Chapter 297: Five Years
Li Xuanfeng was transferred to the southern border. Li Tongya's wife, Liu Rouxuan, only lasted a few months before she died on the mountain. Li Tongya stayed by her bedside the entire time.
With tears in her eyes, Liu Rouxuan had managed to stammer out a final sentence before she passed away.
"My dear, you still have over two hundred years to live… I hope you will marry again after I am gone. Do not overly favor the Liu Family, as too much kindness could lead to disaster."
Li Tongya sat quietly by the bed, speaking gently, but Liu Rouxuan had already stopped breathing. Their son, Li Xuanling, wept bitterly at her side. Li Yuanyun, who was in Eastern Mount Yue, and Li Qinghong, stationed at Mount Yuting, managed to rush back in time to shed silent tears at her bedside.
Liu Rouxuan's face bore little resemblance to the one that had once asked Li Tongya, "Do you love me?" in the small courtyard. Her eyes were lifeless, her mouth stiff, and her face marked by deep wrinkles. Yet her withered hands clung to Li Tongya's, holding on tightly, even in death.
The entire Li Family of Lijing mourned deeply, draping white cloth throughout their residence. Meanwhile, the Liu Family was engulfed in terror. For decades, they had produced no notable talents; their courtyard was dominated by playboys who only cared about the pleasures of life.
The death of Liu Rouxuan sent the Liu Family into a spiral of panic and fear, with members crying out "Grandmother is gone" throughout their estate. When her last words were spread down the mountain, everyone became even more anxious, and resentful murmurs filled the air.
Li Tongya buried Liu Rouxuan, looked at the gathered members of the Li Family who had rushed back, and removed the Dragon Coiling Pillar sword, which was glowing with mana light, from his waist.
He announced softly, "I will now go into seclusion for cultivation and may not come out for several years, or even decades… This dharma sword will only gather dust with me, so I will leave it with all of you."