Everyone has his own agenda.
For Li Jiangqian, who had taken charge of the central island, stability was paramount. The last thing he wanted was an overbearing Milin Mountain master. A law-abiding Qi Cultivation Realm elder suited his interests best, hence his immediate nomination of Chen Donghe.
Though Li Jiangxia's words sounded pleasant, in truth he merely wished to avoid a superior above him. Li Jiangqian was far away on the lake, but the Milin master would be right beside him. Anyone assigned there would have to heed his influence, so leaving the post vacant was naturally most convenient.
Only Li Jianglong, who was departing for Floating South, would have no say in Milin's affairs. Yet for him, a strong Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator entering that position would be ideal, since it would prevent his two brothers from gaining too much authority.
Having heard all of this, Li Zhouwei understood each motive clearly and ordered, "Cui Jueyin of Chongzhou has talent for governance, deep cultivation, and mastery of the arts. I'll let him take charge. Jiangliang shall also enter Milin to cultivate; he need not remain in the island all day."
Li Jiangliang quickly bowed. Though clever, he was still young and did not grasp the full meaning of his father's decision. He smiled as he accepted the order. Only then did Li Zhouwei turn to his youngest, Li Jiangnian, and sigh almost imperceptibly.
"As for Nian'er... stay here on the island and cultivate first. We will speak again once you reach Qi Cultivation Realm. You may all go."
The brothers answered in unison and withdrew. Once they were outside the hall, Li Jianglong took Li Jiangliang by the hand, his face full of warmth as he said cheerfully, "Liang'er, you're such an obedient child. Elder Cui is a direct descendant of Chongzhou, so learn well from him."
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The Azure Pond Sect, Jiutian Pavilion.
Spring rain had just fallen, leaving the stone steps slick and glistening. Li Xizhi, draped in a feathered robe, sat by a low table, pouring tea from a jade pot. A bright emerald hue rippled in the cup, releasing a refreshing fragrance.
He smiled and said, "This is Hundred Longevity Spring, brewed with the spring rain. My lady, please have a taste."
.bg-ssp-10081{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} The woman beside him gazed at him with smiling eyes, lifting the cup delicately for a sip. Li Xizhi brewed another pot, pouring it into a separate cup, and spoke in a serious tone, "This one is called Awakening Warmth. It's a graded tea made from genuine Qi Cultivation Realm spirit items. Though it doesn't taste as pleasant, it calms the mind and steadies one's cultivation."
Yang Xiao'er took the cup and tasted it, her gaze still lingering on him as she smiled and said, "You've been in seclusion for so long; I missed you terribly."
"You..." Li Xizhi chuckled softly. "For Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators like us, a few months in seclusion feel like only a few hours. And yet you miss me already?"
Yang Xiao'er sipped her tea. "Why not? Is that not allowed?"
Li Xizhi could not help but laugh, then grew serious as he said, "Your Immortal Foundation, the Nurturing Treasure Vase, is formidable. Don't underestimate it; it's much like my family's Radiant Origin Pass. The Yang Family has secured a fine thing for you. You'd best focus on cultivating it well."
Yang Xiao'er hesitated slightly at the mention of the Yang Family. Just then, someone walked up the mountain path. It was a round-faced young man in silver-white attire with a neat jade crown and a crimson brocade robe.
Li Xizhi's senior disciple, Quan Yuduan, was lively and prone to overreaction. He hurried forward and said anxiously, "Master, Tantai Jin has arrived with Si Tongyi! Dharma Protector Wushao has gone to greet them; they're already halfway up the mountain!"
Yang Xiao'er immediately rose from her seat, while Li Xizhi sighed helplessly and shook his head. "So that's all it was... Yuduan, your temperament is still lacking. You act purely on whim. You're no heir of the Wang or Xie Families, nor a true heir of a Golden Core cultivator; what makes you think you can act so willfully? Your junior has already gone down the mountain for training, but until you mend your temper, you will not be allowed to leave!"
Quan Yuduan quickly restrained himself and nodded obediently. Life in Jiutian Pavilion was dull, and he had long yearned to go out, so he replied at once, "Yes, master. I will remember your teaching!"
He then quickly withdrew. A man in a magnificent crown soon appeared ascending the path. His cultivation was at the late stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, his bearing graceful and refined. A short sword hung at his waist, and his face bore a polite smile as he greeted, "Greetings, pavilion master."
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