"Let's finish this."
Li Rongzhou's short spear flashed with cold light as he thrust forward. His White Crane Style was renowned for its agility, allowing seamless advances and retreats.
What had been probing attacks now became a full assault—swift as the wind, cutting off Brother Tiger's escape routes and forcing him into continuous retreat.
Simultaneously, Li Pingfu and Li Pingcan closed in from both sides. Their fists hammered against Brother Tiger's neck and spine with precision.
Under the coordinated assault of three Blood Qi martial artists, Brother Tiger stood no chance—like a trembling cub facing three full-grown tigers. He collapsed in defeat.
"Keep him alive. We need to know why a second-layer Qi Refining demonic cultivator targeted our family—whether it was coincidence or..." Li Rongzhou's voice carried grave seriousness.
The three Li men exchanged glances, seeing the same weight in each other's eyes.
The interrogation proved brutal. Blood flowed freely as Brother Tiger's agonized screams filled the air.
Li Pingfu showed some regret—his eagerness for answers and lack of torture experience led to excessive force, accidentally killing their captive.
Fortunately, critical information had been extracted first.The disaster that befell the Li family was entirely Brother Tiger's doing—an attempt to use them as sacrificial scapegoats, with many embellished details mixed in.
The Left Protector originated from a demonic cult as one of its "Eight Protectors." With limited resources and intense internal competition within the cult, unorthodox methods became necessary for advancement. These combined factors created the current situation.
In truth, immortal-level figures wouldn't deign to notice a mere Divine Execution Realm martial artist—though low-level Qi Refining immortals and martial artists might be evenly matched, cultivators who'd stood aloft for so long now universally looked down upon "crude martial brutes."
"Father." Li Pingfu removed his disguise of a goat-hair beard and produced a wanted poster from his robes. The portrait bore an eighty percent resemblance to the Left Protector. "This demonic cultivator was indeed a wanted criminal."
Public notices posted prominently in towns carried important decrees and wanted bulletins. The Left Protector had committed grave crimes in Yunshui County a year ago before vanishing.
Li Pingcan had recognized him through Little Black's observations. Consulting the martial arts school master revealed their opponent as a second-layer Qi Refining cultivator—intel that shaped their "fishing" tactics.
Yet if a mere second-layer cultivator could become a "Protector," this cult worshiping the "three-eyed idol" couldn't be particularly formidable.
Li Pingfu suddenly sighed, "Cultivators truly are formidable."
The Earth Shaping technique prevented close combat, Gale Technique enabled ranged attacks, and hidden crossbow bolts came unpredictably. That kamikaze Fireball Technique especially left an impression—nearly turning the tide.
Though Divine Execution Realm martial artists possessed far greater physical resilience than low-level cultivators and excelled in melee, the challenge remained: how to endure magical assaults long enough to close the distance?
Fortunately, Breath of the Tree could conceal auras, masking Divine Execution Realm pressure and luring the Left Protector into carelessness. Otherwise, the cultivator might have fled untouchable.
Li Pingcan also felt lingering fear.
He'd discovered cultivator spells surpassed his own abilities—requiring five max-level Dance of the Winds to neutralize the Left Protector's Gale Technique, and eight Earth Shapings plus Water Manipulation's softening effects to dismantle the Earth Shaping defense.
This proved max-level Cantrips couldn't match cultivation spells.
The Fireball Technique's limited damage to his elder brother owed both to [Enhanced Resistance] and the cultivator's frail physique—making the Left Protector appear more devastated, plus the spell wasn't his specialty.
For this battle, Li Pingcan had prepared thoroughly with ample mana reserves.
When quality falls short, quantity compensates!
'With father and elder brother, we might withstand a third-layer Qi Refining cultivator at our limits.'
Of course, that would be an all-or-nothing gamble with uncertain outcomes.
...
"Though this demonic cultivator incident was accidental, our family must remain vigilant."
"Lay low when possible. When not, we three will fight together!"
Li Rongzhou established the Li family's future strategy.
Human existence inherently involves social dynamics—even appearing harmless couldn't prevent attracting covetous eyes when others' interests were involved.
Unless the Li family confined themselves to Peach Blossom Village forever.
Li Pingcan agreed. The recent "demonic disaster" in Phoenix County had been horrifying—even with immortal intervention, the county became a wasteland.
None could predict whether accidents or tomorrow would come first.
Otherwise, why seek opportunities? Wouldn't quietly raising livestock and planting trees suffice?
When calamity struck, even if his Druid abilities allowed avian escape, what of his martial-less mother?
The imagined helplessness twisted his heart.
Rather than regret, better cherish every moment of growth to control destiny.
...
Li Pingfu thoroughly searched both corpses, pocketing their belongings before suggesting:
"Father, let's cremate them."
Dumping or burying bodies risked discovery. Complete incineration was safest—bone remnants could then be tossed into water.
With many cult Protectors competing internally, the Left Protector's disappearance might be blamed on infighting; Brother Tiger's eight-year absence already made him forgotten.
After disposing the bodies and bloodied clothes, the three returned home.
"Brother, let me repair your knuckle dusters."
Li Pingcan noticed the Fireball Technique's heat had partially melted his elder brother's weapon. Using Restoration, he restored the knuckle dusters' luster.
He avoided using the [Brand New] trait—the weapon's daily-use marks would seem suspicious if erased completely.
Li Pingfu examined the restored dusters joyfully. Intense heat typically made iron brittle; he'd thought to retire his "old friend," never expecting recovery possible.
Seeing this, Li Rongzhou eagerly presented his short spear: "Do mine next!"
"Certainly."
With weapons repaired, they secured the courtyard, doors and windows to examine their spoils.
From the Left Protector: ten taels of gold, a hidden crossbow, two talismans, several faintly glowing gravel-like stones, a red pill in a porcelain vial, and a "Basic Qi Refining Manual."
Brother Tiger's possessions proved paltry—just a few silver taels, negligible.
The compact sleeve crossbow hid easily beneath robes, its power sufficient to injure Divine Execution Realm martial artists.
"Unofficial crossbows are heavily prohibited. Using this requires utmost secrecy," Li Rongzhou warned his eldest.
Li Pingfu's travels made the weapon invaluable for emergencies.
Li Pingcan examined the talismans—one "Protection Talisman," one "Golden Arrow Talisman."
The Golden Arrow Talisman packed considerable power but required distance and activation time—the Left Protector's initial carelessness had prevented its use.
Ordinary humans lacking spiritual energy couldn't activate talismans. Yet Li Pingcan wanted to try, given his ability to intercept spiritual energy.
Those fingernail-sized "gravel stones" contained stable spiritual energy—undoubtedly the cultivators' currency: spirit stones!
'Called spirit stones, yet so small—more like spirit sand,' he mused.
Despite their size, nine spirit sand pieces would sustain underwater exploration without energy concerns.
The porcelain vial's pill elicited disgust from all Lis.
Interrogation revealed this "Human Elixir" was refined from Blood Qi martial artists—one pill could elevate realms.
Depending on materials—like a Third Transformation Blood Qi martial artist—consumption could break through to Divine Execution Realm.
This was how the Left Protector controlled subordinates.
His particular pill likely came from a Second Transformation victim—if Li Pingcan consumed it, he'd immediately reach Third Transformation.
"I won't take this." Li Pingcan waved dismissively. Basic morality mattered—this was cannibalism, an unconscionable act.
Besides, who knew the side effects?
Black market sales were equally unwise—Human Elixirs attracted dangerous attention.
After consideration, he suggested: "I'll keep it as 'bait.'" His fondness for entrapment operations shone through.
Li Rongzhou and Li Pingfu agreed, handing him the vial.
Finally, they examined their last prize.
"This 'Basic Qi Refining Manual' should be genuine. Without current cultivators in our family, we'll preserve it." Li Rongzhou spoke softly, excitement barely contained.
The Left Protector had no reason to carry a fake cultivation method.
Though the family currently lacked cultivators, future generations might manifest spiritual roots.
"Agreed."
Both brothers deferred to their father.
Li Rongzhou added: "Today's events stay between us—don't tell your mother or Ping'an. Fewer know, the better."
Li Pingcan would never inform his mother. In her eyes, they were mere martial artists—to have secretly killed an "almighty immortal" would haunt Lady Qin's nights.
As for his second brother—a potential future immortal official—while trusting his resilience, immortal interrogation methods surpassed mere willpower. Discovery meant extermination.
Secrecy bred success. Even future descendants shouldn't casually learn of the Qi Refining Manual.
...
Over a month passed peacefully.
With no further incidents, the Lis finally relaxed.
During leisure, Li Pingcan studied the talismans—their crimson runes formed bizarre patterns on flexible material resembling animal hide rather than paper.
Long examination yielded no insights. His hope to decipher talisman secrets through observation proved naive—such things couldn't be so simple.
'If only I could learn immortal crafting techniques someday.'
Talismans, formations, alchemy—all immensely valuable. With Druid abilities, raw materials wouldn't be an issue.
Wealth, companions, methods, land.
Whether martial arts or cultivation, wealth fundamentally came first!
...
Several days later.
Choosing an auspicious date, Li Pingfu accompanied Li Pingcan and the genuine Old Goat for treasure hunting in deep mountains.
As they trekked through ancient forests, Old Goat led confidently.
Puffing his pipe, the gap-toothed man moved effortlessly while boasting:
"Back when I hunted ginseng in Snow Ridge, encountered a snow python thick as bowls—that beast coiled round a crystal ginseng, eyes glowing green like lanterns! We battled eighty-one rounds, shaking heaven and earth..."
On a ten-point scale, his tale registered 9.9 parts fiction, 0.1 part truth.
More mountain tour than treasure hunt, Old Goat played the role of entertaining guide—his actual money-making strategy. Taking wealthy youths into genuine danger risked injuries; better spin tales while finding common herbs to satisfy curiosity safely and profitably.
"Uncle Goat, you're exaggerating, right?"
"At your age, outrunning a snow python?"
Unlike gullible rich boys, Li Pingcan pressed relentlessly, irritating Old Goat enough to demonstrate real skills.
"Treasure hunters follow 'Heaven-Earth-Man Triad Positioning!'"
Suddenly lowering his voice to a rasp, he chanted:
"Moonlit ridges reveal the dragon's rise,
Stone-strewn streams show the tiger's eyes.
Setting sun points to the dragon's gaze,
Nine bends hide violet mists ablaze.
Three yards mark where forces meet,
Five steps show the treasure's seat."
Producing a compass from his pouch, Old Goat continued, "The chant pairs with 'Qi Observation' techniques. You martial artists with vigorous Blood Qi should stand at the Xun position..."
Following his gaze, Li Pingcan saw the compass needle tremble and shift, its vermilion-tipped end flickering strangely.
An actual reaction?
Narrowing his eyes, he detected subtle Qi fluctuations between the chant and compass. In the indicated direction, faint spiritual lights glimmered.
Li Pingcan realized: Natural treasures concealed their Qi. Old Goat's Treasure-Locating Technique enhanced perception to identify spiritual concentrations.
Staring at his compass, Old Goat blinked in surprise: "Today's reading is unusually clear?"
Normally requiring twelve directional checks for faint hints, this first attempt gave startling clarity!
"Come! Let's investigate!" Old Goat hurried excitedly—what treasure hunter could resist?
Even just seeing treasures brought joy.
After two incense sticks' time trekking, they indeed found a Blood Qi herb.
"Actual loot!" Old Goat carefully unearthed the plant with its surrounding soil.
Li Pingfu's eyebrows rose as he received it—a Mystic Origin Grass for consolidating foundations, market value sixteen silver taels.
Treasure hunting inherently involved gambling. Having budgeted thirty silver loss for his brother's interest, recovering half already counted as profit. One precious herb could mean windfall!
Even five failed attempts became worthwhile with one success—this psychology made treasure hunting immensely profitable.
...
Their search continued.
Old Goat worked with redoubled enthusiasm, his usual workwear indifference gone as he eagerly located treasures.
Just as he prepared to follow the compass again:
"Uncle Goat, wait."
Li Pingcan suddenly stopped him, then used his staff to flick away a green snake camouflaged on bamboo.
Old Goat froze—a bamboo viper nearly indistinguishable from leaves. He'd almost stepped within striking range.
His excitement cooled instantly: "Good eyes! Thank you!"
"Caution benefits us all."
Li Pingcan smiled. As a Druid, [Animal Affinity] let him sense hidden creatures—ordinary snakes wouldn't attack him.
"Right!" Old Goat agreed gratefully, now more amiable. Determined to find better herbs for his clients, he redoubled efforts while explaining some tricks to Li Pingcan.
Partly from gratitude, partly believing brief explanations couldn't be mastered—if treasure hunting were so easy, why wouldn't everyone do it?
Two more attempts yielded only premium common herbs.
"Whew! Just slightly off!"
Old Goat gripped his compass tightly, growing dizzy from prolonged calculations yet unable to pinpoint the spiritual glow.
Then Li Pingcan—following the taught chant and finger-counting method—checked the compass and suggested: "Try this direction, Uncle Goat."
"Here?" Old Goat doubted—he saw nothing special. Could this youngster surpass a professional?
"Two hundred paces inward, then thirty paces toward the South Star. Not far."
"Alright." Not wanting to discourage him, Old Goat humored the suggestion.
Staff ready against snakes (once bitten, twice shy), he advanced cautiously. Reaching the spot, he soon spotted a blood-red herb.
Blood Qi herb—Crimson Jade Grass worth twenty silver taels!
"Treasure!" Old Goat stood amazed. "How'd you guess right?"
Despite his professional efforts yielding only one Mystic Origin Grass, Li Pingcan's casual pointing hit the mark!
'Must be luck!' he thought.
Then Li Pingcan calculated again: "Uncle Goat, check here."
Skeptical but following, Old Goat discovered wild ginseng in a cliff crevice.
Now thoroughly impressed—how could this Li youngster surpass him?
"Prior training?"
"Read some ancient texts." Li Pingcan couldn't admit to instant mastery—too conspicuous.
"I see! Natural talent then! Want to apprentice under me? I'll teach real treasure hunting—our founder located spirit mines!"
Old Goat's eyes gleamed covetously. Not everyone could become treasure hunters—it required both destiny and talent, the former more critical.
A prodigy like Li Pingcan interested him more than even a Divine Execution Realm martial artist!
Li Pingcan declined politely—not doubting Old Goat's skills, but finding them unnecessary.
His borrowed techniques already located treasures roughly, supplemented by mushroom markers.
Discovering spirit mines sounded great, but keeping them was another matter.
Old Goat sighed but didn't press.