In the reception hall.
The atmosphere had eased, no longer tense like drawn bows and loaded crossbows.
Jiang Han looked at Li Pingfu, who remained composed without arrogance, then glanced at his eldest son while stroking his beard with a proud expression. His eyes seemed to say: See, your old man's judgment isn't bad, this lad truly has martial talent!
Jiang Qi secretly curled his lips but didn't argue. This time he had indeed lost composure because of his younger sister, allowing his father to gain the upper hand.
But so what? As long as his sister found a good match!
He looked at Li Pingfu, finding him more pleasing to the eye by the minute, feeling rather like a mother-in-law sizing up her prospective son-in-law.
Originally thinking his own martial talent wasn't bad, compared to this lad, he could clearly sense the gap.
Most crucially, Li Pingfu's dedication to martial arts was exceptionally firm.
He couldn't help sighing inwardly - each generation has its own talents emerging.
"Your martial bone and talent are good. If willing, you can come to the Jiang family or our escort agency to spar with others anytime," Jiang Qi said with a smile. Having accepted Li Pingfu in his heart, he naturally considered for him. Remembering Li Pingfu's unsatisfied expression after their earlier fight, he chuckled inwardly.Come to our escort agency - every fighter here is skilled, we'll make sure you have a proper "workout."
"Thank you, Brother Jiang."
Li Pingfu immediately brightened. Jiang Qi, having traveled extensively, had versatile and cunning techniques. Though Li Pingfu appeared a "master," his experience in Flat Peach Town was just small-scale practice, lacking real life-and-death battles.
Thus some techniques remained inadequately grasped.
Take the simplest example - the White Tiger Technique's movements were majestic with wide swings, thunderous in momentum, pleasing to spectators but actually wasted physical strength and internal energy, creating unnecessary openings.
Whereas Jiang Qi's movements were beautifully controlled, changing unpredictably, often shifting through multiple stances within a few breaths, dazzling the eye while concealing killing intent.
Moreover, Jiang Qi hadn't even used his sword - one must remember he was primarily a swordsman.
If he could bridge this gap, Li Pingfu believed that even facing Lin Fengwu again, he wouldn't need to ambush with crossbows first but could seize victory instantly!
Seeing Li Pingfu's excitement, Jiang Qi laughed heartily - he could tell this prospective son-in-law was a martial fanatic!
That was good too - pure dedication meant fewer complications, better for his daughter.
"From today onward, you're my son-in-law," Jiang Qi said, producing a pill bottle. "This is Internal Spirit Elixir. Taking it can enhance internal energy, increasing your chances of breaking through to the Postnatal Realm."
Li Pingfu was visibly moved.
Even if he hadn't eaten pork, he'd seen pigs run. This Internal Spirit Elixir was famously refined by the immortal alchemist "Green Deer Immortal," each pill invaluable beyond mortal gold and silver - only exchangeable for spirit stones or rare treasures.
He didn't refuse. For Master Jiang to offer such precious pills, as a junior to decline would show poor judgment and create distance.
"Thank you, Master Jiang," he accepted solemnly.
Jiang Ling'er covered her mouth laughing, eyes twinkling as she gazed tenderly at Li Pingfu. "Why call him 'Master Jiang'? You should say 'Father' now!"
Li Pingfu's face reddened slightly, finally feeling somewhat flustered.
Though his dark complexion hid the blush well as he steadily called out: "Father, Mother, Eldest Brother."
"Good, good, good."
Jiang Han grinned ear to ear. With such an excellent son-in-law destined to reach the Postnatal Realm, the Jiang family's prestige would surely grow.
..........
Li Pingfu stayed for dinner to discuss wedding arrangements, betrothal gifts and dowry.
Knowing Li Pingfu came from farming stock, Jiang Han didn't embarrass his son-in-law about finances - no matter how much the martial school earned, it couldn't compare to the Jiang family's wealth.
"After you two marry, how about I buy you a four-courtyard house in Yunshui County?" Jiang Han sipped tea, testing the waters.
Though seemingly generous, there was self-interest too - not wanting his daughter to live too far after marriage, so she could visit often.
Li Pingfu hesitated.
Living in Yunshui County would make visiting his parents inconvenient. Though Li Rongzhou never mentioned dividing the family, Li Pingfu disliked being too far from his parents, unable to care for them.
The Jiangs were already extremely generous to their "poor son-in-law," gifting an Internal Spirit Elixir. Refusing would seem ungrateful.
Yet he slowly placed the immortal pill on the table. "Since childhood, learning martial arts cost my family much silver saved through parents' and brothers' frugality. Now having achieved something, I should care for them more."
Yunshui County was some distance from Flat Peach Town. If anything happened to his parents in Peach Blossom Village, regret would come too late.
Li Pingfu never forgot those hard times when the Li family supported each other.
Jiang Qi frowned, pressuring sternly: "Li Pingfu, it's not about denying filial piety, you—"
Before he finished, Jiang Ling'er sprang up. "Brother, enough! Pingfu-ge can live wherever he chooses. I'll live wherever he does."
Somewhat angry, she knew her brother meant well testing Li Pingfu, but her affection had been one-sided, making her insecure.
Now finally seeing hope after long hardship, she feared ruining it and spoke urgently.
Jiang Qi had no rebuttal. With his sister speaking thus, what could he do?
Jiang Han just shook his head - daughters follow their husbands, girls can't be kept at home!
..........
After dining at the Jiang residence,
Jiang Ling'er took Li Pingfu sightseeing around Yunshui County.
Her fair face flushed pink, eyes smiling like holding clear spring water, heart settled with indescribable relief.
"Pingfu-ge, where would you like to visit? Yunshui's east street has food and taverns, south street has martial schools..." Jiang Ling'er counted off knowledgeably on her fingers.
Li Pingfu already had a destination. "Let's visit Yunshui Academy."
"To see your brother?"
Jiang Ling'er tilted her head, remembering Li Pingfu mentioning a scholarly brother named Li Ping'an.
Arriving at the academy, after sending word, soon two students approached hand in hand.
Jiang Ling'er observed curiously, immediately identifying "Li Ping'an" - the brothers shared similar faces.
Li Pingfu's martial training gave him muscular, imposing stature with fiercer demeanor; whereas Li Ping'an was slender with balanced limbs, walking with steady gaze in elegant scholar robes, his handsome features exuding refined grace.
"These three brothers each have distinct traits."
Jiang Ling'er thought of the youngest, Li Pingcan - that bright-eyed, clever lad with sweet mouth calling "Sister Jiang" so endearingly.
Whenever visiting Flat Peach Town, she brought Yunshui specialties for him.
Li Ping'an saw Jiang Ling'er, knowing this was his future sister-in-law from Little Black's letters.
Frowning imperceptibly, he silently critiqued.
Reasonably gentle and pretty, seemingly kind, but sticking so close to his brother in public showed no shame.
He huffed internally, acknowledging his unreasonable bias - possessive of family, uncomfortable with his brother marrying, feeling sour.
"Greetings, sister-in-law," Li Ping'an smiled outwardly.
"Hello, hello!" Jiang Ling'er responded hastily, blushing at "sister-in-law."
Li Ping'an mentally noted - this woman lacked composure.
"Second Brother, next year's spring exams will be at the prefecture, right?" Li Pingfu asked.
The Great Yu Dynasty abolished commanderies, implementing a two-tier "prefecture-county" system.
To prevent local favoritism in exams, candidates took tests at prefectural seats.
"Yes, at Songling Prefecture."
"Then I'll accompany you." Previously Li Rongzhou would go, but now Li Pingfu wished to escort his brother.
If Li Ping'an passed as an immortal official, their family would gain "government staff" status, elevating their standing.
Thinking this, Li Pingfu felt somewhat nervous. "Confident?"
Li Ping'an raised his chin slightly, tone breezy: "Not particularly confident - merely ninety percent sure."
"Haha, Li Weining, showing off again?"
Li Ping'an's companion Zhou Junzhi laughed: "The academy teachers tested Weining with past papers - flawless scores! He could score perfectly not because that's his limit, but because papers have limits. Even teachers say he's certain to pass!"
Jiang Ling'er was astonished - Li Ping'an was this exceptional?
Knowing how conservative old academy teachers were, unwilling to overpraise, their confidence proved his genuine ability!
Then she felt happy - already considering herself family, the Lis' prosperity meant her own.
..........
Li Family. Meditation Room.
Li Pingcan's body continuously emitted waves of light as [Resistance Boost]'s proficiency steadily increased "+1" on his status panel.
Each skill consumed different "MP."
For example, apart from [Hallucinogenic Mushroom], other fungal skills required little MP - at his current vitality, he could produce a thousand [Glowshrooms].
[Moonlight Microbeams] and [Animal Speech] became passive traits without MP cost.
But that same vitality only allowed seventy elemental skill uses.
Of course, not all elemental skills had equal costs - lacking fire affinity, controlling flames at full strength permitted only twenty uses.
Comparing skill types, roughly eight [Plastic King] spells equaled one immortal-tier [Solidification] spell's power.
The Left Protector had only used three spells in their fight, fewer in variety than Li Pingcan's repertoire.
"The road ahead is long."
Concluding cultivation, Li Pingcan connected with his mushrooms, finding the household bustling.
Seeing his youngest approach, Li Rongzhou held house blueprints: "Can'er, what do you think?"
"Renovating our home?"
Li Pingcan quickly realized this prepared for his brother's marriage - couldn't have a county lady living in rural shabbiness.
The Li residence had been rebuilt multiple times already, expanding from the original thatched hut.
Glancing at the plans - impressive! The Lis were truly upgrading, covering seven or eight acres, seven-eight times larger!
"Such a huge estate?" Li Pingcan exclaimed.
Li Rongzhou smiled: "Country construction isn't expensive - build big with many courtyards, maybe a fish pond like wealthy families. Once you all have children, we'll need space."
Pausing, he added: "And some maids."
Jiang Ling'er marrying down would surely bring servants.
Li Pingcan considered seriously: "Let me select them." His hallucinogenic mushrooms could uncover people's secrets and true intentions, efficiently screening loyal servants.
After discussion, when alone, Li Rongzhou whispered: "You'll have your own courtyard with a basement - we'll hide anything unsightly there."
More people meant more gossip, but family growth required adaptation.
Li Pingcan agreed, thinking future array formations could better conceal their secrets.
The wedding proceeded as scheduled.
Due to differing social circles, separate banquets were held - the bride's at the Jiang-purchased Yunshui County house, the groom's at Peach Blossom Village.
Jiang Han's longstanding Yunshui influence drew many dignitaries, even Immortal Official Liang sending gifts.
Despite past Spirit Mountain conflicts, this gesture honored the Jiangs, elevating festivities.
Li Pingfu in red groom's robes looked exceptionally handsome on horseback, drawing crowd admiration - "What a fine son-in-law," "Master Jiang's fine judgment."
Receiving guests, Li Pingcan remained poised, knowing they came for the Jiangs, maintaining dignified composure.
Many who'd pitied Jiang Ling'er's "marrying down" revised their views.
Jiang Qi and Jiang Shan as hosts smiled until facial muscles ached, more exhausting than training.
Post-banquet, Madam Jiang gazed at the suddenly quiet residence, festivities now past, wiping tears.
Jiang Han scolded: "Why cry on this happy day? Inauspicious!"
Yet he too felt hollow - no matter how good the in-laws or son-in-law, losing a daughter hurt.
..........
Compared to Yunshui's social obligations,
Peach Blossom Village's feast was more down-to-earth.
Continuous banquet, firecrackers, red sedan chair, children cheering excitedly to see the bride.
"Marrying a county lady - such grand scale!"
"I always knew Li Pingfu would succeed!"
"You say that now - why didn't you offer your daughter?"
"How do you know I didn't? He only cared for martial arts..."
"Quiet! The bride arrives!"
At the Li residence,
Li Pingfu's brothers, Xie Xiaodao, Li Yuan, Li Chao, Miao Kai all attended excitedly witnessing this.
Jiang Ling'er crossed the fire pan, joining Li Pingfu bowing to seated Li Rongzhou and Lady Qin.
Lady Qin glowed with joy.
Li Rongzhou too was satisfied - having met his daughter-in-law before, knowing her gentle nature held no disdain for their family.
Xie Yuan flitted about busily, finally pausing to watch the couple bow to each other, envy flashing in her eyes.
After ceremonies, feasting concluded the lively day.
..........
That night.
In Li Pingcan's courtyard, two red lanterns swayed as a new maid dozed by the threshold.
Being the favored youngest, his renovated quarters were spacious.
Suddenly a window creaked as if an intruder entered.
Li Pingcan opened his eyes mid-training: "Eldest Brother, shouldn't you be with your bride? Why sneak through my window?"
Caught, Li Pingfu awkwardly said, "Your sister-in-law's asleep."
Avoiding the front door prevented disturbing the maid - still unaccustomed to servants, this class change.
He produced the Internal Spirit Elixir. "Little Brother, this can help you reach the Postnatal Realm."
Confident in his own talent and effort to break through unaided eventually, Li Pingfu wished to give the pill to his brother.
He'd withheld it earlier because without finalized marriage, complications might leave him unable to return it.
"Such a powerful pill?" Li Pingcan marveled - this elixir could spark bloodshed on the black market.
Likely crafted from precious herbs.
After consideration, he accepted - as the family's strongest potential cultivator, optimally utilizing resources was wisest.
Using martial arts as cultivation protection was safer than fragile immortal methods.
Taking the pill, Li Pingcan suddenly asked: "Eldest Brother, do you love Sister Jiang?"
He disliked his brother sacrificing happiness for family advancement by "marrying up" to access Jiang connections.
Remembering Jiang Ling'er's charming, emotive face, Li Pingfu's heart softened, though he said flatly: "She's alright."
What kind of answer was that?
Li Pingcan sighed - since when was "alright" a measure of affection?
But sensing his brother's inner warmth, he shook his head.
Saying "alright" while feeling warmth - you're just emotionally constipated!
After seeing Li Pingfu out,
Li Pingcan held the elixir, sensing its potent essence before swallowing.
Then he practiced Five Spirit Play in his courtyard.
As the medicine integrated, warmth surged within. With each cycle, his movements accelerated, the five spirit animal forms shifting vividly!
"CRACK!"
Li Pingfu's internal energy roared, breaking through the Divine Execution Realm's second layer, continuing toward the Postnatal Realm!