Family Cultivation: I Become a Mirror

Li Xijun could not tolerate a person with fate upon them both hating his family and wandering in exile; such a one was even more fearsome than a Foundation Establishment cultivator lurking with ill intent. Should things ever come to that, even at risk of offending Red Reef Island, he must put this person to death.

"Does having fate upon one's body mean he cannot be killed?"

Li Xijun stroked his sword, as killing intent gradually rose in his heart. Suppressing the urge, he thought silently:

"Against such a person, either endure without acting, or strike with full force to kill him in one blow; never allow him any chance to escape."

He stood up, calculating the time until the return of several elders. Their return was still a long way off, journeying overseas and their whereabouts uncertain, while Xu Xiao grew stronger every day. It could not be delayed any further.

While he pondered, suddenly another man entered to report:

"Sir, that demon disciple has taken a large tub of medicinal herbs—unclear what sort of spell he means to cast!"

The Li Family valued Xu Xiao so highly—this, the direct lineage members understood well. Yet most subordinates were more puzzled than not. Li Xijun had already given secret orders: within the Li Family, Xu Xiao had been branded as a savage devil cultivator possessing others, his reputation further confirmed by the old man Liu's strange and wretched demise. Thus, fear and hatred mingled in all their hearts.

Hearing this, Li Xijun at once rose and soared out by wind, meeting Wushao, who rasped:

"He's just left the courtyard gate."

Li Xijun looked closely—there in the courtyard Xu Xiao was seated cross-legged, immersed in a red medicinal liquid, seemingly preparing for breakthrough. Li Xijun sensed all was not well:

'No, I cannot wait any longer; if this drags on for three to five more years, the East Sea is boundless, the elders have not returned, and this person may well reach for Foundation Establishment! And who knows when he might slip away in secret? As his strength increases, what other means might he command? Rather than wait for that moment to strike, better to act first!'

Li Xijun made a decisive gesture:

"Everyone, gather here at once!"

He narrowed his eyes, driving both his Pupil Technique and Talisman Qi to the utmost, secretly monitoring the flow of spiritual energy in that medicinal bath, waiting for Xu Xiao to fully enter the state.

"When he reaches the brink of breakthrough, I ask you all to strike together."

Li Xijun murmured, his hand already on the Green Peak at his waist. Behind him, Li Wushao's robes surged, White Monkey and Chen Mufeng and all the rest stood grimly ready.

Li Xijun sighed inwardly:

'Alas… this!'

'Ever since the family attained Foundation Establishment and became overlords of the lake, how many years has it been since we were arrayed in such strict vigilance… and now, it's all for a mere Qi Cultivator!'

With the precedent of Chu Yi and the Kong Family before him, Li Xijun dared take no risks, fearing even more that all the Guest Elders might grow complacent, so he reminded repeatedly:

"This man is mostly likely a reincarnated demon lord. Who knows what secret treasures and techniques are hidden on his person? Do not drop your guard in the least; a moment's laxity will invite mortal disaster!"

Sure enough, at these words their faces all took on solemn expressions. Even Li Wushao, who had stood aside with a severe face, now showed hints of surprise, his gaze below growing all the more wary.

As that man slowly calmed, his aura grew unstable, while the medicinal liquid in the basin spun madly and gradually faded. Xu Xiao's momentum soared, and Li Xijun held his breath, focusing, waiting for the critical moment.

…

East Sea.

Li Yuanjiao accompanied Li Qinghong all the way back to Salty Lake. After confirming his sister had entered Jinadao of Xiuyue Sect, only then did he turn back, flying again eastward.

Cautious by nature, he did not retrace his original route. Instead, with Kongheng, he changed course back to Sect Spring Island, taking a slight detour, but nothing of consequence.

The two flew in silence for a stretch, passing over a long, pine-covered island. From a distance, Dharma Lights clashed in the sky with great momentum.

Li Yuanjiao calculated their position and realized this must be the well-known Remains of Qing Song Temple, site of constant contention in recent years. Sword Sect, Pure Unity Taoism, and Red Reef Island had all vied for it for many years, but to no avail.

Li Yuanjiao cast a glance at the place, then a thought arose and he asked:

"Master, in the Liaohe Toaist Lineage, is there any record of this ancient Taoist place, Qing Song Temple?"

Kongheng placed palms together, answering softly:

"Of course there is. This Immortal Temple was founded before the Moonlight Origin Mansion even existed. Over its span, two Perfected Lords emerged. The first's record is unclear, only that he belonged to the Fire Virtue branch; as for the latter, he attained the Metal Nature fruit and was slain by the Shaoyang Demon Lord…"

Li Yuanjiao still remembered that Shaoyang Demon Lord: Fenkui Island was named after the Demon Lord. At that, he nodded and swiftly responded:

"So Qing Song Temple holds both Metal and Fire Virtue legacies?"

"Indeed."

As soon as Kongheng affirmed, Li Yuanjiao grew suspicious and asked:

"If two Perfected Lords once arose, why is it these few Zifu Immortal Sects that now contest it? Are the other Golden Cores uninterested? Is there only the one with Metal Nature among them in the sea?"

Kongheng answered with joined hands:

"After its downfall, Qing Song Temple was divided and ravaged by faction after faction. The place is now desolate, lacking any true treasure, thus known as the Remains of Qing Song Temple."

"Yet even with little certainty, cultivation techniques still remain recorded within the Cave Heaven, and many spiritual medicines born over centuries and millennia. For the Immortal Sect, they hold great value."

While Li Yuanjiao nodded, his gaze fell upon the mountain again. Kongheng followed his eyes and replied warmly:

"Sword Sect possesses the Metal Virtue Path, while Red Reef Island cultivates Combined Fire. Both covet the place. As for Pure Unity Taoism… they simply claim descent from Qing Song Temple, and covet it all."

"The great formation of Qing Song Temple remains tightly sealed, never opened through all these years, still awaiting that fated person."

"Fated person."

Neither wishing to draw trouble, the two avoided the mountain entirely. Li Yuanjiao murmured, and Kongheng continued:

"Also called fate… mysterious beyond measure. Unless that person comes, no entry even should the Three Sects crack their heads. Only a Golden Core might forcibly break in."

Kongheng paused slightly to explain:

"Some formations open only when that person passes by, breaking naturally; some magical treasures have lain buried for thousands of years, awaiting that one to pick them up; some persons, after countless tribulations, having knowledge untold, are simply unkillable—these are all marked by fate."

"Is fate truly so wondrous? Then is it not invincible under heaven?"

Li Yuanjiao listened and took it to heart, while Kongheng responded:

"Fate is not the same as Metal Nature; even Metal Nature is limited. Whether success or failure, all may be due to fate. As a scripture records: 'That which force cannot attain, is called fate.' This is the meaning."

Buddhist practitioners never speak plainly; Li Yuanjiao pondered for a while and replied softly:

"To me, fate and Metal Nature are much alike—both are things one is powerless before upon contact, often exceeding calculation and shrouding the heart in confusion."

Li Yuanjiao recalled his elder Li Tongya, while Kongheng pressed palms together and chanted:

"In ages past, it was not like this; but Immortal, Demon, and Buddhist all sought utter freedom. Now freedom is obtained, and this is the result."

The blue-red surface of the waters rippled with waves. Li Yuanjiao said no more, traveling quietly together. Soon they reached Sect Spring Island, whose people had long awaited their return, erupting with cries of joy upon seeing them.

Touching down, Zong Yan came forward respectfully in greeting. Kongheng chanted and withdrew, while Li Yuanjiao spoke softly to Zong Yan:

"Send a few men to all the major marketplaces, and inquire for me about recent news. Choose loyal hands and keep the searching discreet."

Zong Yan knelt and replied:

"Please rest easy, my lord. All the brethren on the island have braved monsters' mouths and are steadfast and reliable."

Li Yuanjiao spoke in a deep voice:

"There is an Immortal Foundation called the Golden Melting Cave. It can sense magical artifacts, forge weapons, and tempers hidden sharpness. Find out which of the Three Metals it is, who else shares this affinity, and return with a report."

Zong Yan obeyed and withdrew. Li Yuanjiao now had a plan:

'The Golden Melting Cave—Green Pond Sect has no one of the same affinity. Yu Muxian is proud and ambitious; how could she abide her path cut short? If only I can glean relevant cultivation techniques and attribute it to the Remains of Qing Song Temple, I can surely lure Yu Muxian forth…'

Having arranged his affairs, he sought out a secret chamber, activated the formation within, then, finding it not secure enough, took out an Array Plate and arrayed it himself before finally feeling at ease to enter seclusion.

"Prepare to break through to Foundation Establishment Middle Stage!"