The Mirror Legacy

Chen Mufeng accepted his task and left. Li Xicheng stood in contemplation for a moment before riding the wind up to Mount Qingdu. After making a big around, he gently landed in an unassuming courtyard.

He knocked on the door and entered. Inside, Li Yuanping was seated on a stone bench, carefully recording something with a brush in his hand.

Though he appeared fine, his hand trembled slightly, and he was struggling to hold the brush steadily.

As soon as Li Xicheng stepped forward, Li Yuanping glanced up and asked, "How do you plan to handle it?"

Li Xicheng hesitated for a moment before replying, "About that... a minor sect cultivator was used as a scapegoat. I'll have the minor sect investigate this. Many of the brothers listen to me, so it shouldn't be too difficult to uncover who altered the numbers in the report…"

Li Yuanping shook his head and spoke softly, "But you will only find yet another scapegoat. I will teach you one final lesson…"

"This whole incident is a test—to gauge your preferences and to probe your limits. All the forces under your command share in the benefits and silently acquiesce to support this. That minor sect cultivator was just a convenient scapegoat for them… If you rely on them for the investigation, you'll expose your closeness and trust toward the branch families. Whether you rely on the Jade Court Guards, the Dou Family, or peak offices, your inclinations become clear."

He continued in a low voice, "The greatest danger here is that the interests of the cultivators under your command align against yours. On the surface, the minor sect appears as the victim, but in reality, it is complicit. The only truly innocent party is the cultivator that had been made a scapegoat."

Li Xicheng listened intently, only to see Li Yuanping smile coldly before saying, "All you need to do is send someone to the warehouse and quietly adjust the 190 jin to match the reported 181 jin. Once the numbers align, this coalition of opportunists will collapse under their own weight!"