Chapter 1057: White River Stream Region (I)
Li Ximing immediately understood Yuan Fuyao.
The Wilderness is the territory of the Xiao and Kong Families, and since my family is about to settle there, everyone must be trying to use him to curry favor with us... The Si Family destroyed the Song Family, and his bloodline is already in their hands. Whether they seek him out is just a matter of time. Yet coming to us of his own accord is indeed a clever way to preserve his life and fortune!
Although Yuan Fuyao was timid by nature, his father, Yuan Chengdun, had been a man of towering integrity. He had slain demons and exorcised fiends; earned a fearsome reputation; saved countless commoners during the devil plague; and even shared ties with Li Yuanjiao.
The Li Family had long stated that even if matters between the two families fell through, they would still look after Yuan Fuyao. Though Yuan Fuyao had embarrassed himself, the Li Family would not truly harm him for Yuan Chengdun's sake. To treat him with courtesy would only highlight the magnanimity befitting an immortal family.
Yuan Fuyao had most likely realized this, which was why he had dared to make the journey in the first place. He displayed his own cunning in seeking out the family head, Li Zhouwei, before anyone else, so as not to be taken advantage of by lesser figures.
Now Li Ximing sat to the side, while Li Zhouwei naturally did not stand at the center. He remained silent, yet his cold gaze showed he understood the matter clearly.
Li Ximing sipped his tea and spoke softly, "You overstate things. My family has no mind to quarrel with you. Chenghuai, escort the young master back to Mushroom Forest Plain."
Li Chenghuai answered respectfully and acted without further words. Being at the Foundation Establishment Realm, he simply lifted Yuan Fuyao, rendering the middle-aged man instantly immobile. Having met Yuan Fuyao in his youth, Li Chenghuai sighed inwardly as he dragged him away.
Li Ximing sat upright, tea bowl in hand, and spoke after a long moment, "Yuan Chengdun was once a man of great talent, yet his son turned out like a rat in a granary. It would be one thing if his innate ability were merely low, but to live by leaning on his father's shadow while thinking only of himself... Truly, the matter of offspring is impossible to predict."
His words carried an obscure meaning, and Li Zhouwei could only respond softly, "Yuan Fuyao is indeed quick-witted, but the Yuan Family spoiled him. Though clever, he grew up muddled and petty. Even a fool, given daily guidance, can accomplish something in time."