A leisurely life in the world of cultivation

The last three layers of the "Golden Bell Shield" were obtained after Chapter 99.

When they reached the intersection of Shiqiao Street, Ximei suddenly didn't want to ride anymore and wanted to get off and walk.

After getting off the bus, she suddenly changed her mind and wanted her brother to carry her...

Li Weizhou was in a good mood, so he carried his younger sister on his back and walked step by step towards home.

"elder brother……"

"Ok?"

"After my sister-in-law marries into the family tomorrow, will you still treat me well?"

"of course."

"But I heard Granny Huang say that men forget their mothers after they marry a wife..."

"I will never forget my mother, and I will never forget my sister."

"Hehe, really?"

"Yes, because I know that even if the whole world betrays me, my sister will not betray me."

"Um!!"

The crescent moon shines over the whole country, its light reflecting off the snow-covered ancient city and illuminating the way home for the brother and sister.

……

The next morning.

Early in the morning, Li Delong personally came to pick up Li Weizhou and Ximei to return to their old house to pay respects to their ancestors.

"Uncle, isn't this too grand?"

Li Weizhou, who hadn't yet changed into his new clothes, was still joking around happily.

Li Delong was dressed in full regalia, all new from head to toe. He said seriously, "Enough with the nonsense. Keep your words to yourself before the ancestral worship ceremony. Save them for when you're ready to speak to your ancestors."

Li Weizhou couldn't help but laugh twice, but he quieted down after being glared at by his uncle.

Upon arriving at the Li family home, they found the brothers Li Changping and Li Chang'an busy checking the preparations for the wedding procession. These included the bridal sedan chair, colorful flags, drums and music, and the dowry for the bride, which would be delivered to Baifulou to enhance the Zhou family's prestige. In any case, they would return to the Li family home soon...

But we can't do without it, otherwise people will talk.

Seeing Li Weizhou happily dismount, Li Chang'an, whose face was now weathered, pointed at him fiercely, then raised a hand with five fingers and glared at him menacingly.

Li Weizhou chuckled and nodded. "It's just five visits to Zuixianglou, I'll treat you."

Li Chang'an grinned, then regretted not gesturing enough.

Li Changping watched enviously from the side, itching to try it out, but he was a little too embarrassed.

However, this hesitation meant the end of the opportunity. Li Delong said in a deep voice, "Eldest brother, stay here to entertain the guests. People will be arriving soon. Second brother, go and carry the dowry over. If you encounter acquaintances, explain that these were originally brought from Mingzhou Prefecture by the Zhou family. Master Zhou has been accumulating them for over ten years, and they are quite substantial."

Li Changping: "..." Hate.

Li Chang'an nodded in agreement and then instructed his men to carry the thirty-six dowry chests to Baifulou. He also called out to Ximei, "Ximei, are you coming? Your eldest and second sisters-in-law have already gone; they need to help the bride with her makeup today..."

Li Delong shooed him away, saying, "Get lost! Your mother has no one to keep her company; she's relying entirely on Ximei."

Li Chang'an laughed and left, while Li Delong led his niece through the gate.

It's not that Cao Shi had no one to accompany her, but rather that the bride needed someone experienced to talk to her about the things she needed to know on her wedding night, things that weren't suitable for a child to hear.

After entering the inner quarters, Xi Mei went to accompany Cao Shi, while Li Weizhou followed Li Delong to the ancestral hall.

Before the rows of memorial tablets, Li Delong asked Li Weizhou to offer incense in the incense burner today.

Today we're not using incense sticks; incense sticks are used in sets of three, representing heaven, earth, and humanity.

Today we're using coiled incense.

The spiral shape of the incense coil symbolizes "completeness" and "continuous life," signifying the unbroken lineage of the family and the long-lasting blessings of ancestors.

Furthermore, the incense sticks burn for a long time, potentially until dawn the next day.

When Li Weizhou and his new bride come to offer incense tomorrow, we can change the incense sticks and inform the ancestors.

Unfortunately, Li Weizhou really had nothing to say. Even when Li Delong glared at him, he could only kowtow and smile.

Li Delong had no choice but to ramble on and on. When he finally spoke to his younger brother Li Dewang, his expression and voice were noticeably off.

After leaving the ancestral hall, Li Delong instructed Li Weizhou, "After we leave, it's up to you whether you move here or not, but you must take good care of the ancestral hall. During festivals, you must come and offer incense."

Li Weizhou nodded in agreement, then asked curiously, "Uncle, what will you do then?"

Li Delong said dismissively, "We'll just find some more wooden boards to carve properly when we get there. I've already had your older brother write down all the names."

Li Weizhou gave a thumbs up and said, "You're still the best!"

"You brat... hurry up and change your clothes, get ready to greet the guests, we're going to pick up the bride soon!"

Li Delong chuckled and cursed before urging on.

The wedding is being held today at the old house, and the couple will move back to Shiqiao Street tomorrow.

Li Weizhou still felt a little wistful. Could it be that he really wasn't the protagonist of destiny?
Logically speaking, one shouldn't get married unless they have written at least four or five million words.

Even if he were to marry, he would likely marry someone of status such as the Holy Maiden of Yaochi, the Beloved Daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, or the Female Leader of the Divine Sect. At the very least, she would have to be a princess of the imperial dynasty.
Tsk, forget it. A man has to rely on himself. A real man doesn't live off a woman.

Li Silang is no good; he lives off a woman and people look down on him!

Although it's a sunny day today, there seems to be a faint sour smell in the air...

……

Time flies when you're busy.

After the ancestral worship ceremony, Li Weizhou changed into his groom's clothes, and Li Delong then led the group to greet the arriving guests.

The first to arrive was Zhou Kejin, the owner of Xinyi Trading Company and also a clerk in the county government's household registration office. This man left a deep impression on Li Weizhou; he was a typical person who could bend and stretch.

This shrewd person runs a fairly large business, with shops in the horse market.

But Li Weizhou always felt strange. Why would such a capable person stay in the small town of Qingzhou?

After rattling off a string of flattering words, Zhou Kejin looked at Li Weizhou and smiled, "Master Li, Xinyi Firm genuinely wants to deepen its cooperation with Baibaolou. Whatever price Shenglong Money House can offer, Xinyi Firm can offer too. We can also procure the gold jewelry from the Jiangyou Merchant Guild." Li Weizhou's eyes narrowed slightly; he knew this guy was no ordinary person, but as long as it was a business opportunity, it was negotiable. He chuckled, "Gold jewelry is out of the question. I have a very close relationship with Brother Qi Zhenkun; I can't let business ruin our friendship. But I can accept it, as long as the price is fair."

Li Delong reminded the two, "Is today a day for discussing business?"

Zhou Kejin laughed heartily and said, "It's my fault. I'll pay you a visit after the big day is over! Li Laohu, you're getting more and more proud of yourself. Your youngest son has become a martial arts master, and your nephew is an outstanding person who has married the daughter of the Golden Knife Dart King of Mingzhou. The Li family will become a famous family in the future. In a few years, if I invite you for a drink, I'm afraid it will be difficult to even get through the door."

Li Delong laughed and said, "You old fox, don't try to sweet-talk me. If others can't get in, how could you, with your cunning and shrewd nature, not get in? Go inside and sit down. When you have time, help me entertain the guests!"

Zhou Kejin laughed and flung his sleeves as he went into the house. Li Delong whispered to Li Weizhou, "I've never really figured out how deep this person's roots are all these years. You have to be careful when dealing with him."

After Li Weizhou agreed, more and more people arrived, including County Magistrate Zhou Yunjun, County Commandant He Chong, various clerks, and finally even County Magistrate Dong Zhiyu.

However, the county magistrate, perhaps considering himself a paragon of virtue, only sat for a short while, offered some words of congratulations, and then left.

Li Weizhou really disliked this kind of commotion, but fortunately Li Chang'an returned in time, and together with Li Delong and his son Li Changping, they managed to handle the situation.

He even sent Li Weizhou away, saying, "Miss Zhang has rushed back from the horse market, you should go and see her!"

When those around learned that she was the daughter of the current Grand General, they exclaimed in amazement.

The Li family of Qingzhou is truly on the verge of becoming a dragon, each generation stronger than the last!
Now they've even gotten involved with the daughter of the current dynasty's great general!
Everyone confirmed: It's the Li family's style, it's the Li family's style...

Hmm, something doesn't sound quite right about that.
But it doesn't matter, whatever...

……

"Third Brother!"

It had only been a few days since they last met, but Zhang Wanyi felt a slight excitement when she saw Li Weizhou again.

It's good that they weren't arrested or killed.

She didn't even dare to imagine how much pain Li Changning would suffer if Li Weizhou were beaten to death by Situ Qingyue...

Li Weizhou laughed and said, "If you're so busy, you don't need to come all this way back. Silang really doesn't stand on ceremony with you at all."

Wow, look at the art of speaking.

Zhang Wanyi, whose temperament was originally as cold as frost, blushed and smiled shyly after hearing these words, which was truly beautiful.

However, Li Weizhou didn't look at her too closely; as the eldest brother-in-law, he wouldn't keep staring at his younger brother's wife.

Besides, Cao Shi and Xi Mei were watching from the side...

Zhang Wanyi quickly recovered and said earnestly, "Third Brother, Aning is consolidating his cultivation. Lord Situ strictly ordered him to remain in seclusion, otherwise he would have definitely returned in person. He asked me to apologize to you on his behalf..."

Li Weizhou waved his hand and said, "Little Si is one of us, he's not here. Miss Zhang, did you come back alone? Did you encounter any danger on the way? The Demonic Sect has been quite rampant lately."

Zhang Wanyi shook her head slightly and said, "No, not at all." She then took a cloth bag from her pocket and handed it to Li Weizhou, saying, "It just so happens that when Aning returned to the capital on official business last time, I wrote him a letter and had him go to my house to bring the last three levels of the 'Golden Bell Cover' manual that you asked for, Third Brother. However, there are no precious medicines, and my father said that practicing external martial arts too deeply is very detrimental to later enlightenment, so be careful. Moreover, there are some secret techniques that cannot be passed on to more than six ears; even he doesn't know them. Most importantly, this is something that can only be practiced after breaking through the upper three levels..." Her tone was somewhat apologetic; this manual seemed to be a trick on him...

Li Weizhou was already very satisfied. He had the elixir transformed from his blood-eye, which was better than any precious medicine.

Logically speaking, martial artists in the middle three gates should need Bone Tempering Pills in addition to Qi Cultivation Pills to help temper their Vajra Jade Bones, but Li Weizhou didn't need them at all.

As for breaking through the three upper barriers, it won't be difficult. Next spring, we'll develop Dayuan Mountain. There should be plenty of ferocious beasts there, and maybe even exotic ones. We won't have to worry about not being able to crack the tough nut of opening the mind.

Sooner or later, I'll be able to pass the top three levels!
Seeing that Li Weizhou genuinely liked her, Zhang Wanyi breathed a sigh of relief and immediately took her leave.

Li Weizhou was surprised, and Cao Shi felt even more sorry for him, so she hurriedly said, "At least we should have a hot meal."

Zhang Wanyi shook her head, glanced at Li Weizhou, and walked out the door.

Li Weizhou said to Cao Shi, "Auntie, don't worry. They are all martial arts masters who can move freely and easily. They will be fine."

Madam Cao hurriedly said, "Alright, alright, then Sanlang, you should go and see them off quickly." Although she was a member of the inner circle of the family, she was not stupid and could tell that something was amiss.

Li Weizhou saw her to the door, where Zhang Wanyi stood waiting in the courtyard, still wearing that dark black fox fur cloak, looking cool and radiant.

After Li Weizhou came out, Zhang Wanyi whispered, "Third Brother, A-Ning asked you to borrow the precious ginseng. Do you still have any? The seventh level is like rebuilding one's foundation. A-Ning has innate martial talent and needs more than Lord Situ prepared. The more she absorbs, the greater her future potential will be. But Lord Situ isn't here right now..."

Li Weizhou asked in surprise, "In the horse market... how could the Imperial Execution Department be short of this?"

Zhang Wanyi's usually cold face showed resentment as she said, "Currently, the one in charge of the horse market is Huang Daotian, the Chief of the Capital Garrison. He once had designs on Lord Situ, wanting to marry him to his grandson. After being rejected multiple times, he's been targeting Lord Situ and Aning. Last time, when they were chasing Ye Yun from Shangqing Palace, Aning shouldn't have been involved; he did it while Lord Situ was away. This time it's him again, otherwise Aning wouldn't be so badly injured... However, Lord Situ said to leave this matter aside for now and handle it later."

Third Brother, Huang Daotian, is the eldest disciple of the Grand Master of Justice...

Third Brother, A-Ning's martial talent is even better than we expected. Lord Situ even said he might become the youngest Martial Saint. But Lord Situ doesn't recommend A-Ning break through too early, wanting him to accumulate more experience. However, we currently lack foundation-strengthening medicines…

Lord Situ is currently busy eliminating the remnants of the Demonic Cult, and Huang Sili refuses to release the precious ginseng, insisting that according to regulations, approval can only be granted after A-Ning returns to the Imperial Punishment Department to apply, but by then it will be too late. The two princes of Jin and Chu, who are stationed in their respective vassal states, have heard rumors that the major horse market fraud case was committed by you, Third Brother, in collusion with the Qi Prince's Mansion, and they also refuse to lend the ginseng. A-Zhi's outburst was to no avail…”

Li Weizhou understood and smiled faintly, saying, "The innocent are innocent. Their absurd claims are just to attack the Qi Prince's Mansion. It doesn't matter if I am implicated and suffer some injustice. A true man should have a broad mind... Just wait here, I'll go get you some ginseng right away."

After saying this, Li Weizhou hurriedly left and returned, delivering a bundle to Zhang Wanyi.

Zhang Wanyi initially thought that a few precious ginseng roots were hidden in a package of clothes. She and Zhao Yuanzhi had already heard at the horse market that the Green Fox King's tent had sent a generous gift to Li Weizhou, which was why they came up with this idea.

Seeing that the bundle wasn't wrapped properly, she opened it to re-fold it, but what she saw inside stunned her...

With her knowledge, she could easily recognize the top-grade ginseng in the middle, which was at least three hundred years old, as well as a dozen or so superior ginseng roots that were two hundred or one hundred years old, and a bundle of ginseng roots that looked like straw bundles that were thirty or fifty years old, and a bundle of...

In addition, half of them were equal amounts of *Immortal Grass* from roughly the same age.

She looked up, her gaze blank and puzzled as she looked at Li Weizhou...

What did I just say? Who was implicated and falsely accused of being innocent?!

Li Weizhou smiled frankly and said, "Take it all, go quickly. When you weren't at the horse market, I unintentionally made friends with the young prince of the Green Fox King's tent, and he gave me quite a few things. The eldest princess of the Green Fox King's tent, Tuoba Tuya, was kind to me and gave me even more; take it all." He paused and added, "Master Aning knows about this too. I showed it to Sister Situ, and she can vouch for my innocence. Otherwise, how could I have gotten through this so easily?"

"..."

Zhang Wanyi's expression turned incredibly strange. She couldn't understand how Lord Situ, whom she regarded as a god, could believe such a thing...

However, she had no intention of investigating further. It was better for her to fall into the hands of her own people than to be tricked by a master thief.

Zhang Wanyi said nothing more, not knowing what to say. She clutched her bundle tightly in her hands, bowed deeply to Li Weizhou, and strode away.

Watching his younger siblings' hopeful figures recede into the distance, Li Weizhou smiled. "The fourth child is so lucky..."

However, he didn't envy the fourth brother at all, because he was about to go to fetch his bride!
I just don't know if anything unexpected will happen today...

……

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(End of this chapter)