Family Cultivation: I Become a Mirror

Before the two arrived, Li Yuanjiao simply stood with hands behind his back, listening to Zong Yan recount the affairs—great and small—of the island:

"There are some five thousand people on the island, most of whom make their living by fishing. As for crops—rice and fruit—the fields are too few, tended only by the women and children..."

"There are many demons in the surrounding waters, some even subordinates of that Dragon's Son. Now and then, out at sea, a few men go missing—snatched away to satisfy some craving."

After looking around Sect Spring Island for a while, with purple and golden lights descending from east and west, Zong Yan sensibly activated the formation. Li Qinghong and Kongheng landed successively. Li Qinghong glanced about, speaking softly:

"There are several islands to the east, none as good as this. It's truly a decent territory, sizable, but the spirit mechanism is thin."

Li Yuanjiao nodded faintly. Kongheng pressed his palms together, speaking in a mellow voice:

"All the way west, the sea is vast—nowhere fit to anchor ourselves."

Zong Yan, having listened for so long, finally understood, joy blooming in his heart:

'So it's the righteous path from the inner sea, seeking a foothold! Excellent! These ones look to be disciples of the Immortal Sect; with them, Sect Spring Island has hope at last!'

Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong exchanged a glance, a decision forming between them. Noting her elder brother's stern visage—such ferocity—Li Qinghong shot a look at Zong Yan, who was beaming with delight, then spoke gently:

"Taoist Fellow, I imagine you've guessed—we seek to establish a base in the sea, and Sect Spring Island quite suits us. Allow us first a thorough inspection, and then we'll discuss matters in detail."

The world knows well how fear does not breed virtue. Since Li Yuanjiao intended to play the villain, Li Qinghong adopted a more courteous tone. But the gap in their strengths was simply too great—her 'thorough discussion' was merely for show. Zong Yan understood there was no real room for negotiation—only whether these people fancied his island. Hastily, he acquiesced, and only then did Li Qinghong continue:

"Please take Kongheng—our Guest Elder—to examine the earth vein and spirit mechanism."

Kongheng chanted a Buddhist verse and set off below. Only then did Li Yuanjiao stand beside his sister, voicing his concerns; Li Qinghong fell into thought, replying:

"From what I've seen along the way, in the East Sea the Dragon Kind treat islands as fields and humans as livestock, bred like penned pigs and cattle. Even Tang Jin Sect and Xuan Yue Sect must pay tribute obediently; avoiding them is nearly impossible."

"Indeed."

Li Yuanjiao lowered his brows and said:

"I wonder if we could have an audience with that Dragon's Son, or find a way to negotiate—perhaps offer something else in exchange. In any case, it's worth trying."

"Meeting the Dragon Kind will prove most difficult, I fear."

Li Qinghong shook her head gently, voice low:

"Though he's just at Foundation Establishment, in Dragon Kind status counts for much. It's hard to say how many Demon Generals serve under him; whether he'd see us at all, much less what exorbitant demands he might make. Starting with lesser demons—offering generous bribes—might be cheaper yet."

The two soared on the wind through pitch-black night, unconsciously sinking beneath the waves.

In the night, Zhu Lu Sea shimmered with countless tiny emerald lights; crystalline Dharma Light flickered in the deep like stars—limitless and brilliant in the dark. Vaguely, the Jiao Palace Dragon Hall could be seen, resplendent in gold and jade. Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly:

"Only after leaving East Sea do you realize the inner sea is small. The demons here are tremendously powerful; the strength of the East Sea Demon Race alone can rival South River—harder still, they obey a single command, entirely unified, with roots running deep."

Li Yuanjiao sighed, glanced back at Sect Spring Island. Li Qinghong spoke softly:

"This island has no Fire Vein, nor Earth Vein—nothing to offer but incense. What matters is having a foothold over the sea; our Noble Family's status grows more stable, and it's time to consider Zifu."

"Without the proper cultivation technique, nor the right opportunity, it's all empty talk."

Li Yuanjiao shook his head, saying:

"In my view, what we could actually obtain is only that treasure in Yu Muxian's hands. If we get it, our family could soar."

Given Yu Muxian's standing, he'd never die in the inner sea. If we are to lay a trap for him, it must be in the East Sea—with means beyond the Dharma Mirror's calculations, evading Yuanwu Perfected Person's retaliation. No easy feat. Li Yuanjiao said only:

"When business on the island is done, you should return home first. I'll remain here to guard and enter secluded cultivation—try for a breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Middle Stage."

"On another front, dispatch people to every major market to gather all news of Immortal Foundations and Zifu. These things are banned in the inner sea, but overseas, there's still a chance to learn of them."

"Good."

Li Qinghong responded at once. After all, the Thunder Attribute Immortal Foundation went unenvied in South River; her staying in Qingdu was more fitting. The siblings discussed a while, then returned to the island.

Kongheng had already arrived on the wind, politely saying:

"There are three strong earth veins on the island; the rest are feeble and thin on spirit mechanism. Setting up a Foundation Establishment-level formation is impossible—Qi Cultivating Peak is the best we can do."

Li Yuanjiao, upon hearing this, looked to Zong Yan and asked solemnly:

"When will the Dragon's Son's men arrive?"

Zong Yan hurriedly replied:

"Within the next few days!"

Just then, a cheer broke out across the island. One man rose on the wind, whispered to Zong Yan's ear; Li Yuanjiao gave a cool glance, and Zong Yan hastily bowed:

"Reporting, Sir—our island cultivates the 'Six Yi Complete Unity Method,' follows the Zifu Golden Core Path, and practices the Witch Talisman spell, with various methods of herb cultivation… all bestowed by the Dragon's Son, wholly for nurturing Dragon Kind's subjects…"

"Just now, we've found an infant of suitable birthdate..."

He spoke vaguely, fearful of taboos, voice low:

"Each time the tribute is collected, the Dragon's Son will designate a person—of a specific birthdate—for next time… If none can be found, it must be made up with a hundred people instead… So whenever one is found… it's hard not for the people to rejoice."