Chapter 1232: Register (II)

This was no trivial matter. Li Zhouluo's expression changed sharply as he asked, "Which family? What surname?"

Cui Jueyin smiled bitterly as he answered, "The Ding Family... a small branch living by the lakeside. A widow and her orphaned child. The mother has a little cultivation, but from what I've seen, the matter isn't exactly honorable."

The Ding Family!

Li Zhouluo's suspicions flared as he asked, "This matter may be somewhat abrupt, but how is it dishonorable?"

Cui Jueyin let out a quiet sigh. "The man of the Ding Family was killed by someone from Floating Cloud Cave; Weizeng himself knows the name. Because of that, the widow and her child have not lived poorly. But from what I can tell, that cultivator of the Purple Smoke Gate seems to harbor... certain feelings for the widow. He once lodged there, and it's said that their voices carried to the neighbors on a windy night. Fortunately, no one recognized him, and the child seemed not to resist."

"He's a proper Foundation Establishment cultivator, yet didn't even set up a formation? Such audacity in his indulgence..."

Li Zhouluo's expression turned a bit strange. A dignified cultivator of the Purple Smoke Gate could easily have kept such noise hidden. He could only sigh at the man's peculiar tastes.

Now understanding the situation, he hesitated for a while before saying awkwardly, "We should still inform Ding Weizeng. In any case, it could be considered a fortunate turn. But what sort of man is that Purple Smoke Gate cultivator? Is he fickle or lustful? I only worry that he might abandon her after a few years, then it would reflect poorly on us."

Cui Jueyin replied, "The child is named Ding Mu. The cultivator from the Purple Smoke Gate is the master of Tether Bell Peak, called Cao Chu, Dao titled Huxizi. He has no reputation for being unfaithful, but he already has one wife and two concubines within his peak. If he brings her back, she will become another concubine."

Li Zhouluo had no solution to that and replied with some embarrassment, "If both sides are willing, we should still wait for the Purple Smoke Gate's steward to come and discuss it. From what I see, our side is at a disadvantage. This matter must be handled properly."

"Indeed!"

Ding Mu was not a direct descendant of the Li Family, nor of any prominent lineage. His relation to Ding Weizeng was distant at best, making the issue less sensitive. Still, since he was under the Li Family, such matters required communication between the two Purple Mansion Realm factions.

Cui Jueyin said, "Daoist Cao Chu has already reported this to his gate. Someone should be sent over soon to discuss the arrangements."

"Good!" Li Zhouluo let out a small breath of relief, watched Cui Jueyin depart, and began to think,

That boy Ding Mu will surely be weak and alone in the gate. This is the perfect chance to offer help in his time of need. If handled well, he could grow within the Purple Smoke Gate and one day become a solid connection. He could be an entirely beneficial prospect.

Since Li Jiangqian had emerged from seclusion, Li Zhouluo could finally relax. Only two matters remained: announcing the list and conducting the ancestral rites.

"Go invite Jiangqian."

A short while later, Li Jiangqian entered the hall. Li Zhouluo greeted him with a smile and said, "The day of the family's ancestral rite is drawing near. The usual traditions remain, but the demonic creature must still be captured. Are we using a Foundation Establishment Realm demonic beast this year? Such creatures are hard to find now..."

The sacrificial demonic creature for the Li Family's ceremony was usually decided by its Foundation Establishment Realm members. Since Li Minggong was still in seclusion, the decision would fall to Li Chenghuai and Li Jiangqian.

Testing the waters, Li Zhouluo said gently, "The family's finances are rather strained, and you've only just reached the Foundation Establishment Realm. I think it would be best to keep things simple this year."

After all, with Li Minggong in seclusion, it was unlikely that both Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators would go out together to hunt a demonic creature. The task would likely fall to Li Chenghuai, whose cultivation was higher. Whether through combat or pursuit, it was a dangerous undertaking in uncertain times.

To Li Zhouluo, the ceremony was merely a formality. Given the circumstances, there was no need for such extravagance.

Li Jiangqian understood his concerns. Inwardly, he was still contemplating how to obtain talisman qi and thought to himself,

If I head to the Eastern Sea or Helin, I wonder if I can make it in time...

It was not that he feared failing to catch one, whether or not Li Chenghuai helped, Li Jiangqian himself could subdue those rogue beasts with ease. But the family was no longer what it once was. Once a humble Foundation Establishment Realm household ignored by all, now it stood as a Purple Mansion Realm family. With their Daoist Master away from the lake and many eyes watching, any large commotion could draw suspicion.

If Li Ximing were here, he could have simply reached into the great void, captured one, and placed it upon the mountain for the ritual with no one knowing. Even if someone did notice, they would simply think it was for alchemy. But with him absent, hauling a massive demonic creature home themselves would certainly appear improper.

𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Frowning slightly, Li Jiangqian replied, "What you say is reasonable, family head. This matter should be discussed further. I will consult the old elder before making a decision."

Li Zhouluo nodded and handed over the register, a golden-edged scroll listing the names, from the table. He said softly, "This is the list for the conferments. Take a look, Jiangqian."

Li Jiangqian smiled instead of taking the scroll, bowed, and replied, "There's no need. The family head may proceed with the arrangements. I'll take a walk around the island to have a look."

————

On the island.

As dawn broke over the lake, the residence bustled with excitement. Two majestic stone tigers before the mansion were draped in red silk, while the servants on both sides wore red robes, laughing and calling out,

"Congratulations... congratulations..."

The plaque above the main gate gleamed, and the gilded words Eastern Dawn glowed in the morning light. A plump and fair Li Xixuan stood before the mansion dressed in festive red robes, with attendants on both sides addressing him respectfully as "Master."

The Eastern Dawn residence was the ancestral home of the Yuanwan lineage. Once spacious, it had since been divided into quarters for the many descendants. Each courtyard had been split into four houses, and each house into four rooms. Though grand outside, it was now cramped within. Every time Li Xixuan stood at the gate, he would sigh; but today, he sighed no more; his face was radiant with joy.

Inside waited Li Minggong's younger brother, face glowing and wearing a colorful head scarf. The guests treated him with marked respect. As a group of visitors entered, a man in short robes came forward, grinning as he said, "Brother, with your sons and nephews all receiving conferment, would you like a finer residence? I know of a few excellent spots..."

The middle-aged man with the floral scarf was in high spirits and treated the real estate brokers who approached him with unusual courtesy, smiling as he said, "Give it a few days, and there'll be plenty for you to earn!"

He laughed heartily as he led the broker inside. The courtyard, though narrow, was packed with well-wishers. He walked proudly with his head high and chest out, in striking contrast to his now wary-eyed father, Li Xixuan.

Li Chengzai declared in a loud, confident voice, "In this round of family conferments, our Yuanwan East Residence has five who received honors, spanning four family lineages, everyone..."

He raised his cup with a smile. "The main seat cherishes his kin, and the families thrive in harmony! Let us toast, for the lake, for the island, and for the clan!"