Chapter Twenty-Nine: Trouble Arrives

The head of the Shi family sat in the grand hall, listening to the siblings recount everything that had happened at the Tang family. His heart was filled with both surprise and delight. He had not expected that, in less than a month, the two of them would already be able to draw spiritual energy into their bodies. To think, after teaching Shi Jinan for so long, he himself had only just managed this step. He hadn’t anticipated that the Tang family girl would be so capable—clearly, his initial decision had been correct. At this pace, perhaps the Shi family could have its revenge within fifty years. The only uncertainty was whether he himself would live to see that day.

Having made up his mind, Shi Zaiwei resolved that he must instruct his clansmen to devote themselves wholeheartedly to following Tang Wei, ensuring that none would ever act harmfully towards the Tang family. He believed that, seeing the Shi family’s loyalty and effort, Tang Wei would not mistreat his people.

After the siblings finished their account, they stood respectfully at their appointed place, waiting for his instructions, noting the elder’s silence as he seemed lost in thought.

Strictly speaking, Shi Xiaolin and her brother were direct descendants of Shi Zaiwei, though separated by four or five generations, and had hardly met him before. At home, their parents would often remind them how formidable and impartial their great ancestor was. Since childhood, he was like a deity in their eyes.

Once chosen by their master, they had seldom seen their ancestor, who now personally instructed them for several days. Even upon returning, the old patriarch immediately summoned them, inquiring in detail about their daily life at the Tang family, showing concern for every matter, large and small. Yet, to the siblings, their ancestor was not a kindly elder, but still the awe-inspiring figure they revered, compelling them to respect him wholeheartedly.

Shi Zaiwei made a serious decision for his clan. Even if he had previously considered submitting to Tang Wei, he would never have bound his family’s fate to hers unless she proved effective. Now, having witnessed Tang Wei’s ability to help others draw in spiritual energy so quickly—and from Xiaolin’s account, she seemed capable of intensifying the spiritual aura—he decided to take a gamble. While Tang Wei’s power was not yet fully established, he would support her, believing this would earn lasting trust.

He had investigated—Tang Wei’s family had little influence. If she wanted to gain a foothold in the cultivation world, she would have to build her own power, and then the Shi family would be her natural choice. Having made up his mind, he returned to the present, and solemnly instructed the siblings, “Xiaolin, Xiaohu, you must remember this well: from now on, you must be utterly devoted to your master. Regard her as more important than your own lives, more revered than your parents—she is your heaven. If she asks you to die, you must give your lives without hesitation!”

Seeing the shock on their faces, Shi Zaiwei realized he had been too harsh—they were still children, and he mustn’t frighten them.

So, he softened his tone, speaking earnestly, “Do you know why our clan lives deep in these mountains, never seeing the light of day? Because we have a powerful enemy. Should they discover us, our fate would be annihilation. That’s why we must find ways to strengthen ourselves. Now, your master is our hope for stepping out into the world openly in the future. Only by earning her favor will she teach you wholeheartedly. Once you master what she teaches, you can pass it on to our people and lead them out of hiding. I do not know if I will live to see that day, so the future of our clan rests on your shoulders.” The siblings nodded, half comprehending.

Shi Xiaohu, bold for his age, asked curiously, “Ancestor, what kind of person is our enemy? Are they very powerful? What happened between us?”

Shi Xiaolin, hearing her brother’s words, tugged at his sleeve and whispered, “If the ancestor is willing to tell us, he certainly will. Why worry about it now? Just focus on learning your skills.”

Shi Zaiwei chuckled, “Xiaolin is right. You’re still too young to understand, even if I told you. What matters now is that you study hard. When you’re older, I will tell you in person. Our enemy is not just one person, but many—so you must work hard!”

The day after Shi Zaiwei’s exhortations, the siblings and Shi Jinan set out for the Tang family.

The previous night, Shi Jinan had also been summoned to the old patriarch’s inner hall, where everyone else was dismissed. No one knew what had been said, only that Shi Jinan emerged with red eyes and an expression of deep resentment. Even now, his face was grave; clearly, something significant had been revealed to him.

In the Li family’s old residence:

“Grandfather, ever since you returned from H Province, you’ve been acting so strangely! Did something happen there?” A young man in his early twenties supported Old Li’s arm as he spoke.

He was Old Li’s youngest grandson, Li Changfeng, and the family’s darling. With everyone else wary of Old Li, only Li Changfeng could be summoned to coax the old man. Old Li never denied him anything, for he was the chosen inheritor of the Li family’s medical arts. From a young age, Li Changfeng had shown extraordinary talent in medicine. Though still in his twenties, he already surpassed his elders in skill, especially in acupuncture, though he only knew the basic techniques. If he could master the legendary Thirty-Six Heavenly Needles, he would truly bring glory to traditional Chinese medicine.

Seeing Li Changfeng enter, Old Li’s eyes lit up as he pondered the matter of acupuncture, completely ignoring his grandson. Never before had Li Changfeng been so disregarded by his grandfather. In a petulant tone, he said, “Grandpa, don’t ignore me! Whatever’s troubling you, tell me—I’ll do anything to help!” Fortunately, no one else was present; otherwise, they’d have been covered in goosebumps. And luckily, none of his many admirers were there to witness such behavior, or they would have fled in fright.

Old Li looked at his grandson and asked, “Are you sincere? Will you do anything I ask?” “Of course!” Li Changfeng replied firmly, then mischievously added, “Grandpa would never harm me, after all. I’d go through fire and water for you!”

“This time in H Province, I met a young girl who could actually use inner energy…” Old Li recounted the story of Tang Wei healing Old Madam Yao, and also shared Tang Wei’s ideas about creating a new version of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Needles. Finally, he revealed his decision: “I’ve made up my mind. You’re coming with me to H Province, and together we’ll study the new Thirty-Six Heavenly Needles. With your talent, I’m sure you’ll succeed.”

Hearing this, Li Changfeng felt instant regret. Why had he been so eager, promising so much? Now he was to abandon his bright, bustling life—the lights, the parties, the beautiful women—for some remote, desolate mountain! This was agony, especially with so many admirers waiting for his attention. “Grandpa, I think it’s best if I finish my paper on traditional medicine first, then I’ll accompany you!” Now, Li Changfeng had only one strategy: delay.

“No. Pack your things, tidy up your clinic, and the day after tomorrow, we leave. If you dare play tricks, you’re no longer welcome in the Li family.” Old Li knew his grandson well and, seeing his reluctance, issued a stern warning.

“Yes, Grandpa, I’ll get ready right away,” Li Changfeng agreed, resigned, but muttered curses in his heart—“That damned little girl, just you wait.” Afterward, he could only sigh, “Goodbye, my lovely ladies. Who knows when your Changfeng will return to see you all?”

“Achoo!” Tang Wei sneezed several times in a row, muttering to herself, “Strange… Who’s cursing me behind my back?”

It had been nearly ten days since she returned from the hospital. Since the Dragon Boat Festival, Zixuan had quickly adapted to life with the Tang family. Television was a terrible influence—even Zixuan had picked up bad habits, calling her “my dear wife” today and making her break out in cold sweat from the embarrassment. It was simply too much.

Tang Wei had been on edge every day since returning, always worried Zixuan would give her away. Thinking of the hospital reminded her of the traditional medicine-obsessed Old Li. So many days had passed without his appearance; she hoped he had given up, feeling relieved at the thought. Otherwise, she’d have a real headache. Little did she know, he was already on his way—and bringing with him an even greater trouble.