For ordinary cultivators, even the most talented geniuses, the path of cultivation must be tread with extreme caution, as if walking on thin ice. While pills are beneficial, each consumption tests one's foundational cultivation. Accumulated pill toxins can lead to stagnant cultivation at best, or damaged foundations and qi deviation at worst.
But this daughter of his...
This wasn't cultivation!
This was outright cheating!
The physical manifestation of "without money, don't even think about cultivation"!
As long as resources were sufficient, theoretically, he could completely "feed" his daughter into becoming a peerless master with unfathomable cultivation!
In the following days, Li Pingcan began his daughter-raising project. He started with the gentlest unranked Blood Qi Pills, administering one daily while carefully observing his daughter's reactions. Li Mengyue smacked her lips, eating with relish. Aside from letting out a spiritual-energy-filled burp, she showed no discomfort whatsoever. Relieved, Li Pingcan gradually grew bolder.
Spirit Containing Pills, Body Strengthening Pills, Clear Heart Pills... various first-grade pills were given to his daughter in rotation. Li Mengyue accepted them all without refusal, eating everything happily with excellent health. Her delicate, jade-like face grew increasingly rosy and adorable. Her strength and mana grew rapidly under this "force-feeding" approach.
Two years passed in the blink of an eye. The three-year-old Li Mengyue, under this "feeding" regimen, had accumulated terrifying amounts of mana and blood qi within her tiny body. Though she didn't yet know how to utilize it, this power genuinely lay dormant within her. This seemingly harmless little girl had essentially become an absolute "stats monster."
That day, in the Li family backyard, Li Yuanhu was shirtless, sweating profusely as he practiced a set of Tiger Fist techniques with powerful, domineering momentum. "Brother, you're amazing!" Li Mengyue toddled over on short legs, clapping her small hands in applause."Naturally!" Li Yuanhu wiped his sweat, looking at his most beloved little sister with a doting smile. "With Brother Hu's strength, no one will dare bully you in the future!"
"Great! Then play a game with me!" Li Mengyue tilted her head. "If I win, you have to buy me that little pet to keep in your courtyard." The so-called "little pet" was actually a ten-foot-long giant python, a treasure beast. Xie Yuan had initially approved of her daughter wanting a pet, but when she learned it was a python, she nearly fainted and firmly refused.
Li Yuanhu didn't know where his little cousin developed such strange preferences—disliking rabbits or cats but insisting on snakes, frogs, lizards... completely different from ordinary girls' tastes. But he didn't refuse, smiling as he asked, "What game?"
"Arm wrestling! Let's compare strength!"
Li Yuanhu paused, then burst into laughter: "You, with those tiny arms and legs, want to arm wrestle me? Brother might accidentally break you."
"Then go easy on me! You use one finger, I'll use both hands." Li Mengyue pouted. "Brother scared?"
"Who's scared!" Li Yuanhu chuckled dismissively. "Let's do it! But no crying if you lose!" He smilingly extended one finger, lightly hooking his sister's palm. "I'll let you go first!"
"Okay!" Li Mengyue answered in her childish voice, her delicate little face suddenly turning extremely serious as she took deep breaths. "Huu huu huu!"
Just as Li Yuanhu thought she was about to exert force, Li Mengyue suddenly pointed behind him and cried out in surprise: "Ah! Brother, look! Dad's back!" Li Yuanhu instinctively turned his head.
In that moment of distraction, a cunning glint flashed in Li Mengyue's eyes. She abruptly exerted force, and the power accumulated in her body instantly erupted! "Huh?!" Li Yuanhu only felt tremendous force on his finger as it was violently pressed down!
Dazed, he looked at his sister, who was covering her mouth and giggling sneakily, his face full of life-questioning shock. "I... lost to a three-year-old toddler?"
Li Mengyue paid no attention, declaring triumphantly: "Brother lost!"
"Big brother, who told you to underestimate Mengyue? You were too careless—capsized in a tiny ditch!" Li Yuanxi, who had been calculating accounts nearby, couldn't hold back his laughter.
While Li Yuanhu doted on his sister, he showed no such mercy to his younger brother, smacking Li Yuanxi's forehead. "Stop gloating—this has nothing to do with you!" Then he looked back at Li Mengyue. Was this to be expected from Third Uncle's biological daughter? All these unexpected excellences seemed rather reasonable!
In the Li family meditation room, a mountain-like, heavy aura slowly emanated from Li Pingfu. Sitting cross-legged with eyes closed, his face showed neither joy nor sorrow as he seemed to merge with heaven and earth. Forty-two years old—for a martial artist, past the golden age of peak vitality. Yet Li Pingfu's blood qi remained vigorous as a river, even more condensed than in his youth. This came from decades of arduous cultivation, insights from the Five Spirit Play and Soulwood, and endless pill support.
Now, he finally touched the threshold of that peak. "Break!" With a low shout, his dantian trembled violently as his energy began transforming at an incredible speed! A faint five-colored treasure light appeared on his body's surface. Finally, when that drop of True Essence completely solidified, an overwhelming pressure far surpassing the Postnatal Realm erupted from within!
Divine Martial Realm—achieved! Feeling the perfectly harmonious, endlessly cycling power within, Li Pingfu's face showed no joy, only faint confusion. "This is the Divine Martial Realm?"
Exiting the meditation room, he encountered Li Pingcan drinking tea in the courtyard. "Congratulations, elder brother, for reaching martial arts' pinnacle," Li Pingcan said, pouring him tea.
"Martial arts' pinnacle..." Li Pingfu accepted the cup with a bitter smile. "Yet I feel... there seems to be no path ahead." It felt like climbing an isolated peak—looking out, only endless clouds remained, with no higher place in sight. Empty and powerless.
"Who says there's no path?" Li Pingcan set down his teacup. "Elder brother, have you heard of ancient body refining experts who achieved sainthood through fleshly body, shattering void with fists? Mundane martial arts stop at Divine Martial. But why must we brothers walk the mundane path?"
Without spiritual energy, one couldn't become a body refining cultivator—though ancient body refiners tempered their flesh, they still used spiritual energy as source power. But entering the Dao through martial arts meant creating an entirely new system and realm. Li Pingcan admitted his martial comprehension was average—his current achievements relied entirely on Druid insights into nature, essentially "cheating." Thus, he couldn't create a new system. But elder brother Li Pingfu and nephew Li Yuanhu might!
Hearing this, Li Pingfu's confidence reignited. The world's principles were roughly thus—the more one overthought, the less one acted, the more lost one became. No one knew the path ahead. Better to trust his brother and walk this road to the end—regardless of outcome, it would be a memorable journey.
Several months later, at Songling Prefecture's provincial military examinations, martial talents from various counties gathered, eager to win glory. Li Yuanhu stood among them, calm as his gaze swept over the examiners' platform and two most notable opponents—both seeded contestants from prestigious "immortal martial" backgrounds.
To the left was Wang Lie, direct disciple of "Blazing Mountain Dojo"—tall, wearing crimson martial attire, wielding an exaggeratedly large saber. To the right was Liu Xu, successor of "Listening Rain Sword Pavilion"—dressed in blue robes with an ancient sword on his back, handsome with an ethereal aura, though his narrow eyes occasionally revealed cunning.
These two were not only top favorites to win but also Li Yuanhu's strongest competitors. "Clang!" The gong sounded—examinations began. "First event: Weighted March!" At the proctor's command, all candidates shouldered three-hundred-pound sandbags for a hundred-mile trek. The two frontrunners immediately took the lead with light, swift steps while Li Yuanhu followed steadily in the second group, breathing evenly as if carrying cotton rather than iron sand.
He remembered Third Uncle's advice: conceal your edge. The Li family no longer needed another aggressively ambitious "top scorer"—they needed a stable "cornerstone" to take root in the military. First place was too conspicuous, making one a target. Just enough to display capability and gain recognition without inviting unnecessary trouble.
In subsequent events, Li Yuanhu perfectly executed this strategy. In archery, he only hit nines. In weapons, he performed averagely. Soon came the final duel. "You're Li Yuanhu?" Wang Lie hefted his flaming saber, grinning. "You're interesting—better than those weaklings. Come, let's see if you're stronger or my Blazing Sun Saber!"
Without further ado, he swung down at Li Yuanhu's head. Shifting footwork, Li Yuanhu employed the Monkey Play's agility and Crane Play's lightness, leaving afterimages as he effortlessly weaved through seemingly unavoidable saber rays. "Huh?" Wang Lie was stunned—this seemingly brute-force fighter actually had such bizarre movement!
His saber techniques grew increasingly frenzied, enveloping the entire arena. Yet Li Yuanhu remained like a small boat in stormy seas—seemingly precarious but always narrowly avoiding fatal strikes at critical moments. After one incense stick's time, Wang Lie gradually weakened, sweat beading on his forehead. His aggressive style consumed tremendous energy. At the life-risking moment, Li Yuanhu feinted an opening, allowing Wang Lie to seize the chance and force him offstage with a saber strike.
"My thanks for the match." Wang Lie exhaled heavily—his victory wasn't easy. No longer arrogant, he was drenched in sweat with bruises on his arms. This outcome was only possible because his opponent held back. Had Li Yuanhu fought recklessly, trading injury for injury, Wang Lie might not have won.
Li Yuanhu clasped his hands, smiling. This result was intentional—the Li family needed lasting stability, not temporary glory. "This Li boy has solid foundations, but his temperament is too steady—lacking youthful edge," the head examiner remarked on the platform, tone appreciative yet faintly regretful.
Hearing this, Li Yuanhu disagreed inwardly. Times had changed. When Second Uncle topped the exams, it required aggressive determination—the Li family then needed someone to make a name. But now, they shouldn't seek unnecessary conflict or risks. Edge? That was reserved for true enemies. Bowing respectfully to the examiner, he wore perfectly measured humility. The third-place title sat comfortably with him.
Before the county exam's excitement faded, before Li Yuanhu could even leave the stage, matchmakers swarmed him. "Aiyah! Young Master Li!" Madam Wang's shrill voice could pierce clouds. "Look at your physique, your aura, your majesty! In my decades of matchmaking, I've never seen such a heroic youth!" She pulled him toward her group. "Come meet our young lady! Magistrate Zhou greatly admires you—willing to betroth his precious daughter! Just nod, and the dowry will stretch from east to west!"
Dazed by this sudden onslaught, Li Yuanhu—who had spent his life training and eating—had never faced such situations, feeling extremely awkward. "This... isn't appropriate..." He scratched his head, struggling before managing, "I... I'm not ready..."
"Aiyah! What's inappropriate? Perfect match!" Madam Wang, sensing opportunity, turned up the heat. "Our young lady excels in music, chess, calligraphy, painting—gentle and virtuous, perfectly suited for a hero like you!" The crowd joined in.
"Young Master Li is so lucky! Magistrate Zhou's daughter!"
"Exactly! With such a father-in-law, you're set for life!"
Compliments, envy, and teasing flooded over Li Yuanhu. A Postnatal expert who never flinched at danger now had sweat beading his forehead. He wanted to refuse, but facing the Zhou family's display, the words stuck in his throat. Mishandling this wouldn't just offend Magistrate Zhou but make the Li family seem arrogant after minor success.
As he hesitated, a clear, warm voice sounded. "My nephew is immature—forgive the amusement." Li Ping'an had somehow arrived, his calm demeanor naturally commanding respect. "Second Uncle!" Li Yuanhu sighed in relief.
Seeing Li Ping'an, Madam Wang and the Zhou steward immediately became more restrained, bowing. Li Ping'an first saluted the Zhou family's direction. "Magistrate Zhou's kindness moves our entire family. However..." His tone shifted slightly, face showing appropriate regret. "Yuanhu's marriage was already decided by elders long ago—we dare not ruin Miss Zhou's auspicious match."
"What? Already decided?" Madam Wang was stunned.
"Indeed." Li Ping'an continued unblushingly: "Since childhood, Yuanhu was childhood sweethearts with a Senior Sister Sun from the dojo. Seeing their mutual affection, my elder brother and sister-in-law secretly exchanged betrothal documents long ago, waiting only for Yuanhu's coming-of-age to wed. Though not publicly announced, this is common knowledge within our clan. While we deeply appreciate Magistrate Zhou's kindness, marriage follows first-come rules. We beg his understanding."
His flawless speech both complimented the Zhou family and explained their situation, using the irrefutable "elders' decree" to decline. Though dissatisfied, the Zhou steward and Madam Wang had no rebuttal—they couldn't force an annulment without becoming bullies. Forced to smile, they offered polite regrets before retreating.
In the carriage home:
"Second Uncle, you're amazing! Just a few words sent them packing!"
"You..." Li Ping'an shook his head helplessly. "There will be more such situations. You have much to learn."
"Second Uncle, I don't understand." Li Yuanhu scratched his head. "Didn't you marry into the Mu family? Why for me..." He wanted to ask why elders seemed unconcerned about him marrying into influence.
Hearing this, Li Ping'an's smile turned profound. Gazing at the passing scenery, he finally spoke nostalgically: "Tiger Cub, know why I married a Mu girl?" Li Yuanhu shook his head. "Because back then, the Li family wasn't strong enough." Li Ping'an's soft voice carried weight. "We were like a sprout needing support to withstand storms. Marriage brought connections, resources—letting our family quickly escape vulnerability. Our generation's 'unfreedom' bought your generation's 'freedom.' Though I've no regrets—your aunt is gentle and kind."
These words stunned Li Yuanhu. This taken-for-granted "freedom" had such difficult origins. Warmth surged in his chest, eyes stinging. "Second Uncle..." His voice choked. "Enough—grown man shouldn't act like a girl." Li Ping'an patted his shoulder teasingly. "But seriously—when will you and that Sun girl settle things? Your third uncle keeps nagging me."
"Cough!" Li Yuanhu turned crimson, waving frantically. "Second Uncle! Don't... don't listen to Third Uncle! Senior Sister hasn't... hasn't even let me meet her father yet!"