"Whew!"
Li Pingcan exhaled a turbid breath, withdrawing his transformed [Savage Fury]. As that violent power faded, he felt a brief moment of tranquility.
Just as he prepared to loot the corpse, a faint yet sharp sense of danger prickled through his spiritual consciousness like needles.
Looking down, he saw a blood-red mark had somehow attached itself to the finger that had just slain Su Qingyun.
"Tracking Mark!"
The mark resembled a tiny blood-colored worm attempting to burrow beneath his skin and merge with his bloodline. This was an immortal cultivation family's method for relentlessly pursuing enemies.
"Kill the young and the old come running," Li Pingcan muttered internally. Unlike when he killed Su Huanuan without understanding the Su family's peculiarities, he was prepared this time. Channeling his natural magic power, he transformed it into pure cleansing light that enveloped and dissolved the blood mark.
"Lucky it was just a secondary mark. Had the Su family patriarch placed it himself, resolving it wouldn't have been so easy." Li Pingcan felt lingering fear, growing increasingly wary of these ancient cultivation families.
"Little brother, what's wrong?" Li Pingfu noticed his expression and hurried over.
"Nothing, just a minor issue already resolved," Li Pingcan waved it off, not wanting to worry his elder brother."Then what next—"
"Next, we proceed as planned."
Li Pingcan's lips curled into a smile. "We haven't collected our spoils yet. Can't let this Su family matriarch's trip be entirely wasted, can we?"
Li Mengze watched his younger brother's nervous demeanor and couldn't help chuckling, his worries dissipating somewhat.
The two approached Su Qingyun's corpse. The once elegant noblewoman now lay exposed in the wilderness—a stark reminder that one misstep in the immortal path led to eternal damnation.
Sentiments aside, their hands moved swiftly.
Su Qingyun's wealth far exceeded ordinary rogue cultivators. Her storage pouch contained hundreds of mid-grade spirit stones, a bottle of second-grade healing pills, and a thick stack of talismans.
Most eye-catching was her flying sword—a slender blade of translucent green jade resembling autumn water, radiant and flowing. The hilt bore an engraved blooming lotus, emanating both elegance and sharpness.
"Fine sword!"
Li Pingcan grasped it, feeling cool energy flow into his body through his palm.
Li Mengze remarked, "An excellent blade—sharp yet restrained, brimming with spiritual energy, even better than my Soulchaser Sword."
"Big brother should take it then," Li Pingcan offered.
Li Mengze shook his head. "Doesn't suit me. But you—with 'Awakening Thunder' and now this 'Green Lotus,' you can wield dual swords for greater power."
Li Pingcan didn't refuse, storing Green Lotus Sword and inventorying the remaining spoils. Besides backup magical implements and dozens of mid-grade spirit stones, what delighted him most was Su Qingyun's alchemy journal.
The journal not only detailed improved formulas and techniques for dozens of first-grade pills but also contained a fragmentary recipe for second-grade "Foundation Establishment Pills"!
A single Foundation Establishment Pill increased breakthrough chances by 10%. Though seemingly small, countless talents had stumbled at this hurdle.
"When Mengze's alchemy skills mature, I'll have him attempt completing the Foundation Establishment Pill formula!"
He selected several pill bottles for Li Pingfu. "Elder brother, you frequently fight—these pills can save your life in critical moments."
Li Pingfu accepted without ceremony, knowing his younger brother had ample treasures.
"You're quite generous with your brother," Green Jiao's voice carried playful mockery. "Aren't afraid they'll discover a 'mere mortal warrior' is wealthier than proper officials and natural experts?"
"Let them know," Li Pingcan laughed. "We Li brothers share everything."
"Your elder brother's blood qi is absurdly vigorous—fights like a crazed bear. If not for knowing he's your blood brother, I'd think he was some great demon in human form!"
Implying his brother wasn't human?
Li Pingfu merely glanced at Green Jiao wordlessly, but the message was clear: Say one more word.
Green Jiao immediately shrank back, chuckling nervously.
As Li Pingfu organized Su Qingyun's "inheritance," he suddenly felt a chill down his spine and turned in confusion.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing," Li Pingcan suppressed laughter, speaking seriously. "Elder brother, it's cold—dress warmer."
......
The beast tide battle finally concluded.
A year later, when Li Pingcan returned to Peach Blossom Village, spring flowers bloomed.
Travel-worn in his blue robe, he entered the Li Family Mansion.
"Third Master has returned!"
"Quickly inform the Madam and Mistress!"
Servants spread the joyful news.
Before reaching the inner courtyard, Li Pingcan saw Xie Yuan—her belly round—leaning on a maid's support, eagerly waiting under the corridor.
Seeing him, her eyes reddened as she hurried forward.
"My lord, you've finally returned."
"I'm home." Li Pingcan embraced her, inhaling his wife's familiar fragrance, his heart settling.
Xie Yuan's ten-month pregnancy neared its end. He'd rushed back like a shooting star chasing the moon.
Sure enough, days later, a clear infant's cry brought new joy to the Li household.
Xie Yuan safely delivered a baby girl.
Lady Qin and Li Rongzhou cradled their newborn granddaughter, beaming.
By the bedside, Zhao Sisi carefully served Xie Yuan a bowl of ginseng soup.
"My lord."
Xie Yuan's eyes reddened seeing Li Pingcan, her voice weak postpartum but brimming with happiness.
Li Pingcan approached, taking her slightly cold hand, guilt and heartache surfacing seeing her pale face.
"You've suffered."
He bent down, gently kissing her forehead.
"It was nothing." Xie Yuan shook her head with a blissful smile. "Quick, see our daughter."
Li Pingcan took the tiny bundle from his mother, that wondrous blood connection stirring again.
The infant girl was even more delicate than her brothers at birth. Sleeping soundly, her long lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, little mouth slightly puckered as if dreaming.
"Her brows, her nose—exactly like mine as a baby!" Li Pingcan adored the soft bundle in his arms. The Li family had abundant males but few females—Li Ping'an's daughter Li Nianhe lived elsewhere, so this was novel.
With a baby sister's arrival, the entire household doted on her.
"Yes, yes, she takes after you," Xie Yuan leaned against the headboard, watching her husband's foolish expression with contentment.
Unlike her brothers, the baby girl lacked any ostentatious "talent" aura, instead possessing a moonlit serenity.
As Li Pingcan held his daughter, his panel activated:
[Your blood descendant's birth has strengthened the Druid training site's power.]
[Your bloodline inheritance offers three options.]
[Option 1: Breath of the Tree (Compatibility: 88%)]
[Option 2: Moonlight Microbeams (Compatibility: 99%)]
[Option 3: Dance of the Wind (Compatibility: 75%)]
"Moonlight Microbeams?"
Seeing the 99% compatibility, Li Pingcan's heart stirred.
This was among his earliest Druid abilities—absorbing moonlight energy to nourish the spirit. Though subtle, it was exceptionally gentle.
With such high compatibility, though Moonlight Microbeams wasn't powerful, as a bloodline talent it might yield unexpected effects.
Without hesitation, Li Pingcan selected [Moonlight Microbeams].
[Bloodline inheritance successful!]
[Your descendant has acquired the bloodline ability: Moon Goddess' Healing.]
[Your descendant possesses innate healing and calming talents. She can channel moonlight to gradually heal injuries, purify negative emotions, and continuously strengthen her constitution by absorbing lunar essence. This ability upgrades with her growth and spiritual enhancement, granting natural affinity for all "yin" attribute techniques and spells.]
"Moon Goddess' Healing..."
Li Pingcan murmured softly, gazing tenderly at his sleeping daughter.
One child with Insight into Good and Evil to steer the family's future.
One with a natural sword body to be the family's blade.
And now, a natural "healer"!
Offense, defense, support—the Li family's third generation formed a perfect adventuring team!
"Little treasure!" He kissed the baby's forehead. "We'll name you Li Mengyue!"
......
When the siblings first met, Li Yuanhu and Li Nianhe were intensely curious about their new sister.
Li Yuanhu poked at her cheek. "Let me see who she resembles!"
Jiang Ling'er playfully swatted his hand. "Go away, all sweaty from training—don't stink up your sister."
Li Mengjin watched the porcelain-doll-like baby surrounded by admirers, feeling an indescribable sensation.
His natural sword body granted keener perception than most. This little sister carried a moonlit serenity that instinctively drew him.
Yet when he tried approaching like Yuanhu, his feet rooted themselves.
Since his father's departure months ago, he'd overheard maids whispering terms like:
"Legitimate," "bastard," "main wife," "concubine"...
Though young, he vaguely understood the distinctions. Brother Mengze was Father and First Mother's child—the legitimate heir.
While he was Father and Sisi Mother's child—merely a bastard.
First Mother treated him kindly as her own, but that subtle difference lodged in his heart like a tiny thorn.
He watched Li Yuanxi confidently place an exquisite rattle in the cradle, praised by Grandmother Qin and Mistress Xie Yuan.
Li Mengjin wanted to approach but felt an invisible wall separating him. He feared strange looks, feared not belonging.
Xie Yuan was the main wife. When she held Mengyue, even the servants' smiles seemed more genuine.
His own mother, though also a mistress, always carried careful deference.
The legitimate-bastard divide.
This concept from storytellers' tales now clearly branded his young heart.
Was he...different from his siblings and newborn sister?
His sword's innate sharpness dimmed momentarily.
He subconsciously retreated behind Li Yuanhu, his small figure appearing lonely.
......
That night, candlelight illuminated Li Pingcan's study.
He held Li Mengjin on his lap, observing his son's clear yet uneasy eyes, sighing inwardly.
"Mengjin, why so unhappy today?" he gently prodded.
Li Mengjin hung his head silently.
"Jealous of the new baby sister?" Li Pingcan rephrased.
Li Mengjin fiercely shook his head, face full of grievance. "No!"
"Then why?"
Under his father's gentle guidance, Li Mengjin finally voiced his confusion: "Father...am I different from brother and sister? Am I...inferior?"
Li Pingcan sighed softly.
Since ancient times, legitimate and illegitimate children differed. Even confident children like Mengjin developed insecurities upon realizing this.
An institutional gap even he couldn't change.
He hugged his son reassuringly. "Who said that? In my heart, each of you is equally precious."
Pausing, his tone turned solemn: "Mengjin, remember—what defines someone isn't birth but their choices and efforts. Your elder brother Yuanhu has natural strength. Brother Mengze has exceptional intelligence. And you—"
Li Pingcan retrieved a sleek black shortsword—"Shadow Fang"—from his storage pouch.
"You are a born swordsman."
Placing Shadow Fang in his son's hands, he continued, "This sword awaited a worthy master. I believe one day your name will make it shine brightest."
Li Mengjin stared dumbfounded at the sword. Its cool touch and blood-connected sharpness instantly erased his grievances.
He felt his father spoke truth.
"Father..." His eyes cleared, reigniting with brilliance.
"I'm here." Li Pingcan ruffled his hair, smiling. "Remember—birth and others' opinions don't matter. You're my son. Just walk your path, become stronger than anyone until all critics are silenced."
"Mm!" Li Mengjin sniffled.
"Now, men don't cry." Li Pingcan patted his back, handing him Shadow Fang's sheath. "Remember—swords protect, not show off. Don't unsheathe it until you can properly wield it."
"I understand!"
Li Mengjin nodded firmly, gripping Shadow Fang tightly. Though cold, the hilt now carried his father's warmth, solid and reassuring.
That lingering insecurity had completely vanished.
......
Meanwhile, at the Prefectural Academy far away, Li Mengze received a family letter.
"A sister was born?"
Reading his father's familiar handwriting, his refined face broke into a genuine smile.
He immediately penned a reply—not just congratulations but eager curiosity about his sister.
Accompanying the letter was a heavy package containing an exquisitely crafted, spiritually resonant pill furnace.
"From Father!"
Li Mengze caressed the furnace lovingly, warmth flooding his heart.
This wasn't just equipment—it represented his father's approval of his alchemical path.
"With this, my Pure Source Pill success rate increases by 20%! More spirit stones and ingredients!"
Excited plans filled his mind. "Sister Mengyue sounds gentle—I'll refine beauty pills for her when she's older."
Full of motivation, he prepared for the pill hall when a Hundred Herbs Hall clerk respectfully delivered an invitation.
"Shopkeeper Qian requests your honored presence at Moonview Pavilion tonight for important discussions."
Accepting the gilded invitation, Li Mengze's brow subtly furrowed.
Since Pure Source Pills sold well, Shopkeeper Qian had treated him extremely respectfully, always addressing him as "Young Master Li" or "Alchemist Li." This "honored presence" wording was unusual—more command than request.
This abruptness contradicted Hundred Herbs Hall's usual harmonious business approach.
Li Mengze grew wary but maintained composure, smiling politely. "Thank Shopkeeper Qian for his kindness. I'll attend punctually."
The clerk sighed in relief and withdrew.
Li Mengze examined the ornate invitation—beneath its flowery language lurked an imperceptible chill.
After contemplation, he discreetly visited the Talisman Pavilion en route to the pill hall, exchanging all his recent earnings for powerful offensive talismans hidden in his sleeves.