Family Cultivation: I Become a Mirror

Chapter 425 358: Gilded Stone (Part 3)

"It's the Foundation Establishment phenomenon…"

Inside the Cave Mansion, evil Qi and Gang Qi churned relentlessly; if not for the robust Great Formation of the Green Pond Sect's Cave Mansion, there would have been countless holes eroded through by now.

He waved his hand to sweep away the turbulent Gang Qi and evil aura, then pushed open the door and stepped outside; beyond the Cave Mansion, the night was clear and bright, moon and stars brilliantly shining.

The two Taoist children at the door exchanged glances, seemingly never expecting that Li Xuanfeng, a mere Clan Cultivator, could establish Foundation just like that. They quickly bowed low and respectfully said:

"Greetings, Ancestor! Congratulations to the Ancestor on forging the Immortal Foundation and once again ascending toward longevity!"

Li Xuanfeng nodded and stepped out; just as he took his first step, he suddenly looked up to see a ray of glowing light descending from the night sky.

This dazzling glow, wrapped in white radiance, trailed a three-foot-long rainbow tail, and slowly landed before him. Li Xuanfeng was slightly stunned; then saw the white light fade, transforming into a diamond-shaped Jade Token that dropped before him.

Before he could speak, another person appeared at his side: tall of stature, dressed in the Green Pond Sect disciples' blue robes, boots of jade beneath his feet, Dharma Light flowing around him—all was extraordinary, nothing plain.

This Green Pond Sect disciple made a slow, grand gesture, kneeling as though toppling golden mountains and pouring out jade beads, and respectfully declared:

"Hejing respectfully receives the Perfected Person's imperial order!"

He rose and bowed again, a strained smile spreading on his face, his voice hoarse:

"Taoist fellow, please accept the decree!"

'It's Yuansu Perfected Person…'

Seeing this man's reaction, Li Xuanfeng understood that it was an order from a Zifu Perfected Person, and thought to himself:

'How swift indeed!'

Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly, accepted the Jade Token, and smiled:

"Might I ask where the Upper Sect intends to send me?"

"Taoist fellow jests; I am Ning Hejing, Peak Master of Yuanxing Peak, stationed at Yi Shan City."

The tall young man wore a stiff smile; Li Xuanfeng scrutinized him and finally realized, inwardly murmuring:

'So it's him!'

This was the very Senior Brother Ning who, years ago, led the disciples of Yuanwu Peak—imposing and outstanding in figure, the man whose kick had knocked over Deng Yuzhi, allowing Li Xuanfeng to shoot those fleeing cultivators with his bow.

"Yuansu Perfected Person issued the order in person and appoints you as general—truly entrusting you with a weighty task!"

Ning Hejing quickly masked his astonishment, a smile spreading across his face as he cheerfully replied:

"This is enrollment in Yi Shan City's cultivation registry, with Immortal stipends dispensed, and the ability to accrue merits to petition for Spiritual Objects from the sect."

"From now on, you and I are colleagues."

Ning Hejing's eyelids twitched, finding it hard to believe; his gaze swept repeatedly over Li Xuanfeng, seeing in him neither background nor gift, the only thing worthy of recognition being that consummate archery technique.

'Why would Yuansu Perfected Person personally elevate a Clan Cultivator who has just established Foundation? There are dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the city and sect, yet he is singling out this Clan Cultivator… Is it true appreciation—or is there some deeper scheme?'

Hearing his words, Li Xuanfeng lifted his brows, a faint joy appearing on his face, and replied:

"Many thanks, Perfected Person."

He hadn't overthought it. Ever since coming to Yi Shan City, he had harbored the expectation of dying in battle; at most, a higher Cultivation Level meant living a few years longer. Now, with a few years left until death, if he could win something for his family, he'd gained new hope, so he smiled and said:

"How could I call myself a colleague? If the Peak Master has orders, please feel free to command me."

Ning Hejing looked at Li Xuanfeng in surprise—not expecting that his archery could be so fierce, but his words so self-effacing—his heart eased slightly, and he replied in a gentle tone:

"Taoist Fellow is too courteous; after all, it is Yuansu Perfected Person who personally promoted you. No need to be formal with Hejing. If you have any requests, feel free to come to me."

Though Li Xuanfeng was not especially shrewd, he was after all a man in his fifties. Knowing he himself had no connection with Yuansu Perfected Person and the selection was likely by whim, he had no intention of saying much to Ning Hejing and only tactfully said:

"No need to trouble the Peak Master; Xuanfeng only wishes to ask about his duties."

"Nothing much—just helping to reinforce the formation. The Southern Border is in chaos now, with no time for scheming among us."

Ning Hejing smirked, genuinely eager as he leaned in and spoke warmly:

"Xuanfeng Taoist Fellow, why not join me to meet the other colleagues?"