Chapter 663 487: Room for Maneuver

Li Xizhi descended from the mountain, but instead of seeking out Yuan Fuyao immediately, he took a slight detour to find the tall pavilion and landed outside the grand hall in the center.

The grand hall had a platform in front with no less than eighteen steps leading up to it, flanked on both sides by stone statues of majestic beasts with long horns. The hall was roofed with bright yellow glazed tiles. Rainwater dripped steadily down, falling from the mouths of the beasts, presenting quite a sight.

Li Chengliao had just finished packing up and was coming down the steps. His countenance, weightier than his father Li Xihong's, lacked some honesty but had more edges and angles. Seeing the person in front descend in a flash of light, with feathers fluttering and rainbows flowing, he hurriedly bowed his hands:

"Chengliao greets Fourth Uncle!"

Li Xizhi, with one hand behind his back and the other lifting him up, laughed and said,

"There's no need for formalities. This time, I have come to see our Princely Heir."

A light instantly shone on Li Chengliao's face, and he nodded and led the way to a pavilion on the side. Walking down from the top jade platform, they passed several corridors and pushed open the courtyard door.

Inside was a small table with a four-year-old boy sitting behind it, dressed in a white and gold short robe. Two stacks of scrolls were piled on the table, and he was supporting his chin with one hand, silently reading.

The bridge of his nose was slightly high, and there was still a touch of childishness between his brows. His eyes, cast downwards, and his face, round with a child's plumpness, exhibited a healthy rosiness. His legs were crossed as he sat quietly.

Li Xizhi approached, and in the courtyard, there were no attendants, only an old white-haired monkey with Qi Cultivating Peak cultivation level sweeping the floor, dressed in a Taoist robe, bowing his head and eyes as if paying no mind to the newcomer.

"Wei'er... this is your Great Uncle."

As Li Xizhi looked over with a gentle smile, he was suddenly met with a pair of dark golden eyes. With his Foundation Establishment level eyesight power, he could see every fine detail clearly, noting the golden rings within the eyes, layered and interlocking.

The gold in front of him shimmered slightly. As Li Zhouwei shifted his gaze, it dimmed. He delicately raised his brow, lifting his gold and white robe, and performed the courtesy due from a junior.

"Greetings to Great Uncle!"

Li Zhouwei stood up and replied, bringing his hands together, about to bow, when Li Xizhi, as if startled from a dream, quickly caught him, whispering,

"Only now do I understand why the elders are so sure... Indeed... such a person must have been cultivating life itself in the womb, born into this world extraordinary."

Li Xizhi took the child's hand and beckoned Li Chengliao over, instructing him,

"I've heard that those who cultivate life in ancient times had many taboos, lost to history and perhaps are just superstitious beliefs. Still, to be safe, we can take some references."

He spoke with grave seriousness,

"From now on, no matter whom he meets, do not let the child bow... Try to keep from addressing him by name, use a Taoist appellation instead... Calling him the Princely Heir at home is indeed proper."

Li Chengliao listened intently and nodded in agreement. Li Xizhi, still somewhat astonished, sat down with him, and after a long thought, stared into his eyes.

"He is outstanding among his peers, and does not seem to bear a destined fate, but seems more like he possesses a Mingyang constitution."

Li Xizhi watched for a while, when a fragrance began to waft slowly from his nose. After distinguishing it carefully, he raised his eyebrows and looked at Li Chengliao, surprised,

"Peony?"

Li Chengliao was completely unaware, looking at him puzzled. Li Xizhi picked up Li Zhouwei, the child's small hand pressing tightly against his arm, his brow slightly furrowed. After scrutinizing the boy carefully, Li Xizhi whispered,

"When this child grows up, he will likely be no friendly being, his nature is inherently domineering."

He pondered for a while, shaking his head,

"But I am of limited knowledge and truly cannot see clearly, he doesn't resemble anything in particular, rather he is like… he is like…"

He swallowed his words, thinking to himself,

'To speak truly, this array of signs all present, he resembles what the books describe as a Metal Natured demon incarnate… But should that be the case, demons lack rational thought, and wouldn't quietly sit here…'

Li Xizhi set him down and asked Li Chengliao for some details. After a brief silence, he spoke,

"Regardless of the situation, act as if it's the least threatening possibility, just say he is of the Mingyang Bloodline... As for those eyes... I'll fetch a suitable Pupil Technique from the sect to conceal them."

He explained,

"The Eastern Fire Cave Heaven has fallen, and Green Pond has gained many Mingyang Techniques, among which are several Pupil Techniques. I had seen them long ago, and one or two could serve as a pretext."

Li Chengliao nodded in recognition. Li Xizhi watched with a smile as Li Zhouwei continued to practice writing on paper by himself. While watching, he asked,

"Is the family ceremony ready?"

"It can be held tomorrow."

Li Xizhi calculated that the timing was just right and, without delay, inquired about Yuan Fuyao's residence, setting out for it on the wind.

Along the way, he continued to think about Li Zhouwei's gaze and that distinctive air about him, musing to himself,

'Once the eyes are concealed, and with Green Pond and Xiuyue at odds, at a time when everyone is on edge, and with several houses on Red Reef Island in the East Sea stirring and several Zifu having passed away, there shouldn't be too much trouble.'

He pondered and soon reached the front of the Cave Mansion. After sending someone to announce his arrival, he saw a handsome young man hurrying out, saying,

"The junior has seen the Taoist! I failed to greet you from afar and have been remiss in my manners!"

As Li Xizhi was likely to become Qing Sui Peak's future Peak Master, his status was considerably high. When Yuan Tuan came to the Li Family in the past, the entire clan welcomed him. Now the difference in cultivation level and status between the two men was far greater than between Yuan Tuan and Li Yuanjiao back then, no wonder he was so anxious.

Li Xizhi waved him off and went inside. Yuan Fuyao followed the feather-clothed Taoist into the Cave Mansion, seated at the side, only to hear Li Xizhi ask,