Seeing the azure-robed man materialize in the courtyard like an immortal descending from the heavens, Li Xiangping tasted bile in his throat. The mirror's master had come for them, he thought, panic flooding his veins.
He studied the man and found him unfathomable, profoundly beyond measure. He glanced at Li Chijing and Li Tongya. Though they maintained their composure, a flicker of dread lurked in their eyes. They were surely thinking the same.
"I am the Master of Azure Ear Peak in the Qingchi Sect." Si Yuanbai smiled gently, noting that the Li family held their guard rather than prostrating themselves in worship. This confirmed his judgment. "There is no need for alarm. The Ancient Li Road falls under the Qingchi Sect's domain. Since you have set foot on the immortal path, you naturally fall under our governance."
Hearing that the man was not the mirror's owner, the tension in Li Tongya and the others dissolved. Their hostility faded. Li Tongya clasped his fists and spoke respectfully: "We are humble villagers, ignorant of the world. We achieved the Profound Vision Wheel by accident, knowing nothing of your esteemed sect. Forgive us for any discourtesy."
Si Yuanbai paused, then understood. The Ancient Li Road had gone unattended for centuries. These villagers had never even heard the name of the Qingchi Sect. He formed a seal, and a vivid, floating map of the State of Yue appeared before them.
This single display stunned the Li family. Li Chijing and the others had learned techniques that let them channel spiritual power, but they could barely shape it into crude forms, let alone craft something as intricate as a map.
"This is the State of Yue." Si Yuanbai focused his mind, and a blue-green patch bloomed across the southern quarter of the map. "This is the Qingchi Sect."
"So it is the Qingchi Immortal Sect," Li Mutian said, bowing. "In my youth, I campaigned with General Yang against the Mountain Yue tribes. The talismans we carried were issued by the Qingchi Immortal Sect."
"We would never presume to call ourselves an immortal sect," Si Yuanbai said, waving his hands. He turned to the three brothers. "Since you have entered the gate of the Profound Vision Wheel, the villages along the Ancient Li Road are placed under your governance. You need only remember to deliver the annual tribute of resources to the sect."
"There are a few other families on the Ancient Li Road. Your foundation is shallow, so yield where you can. Do not provoke unnecessary conflict. Every five years, the sect sends someone to select disciples to ascend the mountain. If your clan can produce an outstanding talent, it will benefit the family greatly."
Li Tongya's expression shifted. "And the tribute?"
"Once every five years: ten White Origin Fruits and two hundred catties of spirit rice," Si Yuanbai said gravely. "This tribute cannot be neglected. Best if you have a family member who has entered the sect to speak on your behalf, or there will surely be deductions."
By now Li Tongya understood the implication. The men exchanged glances. Li Mutian's mind raced: *He arrived the instant Chijing broke through. He wants Chijing to enter the Qingchi Sect.*
*And why not? Chijing's talent is exceptional. Wasting away in these mountains would be a disservice. Let him go to the immortal sect and make his mark. The family gains a patron on the inside.*
Li Mutian gave Li Chijing a subtle nod. Understanding flooded the youth's eyes. He rose, bowed deeply to Si Yuanbai, and spoke with formal courtesy: "Chijing is dull-witted, yet I admire the Peak Master's bearing. I beg to be accepted as your disciple — even as a sweeper boy, I would treasure the immortal's teachings."
"Excellent. You belong on Azure Ear Peak." Si Yuanbai did not stand on ceremony. He slapped the satchel at his waist, and two packages — one large, one small — appeared on the ground. At their startled looks, he explained: "These are storage pouches. Once you cultivate the Jade Capital Wheel, you will be able to use them."
"The larger package contains spirit rice seeds. The smaller contains the pits of the White Origin Fruit." Si Yuanbai flipped his hand, revealing several wooden slips. "As for a sweeper boy — there's no need. Since you've entered my door, you should know my name. I am Si Yuanbai, Master of Azure Ear Peak in the Qingchi Sect. I will not treat you poorly."
"These three slips contain techniques from independent cultivators of the State of Yue — let your family study them for reference. The fourth slip details the cultivation methods for spirit rice and White Origin Fruit. Study them diligently."
The family murmured their assent. Si Yuanbai smiled. "No need to be so tense. What technique do you practice?"
Li Xiangping and his brothers felt as though they were standing before a judge. They exchanged glances, but no one spoke.
Seeing their hesitation, Si Yuanbai had a flash of insight and waved his hands. "I understand, I understand. Your senior must have forbidden you from speaking of it."
Si Yuanbai had only achieved Foundation Establishment last year. Naturally, he regarded the unknown Foundation Establishment cultivator from a decade ago as his senior.
Li Mutian cleared his throat and stepped out from behind his sons. "Over ten years ago, I saved a senior cultivator. He recuperated in my home for several years and left us this technique. He instructed me never to reveal it, then departed."
"Indeed!" Si Yuanbai nodded, silently congratulating himself on his cleverness. *It's only a wheel-nurturing method — what else could it be? No need to press the matter and wound my new disciple's feelings.*
He glanced at the old farmer with a flicker of pity, then flipped his palm to reveal a pale jade seal. He stroked its face, and the seal glowed with golden light, revealing several characters: "Under Qingchi Governance."
Si Yuanbai looked at the family. "This is the token of the Qingchi Sect's governance. I have already imprinted it with my dharma seal. With this, you can demarcate your boundaries from the neighboring families, and you can use it to request aid from the sect. Guard it well."
He lifted his palm and the jade seal drifted down into Li Tongya's hands. Watching Li Tongya secure it, Si Yuanbai turned to Li Chijing with a smile. "Come, disciple. Bid your family farewell."
Li Chijing, eyes red, embraced his two brothers, then knelt before Li Mutian and pressed his head to the ground three times. "Your unfilial son cannot stay to serve at your knees. Please, Father, Mother — take care of your health."
Li Mutian coughed and helped him to his feet. "Your brothers will handle the family affairs. Don't worry. Cultivate well in the sect. Become the Li family's pillar."
After bidding farewell to his brothers once more, Li Chijing walked to Si Yuanbai's side with reluctant steps. "Master, I have bid my family farewell."
Si Yuanbai nodded again and again, ignoring the deep bows from Li Tongya and the others. He laughed heartily to himself: "Today I've gained a fine disciple — the boar demon shall live another day!"
He gathered Li Chijing by the hand, flicked his fingers, and a flying shuttle appeared before them. Another seal, and the shuttle stretched several times in length. The two of them boarded it and shot northward like a falling star.