That mocking voice sapped half of Baotuo’s strength. His legs stiffened as he stood, as he found a woman standing on his threshold, holding the hand of his precious daughter.
His mind went blank. The woman wore pale azure feathered robes. Her black hair was like ink, with a white blossom pinned in it, and her eyes were shrouded in a misty purple gleam. Before he could even fully register her face, he heard a soft thud beside him.
Thump!
Li Chengzhen, who had shown no fear before, now was as pale as a porcelain vase. He was utterly terrified. His legs gave out like hollow reeds, and his head slammed into the ground, colliding with Li Baotuo’s waist. The two collapsed into a heap.
The world spun around him. Li Baotuo saw his Family Uncle leap over him like a frog and drop to his knees, crying out, "Chengzhen greets the honored one!"
Baotuo was a beat behind, and when he looked up, he caught sight of Hu Jingye’s expression. The bluster, the flaring beard, and glaring eyes were all gone. Only dazed confusion remained as the man collapsed limply like a pile of mud.
Guest Cultivator Hu, of course, had seen Li Qinghong before. When Li Qinghong had summoned the formation lightning to open the island at the heart of the lake, he had watched from afar. He half-suspected that he would not be able to withstand a single bolt from her. He had never imagined crossing paths with this figure, much less hear a 'Lord Hu is truly imposing' from her.
It was like a bolt of white lightning. It shattered his composure, leaving him broken and dazed as he slumped helplessly to the ground.
Yet Li Qinghong didn’t even spare him a glance. She looked instead at the sweat-drenched Li Chengzhen and asked softly after a moment’s thought, "Chengzhen?"
Li Chengzhen responded with reverence, "My father is Lord Ximing, honored one."
"So you are Ming’er’s son."
That single 'Ming’er' finally shattered Baotuo’s doubts. His forehead stayed pressed to the ground as he now fully recognized her as the living thunder of Qingdu Peak.
Then came her calm remark, "I was merely passing by, and ended up witnessing quite the performance!"
Hu Jingye finally came to his senses. His lips trembled, but no words emerged. His face was pale as paper as he said, "Honored one... you’ve misunderstood..."
It’s only because I came... If it had been my uncle, who’s far more protective of the family, this Hu fellow would’ve already lost his head... thought Li Qinghong.
Li Qinghong’s voice was light and melodic, "I found the child pleasing and spoke with her a bit. Yet, you were already scheming to marry her off to your son? Hu Jingye, such an excellent plan you've made. Even the marriages of my family’s major sect are within your grasp now?
"Seems the family chief's court has been too strict... and you think the main lineage of my family are all spineless weaklings? Hmm?"
"Hon... honored one..." The softer Li Qinghong’s tone, the more Hu Jingye could feel the cold fury behind her words. She was known across the Li Family for her gentle temperament, and no one had ever angered her before. Hu Jingye was the first, and his courage had already collapsed.
He stammered, unable to speak, his eyes rolling back as he nearly fainted. Li Qinghong flicked a finger, instantly sealing away all his cultivation.
She said softly, "Chengzhen, deliver him to Chenghuai."
Li Chengzhen hurried to summon men to carry him away. Then Li Qinghong said, "Baotuo’s line hasn’t returned to the family in years. My uncle misses them dearly. Bring them along to meet him too."
Li Chengzhen gave a respectful reply. Li Qinghong then vanished with the girl in a flash of lightning. Li Baotuo still knelt on the ground, while Hu Jingye lay there motionless, limbs cold, eyes staring blankly at the sky.
"Congratulations, Baotuo!" Li Chengzhen walked right past the fallen Hu Jingye as if he didn’t exist, smiling as he helped Li Baotuo to his feet. Streams of divine light fell from the sky, and Li Baotuo felt like he was dreaming as distant congratulations rang all around him.
————
Pingya Island.
Li Shuwan looked slightly pale as she landed atop the peak. She had heard of the great lake since childhood, but never imagined Moongaze Lake could be so vast. It had only taken them a blink, but they had crossed countless surging waves and arrived at this island.
It was her first time seeing such a palace. Before she could even take it in, she saw an old man seated in the hall. Seven points of verdant light shimmered across his robe.
He looked kind and welcoming, smiling warmly as he rose and said, "Shuwan, you’re here..."
Li Shuwan responded politely. On the far side of the hall stood a youth clad in dark crimson robes laced with gold, his face turned slightly toward her. Sunlight spilled over him. She only glanced once, and her eyes throbbed painfully, causing tears to well uncontrollably.
Li Xuanxuan simply thought she was frightened and tried to comfort her. Li Qinghong sighed and recounted what had just occurred. Then she said, "Uncle, the family’s discipline is indeed overly strict. The major sects fare well on the continent, but minor ones still suffer greatly within the prefectures."
Li Zhouwei glanced thoughtfully at the girl before looking up and replying, "My uncle has mentioned the matter too. But binding agreements are like iron hoops, they cannot be undone easily. Li Baotuo is a minor sect member, after all. If not for those restrictions, how could he even have gotten Hu Jingye to visit? Most people wouldn’t dare speak in Hu Jingye’s presence. Once one receives special favor, a few restraints are necessary, lest they turn to oppress others."
Li Xuanxuan tucked a scroll into Shuwan’s arms, gently urging her to study it in the side hall. Though he said little, he clearly shared Li Qinghong’s sympathy for their kin.
Li Zhouwei said solemnly, "The gap between cultivation realms is hard to cross. If we ease restrictions here, they might no longer be bullied by cultivators. But they’ll begin to bully mortals instead. That would only create new classes among the common people. It’s not a good thing."
Li Qinghong nodded and replied, "I’ll leave it to your judgment. Our family has always strived to be fair, though grievances are inevitable. Still, we must not chill the hearts of our disciples. This trip of mine was meant to rally the branches, which is why I was a bit harsh."
As the three finished their discussion, Li Shuwan returned from the side hall and said softly, "Honored ones, I’ve memorized it."
"That was fast!" said Li Xuanxuan as he nodded with a smile. The criteria for talisman seeds had grown increasingly stringent, and the children selected had grown more exceptional. He had tested her with just two lines, and she answered them all.
Li Zhouwei turned slightly and said, "Bring the eldest young master here."
Li Jiangqian soon arrived in the hall, cheerfully greeting all three elders, then calling out to Li Shuwan. Smiling, Li Qinghong tossed out the Chongming Profound Insight Screen, and the two children began reciting the incantation in unison.
Li Zhouwei’s gaze lingered on Shuwan. As the two children sat cross-legged to receive the talisman seeds, he stepped forward slightly. The dark red and gold sheen of his robe shimmered faintly as he said, "This child’s soul seems unusual. She may be able to glimpse others' secrets."
"Mmm," Li Qinghong had sensed it as well and replied softly. The three waited in anticipation. After an entire night had passed, a glimmer of light finally appeared within the screen. Both children opened their eyes simultaneously, expressions tinged with strangeness.
Li Jiangqian’s face was filled with sudden realization. He clapped his hands together, stood up, and bowed, "I’ve received the talisman. Thank you, elders, for your protection!"
Li Shuwan, on the other hand, looked utterly stunned and curious. When she saw her elder brother bow, she quickly followed suit and expressed her thanks. She then looked up, only to find all four elders staring at her in astonishment.
Li Qinghong rose abruptly. An orange glow was slowly emerging between the girl’s brow. The pearl-sized glow was shaped like a flower petal, and was radiating gentle light. It pulsed three times before gradually fading away.