Human Relations

Yun Chenzi, the Peak Master of Medicine Dust Peak, was a Heavenly Immortal ranked around the middle in strength within the Myriad Cloud Sect.

He had a kindly appearance, white hair and beard, and a burly build. Within the Myriad Cloud Sect, he was renowned for his benevolence.

Medicine Dust Peak was a major producer of pills for the Myriad Cloud Sect. The pills it produced not only supplied the sect's needs, but were also sold by the Myriad Cloud Sect in market towns for Qi cultivators, earning spirit stones and treasures for the sect.

Thus, Medicine Dust Peak's overall standing was firmly within the top five among the sect's Thirty-six peaks.

Yun Chenzi usually enjoyed refining pills and rarely entered seclusion. Therefore, when the Outer Sect Deacon from the Affairs Hall arrived at Medicine Dust Peak and reported that its disciples had engaged in a fierce fight with disciples from another peak, Yun Chenzi received word quickly.

For certain historical reasons, the Myriad Cloud Sect maintained strict rules. The atmosphere within the sect was upright and peaceful, and private fights between disciples were rare.

Yun Chenzi had initially thought this matter was Nothing Much. They could simply punish the offenders according to sect rules; Medicine Dust Peak was not unreasonable.

However, after the True Immortal managing Medicine Dust Peak whispered a few words into Yun Chenzi's ear, Yun Chenzi immediately became somewhat hesitant.

"The one who clashed with our Medicine Dust Peak disciple was that Merchant's Son?"

"That is indeed the case, Peak Master. We must handle this matter carefully."

Yun Chenzi pondered for A Few Times as he watched the True Fire dancing within the Purple Gold Furnace before him. He slowly said, "Li Dazhi is the Ancestor's disciple. We cannot treat him lightly."

The immortals around him said:

"But Peak Master, the Ancestor has more than one disciple. You and that merchant are of the same generation. If we lower our heads to them for no reason, the immortals of the other peaks will only mock us."

"Our Medicine Dust Peak contributes immensely to the sect!"

"He came from a mortal merchant background. He will inevitably be petty and calculating."

"Exactly! How could we weaken Medicine Dust Peak's prestige?"

Yun Chenzi stroked his beard in thought. Pill fire surged from the furnace's mouth, stirring several strands of his gleaming silver hair.

"Since that is so," Yun Chenzi said, "I shall personally wait outside the Affairs Hall. You few go inside and wait for Li Dazhi to arrive. If the other party proves aggressive and uses the Ancestor's influence to bully Medicine Dust Peak, I shall naturally appear and uphold justice for our disciples."

The immortals lowered their heads and accepted the order.

And so, one Peak Master in secret, one Heavenly Immortal in plain sight, and several True Immortals all headed for the Affairs Hall on the Main Peak.

At the same time;

More than a hundred Qi cultivators from the Myriad Cloud Sect had already gathered within the Affairs Hall.

Li Ping'an and the heavily injured Spirit Gathering Realm disciple both rose to their feet. Although their clothes and Daoist Robes were tattered, neither had any injuries left.

—The Immortal Pill Elder Yan Sheng had given them could heal an immortal's body. It had not only cured their injuries, but had also stored a large amount of refined medicinal power within them, which they could slowly absorb into Primordial Qi.

Li Ping'an could only call it a profit.

Li Ping'an glanced at the disciple standing with his head lowered behind several Outer Sect Deacons from Medicine Dust Peak, his feelings somewhat complicated.

He had deliberately injured that disciple's throat earlier so the other party could not speak. He had also shaken his own meridians to feign misery and play the victim.

But unfortunately...

Li Ping'an looked at Elder Yan Sheng, who sat in a Wooden Chair within the hall, puffing away at his Dry Tobacco.

Those two Immortal Pills from this big shot had completely smoothed over his little scheme.

The situation had also developed somewhat beyond Li Ping'an's expectations.

A dispute between three young Qi cultivators in the Gathering Spirit Realm had actually turned into a matter of face between Medicine Dust Peak and the Ancestor's disciples, even attracting more than a hundred immortals to watch... This truly was...

Li Ping'an's sleeve was lightly tugged.

"Se-senior brother?"

"Mm?" Li Ping'an looked down and saw Mu Ningning's little face, filled with anxiety.

Mu Ningning asked in a hushed voice, "Will things really be all right afterward? I saw So Many People immortals descend outside. They all looked rather unhappy, and So Many People of them were glaring at us."

Li Ping'an sighed. "I have dragged you into this."

Mu Ningning did not understand. "Why say that? Do you have enemies in the sect, senior brother?"

"Of course not." Li Ping'an laughed helplessly. "I have cultivated at Flowing Cloud Temple for only a few months. How Could I Possibly have offended anyone? This Matter is somewhat complicated. I will explain it to you later."

As the two spoke, the high-ranking Deacon named Wang Xinhui hurried over with several Medicine Dust Peak immortals whose long hair was gray-white and who wore dark blue robes.

These immortals each released a little of their aura, like several fierce tigers closing in on two little lambs in the Qi Refining Realm.

"Ahem! Ping'an... young friend."

A Little embarrassment appeared on Deacon Wang Xinhui's square face.

The son of the Founding Ancestor's disciple was seven or eight generations senior to him. How was he supposed to address him?

He could only muddle through with "young friend."

Deacon Wang Xinhui smiled. "These few are immortals from Medicine Dust Peak. They have come to ask what happened earlier. Do not be afraid. Simply tell the truth. The fellow disciples of Medicine Dust Peak are all reasonable people."

Li Ping'an said, "We are merely minor disciples of Flowing Cloud Temple. We would not dare speak carelessly before all of you immortals."

The elderly man in the middle spoke in a rather sarcastic tone:

"Little friend Ping'an, there is no need to be so modest. If your identity were not special, we would not have come together. How do you intend to deal with our Medicine Dust Peak disciple? I fear a mere Spirit Gathering Realm disciple from Medicine Dust Peak would not even catch your eye."

Several immortals simultaneously adopted stern expressions and released a trace of immortal might.

Li Ping'an sighed inwardly.

This was a small Negative Impact brought about by his old man becoming the Ancestor's disciple.

Most likely, It Was Because his father was involved that Medicine Dust Peak feared losing face and therefore struck first.

However, Li Ping'an had no intention of continuing to retaliate.

He no longer needed to put on any more of a performance today. Leaving the stage to his father was the safer choice.

Whether his father could establish himself within the sect was crucial to the future development of the Father and Son.

As for whether his father could handle such a scene... Li Ping'an was not worried in the slightest.

After all, he had learned Many Times things from his father.

With that in mind, Li Ping'an cupped his hands and assumed the posture of an impulsive young man, saying nothing further.

But Mu Ningning suddenly said, "You should be immortals of the Myriad Cloud Sect and seniors of Medicine Dust Peak. Why are you speaking so mockingly to two minor disciples like us?"

The Medicine Dust Peak immortals, as well as the Amusement Immortals who had rushed over to watch the show, all turned their eyes toward Mu Ningning.

Li Ping'an said quietly, "Junior Sister Mu, you need not say more. There may be some misunderstanding here..."

"A misunderstanding?"

Mu Ningning snorted. Her Peach Blossom Eyes glared at the Medicine Dust Peak immortals as she said softly:

"I heard it all just now. Some immortal said Medicine Dust Peak was fiercely protective of its own, but I never expected such powerful immortal seniors to come directly and pressure two minor disciples in the Qi Refining Realm.

"I had thought an immortal sect removed from the mortal world was a tranquil place for cultivation. Why were there also so many factional prejudices and abuses of power here?"

A Little mist appeared in her eyes, yet she sniffled and held back her tears, continuing to glare at the immortals.

The elderly men of Medicine Dust Peak were also dumbfounded.

Where had this little girl come from?

Li Ping'an calmly looked outside the hall doors and no longer stopped Mu Ningning.

The grievance Mu Ningning felt now truly did not seem to be an act.

Then Mu Ningning continued:

"Regarding today's matter, I dare swear upon my life that senior brother Ping'an and I never intended to harm anyone or any beast. That Medicine Dust Peak spirit beast intended to hurt me, so I only gave it a light injury. Then the Medicine Dust Peak disciple came afterward and attacked us without a word. He even released many little swords, intending to badly injure us and take us back up the mountain!

"If Not For senior brother Ping'an fighting with all his strength, the two of us might not even be able to stand right now!

"How Come, when you immortals arrive, you immediately speak like this and decide at once that the two of us are at fault?

"Before I came seeking immortality, my Mother repeatedly reminded me that cultivating immortality was not merely about gaining great power, nor was it merely about becoming detached in temperament. Cultivating immortality was for acquiring greater power and then benefiting all living beings.

"Today, I cannot help but ask: is that truly so?"

Several elderly men revealed awkward expressions and Were About to speak.

Mu Ningning's little face was utterly solemn as she asked again, "Is that truly so?"

One elderly man said in a deep voice, "This Matter has nothing to do with you. There is no need to say more. Medicine Dust Peak will naturally offer you compensation."

"Your disciple was beaten by senior brother Ping'an and me together. How could it have nothing to do with me?"

Mu Ningning looked ready to step forward and argue when a little commotion Rang Out from the doorway.

A booming voice suddenly Rang Out. "Ping'an! What happened to you, Ping'an!"

The slightly chubby middle-aged cultivator in a loose white robe rode a cloud, belly thrust out, and plunged headfirst into the Affairs Hall.

"Dad, over here!"

Li Ping'an called out. Then he tugged Mu Ningning's slender arm and gave her a subtle wink.

Mu Ningning was somewhat confused.

Li Ping'an looked at the old man slowly approaching and whispered, "This is My Father."

"Father?" Mu Ningning blinked. "The biological kind?"

Li Ping'an inexplicably felt a few degrees more at ease and muttered quietly, "Based on the facts, I should be his biological son. All right, stop talking."

Mu Ningning leaned closer to Li Ping'an and asked softly, "But senior brother, there are so many immortals from Medicine Dust Peak. What if they fight later? Your uncle does not look like an immortal. Can he beat them?"

"There is something you need to understand, junior sister."

"What?"

"Our cultivation is too low. Even if we use voice transmission, every immortal here can hear us perfectly clearly."

Li Ping'an said helplessly:

"Stop talking already. So Many People immortals are about to laugh out loud."

Mu Ningning turned her head and looked around, appearing somewhat adorably innocent.

Several Female Immortals in A Corner could not help covering their mouths and laughing softly. Most of the Qi cultivators in the hall also revealed faint smiles.

Mu Ningning was deeply embarrassed. Two blushes climbed her pretty cheeks, but she immediately lifted her chest and raised her head, lightly pressing her lips together as she Appeared entirely unafraid.

At this moment, Li Dazhi had reached Li Ping'an. He frowned and looked Li Ping'an up and down several times.

The immortals of Medicine Dust Peak all held their breath.

They had already prepared themselves for a fierce argument.

The honor of Medicine Dust Peak and the Peak Master's dignity Cannot afford to lose today!

Li Dazhi suddenly Opened His Mouth, but the words that came out left the Myriad Cloud Sect immortals utterly bewildered.

"Yo, okay not okay?"

Li Ping'an froze for a moment, then immediately understood.

This kind of "Eagle Speech" was encrypted communication that the Father and Son could use openly before the immortals.

"I'm okay."

"Okay is okay."

Li Dazhi then asked in their hometown dialect, "So, do you want face or substance?"

Li Ping'an answered without hesitation, "Substance."

"You little Brat!"

Li Dazhi put his hands on his hips and glared, like Third Master Zhang before Dangyang Bridge. His booming voice shook the Main Peak:

"You said you wanted to seek immortality and ask after the Dao—so this is how you seek immortality? How long have you been in the sect, and you are already competing with others in bravery and violence? You even got into a fight!

"If I do not teach you a lesson today, you will probably not even know your own surname!"

Li Dazhi pulled the jade belt from his waist, directly infused it with Dharma power, and immediately raised it to whip Li Ping'an's backside.

Li Ping'an hurriedly retreated, not forgetting to drag Mu Ningning back with him.

Several immortal Deacons beside them immediately swarmed over, surrounding and stopping Li Dazhi as they cried anxiously:

"You cannot hit him! You cannot hit him, Ancestor Dazhi!"

"The child is still young! Ah, no! This child is merely in the Qi Refining Realm! If you injure him, it could damage his Dao foundation!"

"This is not their fault! Not their fault! They only fought back in self-defense!"

"Oh my!"

After a bout of pushing and pulling, Li Dazhi shoved everyone aside. His anger did not diminish. He stomped his foot irritably and fiercely glared at his son.

Li Ping'an kept his head lowered obediently, turning a deaf ear.

He was already familiar with his old man's routine. He could even fill in his father's complete next speech in his mind.

No other reason—his backside was experienced.

"Ah!"

Li Dazhi wore a mournful expression, then immediately put it away. He turned and hurried toward the Medicine Dust Peak immortals, reaching into his wide sleeve and fumbling around with an increasingly anxious look.

The Medicine Dust Peak immortals faced a great enemy!

By the conventions of the cultivation world, they had already begun considering how to answer back with insults.

Peak Master Yun Chenzi, concealed outside the hall, had also prepared to reveal himself.

Yun Chenzi naturally considered more than the other immortals. This old Heavenly Immortal had already begun considering what consequences there would be if he caused Old Ancestor Kongming to lose face...

"Oh my! Oh my, what should we do!"

Li Dazhi brought out a pile of spirit stones and treasures From His Sleeve, their light gleaming brilliantly against his chest.

"I Truly do not know how to say this! It is my fault! My fault! My child has a wild nature and a hasty temper, and I did not teach him well! How did he end up fighting with a disciple from your peak...

"Please be magnanimous and Do Not lower yourselves to his level! I offer all of you my apologies!"

The entire hall fell so silent that a needle dropping could be heard.

The immortals of Medicine Dust Peak were visibly stunned.

Li Dazhi had already rushed toward the Medicine Dust Peak immortals, continuing excitedly:

"This is true!

"These are for the child to recover with!

"When I go back, I will definitely discipline Ping'an properly. I will bring Ping'an to Medicine Dust Peak to personally Admit Fault! Is this the disciple Ping'an injured? Let me see. Oh my, how could that Brat strike so heavily! This truly is... I have healing pills given by my master... This is a token of my regard. Please do not refuse! Quickly, give the child one!"

The Medicine Dust Peak immortals parted their lips slightly. The old True Immortal in the middle had yet to react before he was somehow holding a heap of spirit stones and treasures.

Outside the hall, Yun Chenzi frowned deeply.

This Ancestor's disciple... what sort of approach was this?

The Peak Master reacted quickly. He immediately transmitted his voice to the Medicine Dust Peak immortals.

The stiff old faces of the Medicine Dust Peak immortals thawed like ice and snow, and they awkwardly cupped their hands again and again.

For a time, the hall was filled with the sounds of Li Dazhi and the Medicine Dust Peak immortals humbly yielding to one another:

"Ah, it was our Medicine Dust Peak disciple who was at fault first. Little friend Ping'an is not to blame."

"This truly is... Ancestor Dazhi, there is no need for this, no need at all! Our Medicine Dust Peak failed to discipline its disciple properly. We will certainly punish him severely upon returning!"

"Ancestor Dazhi! It's normal for children to bicker and roughhouse, but they mustn't harm the harmony between us. The sect rules are right here—whatever punishment is due must be given. Whatever the sect decides, we will accept it!"

"Indeed! For young friend Ping'an to fight back against someone in the Gathering Spirit Realm while only in the Qi Refining Realm, he truly is an outstanding talent among men!"

Li Dazhi followed the trend. "No, no, no. His skills are nothing special—it was this young fellow who went easy on him! I understand that much! Their realms are far too far apart! Please give this father and son a chance to make amends. I'll find a place to host a banquet later and formally apologize to everyone!"

The immortals of Medicine Dust Peak immediately said:

"Why find another place? Why not go to our Medicine Dust Peak?"

"Let's go! Martial Aunt Dazhi! Let the Affairs Hall handle this small matter. We'll head to Medicine Dust Peak for a few drinks!"

"Oh my, how could I possibly accept that?"

"Our Peak Master also wishes to meet Ancestor Dazhi. Please do us the honor of coming with us."

"Hmph! That useless bastard of a disciple of mine! He couldn't even watch over a little beast meant to be used in medicine, and he wanted to take two innocent, pitiful junior disciples back to pay for his crime. He'll suffer for it later! Ancestor Dazhi! This little beast I raised, fed with several medicinal herbs and slow-roasted over a gentle fire, is quite delicious."

"No, no, that won't do. Please be lenient with this young fellow. What young person doesn't make mistakes? For my sake, don't punish him. Please, don't punish him!"

"Easy to Say! Why are you just standing there? Hurry up and kowtow to Ancestor Dazhi to apologize! You'll suffer for this later!"

The two sides traded words, and in the blink of an eye, Li Dazhi had been surrounded by the immortals of Medicine Dust Peak. Together, they rode clouds from outside the hall to Medicine Dust Peak.

The immortals inside the hall Gazing At the white cloud drifting away in the distance, listening to the laughter constantly floating down from it, were mostly left somewhat dumbfounded.

This?

How had it ended just like that?

Li Ping'an continued looking up at the sky, while Mu Ningning could not help slowly tilting her head.

"Senior... Brother?"

"You'll get used to it."

Elder Yan Sheng tapped the Dry Tobacco Pipe in his hand, opened his eyes to look at Li Ping'an, and rose with a kindly smile at the corner of his lips.