The autumn hunt's date was set by the county magistrate for seven days later.
"Magistrate has invited martial arts school masters to hunt in Spirit Mountain - what an immense honor!"
"Even the immortal official's hoe must be made of spirit stones, right?"
"Martial training is great - you might even meet legendary immortals!"
The townspeople of Flat Peach Town were filled with envy, oblivious to the hidden dangers, seeing only the glittering glory.
Their enthusiasm grew stronger - they'd sell everything to fund their children's martial training, sparking a martial arts frenzy.
But that would come later.
Dragon Palace.
Second trial level, Bliss Platform.
Li Pingcan straightened his body, swishing his fish tail, barely suppressing laughter as bubbles of "glug glug" escaped his mouth.Before him, the Green Jiao lay on the ground with a foolish grin, vacant eyes, mouth opening and closing as drool dripped, making "aba aba" sounds of diminished intellect.
Days earlier, the Green Jiao had advanced to spirit beast rank. Not only had its bumpy skin smoothed into an elastic texture, it could now properly utilize its dragon-like hide and horns to unleash greater power.
Perhaps due to this advancement, its itchy bumps disappeared, finally breaking through the long-standing trial of conscience to enter the "Bliss Platform."
Who knew the Green Jiao would look so stupid in the illusion? Hahaha!
Then his expression suddenly changed.
"Wait... when I first broke through, did I look this ridiculous too?"
How embarrassing!
Soon the Green Jiao regained consciousness, sucking back drool with excitement. "Brother, that was amazing! You became a real dragon! Phoenixes and peacocks worshipped you, you had wild passionate encounters and bred many little dragons..."
It reminisced: "If it feels this good every time, who cares about breaking the illusion?"
Getting addicted already?
Li Rongzhou frowned in warning: "Green Jiao, with that attitude you'll never break through Bliss Platform. Illusions remain illusions."
"I know, I know. We made a pact to cultivate together - our friendship lasts as long as sun and moon."
The Green Jiao turned serious. "Carp Brother, when will you go for the Earth Core Fire Spirit?"
Concerned for its sworn brother knowing his opportunity lay in the rift valley's core, it gritted its teeth: "If necessary, borrow my dragon hide - it can block some fire."
Water creatures naturally fear fire - the scorching energy from the rift valley's depths was pure torture for them.
Li Rongzhou was touched.
This was one of Green Jiao's most precious possessions, yet it offered to "lend" it. The unpredictable underground fires might damage or even destroy the hide.
While he wouldn't refuse out of pride, unfortunately this dragon hide could only be used by creatures like Green Jiao with faint "dragon bloodline" - likely not true dragon but lesser dragon or pseudo-dragon hide weakened over centuries.
Though Li Rongzhou's "crucian carp" form had legends of carps leaping the dragon gate, his true nature was human - unable to activate the hide's power.
He shook his head: "No rush for the Earth Core Fire Spirit. Confirmed to exist, we'll retrieve it eventually."
The rift valley's location was also secluded - only annual tide currents allowed treasure fish to gather for rituals; ordinary Qing River creatures couldn't reach it.
Speaking of which, treasure fish were rarely seen except during rituals. Li Pingcan once considered rounding them all up...
But in reality, this place was protected by Dragon Palace influence - attacks were nullified and restrictions impossible, maintaining peace.
Li Pingcan reluctantly abandoned the idea.
His fire control technique had reached max level, gaining 'fire immunity.' But the earth spirit wouldn't surrender easily. Maximizing fire resistance to increase magic defense would improve success rates.
"I've also found clues about metal spirit - the meteorite that fell on Taichang Mountain seemed to contain metal energy, but before immortals could claim it, some mysterious entity took it."
This was Li Pingcan's recent discovery.
Incidentally, frequent Dragon Palace trials had surprisingly helped him comprehend a new skill -
Yes, it's Teemo's favorite mushroom planting!
[LV0 Hallucinogenic Mushroom (77/99) [Spores]]
["Red caps, white stems, eat together lie together." Generates red-and-white mushrooms with strong hallucinogenic effects. Depending on guidance, can achieve "truth serum" or "memory erasure" effects lasting one incense time. Multiple mushrooms don't stack effects. Leveling increases potency and duration.]
Like truth serum.
Tests showed ordinary humans couldn't resist; Blood Qi Realm Li Yuan only had partial memory loss; while someone like his Divine Execution Realm brother with formidable physique and willpower showed minimal effects requiring massive doses for barely satisfactory results.
As realms advanced, cantrips' limitations became apparent.
But Li Pingcan wasn't discouraged - Hallucinogenic Mushrooms still had room for growth, and he only expected cantrips to match first/second layer qi refinement cultivators anyway.
Higher Druid levels would grant first-circle spells, naturally solving current power limitations.
"Let's try Bliss Platform again."
Li Pingcan refocused and entered the euphoric illusion.
"Won't you pamper me, cultivator lord~"
A fox demon girl with alluring eyes and nine fluffy tails nestled into his arms.
Li Pingcan shook his head.
"Did this servant displease you~" The fox girl waved her tails tearfully, pitiful and charming.
Recalling the tail carpet, seductive voice, soft body and exquisite massage techniques, Li Pingcan praised: "Fox clan's reputation is well-deserved."
Then seriously added: "But I'm still too young. Losing vital essence early may lower offspring quality."
Determined to expand the Li family, no descendants would be unacceptable.
The fox girl's beautiful eyes widened in shock - the illusion shattered instantly.
"Bliss Platform, Earth Grade, no reward."
Li Pingcan sighed slightly. Though he passed, without achieving "Heaven Grade" he couldn't unlock the next level or gain rewards.
The illusions contained not just lust but also power, family, wealth and other temptations.
Perhaps due to his young age, carnal desires were weaker than other temptations, making it easier to stay clear-headed.
But the evaluation was comprehensive - this specialization pulled down his overall score.
"Just keep trying."
After numerous illusions, Li Pingcan's temperament remained steady, growing calmer without arrogance or impatience.
Li Family Residence.
Calming incense emitted faint fragrance, mist-like in the quiet room, soothing the spirit.
Beside three sticks of incense, a Cold Water Pearl glowed blue like rippling waves, emitting threads of chilly air.
Li Pingcan took out a Blood Qi Pill.
At his level, these pills couldn't help breakthrough to Divine Execution Realm, only serving as supplements to increase breakthrough chances.
Seven-Leaf Purple-Gold Treasure Herb's effects were now insufficient, and years of use seemed to have built resistance, greatly diminishing effectiveness. Li Pingfu had begun selling them externally to great popularity.
Swallowing the pill, he focused completely on breathing techniques and White Crane Style practice.
When exhausted, he drank prepared tonic soup and Amber Jade Blossom sap.
Two days passed like a blur - his body like a bottomless pit absorbing precious supplements even martial school masters would begrudge using.
More breathing techniques, more White Crane Style.
The graceful white crane transformed into a fierce mountain leopard - movements domineering and vigorous, utterly unlike lightweight techniques.
His Blood Qi surged like crashing waves, crimson mist steaming from his body forming coiling dragon-shaped auras.
As the qi dragons circulated, time flowed silently until -
A sudden epiphany! Li Pingcan felt meridians clearing, grasping the critical moment!
Breakthrough opportunity!
Seizing this inspiration, his heartbeat accelerated as he concentrated fully on controlling the erupting Blood Qi - quantity transforming into quality.
"Hiss!"
An ethereal tearing sound seemed to echo.
Instantly, his entire body's Blood Qi condensed into pure White Crane internal energy!
New, formidable power flooded through him.
"Success!"
Joy filled Li Pingcan as he contemplated the Divine Execution Realm's mysteries.
Pressing on his usual training stone, hard rock yielded like rotten wood under five deeply imprinted fingers!
With Divine Execution Realm breakthrough, the autumn hunt seemed more assured.
"But my breakthrough felt easier than big brother's back then."
Li Pingcan pondered - his brother had been stuck at Blood Qi peak for a month before breaking through, while he encountered no legendary bottleneck, progressing smoothly without resistance.
Two-three days of seclusion hardly counted as a bottleneck for martial artists.
He suspected Moonlight Microbeams and Nature's Gift ensured no lack of talent or inspiration on his martial path.
Exiting seclusion for a refreshing bath, Li Pingcan discovered his father had also entered closed-door cultivation.
"Father reached Blood Qi peak two years ago. Even with ample resources, isn't attempting Divine Execution too risky?"
Anxious, he couldn't understand his father's sudden recklessness.
Though relatively young among martial artists, this wasn't due to talent but family prosperity providing abundant resources.
From this perspective, attempting breakthrough carried risk.
But Li Rongzhou had already been in seclusion two days - interrupting was impossible.
Helpless, Li Pingcan could only quietly place the Cold Water Pearl beside his father.
Three days passed.
Li Pingcan kept vigil outside, daily casting [Nature's Gift] - weak but better than nothing.
Finally, on the autumn hunt's eve as Li Pingfu and Li Pingcan prepared to depart, Li Rongzhou emerged radiating formidable aura!
"Father, you succeeded!" Li Pingcan rejoiced - the Li family truly had good fortune!
Li Pingfu also relaxed, joking: "Had you delayed further, little brother might have skipped the hunt."
Naturally.
No hunt opportunity outweighed their father.
"My apologies for worrying you."
Li Rongzhou exhaled deeply, unaccustomed to his transformed body. Remembering the breakthrough's dangers, he felt belated fear.
Some ethereal inspiration had guided him - thoughts of his wife and sons giving him strength to endure near-meridian-rupturing pain by biting his tongue.
Fortunately, perseverance paid off!
The path ahead now lay smooth!
Noticing Li Pingcan, his joy redoubled - sensing his younger son's Divine Execution breakthrough through shared Breath of the Tree resonance.
While people called his eldest a once-in-a-century martial genius, his younger son was truly a monstrous talent.
"Three Divine Execution experts in our family could qualify for martial registry, greatly reducing land taxes."
Li Rongzhou paused: "But I've reconsidered - we shouldn't reveal all our cards.
Can'er's peculiar talents shouldn't be exposed publicly - having Pingfu as the family's public face suffices.
As for me, I'll remain a hidden safeguard protecting our foundation."
Li Rongzhou understood clearly - if he ever couldn't keep pace with his children's growth, he'd willingly become nurturing soil for their sapling selves.
No other reason - he loved them. A father's duty.
Neither son objected.
Their family's current prosperity made tax reductions negligible anyway.
The peach grove was just insurance - only necessary for Li Pingcan the Druid.
"It's time - go to Yunshui County."
"Father, mother, we'll return."
Waving goodbye, Li Pingcan boarded the carriage with his brother.
As the carriage rocked, curtains fluttering in alternating light and shadow, he saw his parents' figures watching until they became distant dots.
He suddenly understood "While parents live, children don't wander far."
Trees long to stay but wind won't cease; sons wish to care but parents may depart.
Regardless of time's passage, this familial warmth would forever remain like a gentle stream in his heart...
Spirit Mountain's perpetual mists concealed spiritual energy amidst layered peaks. Countless carriages gathered at its base awaiting Yunshui County magistrate and three great families.
The bustling crowd inevitably caused friction - hot-tempered martial artists shouted insults, creating quite a scene.
Li Pingcan memorized one particularly loud offender's face - the man's darkened forehead suggested short lifespan. Best keep distance during the hunt to avoid misfortune.
Martial arts masters from Flat Peach School gathered together, mutually protective.
Lin Xiaowu scrutinized Li Pingcan with sharp eyes he disliked - like assessing merchandise.
"You'd rather bring your brother than me?"
Pouting resentfully, she addressed Li Pingfu in honeyed tones as if deeply wronged.
Li Pingcan was speechless.
Would his brother abandon his own flesh and blood for some strange woman?
Li Pingfu had been discreetly observing other martial artists for strategic insights when Lin Xiaowu's unreasonable complaint left him dumbfounded.
Seeing his usually composed brother's undisguised "I hate stupidity" expression made Li Pingcan laugh aloud - he hadn't seen such vivid emotion from him in ages.
Miss Lin was truly... special in her own way!
Ignored, Lin Xiaowu pointed at Li Pingcan: "Bringing Li Yuan is one thing, but what cultivation does your little brother have? Won't he drag us down?"
Li Pingcan had suppressed both internal energy and Breath of the Tree, maintaining Bone Realm peak cultivation - dual precautions Lin Xiaowu couldn't penetrate.
"That's none of your concern."
Li Pingfu lowered Lin Xiaowu's arm, addressing Shen Xiaotian: "Brother Shen, should we share our specialties and cultivation levels? Knowing strengths and weaknesses improves coordination."
School masters each brought "assistants" - mainly to announce their levels.
"Shen He, Blood Qi Second Transformation, excels at Azure Dragon Cloud-Grasping Claw."
"Lei San, Blood Qi Third Transformation, adept at Sun Tiger Fist and Thunderous Leg."
"Lei Yunyun, Bone Realm peak, specializes in White Tiger Technique." Lei Zhenshan's youngest daughter spoke timidly, lacking confidence due to her lower cultivation.
"Lin Xiyuan, Blood Qi Second Transformation, Flame Dance Movement Technique."
"Li Yuan, Blood Qi First Transformation, skilled in Black Tiger Technique."
...
The masters also announced their own cultivation. Li Pingcan noticed that apart from his brother's single "Black Tiger Technique," other masters had two or even three complementary techniques.
How nice to have a unified technique incorporating fist, movement and breathing methods without compatibility issues.
If his brother lacked additional techniques, was it by choice... or lack of suitable options?
Black Tiger Technique's overwhelming ferocity made finding compatible supplements difficult - one misstep risked qi deviation.
When Li Pingcan claimed "Bone Realm," Lin Xiaowu rolled her eyes twice.
After all announcements, the atmosphere warmed considerably, finally feeling like a team.
Lei Yunyun, a year older than Li Pingcan, gave an encouraging smile, whispering:
"Little Brother Li, I'm Bone Realm peak. If fighting starts, hide behind me - I'll protect you."
"Also..." she added softly: "Stay away from Sister Lin - she's mean and bullies younger kids."
"Thanks, Sister Yunyun." Li Pingcan smiled innocently.
Comparisons were odious - grown Lin Xiaowu paled next to this kind-hearted girl.
Suddenly, drumbeats announced the immortal official's arrival.
The immortal's plain robes fluttered wide sleeves, jade pendant matching flowing clouds. About thirty years old, his brows carried dignified authority.
Behind the immortal's carriage came the three great families - Zhao, Wang and Zhou - their embroidered banners fluttering proudly.
"Magistrate."
Before the immortal could speak, the Zhao patriarch sneered: "You've spared no effort for this hunt!"
The immortal remained unperturbed: "Not compared to Patriarch Zhao's exhaustive sleepless nights."
Their locked gazes filled the air with explosive tension!