A leisurely life in the world of cultivation

Chapter 208 Uninvited Guest

Enjoying a sumptuous home-cooked meal and listening to Cao Shi recount the events of the past two years, with Guo Shi occasionally interjecting with jokes, Li Weizhou felt very warm and cozy under the candlelight.

There's no need to worry about some random old guy suddenly appearing out of nowhere and wiping out your entire family with a single sword strike.

Don't worry about the demons and monsters you haven't dealt with before suddenly appearing...

Women and children don't have to consider these things, but men don't.

But right now, there's really no need to think about those things.

Hearing Cao and Guo praising the Spirit Realm, Li Weizhou smiled and said, "I brought some pills down with me. They can cleanse the marrow and tendons, change one's constitution, and prolong life. I'll try to take everyone up with me at the next Jiazi Year Conference."

Wow, this is such a wonderful surprise!
Li Delong said worriedly, "Take care of yourself first. The upper realm is probably not so easy either. We're doing fine here, so you don't need to worry about us."

Li Weizhou then began to recount the experiences he had after taking his family up there. When they first heard about the decline of the Five Elements Sect, where they had to count the spirit rice before cooking, Li Delong and his family were heartbroken. They wondered how miserable their lives must be.

However, upon hearing that Li Weizhou had encountered a series of extraordinary events, even absorbing the spiritual essence left behind by the founder of the sect two or three thousand years ago, and becoming a master of the Spiritual Essence Realm in one fell swoop, he was overjoyed.

Upon hearing that he had actually become the leader of the Five Elements Sect, he was overjoyed.

Although there may only be a handful of big shots and small fry in a sect, being the sect leader is still a hundred times better than being a nobody!
Cao and Guo were just enjoying the excitement, while Li Chang'an chuckled with envy, saying, "You've had it too easy."

Li Weizhou said earnestly, "The hardships involved are beyond words."

Madam Guo chuckled, "It's been a long time since I've heard my third uncle speak like that." Suddenly remembering something, she exclaimed with delight, "Third Brother, you're back! What about the Prince of Shu's residence...?"

She didn't know whether she should continue, and hesitated, glancing at Li Weizhou, then at her husband Li Chang'an and her father-in-law Li Delong...

Li Weizhou smiled and nodded, saying, "There won't be a Shu King's Mansion anymore, nor Mount Qingcheng, so don't worry. I'll also take a trip to the capital. By the way, how are my two fathers-in-law?"

Surprisingly, his father-in-law, Zhou Zhixian, an outstanding model worker, was nowhere to be found in Qingzhou City.

Li Chang'an said, "The pressure from Shu Prefecture was quite intense before, and there were also experts from Qingcheng Mountain who would frequently launch surprise attacks on the plank road. One of Master Zhou's old brothers was killed, and he was very angry, so he personally took charge of Jiaolong Fortress to deal with the situation."

Jiaolong Fort is a pass located in the middle of the plank road, named for the mountain path's resemblance to a dragon.

The Li family built a stone fortress there and established a pass. With Zhou Zhixian's martial arts mastery and the martial arts experience of the Great Wheel King, the place was so secure that it was a place where one man could hold off ten thousand men.

No wonder the Shu King's Mansion and Qingcheng Mountain didn't use force.

With a powerful martial god in charge, there's no other way but to seize it by force or trickery under the guise of righteousness.

Li Delong said with emotion, "Thanks to you, my father-in-law, otherwise, the Li family would never have been able to defend this plank road."

Madam Cao said, "Yes, Sanlang, you should thank your father-in-law. He's pitiful, living all alone. He had a precious daughter, and you took her away."

Li Delong said, "I invited him to come and live at my home several times. We are all family, not outsiders, but he just refused. He just stays with his old brothers and lives together."

Li Weizhou smiled and said, "I'll go check on him in a bit."

Li Chang'an said, "Your other father-in-law, Minister Situ, is also having a hard time. The Empress Dowager's family is arrogant and domineering. They promote officials who have pledged allegiance to them, and the court is in chaos because of them. Si Lang said that the old minister has thought about retiring and returning to his hometown several times, but he is really worried about the young emperor."

Li Weizhou asked, "How is the young emperor now?"

Li Chang'an shook his head and clicked his tongue, saying, "I've long heard that there's no kinship in the imperial family, and even fathers and sons can't tolerate each other. But I never expected that even a mother and son would become like enemies because of this. The young emperor has been assigned eight tutors, and these eight aren't fixed; they change from time to time. The eunuchs around him are also changed every now and then. There were a few who were close to the young emperor before, and they were very cunning, but the Empress Dowager found a pretext to issue an imperial edict to have them killed. Since then, the mother and son have become practically enemies."

Li Weizhou recalled the Empress Dowager's alluring face, sighed, and said, "The oppressive atmosphere of that place for so long drives people mad. Never mind them, none of them are easy to deal with. By the way, has the Fourth Prince married Yuanzhi and Wanyi yet?"

A smile finally appeared on Li Delong's solemn face. He chuckled and nodded, saying, "After you went up there, they got married. However, things aren't going well at the Qi Prince's residence lately. People keep submitting petitions forcing the old prince to retreat back to Qi and leave the capital. Sigh, it's all troublesome."

Li Weizhou smiled and said, "It's alright, once the source is dealt with, that's all."

……

Jiaolong Fortress.

The stone fortress was bathed in the clear moonlight of the mountain, and even the wind carried the cool fragrance of pine needles.

The mountain path resembles a dark blue-green dragon, lying among the rolling hills. The pine forests on both sides are so dense that they are impenetrable. When the night wind blows through the forest, it stirs up a rustling sound that echoes through the trees, sometimes fast and sometimes slow.

To Zhou Zhixian, it sounded exactly like his wife's nagging in his ear back then, and like Yue Niang's lullaby when she was a child, lying on his lap.

He was already the supreme martial god, at the pinnacle of the world, yet he grew increasingly lonely...

The watchtower was made of stone, and its edges were rounded by wind and rain.

Zhou Zhixian stood by the platform, the hem of his dark-colored outfit swaying gently in the night breeze. A few pine needles clung to the white hair at his temples, but he didn't notice. His eyes were fixed on the full moon in the sky, which was so bright that it cast a long, lonely shadow on the cold stone surface.

He had his left hand tucked into his robes, his fingertips repeatedly caressing a letter that Zhou Yueniang had given him before she ascended to the mortal realm.

It contained his reluctance and longing for his father, as well as words of advice urging him to eat well, drink less alcohol, and take care of his health...

For the past two years, no matter where I go, this letter has never left my side.

Isn't life all about a dream...?

"Oh, isn't this my father-in-law?"

A voice suddenly emerged from the sound of the pine trees, its tone light and carefree, carrying the playfulness of a young boy.

Upon hearing the sound, Zhou Zhi froze, as if struck by lightning. He turned his head sharply in disbelief, looking towards the source of the sound...

How can it be? !
However, he saw that scoundrel son-in-law standing at the top of the stone steps of the watchtower, smiling broadly as he looked at him.

He even made a perfunctory bow and greeted his father-in-law in a drawn-out tone, "Father-in-law, it's been two years since we last met. How have you been?"

Zhou Zhixian took a deep breath, staring intently at Li Weizhou with piercing eyes. After scrutinizing him for a while, he asked, "How did you get down here?"

It should be alive, not a ghost...

Li Weizhou chuckled and said, "I greeted the Heavenly Dao, and that's why I came down."

Seeing that he was still acting strangely, Zhou Zhixian breathed a sigh of relief, becoming even more certain that this fellow was indeed alive, and hurriedly asked, "Yue Niang, did you come back with us?"

Li Weizhou looked at the old man with such a look that he was embarrassed to tell the truth, but what could he do? Fortunately...

He didn't answer, but instead took out a video camera, turned it on, and handed it to Zhou Zhixian, saying, "Take a look, see if she's doing well now."

Zhou Zhixian hurriedly took it and saw a figure appear on the small screen. It was obviously a celestial treasure!
He ignored all that and stared wide-eyed at the screen as Zhou Yueniang flew through the air on a divine sword. "Father, I'm doing well in the Spirit Realm. I've learned True Spirit Daoist arts and can already fly on a sword! I'm fine, Father, don't worry. Here, let me show you a few Daoist techniques!"

As he spoke, the divine sword hovered in front of him, and he made a hand seal. The Xuanjin Sword immediately shone with golden light and slashed down. Even on this small screen, one could feel its earth-shattering power.

Zhou Zhi gasped, both surprised and delighted as he watched this scene.

Li Weizhou sat down on the stone steps beside him and began to talk to his father-in-law about the spirit world. Finally, he took out a gourd of Qingyuan Pills and said, "If you take one pill every month, it can cleanse your marrow and remove impurities. Next time there's an ascension ceremony at Dayuan Mountain, I'll take you up there, and the whole family can be reunited."

Zhou Zhixian was overjoyed upon hearing this, but he quickly calmed down and asked, "This kind of pill is extremely precious even in the Spirit Realm, isn't it?"

Li Weizhou nodded and said, "Of course, it's priceless. But compared to a family reunion, any price is acceptable. Don't be so sentimental, take care of yourself. Yue Niang is still waiting for you to give your grandson a nickname."

As he spoke, he took out the letter that Zhou Yueniang had written to Zhou Zhixian.

On this day, Zhou Zhixian's longing and anxiety, which had accumulated for more than two years, were swept away, and he was filled with joy.

Li Weizhou glanced at the old man's ever-present smile, chuckled along, and looked up at the full moon tonight.

……

The Spirit Realm, the Five Elements Sect.

Before the morning mist had dissipated, the disciples of the outer sect academy shouted in unison as they performed their morning lessons.

The arena battles haven't started yet, and the market at the foot of the mountain is still a while away from becoming lively...

However, at a time when no one should have been disturbed, a sharp whooshing sound suddenly came from the direction of the mountain gate.

The scorching aura, imbued with intense fiery spiritual power, was like a red-hot branding iron being drawn across the skin.

Without prior arrangement, Zhou Yueniang and the other three, who could control the Five Elements Grand Array, opened their eyes simultaneously in their respective quiet rooms and looked towards the mountain gate.

Three red figures flashed by, their robes embroidered with ferocious flame patterns.

The three of them looked around the Five Elements Sect as if no one else was there, their postures as carefree as if they were strolling on their own territory.

"presumptuous!"

Liu Zhe, the outer deacon on duty today, could not tolerate such rudeness. With a clang, he drew his withered wooden sword, its sword aura aimed directly at the three men, and rebuked them: "This is the sacred ground of the Five Elements Sect. How dare you be so disrespectful?"

The leading red-robed disciple was quite young and handsome, with an arrogant smile on his lips. He said, "Quickly announce that I am Lin Yan, the last disciple of True Monarch Crimson Flame of Fire Spirit Cave. I have come here on my master's orders to pay my respects to Senior Brother Tao. We have heard that the Five Elements Sect is currently facing difficulties, and we have come to offer our assistance."

The two elders behind him were both dressed in deep red robes with the words "Fire Spirit" embroidered on their cuffs. One of them was actually a Spirit God Realm cultivator, and his aura spread out without any concealment, causing the morning mist in front of the mountain gate to condense slightly.

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhe was taken aback. After hesitating for a moment, he still used his flying sword to send a message to the inner sect.

Before long, a foot-long cyan flying sword flew out, and Tian Ru's voice came out: "Thank you for your concern, Second Martial Uncle. You all should immediately return to the Fire Spirit Cave and tell Second Martial Uncle that my husband is in seclusion advancing to the Immortal Spirit Realm. He has taken the most important step. Now that the Five Elements Sect's inner sect is closed, when my husband succeeds, he will personally go to the Fire Spirit Cave in the Western Spirit Domain to thank Second Martial Uncle for his help today."

Upon hearing this, the three people who had arrived immediately changed their expressions.

They came not just to see him. The people in the Western Spirit Realm had learned that Tao Xixing had been seriously injured for many years and had not come out to see anyone. They didn't even know if he was alive.

Therefore, he had the idea of ​​coming over to "take over".

Although this was not the intention of True Lord Crimson Flame, he did not stop him.

Perhaps in the eyes of True Monarch Crimson Flame, it would be better for his lineage to take over this sect that had once broken his heart, rather than let it continue to decay and rot.

However, they never expected that Tao Xixing was not dead. Not only was he not dead, but he was also going to break through and advance to become a Celestial Spirit True Monarch!
How can this be?

So after traveling millions of miles, they arrived only to be sent back without even getting a sip of hot tea, let alone a sect?!

Lin Yan's face was grim as he said, "Senior Sister, no matter what, you should let us see Senior Brother Tao. Perhaps we can be of some help..."

Only after saying that did he realize he was being foolish; the other person didn't even show their face, but simply sent a telepathic message via flying sword.

Therefore, his complexion became increasingly unpleasant.

An elder behind him said angrily, "No matter what, we are guests who have come from afar. How can we be so disrespectful and rude?"

However, there was no further movement inside the mountain gate.

"Humph!"

The elders at the Spirit God Realm were also furious; those who cultivated fire-based techniques were often short-tempered.

He roared, "I came here on the orders of the cave master. How can I return to report without seeing Master Tao? Based on your few words, I'm starting to doubt whether Master Tao is still alive..."

When these words reached the sect, Tian Ru's face turned red with anger.

Zhou Yueniang looked at Situ Qingyue and said, "The people who came here have ill intentions. No matter what their purpose is, we cannot let this go easily."

Situ Qingyue said to Tian Ru, "Master's wife, you are also familiar with the Five Elements Formation. In a moment, Yue Niang will take the metal position, I will take the fire position, Bi Wu will take the water position, Er Niang will take the earth position, and I will trouble Master's wife to take the wood position. Activate the Five Elements Formation and defeat these three as soon as possible."

Tian Ru asked, "Where is Wei Zhou? Is he in seclusion at this time... unable to come out?"

Zhou Yueniang shook her head decisively and said, "There's no other way, it's extremely important."

Upon hearing this, Tian Ru was startled and said, "He...he's not going to get promoted again, is he?"

In her understanding, Li Weizhou had previously been at the ninth level of the Spirit Origin Realm.

However, it is no exaggeration to say that there is a chasm between the Spirit Origin Realm and the Spirit God Realm.

In reality, the difficulty of each stage increases tenfold or a hundredfold, from spiritual movement to spiritual essence, from spiritual essence to spiritual spirit, and then from spiritual spirit to immortal spirit.

If Li Weizhou were to enter the Spirit God Realm at this moment, it would truly shame countless cultivators in the world.

Zhou Yueniang shook her head and said, "I don't know the specifics either, but it hasn't come out yet, so it must be extremely important. Master's wife, let's put these aside for now and get to work!"

……

P.S.: I cough so badly every year around this time that I can't sleep. Life is a mess. The hardships of middle age, indeed. I hope all my fellow book lovers are well.

(End of this chapter)