Chapter 1247: Jian Xiaotie
While watching Li Qiye's unhurried manner of eating, the youth couldn't help but praise: "Brother, you really know how to savor the delicious flavors. The boiled tofu here is really just too good, but I finish way too fast; I'm just a cow chewing on the peony." 1
"A peony-chewing cow is also a type of happiness." Li Qiye chuckled while looking at the youth. 2
The youth gave a hearty laugh in response: "Brother, you are quite funny. My name is Jian Xiaotie, what is yours?"
Jiao Xiaotie was a famous name across the Dragon Demon Sea. He was the clan's young successor.
"Li Qiye." Li Qiye answered flatly and continued eating.
After hearing the name, Jian Xiaotie was quite surprised and immediately stood up while cupping his fists: "Brother Li, the successor of Peacock Land, your prestigious name has been spread far and wide recently."
"You mean my notoriety?" Li Qiye couldn't help but smile freely.
The youth chuckled and replied: "Notoriety is cool too. The Peacock Treefather's supreme resolution and your unrelenting ways are admirable."
Li Qiye kept smiling. To him, it wasn't a big deal if the world continued to think that the blood ceremony was the treefather's idea.
"It is quite rare to meet another human outside of our clan in Rainbow City, let alone the successor of Peacock Land." Jian Xiaotie was very excited: "Brother Li, why not come and visit our clan? Our Grandfather's birthday celebration is in a few more days. At that time, I will take you to see him. He likes young prodigies the most."
For the younger generation in Heaven Spirit, meeting Jian Longwei was a great honor since he was a very famous Godking in the present times.
Li Qiye only smiled and didn't comment any further. Nevertheless, Jian Xiaotie's enthusiasm didn't diminish. He quickly handed an invitation card over and said in a serious manner: "This little brother is sincerely inviting you to our Grandfather's birthday celebration."
As the main successor, Jian Xiaotie was responsible for preparing his ancestor's feast. However, he only personally gave invitations to big shots.
Jian Xiaotie handing one over to Li Qiye himself was enough to show his sincerity.
Li Qiye smiled and accepted the invitation. He finished eating his tofu and paid the bill. He looked at the Jian Clan one last time and softly sighed before leaving.
Jian Xiaotie watched Li Qiye's departing back and enthusiastically shouted at him: "Brother Li, you must attend!"
After Li Qiye was long gone, the old man in the shop spoke: "That person is not simple at all."
Having said that, a flash appeared in his eyes. He no longer looked like an ordinary shopkeeper.
Jian Xiaotie smilingly said: "Senior Uncle, he is the successor of Peacock Land, a tree controller. Of course he is not simple; otherwise, he wouldn't have been chosen by an invincible treefather. Him being in charge of Peacock Land is beneficial to the human race since they will have another sanctuary in Heaven Spirit."
"No, Xiaotie, that's not what I meant." The old man shook his head: "He said something that no outsiders should know: that our Grandfather's name was not given at birth. No one should know this outside of people from the Giant Dragon Kingdom! However, he is definitely not from there."
"Did he really say that?" Jian Xiaotie was startled as well.
His eyes became quite profound, indicating he was an incredible master. The old man gently shook his head as he slowly revealed: "Grandfather is renowned across the world and everyone knows his name. However, outsiders definitely can't know that his name was bestowed to him later on."
"That's not possible." Jian Xiaotie replied: "Our clan absolutely wouldn't tell this to outsiders. The brothers from the Giant Dragon Kingdom don't mingle with outsiders either — their ancestors are very strict about this. Our clan and their clan, even the most naughty little dragons wouldn't let this secret out."
"That's why I said this person is not simple. He definitely knows something, he didn't only come here to eat my boiled tofu." The old man became quite cautious.
"Maybe the Peacock Treefather told him." Jian Xiaotie mused: "The treefather was definitely invincible when he was alive so he might know some of our secrets. After all, Li Qiye is still the Peacock Tree Controller."
"I'm afraid it isn't that simple." The old man lightly shook his head again: "Even the treefather might not have known our secrets. After all, he died long ago. I'm not sure such knowledge can be passed down either."
Jian Xiaotie pondered for a moment before replying: "Uncle, even if he didn't only come here to eat, it doesn't mean that he has malicious intentions. Our Jian Clan has always been friendly with rest of the human race."
The old man spoke: "It is better to be careful. If anything happens during Grandfather's celebration, then we would be letting Grandfather down as useless juniors."
"I will be careful." Jian Xiaotie nodded earnestly.
After leaving the little shop, Li Qiye headed for the Rainbow Pavilion. In fact, the old man and Jian Xiaotie were overthinking things; he really did only go to eat the boiled tofu. He had no intention to do anything to the Jian Clan.
Li Qiye took out the invitation and murmured: "Maybe I should go take a look. It will be our last meeting, there might not be another chance in the future…"
After entering the inn, he found that Zhang Baitu had already taken care of everything.
"You have just learned a dao, so stay here for now and carefully ponder it." Li Qiye ordered: "After a few more days, I will take you to the Jian Clan. It will be good for you to get to know the disciples there."
"Young Noble, you want to attend the Jian Grandfather's birthday?" Zhang Baitu was surprised to hear this. Normally, a nobody like him wouldn't be qualified to attend a celebration of this level.
"Yes, it will be good to broaden your horizons." Li Qiye insipidly said: "Your three clans have deep ties with the Jian Clan. However, some unfilial descendants dragged down Dongting Lake, so the Jian Clan wanted nothing to do with you all."
Li Qiye glanced at Zhang Baitu and continued: "Remember this, as a descendant of the Zhang Clan, cultivation is only one aspect, you need to maintain a certain state of mind as well. Remember, if you want to be accepted by others, cultivation alone won't be enough. You need to have the same resolution as your ancestors. Otherwise, it would be throwing away their past glory and shaming their reputation."
"This lowly one will continue to work towards your goals. I won't let you down." Zhang Baitu kneeled and answered respectfully.
Li Qiye nodded quietly.
While these two were staying at the inn, Dragonwell became even more lively. Its streets could only be described as being occupied by a sea of people.
This was because Jian Longwei's 8,000th birthday was coming up. Many great powers from all corners of the world sent their important characters to give him their blessings.
His pivotal status and the respect he garnered from all the races in Heaven Spirit was not only because he was the leader of the Jian Clan, he was also a Godking. Some even say that he was at the incredible Celestial Godking level.
Great lineages such as Gu Chun's four branches, the Seven Martial Pavilion, and the Swiftdao Holy Ground all sent people as well. A few guests garnered a lot of attention. For example, Shangguan Feiyan from the Roaring Conch and Gongsun Meiyu from the Profound Sea Dynasty. People couldn't turn their eyes away.
Today, both of these supreme beauties with deep friendships came together. Their appearance at the birthday celebration in Dragonwell created a very pretty scene when they walked together.
The public praised them as magnificent head-turners. Shangguan Feiyan was very famous at the Dragon Demon Sea for being a genius of the Roaring Conch. Needless to say more about Gongsun Meiyu, she was the Profound Monarch's concubine. Her charm seeped deep into the bones.
The crowd started cheering when they presented their gifts.
"Miss Shangguan represents the Roaring Conch in gifting a Phoenix Conch in honor of the Grandfather." A disciple responsible for accepting gifts accepted the item and recorded it down.
"Miss Gongsun represents the God-Monarch in gifting a Longevity Seadeer in honor of the Grandfather." After hearing the announcement from this disciple, many in the audience marveled.
"The Phoenix Conch and Longevity Seadeer are both exceedingly rare treasures." Some were quite envious of the two gifts.
They felt that only behemoths like the Roaring Conch and Profound Sea Dynasty would be able to afford such gifts.
"Thank you for the generous presents." Jian Xiaotie personally received the two girls.
Idiom meaning a person is unable to appreciate a delicacy or something more exquisite while they’re having it. An English equivalent is casting pearls before swine. ↩ He is saying ignorance is bliss here. ↩Chapter 1248: Hong Tianzhu
While Li Qiye was still at the Rainbow Pavilion, Zhang Baitu was striking while the iron was hot in order to comprehend the grand dao he saw earlier.
Of course, Li Qiye was not in a rush to attend the birthday celebration. It was not his main purpose for coming here.
Hong Yujiao came as well. Her father was with her, along with some disciples from the lake. He was the current master of the lake, Hong Tianzhu. 1
Despite his domineering name, he was not a tall or muscular man. White hair could already be found on his head. Despite his humble stature, he gave off a shrewd and capable feeling instead of looking like a pushover.
"Young Noble Li, this is my father." Hong Yujiao introduced him to Li Qiye.
Li Qiye was sitting in the lobby and only nodded. He didn't bother to stand up after seeing Hong Tianzhu. Hong Tianzhu cupped his fists and said: "Virtuous Nephew, your fame is thunderous. It is a type of fate to be able to see you today."
At this time, Hong Yujiao left with the other disciples because she knew her father wanted to talk to Li Qiye.
However, before she could leave, Li Qiye interrupted: "Yujiao, stay behind. You need to listen as well."
She was slightly dazed and looked over at her father before deciding to stay behind.
In just a moment, only the three of them were left in the lobby.
After everyone sat down, Li Qiye looked at Hong Tianzhu and spoke: "I heard Yujiao say that you wanted to meet me to talk about something. What is it about?"
Hong Tianzhu carefully took a glimpse at Li Qiye again. The guy was sitting there imperiously as if he was guarding the entire world. Anyone would feel an uncomfortable vibe after seeing Li Qiye's attitude. After all, he was only a junior, yet he was so arrogant. Not too many would appreciate this kind of gesture.
"There's no need to think too much." Li Qiye broke the silence: "Don't think that I would give you more consideration just because you are the current master of Dongting Lake. I granted you this audience not because of how strong your lake is, but purely because of the blessing of your ancestors. I'm here to give Dongting Lake a chance."
Such words would drive many people away in exasperation. After all, Hong Tianzhu was the leader of an entire region. He enjoyed a great status with his position, but today, someone told him that this meeting was only out of respect for his ancestors. This was simply demeaning and humiliating. No one would like to hear such words.
Hong Tianzhu's expression slightly shifted after hearing Li Qiye. It would be a lie to say that he was unaffected by these claims. However, as an experienced leader, he didn't become angry and feel the need to defend his prestige.
"Young Noble Li, I respect your status and your character." Even Hong Yujiao had to defend her father: "But please, show some respect to us and our Dongting Lake."
Her displeasure was warranted. He might as well be pointing straight at her father's face and criticizing him. As his daughter, she naturally had to uphold his dignity.
"Yujiao, the fact that I am sitting right here is showing respect to both you two and your Dongting Lake!" Li Qiye opened his eyes wider. A brilliance instantly blossomed like the flashing of a star. The world floated around his divine throne that loomed above the nine heavens.
He glared at her and slowly uttered: "You think I would bother to correct some randoms on the street and give them a chance at a fortune?"
Hong Yujiao was shaken when Li Qiye glared at her like this. Even though he was only sitting there, she felt an immense pressure, rendering her breathless and giving her the urge to prostrate before him. This was a very strange feeling.
She heaved a sigh of relief once he took his eyes away. The suppressive atmosphere slowly dispersed and she woke up from this trance.
She couldn't believe it. This Li Qiye ahead looked even younger than her. Despite his ordinary appearance, he could actually instill a primal fear in her, like an eternal existence.
Hong Tianzhu took a deep breath and subdued his displeasure. He cupped his fists again and said: "Virtuous Nephew, the truth is that I did come here today with a particular topic in mind."
Li Qiye flatly replied: "Go ahead."
Hong Tianzhu paused for a moment before speaking: "You are the disciple of the Peacock Treefather, the current successor of Peacock Land. My Dongting Lake wishes to formalize a pact with your land."
Li Qiye slightly raised his eyebrows and asked: "A pact?"
Hong Tianzhu elaborated: "With your consent, we will send disciples to Peacock Land to start a training garrison so that they can become accustomed to the mainland. This will also deepen the friendship between our two lands. Of course, you can also send disciples to my Dongting Lake so that they can train and get used to the sea as well."
Even though Dongting Lake was huge, its actual landmass was far smaller than Peacock Land. There were more lakes than anything else here. Meanwhile, Peacock Land was one of the biggest continents in not just the Jade Sea, but the entire Heaven Spirit World. There was a reason why it was considered such a great haven for the human race.
However, despite its great size, Peacock Land has never allowed outsiders to be stationed within its territory. No one dared to challenge the Peacock Treefather's authority in this regard either.
"There are not many humans in Heaven Spirit. Our Dongting Lake and your Peacock Land are two of the biggest strongholds of our race. You should know that if we cooperate with each other, it will not only be beneficial for our lands, but also for the entire human race." He finished his suggestion.
"I am actually not an acrimonious person." Li Qiye said with an indifferent tone: "But you yourself should be laughing at how ridiculous your statement is. Your clans have been vying for power all this time, scheming for all kinds of positions. Don't you think its funny when your lake talks about the interests of the human race?"
"You can't even tolerate and accept your own people, what is this talk about helping others?!" He coldly stared at Hong Tianzhu after stating this.
Hong Tianzhu's face turned red to the point of being slightly ugly after hearing this.
"Young Noble Li, you are speaking out of line." Hong Yujiao once more interjected on her father's behalf.
Li Qiye shifted his glare to her and responded: "Your Dongting Lake needs to reflect on this issue. Go back and tell those old geezers there what I have said today. I initially didn't want to talk about this kind of nonsense as it’s not even worth a fart in my eyes!"
His glare was chilling at this moment: "However, I will give your lake a chance out of respect for your ancestors. Go back and tell those old bones that if they don't wake up, I will personally take action!"
Hong Tianzhu rose from his seat and lowered his voice: "Young Noble Li, your words are too condescending. My lake will take care of our own business. If you do not wish to befriend us, then forget it. Goodbye."
"Sit down!" The glint in Li Qiye's eyes bloomed. An oppressive atmosphere came from his eyes; it was as if they could annihilate eternity itself. Hong Tianzhu seemed to be imprisoned by gods from the glare.
He involuntarily sat back down with a bang as if a hand of god had directly pushed him down.
"You still don't understand." Li Qiye continued his scolding: "Do you really think the phrase "protected by the wise sages of the Hundred-Saints Hall" is merely empty words? When was the last time you all visited and worshiped the souls of your ancestors?"
"The wise sages of the Hundred-Saints Hall?" He couldn't come up with an answer right away, but he knew of this particular phrase.
"Forget it." Li Qiye gently sighed: "I am too lazy to care about you all. If you want to work together with Peacock Land, I will show you the way by writing a letter to Kong Qinru of the Exquisite Valley. She will make the necessary arrangements for you."
"The Exquisite Valley Lord?" Hong Tianzhu was taken aback.
He didn't know the relationship between Li Qiye and Kong Qinru. In theory, Li Qiye was the successor of Peacock Land, so he should be in charge of this business.
"Go, Qinru will assist you." Li Qiye gently waved his sleeve.
He was tired of this problem with Dongting Lake. Only his love for their ancestors kept him involved.
Hong Tianzhu hesitated and asked: "Well, will the Exquisite Valley agree to assist us in this matter?" He felt that he by himself was not enough to deal with the valley.
Li Qiye couldn't help but look at him and ask: "Don't tell me you haven't been communicating with the Exquisite Valley?"
"Well…" Hong Tianzhu rubbed his palms together awkwardly and replied: "Our Dongting Lake do have some dealings with the Exquisite Valley, but, but it is only by chance most of the time."
He became a bit embarrassed at this point and didn't know what else to say.
Tianzhu = Celestial/Heavenly Pillar. ↩