Family Cultivation: I Become a Mirror

Chapter 278 255: Paying a Visit

Tian Zhongqing flung his sleeves and departed, leaving Shamo Li's heart shrouded in dark clouds and wild thoughts. Tian Rong was still foolishly prattling without regard for the situation, which only added to Shamo Li's growing agitation. Emptied of all thoughts, he silently mused to himself:

"What does Li Xuanxuan mean by this... I stay peacefully in Shanyue without touching the Li Family's Spiritual Fields and Spiritual Objects, living obediently year after year. Surely, it's not too much to be accommodated... Could this be a show of force?"

While Shamo Li was lost in thought, the carriage suddenly halted. Tian Rong jumped in alarm, fearing Tian Zhongqing's return. He promptly shut his mouth, but then heard the booming voice of an elderly man exclaiming:

"The command from the main house has arrived, Great King, how much longer do you plan to wait! Do not miss the Hour!"

"Great Shaman! Please come in quickly!"

Shamo Li called out rapidly, as an old man with a full head of white hair and a face marred by wrinkles walked in. He seemed frail, yet his eyes sparkled with vitality as he fixed his gaze on Shamo Li. It was Ah Heler, an old Shanyue who surrendered to the Li Family and now stood at the peak of Fetal Breathing. However, with old age came limited lifespan and no more chance of breakthrough.

Shamo Li glanced at Tian Rong. With a raised brow, Ah Heler understood and unceremoniously grabbed Tian Rong like a chicken, flinging him out of the carriage without regard for Tian Rong's incredulous protests and cursing. As Tian Rong fell to the ground with a thud, still shouting abuse, Ah Heler furrowed his brows, poked his head out, and cursed back:

"Your father would still call me 'old brother'! Who do you think you're yelling at? Tian Youdao should've kept you in and plucked you out before you were born to spare the world of your trouble!"

This not only made Tian Rong's lips tremble, but also caused Shamo Li to widen his eyes. He tried to act nonchalant. Ah Heler spat out a loogie, turned back, and addressed:

"Great King!"

Ah Heler was an old servant of the Li Family, who had followed Li Xiangping to conquer the west. Tian Youdao was in that army too, but back then he was rather insignificant. Ah Heler had saved him several times. Tian Youdao always called him 'big brother', and now, Ah Heler showed no mercy in scolding Tian Rong. Shamo Li quickly responded:

"Great Shaman!"

"Pack your things and hit the road!"

Ah Heler's words exasperated Shamo Li on the inside, but he had no choice but to nod and agree. Stepping out of the carriage, he saw that all the tributes and processional items were ready. Without any orders from Shamo Li, the treasury had been emptied. He nodded unnaturally and settled into the procession, cursing in his heart:

"Damn it."

————

"An Zhiyan is quite tactful!"

The black-clad youth sprawled casually at the head of the table, nodded in agreement with the speaker below him, and said with a beaming smile:

"He took the remaining An Family Clan members to quietly set up residence in Lijing Town, and the vow he made years ago to offer two mountains is now a hot topic. Over the years, he really has learned quite a bit."

Now that Li Xuanxuan held power over the household, Li Yuanjiao was dispatched to oversee the Clan Head Courtyard. His fierce disposition made him well-suited for the task.

"Indeed, he has made quite some progress!"

The youth seated beneath nodded, his features strikingly similar to Li Xuanling, exuding a sense of solidity. This was his son, Li Yuanyun, a few years younger than Li Yuanjiao but born without a Spirit Aperture, and hence had always lived secluded in the mountains.

Now that Li Yuanyun had married a woman with a Spirit Aperture, he couldn't stay in the mountains anymore and thus had set up his own independent establishment. He spent his days reading and inquiring about past events, occasionally visiting Li Yuanjiao's mansion.

Perhaps because he lacked a Spirit Aperture and never pursued Immortal Cultivation, Li Yuanyun lacked an imposing aura. Instead, he emitted a gentle and serene atmosphere. He paused, then continued:

"Shamo Li's eldest son has begun his cultivation. He is born of our family's side branch and was raised with the customs of the eastern regions, even beseeching the clan to grant him the Li surname, calling himself Li Jiman, and he appears quite loyal."

Li Yuanjiao responded with a nod, pleased by the news. Suddenly he paused, whispering:

"The clan's message has come; the Spiritual Spring Cave Mansion in Huaqian Mountain is rich in Spiritual Energy. I am set to start my secluded cultivation immediately. There won't be many days left for our brotherly chats before I leave, so I want to have a good talk with you."

"That's great news."

Li Yuanyun replied warmly, then said with a smile:

"It's just a pity that Qinghong sister went to Huazhong Mountain a few days ago. Now second brother will also be leaving, leaving me to idly wander alone in Lijing Town."

"Ah!"

Li Yuanjiao shook his head, admonishing:

"Qingxiao and Yuanping are only four or five years old; our generation should take care of them now. With second brother and Qinghong in secluded cultivation, you should take the opportunity to look after them more when you're free."

Li Yuanyun nodded and replied:

"In a few days, I also need to head to Shanyue to investigate some matters, so I can bring some trinkets for the two younger siblings."

Li Yuanjiao was just about to ask a few more questions when someone hurriedly came upstairs, saying respectfully:

"Report! Shamo Li has come to pay respects to the Lord!"

"Shamo Li? It seems he has come to pay homage and to probe my intentions... Let him come up!"

As Li Yuanjiao asked a question in return, Li Yuanyun, ready to take the cue to leave the table, caused Li Yuanjiao to frown and say sternly:

"It's alright for you to listen in as well. There is nothing that needs to be hidden between us brothers. Whatever Shamo Li says, you should note it down truthfully, without any reservations."

"It is widely rumored outside that you, second brother, are Shamo Li's great support. I shall listen carefully."

Li Yuanyun made a jesting remark and ultimately sat down. Then they saw a tall Shanyue man walk up from below, whose attire was quite fitting and in the style of an easterner, his face bearing a smile as he said:

"Brother Jiao, it has been too long since we last met!"

"I have truly missed you, brother!"

Li Yuanjiao answered with a beaming smile. Noticing that Shamo Li's gaze lingered on Li Yuanyun beside him, he explained:

"This is brother Yuanyun, one of our own. In a few days, he will also be going to your territory to handle affairs, so please take good care of him!"

"Yes! Yes..."

Shamo Li responded twice, having not seen anyone else on his way up, headed directly to Li Yuanjiao. His mind was completely elsewhere, he cautiously said:

"Family Head summoned me in such a hurry, is there something I am to be tasked with? I have been feeling anxious and restless!"

"Oh!"

Li Yuanjiao waved his hand dismissively and replied:

"You have done well these years, brother. Our family elder wishes to meet you; perhaps even the Great Ancestor will personally see you. It's nothing serious. Relax!"

Upon hearing this, Shamo Li let out a sigh of relief. Still wanting to say something but ultimately noticing Li Yuanjiao's distracted air and not wanting to interrupt the conversation he had come upon so hastily, he finally said with a smile:

"With these words from you, I can be at ease. Being summoned by the Family Head is no small matter and should not be delayed. I will go up the mountain first, and when time permits, I will return to pay my respects to you, brother."

Then, he hurriedly left. Li Yuanyun watched Shamo Li go, pondered for a moment, then spoke:

"Now that we have his son, Li Jiman, Shamo Li is not of much use to us... In fact, Li Jiman is even more reliable. Yet, practicing Qi cultivation for two hundred years, I wonder how the clan will deal with him."

Li Yuanjiao put down his cup and replied:

"No rush. Shamo Li's cultivation technique is excellent, and his strength is notable. Once Li Jiman has commenced Qi cultivation, even if we were to make Shamo Li a Guest Elder, it would be appropriate."

Li Yuanyun nodded slightly, but saw an odd expression on Li Yuanjiao's face, who then spoke again:

"The 'Purple Thunder Secret Essence Technique' is not simple! After all, it was once a fourth-grade cultivation technique... With the mixed Qi that Shamo Li has ingested, his cultivation level has reached the Third Layer of Qi Cultivation in just four years! Truly intriguing!"

————

As the two of them chatted in the courtyard, Shamo Li had already quickly made his way up the mountain, not daring to fly directly with the wind. He walked along the stone-paved path for a while before he saw the small courtyard appear before his eyes.

Two clan soldiers stood silently in front of the courtyard. Shamo Li, tall and large, bowed his head as he entered the courtyard, and saw a middle-aged man in grey standing at the head of the courtyard.

The middle-aged man, broad-shouldered, was carefully wiping a sword in his hands with a coarse cloth. The sword, with densely packed scales and patterns, shimmered with a cold light. Shamo Li watched in astonishment for a moment, then fell to his knees with a thud and kowtowed, saying:

"This humble one, Shamo Li, pays respects to the Great Ancestor!"

Shamo Li finally understood why flying dragons had filled the sky that night and why the Li Family had mustered their forces. With his head pressed to the ground, Shamo Li didn't dare to move, his heart racing as he thought:

"Foundation Establishment... He... has achieved Foundation Establishment!"

Li Tongya responded with a noncommittal grunt, glancing at him before slowly sheathing his sword, and said warmly:

"Shamo Li, it's been some time since we last saw each other. It seems you've been staying out of trouble in Shanyue, and your cultivation level has improved significantly!"