The bright moon hung high, casting its silvery glow across the courtyard. A gentle breeze stirred, making the tree shadows sway like aquatic plants drifting in shimmering water. 

Staring at the dancing light patterns on the ground, Li Pingcan found himself unusually unable to sleep.

"Elder brother has been too good to me."

"I must repay his kindness in kind."

In the Li family, fraternal harmony and mutual support were never empty words. Every family member practiced these teachings through action, working together for the family's future.

Rubbing the Mind Awakening Talisman between his fingers, Li Pingcan examined it closely. The bright yellow paper bore intricate crimson inscriptions he couldn't comprehend, emitting a faint metallic scent when sniffed carefully.

This talisman must have been drawn with animal blood mixed with cinnabar.

"Elder brother said I only need to keep this talisman close to my body. At the right moment—during a breakthrough or enlightenment—it will automatically burn up to release its effects."

Not requiring spiritual energy activation made it convenient for mortals to use.

This also indicated it was a low-grade talisman.

Immortals might look down on it, but such talismans became priceless treasures when circulating in the mortal world.

"If I don't need this Mind Awakening Talisman for spiritual root testing, I'll return it to elder brother when he makes his breakthrough."

Li Pingcan made his decision.

There was no sense hogging resources without using them—every resource should be utilized to its fullest potential.

When descendants prosper, the family thrives. The towering tree can then shelter new saplings, creating an endless cycle of growth.

......

Though Li Pingfu only placed tenth, his performance made him instantly famous, bringing renown to the Black Tiger Technique. Residents of Flat Peach Town who previously complained about martial schools' high fees now sought out Zhou Enxian for apprenticeship.

Meanwhile, both the Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird martial schools extended recruitment offers with generous terms.

A fifteen-year-old reaching the Tendon Realm was rare—a rising star worthy of any school's focused cultivation.

Zhou Enxian said frankly: "Pingfu, if you find a better opportunity, go without hesitation. Don't worry about me, your teacher."

Firstly, if Li Pingfu wanted to leave, he couldn't stop him. Their relationship was transactional—payment had been made. True disciples taken to inherit a master's legacy were always orphans, eliminating future complications.

Secondly, understanding Li Pingfu's temperament, this was a strategic retreat. Everyone had selfish motives—he didn't want to lose such promising talent.

"Teacher, I'm staying. I haven't fully mastered the Black Tiger Technique yet."

Li Pingfu immediately declared his position, equally unwilling to join a martial school—as an outsider, he'd face exclusion. Being nearly grown, would schoolmasters truly devote themselves to teaching him?

Loyalty needed cultivation (brainwashing) from childhood!

Moreover, being too far from home would make caring for his family difficult.

Hadn't he pursued martial arts precisely to protect his family? He wouldn't abandon his original purpose.

Hearing this, Zhou Enxian felt gratified—he hadn't misjudged his disciple!

......

When martial school recruiters came, Li Pingfu rejected them all.

Whether visitors left angrily cursing his ingratitude or departed with dark expressions and cutting remarks, Li Pingfu displayed remarkable composure. Even when provoked, he avoided petty arguments, appearing as docile as an ox.

Though both brothers practiced low-key caution, their approaches differed completely.

One hid thoroughly, disappearing into crowds, unknown to outsiders.

The other concealed his depths, showing only surface strength—the ox demeanor masking a fierce tiger.

During dinner.

After hearing Li Pingfu's account of the day, Li Rongzhou praised: "You handled it well. We can't afford to offend martial schools now. Once you break through to the Blood Qi Realm and Divine Execution Realm, they'll tremble in fear. Then you'll decide how to deal with them."

Revenge comes to those who wait.

The Lis always kept careful accounts.

Li Pingfu agreed—he'd memorized those arrogant faces clearly.

But achieving vindication wouldn't be easy. Martial schools had numerous disciples who could unite into a formidable force.

Li Pingcan suddenly asked: "Father, could our family establish a martial school someday?"

Running a martial school could bolster their reputation before the family fully prospered, expanding their network while increasing income.

Simple logic—for a family to establish itself, it needed business foundations and martial connections.

"A martial school?" Li Rongzhou pondered, not immediately dismissing the idea.

Li Pingcan elaborated: "Not immediately, of course. First let elder brother build his reputation over ten years. Students will come naturally then."

Li Rongzhou considered carefully—his youngest made sense. With effort, he might reach the Blood Qi Realm in his lifetime, while his eldest would surely surpass him, possibly touching the Divine Execution Realm within a decade.

Combined with their inherited White Crane Style, they'd meet the prerequisites for establishing a school.

Naturally, this required careful planning.

Even the matter of teaching the Black Tiger Technique needed discussion with Zhou Enxian—either buying the rights or forming a partnership.

Li Rongzhou preferred the former, having witnessed too many friendships ruined by business partnerships. Human nature changed too unpredictably.

"Little brother, you've really set me a challenging task."

Though Li Pingfu said this, excitement bubbled within him.

He practiced martial arts out of passion and family protection, lacking his second brother's clear ambition of becoming an immortal official through scholarship.

Now his youngest brother's "martial school" proposal shone like sunlight through fog, illuminating a clear path forward—he could almost grasp his future.

With clear goals came renewed motivation—training now had tangible purpose.

Li Pingfu's eyes brightened as he silently vowed: In this lifetime, he'd establish a martial school surpassing Flat Peach Town's, with disciples across the land, becoming undefeated!

......

The martial school concept was just one of the Li family's future plans.

The immediate priority remained Li Pingcan's spiritual root test.

August 15th—auspicious for rituals, painting sacred images, consecrations, travel, and resolving conflicts; inauspicious for bridge-building, coming-of-age ceremonies, construction, and well-digging.

7-9am and 9-11am were favorable hours.

Lady Qin solemnly fastened the divine talisman obtained from White Cloud Temple around Li Pingcan's neck, praying with clasped hands: "May my son journey safely with smooth sailing."

Li Ping'an presented a hand-copied scripture: "I transcribed this Daoist text myself. Carry it for divine protection."

"Go forth bravely!" Li Pingfu patted his younger brother's shoulder.

Xie Yuan gazed up at Li Pingcan with sparkling eyes, saying brightly: "Brother Can will surely achieve his heart's desire."

"Mm!" Li Pingcan nodded earnestly.

Though telling himself to stay calm—what will be will be—standing at the threshold now made his heart race with nervous anticipation.

"Enough." Li Rongzhou skillfully guided the ox cart. "Time's passing. Let's go—we mustn't miss the auspicious hour."

"Coming."

Taking a deep breath, Li Pingcan boarded the cart, waving farewell to his family.

Under the bright sun, the cart's wheels rolled along the verdant path, gradually disappearing into the distance.