Chapter 147: Seclusion

Chapter 147: Seclusion

Li Xuanfeng bid farewell to Liu Changdie and left some money behind for Jiang Yunu, then rode the wind southward along the Guli Road for a few hours. The faint golden light dome enveloped in misty clouds of Mount Lijing appeared before him.

Landing on the mountaintop, he was greeted by the cheerful Li Xuanxuan.

Seeing Li Xuanxuan's contagious smile, Li Xuanfeng could not help but smile as well.

"Brother Xuan, what's making you so happy?" he asked with a grin.

"Second Uncle has acquired a treasure sword containing a footwork legacy from Lingyu Gate called the River Crossing Torrential Step, it's a Grade Three technique! Naturally, that's a cause for joy!" Li Xuanxuan replied with almost a chirp in his tone.

He handed over a jade slip before continuing, "Everyone at home has read and memorized it; Second Uncle has already entered seclusion to practice it... You should read it quickly!"

Li Xuanfeng laughed as he took the jade slip, scanned it briefly with his spiritual sense, and nodded seriously.

"Great timing! It's Lu and An families' turn to guard the mine vein, and there are no affairs at home that need attention... I'm also planning to enter seclusion to make a breakthrough. I'll take this jade slip with me and leave the home matters to you, brother."

Li Xuanxuan nodded in agreement, waving his hand dismissively to assure him.

"That's good news! You go ahead and focus on your seclusion."

With Li Xuanxuan and Chen Donghe both already having condensed the Jade Capital Chakra and attained the fifth stage of the Embryonic Breathing Realm, the family's safety should not be an issue for concern at all.

Li Xuanfeng nodded before pocketing the jade slip, then flew toward Meiche Peak to begin his cultivation in seclusion.

Li Xuanxuan descended the mountain only to be approached hastily by Li Xuanling, appearing to have an eager announcement to make.

"Brother Xuan! People from the Yu Family have arrived at the front yard, asking to see you."

"Not Qi Cultivators..?" Li Xuanxuan frowned.

Usually, when other families visited, Qi Cultivators would inquire from outside the formation; only messengers or disciples of the Embryonic Breathing Realm would send someone to formally announce their arrival.

"He's a Qi Cultivator who came down riding the wind. He specifically said not to disturb Clan Uncle Tongya, so I came up to report," Li Xuanling answered.

Li Xuanxuan nodded, puzzled. Nonetheless, he straightened his clothes and walked toward the courtyard. There, he spotted a middle-aged man in a long robe sitting on a chair, fidgeting with the wooden armrest—clearly uneasy. His aura was formidable, indicating he was at least a mid-stage Qi Cultivator.

"Li Xuanxuan of the Li Family greets the elder," Li Xuanxuan greeted as he announced his presence, cupping his fist.

The middle-aged man returned the gesture right away and upon realizing the visitor was not Li Tongya, looked visibly relieved. He carried a sword on his back and looked rather stiff. He then introduced himself politely.

"Yu Family's Yu Mujian."

Yu Mujian lost face in the spar on the boat and got severely reprimanded by Yu Xiaogui upon returning home. Coinciding with the Yu Family's market opening, Yu Xiaogui sent him to apologize to Li Tongya and also to extend an invitation to the Li Family to attend the opening ceremony.

Li Xuanxuan looked up and caught his eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked gently with a smile.

"Father, it's been a month since you last visited Jiao'er," Li Yuanxiu spoke. This comment startled Li Xuanxuan, who narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"Who told you to say that?"

"Nobody," Li Yuanxiu replied as he pressed his lips tightly together, looking a bit afraid of Li Xuanxuan's serious demeanor but still meeting his gaze defiantly.

"Alright," Li Xuanxuan finally sighed as he nodded and picked up his son. He headed out, feeling rather emotional.

Li Xiangping had died in Mount Yue's territory. Although the Li Family was not aware of the details, they had suspected the involvement of Mu Jiaoman and Mount Wu but had to let it go in order to maintain peace and avoid Mount Wu's attention.

When Mu Yalu came to propose marriage, Li Tongya and Li Xuanxuan valued her ancient Mulu bloodline, planning it as a chess piece for future control over Mount Yue—to avoid trouble when great changes occur in the mountains.

However, since Mu Yalu is Mu Jiaoman's clan sister, Li Xuanxuan— despite not saying it aloud, could not help his feelings of resentment. This affected his feelings toward Li Yuanjiao.

Hearing his son's words now, he began to ponder his actions.

For the sake of the family's stability in the next hundred years... I must not show favoritism.

As they approached the courtyard, Li Xuanxuan set Li Yuanxiu down gently, who cheerfully ran away to find his younger brother, Yuanjiao.

Soon, Mu Yalu's joyful voice was heard from a distance.

"Xiu'er, you're here! Come sit!"

Li Xuanxuan laughed and entered the courtyard to see Mu Yalu, who was startled to see him. She paused for a moment before quickly regaining her composure and bowed politely.

"The family head has arrived."

Li Yuanjiao, holding a wooden toy, looked up and called out, "Father!"

"Mm," Li Xuanxuan nodded at Mu Yalu and sat aside, watching the children play. The sunlight at the foot of the mountain was even brighter now, making Li Yuanjiao's eyes appear a brownish hue as he smiled toward Li Xuanxuan.

"Jiao'er, come here," Li Xuanxuan's voice trembled slightly. Mu Yalu, sensing something was off, looked up worriedly.

Li Yuanjiao walked over, puzzled. Li Xuanxuan examined his face but found no trace of brown in the shadows.

Sighing, Li Xuanxuan stood up, his gaze wandering. "I have matters to attend to on the mountain. I must leave now," he said solemnly.

With that, he left, leaving Li Yuanjiao and Li Yuanxiu playing in the courtyard. Mu Yalu watched him go, sitting quietly in the corner.