Chapter 219: Qinghong

After dozens of exchanges, Li Tongya sheathed his sword. The surging river water transformed into dozens of clear, sharp water swords that hovered silently. The remaining waves floated around him, enveloping him. The cold climate caused tiny ice crystals to manifest in the river water around him, occasionally shedding strings of ice powder with a rustling sound.

Fei Wangbai also sheathed his spear and stood still. The cloak behind him transformed into countless ribbons of brocade, which quickly dissipated into spiritual energy and vanished. The wind and snow gradually subsided. Li Tongya's flowing water-control technique also dissolved and disappeared; the river water fell like a torrential downpour, turning into hail before it even touched the ground, pattering against the mountainside.

"Brother Wangbai, excellent spear technique."

Li Tongya's aura gradually receded as he landed back beside the jade table. Fei Wangbai also descended with a smile and said in a low voice:

"The world knows of Brother Tongya's superb sword technique, but little do they know that your water-control technique is no less impressive."

After their bout, both had gained an understanding of the other's methods, making them better prepared for future battles. A real fight was far more convenient than verbal introductions; the strengths, weaknesses, and subtleties of each were now clear in their minds.

After exchanging some mutual flattery, Li Tongya shook his head with a laugh, then suddenly looked up and smiled:

"My Qinghong has arrived."

Fei Wangbai flicked his finger, and the small door of the pavilion creaked open. Someone walked up, dressed in white, holding a spear, with a smile like the autumn moon—naturally, it was Li Qinghong.

"Greetings, Master!"

"Greetings, Grandfather! Congratulations on your breakthrough to Foundation Establishment!"

"Mm."

Both acknowledged her. A young man then poked his head out from the pavilion, bowed to the two elders in greeting, and then stood to the side with his head lowered.

"This is my direct grandson, Fei Tongxiao."

Fei Wangbai introduced him with a smile, then asked:

"What do you think?"

Li Qinghong and Fei Tongxiao, however, seemed not to hear, as if the two elders sitting opposite each other hadn't spoken at all. Clearly, Fei Wangbai had cast a spell, causing the two juniors to unknowingly fall into an illusion.

Li Tongya merely glanced at them, understood the meaning behind Fei Wangbai's words, and shook his head in reply:

"My Qinghong is a seed for Foundation Establishment. I would be reluctant to marry her off anywhere. Unless she herself is willing, my family will not force her."

Fei Wangbai shook his head with regret. Over these three years, he had watched Li Qinghong grow up and thought highly of the child. He could only offer an apology for his presumption and change the subject.

Li Tongya chatted with him for a few moments, set down his cup, and smiled:

"I have troubled you these past few years. Qinghong, thank the senior."

Li Qinghong bowed gracefully and expressed her thanks. Li Tongya then took several jade boxes from his storage bag and said softly:

"I entrust this child to Brother Wangbai's care. A small token of my appreciation; please do not refuse."

Fei Wangbai could not decline and accepted them with a wave of his sleeve. Li Tongya chatted a while longer, finally bowed to take his leave, and departed with Li Qinghong on the wind, leaving Fei Tongxiao standing in the pavilion, looking utterly dejected.

"Tongxiao."

Fei Wangbai sipped his tea and said in a low voice:

"Go and cultivate. Do not let others leave you too far behind, or you will have even less hope."

Fei Tongxiao nodded respectfully and left. Fei Wangbai then gently set down his cup and sighed softly:

"It is just a pity that this girl's talent is too high."

————

Li Tongya flew over the lake on the wind. The deep green water beneath his feet shimmered. The hour was late, and pale moonlight draped over them. Li Qinghong, beside him, was in high spirits, the corners of her mouth curling up involuntarily.

On one hand, her elder had reached Foundation Establishment, giving her a pillar of support; on the other, she would soon see family she hadn't met in years. Li Qinghong felt a surge of excitement, and had Li Tongya not been beside her, she might have hummed a song.

"Qinghong."

Li Tongya suddenly spoke, asking with a smile:

"Qinghong, that Fei boy clearly has feelings for you. What do you think?"

"Ah."

Li Qinghong hadn't expected Li Tongya to ask this. She was slightly startled, pondered for a few breaths, and then said with a firm expression:

"This junior has no heart for romance, nor do I wish to be anyone's wife or concubine..."

Li Qinghong's almond-shaped eyes were bright and piercing. The black hair tied behind her head was lifted by the evening wind on the lake. Moonlight shone on her red lips as she spoke clearly:

"Though I am not a man, I share the ambition to refine the Six Wheels and manifest divine abilities. I wish to banish immortals and slay demons, to guard the realm and bring peace to the people. When the red tassel in my hand moves, heroes shall feel inadequate and immortals shall bow their heads!"

Li Tongya had not expected such words to come from Li Qinghong. He was stunned, looking at her smiling face. After a few breaths of silence, he said softly:

"Difficult."

Li Qinghong's expression grew even firmer. She took Li Tongya's hand and said in a low voice:

"Qinghong wants that manual, the *Purple Thunder Secret Origin Art*!"

"Impossible."

Li Tongya shook his head, refusing her point-blank. He said gently:

"The *Purple Thunder Secret Origin Art* was adapted from a fourth-grade technique, but it is a secret art. Although thunder is a supreme method of destruction, the technique is too tyrannical; it will cut off your descendants and even reduce your lifespan..."

"Grandfather, I know."

Li Qinghong nodded, gritting her teeth:

"It is precisely because I want the supreme method of thunderous destruction, and since the family has that Foundation Establishment spear, I have no intention of serving others as a wife or concubine. This technique is the one Qinghong desires most."

"Sigh."

Li Tongya shook his head and consoled her:

"You still have a few years of Qi Refining left. Think about it some more."

Li Qinghong nodded respectfully. When she looked up, Lijing Mountain, under its pale golden array, appeared in the distance. Seeing that she would soon meet her parents and siblings, her mood suddenly brightened. Li Tongya, however, remained frowning, a feeling he couldn't describe in his heart.

"Qinghong's spirit is high; I know not if it is a blessing or a curse."

Landing on the mountain with Li Qinghong, Li Xuanxuan and Li Xuanling were already waiting. Li Xuanling and his daughter hadn't seen each other for years, and naturally, there were tears of excitement. Li Xuanxuan stepped forward and said in a low voice:

"Uncle... The Xiao family has sent someone. Senior Xiao Yuansi has been waiting in the courtyard for some time."

Li Tongya was smiling as he watched, but upon hearing this, he was startled. He hurriedly turned and followed Li Xuanxuan into the house. Crossing the threshold, he saw Xiao Yuansi sitting to the side, holding a jade slip. Li Tongya adjusted his grey cloud-patterned sleeves and bowed respectfully:

"Tongya greets you, Senior. I apologize for keeping you waiting!"

Xiao Yuansi put away the jade slip, his expression quite complex, and sighed:

"Not at all, not at all. Now I must call you Fellow Daoist."

Xiao Yuansi had watched Li Tongya ascend to the Foundation Establishment stage step by step. When they first met, he was but a small cultivator at the third level of Embryonic Breath, in the Zhou Xing Wheel. Now, he had established his Foundation. He sighed, but seeing Li Tongya's solemn expression, he bowed in return and said in a deep voice:

"Senior's kindness to my family is as heavy as a mountain, and your teachings have been like those of a master. This truly shames this junior!"

Xiao Yuansi laughed, his mood relaxing significantly:

"This is a joyous occasion, do not overthink it! You have done so well, and I can now give an account to Chijing."

Li Tongya took a seat in the lower position, and Xiao Yuansi smiled:

"My ancestor once made a marriage arrangement with your family. Does Tongya remember?" ===== CHAPTER 220 =====