“This is quite troublesome now.”  

A desperate desire to survive surged in his heart. This was not Li Pingcan’s emotion, but the old mulberry tree’s plea.  

All living beings harbor a wish to live.  

Even an ancient mulberry tree that has lived for over a thousand years is filled with fear of death, yearning desperately to live a second life.  

Li Pingcan furrowed his brows tightly; he could feel the pain transmitted from the old mulberry tree.  

The deathly stillness radiating from those holes was somewhat similar to the aura during the demonic disaster on Spirit Mountain, but it was more concentrated and sinister. These insects were formed from Yin energy, specializing in devouring the essence of plants and trees. They were like bone maggots, firmly attached to the roots of the old mulberry tree, continuously eroding its life.  

“Old Mulberry, don’t worry.” Li Pingcan said in a deep voice, “I once had the fortune to comprehend a dispelling Yin technique. Today, I will try it for you!”  

If it had been before, he only had the zero-tier [Nature’s Gift]. Facing Yin insects of this level, that insignificant “luck” blessing would probably not even be enough to tickle the insects.  

But now was different. The upgraded first-tier spell [Divine Blessing of Nature] was the perfect weapon to deal with these Yin creatures!  

“Rustle rustle!”  

The old mulberry tree shook its leaves excitedly, full of gratitude.  

Li Pingcan no longer spoke. He flew down to the cracked roots, his expression solemn.  

This was the first time he cast Divine Blessing of Nature to bless another.  

He closed his eyes, recalling the intricacies of the spell, the strange rhythm merging with the mountain wind, the earth, and the pulse of the entire Spirit Mountain.  

“In the name of divine blessing, cleanse the filth, expel the Yin creatures!”  

“Divine Blessing of Nature!”  

With a low shout, the energy emitted from his fingertips was no longer an intangible blessing, but a visible orb radiating a soft emerald green light!  

The orb glowed warmly and purely, filled with an immense life force, as if it were the first fresh green of the earth’s revival.  

Wherever the light reached, even the dust in the air seemed to be cleansed. Flowers, grass, and trees all radiated vigorous vitality.  

“Go!”  

Li Pingcan flicked his fingers, and the emerald orb floated lightly like a living creature toward the roots of the old mulberry tree, slowly merging into the charred holes.  

“Ah ah ah!!!”  

Sharp, piercing screams, unlike those any mortal creature could make, suddenly echoed from underground!  

The emerald divine light struck the deathly black aura in the holes like a searing hot iron plunged into ice and snow. Upon contact, a fierce sizzling sound erupted; stinking black smoke poured out, only to be instantly purified and dissolved by the pure natural energy.  

Countless pitch-black Yin insects shaped like maggots but with dense sharp teeth poured crazily from the holes.  

They feared the emerald light as if it were a natural enemy, wildly fleeing in panic.  

However, the divine light had already formed an invisible force field, enveloping the entire root area.  

Within the light, the Yin insects writhed and twisted in agony. Their hard shells melted rapidly under the illumination like candles, revealing even filthier black gas inside.  

Pure natural energy was their greatest bane. Every strike from Li Pingcan was like a moth flying into the flame, only shaking the light slightly but accelerating their own demise.  

They were disintegrated bit by bit within the light, finally turning into wisps of blue smoke that completely dissipated into the heavens and earth, leaving not a trace.  

The entire expulsion process lasted nearly the time of one incense stick burning.  

When the last wisp of black gas was purified and the last Yin insect let out an unwilling wail before turning to ash, the emerald light gradually withdrew, transforming into the purest life energy that slowly nourished the old mulberry tree’s damaged roots.  

The charred holes began healing at a visible speed under the nurturing of life energy, gradually reviving a faint vitality.  

Li Pingcan exhaled a long breath, his face slightly pale. Casting a first-tier spell, especially a “blessing” spell, consumed a great deal of his current cultivation energy.  

But seeing the old mulberry tree’s crisis resolved filled his heart with immense relief.  

“Rustle rustle~~”  

The huge body of the old mulberry tree swayed slightly. Countless mulberry leaves rustled as if bowing in thanks to Li Pingcan, filled with the joy of survival and unspeakable gratitude.  

“Old Mulberry, no need for such courtesy. It was a mere trifle,” Li Pingcan smiled.  

Had it not been for the old mulberry tree’s leaf guidance, he might not have found the node of the Spirit Mountain fog formation so easily to “fish in troubled waters.”  

Perhaps because he was a Druid, he naturally felt a strong affinity for tree spirits.  

Unexpectedly, just as he finished speaking, a one-foot-long, verdant sapling, dripping with life energy, slowly separated from the old mulberry tree’s main trunk and floated lightly in front of Li Pingcan.  

This was a Spirit Mulberry seedling!  

At the same time, a clear understanding slowly arose in his heart.  

The essence of the thousand-year mulberry tree condensed into pure wood-type spiritual energy and life force. Planted on a spiritual vein, it could slowly grow into a new Spirit Mulberry tree. Its fruit could enhance cultivation, but more importantly, it could automatically gather surrounding wood-type spiritual energy, improving the local environment to form a natural cultivation haven.  

“This... this is incredibly precious!”  

Li Pingcan was deeply shaken, his expression excited.  

This was no mere sapling—it was clearly a mobile, growing “spiritual vein”!  

It might even improve Peach Blossom Mountain for the Li family, blessing the entire area!  

“Thank you, Old Mulberry.”  

He treasured the Spirit Mulberry seedling like a priceless treasure and immediately flew back to Listening Wind Cliff.  

Although he wished to build his own “cultivation land,” carrying such a treasure was risky. The Li family was not yet capable of supporting such a spiritual object; it was better to plant it in his cave dwelling.  

Li Pingcan carefully planted the Spirit Mulberry seedling at the center of the Spirit Gathering Formation.  

As soon as the seedling touched the spiritually rich soil at the cliff top, it seemed to come alive. Its roots automatically burrowed into the earth, and the previously withered leaves instantly unfolded, greedily absorbing the spiritual energy gathered by the formation.  

Alive upon landing!  

In the Druid panel, experience points for tree planting increased slightly. Even the most useless tree planters could keep this tree alive.  

Several months passed in a flash.  

The Spirit Mulberry grew stronger day by day. New buds sprouted from its branches, growing three tender green leaves.  

The spiritual energy of the entire Listening Wind Cliff was renewed.  

Originally, the spiritual energy was dense but somewhat chaotic. Now, under the Spirit Mulberry seedling’s regulation, the spiritual energy in the air became unusually vibrant and pure.  

Breathing it in, one could feel their “Earth God Refining Qi Technique” operating with a hint of endless vitality in the wood element, earth and wood nourishing each other, showing an inexplicable complementary effect!  

“Wonderful! Truly wonderful!”  

Li Pingcan silently felt immense gratitude toward the old mulberry tree.  

With such a cultivation haven, the future was promising!  

Cultivation knows no age, and the cave dwelling is timeless.  

In a place like Listening Wind Cliff, blessed with both the Spirit Gathering Formation and the Spirit Mulberry seedling, Li Pingcan’s cultivation progressed steadily and swiftly.  

Every morning, he greeted the first purple energy from the east, inhaling and exhaling to cultivate. By now, he had accumulated over three hundred pure “purple energy” strands.  

During the day, he meditated in the dense spiritual energy, studying the Wang God Refining Qi Technique.  

In his spare time, he practiced formations or exchanged insights with the spirit beasts of Spirit Mountain. Life was fulfilling and comfortable.  

On this day, Li Pingcan celebrated his sixteenth birthday.  

He sat cross-legged under the Spirit Mulberry tree—which had now grown to half his height, its branches and leaves lush and brimming with spiritual energy.  

The magical power within him had already accumulated to the peak of the first refining qi stage, like a dam about to burst, constantly assaulting the invisible barrier.  

“Now is the time!”  

Li Pingcan’s eyes sharpened. He detonated all the medicinal power accumulated from the precious pills and spiritual fruits he had swallowed these days.  

The Earth God Refining Qi Technique operated frantically, enveloping the majestic spiritual energy, launching a final assault on the barrier!  

“Beautiful!”  

A muffled sound, as if existing only in the spirit, resonated. The solid barrier shattered in response!  

A force far purer and denser than before rose from his dantian, flowing through his limbs like a great river. His divine sense expanded again, and his perception of heavenly and earthly spiritual energy became keen and clear.  

Second stage of refining qi, achieved!  

At the same time, his painstakingly cultivated Five Spirit Play technique also matured. With the breakthrough in immortal cultivation, his body seemed to be nourished in return. His blood qi and internal energy blended and transformed, breaking through the limits of ordinary martial artists.  

The Innate Realm was also attained today!  

Feeling the immense power of immortal martial unity within his body, Li Pingcan’s expression brightened with joy.  

“But just sitting and meditating is too dull. Taking pills is the real way!”  

Recalling past events,  

Without the aid of spiritual fruits and pills, he might not have achieved cultivation so quickly.  

Although this “Listening Wind Cliff” + “Spirit Gathering Formation” + “Spirit Mulberry seedling” trinity was powerful, it still could not compare to a true first-tier spiritual vein.  

“Too bad there’s no way to refine spiritual pills.”  

Li Pingcan sighed, swallowing the pills directly and wasting much medicinal power. What a pity!  

But thinking of Second Brother’s earlier mention that the government planned to eradicate a certain evil cult, some “dark” thoughts crept into his mind.  

Yet, he quickly cut off these delusions.  

“The more actions I take, the easier it is to expose myself...”  

“I’m only sixteen, already at second stage refining qi, better than many scattered cultivators...”  

“Things must proceed step by step, no rush.”  

Besides, pill consumption was not always beneficial.  

If cultivation progressed too quickly, the foundation would be unstable.  

Swallowing large amounts of herbs and pills could cause medicinal or pill toxicity. It might not show now, but once breaking through major realms, it would definitely have consequences!  

.............  

Li Pingcan transformed into Nightingale and flew back to the Li family.  

Just as he arrived at the Li family’s grand residence in Peach Blossom Village and before entering, he heard clear baby laughter and babbling inside the courtyard.  

Li Pingcan’s heart stirred. He quickened his steps into the yard and saw eldest brother Li Pingfu holding a chubby, rosy-cheeked boy with a tiger-like head, while sister-in-law Jiang Ling’er sat nearby, smiling gently, busy with needlework.  

The old saying goes that one cherishes grandchildren more than children, but Li Pingfu didn’t mind. He ran a security escort agency in Yunshui County, which had been growing steadily. The escorts he managed were bigger and more important, and through connections with Li Ping’an and the Mu family, he had even accepted escorts from the provincial government.  

But because of this, he had less time at home and doted especially on his son whom he hadn’t seen for a long time.  

“Big brother, sister-in-law!”  

“Little brother, you’re back!” Li Pingfu smiled upon seeing his brother.  

“Little brother!” Jiang Ling’er quickly stood, her eyes full of joy.  

“Come, hold your big nephew!” Li Pingfu handed over the boy. “He’s at a fun age now.”  

“Big brother.” Li Pingcan laughed wryly. Was a child born just to be played with?  

He carefully took the soft little life. The tiger baby was not shy; he blinked his big black eyes curiously at this uncle he had never met, then stretched out his chubby little hand, grabbing a strand of Li Pingcan’s hair and giggled toothlessly.  

“Hey, this kid is surprisingly strong!” Li Pingcan thought. Although the genetics of big brother and sister-in-law were good, it was normal for the child to be strong. But the tiger baby’s strength was frighteningly great for a baby, almost like a small calf.  

This might be related to the “Divine Blessing of Nature” he had granted a year ago.  

Moreover, big brother had once been blessed by Nature’s Gift. If this “Divine Blessing of Nature” could be refined generation after generation... the family’s future would surely produce immortals!  

As the family chatted happily, second sister-in-law Mu Wanqiu, with a pregnant belly, came out supported by Lady Qin.  

“Brother Can is back.” Mu Wanqiu smiled gently, her complexion very good.  

“Second sister-in-law, you are...”  

“You’re already three months pregnant,” Lady Qin said joyfully, her face rosy. Though older, she loved a prosperous family with lively gatherings.  

Though they looked like sisters in age on the surface, Lady Qin and Mu Wanqiu were quite different.  

At dinner, the Li family gathered together for a rare joyful meal.  

Li Pingcan learned that Shan Renjia’s cultivation had stagnated and hadn’t advanced past the Precelestial Realm. He was so down that he drank eight bowls of wine, slapping his little son’s shoulder with pride: “Bad! Bad! Bad! Every son of Li Pingcan is a dragon among men!”  

After dinner, Li Ping’an took the opportunity to take out the treasured “Foundation Stabilizing Pill” and solemnly handed it to Li Pingfu.  

“Big brother, this pill can consolidate your foundation and greatly help stabilize your realm. It can assist your breakthrough to the Innate Realm.”  

He hesitated for a long time, never taking it himself and afraid to give it to family. One reason was concern over the marriage with Mu Wanqiu, and the other was worry about offending immortals.  

Who knew what temper an immortal had? If it was given to someone else, would they think he was irresponsible?  

Seeing time pass with no trouble, Li Ping’an relaxed and heard Li Pingfu had reached the Postnatal Realm, so he decided firmly.  

A martial artist at the Innate Realm comparable to mid-stage refining qi was more able to stabilize the family!  

Li Pingfu looked at the priceless pill, moved in his heart, and did not refuse, nodding heavily: “Alright, second brother, I accept your kindness!”  

Late at night, Li Pingfu skillfully slipped through the window into Li Pingcan’s room, holding out the Foundation Stabilizing Pill.  

Li Pingcan heard that the pill was given by second brother to big brother, and big brother now gave it to him. Speechless but warmed, he shook his head and softly said, “Big brother, I don’t need it anymore.”  

Li Pingfu hesitated for a moment, then suddenly realized something. His eyes grew wide, and he excitedly stammered, slapping Li Pingcan’s shoulder fiercely: “Good, good, good, good!”  

Li Pingcan feigned a grin and handed the Foundation Stabilizing Pill back to Li Pingfu.  

The Li family prospered, brothers respectful to one another, spiritual pills passed among them three times.  

Meanwhile, in Flat Peach Town, the Li Fang family was in gloom and despair.  

.............  

“Useless! All a bunch of useless people!”  

Li Fang smashed an expensive blue-and-white porcelain vase violently on the ground, shards scattering everywhere. His eyes were bloodshot, the honest temperament completely gone, his face as grim as a gambler who had lost everything.  

“I told you to send a message to the Seven Stars Sect to ask Li Qian to come back. You can’t even do that right?”  

The servants trembled, too afraid to speak.  

Li Fang’s anger grew. Shaking all over, he cursed at Li Qian’s portrait, “Heartless wretch! She swore to make a longevity pill for me. Now that she’s become an immortal, she’s forgotten her parents! If I had known she was so ungrateful, I should have sold her during the disaster year!”  

Beside him, his newly taken beautiful concubine patted his chest to soothe him while provoking:  

“Master, don’t be too angry. They say daughters who marry out are like spilled water. A daughter who enters the immortal gate is probably not even water anymore, but clouds in the sky. We mortals can’t reach them.  

In my opinion, you shouldn’t have put all your hopes on Li Qian. Now, Old Master Wang and Big Landlord Zhang come every day to collect debts. I’m afraid this mansion won’t be safe anymore.”  

Li Fang’s first wife, Lady Huang, sat aside, already a weeping mess, repeatedly pounding her chest and sobbing uncontrollably: “My poor son... what are we to do, what are we to do!”  

Who could have thought that in just a few years, once prosperous Li Fang would fall to such a state? Back then, he had relied on his daughter being a “quasi-immortal” to be courted by all sides with countless empty promises.  

But now, Li Qian had been missing for decades, and those big landlords he once treated as honored guests had all turned hostile, each more ruthless than the last.  

A few days later, the grand mansion that symbolized Li Fang’s lifelong pride and vigor was sealed by the government.  

Li Fang was completely despondent, having nowhere to turn, even lowering his pride to seek out Li Rongzhou’s family in Peach Blossom Village.  

Standing in front of the Li family’s prosperous residence, he felt a mix of emotions.  

Since becoming wealthy, he had grown to despise this simple farmer who only knew how to wield weapons, thinking the martial path was crude and incapable of greatness, maintaining only superficial relations.  

But now, their sons were all accomplished—one had become an immortal official, another a renowned expert in Yunshui County—while he himself had become a lost dog.  

“Hey! Isn’t that Uncle Li Fang? Why are you back in the village?” A young man recognized Li Fang and greeted him warmly.  

Li Fang froze, realizing today he was not wearing his silver fox fur coat but only ordinary silk clothes. He was too embarrassed.  

He hurriedly knocked on the Li family’s door as if fleeing.  

Seeing Li Rongzhou, still vigorous and even more imposing than years ago, with a demeanor far superior to his own “Big Master Li,” Li Fang mumbled and bowed his head, unable to explain his purpose.  

Borrow money? Redeem his mansion? Simply admitting his disgrace was enough to choke his words!  

He was like a clown on stage, awkwardly making a fool of himself and only inviting ridicule.  

Li Fang remained silent, and naturally Li Rongzhou did not ask.  

Li Fang stubbornly sat for a long time, waiting for Li Rongzhou’s inquiry, but it never came. The tea went cold, and finally, overwhelmed by shame and anger, he slunk away.  

Watching his retreating figure, Li Rongzhou shook his head and sighed softly: “Li Fang, such a confused man.”