Druid Fairy

Chapter 129 Mu Xiu Yu Lin
The Li family today is no longer the same peasant family that fled famine back then.

County Commandant Li Pingfu and Registrar Li Pingan, the two brothers, one a civil official and the other a military officer, wielded immense power in Yunshui County.

As descendants of a family of celestial officials, such an important matter as testing one's spiritual roots cannot be taken lightly like it would be for ordinary people.

County Magistrate Wen Yuzhi specially dispatched a Qi Refining Level 1 Immortal Master, carrying the "Immortal Mirror," a spirit-testing artifact used exclusively by the government, to personally preside over the ceremony.

This is both a sign of importance and a display of status.

"This child must not be too outstanding."

On the eve of the test, Li Pingcan looked at his son watching butterflies fly in the yard and frowned in thought.

He knew better than anyone that his son, nurtured by the Druid dojo, possessed a soul so powerful and an affinity for the elements of nature that it far surpassed that of ordinary children.

If they find out it's a top-grade spiritual root or a mutated spiritual root, that would be a huge problem.

The wood is beautiful in the forest, and the wind will destroy it.

Although the Li family is powerful now, it is still a "frog in a well" in the context of the entire Dayu Dynasty, and its foundation is still shallow.

"No, we have to 'nerf' him a bit. This game version can't be too advanced, or we'll get targeted."

Li Pingcan made up his mind and immersed himself in the dream of jade. He carefully plucked a lotus seed from the white jade lotus bud.

These lotus seeds are transformed from the very origin of the Daoist temple, and their greatest effect is to "conceal the secrets of heaven and return to one's original nature."

That night, Li Pingcan quietly came to his son's bedside and silently placed the lotus seed between Li Mengze's eyebrows.

“Son, I’m doing this for your own good. We should just follow the middle path, develop steadily and quietly, that’s better than anything else.”

…………

The next day.

When Master Wang, sent by the county magistrate, landed gracefully on a crane at the Li family compound, Li Rongzhou was respectfully waiting at the gate with Li Ping'an and Li Pingfu.

"Welcome, Immortal Master Wang! Your esteemed presence is an honor to my humble abode!" Li Rongzhou greeted him with a broad smile, bowing respectfully with extremely humble posture.

Master Wang was about forty years old. He wore an official Taoist robe, had a thin face, and his expression carried a hint of indifference typical of Taoist practitioners. However, he was quite polite to the Li family, who now held considerable power in Yunshui County.

He nodded slightly: "No need for formalities. I am here on the orders of the magistrate to test your son's affinity with immortality. This is my duty."

"Please come in, Immortal Master. Tea has been prepared." Li Ping'an politely stepped aside to lead the way.

Inside the main hall, the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Qin and her daughters-in-law had already left, leaving only the Li family father and his four sons to keep them company.

"Immortal Master, what are the intricacies of this spiritual root testing?" Li Rongzhou asked, unable to hide his nervousness.

"It doesn't matter."

Master Wang picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "Simply place your hand on this Immortal Reflection Mirror, calm your mind, and you will find what you are. If it is, it is; if it is not, it is not. The matter of immortal destiny cannot be forced."

Even so, his gaze subtly swept over the Li father and son, secretly marveling at their appearance.

This family is truly blessed with good fortune. The father is calm and composed, the eldest son is brave and martial, the second son is resourceful, and even the third son, who rarely appears in public, exudes an unfathomable calmness.

Just then, Xie Yuan, holding Li Mengze's little hand, slowly walked out from the back room.

Seven-year-old Li Mengze was exquisitely beautiful, with a pair of large, black grape-like eyes full of purity and curiosity. He looked at the unfamiliar "Master Uncle" in the hall without the slightest stage fright.

"Is this your son?" A hint of approval flashed in Master Wang's eyes.

“It is indeed my son Mengze,” Li Pingcan stood up and pulled his son in front of him. “Mengze, quickly, greet Master Wang.”

"Greetings, Immortal Master Uncle." Li Mengze bowed obediently.

"Good, good child." Master Wang nodded and took out a palm-sized ancient mirror from his bosom, its surface as smooth and warm as jade. "Come, put your little hands here."

Li Mengze's small hand pressed against the ancient Immortal Reflection Mirror, and for a moment the hall was so quiet that you could hear your own breathing.

Li Rongzhou unconsciously gripped the armrests of the chair, while Qin Shi, behind the screen, was so nervous that her heart was in her throat.

One breath, two breaths, three breaths...

The mirror remained silent, unresponsive.

The atmosphere in the main hall instantly became somewhat subtle, and Li Rongzhou's smile froze slightly.

Master Wang shook his head inwardly, thinking that the Li family was simply not lucky.

"Buzz!"

The ancient Immortal Reflection Mirror suddenly emitted a soft hum, and a gentle yet incredibly pure emerald green light slowly shone from inside the mirror. The light grew brighter and brighter until it covered most of the mirror's surface!
"Mu Linggen, top grade!"

Master Wang suddenly stood up, his voice filled with barely concealed excitement and shock.

"Wow!"

The entire courtyard instantly erupted in cheers, everyone beaming with joy!
"Heaven blesses the Li family! Three outstanding individuals from one family, and now the third generation is actually a prodigy in the Dao of Immortality!"

"Could it be that the Li family's ancestral graves are buried on a dragon vein? Their luck is just too strong!"

Envy, jealousy, shock... a complex mix of emotions mingled in Peach Blossom Village.

"Your family is about to soar to great heights!" Master Wang congratulated him, but couldn't help feeling a little jealous, as he himself was only a low-grade spiritual root.

If a child comes from an ordinary farming family, having a superior wood spirit root might not be a good thing, as it could easily attract envy and jealousy. However, the Li family is wealthy and related to the Mu family by marriage, so this child is clearly capable of growing up to be successful.

Before the news even spread beyond Peach Blossom Village, some people had already heard about it and came running.

A simple blue cloth carriage stopped at the side gate of the Li family's house, and a middle-aged man in a blue robe with a refined appearance and otherworldly demeanor stepped out of the carriage.

He claimed to be from the Su family of Yunling Mountain, and came to congratulate the Li family.

The Su family is the only reclusive cultivation family in Yunshui County. They never associate with ordinary people, so their initiative to visit today speaks volumes about their goodwill.

Meanwhile, a luxurious carriage bearing the insignia of the Mu family of the prefecture stopped directly in front of the Li family's main gate. The curtain was lifted, and alighting was none other than Mu Hong, the current head of the Mu family!
Despite his advanced age, he was still vigorous and energetic. Upon seeing Li Ping'an, he laughed heartily and said, "My dear son-in-law, I haven't seen Nianhe and Nianjun for a long time, and I miss them dearly. I have come here to visit them on my own initiative, so please don't blame me for being abrupt!"

Even so, his piercing eyes subtly swept over Li Mengze, revealing undisguised satisfaction and amazement deep within them.

His "visit" couldn't have come at the right time. You see, he had never set foot in Peach Blossom Village before, and had never even met his so-called in-laws in person.

Mu Hong's arrival was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.

The presence of the head of the prestigious Mu family in the prefecture was not merely a matter of personal honor, but also an implicit endorsement.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

The newly appointed county magistrate, Wen Yuzhi, also arrived late with congratulatory gifts. Upon seeing Mu Hong, he showed even greater respect, behaving as a junior.

"Lord Wen, although this child has been found to have spiritual roots, his future path still requires the court's cultivation," Mu Hong said with a meaningful smile.

Wen Yuzhi, a shrewd and perceptive man, immediately understood and clapped his hands, laughing, "Don't worry, Elder Mu. Registrar Li is a pillar of our county, and his nephew is the prodigy of Yunshui County. I have already written a letter to the prefecture to reserve a place for Mengze at the Songling Academy. He can enroll directly and receive personal instruction from the Immortal Master Wang Chao. His future is limitless!"

Songling Academy!

That was an academy established by the Great Yu Dynasty specifically to cultivate future celestial officials. Those who could enter it were either the pride of heaven or scions of powerful families with profound backgrounds.

The Li family was overjoyed and extremely excited.

Xie Yuan held her son's small hand tightly, her face showing no joy. She did not wish for her son to achieve great success, but only for her family to be safe and sound. She did not know whether becoming a cultivator would be a blessing or a curse for Li Mengze.

Knowing Xie Yuan's worries, Li Pingcan grasped her hand and said, "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

Xie Yuan's brows relaxed, and she gave a soft "hmm".

Just then, a gentle voice drifted in from outside the door.

"While the officialdom of the dynasty may offer a bright future, it is ultimately inferior when it comes to cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao."

Before the words were finished, a white-haired old man with an air of otherworldly elegance, dressed in a seven-star Taoist robe, slowly walked into the hall.

The old man's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on Li Mengze, a hint of undisguised admiration flashing in his eyes.

“This child has extraordinary talent and is born to be a cultivator like us.”

He looked at the Li family members and said calmly, "I am an outer elder of the Seven Stars Sect. Today, I am willing to make an exception and accept this boy as my closed-door disciple. I will take him back to the sect and personally teach him. The sect has everything he needs: cultivation techniques, pills, and magic weapons. I guarantee that he will reach the Foundation Establishment stage within a hundred years!"

A century of foundation building! This promise is more direct and more enticing than the vague "limitless future" of the Great Yu Academy!
A dynasty representing power and status, and a sect representing immortality and strength—two weighty olive branches were simultaneously placed before the Li family.

…………

In the dead of night, in the secret chamber of the Li family.

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows of the father and his three sons.

"Tell me your thoughts, everyone. What do you all think?"

Li Rongzhou broke the silence first, looking at his youngest son, "Can'er, you are Mengze's father, you speak first."

Li Pingcan pondered for a moment, "I want Mengze to go to the Dynasty."

"Go to the dynasty?"

Li Rongzhou was taken aback upon hearing this, then frowned. "Can'er, have you thought this through? The sect promises a hundred years to help you achieve Foundation Establishment. What an incredible opportunity that is."

The officialdom of the dynasty is treacherous, and your second brother, being in it, knows all the hardships he has endured. Even with good fortune, he is also subject to its constraints. We have all witnessed the matter of Liang Xianguan; what we bestow upon you today, we can take back tomorrow.

This might not be a good thing for Mengze. "My Li family has finally produced a promising immortal talent; why not let him follow a purer and more stable path of cultivation?"

As a grandfather, his thoughts were simple: his grandson's immortality and carefree life were more important than anything else.

Li Ping'an nodded, but offered a different perspective: "Father is right, but everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Although the dynasty is bound by laws, it also adheres to rules. At least in Yunshui County, with our two uncles here, we can always protect Mengze. With our connections here, no one dares to bully us easily."

He abruptly changed the subject, his expression turning serious: "Do you still remember Li Qian from Uncle Li Fang's family? She died mysteriously at the hands of the sect's guiding immortal. Within sects, the strong are respected; it's probably even darker and more ruthless than the officialdom."

Our Li family is no longer as powerless as the Li Fang family was back then, but we must be wary of the Seven Star Sect's methods.

Li Pingcan said, "It is precisely because the dynasty has laws and rules that we must squeeze in and become the rule-makers, rather than being bound by them. The sect may seem carefree, but in reality, it is a dog-eat-dog world, even more dangerous. If Mengze goes there, he will be all alone, and his life or death will be uncertain. But in the academy, with our support and the Mu family's assistance, he can grow up safely."

Most importantly, Li Pingcan has a Druidic dojo, which allows him to absorb the "sugar-coated bullets" of the Great Yu Dynasty, taking in the sugar coating and spitting out the bullets, ensuring that no benefit is missed.

His words clearly explained both the advantages and disadvantages.

“I have no objection.” Although Li Pingfu had some concerns, his two younger brothers were right; at least the dynasty still had “rules and laws” in place.

Li Rongzhou sighed and said, "Fine, since you three brothers have thought it all through, let's do as you say."

Inside the secret room, the candlelight was bright.

After a private discussion, it was settled that Li Mengze would be accepted into the academy.

…………

The news that the Seven Star Sect's immortal master had visited Li Mengze, the prodigy of the Li family, spread like wildfire throughout Yunshui County.

When the words "Seven Star Sect" reached Li Yuan's ears, his hand holding the teacup trembled violently, and he didn't even notice the scalding tea splashing onto the back of his hand.

How many years have passed?

Ten years, or twelve years?

He only remembered that when his sister Li Qian was taken away by the immortal, she said she would come back to refine longevity pills for him. But after that, she disappeared without a trace.

He suppressed this longing and worry deep in his heart.

Now that the Seven Star Sect has arrived, his extinguished hope seems to have been rekindled, burning like a wildfire in his heart.

"Brother Pingfu!"

Li Yuan's eyes reddened, and his voice was filled with barely suppressed trepidation, "I heard... a celestial master from the Seven Star Sect has arrived?"

Looking into his brother's expectant eyes, Li Pingfu sighed inwardly and nodded calmly.

"Then...did you ask about my little sister, Li Qian, for me?"

Li Yuan's voice grew increasingly tense, "Is she alright in the sect?"

Li Pingfu fell silent.

“Yuanzi,” he looked away, his voice heavy, “stop looking.”

The color drained from Li Yuan's face instantly; he understood the meaning behind those words.

"Who killed her?" Li Yuan suddenly looked up.

"Yuanzi!" Li Pingfu shouted sharply, interrupting his delusions. "This matter ends here. Just remember, there is a difference between immortals and mortals."

There is a difference between immortals and mortals!

This sentence was like a bucket of ice water, chilling to the bone.

Yes, they are just mortals, ants. Would an immortal care if he crushed an ant?

A deep-seated sense of powerlessness overwhelmed Li Yuan.

He buried his head in his knees in anguish, his shoulders heaving violently, and suppressed sobs escaped from his throat.

After a long while, he stood up unsteadily, bowed deeply to Li Pingfu, and said in a hoarse voice, "Brother, I understand."

He left dejectedly, his departing figure desolate and lonely.

From the corridor not far away, Li Pingcan took in all of this and sighed inwardly.

The difference between immortals and mortals is as vast as an insurmountable chasm.

The loves and hates of mortals may be as light as a feather in the eyes of immortals.

This sense of powerlessness only strengthened his resolve to pursue power.

…………

The old house in Peach Blossom Village.

The mulberry tree, now standing tall and spreading its canopy, exudes a refreshing and invigorating vitality.

"Ze'er, do you know why your father sent you to the academy instead of letting you stay at home?" Li Pingcan's voice was gentle, but his eyes held a hint of inquiry.

Li Mengze raised her delicate, porcelain-like face, and her clear eyes, which could see through good and evil, now carried a calmness that was incongruous with her age.

"Because my home is too small to contain my future."

Upon hearing this, Li Pingcan was both surprised and gratified. He hadn't expected his seven-year-old son to have such insight.

"What's going on in your little head?"

He chuckled and ruffled his son's hair, then his expression turned serious. "You're right, but not entirely. Do you know that your destiny with the immortals is far deeper than you imagine?"

He did not directly reveal the fact that his son had the Earth Spirit Root, such talent was extremely rare in the entire Great Yu Dynasty.

Even Li Qian, with her superior spiritual root, faced a deadly disaster. If the secret of her earth spiritual root were exposed, it would be tantamount to annihilation for the still fledgling Li family.

To help his son understand the importance of keeping his talents hidden, he decided to tell him the long-forgotten story in person.

"Ze'er, do you know that your Uncle Li Yuan once had a little sister named Li Qian?"

Li Mengze shook his head.

Li Pingcan's gaze became distant as he recounted the entire story of how Li Qian, despite possessing a superior spiritual root, was coveted by villains of the sect due to her lack of roots and connections, ultimately suffering a tragic fate and having her identity stolen.

He spoke calmly, but Li Mengze could detect a deep sense of regret and warning in his father's tone.

After hearing the story, Li Mengze neither cried nor showed fear; instead, he spoke with unusual calmness:

“Father, I understand. Aunt Li Qian’s mistake was not that she possessed a superior spiritual root, but that her family did not have enough power to protect this talent. Possessing a treasure is a crime; weakness is the original sin.”

Looking at his son, Li Pingcan's last trace of worry vanished. His son was not only exceptionally talented, but also possessed a temperament far beyond that of ordinary people—calm, insightful, and adept at concealing his true abilities.

"Now that you understand this principle, your father is at ease."

Li Pingcan nodded with satisfaction. "Remember, once you arrive at the academy, do not easily reveal your talent. The middle way is the way to long-term success. On ordinary days, you must not slack off in your practice of 'Tree Breath' and 'Five Spirits Play'. Cultivating immortality begins with cultivating the body. Only with a good physique can you be one step faster than others when casting spells and withstand the impact of spiritual energy."

"Yes, Father." Li Mengze nodded solemnly, then a sly curiosity flashed in his big, dark eyes, "But Father, you know so much, even about immortal techniques, are you... also an immortal?"

Looking at his son's inquisitive eyes, Li Pingcan simply smiled, reached out a finger, and gently tapped his smooth forehead, remaining silent with a smile.

(End of this chapter)