Chapter 649 480: Yuan Clan Turns into a Shield

An Zhiyan entered the mountain, and in just two round trips, no more than two hours had passed before he returned to the hall. The Family Head, Li Xihong, and the Princely Heir were no longer there, only Li Chengliao sat by the desk.

The setting sun spilled into the hall, casting his silhouette long across the floor. Li Chengliao stared absently at the teacup on the desk, and An Zhiyan knelt to report:

"I report to the Young Master, the matter has been dealt with. The Yu Family is in utter chaos, teetering on the brink of division. We need only wait a few days for the struggle for power to break out, and a new situation should emerge."

Li Chengliao nodded slightly, replying:

"You have worked hard, Peak Master."

An Zhiyan held the position of "Peak Master" within the clan. Hearing this, he nodded and withdrew. Li Chengliao then summoned Dou Yi and said:

"Secret Forest County will sooner or later belong to our family; we cannot allow them to degrade it at their whim."

Dou Yi quickly understood and answered:

"I will immediately dispatch our own people to give them a warning!"

"Mm."

Li Chengliao spoke softly:

"They can fight however they wish, but if they slaughter the common people or destroy the Spiritual Fields, they must not blame our family for settling scores after the autumn hunt."

Dou Yi bowed and withdrew, while Li Chengliao's face showed an unexpected expression. He turned the teacup in his hands but said nothing.

His father Li Xihong, as well as Li Chengliao, had hesitated to move against the Yu Family for reasons and personal wishes difficult to voice.

The primary reason was the deep-seated hatred within their family towards the Yu Family, especially among the Clan Elders of that time, who had never gotten over the grievance of how the Young Master Yuanxiu was harmed.

Their voices were significant within the Human Race, hoping that when striking Secret Forest County, it would be the Yu Family they destroyed, avenging blood with blood, and not ending with a fragmented mix of the Chi and Lu Families, all mired in murky chaos.

Even Li Xihong and his son Li Chengliao, in fact, stood on the same line with these people. Their Cultivation Levels didn't stand out much, and what they most desired was to leave a mark on history, not to have lived in vain.

They didn't need much, a simple sentence "In autumn's seventh month, Young Master Chengliao shattered the Yu Clan" was enough for Li Chengliao to feel no regrets in life. It would indeed lack the same impact if it were to break the Chi or Lu families instead.

"What a pity, no matter what, it must be ensured that the Yu Family can't find a path to resurface from their predicament."

He sipped his tea, contemplating:

"Elation and caution must counterweigh each other, always requiring some compromise."

Li Chengliao stood up, having made arrangements for the matters below the mountain, and flew up upon the wind towards Qingdu Mountain.

With Li Xijun in seclusion, Qingdu Peak was managed by Li Xuanxuan. Li Yuexiang assisted Li Chengliao at her side. Upon his arrival at the peak, he saw Li Yuexiang, dressed in white, standing with a sword in hand.

Li Yuexiang was practicing the "Pheasant Fire Long March Technique", her Qi Cultivation at the initial stage already showing potency. Deep red flames swirled and lingered around her, drifting over her longsword.

Li Yuexiang's Swordsmanship was passable. With a delicate and simple flick of her hand, she caused a cascade of Pheasant Fire, an enthralling sight. After the dance of her sword ended, Li Yuexiang sheathed it and her phoenix eyes looked towards Li Chengliao, asking:

"How was it?"

"No major issues."

Li Chengliao first responded with a sentence, preparing to explain in detail, but then saw the Great Formation above the mountain peak transformed into waves of blue light, as a robust male voice rang out:

"Yuan Chengdun of the Mushroom Forest, here to pay a visit. Please open the Great Formation!"

"The Yuan family has come!"

Their expressions changed simultaneously. Li Yuexiang flew up on a cloud of fire, and the Qingdu's "Green Ox River Embracing Formation" slowly opened a gap. Blinking, she first performed a greeting with clasped hands, saying softly:

"Li Yuexiang of Qingdu greets the elder!"

This imposing figure standing before her was dignified and solemn, unapproachable, with a short club wrapped around his waist, its patterns intricate, and law-light of blue and yellow flowing over it. His Cultivation Level was that of the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, especially profound.

This man was the renowned Yuan Chengdun from the Yuan family, known as the top prodigy of the past hundred years. Barely over sixty years old, he had already reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

He spoke with a deep and weighty voice that resonated with texture:

"Perhaps a descendant of an old friend?"

Li Yuexiang led him into the Great Formation, saying softly:

"My father is Li Yuanjiao."

Yuan Chengdun fell silent for a moment before responding:

"Your father and I also shared some camaraderie, fighting side by side. At that time, I had never seen him exert his full strength... I had not expected that with the Yu family's man..."

Yuan Chengdun and Li Yuanjiao had fought the Pig Demon together and also confronted Shanyue's spirit proxy wood, hence his comment.

Li Yuexiang had heard these words many times over the years; guiding him down, she lit incense for her father, Li Yuanjiao, and led him towards the hall.

The Yuan family was currently in much disorder and couldn't spare the strength. Yuan Chengdun, as the central person of the turmoil, naturally did not just make a dedicated trip; while en route, he entered the hall with her, where Li Xuanxuan was already waiting.

Being a peer of Li Yuanjiao, Yuan Chengdun greeted Li Xuanxuan as an elder. As someone with an esteemed reputation, probably only his younger brother could spar with him among their family. Li Xuanxuan was not one to presume and was courteously accommodating for several moments.

Yuan Chengdun, straightforward in his approach, said:

"Xizhi is the chief apprentice of my aunt, and you must be aware of some news. My aunt has gone missing in the East Sea for two full years now, with no news."

"The bunch at home, blinded by greed, still vying and scrabbling over trifles..."

Yuan Chengdun paused before continuing in a heavy tone:

"I can't be bothered to compete with them, so I let them have it, planning to head to the East Sea. I've got some information; it's likely near the Qunyi Sea. I need to find my aunt first."

He spoke without beating around the bush, quickly clarifying his intentions. Li Xuanxuan courteously said:

"The Peak Master is blessed by heaven, and surely there is no need to worry."

"Thank you for your auspicious words."

Yuan Chengdun, with his resonant voice as solid as stone, continued: