Chapter 1229: Great Li Codex (I)

Li Chenghuai was momentarily stunned. Li Zhouluo quickly rose, handed over several memorials from the desk, and explained quietly. As Li Chenghuai read, his brows furrowed, and he raised an eyebrow. "So they've been waiting for me to come out..."

After finishing the report on the western shore, he received Li Zhouluo's handling of the matter. After a brief look, he shook his head and said, "Executing them in court wasn't the right move. You lack authority, and you feared damaging family relations..."

He read through the report about the conferment matter last, paused briefly, and said nothing further. He only sighed softly and replied, "Let's go."

Li Zhouluo felt as though a five hundred kilogram burden had been lifted from his shoulders as soon as Li Chenghuai exited seclusion. He removed his black robe, draped it over his arm, and followed quickly.

Ahead, Li Chenghuai asked, "Where is the conferment register?"

Li Zhouluo always kept it close to his chest. He handed it to his father, who glanced through it briefly and said, "The two lineages are balanced enough. Not bad, though there are a few too many names. Still, since the old elder sent Jiangqian, a few extra won't matter."

Li Zhouluo did not mention Li Xuanxuan's intentions, yet Li Chenghuai already understood when he calculated the timing. As he walked forward, Li Chenghuai suddenly asked, “There were originally three chosen candidates in the ancestral records for Brother Chenghui's inheritance. How are those three doing now?"

Li Zhouluo had been following the matter and immediately replied, "The one with the closest bloodline and most fitting age is Zhoutui. He's been diligently cultivating in the island these days; he’s quite proactive in both training and tending the spirit fields..."

"The older one, Li Zhouda, is also of close blood. He's quick and decisive in his work and is currently serving in Jade Court, but he has a poor temper. Last year he got drunk and beat a family member; someone even reported him to Qingdu."

He paused slightly before continuing, "There's another, of more distant lineage, named Li Zhouxun. The late elder had him temporarily stay in the manor. It seems he gave up early on any hope for the position and instead used this period to focus on cultivation."

Li Chenghuai pondered for a moment and shook his head, "A difficult choice..."

Though Li Zhoutui behaved well, his display of weeping during the funeral had been unpleasant. Zhouda's violent temper made one hesitant, while Li Zhouxun, whether out of respect for Li Chenghui's bloodline or something else, had already withdrawn himself. Even if Li Chenghuai wanted to help him, it would be difficult.

After much thought, the two stopped in the corridor, and he asked, "What of their cultivation levels?"

Li Zhouluo bowed. "Zhouda has already entered the Qi Cultivation Realm. He's a well-known brother in the family with slightly higher recognition. The other two are still at the Embryonic Breathing Realm. Both Zhoutui and Zhouxun are of similar age and cultivation level."

Though Li Zhouluo did not state it outright, his meaning was clear. Even though both received equal treatment from the island, the resources Zhoutui inherited from his father's lineage far exceeded what the weaker Zhouxun could access, proving that his innate ability was inferior.

Li Chenghuai understood at once, took a step forward, and nodded. "I understand. Do not voice any opinion on this matter. The Dao lineage has already been assigned. Who among them will achieve the Foundation Establishment Realm is yet to be seen. Moreover, the dharma artifacts are still kept within the family. I'll find a chance to meet Zhouxun myself. Don't favor anyone, nor show approval toward any side."

If not for what Li Xuanxuan had told him earlier, Li Zhouluo might have been confused by his father's words. Now, however, he understood perfectly and replied, "I already understand, father. I haven't met any of them privately in all these years."

"Good." Li Chenghuai acknowledged with a smile and said, "It's rare to have you tempered by three years of experience. You've matured quite a bit."

Li Zhouluo could only give an embarrassed smile and answered, "I now understand the gravity of things. If not for the old elder's guidance, the lake our family maintained for six generations would have been ruined by me within just a few years."

The middle-aged man before him shook his head and replied, "The good governance of our ancestors for a hundred years is only enough for their descendants to rule mediocrity for one generation. A single generation of mediocrity cannot withstand three years of tyranny by the next..."

He was still instructing his eldest son when an apricot-yellow glow suddenly rose into the sky, drifting gently toward the heavens. Midway up, it fell back down and transformed into clusters of apricot-colored Radiant Fire that swept across the lake.

The Radiant Fire varied in size, glimmering elegantly in the air like countless floating river lanterns. The night had not yet fully faded, and the pale dawn light reflected the fiery glow across the lake's surface, drawing nearby cultivators to ride the wind and gather in curiosity.

Buzz!

In the distance, the formation over Mount Qingdu flared to life. Colors shot up toward the heavens as the Morning Mist formation activated, sweeping across the sky and dispersing all the nearby Radiant Fire.

Li Zhouluo's eyes lit up. At the same time, Li Chenghuai swiftly soared into the air, circling once before spotting a crimson-robed man riding upon flames. His robe hung loosely around a pure white undershirt, and strands of his black hair burned faintly with apricot-yellow fire.

The man was tall and lean, with long black brows and golden eyes. His arms were folded across his chest; a sword hung at his waist; and he casually rested a small round hammer against his shoulder.

Seeing Li Chenghuai approach, the young man smiled with youthful vigor and greeted him, "Greetings, Greatuncle! Congratulations!"

Li Jiangqian clasped his hands in salute, and Li Chenghuai returned the gesture with a smile. As others began to arrive, Li Jiangqian lifted his head slightly and asked first, "How is Quewan?"

Li Zhouluo had just caught up and replied with a smile, "Quewan went into seclusion earlier this year, saying she needed to adjust her breath and perfect her cultivation before choosing a day to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm."

"Good."

Though Li Jiangqian's position was not high in his generation, his status was special. Once he formed his Immortal Foundation, his authority would undergo a marked transformation. He saluted everyone and then spoke again, "Has there been any news from my father or the Daoist Master?"

Li Chenghuai shook his head as he led him down to the island. Li Jiangqian stood waiting when they reached the courtyard. After everyone had taken their seats, he glanced around and noticed that one person was missing: Li Zhouming.

Li Jiangqian waited patiently. After the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, a young man in red robes hurried in from outside the hall. Li Zhouming dared not meet Li Xuanxuan's gaze and timidly took a seat on the side.

The old man's eyes were sharp. Though the youth's clothes were neat, his boots were mismatched and his hair ornaments plain. It was obvious he had gone out that morning dressed in bright colors to ride a horse, most likely to flirt with some girl by the lakeshore.

Li Jiangqian then clasped his hands in salute and said, "Honored elders, this junior has successfully cultivated the Immortal Foundation from the Great Li Codex. The Radiant Fire remains ever by my side. When stirred, it can dispel golden Astral Qi, consume Horn Wood, burn metal, and boil the seas. When still, it can calm flames, draw in Li Light, and not even startle a bird in flight..."

He had spoken only these few words when the others around him began to offer their congratulations. Li Jiangqian acknowledged their praise with a nod. Li Xuanxuan watched quietly before clearing his throat and saying, "That will do for now, everyone. You may go."

The elder waved his hand to dismiss the others. He then drew Li Jiangqian inside, closed both doors, and asked, "Well? You've cultivated our family's sixth-grade technique. No one in our family has ever succeeded in mastering it. There must be something remarkable about it."