Chapter 511 401 Lu Ken

Li Yuanjiao rode the wind through the northern foothills of Da Li Mountain, his feet skimming over mountains and clouds of mist that swept by. The Mysterious Pattern Spiritual Mist sprang forth from within the Mysterious Pattern Bottle, and he traveled with his hands behind his back, his expression as serene as still water.

'Xijun should be able to handle it... The old man is stubborn, but after all, he is getting on in years, and his vigor isn't what it used to be. With a bit of subtlety, it's possible to deceive him.'

Li Yuanjiao's face was somber, as he had always been somewhat dissatisfied with Li Xuanxuan's reckless behavior.

'Insisting on dragging things out...'

Suddenly, Li Yuanjiao remembered a time when he was young, sitting alone with his mother, Mu Yalu, in the courtyard. Mu Yalu was still young then, her hair cascading freely as she spoke softly:

"Your father... is very dull... In his life, he only ever loved one thing—that is the Li Family. Later, he begrudgingly added Xiu'er."

"Including himself... Li Xuanxuan didn't care much for it, even harboring some frustration at his unfulfilled potential, never treasuring his own worth, valuing himself less than a few Spirit Stones."

At that time, Li Yuanjiao didn't understand the meaning of her words, but now, seeing his father, Li Xuanxuan, in this state, he realized:

"Among all the members of the Li Family, he only belittles himself. Since the death of the old ancestor, he has lost any desire to live."

"He's ceaselessly drawing Talismans, as if he has a death wish, yet he dares not die."

Li Yuanjiao's mind cleared, but he couldn't express it. Before her death, his mother, Mu Yalu, hadn't given Li Xuanxuan as much as a glance, and Li Xuanxuan hadn't shed a single tear. Caught in the middle, Li Yuanjiao felt both sorrow and anger.

"Enough."

Li Yuanjiao didn't want to think too much and cast aside these thoughts. After traveling through the mountains for a while, he saw two brown deer demons flying towards him from above. Their fur was smooth and delicate, one on the left and one on the right, both joyfully proclaiming:

"This little demon pays respects to the Upper Immortal!"

Both deer demons were at the Qi Cultivating Late Stage, their heads nearly buried in the clouds, not daring to look at him, only glancing at the Green Ruler Sword with great trepidation.

Li Yuanjiao gave a slight nod, and the deer demon on the left hastened to say:

"This little one is a subordinate of the Demon General, sir. The General has prepared a feast especially to invite the Upper Immortal over!"

Seeing its politeness, Li Yuanjiao nodded, but suspicion arose silently within him. His hand resting on his sword, though he had the guarantee of the White Banyan Fox, he didn't know about the strength of these deer demons. Should they harbor ill intentions, things could get difficult to resolve.

He hadn't brought the Dharma Mirror on this trip, but fortunately, there was still Sword Intent sealed within the Green Ruler Sword, which would be enough to slay a deer demon.

'Since they sought an introduction from the White Banyan Fox, they probably wouldn't set an ambush for me. If they are so foolish as to try, I will have to use the Sword Intent.'

He simply rode the wind in their direction, and soon enough all the demon creatures bowed their heads respectfully, clearing a path for him. Most were deer, antelope, or horses, with fur colors that matched on either side, forming a symmetrical arrangement, having mimicked the human race's etiquette with stunning perfection.

Li Yuanjiao found it somewhat strange as he continued on his way. Underneath the giant white banyan tree, three tables were arranged, with the White Banyan Fox at the head, her legs crossed leisurely while lying on the table, a Spiritual Peach in her mouth looking utterly at ease.

By her side stood a middle-aged man with brown hair and black eyes, his long hair flowing freely and a Great Shield on his back, his Cultivation Level at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage; he seemed to be the transformed deer demon.

The tables were neatly arranged with spiritual peaches, apricots, fruit wine, and fresh flowers. As soon as Li Yuanjiao landed, the middle-aged man created from a deer demon immediately came forward politely, welcoming him:

"I am Lu Ken of Da Li Mountain, I greet you, Taoist Fellow."

The middle-aged man's face was small, with round eyes and a rare shade of brownish-yellow hair, likely remnants of his transformation. His eyes were clear, lacking any hint of bloodlust or cruelty.

"Qingdu's Li Yuanjiao."

Li Yuanjiao assessed him, noting the clear Qi swirling in his brow, so different from the Pig Demon, and felt more at ease. First, he bowed to the White Banyan Fox, saying respectfully:

"Yuanjiao pays his respects to the elder."

Li Yuanjiao had witnesssed the White Banyan Fox's skills inside her cave, and the friendship between the White Banyan Fox and Li Tongya alone warranted his respect, so he stayed courteous even after achieving Foundation Establishment.

The fox nodded at him, turned over, and hopped behind the table, responding:

"The issue with that Pig Demon has already been settled. The Pig Demon's wealth wasn't enough, so I added a few Spirit Stones and invited this Taoist Fellow over."

The White Banyan Fox indicated the deer demon and introduced:

"This is Lu Ken, a good friend from my cave, a gentle breed of demon. From now on, your family is quite free to move around this area."

Li Yuanjiao expressed his thanks, quickly taking out ten Spirit Stones from his Storage Bag to replenish the White Banyan Fox. The fox accepted six and put them away, holding a Spiritual Peach, she ate and said:

"You two have a chat; I have some important matters."

With that, she rode the wind upwards, moving off into the distance. Lu Ken then turned back and brought forth a Jade Box, presenting it with a smile:

"This is the 'Qian Rock Bright Fruit,' a precious medicine. Please accept this as a small token of our first meeting. In the future, should you cultivate in the North Foothills, I would be grateful for any guidance you might provide..."

When Li Yuanjiao opened the Jade Box, he saw an orange-red Stone Bead inside, without scent, and with only faint luminescence. Lu Ken quickly added:

"Taoist Fellow, do not underestimate it for its plain appearance. This fruit is extremely beneficial for Cultivators who specialize in earth and stone elements, aiding in cultivation and breakthroughs, and offers many marvels when used in forging Magic Artifacts. Swallowed whole, it can also stop bleeding, calm injuries, and even save a life."

Li Yuanjiao shook his head slightly, replying:

"Since Taoist Fellow has achieved Foundation Establishment, I presume you are not young. In Yue Country, there are few who pursue the earth and stone path, only the Xuan Yue School. This precious medicine... my family also has a 'Wanling Flower,' which is now fairly well-known; it too can save lives, yet we don't finds much use for it."