"For Foundation Establishment."
Kou Liang met Fu Zhizhou's gaze. He did not resort to flowery words about sentimentality; instead, he directly stated the true reason behind his daughter's request.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the private room fell silent.
Ten years ago, when they had renewed their three major agreements, the second clause was about Foundation Establishment.
The agreement stated: If any of the four had a chance to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm, the others must do their best to assist them.
And once they succeeded, they would, in turn, help the others.
Since their talent was similar, this pact was mutually beneficial to everyone.
However, if a sect disciple with a mid-grade spiritual root joined, things would no longer be equal.
Before anyone else could raise an objection, Kou Liang took a deep breath and recounted the words Kou Hongying had previously said to Wei Tu.
"Hongying joins the alliance in the spirit of mutual benefit with her three uncles. She will always state the gains and losses clearly before making any decisions and will never attempt to command any of her uncles."
"If she ever breaks this promise… then I, her father, am willing to take my own life in atonement."
Kou Liang made a grave oath.
The four of them had supported each other through life and death. Even though he always put his daughter first, Wei Tu, Fu Zhizhou, and Wei Fei still held second place in his heart.
"Since Eldest Brother has said this much…"
"Then I… agree to let Hongying join our cultivation alliance."
Fu Zhizhou, even though he still had his doubts, had no choice but to suppress them. He thought to himself, "I'll wait and see," before nodding his agreement.
"I'm in as well."
Wei Fei glanced at Wei Tu. Seeing that Wei Tu remained calm, without any signs of disapproval, he laughed heartily and agreed without hesitation.
—Having been together for so long, he understood Wei Tu's cautious nature. If Kou Hongying were truly unworthy and brought no benefit to them, Wei Tu would never have called them here for this discussion.
With the matter settled—
Kou Liang stepped outside, bringing Kou Hongying into the private room.
When Kou Hongying entered—
Fu Zhizhou, being single-minded about cultivation and having held reservations about her, showed little reaction.
But Wei Fei was different. His expression froze, unable to conceal his astonishment.
The young woman in the blue dress wore her hair in a simple coiled bun. Dressed in a navy-blue narrow-sleeved gown, her delicate face, untouched by cosmetics, radiated a fresh, natural beauty.
She was as pure and elegant as a lotus blooming in the snow.
Ten years ago, he remembered her as a thin, sickly-looking girl with ordinary features.
But now—she had transformed.
Her status, cultivation, beauty, and demeanor all placed her far above his reach.
For a long moment, Wei Fei sat there in a daze before finally pinching his own leg to snap back to reality.
"Hongying greets her three uncles."
Kou Hongying smiled warmly, her demeanor as pure as an ice lotus, making it impossible for anyone to harbor resentment toward her.
The three returned her greeting respectfully, treating her not just as a niece, but as an equal cultivator.
Soon—
Kou Hongying took her seat.
"I have only recently stepped onto the path of cultivation and do not have much wealth to offer. However, a few years ago, my master gifted me three taels of spiritual tea.
"I will divide them equally among my three uncles as a greeting gift."
She lifted her sleeve, retrieving three small pouches of tea, placing them on the table in front of each of them.
Witnessing this display of courtesy, even Fu Zhizhou, who had initially harbored skepticism, softened his view of her.
The group began discussing their cultivation experiences.
At first, with Kou Hongying present, the three felt somewhat restrained and unnatural.
But as she openly shared her insights—even revealing advice from her master, Qin Zhenren, regarding each stage of cultivation—their reservations melted away.
Kou Hongying's addition to the group was unexpectedly beneficial.
In a way—
She had given them a direct channel to the guidance of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Even a few casual words of advice from someone in the Foundation Establishment realm could save them years, even decades, of trial and error.
Seeking such guidance from a Foundation Establishment cultivator was something Kou Hongying could obtain with ease…
But for them—it was nearly impossible.
"A few months ago, I consulted my master about Uncle Wei's cultivation path…"
Kou Hongying's lips parted slightly as she spoke.
"Master said that now that Uncle Wei has reached the fourth layer of Qi Refinement, he should switch to the Lesser Spring and Autumn Art, integrating it with his spirit seed to form a dual-attribute Earth-Wood spirit body."
"This way, he can fully utilize his Wood Spiritual Root."
After offering guidance to Wei Tu, she also gave insights on Fu Zhizhou's cultivation path.
Although she had not directly asked Qin Zhenren about Fu Zhizhou, her experience as a sect disciple gave her a broader perspective, allowing her to provide valuable insights.
After their conversation ended—
Wei Tu, Fu Zhizhou, and Wei Fei all felt they had gained immensely.
It became clear—
Perhaps Kou Hongying couldn't provide them with abundant resources.
But the guidance and teachings of Qin Zhenren and Jingshui Pavilion could help them walk further on the immortal path.
This alone was invaluable.
There is no feast that does not eventually end.
After the gathering, everyone left one by one.
"Third Brother, let's return to Danqiu Mountain together to guard against Ying Bing, the fugitive rogue cultivator."
Fu Zhizhou spoke with a serious expression.
This time, Wei Tu had been ambushed by rogue cultivators, and Fu Zhizhou knew he bore some responsibility for it. How could he sit back and let Wei Tu return to Danqiu Mountain alone, risking another encounter with danger?
"Alright."
Wei Tu nodded in agreement.
He would not reject such a proposal—traveling back together would be far safer than going alone.
"Let me return home first to bid farewell to my family, and then I will set out with you."
"You should also visit your family. You can't avoid them forever."
On the way, Wei Tu tried to persuade Fu Zhizhou again.
Fu Zhizhou shook his head, refusing to answer.
Seeing this, Wei Tu sighed internally, deciding he would no longer try to persuade Fu Zhizhou on this matter.
The two soon arrived at Wei Manor.
However, as they approached, Fu Zhizhou concealed his figure, hiding nearby.
For a Qi Refinement fourth-layer cultivator, using a concealment technique to avoid being seen by mortal eyes was a simple feat.
"Father!"
"Father… has returned!"
Wei Yan lifted the hem of her dress and hurried inside, calling out to Wei Xiuwen, who was practicing martial arts in the courtyard.
Moments later—
Wei Yan and Wei Xiuwen knelt in the front hall, bowing formally to pay their respects.
"Ten years have passed…"
Wei Tu lifted his head, carefully observing his son and daughter, a trace of emotion flashing across his face.
At twenty-five, Wei Yan had learned internal martial arts, and with the help of immortal pills, her appearance remained as youthful and radiant as a young maiden.
At twenty-one, Wei Xiuwen had trained in hard-style martial arts since childhood. Unlike pampered noble heirs, he bore the rugged demeanor of a wandering martial artist.
The traces of youth on his face had been deliberately hidden by the two mustache strands he had grown.
After greetings were exchanged, Wei Tu followed his usual routine—inquiring about their martial training progress.
Upon hearing that Wei Yan was close to generating innate true qi, he nodded and said:
"When you break through to the Xiantian Realm, go to the Kou family and find your Aunt Kou. She will take you to Baishi Lake Marketplace to meet your Uncle Kou and settle there."
"I have already discussed this with your Uncle Kou and Hong Ying."
After spending over a year in Baishi Lake Marketplace, Wei Tu deeply understood the vast difference between it and Danqiu Mountain Marketplace.
If it weren't for the strict residency laws, preventing easy relocation, he himself would have preferred to live and cultivate in Baishi Lake Marketplace.
More importantly—
With Kou Hongying's backing, Wei Yan would be far safer in Baishi Lake Marketplace than in Danqiu Mountain Marketplace.
"And you—the same goes for you."
Wei Tu turned his gaze to Wei Erlang, his expression stern as he spoke.
From the letters sent home over the years, it was clear that Wei Xiuwen lacked his sister's stability and discipline.
His mind was filled with ambition—a restlessness that longed for more.
This ambition, in itself, was not wrong.
However, in reality, there was only a fine line between great ambition and foolish arrogance.
Time alone would prove whether Wei Xiuwen was truly capable—or if he was just full of empty words.
"Yes, I understand, Father."
Wei Xiuwen stood at attention, biting his lip as he answered.
From Wei Tu's words, he could tell that his father did not approve of him and was deliberately restricting his actions.
However, rather than feeling resentment, he remained silent.
He knew very well that compared to Fu Zhizhou's three abandoned sons, his father had already done so much for him.
"This is two Condensing Moon Pills and two Lesser Qi Gathering Pills."
"Each of you take one set."
After speaking, Wei Tu retrieved two small lacquered boxes, placing them on the tea table beside him.
However—
Just as Wei Yan and Wei Xiuwen stepped forward to take the pills, Wei Tu pressed his hand down on the box lid, stopping them.
"There is something I must make clear to both of you."
Wei Tu glanced at them with a firm expression.
"Please guide us, Father."
Wei Yan stepped back slightly, bowing her head in deference.
"I await Father's teachings."
Wei Xiuwen hesitated for a moment but then followed suit, standing quietly to the side.
"Helping the two of you reach the Xiantian Realm is already the greatest effort I can make as your father. Once you step into the Xiantian Realm, do not harbor resentment simply because I can no longer provide for your immortal path…"
"The path of cultivation is difficult. With my low-grade spiritual root, I do not have the capacity to support you further."
Wei Tu did not sugarcoat his words. After careful thought, he chose to speak bluntly to Wei Yan and Wei Xiuwen.
Some things are better said outright than left unsaid.
"Father, do not underestimate us!"
Hearing this, Wei Xiuwen's face flushed red with frustration.
"My sister and I are not children who need to rely on you for everything!"
"As the old saying goes: 'At twenty, one comes of age; at thirty, one stands on his own.'"
Wei Yan, standing beside him, cited the classics, showing her agreement.
Both of their reactions and words were noted by Wei Tu, who nodded slightly and chose not to continue the topic.
He then divided the pills on the table and handed them to his children.
Once the distribution was done, Wei Tu exchanged a glance with Fu Zhizhou, who was hiding nearby.
Fu Zhizhou nodded slightly, and Wei Tu prepared to leave.
After all, he had been away from Danqiu Mountain for too long—his time outside had already exceeded the limit.
Even though he had a valid reason—encountering rogue cultivators—it was not wise to linger in the mortal world any longer.
However—
Just as Wei Tu was stepping out of the courtyard, he suddenly came face to face with Fu Lin, the eldest son of Fu Zhizhou.
"Uncle Wei, where is my father?"
Fu Lin stopped in his tracks, staring at Wei Tu and asking directly.
"Your father…"
Wei Tu hesitated, glancing out of the corner of his eye toward where Fu Zhizhou was hidden.
"Your father did not come to Baishi Lake."
After receiving Fu Zhizhou's silent confirmation, Wei Tu shook his head and gave a brief reply.
"In that case…"
Fu Lin clenched his teeth, making a firm decision.
He lifted the hem of his robe and dropped to his knees, bowing three times toward Wei Tu.
"Uncle Wei, please lend me ten spirit stones. Help me step onto the immortal path—I swear I will repay this kindness in the future!"
His words echoed in the courtyard.
Wei Tu was momentarily stunned.
When he understood Fu Lin's meaning, his brows furrowed slightly, and his face darkened.
Although Wei Tu admired Fu Lin's intelligence and capability, the request for ten spirit stones was far too much.
Ten spirit stones.
Even for a talisman master like himself, earning that amount required months of effort.
For an ordinary cultivator, it would take seven or eight years to accumulate ten spirit stones.
"This matter…"
Wei Tu hesitated.
He had planned to refuse outright.
Even Fu Zhizhou himself had given up on his children—there was no reason for Wei Tu to act as a savior.
Besides, if Fu Lin set a precedent, what would happen if the Kou and Fu family's other children followed suit?
Even if he was wealthy, he could not afford to hand out spirit stones endlessly.
But just as he was about to turn him down, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind—Fu Zhizhou's transmission via divine sense.
Wei Tu's expression shifted slightly.
After a brief pause, he sighed softly and gestured for Fu Lin to stand up.
"Uncle Wei… does this mean you agree to my request?"
Fu Lin's tone held uncertainty.
When he had knelt and bowed, his gaze had been fixed downward, so he had not seen Wei Tu's expression.
He had no way of knowing what his answer would be.
"Enough."
Wei Tu shook his head and sighed.
"I will lend you these ten spirit stones on behalf of your father—but this is the only time."
With that, he reached into his sleeve, retrieved a small cloth pouch, and placed it in Fu Lin's hands.
Then, without further words, he tapped his foot lightly, using light movement techniques to disappear from the courtyard.
"Thank you, Uncle Wei!"
Fu Lin opened the pouch and saw ten spirit stones inside.
His expression was filled with gratitude.
Turning toward Wei Tu's departing figure, he knelt down once more, bowing deeply.
When he stood up, the ground beneath him was damp.
Tears had fallen silently onto the stone floor.
"Third Brother, here are seven spirit stones—the remaining three, I will return once we reach Danqiu Mountain."
On the road, Fu Zhizhou took out seven spirit stones and handed them to Wei Tu.
As he looked at the stones in his palm, his fingers tightened slightly.
"Alright."
Wei Tu did not refuse.
He simply nodded and accepted the spirit stones.
Earlier, he had not planned to lend Fu Lin ten spirit stones.
It was only because Fu Zhizhou had suddenly spoken to him via divine sense that he changed his mind.
"Severing ties with the mortal world…"
"Isn't as easy as it seems."
Wei Tu glanced at Fu Zhizhou's slightly desolate figure and thought to himself.