Chapter Fourteen: Yue'er Is an Ideal Choice

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Li Ziyuan’s once gloomy expression finally showed signs of change, occasionally breaking into excited smiles, for his father had decided to teach him cultivation. Seeing this, Li Yue’er would smile along, her laughter inevitably drawn out by his.

Over the past month, under his father’s guidance, Li Ziyuan had been rigorously training his body. With a strong will, he endured every hardship, all with the goal of refining his meridians to draw in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

At the initial stage of Spiritual Awakening, one could only guide the spiritual energy into their meridians. As the entire network of meridians became permeated with spiritual energy, one must then learn to wield the energy within the body.

After more than ten days, Li Ziyuan’s talent proved decent. In just over ten days, he was able to skillfully manipulate the spiritual energy inside him, using the Object Control Technique to move small objects and the Spiritual Perception Technique to sense subtle changes around him.

Two months later, under his father’s tutelage, Li Ziyuan broke through to the first level of the Spiritual Convergence Realm; his dantian had been opened.

He had also endured two months of beatings. Watching this, Li Yue’er’s heart ached, yet she trusted that her father’s methods were for Li Ziyuan’s own good.

When absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, it must pass through the Fire Spirit Root for conversion. The converted energy would gather as spiritual power in the dantian. This spiritual power would change as one’s level increased.

Seeing Li Ziyuan exhaust all his spiritual power, his father said, “In just over a month, you’ve advanced from Spiritual Awakening to the first level of Spiritual Convergence. You’ve done well. Next, you need to freely and effortlessly manipulate the spiritual energy within you. The red pattern on your arm is still quite faint.”

What Li Ziyuan did not know was that his father had mixed the powdered essence of several second-grade Qi Gathering Pills into his meals. Without this, no matter how talented he was, it would have been impossible to break through such a major realm in just over a month.

His father turned, hands behind his back, walking toward Qingyan Village below the mountain. As he walked, he said, “Starting tomorrow, it’s all about real combat. Strength is forged through battle. You’ll learn martial techniques through fighting. Prepare to get beaten.”

Li Ziyuan followed behind, saying, “Just leave me enough breath to keep going.”

For the following month, father and son engaged in constant combat and sparring, with Li Ziyuan always taking the brunt of the blows. Li Yue’er brewed medicine for him, while Li’s mother leisurely wove cloth.

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Li Ziyuan lay battered, surrounded by piles of books at his bedside—books filled with invaluable knowledge. He was deeply fascinated by the rare treasures, miraculous pills, and celestial flames described within, as these held immense allure for advancing his cultivation.

The weaving of fate: a marriage plan.

On the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the Dragon Year of the Yunqi Kingdom calendar, as the morning mist had not yet fully lifted, Qingyan Village gradually awoke in a haze. Li’s father, carrying a hoe, prepared to head to the fields, when Li’s mother, holding a basin of clothes, quietly called after him in the courtyard.

“Your son, he’s been more distracted, his mind drifting further from the village,” she said, brows furrowed with worry.

Li’s father paused, sighing deeply. “I know that well enough. The boy gazes beyond the village every day; surely he has dreams of wandering out into the world.”

“But the outside world is so perilous. How can a child like him possibly cope?” Li’s mother’s voice trembled with anxiety.

After a moment of silence, Li’s father replied slowly, “Ziyuan has his own thoughts. We likely cannot stop him. But if he goes out just like that, I truly can’t rest easy.”

Li’s mother gently set down the basin and stepped beside him, whispering, “I’ve been watching Yue’er. She’s kind-hearted and lovely in appearance, having grown up with Ziyuan. They share a bond. If they were to marry, perhaps Ziyuan would be content to stay in the village.”

Li’s father looked up, a flicker of contemplation in his eyes. “Yue’er is indeed a good girl—gentle, virtuous, and skilled in the kitchen. If she could become our daughter-in-law, it would be ideal. But I wonder what Ziyuan himself thinks.”

“We can test the waters first. Ziyuan is loyal and values affection; he surely notices Yue’er’s kindness. And we all understand Yue’er’s feelings for him,” Li’s mother said, a hopeful gleam in her eyes.

“Hmm, this needs careful planning. We must not rush or we risk alienating him,” Li’s father nodded solemnly.

Time quietly passed. In the days that followed, Li’s mother deliberately arranged for Li Ziyuan and Li Yue’er to do tasks together. At meals, she would seat Yue’er beside Ziyuan. Li’s father observed silently, quietly plotting how to steer matters toward their hopes.

At dawn, the unique double-headed rooster of Qingyan Village crowed loudly, its piercing call like a magical key, gently rousing the humble villagers.

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The family of four gathered around the dining table, the fragrant dishes seeming to drift from a fairy tale, carrying an intoxicating aroma. The juice pressed from Qingyan’s unique green fruit, like a mysterious potion, released an alluring fragrance.

Such a life, seemingly no less than the outside world, perhaps even better. Yet Li Ziyuan could not feel this peace and beauty. His heart was consumed by a resolute desire for revenge. This simple, honest life was like sharp thorns, constantly piercing his soul.

As always, Li Yue’er gently placed the plump double-headed rooster drumstick into Li Ziyuan’s bowl. Then came fish meat from their own pond—fish known for their dreamy nature—and the green flower leaves from the fields, all presented on the table.

“Eat more, Ziyuan. You’re still growing,” Yue’er said with a smile as warm as spring sunshine.

In the eyes of Li’s parents, a girl like Yue’er was the perfect daughter-in-law. Full of cunning ideas, Li’s mother seemed to have already devised a plan in her heart.

Taking a sip of the bamboo cup filled with green fruit juice, Li’s mother tentatively said, “My son, always thinking about leaving the village. What will your father and I do then? If only we had grandchildren around.”

Li’s father nodded in agreement. “Yes, older people always cherish having children nearby.”

Li’s mother hugged Yue’er tightly, feigning tears. “Yue’er, tell me, if Ziyuan abandons us to roam the outside world, what if those wicked women there take a liking to him? Ziyuan is so heroic and handsome; surely those temptresses will envy him. I don’t want my grandchildren to turn into monsters.”

Li’s father suddenly stood, slapping the table. Looking at Li Ziyuan who ate silently, he said, “Seeing your mother so heartbroken, do you really intend to leave us behind to face the outside world alone?”

Li Ziyuan slowly lifted his head, his gaze unwavering as he looked at his father. “Sorry, Father, I must go. After I settle my affairs, I will definitely return—if I’m still alive.”

After these months together, Li Yue’er understood well that Li Ziyuan longed to leave the village, though she did not know why he was so determined. Yet in her heart, she resolved to accompany him on his journey.