Golden clouds shimmered as rolling sand drifted across the lake's surface. Colors swirled through the sky, and towering purple-gold pillars rose high. The formation activated on its own, halting the smoke and sand at both ends.

Streaks of bright light arrived one after another, halting in the sky before swiftly gathering above the lakeside cave dwelling between the purple-gold pillars, silently watching one another.

It is the cave dwelling of the Seventh Western Pillar...

A breath later, a black-robed man arrived riding the wind, his expression subtle. The cultivators on both sides immediately bowed and greeted him respectfully.

"Dharma Protector Chen!"

Chen Yang nodded. He glanced at the ever-changing phenomenon in the sky and roughly understood what was happening. But when he looked at the location of the cave dwelling, something felt off, and he murmured, "The Fifth Young Master?"

The cultivators on both sides lowered their heads together. One stepped forward and said softly, "My lord... this is the Young Master's seclusion site. He chose this lakeside cave dwelling himself back then."

The Fifth Young Master Chen Yang spoke of was naturally Li Zhouming. Yet he had never expected someone of Li Zhouming's status to choose not the most central location of the island, but this grassy lakeside... It looked more like a retreat a guest cultivator would use.

In truth, he had never cared much for this infamous wastrel. After watching coldly for a moment, he even felt a hint of relief and thought to himself, He must have failed at Foundation Establishment Realm... Perhaps that is for the best. With such a wastrel young master around, every family has been put in a difficult position.

His face showed deep regret. After waiting for a while with no one emerging, the people around him shook their heads quietly. Yet no one seemed surprised, and they began discussing who should open the cave dwelling.

After all, Li Zhouming lacked both temperament and ability. When he became overbearing, everyone had to yield to him. Worse, he was stubborn and fixated on a few rigid principles. When orders were issued across the island, they usually allowed some flexibility, but if he happened to notice that flexibility, he would stir up a storm without fail.

Thus, Chen Yang sighed on the surface and glanced around. Many looked relieved. But as the current leading figure of the Chen Family, a man of exceptional talent and ability, Chen Yang thought more deeply.

In recent years, Xia Shouyu has kept a low profile, yet she has kept tight control over Milin Prefecture and Cuoxiang[1]. She has grasped the lifeline of qi gathering and, together with Li Quewan, raised the requirements higher and higher, quietly promoting lesser families and lineages...

Chen Yang could not say he disliked their actions. It was simply a method of balance. One was born overseas, while the other was from a remote branch lineage. Naturally, they did not favor the main line or prestigious families. Now, some rare and unique spiritual qi was being directed more toward lesser families, quietly weakening those who had long benefited. Yet both were valued figures in the eyes of the two Daoist Masters, so although there were complaints below, no one dared to voice them.

Although Chen Yang did not feel much attachment to the Chen Family and could simply send subordinates to handle qi gathering himself, he now had two sons and would soon have grandchildren. There were still one or two cultivation methods he wanted for his descendants, so he naturally hoped the two would restrain themselves.

Xia Shouyu knows her place. She is only currying favor with Li Quewan. Once Li Zhouming is dead and she loses her backing, she will not dare involve herself in such unpopular matters. As long as she eases her grip, and with Li Quewan often occupied with cultivation and duties, this net will loosen considerably.

He felt somewhat relieved inside, though his face remained mournful as he said softly, "The Young Master has always been highly regarded... At the very least, someone from the direct line of his generation should be invited over..."

As soon as he finished speaking, a burly man arrived riding thunder. His imposing, slightly fierce face was filled with shock as he turned and asked, "Dharma Protector Chen! What happened here?!"

This man was Li Zhouda, successor to Li Chenghui's legacy. He had already been at Foundation Establishment Realm for quite some time. His temper was fierce and his courage decisive, which suited his cultivation method well. His progress was rapid, and the six silver command tokens swaying at his waist made others wary.

Power and position could indeed shape a man. He had once been known for recklessness and impulsiveness, nearly losing his chance at succession because of it. But after leading the Jade Court for a few years, that same recklessness now resembled authority.

Yet the moment he arrived, the expression of a Qi Cultivation Realm cultivator in long robes on the far right changed. He cast Li Zhouda a dark glance, said nothing, and silently rode the wind away.

Chen Yang saw it all and sneered inwardly, This Li Zhoutui is just a coward with a stubborn temper. He always says Li Zhouda is petty and holds grudges, but who is truly narrow-minded is not so clear!

"The Fifth Young Master... may have fallen."

Chen Yang spoke a few words in regretful explanation, causing the burly man's expression to freeze. At that moment, Xia Shouyu arrived riding flames with Li Xuanxuan. She kept her gaze lowered as she supported the elderly man, appearing quiet and composed.

Li Xuanxuan's lips were slightly pale. He raised a hand and remained silent for a while, a trace of confusion on his face. The life jade at Mount Qingdu shows no reaction...

Li Quewan, who arrived afterward, remained relatively calm. Her gaze swept across the lake, though it was unclear what she was looking for. A young man approached riding the wind, his face filled with grief. "Cousin... Old elder..."

"Zhouxun!" Li Zhouda glanced at him, wiped his eyes, and said, "You and I will go together... Back when you cultivated by the lake, the Fifth Young Master gave you many spirit items."

Li Zhouxun responded with a slight tremble, his refined face filled with disappointment. This direct descendant of the Li Family had once voluntarily given up his claim to Li Chenghui's inheritance, and thus maintained good relations with Li Zhouda and Li Zhoutui. He had also earned the regard of Li Xuanxuan and others. Whether that was a loss or a gain was hard to say.

Chen Yang composed himself and stood guard with a serious expression. At that moment, a small boat approached from the lakeside. A boatman in a straw raincoat guided it with a pole, singing loudly, "White steeds race across the western ridges, descendants await immortal ascension. The nine qi gather to form the Bright Light platform. Can the mortal world bring joy? With enchanting grace and subtle cultivation, how many truly find their destined path?"

Li Zhouda froze as the song echoed over the lakeside. Beside him, Li Zhouxun's expression turned strange as he kept silent. The Qi Cultivation Realm cultivators around them said nothing, exchanging wordless glances. Li Quewan, however, let out a soft laugh and shook her head with pursed lips.

The boatman's Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation was unmistakable, his Bright Yang aura surging. Who else could it be? The elderly man in the sky flushed red. His tightly pressed lips trembled, his eyes showing both anger and joy. He clenched his fist and cursed inwardly, Ridiculous...

Li Zhouda stood stunned for a moment, both angry and amused. Yet there was clear joy in his eyes as he cursed, "This bastard! Forming an Immortal Foundation with more spectacle than a Daoist Master breaking through to the Purple Mansion Realm! Where did he even learn this from?!"

The old man feared embarrassing him in front of everyone, but Xia Shouyu flicked her white robes and descended with a cold smile, landing before the boat as she said, "Fifth Young Master, what an impressive display."

Startled, the boatman dropped his pole and gave a somewhat ingratiating smile. "So it is Madam..."

The moment Xia Shouyu saw his smile, most of her anger faded. She spoke with mild annoyance, "I was wondering who would choose a lakeside cave dwelling... Whose boat did you snatch this time?"

"What kind of accusation is that?!" Li Zhouming looked a bit embarrassed. He rose into the air with her and replied, "I paid him quite a sum! I was just in a rush, and worried I would not finish setting up the scene before you arrived, so I hurriedly dropped him off on shore. Who knows where he is now?"

Xia Shouyu could not help but laugh. She rolled her eyes and linked arms with him. Together they rose into the air, hearing the cultivators on both sides offer their congratulations.

"My lord, congratulations on achieving the Immortal Foundation!"

Li Zhouming glanced around. Though he could laugh at Xia Shouyu's cold sarcasm, he now wore a cold expression at the cultivators' flattery. He forced a smile and looked toward Li Xuanxuan, but the old man turned his head away and refused to look at him.

Li Zhouda was overjoyed. He grabbed his hand and said seriously, "With such a great occasion, we brothers must have a proper drink!"

Li Zhouming nodded repeatedly and replied, "We should first pay our respects to the Daoist Master."

After some lively chatter, the crowd gradually dispersed. Li Zhouming hurried to comfort the old man. Li Xuanxuan did not make things difficult for him and simply shook his head, telling him to head to the northern shore.

"Jiangnian has just come out of seclusion and is preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm. You should go together and pay a visit to the Daoist Master."

Li Zhouming did not let him go just yet. He asked about his health and listened to the recent developments in the north. Seeing that only trusted people were around, he said, "I do not like some of the people on this island. They are like fleas living in fur. Things are still too crowded here. With the pressure from the north, it would be better to send more of them over there."

Li Quewan gave him a surprised look. Xia Shouyu lowered her head without saying a word. Li Xuanxuan simply turned and said, "You are overthinking. Jianglong and Jiangqian have already arranged everything."

Though Li Zhouming had just broken through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, he showed little joy and merely said, "I understand what you mean. There are many like Fei Chingyi. I am only saying it. Zhouda and Zhouxun are both good brothers now. I hear they have already gone to Mount Tangdao. Why is it always my family that stands at the front line, while those prestigious families remain comfortable?"

Li Quewan let out a soft sigh and replied, "Clan Uncle has considered this well. The north-south conflict once broke the backbone of the Tian and Xu Families. No one knows whose turn will come next. They are uneasy as well. The arrangements are only being slowed so they do not become too anxious."

Only then did Li Zhouming understand, and he replied, "I understand... I will head over now."

1. An ancient dharma artifact furnace. ☜