"The Great Dao is fifty;
nature yields forty-nine and withholds one;
Talisman Formations and many other Formation techniques share similar principles..."
Ling Zixiao slowly spoke, instructing his son.
His son, Lu Lingxiao, had a talent for the Formation Path.
Although he hadnât spent too much time on it, he had an early start.
Furthermore, with his eyes and exceptional Pupil Skill, as long as he could discern the weak points of a Talisman Formation during combat and utilize the destructive power of the Devastation Flame to break through the Talisman Formation, he stood a chance against Lu Wangshu.
"But sister has many Puppets, and once close, itâs likely to be besieged by the Puppets."
"Moreover, sister is very strong. Last time I went to see her, she punched through the back mountain with a single fist."
At this moment, Lu Linghe, who was beside him, spoke up.
She was very close to Lu Wangshu and knew many of her sisterâs methods.
Therefore, she always advised her brother not to challenge their sister anymore.
"..."
Ling Zixiao was at a loss for words upon hearing this.
He thought to himself that Lu Wangshu, being the beloved daughter of his husband, indeed could not be judged by common standards.
Knowing the disadvantages of a Talisman Cultivator, surely his husband was very much aware of them.
Itâs possible that he had already compensated for his daughterâs weaknesses.
With this in mind, Ling Zixiao looked at his son with a sense of resentment for his stubbornness and excessive pride.
Donât you know that a crying child gets the candy?
Your father has always preferred a gentle approach over a forceful one;
thatâs the strategy he succumbs to.
However, the son did inherit this temperament from his mother, and she didnât have much to say but simply consoled, "Itâs ok, Xiaoâer. Itâs good to exchange pointers with your Sister Wangshu on normal days."
"However, after the sparring, if there is anything unclear, you should ask your father for advice."
Although itâs likely that the son is no match for Lu Wangshu.
But on the path of cultivation, having such a talented sister to compete against can serve as motivation, and that in itself is a good thing for the son.
Besides, their father probably wouldnât be so biased to always watch his son being bullied by his daughter, right?
"Brother, sister is really nice, you just need to compliment her a few times..."
Lu Linghe spoke up for her sister from the side.
"Your brother and sister are just pushing each other forward and motivating each other, not truly having a feud," Ling Zixiao said warmly as she rubbed her daughterâs head.
This daughter was carefree and cheerful, adored by everyone in Blue Lake Mountain.
Although Lu Wangshu often teased Lu Linghe, she did take good care of her younger sister daily.
Otherwise, Lu Linghe wouldnât get along so well with Lu Wangshu.
"Oh, oh."
Lu Linghe nodded her little head, half-understanding.
After the meal, Ling Zixiao inquired about shops in the Marketplace that sold information to learn more about the Red Leaf Valley Market.
"It seems that this journey is going to be more troublesome."
Ling Zixiao looked at the information and let out a faint smile on her elegant face.
Then she gave a few instructions to her children and Lu Ruyi before leaving the Marketplace.
The trade convoy had not entered the Marketplace and stayed outside. Lu Pingâan was guarding here.
"Aunt, Ruyi, Ling Xiao, Xiaohe."
Lu Pingâan called out immediately when he saw Ling Zixiao and the others.
"Big Pot, I brought you something delicious."
Lu Linghe, very close to her eldest brother Lu Pingâan, cheerfully handed him the packed meal box.
"Thank you, Xiaohe."
Lu Pingâan responded with a smile.
"Pingâan, I heard some news in the Marketplace..."
Ling Zixiao stepped forward and shared the news from the Red Leaf Valley Market and some anticipated situations.
She indicated that there might be False Core Level forces directly intervening soon, so they had to be extra vigilant.
"Aunt, I understand."
After a slight surprise at the combat power of Lu Wangshu, Lu Pingâan nodded seriously.
The convoy then set off, with Lu Linghe cozily chatting and eating with her big brother.
"Big Pot, let me tell you, this is super delicious, so I ordered two."
"Big Brother canât finish so much, Iâll share some with you."
"Oh, Iâm already full... okay, Iâll just eat a little bit, just a tiny bit."
...
After leaving the Marketplace, the convoy headed towards a small Qi Refinement Family.
Dealing with a small family might not earn many Spirit Stones, but business is about accumulating small gains.
Moreover, trading with such small families can lead to partnerships or earn profit by hitching rides or taking advantage of opportunities along the way.
This day, as the convoy passed through a forest path, they saw three figures standing ahead, blocking their way with drawn swords and horses.
"May I ask if this is the Blue Lake Mountain Lu Family of the Evergreen Commerce Association?"
The person in the middle spoke.
He was in his thirties, with a heroic face, sword-like eyebrows extending into his temples, and his voice full of vigor.
Lu Pingâan stepped out of the carriage, exchanged a glance with his sister Lu Ruyi, and addressed the man seriously: "I am Lu Pingâan of Blue Lake Mountain. May I inquire the identity of your esteemed self?"
"Lingxi Lake, Xie Family, Xie Ying."
The man with sword-like eyebrows declared loudly.
"Lingxi Lake? One of the six False Core Families of the Qingyun Region, Lingxi Xie Family."
"Xie Ying, the fifth elder of the Xie FamilyâXie Ying!?"
Hearing this, both Lu Pingâan and Lu Ruyiâs expressions became slightly tense.
The other members of the convoy, upon hearing âLingxi Lakeâ, also expressed their surprise and some panic, not expecting to encounter a False Core Family blocking their way.
"The name of Blue Lake Mountain Lu Family is well known to us at Lingxi Lake."
"However, thereâs an unwritten rule between our families that to establish a commerce association, one must measure their strength."
"Therefore, today Xie is here on behalf of our family to witness the divine skills of our Daoist friend."
"If Daoist friendâs strength is extraordinary, not only will my Lingxi Xie Family support the establishment of your commerce association, we will also apologize for our impoliteness today."
"If Daoist friend does not possess the strength, it might be best to retreat now. After all, there are other powers behind that may block the way or even set an ambush and act insidiously."