The Peach Brew was the town’s specialty, elegantly packaged in exquisite sandalwood boxes that looked very high-end.
Shen Xiaotian carried two boxes of the Peach Brew as he headed to visit the Li family.
He was a Divine Execution warrior; walking dozens of miles on flat roads on foot didn’t tire him at all. His pace was swift and steady, and the gift boxes in his hands didn’t wobble even a bit.
At the entrance of Peach Blossom Village, due to the recent influx of unfamiliar visitors coming to see the Li family, several young villagers stood guard. Seeing Shen Xiaotian, one stood atop a wooden lookout platform and looked down, asking, “Where are you from?”
Shen Xiaotian frowned.
In the past, his bad temper wouldn’t have tolerated such slight disrespect, but thinking about how those two old men had acted behind his back to strike first, the alliance of friendship was now broken like a fragile boat. His thin belly had swollen from anger like a pufferfish.
One step slower means every step is slower!
He could only endure, speaking gruffly, “I am Shen Xiaotian from Flat Peach Town, here to visit the Li family.”
The young villager nodded. He was just a farm boy from the village, rarely visiting the town, and didn’t know the name “Shen Xiaotian,” so he remained indifferent.
As for the “Li family,” although most families in Peach Blossom Village were surnamed Li, nowadays “Li family” referred only to Uncle Rongzhou’s household. Outsiders came only for them, so there was no confusion.The young villager looked at the long sword hanging at Shen Xiaotian’s waist and said seriously, “Brother Yuan said no weapons are allowed inside the village. Please leave your blade on the sword rack and retrieve it when you leave. I will keep it safe.” This was to prevent any lawless troublemakers from causing harm.
Seeing the clear gaze of the young villager, Shen Xiaotian understood he was not deliberately making things difficult. He reluctantly put down his long sword along with several long needle hidden weapons.
The pulley moved, and the wooden gate creaked open.
As Shen Xiaotian passed the wooden platform, he couldn’t help but snort coldly. Using his movement technique, his body became like a phantom, vanishing from the young villager’s sight in the blink of an eye.
“That fast?”
The young villager’s eyes widened, belatedly realizing this was a martial arts expert!
His heart pounded, worried he might have provoked someone he shouldn’t have. When Li Yuan came to inspect, he quickly reported the matter in a rush.
Li Yuan reassured him, “No need to worry. You did well. Just keep doing what you’re supposed to.”
He glanced toward the Li family’s direction.
Even the most stubborn Divine Execution warrior had come to make peace, so his older brother opening a martial arts school in Flat Peach Town now faced no obstacles.
…………
The Li family.
The lingering fragrance of Silver Dew Pine Tea filled the air. The originally simple reception hall was decorated with various ornaments and calligraphy paintings… once strength reached a certain level, wealth would flow like a river.
Shen Xiaotian’s earlier frustrations eased after taking a sip of the hot tea.
He couldn’t tell if the tea was good or bad, but he could tell it was expensive tea leaves, which meant Li Pingfu’s attitude was still relatively friendly.
Without the sarcastic atmosphere present during banquets, Shen Xiaotian was much kinder in private, wearing a warm smile. “Since we parted last time, it’s been many days. I’ve missed you very much.”
Li Pingfu’s heart was strange. He thought of the attitudes of the White Tiger and Vermilion Bird martial arts school masters, and now the Azure Dragon… their attempts at probing had failed, so they switched to a strategy of coaxing.
He had to admire these martial arts masters—they were seasoned veterans at changing faces, with their skills at switching from arrogance to humility so refined it was flawless. This was a skill he still needed to learn.
No matter how much he inwardly grumbled, he remained courteous and hospitable on the surface.
“Senior visiting, is there any urgent matter? If there is anything I can assist with, I will never refuse.”
Hearing this, Shen Xiaotian was very pleased and said sincerely, “I and Pingfu got along well from the start. After thinking it over these days, why not become sworn brothers and share a bond of brotherhood?”
This was his “bright idea.” Once they were brothers, naturally they would share hardships and victories together. This was better than that woman having her daughter use a beauty scheme!
Li Pingfu was shocked and almost lost his composure. At their ages, in a farming family, they were more like grandfather and grandson. Brothers?
He quickly said, “Senior has been famous for a long time; I dare not compete for glory with you. If you don’t mind, why not let me call you ‘Brother Shen’?”
“That works.” Shen Xiaotian was a little regretful but knew it couldn’t be forced.
Although they didn’t swear brotherhood, it still eased their relationship. No longer rivals, the goal was achieved.
“Brother Shen.”
“Junior brother Li.”
With the address established, the two no longer felt unfamiliar. The atmosphere truly became harmonious.
Shen Xiaotian smiled, “Junior brother Li, just entering the Divine Execution Realm, you can ask me if there’s anything you don’t understand.” The Peach Brew was just a courtesy gift; this was his real sincerity.
Increasing strength and expanding connections allowed one to obtain more information and avoid many detours.
Li Pingfu’s mind stirred, asking, “Brother Shen, why is the Divine Execution Realm so important?”
It was not just the attitude of the martial arts masters. Today he also met with government officials who came to bring good news: special approval of martial registration and exemption from land tax.
Together, the two brothers, one civil and one martial, were exempt from paying taxes on a hundred acres of forest land.
This made Li Pingfu vaguely feel the Divine Execution Realm was no simple matter.
“Junior brother asked the right person. This is the secret of the Divine Execution Realm. Do you know why the government values Divine Execution warriors so much?”
He waited slyly for Li Pingfu to ask more.
This was one of his dark pleasures. Whenever teaching disciples core martial arts, he would deliberately leave a mystery, enjoying the sight of his disciples scratching their heads in eager frustration. It gave him a sense of control and satisfaction.
“Oh?” Li Pingfu smiled faintly, calmly sipping tea without much response.
Now it was Shen Xiaotian’s turn to feel uncomfortable, caught in between, wanting to speak but held back.
“Ha ha, junior brother is really steady.”
He gave an awkward fake laugh. Seeing Li Pingfu still didn’t respond, he had to speak on his own, “Ahem... Because for immortals, Divine Execution warriors are capable of injuring or even killing them. The government’s attention is less about respect and more about using fame and profit to lure them, strengthening control.”
Li Pingfu pondered thoughtfully.
Immortals were supreme, and those with official status were even more untouchable. He had never considered it from this angle.
‘Can immortals be killed when they are young and weak?’
He thought silently.
As Shen Xiaotian explained, Li Pingfu understood: Divine Execution warriors corresponded to first and second layers of immortal energy refinement, Postnatal warriors corresponded to third and fourth layers, Innate masters to fifth and sixth layers, and Grandmasters of the Divine Martial Realm to seventh and eighth layers.
Whether martial arts had realms beyond that was unknown.
Immortals at first and second layers had weak control over spells and fragile physiques; if caught close, they were vulnerable to physically strong warriors—fragile as glass.
Whether a Divine Execution warrior could handle a first or second layer immortal depended on weapons, cultivation methods, and the sub-realm of martial arts practiced.
The longer one cultivated immortality, the longer their lifespan, but no matter how strong a warrior was, age would cause blood qi to decline, limiting potential.
Shen Xiaotian’s words completely shattered Li Pingfu’s idealized image of immortals.
“Don’t attack immortals with official status. No matter how stealthy you are, the imperial court has ways to find the true culprit.” Shen Xiaotian warned, fearing his newly made junior brother might be overambitious and cause disaster for their whole family.
“Brother Shen, rest assured. How could I disrespect immortals?”
Li Pingfu’s surface was flawless, hiding his true thoughts well. “By the way, do you know of any immortal spiritual lands? I’d like to pay respects.”
Pay respects? More like seeking immortal fate, right?
Who wouldn’t want to cultivate immortality upon hearing the benefits?
Shen Xiaotian gave a knowing look and said, “Spiritual lands are already occupied by major powers, either immortal clans or martial families. We, these wandering forces, have no chance. The prefect of Yunshui County occupies Lingmai Mountain, a place of profound immortal path.
“But there’s no need to envy. Spiritual lands aren’t useful for warriors. Ordinary people can’t comprehend the mysteries of the heavenly energy.”
Information that ordinary people couldn’t access was somewhat rumored and passed around among martial arts masters.
Seeing Li Pingfu disappointed, he smiled, “Though there are no spiritual lands, deep in Taichang Mountain, there is a legend that a meteor fell a hundred years ago, shining with golden light. Immortals searched but never found it. Also, the underground springs of Wuling Mountain—drinking from them could turn back time by a day…”
Their casual chat was like an ocean embracing a hundred rivers. Li Pingfu absorbed all these unknown immortal anecdotes. Seeing Shen Xiaotian’s usual expression, he clearly treated it as mere curiosities.
An hour later.
“It’s getting late. I’ll come again to chat with junior brother Li.”
Shen Xiaotian stood to leave. Li Pingfu personally escorted him to the village entrance. No matter what grudges existed before, today Shen Xiaotian truly came with goodwill.
The young villager guarding the gate saw Shen Xiaotian and quickly held up the long sword with both hands.
“You kid, you do have some sense.”
Shen Xiaotian took back his sword, regaining face and feeling comfortable. The previous annoyance had long vanished.
…………
The Li family.
Li Pingcan looked at the panel.
[LV9 Water Manipulation], Trait [Shape Solidification].
[Shape Solidification: The water you manipulate can take on shapes according to your will and possesses destructive power.]
After day and night of travel, he finally upgraded the Water Manipulation skill to max level.
He once condensed water blades underwater, enough to cut through the hard shells of some treasure beasts, but it was hard to hit agile water creatures.
Fortunately, Water Manipulation could work with Shape Solidification. The only downside was high mana consumption. While shapeshifting, without blocking spiritual energy, it could be used only thirty to forty times at most.
With Water Manipulation, in the past six months, he also gained plenty of blood qi supplements and a piece of precious lotus root plant.
Treasure plants were truly hard to find!
Unfortunately, the lotus root’s water attribute was incompatible with the killer bees’ earth attribute. They couldn’t coexist, so it could only be transformed into martial blood qi.
“Calculating the time, it’s almost the ‘tide’ period Little Gold mentioned.”
Li Pingcan counted on his fingers. In August and September, due to the influence of time and terrain, the Qing River would show a tidal phenomenon. The tide pressed in from the horizon, at first rolling like a thousand white silk ribbons, then suddenly forming a huge wall spanning the sky and earth. The stones on the riverbank trembled beneath his feet.
Magnificent!
Without Water Manipulation, relying only on shapeshifting fish to resist, it would be impossible to withstand the undercurrent.
Luckily, it was not yet July, and Water Manipulation was already max level. He really loved progress.
“Knock knock knock!”
“Big brother?”
The Earth Pulse Sense detected hurried heavy footsteps. Li Pingcan dispersed the mist floating in the air and looked toward Li Pingfu.
“Little brother, I have news you wanted.”
Among the martial arts masters, Li Pingfu was smooth and diplomatic, cross-checking information channels before telling Li Pingcan the consolidated news.
“Taichang Mountain?”
Li Pingcan picked out the information he wanted. The name was somewhat familiar. After thinking carefully, he seemed to have seen it on a simple map at the Weiyuan Escort Agency. Qingshan County and Longquan County were neighboring regions, and Taichang Mountain was outside Qingshan County. It was the stronghold of the Dragon-Tiger bandits.
That place was far more chaotic than Longquan Town, but the meteorite stone caught his attention. Rumors were mixed, but what if there was immortal fate?
Better than being completely in the dark.
‘I have plenty of time. I can slowly search and verify the truth.’
Ordinary people had no chance to access immortal secrets. Thanks to his brother’s breakthrough to Divine Execution, the information barrier was broken.
“Big brother, what level do you think the sword immortal from the Seven Stars Sect has?” Li Pingcan suddenly asked.
Li Pingfu was stunned, silent for a moment. After breaking through the Divine Execution Realm, their father had also told him about Li Qian, to remind him not to be arrogant, that there were always stronger people and dangers in the world.
“Flying through the air, his realm can’t be low. At least mid-level refined energy.”
Although sect immortals didn’t have official registration, killing them wouldn’t be detected by government secret techniques. But sword cultivators were mainly killers, so their strength was certain to be formidable.
Li Pingcan nodded silently.
Before such immortals, the Li family was still too weak, like an ant trying to shake a tree.
…………
The next day.
Li Rongzhou carried Peach Brew and went to Zhou Enxian’s house.
Since the death of Li Dahu, the two families had grown closer. Of course, even if Li Dahu were still alive, given Li Pingfu’s current status, he would only have begged for mercy.
“Brother Li is here? Hong’er, quickly serve tea and water.”
Zhou Enxian was lying in a recliner, enjoying a concubine’s shoulder massage. Seeing Li Rongzhou arrive, he got up smiling to greet him.
“No need to trouble.” Li Rongzhou waved off Hong’er’s attentiveness. “Brother Zhou, I brought Peach Brew. Let’s drink until we’re drunk.”
He didn’t like drinking, but recently he felt so happy he wanted to drink until he passed out, so he came to Zhou Enxian.
“Hong’er, bring the wine cups.”
“Yes.” Hong’er was plain-looking but very shapely, especially her round hips, swaying like a large millstone, fitting the simple idea that “big hips mean good fertility.”
A dish of peanuts, smashed cucumber salad, salted shrimp… with these snacks, Li and Zhou exchanged cups and drank with great enthusiasm.
Enjoying the past, after several rounds, Zhou Enxian suddenly asked, “Brother Li, is your family going to open a martial arts school?”
Li Rongzhou smiled in reply. The school premises had been rented, with a monthly rent of eight taels of silver. The owner of the martial arena, upon hearing their family was renting, enthusiastically reduced the rent by two taels.
The martial arts school could bring stable income and cultivate connections. Anyone who joined had to serve Li Pingfu as their master, establishing a strong master-disciple relationship.
As for the peach orchards on Peach Blossom Mountain, they had no intention to give up. It was one of the Li family’s foundations. If the school didn’t do well, they had a fallback.
“I plan to invest. What do you think?” Zhou Enxian said.
“Well…” Li Rongzhou hesitated. Even the best brothers could fall out once money was involved.
Zhou Enxian continued, “I can provide the Black Tiger Technique and teach it. You can develop as you wish; I only ask for a monthly share.”
By this calculation, the Li family could not lose—it was like an angel investor!
Seeing Li Rongzhou’s puzzled look, Zhou sighed, “Hong’er is pregnant. I have to think about the child’s future.”
His wife was jealous. The investment wasn’t for money but to build a relationship with the Li family and provide protection for the child.
When young, one was full of ambition; when old, one only wanted descendants to thrive.
He also had a secret hope. The Li family’s kids were all talented. Maybe if his child had more contact, he could become outstanding too!
Hoping sons would become dragons and daughters phoenixes, children were the extension of parents’ hopes.
Feeling the desolation and hope in Zhou’s words, Li Rongzhou agreed.
…………
South Street, Flat Peach Town. A newly painted ebony plaque hung high above the doorframe. The four gilded characters “Li Family Martial Arts School” shone brilliantly in the morning light.
Draped in red ribbons and decorations, with firecrackers scattered on the ground, half the street’s townsfolk stopped to watch and gossip.
That day, when Li Pingfu opened the school and accepted disciples, some wandering masters came seeking “instruction.” However, these wandering masters were no match for Li Pingfu.
He won eighteen consecutive fights, appearing like a martial god before the public.
“Though this martial arts school is new, the master is fierce.”
“With such a young master, maybe he can break through the Postnatal Realm. If my son becomes his disciple, he’ll benefit!”
“The Black Tiger and White Crane techniques don’t suit my child. Maybe the Black Tiger Technique is good!”
The visual impact of eighteen straight wins was too strong. Amid the wild cheers, many townsfolk were inspired as if they had won themselves eighteen times. They signed contracts on the spot and joined the Li family’s martial arts school.
……
“Brother Yuan, as you instructed, those wandering masters have been paid off.” Miao Kai whispered.
Li Yuan nodded. It wasn’t a fixed match; there were not many fools willing to “bring disgrace upon themselves,” knowing Brother Pingfu was Divine Execution and would be hard to beat.
Moreover, the real chance to kill the enemy was fleeting; it was impossible to show “divine bravery” and build the glory of “invincibility.”
To win the crowd’s praise, some “performance” was necessary.
He said, “These days, have the brothers keep watch to prevent troublemakers, and don’t provoke the wandering masters. Get to work.”
Time passed. The sycophants who used to follow behind Li Pingfu gradually grew more capable in all areas.
……
An old farmer stood awkwardly in a corner of the martial arts school. His eight-year-old son gazed brightly at Li Pingfu in the center of the crowd, full of admiration.
Feeling his son’s emotions, the old farmer bit his teeth, “Young master, how much is the martial arts school per year?” He thought that if it was less than three taels, he would sell everything to let his child learn.
Business was coming.
Xie Xiaodao greeted enthusiastically, “Old brother, only fifteen taels per year. You can choose any martial art from the Black Tiger Technique or White Crane Style.”
Frankly, this price was not expensive. The town was not like the countryside. When Zhou Enxian accepted disciples, he also charged ten taels per year. Moreover, the Li family martial arts school allowed picking techniques, which others didn’t offer.
“So expensive?” The old farmer exclaimed. For their family, it was astronomical.
The child’s eyes immediately dimmed. “Dad, forget it, I don’t want to learn martial arts.”
He pulled his father, wanting to leave the sad place.
Xie Xiaodao was a little helpless. Li Pingcan stepped through the crowd and felt a vigorous life force from the ragged child. The child’s breathing rhythm was as tenacious as weeds.
“Hey, kid.”
He called to the child, who was not much younger than himself.
“Want to learn martial arts?”
“I can find someone to teach you!”