Chapter 621: The Fei Family Today (II)
Li Qinghong, now a mid-stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, commanded authority, leaving Fei Tongyu too intimidated to protest. He bowed deeply and led the way. As they landed on the snow-covered peak, their gaze fell upon a hall with its roof sealed shut—a peculiar sight.
Having stayed with the Fei Family for a few years in the past, Li Qinghong was familiar with their traditions. Typically, their courtyards were left open to admire the moon and snow. Finding the hall sealed piqued her curiosity, and she cast a questioning glance. Fei Tongyu quickly explained, "That was where my younger brother lived during his life. He never cared for moonlit nights and had the hall roofed over intentionally."
"During his life?" Li Qinghong's expression shifted, and she pressed him further. "What do you mean? What happened to your brother, Fei Tongxiao?"
Fei Tongyu lowered his head, his face flushed with shame as he maintained a deferential posture. He replied, "He failed to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm. He has since merged into the cold wind and snow, and is gone."
"Fei Tongxiao… is dead?" Li Qinghong paused, genuinely stunned. She had not expected that this man, with his steadfast ambition, would have risked and lost his life in attempting the Foundation Establishment Realm breakthrough. The sudden realization of the passing of an old acquaintance left her at a loss for words.
Tears welled in Fei Tongyu's eyes as he murmured, "It happened a few years ago…"
Li Qinghong fell silent. The two continued their walk, eventually arriving at Fei Wangbai's grave. The gravestone, overgrown with purple moss, appeared especially forlorn amidst the snow.
Recalling the teacher-student relationship they had once shared, Li Qinghong offered a brief moment of prayer at the grave before they proceeded further up the snowy mountain. Cresting the ridge, a familiar pavilion came into view.
Years ago, she had practiced spear techniques in that very pavilion. Fei Tongxiao would visit her there every day, climbing up the mountainside each time. Decades had passed, yet the small pavilion remained intact.