding of the place.

The Han Family of East Sulphur Island was an established Noble Family, similar to the Yuan Family, with not a few Foundation Establishment Cultivators, who had carved out a significant foundation in the East Sea. Naturally, Li Yuanjiao would personally receive them and quickly tidied his clothes before flying out of his Cave Mansion.

In the courtyard stood two individuals, both with Foundation Establishment cultivation. The leader was a young cultivator with average appearance and simple clothing, followed by a large man with a physique like that of a tiger and a bear.

Li Xijun was in the courtyard accompanying them, chatting amiably with the young man. Both were smiling and appeared very harmonious.

Seeing the large man, Li Yuanjiao understood a bit of the situation and stepped forward with a bow, saying,

"Li Yuanjiao of Qingdu, pleased to meet you, Taoist Fellow!"

The young man gave an ah, his gaze quickly sweeping over Li Yuanjiao's face before he replied,

"Forgive my impoliteness, I am Han Shizhen from East Sulphur, acting as the Young Master of the Han Family, pleased to meet you, Taoist Fellow!"

Li Yuanjiao nodded in return and invited the two guests to sit, and Han Shizhen smiled generously and said politely,

"Some days ago, my clan's uncle fell severely ill, and my clan brother came to your Noble Family seeking medicine, offending your Noble Family. Today, I have specially come to offer an apology and brought some modest gifts, hoping the Taoist Fellow will accept them."

As he spoke, he gestured to the large man, explaining,

"This clan brother of mine has always had a hot temper. At that time he was desperate, on the brink of life and death, so he may have spoken out of turn and I hope you will forgive the offense..."

It turns out that this large man was the Foundation Establishment Cultivator who had come to seek medicine earlier that year. He had been rude and overbearing and was slightly restrained by Li Qinghong. Now, he was bowing his head and repeatedly apologizing.

As both parties were from Noble Families, it was natural not to take offense over such a trivial matter. Li Yuanjiao exchanged a few words of refusal before saying,

"It's nothing, I can understand the desperation of a Taoist Fellow searching for medicine, don't worry about it."

Han Shizhen insisted on offering a Jade Box, which Li Yuanjiao let Li Xijun accept, and then asked,

"May I ask about the condition of the esteemed elder of your family..."

"Oh."

Han Shizhen shook his head slightly and answered,

"He didn't make it. Despite taking several life-extending medicinal herbs, the injuries were too severe. Ultimately, his Immortal Foundation collapsed, and he turned into Spiritual Metamorphosis."

Seeing that the two men were not wearing white clothes, Li Yuanjiao had assumed that they had been saved and was about to offer congratulations, only to inadvertently touch on a painful subject. It seemed that the East Sea did not have the custom of mourning attire, leaving him with no option but to express his condolences,

"Condolences..."

"It's not a problem," replied Han Shizhen with a smile and a gentle voice,

"Although my clan's uncle has passed, he brought back a treasure for our family, much more useful than a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, so it's actually a blessing!"

Li Yuanjiao and his nephew paused for a moment upon hearing this. Han Shizhen noticed the expressions of the two men and quickly realized that he might have caused some offense, explaining,

"This is the custom in the East Sea, somewhat different from the mainland... please do not take offense."

Li Yuanjiao simply nodded, knowing all too well that such a small apology would not be the sole reason for Han Shizhen to make a special trip from the sea. He quietly waited for him to continue.

As expected, after a short exchange of courtesies, Han Shizhen got straight to the point,

"How much of the 'Wanling Flower' does your Noble Family produce each year?"

'So it's about the "Wanling Flower"!' Li Yuanjiao instantly understood, realizing that the leverage was now in his family's hands. He relaxed slightly and said solemnly,

"It blooms once every three years, yielding fourteen flowers each time."

"Good!" Han Shizhen nodded enthusiastically and asked,

"How much revenue does your Noble Family get from selling these flowers in the mainland?"

Li Yuanjiao, having guessed his intentions, answered,

"The price has gone up over the years, around two Spirit Stones for each flower."

"Oh!" Han Shizhen had just picked up a Jade Cup but upon hearing this, he put it down heavily, leaving the tea untouched, and lamented,

"My friend! That's too cheap a price! Those are life-hanging forgetfulness items!"

He advised,

"You have peace and prosperity in the mainland, with no major calamities. It's one thing for Loose Cultivators, but we Noble Families know very well, these so-called demonic disasters are nothing but a farce!"

"It's nothing more than the Three Sects and Seven Doors raising the price of vitality in the East Sea, a scheme of drawing the firewood from under the pot! How can the Wanling Flower sell for a good price in such a bright and peaceful place?"

'Bright and peaceful...' Li Yuanjiao's lips twitched as he was distracted by Han Shizhen's words, and he said thoughtfully,

"Drawing the firewood from under the pot..."

"Exactly!" sighed Han Shizhen,

"In recent years, the Demon Race overseas has become increasingly aggressive in seeking sustenance, driving the prices of vitality, resentment energy, and spirit essence through the roof. Cultivators in the East Sea can barely meet their own needs, let alone supply the mainland."

"Therefore, the Three Sects and Seven Doors relaxed the restrictions on sea entry, allowing overseas Loose Cultivators to come in, then stage-managed demonic calamities, using their high-grade Devil Cultivators to eliminate common folk and Loose Cultivators. Not only could they remove dissenters, control the situation, but also make a hearty meal out of it."