Family Cultivation: I Become a Mirror

Having made her decision, Li Qinghong was about to sit cross-legged, when she saw a slight flash outside the great formation. Two youths rode the wind inside—one clad in white robes, his features handsome; the other in a golden Taoist robe, looking rather downcast.

"Aunt!"

The two were naturally the brothers Li Xijun and Li Ximing. One after the other, they landed and Li Xijun cupped his hands and said:

"Seventh Brother has already broken through to Foundation Establishment! I have brought him here for you to see, Aunt."

Li Qinghong cast a glance at Li Ximing. He was yet to recover from their father's passing. Seeing his grim countenance, she spoke gently:

"The timing was unfortunate. Your father did not blame you for anything; you must try to move on."

Li Ximing raised his sleeve and nodded in assent, replying softly, "Since I have broken through to Foundation Establishment, those elixirs at home may be addressed soon. In the next few days, I shall go to the Wutu Mountain Pill Pavilion to study the Barrier-Breaking Pill Recipe—it will benefit both Foundation Establishment and Qi Cultivation greatly."

Li Qinghong nodded approvingly, her gaze drifting over him. She happened to notice a few streaks of azure-gilt embroidery dangling from his sleeve. Women are always sensitive to such symbols—she thought them rather like orchids. She asked after affairs at his home, and seeing his spirits still low, swallowed her words about sparring, letting him leave to compose himself.

After Li Ximing departed, Li Qinghong turned to Li Xijun and asked:

"Jun'er, does Ximing still have contact with that Meng girl?"

Li Xijun lowered his eyes and replied softly:

"None."

Li Qinghong sighed, but Li Xijun, not wishing her to dwell on it, promptly changed the subject, inquiring about the Thunder Dharma. After Li Qinghong finished her explanation, he nodded and said:

"Indeed, most of it is useless. Still, this method is at least somewhat effective. If I can acquire a spirit thunder someday, it won't be a wasted effort."

"It is more than that."

Li Qinghong replied softly:

"Cultivating on this Dharma Altar is most pleasant. The thunder brings fortune—far better than any other cave mansion in the family. There's no need to stay in Qingdu Cave Mansion; you can have that place for yourselves."

As the two conversed, suddenly a Jade Courtyard Guard approached to report:

"Honored ones, a Shanyue at Foundation Establishment is ascending Qingdu."

Li Qinghong frowned gently, stepped upon a thunder cloud, and descended to the lake. Indeed, there waited a cultivator riding a dark cloud—his eyes blood-red with vertical pupils, thin and sinister, strangely terrifying. He wore grey robes and bore the appearance of a middle-aged man.

"Hm?"

This Shanyue cultivator, of Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, fixed his gaze on Li Qinghong and rasped:

"Are you a Li Family Foundation Establishment?"

"Indeed."

Li Qinghong cupped her fists, recognizing the man as Fei Luoya, and replied with courtesy:

"I am Li Qinghong; Li Yuanjiao is my elder brother."

"So that's how it is."

The middle-aged man nodded at last. Suddenly the lake's surface parted, and Li Wushao rode the wind out, two pitch-black shadows swirling beneath his robes, quietly taking his place behind Li Qinghong.

A golden bell of light rose at the other end as well—Li Ximing arrived in full Taoist regalia atop a radiant glow, dharma light brilliant and imposing. Seeing such formidable array, Fei Luoya instantly grew wary, pulling back some distance.

"Senior, do you require something? Perhaps we may discuss matters below?"

Li Qinghong spoke courteously, but Fei Luoya remained extremely cautious, unwilling to enter the formation, shaking his head again and again. After organizing his words, he spoke somewhat awkwardly:

"Th—that matter Li Yuanjiao promised then… does it still hold true today?"

All present were startled—not knowing what he referred to. Fei Luoya then explained further.

It turned out, years ago, several of them—including Yuan Chengdun—joined forces to slay the western Fudai Mu. All his lands were claimed by Fei Luoya, who then resolved to organize the Shanyue to cultivate Spirit Rice.

Li Yuanjiao had proposed letting the Li Family take over those lands, with a portion of the annual yield set aside for Fei Luoya. Yet Fei Luoya, greedy then, refused the offer.

Thus, after these years of solitary management, he discovered his returns were far less than even sixty percent of Li Yuanjiao's promise, and he'd expended much cultivation time as well. Regretful now, he'd come seeking the Li Family again.

Hearing this, all were instantly delighted—where was the reason to refuse? They promptly agreed, wishing to discuss details. Still, Fei Luoya refused to enter the formation and had to be settled in a small courtyard in town.

Only just seated, Fei Luoya remained uneasy—this was clearly not his main purpose for coming. After hesitating a long while, he spoke awkwardly:

"Your esteemed clan has grown ever more prosperous. Yet, as for what I asked after years ago… has your esteemed family any word?"

With Li Yuanjiao absent, Li Qinghong could not know what the Shanyue referred to, so she replied very tactfully:

"My elder brother may already be handling it for you, Senior. Why not tell me of it once more…"

Seeing the confusion on their faces, Fei Luoya was initially somewhat annoyed. But at Li Qinghong's gentle reply, he could only sigh and say:

"The Zifu behind your family… might you show me a clear path?"

'So he wishes to join our side…'

Li Qinghong understood immediately. Fei Luoya was certainly a formidable force, his origins fairly well known. Having learned many witchcrafts in Witch Mountain, his knowledge was vast—a real asset. Li Qinghong was moved.

But as her family had no Zifu, and Fei Luoya was not a fool—no one to be easily fobbed off—Li Qinghong found it difficult, thought a moment, and replied in a low voice:

"If it is this matter—my elder brother also wishes to recommend you, yet… a Perfected Person is not seen so easily. Even we may only meet them after achieving meritorious service… My brother is away on assignment, so it may not be possible to answer you right away."

After all, the visitor was Shanyue. Li Qinghong made her words as explicit as she could, all the while watching his expression.

Fei Luoya was momentarily at a loss, pondering her reply. His two narrow vertical pupils fixed on Li Qinghong. Then, suddenly enlightened, he answered:

"I understand now!"

'This little lass means—one must have merits to be recommended under Zifu… So that's how it is! Yes, the Easterners have all these complicated procedures…'

He relaxed visibly, showing an ugly grin, then nodded and said:

"If your noble clan has any needs, simply come to me!"

Li Qinghong knew he understood. After all, a creature cultivating for a hundred years, just little exposed to the world. His caution bespoke his shrewdness.

Having received his answer, Fei Luoya grew much more at ease, and, uninterested in further conversation, waved a hand, saying offhandedly:

"Now that I approach the Late Foundation Establishment stage, I must polish my Cultivation Level and seek a breakthrough. I won't trouble you longer—a few days hence, I'll send Zhu Xian to discuss matters in detail."

With that, he rode the wind away without a backward glance. Li Qinghong escorted him out of her family's territory, musing:

'This old Shanyue grows ever stronger. For now, I must delay with a tactic of stalling… As for Zifu—wait for Elder Brother to return, and we'll weigh how to handle it.'