Druid Fairy

Chapter 90 The Third Level of the Dragon Palace, Celestial Officials

"Dao Foundation Pill!"

Li Pingcan was excited. The pill felt warm and smooth to the touch, with subtle patterns on its surface. When he brought it closer, he found no medicinal fragrance at all, but rather a fresh scent like the first signs of life, as if he were holding a tender bud of early spring, rather than a pill.

This elixir is the icing on the cake!
You should know that he had just stepped into the first level of Qi Refining, and his foundation was not yet stable. He was just worried about how to solidify his path when this Foundation Pill fell from the sky.

The Dragon Palace's rewards were indeed extraordinary. Compared to pills that directly boosted cultivation, these spiritual pills, which could improve one's foundation and temper one's body, were far more precious. The more solid one's foundation, the further one could go on the path of cultivation.

Even a skyscraper with ten thousand stories needs a foundation a hundred feet high.

"Little carp, let me see, what kind of treasure is this?"

The Azure Dragon approached, its golden snake eyes filled with curiosity and envy. It had just broken through to the second level of the first tier and was in a state of elation, its huge snake head almost touching the pill.

"It doesn't smell good, how can it taste good? How about I taste it for you to see if it's salty enough?"
"Try it my foot!" Li Pingcan rolled his eyes at it irritably. "This is called a Dao Foundation Pill. It's used to solidify the foundation of your Dao path, not a snack for you!"

He explained the effects of the pill, which amazed the Azure Dragon. "Your cultivation speed is already fast, you're practically a fish! With this foundation pill, you'll be like a fish in water."

"Likewise, your speed of leveling up by eating meat is nothing like a snake." Little did he know that Li Pingcan also envied Qingjiao's good fortune in obtaining the dragon clan's inheritance.

"When do you plan to consume this foundational core? Do you need me to protect you?"

"There's no time to lose, let's do it now."

What other place of spiritual practice is more secluded and safe than the Dragon Palace?

Speaking of this, he remembered the "contraband" in his home and planned to store the Qi Refining Manual and the Mysterious Record of Blessed Heaven Spirit in the Dragon Palace, using them as a large safe.

Let's wait until later.

Li Pingcan opened his fish mouth and swallowed the Daoji Pill in one gulp.

The expected violent scene of spiritual energy exploding and meridians burning did not occur after the pill entered the stomach.

On the contrary, an extremely gentle warm current slowly spread from the dantian, like spring rain in March, nourishing things silently. Wherever this warm current passed, the meridians seemed to be gently massaged, widened, and strengthened by a pair of invisible hands.

The minor blockages left from forcibly absorbing the Fire Spirit Mushroom and the flesh and blood of the Demon Crab were silently dissolved by the warm current.

He was like a rough, unpolished jade, while the medicinal power of the Dao Foundation Pill was like a highly skilled craftsman, meticulously and patiently carving out the finest pieces.

It felt gentle and soothing, as if every corner of my body had been cleansed, leaving me feeling transformed and back to my true self.

To his even greater surprise, his spiritual senses became clearer and more acute. Before, his perception was like looking at the world through frosted glass; although he could distinguish colors, it was ultimately somewhat blurry, like the moon in a mirror or a flower in water.

Now, that layer of frosting has been completely wiped away, and the world seems to have been washed clean by rain, clear and bright.

"I see. If the foundation of one's Dao becomes more stable, the corresponding power of one's divine sense will also increase."

Just as a person's physical strength increases, their endurance, strength, and other dimensions also become stronger at the same time; they are all interconnected.

Li Pingcan understood that the more potent the elixir, the more balanced and moderate its medicinal properties, like thunder in silence.

I feel so comfortable and refreshed!

Taking pills feels so good!

Li Pingcan's confidence soared, his heart filled with boundless pride. He looked towards the Dragon Palace and declared, "I will challenge the third level!"

"Good brother, that's spirited!" Qingjiao cheered from the side, even more excited than when he was clearing the level himself. "Take it down!"

[Human Li Pingcan enters the 'Hundred Battles Hall' trial on the third level of the Dragon Palace.]

[Trial Requirements: Survive under the 'Water Dragon Guard' for the duration of an incense stick burning.]

The scene before them changed again; it was no longer an illusory landscape testing their character, but a vast, boundless white jade training ground.

In the center of the training ground, seawater condensed and gradually transformed into a humanoid creature whose entire body was composed of azure water.

This "Water Dragon Guard" was clad in water-flow armor and held a chilling, turbulent spear. His features were indistinct, except for his eyes, which were like two bottomless whirlpools, devoid of any emotion.

"It's not an illusion anymore!" Li Pingcan's expression turned serious. "Or perhaps it's an extremely realistic martial arts illusion!"

Regardless, from a sensory perspective, it was a real battle!

He dared not delay and made the first move. His control over the elements was now far greater than before. With a thought, he combined and unleashed [Water Manipulation] and [Earth Shaping], instantly turning the white jade ground of the training ground into a muddy swamp. At the same time, several water arrows appeared out of thin air and shot towards the Water Dragon Guard from all directions.

However, the Water Dragon Guards simply paused their spears in response to this scene.

"Om-"

An invisible wave spread out, instantly evaporating Li Pingcan's prized Swamp Technique into dried mud. As the water arrows approached within three feet of the Water Dragon Guard, they seemed to be summoned, merging into the Water Dragon Guard's body and making its form even more solid.

"Good heavens, immune to water magic?" Li Pingcan was taken aback.

The Water Dragon Guards suddenly moved.

Its movements were slow, yet each step carried a peculiar rhythm, as if it had merged with the moisture in the training ground. With a flick of its spear, it didn't thrust directly, but instead transformed into a roaring water dragon, lunging forward with bared fangs and claws.

Li Pingcan also knew this move, which was precisely the solidification characteristic of [Water Manipulation]. However, compared to the opponent's lifelike water dragon, which seemed to possess a real dragon soul, his water gun was like a mudfish compared to a dragon—vastly different!

"A direct confrontation won't work; we need to outsmart them!"

Li Pingcan retreated rapidly, dodging the water dragon's pursuit while channeling his spiritual energy to unleash the entanglement of the thorny whip, attempting to halt the water dragon guards' advance.

However, it couldn't last even a moment, and the thorns broke one by one.

He was about to run into the Water Dragon Guard head-on, so he could only push his physical strength at the Acquired Realm to the limit, turning into a blur and circling behind the Water Dragon Guard. However, just as he was about to strike the Water Dragon Guard hard in the back with his fish tail, the Water Dragon Guard suddenly retaliated with a spear, the tip of which carried terrifying penetrating power and was aimed directly at Li Pingcan's face.

[Trial failed.]

A cold voice rang out, and before his eyes flashed, he was teleported to the martial arts arena.

"Hey, little carp, why did you come out so quickly?"

Qingjiao looked bewildered. "Was that guy so ugly that he scared you out of your wits?"

"The difference in strength is too great!"

Li Pingcan shook his head.

In the past, he was complacent about his dual cultivation of martial arts and magic, believing himself to be invincible. But today, seeing the Water Dragon Guard, he felt like a mayfly seeing the blue sky.

The other person's movements were textbook precise, efficient, and clean, while I, on the other hand, was sluggish and redundant, like trying to show off my skills in front of Guan Yu.

He possesses brute strength and a wide variety of skills, but lacks a true combat system and refined control over spells.

It's like a nouveau riche waving gold bars at people, while the opponent is a martial arts master who can use every bit of force effectively.

"It seems that getting through this third level will be a long and arduous journey."

However, instead of feeling timid, he was excited and high-spirited.

Even if you can't pass the third level, you'll still benefit immensely from learning this combat experience from this free martial arts trainer!

…………

Go home.

Li Pingcan sat cross-legged, with his five centers facing the sky, and began to circulate the "Earth God Qi Refining Technique".

After consuming the Dao Foundation Pill, he underwent a complete transformation, his meridians became broad and strong, and theoretically, his cultivation speed should have increased by leaps and bounds.

In reality, however, the cultivation process remained extremely slow.

"This...this efficiency is just too low!"

Li Pingcan opened his eyes, his face full of frustration.

He tried to breathe deeply, but the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was pitifully thin, like rice porridge diluted a thousand times, and his magical power was negligible.

This feeling is like being given a super-large water tank that can hold rivers, lakes and seas, but the tool given to him to draw water is a broken ladle with seven or eight holes in the bottom.

“It’s hard for a clever woman to make a meal without rice!”

He sighed deeply, "Without spiritual veins and precious lands, relying solely on this meager spiritual energy, even with my exceptional talent, it would probably take me forever to reach the second level of Qi Refining."

He increasingly missed the sacred mountain hidden by the great formation; even if it wasn't a first-order spiritual vein, it was still a hundred times better than this place.

"Once I have fully absorbed the flesh and blood of the demon crab, I will try to find Mount Ling."

Suddenly, a young maid's clear voice called out from outside the door: "Third Young Master! Third Young Master! Master wants you to come quickly, there's great news!"

happy event?

Li Pingcan calculated the days, and then, as if remembering something, a look of joy flashed in his eyes. "Father, did Second Brother pass the exam?!" He strode into the hall and asked hurriedly.

Li Rongzhou handed over the letter, his face beaming with joy: "That's right, Ping An not only passed, but he's also at the top of the high school list!"

Li Pingcan took the letter and read it quickly. The letter was sent by his second brother from Songling Prefecture. In this dynasty, ordinary people who wanted to obtain official rank had to participate in the spring examination. After passing the examination and achieving the highest honors, they would have an audience with the celestial officials of the prefecture.

The second brother claimed that he had been chosen by a celestial official and would soon be granted a position, officially becoming a celestial official!
Just by looking at the flamboyant handwriting that almost leaps off the page, you can tell how spirited and high-spirited the second brother is.

"Second brother is amazing!"

He's no ordinary celestial official!

The fact that all three candidates achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations is an auspicious sign for the prefecture.

From that moment on, the Li family went from being a peasant household to an official family, undergoing a dramatic change in social class. Whether traveling the world or running a business, who would dare refuse to show them respect when they mentioned the name of the celestial official?

Li Rongzhou's usually composed face couldn't hide his excitement. "Such joyous news must be told to our ancestors!"

They never imagined that the plight of fleeing famine would lead to today's glory.

Overjoyed, Madam Qin wept, pulling Jiang Ling'er and Xie Yuan's hands: "Quickly, go prepare! We must hold a banquet and celebrate properly!"

She thought of Li Ping'an, who had failed the spiritual root test, and how stubbornly he wanted to study. She wondered how much hardship he had endured to achieve the top score. Her heart ached with a mixture of bitterness and relief.

Li Pingfu also wore a genuine smile, feeling sincerely happy for his younger brother.

Looking at this heartwarming and exciting scene, Li Pingcan smiled brightly.

The second brother was incorporated into the dynasty system. Although he was an official, he enjoyed good fortune and could get the latest information about the court's movements, which was very beneficial to the future development of the family.

Having connections in high places makes things much easier!

If you know the court's attitude, you will often avoid making mistakes.

…………

Half a day ago.

At the entrance of the examination hall in Songling Prefecture, crowds thronged, and the noise reached the sky.

Beneath the red wall displaying the list of successful candidates, a large crowd of eager students and their servants gathered, some rejoicing while others grieved.

Some people, seeing their names not on the list, beat their chests in despair and wept bitterly; others, overjoyed, cried out incoherently, "I won!"
Amidst the noise, only the two of them seemed out of place.

Li Ping'an, dressed in a blue robe, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, hands behind his back, outside the crowd, his expression as calm as ever.

Zhou Junzhi, who was standing next to him, joked, "Weining, why don't you squeeze in and see if you're number one?"

"What's the rush?"

Li Pingan glanced at him indifferently, but the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a hint of nervousness and anticipation in his heart.

Finally, an even louder gasp erupted from the crowd, and several servant-like men pushed their way out, shouting at the top of their lungs, "The top spot belongs to Li Ping'an and Li Weining from Yunshui County!"

"Haha! I knew it!"

Zhou Junzhi slapped his thigh, even happier than if he had won himself, and grabbed Li Ping'an's arm, "Weining! Did you hear that? Top of the list, top of the list! Triple Crown!"

Li Ping'an took a deep breath, suppressing the surging joy in his heart. He calmly straightened his sleeves, which had been ruffled by Zhou Junzhi, and snorted, "It was expected. There's no need to make a fuss."

No sooner had he finished speaking than he was surrounded by a surging crowd.

"Congratulations, Li Bangshou! My master is the prefectural magistrate and would like to invite you to his residence for a chat!"

"Young Master Li! My young lady has long admired your talent and learning. This is her birth chart; please take a look!"

"Look this way! We are from the Wang family, the richest family in the east of the city. The master said that as long as you nod, a vast fortune and a magnificent dowry will be delivered to your mansion immediately!"

This is the unique custom of the Great Yu Immortal Dynasty—catching a son-in-law after the list of successful candidates has been published.

For families with a strong foundation, a promising young celestial official is worth far more than mountains of gold and silver. To have him as a son-in-law is not only an honor for the family, but also a significant investment in its future.

Moreover, like begets like, the offspring of the "God of Literature" are also more intelligent, and their marriage with other members of the clan can further enhance their natural talents.

Li Ping'an was surrounded by this group of enthusiastic "matchmakers." He frowned slightly. A middle-aged man dressed in a butler's uniform, with a calm demeanor, parted the crowd and bowed to him: "Young Master Li, my master invites you."

The steward was followed by four guards, all with bulging muscles and deep, steady breathing; they were clearly skilled fighters.

Such a grand display clearly indicates that this is not the home of an ordinary wealthy family.

"Who is your master?" Li Ping'an asked.

“Songling Prefecture, Mu family.”

The butler's words were concise, yet his tone exuded a strong sense of confidence.

The Mu family!

The surrounding noise immediately subsided, and the gazes of the crowd towards Li Ping'an were filled with envy and jealousy. The Mu family of Songling Prefecture was a prestigious clan with a history of hundreds of years. Not only had it produced high-ranking officials in the imperial court, but it also had a celestial master presiding over it, making it a true behemoth in Songling Prefecture.

After a moment's thought, Li Ping'an nodded in agreement: "Lead the way."

…………

The Mu family mansion, with its winding corridors, pavilions, and towers, was far more luxurious and grand than any of the so-called great families in Yunshui County.

In the reception room, Li Ping'an met Mu Hong, the head of the Mu family.

Mu Hong was over fifty years old, dressed in a brocade robe, with a refined and scholarly face. His eyes shone brightly when he opened and closed, clearly indicating that he was also a martial arts master with considerable skill.

He didn't ask about Li Ping'an's family background, nor did he test his martial arts skills. He simply chatted with him over tea, just like any other elder.

"I've heard that you, Weining, come from a farming family and have studied hard all your way through school; that must have been truly remarkable," Mu Hong said calmly, taking a sip of tea.

"My father and elder brother worked hard, which is why we have peace today." Li Ping'an knew in his heart that this seemingly casual chat was actually the real test.

"What a fine description of 'diligent family members'." A hint of approval flashed in Mu Hong's eyes. "I've also heard that you have two brothers, and that you share a deep bond. I just wonder, when you rise to a high position in the future, will you still remember this kinship from your farming family?"

The air seemed to freeze as soon as these words were spoken.

This question is undeniably veiled. It tests his character and probes his ambition.

Li Ping'an laughed and said loudly, "Master Mu, you are mistaken. My achievements today are the result of the blood and sweat of my parents and brothers. A tree may grow a thousand feet tall, but its roots are in the soil. Without my family, I would be nothing but a rootless duckweed, which would be blown away by the wind. How could I possibly hold a high position? If I make any progress in the future, I will surely give back to my family and make every member of the Li clan a dragon!"

His voice was firm and resonant, filled with a deep longing for his family.

Behind the screen, a pair of bright eyes were quietly watching the spirited young man through the thin gauze.

Mu Wanqiu is Mu Hong's illegitimate daughter. Although she lives a life of luxury in the Mu family, her status has taught her to read people's expressions and feelings since childhood. She is very perceptive and has seen too many hypocritical faces.

But the young man before me had clear and firm eyes, and when he spoke of his family, the pride and gratitude he showed from the bottom of his heart could not be faked.

'He...is different from those people.'

Mu Wanqiu's heart rippled like a small lake tossed with a pebble, and a beautiful blush rose on her pretty face.

"What a brilliant phrase, 'Everyone can be a dragon'!"

Mu Hong clapped his hands and laughed, "Wei Ning, I have a concubine's daughter named Wan Qiu, who is seventeen years old, with a decent appearance and a gentle temperament. I wonder if you would be willing to become the son-in-law of my Mu family?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ping'an was startled. He had already guessed the Mu family's intentions before he came, but he did not expect them to be so direct.

"It would be my honor to serve you." He hesitated for a moment, then did not immediately agree, but instead asked, "Master Mu, I have a favor to ask. I wish to take up a post in Yunshui County, and I wonder... if that would be convenient?"

He couldn't bear to leave his family behind, and Yunshui County was close to Taohua Village, making it convenient for him to take care of them.

Mu Hong was taken aback upon hearing this, but quickly understood Li Ping'an's thoughts and felt even more relieved.

A person who values ​​loyalty and righteousness is always better than a heartless ingrate. His various investments in Li Ping'an today will not be in vain.

Moreover, valuing family is a weakness, making them easier to manipulate.

"What difficulty is there in holding the position of mere registrar of Yunshui County?"

Mu Hong immediately agreed.

Yunshui County is also a large county. Li Ping'an is still young. Sending him down to the countryside to gain experience and qualifications will make it easier for him to move up in the future, helping to consolidate the power of the Mu family.

Powerful and influential families, with their intricate and intertwined traditions, were able to establish themselves firmly in the prefecture through generations of intermarriage and the recruitment of talented individuals.

(End of this chapter)