Building a Martial Dao Celestial Family by Laying Low

Chen Li had originally planned to rest for a few days, but the Garrison Command’s investigation, along with the Sun Family’s unusual behavior, made him tense up.

He knew full well that in the face of absolute power, all schemes and plots were futile.

For now, the only real way to handle the changing circumstances was to increase his Cultivation as quickly as possible.

He entrusted the family’s affairs to his wife, Song Ying, and instructed his eldest son, Shouheng, and daughter-in-law, Zhou Shuwei, to assist her. They were to use their own discretion in handling matters and not to disturb him unless it was a crisis threatening their very survival.

Afterward, he once again entered the secret chamber, immersing himself completely in his Cultivation.

Time slipped by quietly, and in the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

Inside the secret chamber, Chen Li sat cross-legged. His breathing was so long and shallow it was nearly undetectable, and his figure seemed to merge with the stone platform beneath him.

After a month of frenziedly absorbing and refining the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi from the Tuo Dragon Pearl, the Divine Embryo had reached its growth limit.

At this moment, within Chen Li’s Divine Hall Acupoint, the Divine Embryo’s form was incredibly distinct. Its facial features, limbs, bones—even its meridians and Acupoints—were all rendered with perfect clarity.

It was no longer an illusory silhouette, but a miniature, solid human body floating silently in the center of the Divine Hall Acupoint.

The fruit falls when it’s ripe.

The phrase surfaced in Chen Li’s mind.

To him, the Divine Embryo now felt like a fetus brought to full term—flesh and blood replete, its Spirituality self-contained, waiting only for the final moment of birth to break free and be reborn.

’Has the time... come?’

Chen Li realized that the invisible barrier before the Guiyuan Pass had become as thin as a cicada’s wing.

The breakthrough felt imminent, just within his grasp.

And yet, despite this final step being so close, he had been stuck for days. He had tried every method he could think of, but the barrier remained unbreakable.

The Divine Embryo’s agitation grew more pronounced, its urge to break free becoming ever stronger. He was on the very cusp, yet he just couldn’t make that final push.

’Where is the catalyst?’

Even with his resolute will, Chen Li couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of anxiety and confusion.

He entered the Tuo Dragon Pearl again.

The scene within the pearl was vastly different from his first visit.

The once-dense Primordial Qi was now as thin as a faint mist, almost completely depleted. He could nearly see from one end of the inner world to the other.

He could vaguely sense that the pearl seemed to have entered a new cycle, slowly beginning to draw Primordial Qi from the outside world again.

However, following the pearl’s natural cycle, it would likely take another twelve years to return to its former, fully charged state.

He activated the Innate Qi Gathering Technique, drawing all the remaining Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi from the pearl into his Divine Embryo before returning to his Divine Hall Acupoint to attempt Cultivation again.

This time, however, the process of refining the Primordial Qi seemed to hit a bottleneck.

’The catalyst... where is it?’

Chen Li frowned. He withdrew from his meditative state and began to review the Cultivation Techniques he had learned, such as the Five Grains Qi Storage Technique and the Prajna Glaze Heart Sutra of the Self-Viewing.

Just then,

[Congratulations, Host. Your eldest daughter, Chen Shouyue, has broken through the first pass of the Spirit Realm: the Meridian Passage. Reward issued: Five Directions Twenty-Four Solar Terms Myriad Phenomena Fist True Intent.]

The familiar, cold voice of the system rang out in his mind, unbidden.

’Shouyue... broke through?’

Surprise flashed in Chen Li’s eyes, and he felt a surge of gratification.

The system’s reward, however, plunged him into thought.

The Five Directions Twenty-Four Solar Terms Myriad Phenomena Fist True Intent. This was the True Intent for the Fist Technique that he and Shouyue both practiced.

’Should I keep it for myself, or... pass it on to Shouyue?’

His first instinct, naturally, was to keep it for himself.

The Blank Deity the system had previously awarded him was a trump card that could save his life.

But after refining it, he had never actually begun to cultivate it. His focus was limited, after all, and he had poured most of it into raising his Realm.

If he kept this True Intent for himself, his Cultivation of the Blank Deity’s Divine Intent Pass would be incredibly swift.

As for Shouyue, the Five Directions Twenty-Four Solar Terms Myriad Phenomena Fist was her primary foundational technique, so the True Intent would be a massive help to her as well.

Chen Li weighed his options.

A moment later, he came to a decision.

With the Qiankun Qi Wandering Dragon Staff Technique he practiced, complemented by the Divine Weapon Qiankun Ruyi Staff, he wasn’t lacking in offensive power.

For him, this True Intent was more like icing on the cake—beneficial, but not essential.

For Shouyue, on the other hand, this True Intent Map would help her avoid countless pitfalls in her future training.

His mind made up, Chen Li no longer hesitated.

Since this fruitless meditation wasn’t bringing him any closer to his breakthrough, he might as well leave seclusion. It was the perfect time to pass this True Intent on to his daughter.

He had just stepped over the threshold of his study and was stretching his stiff limbs when he sensed a familiar aura approaching quickly.

He looked up to see his eldest son, Shouheng.

Shouheng was walking in a hurry. A flicker of joy crossed his face when he saw Chen Li, and he quickened his pace. "Father, you’re out of seclusion."

"Yes."

Chen Li nodded slightly, his eyes scanning his son. "What is it?"

Chen Shouheng replied, "It’s news about the Garrison Command. Those three experts from the command have been making frequent moves this past month. Shuwei has been summoned for questioning several times. They keep pressing for details about the old feuds between the Zhou Family, He Mingyun, the Cao Family, and the Liu Family."

He paused before adding, "Shuwei deflected their questions, claiming she didn’t know the inner details and suggesting they ask the Cao and Liu families. They didn’t seem satisfied, however. A few days ago, they left the Commandery City for Jiangkou County to continue their investigation."

Chen Li listened quietly, no trace of worry on his face. He even offered a word of comfort, "It’s fine. Let them investigate."

He had fully expected the Garrison Command to pursue the Zhou Family as a lead.

After all, the Zhou Family had a public feud with He Mingyun’s faction, giving them the clearest motive.

He wasn’t particularly concerned, however.

To investigate the old Zhou case, the Garrison Command would inevitably have to involve the Cao and Liu Families, and even the Celestial Sword Sect.

On the surface, the Zhou Family were the victims, a family nearly annihilated.

The deeper they dug, the more they would threaten the interests of the Cao and Liu families.

Add to that the murky, bottomless depths of the Celestial Sword Sect’s Black Market and its web of vested interests—the local Government Offices in Jiangzhou were more aware of this than anyone. They would never sit idly by and let the Garrison Command expose all their dirty laundry.

Covert obstruction, delays, and buck-passing were inevitable.

In a way, the Jiangzhou Governor, the military Governor, and others would end up obstructing the investigation, temporarily aligning their interests with his own.

The Garrison Command wouldn’t be able to do as they pleased in Liyang.

Chen Li understood this principle well; it was true in every age.

He immediately changed the subject, asking about another matter. "What about the Sun Family? Any news lately?"

Chen Shouheng replied, "That concubine from the Sun Family has contacted us twice more, her attitude growing more urgent each time. She even lowered her price. Now she’s only asking for two thousand taels of gold."

"Two thousand taels of gold?"

Chen Li laughed. "She’s certainly desperate. Willing to take such a loss."

The Sun Family was a juicy prize, and now that the Governor was dead, the wolves were circling.

It wasn’t just the Cao Family; every other major family in Liyang County was likely eyeing them greedily.

If she truly just wanted to cash out and escape, she would have no trouble finding a buyer willing to pay more.

Selling at such a low price, and being so insistent on dealing only with the Zhou Family... Chen Li found it more and more suspicious.

Chen Shouheng then brought up another matter. "Father, the last time Shuwei and I went to Liyang to meet with that woman, I took a precaution and had someone tail her. We discovered that after meeting with our people, she doesn’t return directly to the Sun Mansion. Instead, she takes a detour to a secluded courtyard in Osmanthus Lane in the city’s west district, where she stays for about half a day before leaving."

Chen Li’s gaze sharpened. "Have you learned anything about that courtyard?"

"We have."

Chen Shouheng lowered his voice. "According to the landlord, the tenant is a woman with the surname Zhao. She rarely interacts with her neighbors. The landlord couldn’t give a clear description of her origins, appearance, or age, only that she pays her rent promptly. Shuwei and I thought it was suspicious, so we secretly sent someone to knock on the gate and test the waters..."

His voice grew heavier. "The man went inside that morning... and never came back out. The woman in that courtyard is no ordinary person. I’m afraid... she possesses formidable Martial Arts."

"A woman? Surnamed Zhao?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Chen Li’s eyes.

He had assumed one of the Noble Families, or perhaps even the Garrison Command, was backing the Sun family’s concubine. He never expected a mysterious woman to be involved.

’Where did this woman come from?’

After a moment of contemplation, he said, "If she’s not a government official, that gives us less to worry about. Still, her background is a mystery. For now, don’t make any rash moves. Continue to probe and feel her out. Be careful."

"Yes, Father."

Chen Shouheng agreed.

After Shouheng left, Chen Li went to find his daughter, Shouyue.

"Father! You’re out of seclusion?"

Chen Shouyue’s face lit up with unconcealed joy and a hint of smugness when she saw her father. "I’ve broken through to the Spirit Realm!"

A smile spread across Chen Li’s face. He reached out, patted his daughter’s head gently, and said with approval, "Yes, not bad. Reaching the Spirit Realm in five years is much faster than your big brothers."

Shouyue’s Cultivation progress was indeed extremely fast compared to her father and brothers.

But that was to be expected.

After all, back in his day, Chen Li had had no one to guide him and no access to nourishing Medicinal Cuisine. He had to feel his way forward with a single Cultivation Technique, every step taken with trepidation, as if treading on thin ice. It was only natural that his progress had been much slower.

Shouyue, in contrast, had a constant supply of the family’s best Medicinal Cuisine, an expert teacher for her Martial Arts, and could regularly spar with Sun Shouyi.

These were all advantages he couldn’t have even dreamed of when he was just starting out on his own.

Different circumstances, different starting points. With such advantages, breaking through in five years was well within the realm of normal.

Chen Li changed the subject, beginning to quiz her. "Since you’ve broken through to the Spirit Realm, have you managed to develop your Fist Intent?"

"Not yet. I practice diligently every day, and I feel like I’ve mastered every move, but I just can’t seem to grasp Fist Intent."

At his question, Chen Shouyue’s cheerful expression dimmed. She pouted, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Even Sun Shouyi developed his Sword Intent a few days ago. It’s infuriating!"

Chen Li nodded slightly, not blaming his daughter.

Shouyue was talented and diligent, but she had grown up sheltered by the family. While she sparred with the likes of Sun Shouyi, those were ultimately just friendly exchanges where both sides held back.

Besides, the Five Directions Twenty-Four Solar Terms Myriad Phenomena Fist she practiced was of a much higher caliber than whatever technique Sun Shouyi had learned.

When sparring with her, Sun Shouyi was always mindful of her status and the gap in their true strength, making it impossible for him to push her to her full potential.

Under such conditions, it was indeed very difficult for her to comprehend Fist Intent on her own.

Naturally, Chen Li couldn’t bear to send his daughter into the life-and-death battles of the Jianghu just to temper her Fist Intent.

He had another way, however.

"Quiet your mind and focus. Don’t resist."

Chen Li formed a sword-finger, a faint light swirling at its tip, and gently touched the center of Chen Shouyue’s brow.

A thought flickered in his mind as he communicated with the system. ’Bind the Five Directions Twenty-Four Solar Terms Myriad Phenomena Fist True Intent to Chen Shouyue.’

In that instant, an formless, intangible stream of light, seemingly imbued with the very rhythm of the Dao, surged from Chen Li’s fingertip and vanished into the sea of consciousness within Chen Shouyue’s mind.

"Ngh!"

Chen Shouyue’s body trembled slightly, a brief look of discomfort on her face, but she was quickly captivated by the vast, majestic True Intent of the Fist Technique, becoming completely immersed.

She saw the natural cycles of spring birth, summer growth, autumn harvest, and winter storage; she saw the generation and destruction between Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth...

"Father! What is this?"

After a long while, Chen Shouyue slowly opened her eyes. They shone with an astonishing light.

Chen Li smiled. "This is the True Intent inheritance for the Five Directions Twenty-Four Solar Terms Myriad Phenomena Fist. Meditate on it well and practice diligently."

"Thank you, Father."

Overjoyed, Chen Shouyue began to carefully comprehend the True Intent of the Fist Technique.