The Mirror Legacy

"Fate…" Li Yuanjiao muttered to himself as Li Tongya sheathed his sword, fastening the Qingche Sword to his waist for the first time. With a serious expression, he said, "Yuanjiao… the family will need your care from now on. If I go and do not return, you must lower your head and endure for a while. With the Xiao Family supporting us, at worst, we can cede Mount Huazhong and Mount Yuting; it is of no great consequence."

Li Yuanjiao felt as though the sky was darkening and the world was collapsing around him. He said hoarsely, "Ancestor… the family… the family cannot do without you!"

Li Tongya slowly shook his head and spoke gently, "Xuanling is likely beyond saving, and Xuanfeng is stuck at the southern border. Let your father manage the marketplace; he should not come back and complicate matters…"

"You, Yuanxiu, and Yuanping are all capable of managing the family. You must be cautious… Qinghong is still in seclusion and does not need to be called out. She acts too hastily, pursuing immortality single-mindedly, which could lead to her downfall. Make sure she acts with caution!"

Seeing that Li Yuanjiao was listening attentively, Li Tongya nodded and advised, "Once this matter is settled, there should be many peaceful days ahead. After the death of the Yu Family's ancestor and the collapse of their marketplace, Yu Muxian, despite having many connections within the sect, remained passive and did not even utter a word. He doesn't seem to care much for his clan and is unlikely to offend the Xiao Family. You needn't worry about him."

"Yes… Jiao'er will keep your words in mind," Li Yuanjiao replied. His eyes shone brightly as he asked, "Ancestor, what about the Azure Pond Sect?"

At the mention of this name, Li Tongya's expression turned complex. He said softly, "The Azure Pond Sect has entrenched itself in Jiangnan for hundreds of years. Its background is far deeper than we can see, with intricate interests and ruthless methods of suppression and slaughter. It is not something that can be opposed in a single lifetime. Yuan Huyuan was right; we must climb onto the Azure Pond's table rather than fall into its bowl. However, my generation has an unresolvable blood feud with Azure Pond, making reconciliation impossible. After I am gone, you must send our descendants into the sect. Even if they become servants or sacrifices, it is the only way for the family to secure a future!"

Tears fell silently as Li Yuanjiao nodded. Li Tongya grasped his hand, his gray hair fluttering lightly in the wind. Then, with a somber tone, he continued, "Remember, do not perform blood sacrifices, do not massacre innocents, and do not indulge in evil desires…"

Beside him, Li Yuanping's eyes were already red, unable to control himself any longer. Li Tongya took his thin arm, and a glow of mana appeared in his hand, erasing the bruises on Li Yuanping's arm. Feeling somewhat guilty, he said, "If our family had any precious elixirs to mend your root bones, you would not have to suffer this way…"