Li Pingfu felt an immense relief.
It was like climbing a mountain—arduous and exhausting during the ascent, but once standing atop the peak and gazing far into the distance, seeing the vast world below, there was a profound realization: “All other mountains seem small from this vantage point!”
“This feeling is extraordinary. After breaking through to the Divine Execution Realm, the killing aura condenses in the eyes. With a single roar, ordinary people’s souls would scatter in terror. Even fellow martial artists of the same realm would be stunned momentarily by surprise.”
The Black Tiger Technique was famed for its power gathering; the combined Tiger-Leopard Thunder Roar and killing aura impact was enough to create a terrifying intimidation effect.
It was a suppression of momentum, a suppression of cultivation level!
Sensing the changes within his body, Li Pingfu secretly marveled and carefully shared his insights with his family.
The Divine Execution Realm united spirit and flesh as one; not only did the spirit surge greatly, but the physique reached a monstrous level. Even when faced with sharp blades, ordinary weapons could at most scratch the surface skin and could not penetrate further.
Unless internal force was attached or immortal spells were used.
To Li Pingcan’s perception, his elder brother was now a ferocious beast—a tiger king among monsters!
“Father, can our family open a martial arts school now?”Perhaps exhilarated by the breakthrough, normally composed Li Pingfu could not help but ask eagerly.
Li Rongzhou laughed heartily, “Of course.”
The eldest son was likely the youngest Divine Execution Realm martial artist in Flat Peach Town, making him the Li Family Martial Arts School’s most impressive signboard!
“Before that, we need to use your breakthrough to the Divine Execution Realm as an excuse to host a banquet for the experts of Flat Peach Town.”
In plain terms, it was to probe the situation, understand allies and enemies, and build connections.
Previously, being only a Blood Qi martial artist, he couldn’t reach a certain social circle, thus had no right to share the “cake.”
But to form a force, you have to rally and intimidate multiple sides; otherwise, the moment you open a martial arts school, you risk getting kicked out!
“Father, I understand.”
Li Pingfu grasped the crucial point and thought of the Weiyuan Escort Agency. Master Zhou had a good relationship with their chief escort, and Weiyuan was quite reputable in town—perhaps they could leverage this connection.
He wrote invitation letters, informing the martial arts school masters and scattered experts in town of his breakthrough and banquet, while personally inviting Weiyuan Escort Agency’s chief escort Zhao Huafeng through Zhou Enxian’s network.
Li Pingcan sent Little Black to Yunshui County to share the good news with their second elder brother, who was studying at the academy.
With the brush down, a warm joy filled his heart.
He himself wasn’t particularly elated about the breakthrough, but with his elder brother growing stronger and the family flourishing, nothing was more pleasing.
………
There was no secret in the village.
News of Li Pingfu’s breakthrough to the Divine Execution Realm spread like wildfire throughout Peach Blossom Village and all the way to Flat Peach Town.
Zhou Enxian felt refreshed, the worries between his brows completely vanished. His gaze at Li Pingfu was filled with proud affection, like a father to a son.
At the beginning of the year, he finally took a concubine, but there was no news since. Though not ready to give up hope, he had already prepared for Li Pingfu, his last disciple, to be his fallback.
He didn’t need his disciple to do anything else; as long as the Divine Execution Realm martial artist lived, it was enough to intimidate others and allow him to live out his years in peace.
Li Yuan and the other brothers couldn’t hide their joy; their heads held high, walking proudly as if the wind followed their steps, sharing in the honor.
They always knew elder brother Pingfu was a martial genius who would never disappoint.
……
Yellow Scarf Gang.
Jiao Shichang was drenched in sweat, kneeling before the gang’s hall entrance. His eyes gleamed with disbelief.
Upon hearing Li Pingfu’s breakthrough, he was not only shocked but was overtaken by blatant jealousy.
The world was full of martial geniuses—why was he the only one missing?
The Heavenly Dao was unfair!
But obviously, there was no time now to complain about the Dao.
Although the Yellow Scarf Gang leader was about fifty, his Blood Qi was gradually fading, his aura still cold and sharp. His beard and thick eyebrows made him look imposing without anger.
Yet he cursed loudly the moment he spoke.
“Who told you ‘the gang leader will soon break through to the Divine Execution Realm’? Why didn’t I know about this?!”
“You look down on Li Pingfu? I don’t even dare to look down on this junior. Taking him as a dog? I say you’re just an untrainable dog!”
The gang leader’s mindset was collapsing.
They said gangs prey on the weak and fear the strong, yet Jiao Shichang kept picking on the toughest target. Why provoke a Divine Execution Realm martial artist so recklessly?
Once someone entered the Divine Execution Realm, they generated internal force—one unit of internal force equaled ten units of solid Blood Qi. If high-level Divine Execution, internal force could be released externally; even flower petals or flying leaves could injure others!
In other words, Li Pingfu truly had the qualification to challenge others in Flat Peach Town.
The more he looked at useless Jiao Shichang, the angrier the gang leader got.
Fuming, the Yellow Scarf Gang leader shouted angrily to his subordinates on both sides:
“Strip his clothes, give him the thorny vine whip, go to the Li Family to apologize!”
“Apologize with thorns on his back?”
Jiao Shichang looked up in disbelief. The gang leader had always treated him generously, even more so than nephews. He never expected such a sudden betrayal.
To apologize to Li Pingfu, his longtime rival, and suffer such humiliation publicly—how would he ever stand in the gang again?
His eyes darted wildly. Slapping his palms, he instantly struck two gang members who came to undress him. His legs bent exaggeratedly like a frog’s jump, and he suddenly dashed away.
Better to run first!
“Traitor!”
The gang leader’s eyes blazed with fury. His right palm suddenly glowed cyan, fingers closing as the air exploded with a sharp crack.
Jiao Shichang had just reached the courtyard wall when a deafening roar came from behind—the Yellow Scarf Gang’s secret technique, “Yellow Scarf Mountain Shattering Palm,” seventh level Tiger Splitting Mountains and Rivers!
Though aged, the leader was vigorous as ever, moving like a shadow, instantly appearing behind Jiao Shichang.
Jiao Shichang hurriedly turned, but before he could throw the poison-coated iron caltrops hidden in his sleeve, a palm shadow descended.
He hurriedly used the “Wandering Frog Step” to retreat. In moments, the gang leader’s second palm struck like thunder.
“You old bastard bully too much!”
Jiao Shichang’s chest was struck; he spat blood with a “pfft” and his body collapsed like a broken-winged bird.
Seeing this, the gang members surged forward and tied up Jiao Shichang.
The gang leader’s eyes were cold and ruthless.
Considering Jiao Shichang’s decent martial talent, he had intended to nurture him carefully but never expected him to waste the opportunity. Given the circumstances, he wouldn’t be soft anymore.
The weathered gang leader knew well that grudges with Jiao Shichang must be wiped out completely to avoid future trouble, especially with such talented but narrow-minded people.
He said coldly:
“Break his legs, destroy his meridians, cripple his dantian, and send him to the Li Family.”
Right now, the Li Family was not a force the Yellow Scarf Gang could afford to offend!
………
The Yellow Scarf Gang’s thorny apology was handled gently by Li Pingfu. Ignoring Jiao Shichang’s hateful glare, he gave him top-quality healing medicine, gaining a wave of goodwill and greatly boosting his reputation.
Everyone praised Li Pingfu for his benevolence and broad-mindedness—he was even willing to spare his enemies.
With his dantian destroyed and legs crippled, Jiao Shichang wouldn’t survive long even if left to his fate.
Besides, the scheming gang leader wouldn’t let him off; naturally, Li Pingfu was happy to be seen as the good guy with a prestigious reputation.
Meanwhile, far away at Yunshui Academy, Li Ping'an received a letter from home and excitedly read it over and over.
“Weining, what’s making you so happy?”
A handsome young man beside Li Ping'an held a book, slightly smiling and somewhat surprised. He had never seen Li Weining with such an expression.
Weining was Li Ping'an’s courtesy name, given by Master Xie, meaning “to hold the heart balanced and maintain world peace,” embodying the firmness to quell chaos and the calm insight of a wise man.
The surname “Li” represented wood, “Ping’an” combined water and earth harmoniously, and “Weining” added fire, completing the Five Elements and symbolizing endless vitality.
“Junzhi, there’s news from home—my elder brother broke through to the Divine Execution Realm.” Li Ping'an still held the letter, happily telling his friend Zhou Junzhi.
Zhou Junzhi was five years older, bright and talented, often discussing governance with Li Ping'an. Both came from humble origins and had witnessed the hardships of the common people, inspiring lofty ambitions to govern and serve the people by punishing the wicked. They were like kindred spirits.
“A Divine Execution Realm martial artist is extraordinary.”
Zhou Junzhi was somewhat surprised. Martial artists at that realm could compete for military official positions. The county captain of Yunshui was a peak Divine Execution Realm expert.
This breakthrough meant the Li Family would rise in status and could support Li Ping'an’s future.
Yet he harbored no jealousy or condescending attitude towards martial artists.
Reaching Divine Execution Realm at such a young age meant Li Ping'an’s elder brother had endured hardships no less than their scholarly efforts.
Li Ping'an felt joyful and carefully stored the letter inside a book. As the wind fluttered the pages, many letters remained perfectly preserved except for those requiring destruction.
For wanderers, the most cherished thing was the condition of their family at home.
After a brief moment of happiness, Li Ping'an calmly raised the book with focused expression.
“My elder brother has made a name for himself. I must also pass the immortal official examination to bring strength to our family.”
The academy’s scholars taught wholeheartedly, and he absorbed knowledge like a sponge.
For a boy from a farming background, every opportunity must be firmly grasped!
………
Drunken Immortal Restaurant.
The largest and most magnificent restaurant in Flat Peach Town.
In the private room called “Between Azure Cliffs,” flowing water and winding goblets created a scenic ambiance, inspiring the poem “Sitting and Watching Clouds Rise,” with the soft sounds of silk slippers delighting the ears.
To entertain the martial arts school masters, the Li Family specially hosted a banquet here.
Li Pingcan looked at the “Snow Glow Soup,” actually lotus tofu soup, costing a silver tael per bowl. Quite pricey!
He sat below Li Pingfu, discreetly observing the guests, mainly focusing on the martial arts school masters.
The White Tiger Martial Arts School’s master, Lei Zhenshan, was as burly as an iron tower, with leopard-like eyes ringed by black glossy sideburns covering half his face. His personality seemed bold and generous; he drank his cup full each time.
The Vermilion Bird Martial Arts School’s master, Lin Fengwu, was a woman wearing blazing red. Her hair was tightly tied up, her sharp eyebrows and eyes like knives, with deep wrinkles at the mouth corners and eye tails, giving an unapproachable impression.
The Azure Dragon Martial Arts School’s master, Shen Xiaotian, was tall and slender like bamboo, with sunken cheeks. At this moment, he gave a half-smile, half-sneer at Li Pingfu, mockingly saying:
“It’s always the young heroes who emerge first. Us old bones will soon be washed away by the waves. Where could we possibly have a place in Flat Peach Town?”
The masters were all middle-aged or older, roughly a generation older than the newly risen Divine Execution Realm youth, so Shen Xiaotian’s words resonated deeply.
The atmosphere briefly darkened.
Li Pingfu calmly raised his cup, saying: “Thank you, respected seniors, for gracing this banquet. I grew up hearing tales of your adventures. Today’s gathering isn’t to compete but to admire your elegant bearing, which truly remains undiminished.”
Lei Zhenshan and Lin Fengwu’s expressions softened slightly. Regardless, the junior’s attitude was decent.
Shen Xiaotian sneered coldly: “Smooth talk—easier said than done. You pretend it’s a banquet, but it’s really a show of force. If I weren’t here today, I’d let it slide, but since I am, I have to teach this reckless kid a lesson!”
Li Pingfu’s smile faltered slightly. “Senior, I have never tried to show off…”
“Heh.” Shen Xiaotian sneered again, cutting off Li Pingfu, “Dare to lie to me? I’ve seen plenty of young brats like you—humble on the surface but wild underneath, trying to use us as stepping stones to show off!”
“You misunderstand…”
“Misunderstand? Everyone knows your true intent! No matter how slick your words, you can’t hide your ambition… Take this!”
Shen Xiaotian took the initiative, suddenly hurling his wine cup at Li Pingfu. The wine traced a graceful arc in midair as a scaled blue dragon-patterned hand cut through the liquid, reaching for Li Pingfu’s chest.
The Azure Dragon Cloud-Reaching Hand was a tricky and cunning technique, its fingertips coated with poison, targeting vital meridians—a signature move of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.
If you want to frame someone, you can always find a reason!
This fight was inevitable!
Seeing that the other martial arts masters made no move, Li Pingfu understood this was a show of force. If he lost today, not only would opening a martial arts school be impossible, he might not even establish himself in Flat Peach Town.
Though taken by surprise, he had remained vigilant from the start. The moment the attack came, he unleashed the Black Tiger Technique’s Tiger-Leopard Thunder Roar with a thunderous boom, freezing the three-foot radius air around him like solid iron.
The Divine Execution Realm’s Tiger-Leopard Thunder Roar was a spiritual intimidation. Compared to physical cultivation, most martial artists’ mental states were relatively weak.
Shen Xiaotian’s dark green robe stirred without wind, his figure suddenly stiffened.
Not missing the chance, Li Pingfu struck down with his right palm, internal force surging with thunderous sound, startling Shen Xiaotian awake. Shen immediately retreated with a swift Dragon-Soaring Step. The next moment, the blue brick ground where he stood cracked explosively under the force.
Shen Xiaotian’s eye twitched. Young people these days were so ruthless—no respect for elders, no martial virtue!
He had hoped to suppress the newcomer’s first Divine Execution breakthrough, but seeing how Li Pingfu wielded his force freely and skillfully, Shen knew this young man was not to be underestimated.
Experts make no mistakes on the first move.
Continuing the fight might not guarantee victory; he felt a desire to retreat.
Suddenly he laughed heartily: “No wonder I valued you as a junior. Let me test you—calm in crisis, quite the general’s demeanor.”
With just that one phrase, all prior conflicts were swept aside.
No wonder he was an old hand—knowing when to pick up and when to put down, even such an awkward scene was handled smoothly.
The two other martial arts masters, stiff like wooden men, now “woke up,” saying: “Why start fighting? We’re all Divine Execution Realm martial artists and should stand together. Come on, keep eating, keep drinking.”
Clearly, the three were united in that.
Li Pingfu was not surprised. Being new, it was normal to be challenged. No newcomer was spared difficulties. Given time, he would surely integrate into the circle.
He raised his cup again, smiling humbly, smoothly moving past the incident: “I’ll toast the seniors once more.”
………
After the banquet.
“Thank you, Chief Escort Zhao, for backing me up today. Without you, I might have been defeated.”
Li Pingfu bowed gratefully.
Zhao Huafeng of Weiyuan Escort Agency was one of his reserved backups. Controlling the situation within a limit was also to protect himself.
If the martial arts masters ganged up on him without martial virtue, Zhao Huafeng was his shield.
Though he handled the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School’s trouble himself, the favor from Weiyuan Escort Agency could not be ignored.
Zhao Huafeng smiled straightforwardly: “It was nothing, and I didn’t even exert much effort. You earned it yourself.”
He envied his friend Zhou Enxian for having such a promising youth to inherit the martial legacy. Traveling far and wide, he had yet to meet one like him.
Such good fortune was truly enviable!
But having made good connections today, he need not worry about courting this young man.
After sending Zhao Huafeng off, Li Pingfu returned to the banquet, watching Li Pingcan busily packing leftover dishes.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Packing up. Several dishes were barely touched.”
Li Pingcan counted on his fingers—three taels of egg custard, five taels of Dongpo pork… The Li Family could afford it, but wasting food was unacceptable.
Li Pingfu thought it made sense and, ignoring the waiter’s expression, packed up with his brother.
Looking at his brother’s side profile amid the clinking of tea bowls, his surging emotions gradually calmed.
He had lied to Zhao Huafeng.
In the entire Drunken Immortal Restaurant, the only backup he truly trusted without reservation was his brother Li Pingcan.
That was Li Pingfu’s true trump card, the unchanging foundation of the Li Family.
………
Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.
The three masters gathered, looking worried.
“Didn’t expect this kid to be that capable.” Shen Xiaotian frowned. His methods were shady and tricky, but Li Pingfu’s Black Tiger Technique was grand and restrained, perfectly countering him.
If only that old Lei had made a move earlier.
“What should we do now?” Lin Fengwu asked.
“What can we do? With this momentum, the Li Family’s martial arts school is a done deal. I’ve said there’s no need for such a show of force.”
Lei Zhenshan shook his head lazily, though he wasn’t particularly worried. His family had run martial arts schools for generations. The White Tiger Martial Arts School in Flat Peach Town was just a branch. Such a small matter was nothing to him.
Ultimately, they were all opening martial arts schools. Though competitors, they weren’t gangs fighting over territory, risking blood feuds.
Martial arts schools were business; harmony brought wealth.
Listening to Lei Zhenshan’s indifferent words, Shen Xiaotian grew angry. Damn, I took the risk testing him; now that it’s not working out, they start shifting blame?
Shen Xiaotian cursed silently but had no better plan. The Li Family’s rise was unstoppable. The three parted unhappily.
A few days later, Shen Xiaotian discovered that the old Lei secretly hosted Li Pingfu, and that Lin Fengwu had allowed her young daughter to associate with the Li Family youth!
Those two old fools, are they even human?!
Damn, with how I mocked the Li Family kid, could I have made enemies?
He could handle the Divine Execution Realm, but if Li Pingfu broke through to the Innate Realm in his lifetime… Thinking of this, Shen Xiaotian felt ants crawling all over, drenched in sweat.
He regretted his actions—shooting the bird that sticks its head out. The alliance was full of bad people!
“No, I can’t just sit and wait for death!”
After thinking for a moment, his eyes flashed with cunning light. “Yes, that’s what I’ll do!”