"It was my treat for Brother Zhou, why did you bring gifts?"

"Brother Li, you're being too polite. What's the big deal about bringing some snacks for the kids?" 

The two men exchanged warm pleasantries. Li Rongzhou smiled as he introduced his three sons, then told the children, "Quickly thank Uncle Zhou."

"Thank you, Uncle Zhou!"

Li Pingfu shouted with full vigor, though a closer look revealed subtle nervousness. He knew this martial instructor had been specially invited by his father and wanted to make a good impression.

Li Ping'an bowed properly, "Greetings, Uncle Zhou." 

Then he retreated behind his elder brother with the demeanor of a refined scholar.

Li Pingcan spoke with childish charm, "Uncle Zhou looks like a big tiger, so mighty and impressive!" 

The innocent remark made everyone burst into laughter. 

Among martial artists, the "tiger" was revered as the king of beasts. Zhou Enxian was thoroughly pleased by Li Pingcan's naive comment. His initial professional courtesy softened slightly, replaced by genuine interest in forming connections. Not only had Li Rongzhou made a good impression, but judging these children at three years old - one a martial arts prodigy, one courteous and sharp, the last exceptionally clever - the three brothers supporting each other would surely achieve great things. 

"How fortunate Brother Li is," Zhou Enxian said with slight envy. "Your legacy is secured."

Li Rongzhou felt proud but showed none of it, humbly replying, "Not at all. For them to succeed, they'll need guidance from skilled masters like you."

"Don't just stand there talking," Lady Qin interjected cheerfully while serving dishes and pouring wine. "Let's eat and drink."

...

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew warm and friendly. As one of Peach Blossom Village's few Blood Qi Realm martial artists, Zhou Enxian was someone Li Rongzhou had wanted to befriend. After examining Li Pingfu's bone structure, Zhou Enxian found himself quite satisfied with this potential disciple - decent bone quality, upper intermediate grade. 

For martial arts, bone structure was paramount, especially for commoners who couldn't afford expensive medicines. Still, Zhou Enxian cautioned, "Martial training isn't accomplished overnight. It requires relentless dedication. Remember - scholars can be poor, but martial artists must be wealthy. Training demands not just more meat, but medicinal soups to replenish qi and blood... The expenses will easily exceed a hundred taels. Brother Li, as a martial artist yourself, you understand what I mean."

This was his standard disclaimer to all prospective disciples. 

Li Rongzhou nodded, "Naturally."

Li Pingfu declared with determination, "Don't worry, Uncle Zhou. Hardship in training is a blessing - I'll never give up." 

After the incident with Granny Wang's family, he'd realized how childish his previous tricks were, and the gang's brutal methods had chilled him to the core. To protect his family, he must master martial arts and make a name for himself!

"Excellent spirit," Zhou Enxian smiled, accepting the tuition fee. His standard rate was ten taels annually, with an additional tael for each minor realm advancement in flesh, skin, bones or tendons - medicinal costs separate. While he thought highly of the Li family, professional fees couldn't be waived. He'd simply teach this disciple with extra care.

Zhou Enxian addressed his new student, "I practice the Black Tiger Technique, paired with Tiger Breathing Methods - moving like a mountain lord, still like a crouching tiger, balanced in advance and retreat. Starting tomorrow, you'll begin foundational training with me."

Overjoyed, Li Pingfu imitated storybook manners, presenting tea respectfully, "Master above, please accept this disciple's bow."

...

Two days later.

"Then I'll trouble you, Village Chief," Li Rongzhou said gratefully. 

Peach Blossom Village had its own school with literate teachers. He'd personally investigated Old Master Xie's character - impoverished but not bitter, strict with etiquette but not harsh, often helping poorer students, and most importantly, highly knowledgeable. 

The village chief had specifically invited this teacher, showing foresight. 

"No need for thanks over such small matters," the old chief chuckled. "Education is good - it brings wisdom. Who knows, they might even escape these mountains one day."

This kindness would benefit future generations. If any student succeeded, they'd naturally give back to Peach Blossom Village for reputation's sake. The old chief sipped tea and saw his guest out, his contributions quietly profound.

...

Compared to Li Pingfu's martial arts initiation banquet, enrolling with Old Master Xie was far simpler - just present the ceremonial tuition gifts. 

Next morning.

Li Ping'an woke early like a responsible child, dressed in Lady Qin's new clothes, packed flatbread, patted his little brother's head, and told his mother, "I'm off to school."

"Be careful on the road, brother."

Li Ping'an left home, passing Granny Wang's abandoned house where half the door was missing and weeds overtook the empty courtyard. He averted his gaze. Under the golden morning sun illuminating the land, he walked steadfastly toward the rising sun - the shadows of the past could no longer reach him.

...

Time flowed like water - three years passed in a blink. 

Spring returned to earth, birds sang amid fragrant flowers. 

On the field ridge, a four-year-old child squatted like a duck in loosened soil, laboriously digging holes with a thick wooden stick. His indigo cotton trousers were dusted with mud, arms aching as if filled with lead. Li Pingcan's small face flushed red from exertion as he focused intently on digging, bean-sized sweat droplets soaking into the earth.

"Finally dug it!" 

Examining the teacup-sized hole, he excitedly planted the peach sapling with solemn ceremony. He tossed the unearthed red earthworms back into the hole, covering them with dark soil. After gently packing it down and watering thoroughly from the river, the slightly curled peach leaves fluttered in the spring breeze.

Another tree successfully planted! 

Li Pingcan raised his chubby little fist triumphantly toward the sky. 

Exhausting as it was, a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction welled up inside him.

"Today's planting goal achieved."

To level up, he needed to successfully cultivate two hundred saplings. For his Druid profession advancement these past three years, he'd practically worn himself out. 

Initially, being young and naive, he'd tried mimicking natural plant growth by burying leftover peach pits randomly. A few actually sprouted, but the success rate was abysmally low - barely worth counting - forcing him to abandon that inefficient method. Eventually he realized he'd have to patiently grow up and plant trees properly himself. 

There were rules to this - no supernatural powers could be used, as that showed insufficient reverence for nature. Fortunately, his father's diligent efforts restoring the peach orchard had provided abundant XP. The experience points for leveling up were nearly complete.

He checked his panel:

[LV1 Druid (189/200)]

[Current Branches: Spore, Beast King, Earth, Astral, Swarm, Elemental]

[Spore]

[LV5 Spore Growth (297/599) (Cantrip)]

[LV6 Spore Sense (486/699) (Cantrip)]

[LV1 Glowshroom (45/199) (Cantrip)]

[Swarm]

[LV3 Swarm Proliferation (17/399) (Cantrip)]

[Astral]

[LV9 Moonlight Microbeams (Max Level) (Cantrip)]

[Elemental]

[LV9 Dance of the Wind (Max Level) (Cantrip)]

[Earth] 

[LV4 Earth Pulse Sense (211/499) (Cantrip)]

[LV9 Thorn Whip (Max Level) (Cantrip)]

[Beast King]

[LV4 Animal Affinity (13/499) (Cantrip)]

[LV9 Animal Speech (Max Level) (Cantrip)]

...

Through diligent work over these years, Li Pingcan had finally maxed out his most useful skills. And when skills reached maximum level, they underwent astonishing qualitative transformations. 

Checking that no one was around, he softly chanted, "Thorn Whip!"

Instantly, plants around him transformed into writhing thorny vines, squirming across the field ridge like tentacles - a scene of demonic chaos!