Family Cultivation: I Become a Mirror-Chapter 255 - 234: Paying Respects to the Perfected Person
Tian Youdao listened to these words, his expression blank as he watched him. Tian Zhongqing froze for a moment, then suddenly understood, his hands stopped trembling, his tears ceased to flow, and he slowly kowtowed, saying in a low, desolate voice:
"I understand, uncle."
Unexpectedly, Tian Youdao let out a cold snort and replied:
"It's not as final as that."
Tian Zhongqing was just about to close his eyes and utter his last words, but upon hearing this, his eyes suddenly widened round, coughed twice in between hope and despair, and said hoarsely:
"I am not one to cling to life and fear death!"
Tian Youdao's face finally relaxed a bit, but soon returned to its usual impassivity, as he said sternly:
"Who told Rong'er to be such a useless wretch..."
Tian Zhongqing knew that the "Tian Rong" in Tian Youdao's mouth was his eldest son, and also his only heir. Yet, unfortunately, he had not inherited his father's talent—a prodigal who only cared for cockfights, dogs, and seeking pleasure—a lifelong regret of Tian Youdao.
"Looking at the Tian Clan disciples, their talent is mediocre as it is, and still they know not restraint—honestly, I wish I could beat sense into each one I see. And Tian Rong is the most useless of them all. Only you, with a Spirit Aperture, can safeguard our family business."
Tian Youdao waved his hand, his expression somewhat gloomy, changed the topic, and spoke in a low voice:
"This is not the time for such talk. Our only option now is to turn to someone else."
"Who?"
Tian Zhongqing quickly raised his head, only to see Tian Youdao pondering slightly, then say:
"Li Jingtian."
————
"Come to Xianyou Peak."
This sentence was plain as water, the voice aged and feeble, but to Li Tongya's ears, it was like a thunderclap. He recognized at once that it was Xiao Chuting's voice, filled with both joy and terror, his hand holding the jade chopsticks paused briefly, then quickly set them down.
He answered respectfully, glancing at the others around him who seemed wholly unaware. At this point, the Dharma assembly was nearing its end; the Immortal Sect disciples of the upper seats had already departed, and few Foundation Establishment families remained. Li Tongya rose, departed from the formation, and made for the mountain.
Looking down at the rapid Yue River below, and the pines and cypresses dotting the mountain, Li Tongya's suspicious nature brought a wave of hesitation in his heart. While his face betrayed nothing, inwardly, the waves were surging fiercely.
"Xiao Chuting's 'Elder Above the Stream' just happens to correspond in Dao with my Vast Sea... He has shown me much favor; so many coincidences, it's hard not to be suspicious."
Yet the Xiao Family's kindness to the Li Family was as weighty as a mountain; Li Tongya felt somewhat guilty over his suspicions. By now, though, the road of retreat was already cut off; he could only suppress his doubts, traversed the mountain quietly for a while, and landed before that highest and most illustrious peak.
The formation on the peak was separate from the rest; halfway up the mountain, an opening was made for Li Tongya's entry, sparing him the climb from the foot—thoughtful, just giving Li Tongya enough face without degrading his own status too much.
Li Tongya nodded slightly, landing upon the mountainside. There, amidst the windswept, age-old winter grass, a wooden stairway wound upwards; Xiao Yuansi was already awaiting him. Upon seeing Li Tongya, he gave a soft laugh, clasped his hands, and said:
"Taoist Fellow, please—"
After all, this was a formal setting; Xiao Yuansi addressed him as "Taoist Fellow," not as the friendly "Tongya Brother" of ordinary days. Li Tongya nodded in response, returning the salute:
"Thank you for your trouble, Taoist Fellow."
The two ascended together, seemingly gliding just above the ground. Only after the time it takes for one incense stick to burn did they finally reach the summit of Xianyou Peak.
At the summit, the sound of trickling water could be heard. Between two broken peaks lay a deep pool, shrouded in cold mist, bordered by hardy blossoms and herbs. A scene of the Immortal Clan, indeed. Upon the cliff sat an old man clad in white, looking energetic, smiling at the two of them.
Xiao Yuansi inclined his head, motioning for him to proceed to the broken cliff while he himself remained standing where he was. Li Tongya alighted lightly upon the stones, landing before Xiao Chuting. He bowed deeply and said with due reverence:
"Junior Tongya greets the Perfected Person! Congratulations on achieving Zifu and establishing the Immortal Clan!"
Xiao Chuting gave a gentle nod. Li Tongya patted his waist, took out a jade box, and presented it with both hands, respectfully saying:
"Junior congratulates the Perfected Person with a gift: one Golden Rattan Fruit!"
The jade box, naturally, had been swapped. The one salvaged from the ruins of Wangyue Lake's market was far too mysterious; Li Tongya could hardly be so prodigal as to gift that as a mere container. This box was a new one—he had put away the original long ago.
"Oh?"
Xiao Chuting raised an eyebrow slightly, took the jade box from his hands, opened it with a gentle motion, revealing a golden-hued, iridescent spiritual object, its skin tender, with shimmering light playing across its surface.
The fruit, once arrogant, was now trembling in fear, unable to speak, only making silent cursing motions with its mouth. When Xiao Chuting lifted it for a look, even the mouthing stopped. Xiao Chuting nodded and said:
"So it is the Golden Rattan Fruit. The vintage is not high—just over a hundred years—but your intention is clear."
Receiving Xiao Chuting's praise, Li Tongya's expression grew even more respectful. Xiao Chuting continued:
"You may rise; no need for so much formality. Sit and talk with me for a while."
"Yes!"
Though Xiao Chuting's words were warm, Li Tongya dared not presume, still maintained the proper courtesy of a disciple, only raising his head slightly in an attitude of attentive listening.
Xiao Chuting nodded, his voice gentle:
"I should be congratulating you; advancing to Foundation Establishment at such a young age—your future is boundless."
Li Tongya hurried to express his thanks, but Xiao Chuting waved him off, smiling:
"No need to fret. I wouldn't devour you—otherwise Yuansi would be furious with me."
This light jest eased Li Tongya's heart, making the atmosphere much more relaxed. Xiao Chuting did not look at Li Tongya's reaction, and continued:
"Your father, Li Mutian, was indeed a good teacher. Hearing Yuansi describe you and your brother, I can almost see your father before my eyes. Pity he passed too soon. I was busy striving for Zifu in those years and never met him."
These were polite words, nothing more. At the time, the Li Family was but a minor Fetal Breathing clan, and Xiao Chuting had no reason to waste words on Li Tongya, let alone find time to visit Li Mutian at Lijing Mountain. Even the help he gave Li Tongya was just a casual play, not sincere, until later when Li Chijin's talent revealed itself and Xiao Chuting began to take the Li Family seriously.
Li Tongya nodded in agreement, letting a trace of regret show. Xiao Chuting gave a soft laugh, then shifted the topic:
"That Yu Family of the dense forest—I have heard of them as well. When young, I once sparred with Yu Yufeng. His palm technique was truly remarkable, and for a while, he was famous in Li Xia County. Later, he was defeated by the younger Yu Yuxie, becoming a stepping stone for the latter's fame, felt deep shame, and gradually faded from view."
Seeing Li Tongya's attentive listening, Xiao Chuting continued:
"Later, Yu Yufeng became an elder in the Yu Family, and I never heard news of him again. Beyond expectation, the Yu Family produced another Foundation Establishment cultivator, and these years on Wangyue Lake have stirred up quite a commotion—I have caught wind of it myself."
He stroked the fishing rod in his hand and spoke softly:
"To suppress the Yu Family, just eliminate 'White Jade Hand' Yu Yufeng."
