As the demonic mist shrouding Spirit Mountain gradually dissipated, all martial artists keenly sensed the change. Like ants cautiously extending their antennae, they carefully began exploring the path home.
More and more martial artists gathered, setting aside previous conflicts over hunting treasure beasts, spontaneously forming alliances to descend the mountain together.
"The beast tide has receded! We can leave now!"
Shen Xiaotian returned from scouting, bringing news that excited everyone. Though they had initially been eager for treasure hunting, after experiencing the beast tide, everyone just wanted to quickly leave this dangerous place.
Li Pingfu had already learned about the demonic disaster's retreat from Li Pingcan and wasn't surprised. "Let's go down together," he said.
No one objected as they quickly packed up and joined the large group heading down.
"Growl!"
A frenzied boar suddenly charged into the crowd. Li Pingfu's expression turned serious. Even ordinary Blood Qi Species could have the offensive power of treasure beasts when frenzied, especially fierce animals like wild boars.
The large group was a mixed bag, so caution was necessary. Acting rashly might expose weaknesses or reveal techniques to observers.
But..."No avoiding it now. Quick battle."
His knuckle dusters gleamed as he prepared to strike, but a moment's hesitation made others think he couldn't react in time.
"Watch out!"
A light feminine voice urgently shouted, "Don't space out! Get behind me!"
A woman in white robes appeared, her eyebrows like distant mountains, skin like congealed fat. Her sword danced lightly like a butterfly as she nimbly closed the distance, leaving several bloody marks on the boar's body that forced it to roar in pain.
"Impressive!" Li Pingfu thought to himself.
The woman's swordsmanship wasn't bad, but she clearly lacked experience fighting frenzied beasts.
The boar charged forward instead of retreating, enduring sword cuts to its neck as it aimed its tusks at the unprepared swordswoman.
Frenzied beasts felt less pain—the swordswoman was suffering from inexperience!
At the critical moment, Li Pingfu kicked off the ground, shooting forward like an arrow. White Tiger internal energy infused his knuckle dusters as he leapt over the swordswoman, directly smashing the boar's neck!
Black blood sprayed like rain, coating Li Pingfu in a bloody sheen. Holding the boar's head in one hand and its body in the other, his expression remained calm—a stark contrast to his brutal methods.
The swordswoman stared blankly at this godlike/demonlike figure before showing an ashamed expression: "I disturbed you."
Had she not intervened, this martial artist could have handled the frenzied boar. Instead, her meddling had created complications requiring his rescue.
"I should be thanking you," Li Pingfu's smile softened his intimidating aura.
Had he been an ordinary person, the swordswoman would indeed have saved him, though at risk to herself.
Such self-sacrificing nobility was rare among martial artists.
"Ling'er!" A voice called from behind—an older man in pine-smoke colored martial attire.
"Father!" Ling'er sheathed her sword and hurried over.
Seeing his daughter safe, the man exhaled in relief before cupping his hands toward Li Pingfu: "I am the master of Jiang Family Sword Crane Dojo. Many thanks for your assistance. May I ask your name?"
"Junior Li Pingfu of Flat Peach Town's Li Family Martial Arts School." Li Pingfu accepted a handkerchief from his younger brother to wipe his face, greeting the elder respectfully.
Dojo Master Jiang narrowed his eyes.
What kind of place named their school after their family name like his did?
Countless martial arts schools existed, most using famous techniques as their names. Only those with profound heritage or extreme confidence used family names.
Coming from Flat Peach Town, this young man clearly couldn't be the former.
Li Pingfu... The name rolled in his mind until realization struck: "You're the martial arts prodigy known as Tiger Tyrant Li Pingfu?"
"You flatter me, senior." Li Pingfu didn't wish to elaborate.
Though aged, Dojo Master Jiang carried an imposing aura, the black greatsword at his waist exuding heavy pressure.
'Divine Execution Realm peak? No, possibly even a Postnatal Realm martial artist!' Li Pingfu tensed instinctively—this was primal instinct facing powerful beings.
"No need for tension, young friend. Just making conversation."
Noticing Jiang Ling'er's slightly flushed cheeks, the dojo master laughed heartily, "You saved my daughter—I should be thanking you profusely."
His gaze kept shifting between Li Pingfu and Jiang Ling'er.
Li Pingfu found the dojo master's look peculiar, growing warier.
......
At noon break.
"Brother Li." Jiang Ling'er offered Li Pingfu roasted beast meat: "Father asked me to bring you some."
Nervously tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she added, "I roasted it myself."
Li Pingfu smiled, "Thank you, but I've already eaten my fill."
"Then give it to Pingcan."
"He's full too."
"Oh... Then leave it here for later." Jiang Ling'er set down the meat and fled before further refusal could come.
"Let me see what she cooked."
Curious, Li Pingcan lifted the leaves covering the still-warm meat. "Heart meat—the most precious part of a treasure beast. How thoughtful..."
No wonder Lin Fengwu had Lei Zhenshan collect the purple-tusked boar's heart blood in bronze vessels—all valuable materials!
Li Pingfu stopped his brother, frowning, "You'd eat food from strangers?"
Li Pingcan paused.
He hadn't planned to eat it—just being curious. The five treasure herbs he'd obtained were enough to help him break through to Postnatal Realm.
But his brother's reaction... completely oblivious!
Couldn't he see Jiang Ling'er's overflowing affection?
Li Pingcan pitied Jiang Ling'er's retreating figure, foreseeing her arduous pursuit ahead.
Meanwhile.
Lin Fengwu also silently watched Jiang Ling'er depart.
She couldn't understand why Li Pingfu would accept Jiang Ling'er's meat but reject Lin Xiaowu, preventing her from controlling Flat Peach Town's martial arts factions.
However flawed her daughter might be, she didn't deserve that tragic fall into the abyss!
.........
Above Spirit Mountain, the moon waxed and waned.
Below Spirit Mountain, joys and sorrows parted.
Seeing Zhao Yunbo's severed arm, the Zhao clan leader spat blood publicly, face ashen, eyes wide as if watching a towering building collapse.
The Zhao clan's most elite, outstanding talents had all perished in the beast tide—their core strength obliterated.
They'd also lost clan treasures, expended vast silver and connections—a total defeat!
Facing Immortal Official Liang, he couldn't accept this outcome yet dared not show hatred openly.
Having assumed certain victory, he hadn't anticipated Immortal Official Liang pulling the rug out, refusing to play by established rules!
Compared to the Zhou and Wang families who'd escaped with peripheral members, the Zhao clan suffered devastating losses.
After a long silence, the Zhao leader unclenched his fists and sighed: "Spare our Zhao clan a path to survival."
"Possible," Immortal Official Liang smiled slightly. "If the Zhao clan surrenders treasure ponds, shops, herb gardens..."
Defeated parties naturally ceded territory and begged for mercy.
However unwilling, surviving under Immortal Official Liang's watch forced compliance.
Secretly, the Zhao leader thought: once their clan's immortal became an influential sect figure, today's humiliation would be repaid.
As long as the mountain remained, firewood would come—don't bully the old and poor!
Immortal Official Liang repeated this extortion with the Wang and Zhou families, thoroughly squeezing them before feeling satisfied.
"You've done well."
He smiled at the Zhou family branch leader: "With Zhao and Wang crippled and your main branch half-dead, you could replace them as Yunshui County's leading clan."
For decades, the Zhou branch had been suppressed—all key positions barred to them.
Even the main family's dogs lived better than branch members.
Long-term resentment had festered.
So when the immortal official extended an olive branch, the branch leader accepted immediately.
Though the initial betrayal failed and the "traitor" was tortured to death.
Fortunately, Immortal Official Liang's superior skills turned the tide decisively.
"All thanks to Immortal Official Liang's foresight and wisdom..." The branch leader fawned obsequiously. "This humble one admires you!"
"You'll lead the Zhou family." Bored by flattery, Immortal Official Liang accepted the Zhou branch as dogs—a trivial matter.
"Many thanks, Immortal Official!" Zhou Shan was ecstatic.
From today, he was Zhou family head! Only one family banner would fly over Yunshui County.
The Zhou family—second only to one, above ten thousand!
Waving dismissal, Immortal Official Liang's triumphant expression faded, replaced by puzzlement.
Timing-wise, something was wrong—why had the beast tide dispersed so quickly?
The Wang and Zhou families hadn't been fully purged, reducing his extortion gains.
"Could someone have interfered with my plans?"
His mind flashed to old rivals from academy days, expression growing solemn.
If those old foes had sabotaged his scheme, it wouldn't be surprising.
His methods weren't particularly brilliant—just exploiting county folk's ignorance of immortal pills.
Yet it never occurred to him that martial arts school masters or Spirit Mountain's spirit beasts could be involved—to him, they were mere ants beneath notice.
"If Master Li visits Yunshui County, come to our Jiang Family Sword Dojo."
At parting, Dojo Master Jiang regarded Li Pingfu warmly—the more he saw this outstanding youth, the more perfect he seemed for his daughter Ling'er.
Last night's discreet questioning revealed Ling'er's clear affection, though too shy to speak it.
What you want, you pursue—Dojo Master Jiang's philosophy!
Moreover, his daughter Jiang Ling'er was kind-hearted, sword-skilled, gentle-tempered, and while not nation-topplingly beautiful, counted among Yunshui County's famous beauties.
Given time, even this dense young man would surely be moved.
Li Pingfu's expression also softened.
His initial wariness toward the Jiang family had been reflexive in unfamiliar circumstances. Over hours, he'd realized Jiang Ling'er's feelings weren't ulterior motives as he'd suspected.
The Jiang Family Sword Dojo was renowned in Yunshui County—well-connected, with profound sword arts. Dojo Master Jiang's bold, chivalrous reputation was widespread in martial circles.
Facing such a senior's goodwill, Li Pingfu had no reason to rebuff him: "Honored by Senior Jiang's regard. If I visit Yunshui County, I'll surely pay respects."
"Brother Li, if you're busy and can't visit, I'll come find you."
Jiang Ling'er smiled: "They say Flat Peach Town's honey peaches are the sweetest—best eaten fresh. Please show me all the delicacies."
Li Pingcan smelled romance in the air—Sister Jiang, it's not peaches you want to eat, but my brother!
Seeing gentle Jiang Ling'er, Li Pingfu inexplicably thought of his mother, voice softening: "If Miss Jiang visits, I'll do my utmost as host."
Watching their flirtation, Lin Fengwu snorted coldly, expression icy.
Immortal Official Liang sat in his carriage, face sorrowful: "Who could have foreseen Spirit Mountain's beast uprising causing such tragedy? This was my oversight."
The thoroughly broken Zhao leader quickly said: "No one could predict such disaster. Immortal Official needn't blame yourself."
Meanwhile, the Zhou family's new leader Zhou Shan arrogantly scanned the crowd: "Life and death are fated—what hunt isn't dangerous? Dying from inability is their own fault."
Martial artists exchanged glances.
While technically true, this beast tide wasn't accidental—it was man-made!
A hot-tempered martial artist exploded: "Bullshit! Your mother's a whore, your family dogs—"
Before he finished, one of Immortal Official Liang's martial artists descended, palm striking his chest—blood sprayed as his aura dimmed.
Li Pingcan recognized him—the "dark-foreheaded" warrior he'd noted earlier.
Quite the eloquent speaker!
Surviving the beast tide only to fall to the immortal official—how tragic.
After this, no more angry outbursts came.
Some even seized the chance to flatter Immortal Official Liang, creating a harmonious atmosphere as if nothing happened.
Most remained silent.
What else could they do?
That Immortal Official Liang bothered with excuses was already generous!
Besides, the true victims were mostly the three clans' vanguard forces.
Li Pingfu and Li Pingcan exchanged glances.
In that moment, the Li brothers truly felt the barrier between social strata!
"Low profile. Moderation." Li Pingfu murmured.
Flat Peach Martial Arts School ranked sixteenth in hunting achievements.
Jiang Dojo Master's group ranked twelfth.
Mid-tier positions—neither seeking limelight.
Li Pingcan retracted his spiritual sense, suddenly feeling watched—hairs standing on end.
Pretending nonchalance while secretly tracing this "gaze," he discovered Immortal Official Liang's rotating jade plate.
'A detection-type treasure, but weaker than my spiritual sense—can't detect my anomaly.'
As long as he carried no obvious treasures and passed the body search, he'd be fine.
Li Pingcan feigned ignorance.
In the carriage.
Immortal Official Liang put away his treasure.
Ever suspicious, even while dismissing these "ants" as threats, he had to verify personally.
As expected—nothing unusual.
"Did those old rivals really interfere?"
Eyes flickering uncertainly, soon turning vicious.
"Ruining my plans? You'll pay!"
.......
Peach Blossom Village, Li Household.
"Father! Mother! We're back!"
"Safe return is enough." Li Rongzhou set down his long pipe.
"My sons!" Lady Qin embraced both brothers—sleepless nights filled with nightmares had plagued her.
Grown-up Li Pingfu stood three heads taller, so he stooped for his mother's embrace—a tearful family reunion.
"I'll cook a feast!" Lady Qin's joy made her seem youthful, vibrant as a sixteen-year-old. "What would you like?"
"Mushroom soup."
Oddly nostalgic for his most-hated dish, Li Pingfu smiled—those mushrooms had sustained them during their refugee days.
"Stuffed snail shells."
Home at last, Li Pingcan relaxed completely—nothing like parental love.
In their small courtyard.
Autumn winds whispered as leaves spiraled down. Weeds stubbornly grew between bricks. Mother and sister stepped over them, hand-in-hand into the kitchen as smoke soon curled skyward.
This picturesque domestic scene made hunting dangers, immortal official injustice, and worldly vanity seem distant.
This was home.
His peace of mind.
.........
After dinner.
Instead of resting, Li Pingcan entered meditation to study [Beast Form Intent].
At Divine Execution Realm, ordinary food provided negligible energy—family meals were about bonding.
Spirit Mountain's chaos had prevented proper practice, leaving theoretical knowledge shaky.
Now home, he could focus entirely.
Recalling the five spirits' movements, Li Pingcan began practicing—sometimes like a bear leaping and swiping, sometimes like a deer crossing streams, sometimes like a tiger roaring at waves...
All movements memorized and integrated, gradually forming a new martial art—as if truly transforming into various spirit beasts.
"Crack! Crack!"
Deep in practice, energy surged through his body—exhilarating comfort spreading everywhere!
A complete new martial art took shape in his mind.
Finally opening his eyes, Li Pingcan was thrilled.
"Five Spirits Dance!"
"Inspired by five spirit beasts—this shall be called Five Spirits Dance!"
Clearly superior to Black Tiger Technique or White Crane Style.
After several flawless practice rounds, he taught it to his father and brother.
"This Five Spirits Dance is incredibly powerful!"
More talented than Li Rongzhou, Li Pingfu immediately recognized its excellence after one attempt.
The seamless combination of moves far surpassed crude techniques like Black Tiger Technique.
Moreover, practicing Five Spirits Dance didn't conflict with Black Tiger Technique.
Learning it came from observing spirit beasts left both father and son amazed.
Li Rongzhou advised: "Pingfu, practice Five Spirits Dance secretly—use Black Tiger Technique publicly."
Li Pingfu nodded—this came at the perfect time to resolve a looming threat. New techniques increased success odds.
Thinking of Lin Fengwu's recent movements, he focused entirely on mastering Five Spirits Dance.