novelraw Chapter 276 253 Jiao Carved Pillar
Chapter 276 253 Jiao Carved Pillar
"Oh?"
Li Xuanxuan glanced at the jade box, seeing it shimmer with dazzling Dharma Light, clearly not an ordinary object. He laughed continuously and said,
"Senior, you are too polite..."
"Eh."
Yuan Huyuan slid the jade lock aside and lifted the lid of the jade box, revealing a cold and gleaming green blade lying inside. It seemed to be around three and a half feet in length, with a smooth, bright sword body and scale-like patterns finely etched into it, exuding a chill light. Li Xuanxuan realized at a glance that this sword was no ordinary item and said, with a rasp,
"This is…"
"This sword is called Jiao Carved Pillar, three feet and seven inches long, forged from Cold Essence Stone and supplemented with Serpent Jiao blood. It is a top-notch choice amongst those at the Qi Cultivation level."
Yuan Huyuan held the box with one hand and spoke as he introduced it,
"This Dharma Sword was once a magic artifact of the Chen Clan from Ling Yu Sect. After Ling Yu Sect was destroyed, it fell into the hands of a Loose Cultivator, who died under an old ancestor of my family, and thus it came into our possession."
Li Xuanxuan was not proficient in swordsmanship but was nonetheless drawn in by the sword. Yuan Huyuan continued,
"Our old ancestor heard that the Dharma Sword in the hands of Senior Tongya is merely adequate for Qi Cultivation, and since my family does not practice sword arts, we felt that such a treasure was being underappreciated, hence he asked me to deliver it!"
Li Xuanxuan insisted he could not accept it, as Yuan Family's gift was far too precious and he felt ashamed to accept. He repeatedly waved his hands in refusal, but Yuan Huyuan forcefully handed over the jade box and said warmly,
"Our family sister is handling things alone on Qing Sui Peak, and our old ancestor fears she might be bullied by others. He solely relies on the prestige of a Sword Immortal to provide some support…"
Upon hearing this, Li Xuanxuan understood and thought to himself,
"This sword is not given because of my Li Family or my Uncle's face, but rather the face of my Uncle alone. The Yuan Family has been powerful in the Mushroom Forest Plain for so many years and has profound roots. Investing in a potential Zifu Immortal Clan like mine is certainly within their considerations."
Seeing Li Xuanxuan still hesitant to accept, Yuan Huyuan stuffed the jade box into his arms and continued warmly,
"My old ancestor also heard about the marriage alliance between the Li and Xiao Families. The Xiao Family and the Yuan Family have supported each other for many years as well. If your family can steadily establish itself on the lake, we will have one more ally. If things go smoothly in the future, our two families can become closer and intermingle our bloodlines."
For Noble Families like the Yuan and Xiao Families, the phrase "establish a foothold" certainly did not mean merely securing a place for oneself but being the sole ruler in a region with interconnectedness among clans and internal families. Li Xuanxuan simply nodded, taking note of these words.
After chatting amicably for a bit, Li Xuanxuan and Yuan Huyuan sat down in the courtyard and tea was served. Suddenly feeling uncertain, Li Xuanxuan lifted his head after a moment's hesitation and asked,
"When I, Xuanxuan, was young, I heard that Tang Jin Sect invaded Mushroom Forest Plain, slaughtering many, but I never heard of any losses to your noble clan…"
"So, it's about that matter."
Yuan Huyuan paused for a moment, seemingly hesitant on how to start, then explained,
"My Yuan Family did not suffer many casualties. The ones who died were members of lesser families and a group of mortals… Surely your noble clan understands the secrets involved. I have matters to discuss on my visit today so, I will speak frankly."
Yuan Huyuan sipped his tea and replied,
"Every year, my Yuan Family plants a vast amount of Spiritual Medicine and mines Spirit Stones for Green Pond Sect. The invasion was a division of blood and resentment between Green Pond Sect and Tang Jin Sect. The killing of lesser clans and mortals was enough, so why should they slaughter us, their diligent servants?"
A sarcastic smile flashed across his face, and he muttered in a self-deprecating manner, saying softly,
"Green Pond Sect has ruled for five hundred years. The places where lesser clans cultivate humans, where Noble Families cultivate medicine, where tribal groups are controlled, where they practice Pill Concoction with demons have all been clearly delineated. In five hundred years, the Xiao Family was the only exception, even Chi Wei subtly allowed it to happen… Don't underestimate those from Green Pond Peak of the Zifu level. Even the most foolish demon would become cunning after five hundred years!"
Li Xuanxuan inwardly shuddered with fear and found himself at a loss for words. Yuan Huyuan glanced at him and chuckled,
"When Green Pond Sect feasts at the table, we are but the kneeling servants below. What we enjoy are the spirit mechanisms of heaven and earth and the blood and sweat of all people. To be honest…"
Yuan Huyuan became serious, his words carrying a tone of consolation,
"This is also the intent of our family's ancestors... He is nearly three hundred years old and has seen too much; if the noble families have a Sword Immortal within their clans, why not send more disciples into the sect? What nobility should strive for is to squeeze their way to a seat at the foot of Green Pond Sect, not into the bowls on Green Pond Sect's table. Foundation Establishment is just the first step..."
Li Xuanxuan pondered for a moment, replied with some difficulty, and sighed:
"The younger generation has learned a lot..."
Yuan Huyuan then slowly nodded his head, drank up the tea in his cup, and replied:
"That's very good. In the future, the Yuan Family in the east, the Li Family in the west, the Ding Clan has been a branch of my Yuan Family for many years; we will not make a move on them, and the same holds for the Xiao Family."
His finger, wet with tea, casually made a slight stroke on the table as he smiled and stood up. He bowed slightly and said with a smile:
"I have greatly enjoyed our conversation today. Please convey all that has been said to Elder Tongya. Huyuan must pay a visit to the Xiao Family, so I won't stay long."
Li Xuanxuan quickly stood up to see him out of the formation, then turned back thoughtfully into the courtyard, only to see a person sitting quietly at the head of the room, smoothing out his robe and sitting upright. He carefully examined the radiant Dharma Light on the Jiao Carved Pillar in his hand. Li Xuanxuan bowed and respectfully said:
"Uncle!"
"Hmm."
Li Tongya was studying the fine scale patterns, his fingers lightly caressing the sword, causing a bright white Sword Qi to shine on it. He nodded and said:
"Indeed, a good sword."
Seeing Li Tongya's demeanor, Li Xuanxuan feared that Tongya had overheard Yuan Huyuan's words. He respectfully remained standing and saw Tongya place the Jiao Carved Pillar back into the Jade Box. Li Xuanxuan spoke in a low voice:
"Uncle, the Yuan Family's intention is... to truly endure at the foot of Green Pond Sect. We must establish ties with the various peaks. Inside the sect, if not as a peak master, then at least we need to have one or two eyes and mouths. The family needs to produce something valued by Green Pond Sect, so we won't be easily manipulated at any time..."
Li Tongya hummed noncommittally, then replied:
"On the surface, Chi Jing is still in the Southern Border, apart from a few from the Zifu, not many are aware. After a few years, choose someone moderate from the younger generation and send him over."
"Yes!"
Li Xuanxuan replied, and Tongya walked down in two steps, stopping in front of the table where Yuan Huyuan had been, observing the faint water mark. He instructed:
"Ding Xiding was well-intentioned. Send him some return gifts and send him back. We will not make a move on them, but also do not get too close. Avoid being under suspicion in a melon field and under a plum tree, which can displease others."
Li Tongya looked up at Li Xuanxuan, shook his head and said:
"The Yuan Family is also cautious, fearing that I do not know the times, especially coming to inform me in person."
Li Xuanxuan nodded and took over the conversation:
"It seems the Yuan Family is still unaware of the situation in the Southern Border, thinking that Father Ji has a chance outside at Zifu and even harboring some fear toward our family. The Ding Clan occupies the entrance, serving as a buffer for our three families. I will not touch it."
"It's good that you understand."
Li Tongya nodded. Now as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, he could be in closed-door cultivation for years. If these matters weren't clear and the younger generation caused trouble, emerging to find enemies in all four territories wouldn't be good. He had always been cautious, so he elaborated a bit more.
"Once my Foundation Establishment spreads, in a few years when we pay tribute, the Li Family will become one of the Noble Families. According to the Yuan Family, Green Pond Sect's extortion of the Noble Families will probably be even more severe than that of the smaller clans, far more ruthless. We should take the next few years to measure the Spiritual Fields well and arrange our people properly."
"Yes!"
Li Xuanxuan replied, then added:
"However, there is one matter I must report to Uncle. At the top of Jade Court Mountain, there is a Jade Well, round like the sun, so wide that nine people are needed to encircle it. The well's water is ice-cold, containing several dozen sets of Copper Armor. According to An Zhiyan, it is where our ancestors would immerse the Cold Armor to refine the Cold Armor Qi below, and it's from ancient times."