The Liu Family

The head of the Liu family was a middle-aged man with a long beard. He looked very composed and dressed simply, without any frills.

I seriously doubt whether Liu Shenzhi is his biological son. Compared to his simple father, Liu Shenzhi likes to dress in flashy clothes and always wears flowers in his ears when he goes out, which is very high-profile.

"Uncle, there's no need for such politeness. Brother Liu and I hit it off immediately and have been helping each other out. There's nothing to praise." Li Qi immediately bowed and clasped his hands in humility.

The other party addressed him as "Young Master," which meant that he was seated as an honored guest as "Young Master of Wushen Mountain," not "Classmate Liu Shenzhi."

Therefore, Li Qi's immediate reply, addressing Liu Canzhi as "uncle," was a way of making his stance clear: he was not there as a young master, but merely as a classmate visiting Liu Shenzhi's home.

After all, no matter what, this status is still quite 'noble' in a certain sense.

However, the meal was much more somber than Li Qi had imagined.

Mother Liu did not come out to greet the guests, nor were there any other brothers or sisters, or even maids. Moreover, Liu Shenzhi himself sat blankly at the table.

As for Liu Junyi, he was a man of few words. Although he didn't dislike talking, he generally avoided speaking if he could.

Under Liu's father's influence, everyone at the table ate in complete silence, not uttering a single word, just focusing on their food.

But the food they ate wasn't anything fancy; it was all ordinary stuff that you could buy at the market. Although there was meat and vegetables, it was nothing like the wealth that Liu Shenzhi displayed.

Liu Shenzhi is very wealthy. He cultivated Witchcraft Silkworm, and this one brood cost the price of a Seventh Rank Magic Treasure.

When he bought his own Shaman Path Law Treasure, he spent the price of a sixth-grade jade, which was based on the world's currency; even silver wouldn't be enough.

It is evident that the Liu family was not actually poor; in fact, they could be considered quite wealthy. Liu Shenzhi's allowance was not withheld; it was simply a matter of habit.

This made Li Qi a little curious...

What exactly happened to cause this Lineage with 'fiefdoms' to develop such a preference?

However, although Li Qi was curious, he also knew that the rule here was not to talk while eating or sleeping, so he also followed the etiquette and ate his meal seriously.

Although he wasn't usually particular about etiquette, Li Qi had learned a lot and was very familiar with these customs, so he could use them whenever needed.

His movements were precise and methodical, and he executed all the rules with ease. His movements were standard and his demeanor was impeccable, which made Liu's father and Liu Junyi take notice.

Etiquette is a reflection of personal cultivation, and following etiquette is a value of Human Path scholars. Therefore, both of them were somewhat surprised by Li Qi's performance.

Who would have thought that a Shaman would be more knowledgeable about etiquette than Liu Shenzhi?

However, I wasn't Celestial Person, just slightly surprised.

Because true Confucian scholars know that there is a big difference between superficial etiquette and etiquette that guides social development. These etiquette practices in daily life are sufficient for self-cultivation, and there is really no need to be demanding of others.

Look at Liu Shenzhi next to you. He's just going through the motions. He didn't say anything, but his eyes were vacant. It's obvious that his mind has wandered off. He doesn't care about etiquette at all, and actually, no one cares.

Because this is merely a personal courtesy.

The etiquette one practices is based on one's own body and mind, and is only used to restrain oneself.

The etiquette that is to be promoted throughout the world is a different set of things; it is a set of moral principles that exist in everyone's heart.

By promoting this set of moral principles, the Confucian ideal of 'Great Harmony' can be achieved.

What is the Great Harmony?

The Great Way is hidden, the world is a family, the virtuous and capable are chosen, trust and harmony are valued, and people do not only love their own parents and children.

The elderly are provided for until their end, the able-bodied are employed, the young are nurtured, and the widowed, orphaned, lonely, and disabled are all cared for.

Therefore, plots are kept secret and do not arise, theft and rebellion do not occur, and outer doors are not closed. This is called "Great Harmony".

Therefore, Li Qi's deliberate performance only surprised them briefly, but they didn't react too strongly.

Li Qi was also thinking while eating, and he used the reactions of the Liu family father and son to deduce his own location.

This is also a manifestation of Shaman Path.

Find the natural place where things belong, and then put them in their proper place; this will bring peace to the world. As the saying goes, "When there is such a thing in the world, then establish this official position."

The original concept of "hundred officials" was actually proposed by Shaman Path.

Officials were created to determine positions.

It's a pity that it was Human Path that ultimately brought officials to prominence and even created the 'official position' system.

After the meal, although no one spoke, they all gained a deeper understanding of each other.

Sometimes, you can express a lot without saying a word.

Li Qi thought... it was really... quite difficult for Liu Shenzhi to grow up like this in such an environment.

After finishing the meal, everyone cleaned up their own tableware, as everyone was eating separately and had to do it themselves.

Li Qi didn't think anything of it. He had just washed himself with water when Liu Shenzhi hurriedly pulled him away without even saying goodbye to Liu's father.

As he pulled the cart, he excitedly exclaimed, "Brother Li, it's so dull here. Let's go to my place and discuss important matters!"

Li Qi was sweating.

Discussing important matters together... I wonder if you think you're rebelling.

However, Li Qi himself was also somewhat interested in the Witchcraft Silkworm, so he didn't refuse. The two of them went to the courtyard and began to study how to improve the Witchcraft Silkworm.

This was also Liu Shenzhi's original purpose, so he couldn't wait any longer.

The two young people went off to do their own thing.

Meanwhile, Liu Junyi, after finishing his meal and packing his things, went to his father's door.

Knock on the door, pay your respects.

The two bowed to each other, the elder and the younger took their places, and then sat down.

The uncle and nephew were face to face, and their temperaments were almost identical. Liu Shenzhi, the biological son, seemed out of place between the two.

"Uncle, is there something wrong with Li? Why is he so cold this time? He's never been like this when classmates come to visit before. Why is he like this this time?" Liu Junyi asked first.

The atmosphere was so heavy that even Liu Junyi felt something was wrong.

We had guests, so how did things turn out like this?

That's Liu Shenzhi's friend. Even if he doesn't have to show much respect, he should at least put on a smiling face, right?

The uncle wasn't an unreasonable person, so why did he act like this this time, making Liu Shenzhi unhappy? You could tell during the meal.

Father Liu sighed, "We received news from the Dali Temple that he is a key person under surveillance. Moreover, we received news from the Nanshan Academy that his teacher once killed two people from the academy."

Liu Junyi also frowned.

He said, "Although the academy has some connection with my uncle, their traditions are different, and they don't usually keep in touch except during festivals. We wouldn't go to such lengths for something like this..."

Liu Junyi continued, "The sage said, 'If one is an enemy of one's brothers, one should not serve in the same country. One should be sent on a mission by the sovereign. Even if one encounters such an enemy, one should not fight.'"

This is what the Confucian Sage said: hatred between brothers means not being able to live in the same country as them and completely severing ties with them, but there is no need to fight to the death.

The Liu family and the academy are, at most, brothers.

We're not even that close; we're just colleagues.

There's no need to fight for someone because of hatred towards the academy in this kind of relationship.

"A disciple of the academy has died at the hands of a great sorcerer. This conflict is merely a feud between brothers, not something that warrants a life-or-death struggle. Besides, if we were to fight, the opponent should be Li Qi's teacher, not Li Qi himself."

"If that's really the case, what if Zhu Fengdan takes on another disciple after we kill Li Qi? Should we kill him too? The academy is, after all, a place of Confucian excellence, and its capacity should not be so narrow," Liu Junyi said.

Yes, in Liu Junyi's opinion, if anyone wanted revenge, they should have gone after Zhu Fengdan. What kind of nonsense is it to keep an eye on Li Qi? If two adults are at odds, what would they gain besides losing face if they went to the kindergarten gate and slapped each other's kids?

However, Liu's father replied, "The academy did not target your classmates out of hatred, but I do not know the reason behind it. The headmaster of the academy personally wrote to me, asking me to 'keep my distance' from your classmates."

"The headmaster of the Nanshan Academy is my grand-uncle. The teachings of elders must be followed. Although I don't know why, I should still do it," Liu's father said calmly.

"I won't forbid you from associating with Li Qi, but it's not convenient for me to be too intimate with him. You children can handle your own affairs. However... there is one thing I need to ask of you, Junyi."

Upon hearing this, Liu Junyi quickly stood up and said, "If Uncle has any orders, just give them. Do not mention asking for favors."

Father Liu nodded, not bothering with his words, and said, "Although Canzhi is intelligent, he is too honest. He may seem flashy and unreliable, but he is still too simple-minded at heart."

"But your classmate Li is too scheming. Keep an eye on him for me, and don't let Shenzhi get tricked. Your classmate Li is someone that is being targeted by both the Academy and the Dali Temple, and he can even become a member of the Wushen Mountain delegation. He's not that simple. I'm afraid Shenzhi will suffer if he stays by his side." Father Liu shook his head and sighed slightly.

"Uncle, you're overthinking it. Although Li has a lot on his mind, he doesn't have any bad intentions. The things you're worried about won't happen." Liu Junyi found this reasoning somewhat amusing and then began to advise his uncle.

How can someone like my uncle have such an unfounded worry?

However, a single sentence from Liu's father caused Liu Junyi's smile to vanish.

Liu's father simply said, "People with a strong sense of cunning change quickly. I'm not worried about him now, but he's caught in the vortex of power struggles and is simultaneously cultivating so many different Dao Path... he even has the aura of the demonic path."

"It's like this today, but it might be different tomorrow," Liu's father said with a sigh.

Young people change the fastest.

They haven't been tempered by time, and new ideas might pop up at any moment.

This represents their energy, but also their fickleness.

Li Qi might still be alright now...

However, the demonic energy emanating from him, along with the numerous incidents he was involved in, made Liu's father extremely uneasy. Coupled with the letters from the academy, this ultimately led him to make this decision.

Liu Junyi's smile faded, his face turned serious, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Uncle is right, I will keep that in mind."

"Just keep an eye on him, don't do anything else unnecessary. It's just precaution, not that we really want to target him," Liu's father instructed.

One should always be wary of others.

Li Qi... is in too much danger.

However, to Li Qi's utter surprise, Liu's father's situation was not an isolated case.

Li Qi's deeds, along with the investigations conducted by the Dali Temple and numerous letters from the Nanshan Academy, quickly spread throughout the upper echelons of Chang'an.

These events weren't publicized in the news, but they gradually spread among people connected to the academy.

However, the news reports offer a different version of events.

Li Qi made the news, but it was a rare occurrence for the Taixue (Imperial Academy) to be in the news as the "Chancellor of the Academy."

But in reality, not many people paid attention to this news.

It only caused a small ripple, but was quickly overshadowed by a flood of other news.

There are two situations in which a person is essentially unaware of everything.

One type has no information at all.

The other type contains all kinds of information.

Wandering in an ocean of endless information, one or two news stories will soon be buried.

You say Li Qi's situation is very rare? Once in a millennium? But you have to consider the scope of Human Path jurisdiction.

Every single one that makes it into the news is a 'once-in-a-millennium' event.

Events that happen once in a thousand years are happening every moment. In the Tang Kingdom, no one reads anything that falls below the category of once in a thousand years in the newspapers and on mobile devices.

Let alone a once-in-a-millennium event, it wouldn't be unusual for one to happen once in ten thousand years. For example, in the war in the East China Sea, more than one fourth-rank official would fall every year.

Even in the Endless Realm, a fourth-rank expert is an extremely rare existence, and even in the world, they are considered a powerful figure.

However, due to the conflict between the two major forces, one person falls every day.

Even now, several third-rank soldiers have fallen.

The fall of a third-rank official is truly a once-in-a-millennium event.

This clearly shows that as long as you broaden your perspective, nothing is surprising.

Therefore, news about Li Qi over the years has barely caused any stir, as it has been overshadowed by various other events.

Time passed little by little.

Li Qi stayed at the Liu family's house for one night. Neither of them slept; they spent the entire night researching the Witchcraft Silkworm.

It wasn't until the sun rose the next day...

The Imperial Academy has started its semester.

Liu Shenzhi ended his conversation with Li Qi with satisfaction. "Alright, Brother Li, let's stop here for now. We've written down all the ideas from last night. Once I've sorted them out, we can start cultivating the second batch."

"As for your Holy Flame, it's incredible! This thing was created specifically for the Witchcraft Silkworm! With its help, the iteration speed of the Witchcraft Silkworm will be greatly improved."

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. The sun has already risen. Today is the first day of school at the Imperial Academy. Let's go to school. I've never been to school before." Li Qi smiled, looking very calm.

However, that's only what it looks like.

He already realized it.

The Witchcraft Silkworm, a magical artifact, could probably make a fortune.

However, that will require some time and effort.

While conducting research, one must not neglect one's studies.

(Recently, with funerals, moving, and a bunch of other miscellaneous things, the author is exhausted, and the quality has declined. I'm taking a day off to recover... I'm really at my limit.)