Murong Xiao: "This, this can't be right"

After glancing at the Purple-Robed Elder, Li Mo cupped his hands slightly and said, "This junior greets Patriarch Murong."

Murong Hai stroked his beard with a smile. "Please, take a seat."

"I presume this must be the Profound Weapon, Crimson Sky."

"The Qingyuan Sect will likely produce two Sword Immortals in the future."

The Purple-Robed Elder chuckled, showing no airs of his status as Prefecture Lord.

The Great Yu Dynasty was, of course, the sovereign ruler of the realm.

However, apart from the Central Divine Province, the rest of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands were governed by sects.

It somewhat resembled the feudal system of his past life.

The Great Yu was akin to the Zhou Dynasty, while the sects were the various lords, dividing territories among themselves.

Li Mo had also read historical records.

The previous dynasty was not like this—it truly embodied the concept that "all land under heaven belongs to the sovereign."

Later, the Martial Emperor of the Yu Dynasty rose in rebellion, promising to share governance with the sects upon victory. This won him overwhelming support, allowing him to overturn the old order.

Still, nominally, the Prefecture Lord held equal status with the Sect Master of Qingyuan.

Li Mo did not neglect courtesy.

After some pleasantries, it was already afternoon.

A banquet was prepared in the manor.

The feast included delicacies from the sky, land, and water, with each guest attended by a beautiful maidservant.

"Xiao'er, without me watching over you in the Qingyuan Sect, have you been slacking?"

Murong Hai took his grandson's hand, silently sensing something before suddenly exclaiming in surprise:

"This doesn’t seem to be the body-refining technique of the Divine Weapon Peak lineage."

"You noticed!"

Murong Xiao gave an awkward laugh. "Brother Li gave it to me, but I haven’t even grasped the basics yet."

The gazes of grandfather and grandson turned toward Li Mo—the former hesitant, the latter seeking approval with slight embarrassment.

Li Mo smiled, unfazed.

"Feel free to show it to your grandfather. It wasn’t borrowed from the library, so there’s no issue with sharing it."

Only then did Murong Xiao confidently produce the manual.

"Golden Bell Shield..."

Murong Hai narrowed his aged eyes, the light in them growing brighter the more he read.

As a martial artist of the Observation Divine Realm, he immediately recognized this as a body-refining technique with Buddhist influences.

Not only did it temper the body, but it also purged distractions and cleansed the mind.

For Xiao'er, it was practically tailor-made.

In truth, he had been searching for such a martial art for some time, but to no avail.

This Golden Bell Shield was likely an exceptionally rare treasure even among high-tier techniques...

"Young Friend Li, this technique is precious, but martial arts should not be lightly imparted..."

"Brother Murong and I are close, and the Golden Bell Shield suits him perfectly."

"It’s also a way to preserve this art—otherwise, it might have been lost to time."

Li Mo understood Murong Hai’s hesitation.

Whether major sects or minor schools, all guarded their martial techniques fiercely, forbidding unauthorized transmission.

If caught stealing techniques, the rightful owners could justly kill or, at the very least, cripple the offender.

The old man was concerned about the origins of this technique.

Hearing Li Mo’s explanation, Murong Hai’s brows finally relaxed.

Indeed, he had never heard of any major sect renowned for this high-tier technique.

But one thing was certain—

This Qingyuan Sect’s True Disciple must have an extraordinary understanding of Xiao'er, including his bloodline...

"True Disciple Li, your fortune is remarkable. Did you perhaps inherit this from a hidden master?"

The Prefecture Lord, silent until now, suddenly spoke up.

"In a way, yes."

Li Mo nodded lightly.

"The kindness of imparting such a technique will be remembered by the Murong family."

Murong Hai’s smile grew warmer as comprehension dawned. "Since you’ve come to Purple Sun Prefecture, Young Friend Li, stay a few more days and allow us to fulfill our duties as hosts."

Then, turning to his grandson:

"Xiao'er, from now on, treat Young Friend Li as an elder brother, understood?"

He didn’t know which of the two was older, but it didn’t matter.

This True Disciple Li was not only gifted but also impeccably mannered—undoubtedly destined for greatness.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, he would surely rise to the Qingyuan Sect’s upper echelons.

Perhaps even become Sect Master.

Even without the matter of the technique, fostering goodwill was essential.

Murong Xiao nodded eagerly.

As if he needed the reminder!

"You and Xiao'er came down the mountain to complete a sect mission, correct?"

"That’s right, Grandfather. I need to gather ten Bloodgrass stalks, while Brother Li is hunting the fugitive Cui Peng."

"Cui Peng..."

Murong Hai stroked his beard, deep in thought.

The Purple-Robed Elder seemed to recall the man. "He was once a disciple of the Golden Sun Blade Sect but later defected, becoming a notorious bandit."

"After fleeing to Purple Sun Prefecture, he killed several constables, which is why the matter was escalated to the Qingyuan Sect."

As Prefecture Lord, his jurisdiction covered only commoners.

Matters involving martial artists fell under the Qingyuan Sect’s authority.

"This old man will have people inquire about him."

"If True Disciple Li requires any further assistance, do not hesitate to ask."

Murong Hai spoke casually.

To him, tracking down an Inner Breath Realm bandit was no great matter.

Li Mo didn’t stand on ceremony. "There is one more thing, though it’s a personal request."

"Speak freely."

"My family has a tradition—each year, we must perform at least one act of charity. So, I’d like to borrow some of your people to set up a relief kitchen in the city, distributing porridge and rice..."

Of course, Young Li’s plan was to help the "ice block" find someone.

Since the target was a young beggar, the best approach was to give out food.

According to the ice block, the person she sought was likely living in hardship.

Upon hearing the news, they would probably come.

Then, with his Heavenly Destiny Eyes activated, he could simply sit back and wait for the prey to walk into the trap.

Plus, it was another opportunity to rack up goodwill investments.

Though the gains might be minor—

Still, as the saying goes: every little bit counts!

"Young Friend Li, such compassion is rare indeed."

"Bring more wine! This old man wishes to share a hearty drink with Young Friend Li!"

Murong Hai slapped the table as if meeting a kindred spirit.

The banquet grew even livelier.

"Young Friend Li, this old man toasts you!"

"Bottoms up!"

"Nephew Li, another round!"

"Gladly!"

"Brother Li, your capacity is impressive."

"You flatter me, Elder Brother."

Watching the old and young pair drink and converse merrily, Murong Xiao was baffled.

Wait... this doesn’t seem right.

"This Prefecture Lord shall take his leave now."

The Prefecture Lord stood, offering a brief farewell before exiting.

As he stepped outside, his peripheral gaze lingered on Li Mo, narrowing slightly.

The inheritance that had caused the radiant phenomenon that day... was not on his person.