Li Fang Has Left
The news of Li Fang and his group leaving Jiang State for cultivation spread like wildfire among the common folk.
A 20-year-old Pill Formation cultivator from the Qingyun Sect—setting out to carve his name in the Central Plains—became the hottest topic in the region.
"Maybe one day, he'll make a name for himself among the great sects."
"With his talent, reaching the Nascent Soul realm isn't impossible."
Such discussions filled the air. To many young cultivators, Li Fang was no longer just a peer—he was an aspiration, proof that even those from humble origins could rise.
---
Qin City, Li Family Estate
Qin City was a medium-sized city in the Qingyun region, home to numerous Foundation Building cultivation families.
Among them, the Li Family was the smallest, barely numbering a few hundred members.
Yet, despite their lack of numbers and power, they held an unshakable status—solely because of Li Fang.
Once, they were just another struggling family, relying on a single Foundation Building elder barely capable of fighting.
But ever since Li Fang joined the Qingyun Sect, their position in Qin City had solidified. No one dared to offend them. Without him, however, that protection would fade.
Today, that day had come.
The estate bustled with activity as servants and elders hurriedly packed away the family's belongings.
Outside, the streets overflowed with onlookers hoping to catch a final glimpse of the city's most famous genius.
In the inner courtyard, far from the noise, Li Fang sat quietly across from a woman.
Peach blossoms drifted in the wind, their delicate fragrance mingling with the soft gurgle of a nearby pond.
The woman before him wore an elegant blue robe with a white collar, her long black hair cascading like silk down to her waist.
A simple jade ornament rested in her hair, a quiet contrast to her striking features.
Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her delicate face carrying a mature charm that could steal the breath of any man. Yet, despite her beauty, the sorrow in her gaze dulled its brilliance.
Bai Yunxi.
She was not only the most beautiful woman in Qin City but also Li Fang's mother—the pillar of his world.
Even in her late thirties, time seemed to pass her by, leaving her untouched by age.
"Mother, don't worry..." Li Fang's voice was soft, tinged with guilt. "I'm only going to take a look. If things don't work out, I'll return within a few years."
The war between the righteous and demonic cultivators was nearing its end. If he missed this chance, he would have to wait several years for the next recruitment exam in the Central Plains.
Even though the battles had lost their initial intensity, he couldn't guarantee his survival. But more than the danger itself, he feared something else—telling his mother the truth.
The Qingyun Sect had forbidden them from speaking of the war. His companions had already found ways to break the news to their families in secret. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to do the same.
If she knew, she would never let him go.
Bai Yunxi wiped the corner of her eyes, forcing a gentle smile.
"Fang'er... I know you wish to chase your dreams. As your mother, I won't stop you. But promise me—no matter what happens, your safety comes first."
Li Fang clenched his fists beneath the table.
"I promise, Mother."
A solemn silence settled between them.
After a moment, Li Fang took a deep breath and spoke again.
"I'll be leaving the family in the care of the Su Family. Su Kang is my good brother. He will protect you."
Bai Yunxi hesitated.
She had heard the name before—Li Fang often mentioned Su Kang, but entrusting her family's safety to someone she had never met? That was another matter entirely.
Still, Li Fang had always been mature beyond his years. If he placed his trust in Su Kang, she had no choice but to believe as well.
"As long as you're at ease with this decision, I will not object." Bai Yunxi sighed, though a trace of worry remained in her eyes.
By noon, the Li Family stood ready. Their home, which had sheltered generations, would soon be nothing but an empty estate.
Above the courtyard, spiritual boats hovered in the sky, their gleaming hulls reflecting the sunlight. Qingyun Sect elders stood nearby, overseeing the preparations.
Yet, among all those departing, one person would remain behind.
Li Fang had brought his mother back to the sect, wanting to spend a few more days with her—one last act of filial piety before their final farewell.
---
While the Li Family was preparing to leave, Su Kang had been in seclusion for several days.
His cultivation speed was far faster than before.
With two years of future knowledge, he could compress months of training into mere days.
He estimated that he would fully grasp the supernatural powers of his technique within a month—saving nearly eight months of time.
As Su Kang opened his eyes, a sharp glint flickered within his dark pupils.
"It's time..."
The Qingyun Sect was bustling with activity.
Disciples, elders, and representatives from various forces had gathered to witness the younger generation set out for the Central Plains.
Li Fang stood at the center of attention, exchanging goodbyes with the sect elders.
Among the crowd, Su Kang stood silently.
Once the formalities were over, Li Fang walked toward Su Kang with a grateful smile.
"Brother Su... I'll be leaving my family in your hands."
Su Kang nodded calmly. "Rest assured. The Li Family is under the Su Family's protection from now on."
Li Fang sighed in relief.
But just before leaving, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
"I brought my mother with me... Come, I'll introduce you."
Su Kang nodded despite his reluctance.
He had wanted to delay meeting her until the Li Family had settled down. Meeting her now would only make things more difficult for him.
Still, he followed Li Fang into the courtyard, his footsteps steady.
There, he saw a woman dressed in a white robe, appearing to be around thirty years old.
Her face was extraordinarily beautiful, carrying a mature charm that made her even more captivating.
Su Kang was taken aback—not by her beauty, but by the shock of meeting her here.
"Fate truly works in strange ways."
He quickly forced himself to maintain his composure.
Li Fang gestured toward her and spoke. "Mother, this is my friend, Su Kang. He will take care of the family. I'm leaving you in the Su Family's care."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Su," Bai Yunxi greeted gracefully.
Her eyes lingered on Su Kang for a moment.
A strange sense of familiarity surfaced in her mind, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't recall where she had seen him before.
Su Kang offered a gentle smile and bowed politely.
"The pleasure is mine, Madam. Li Fang is like a brother to me. His family is naturally my family as well."
He then turned to Li Fang, giving him a reassuring nod.
"Brother Li, do not worry. Everything will be handled. You can leave with peace of mind. The Li Family will be well cared for."
Li Fang let out a sigh of relief, and Bai Yunxi's eyes softened with gratitude.
Su Kang's wheatish complexion, calm demeanor, and deep black eyes carried an aura far beyond his years.
After the brief introduction, Su Kang left the courtyard, allowing Li Fang to spend his final moments with his mother.
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, the long-awaited departure finally began.
Amid the crowd gathered outside the Qingyun Sect, Li Fang and his party ascended into the sky on flying boats, their figures bathed in the crimson glow of dusk.
Waves of cheers and well wishes echoed through the sect, filling the air with a mix of pride and longing.
Su Kang stood silently among the onlookers, his gaze fixed on the fading silhouettes.
As the last traces of the flying boats vanished beyond the horizon, the crowd gradually dispersed.
The once lively atmosphere dissolved into a tranquil stillness, leaving behind only the faint fragrance of peach blossoms lingering in the evening breeze.
Su Kang walked along the stone pathways, his steps slow and deliberate, heading toward the secluded courtyard where Bai Yunxi resided.
The fading sunlight painted the world in soft hues of gold and crimson, casting long shadows across the sect's ancient architecture.
His expression remained calm, but beneath the surface, a storm quietly churned.
Now that Li Fang was gone.
Nothing was stopping him from making the first move.