(Continued)
Even though the initiation ceremony was to be held at noon, Li Zhuyuan had set off early in the morning, followed by Tan Wenbin, Runsheng, and Yin Meng.
Initially, they had thought to help with the moving, but upon arrival, they found that everything had already been done.
Old Granny Liu's move was quite straightforward; it merely involved the relocation of people.
All the furniture and belongings were left behind.
After all, the building belonged to her family, so wherever she placed them made no difference.
Li Zhuyuan and the others could only return to the school and then head to the professors' family quarters, which had row houses, though both the rooms and yards were rather small.
Tan Wenbin inquired about Luo Gong's original location, and upon arrival, they saw a man reinforcing the flower rack with a hammer in the small courtyard.
Li Zhuyuan called out, “Uncle Qin, the soy sauce bottle in the kitchen has fallen over.”
“Really? I must hurry and prop it back up,” Uncle Qin replied, nailing in the last peg before turning back to look at Li Zhuyuan, both exchanging a smile.
Li Zhuyuan clearly remembered a year ago, sitting on the bicycle of Uncle Qin, feeling strong and formidable back then.
Entering the courtyard, it was evident that Luo Gong had once put great effort into the design.
Though smaller than the previous building, it had its own charm and uniqueness.
Since Liu Yumei had gotten used to living in the little east room at Great Grandfather's place, she would undoubtedly adapt to the new place as well.
Most importantly, it was on-campus and very close to the dorms, making future visits much more convenient.
Upon entering, they discovered that Ah Li's room was located on the first floor facing the sun, boasting a floor-to-ceiling window looking out onto the yard.
To enter Ah Li’s room, one didn’t even have to go through the front door; simply crossing the small courtyard fence and stepping onto the lawn, they could slide the window open and come in.
For an ordinary person, it might seem a bit insecure, but for this family, security was the least of their worries.
However, the room was small and could only accommodate a bed, so Ah Li's painting and study desk were arranged in the second room on the first floor.
As for Liu Yumei and Aunt Liu, their bedroom had to be placed upstairs.
Seeing Runsheng and Wenbin had arrived, Aunt Liu couldn't help but slap her forehead. “Oh dear, just moved, and now we have to start working.”
The large pot of rice began boiling.
Li Zhuyuan savored the familiar flavors reminiscent of when they had been at Great Grandfather’s.
During the meal, Tan Wenbin asked, “Old Granny Liu, where are we having lunch today?”
Liu Yumei pointed with her chopsticks at the table in front of them, “We’ll eat at home.”
Tan Wenbin raised his head in confusion. “Will we fit?”
“Well, aren’t we seated now?”
Tan Wenbin realized, “So, there are no guests?”
“Who needs guests when the family is already all here?”
“Hehe, I thought you would invite some old friends to lighten the occasion. Looks like you've truly gotten used to simplicity and restraint," Tan Wenbin chuckled.
“In the past, we didn’t invite outsiders for initiation rites. It wouldn’t be a grand affair,” Liu Yumei said as she glanced at Li Zhuyuan, wiping the corners of her mouth. “Once initiated, whoever makes it out will know what they ought to. If someone couldn’t make it and invited outsiders for viewing, wouldn’t that just give them something to laugh about?”
Uncle Qin, sitting at the table, put down his chopsticks and lowered his head.
Li Zhuyuan understood that Uncle Qin had failed in his journey.
Liu Yumei blamed her hastiness for it, but he couldn't help but wonder what had been strong enough to stop Uncle Qin, given his skill.
Moreover, as they passed by Uncle Qin earlier in the courtyard, Li Zhuyuan had caught a whiff of herbal medicine emanating from him, indicating that Uncle Qin must have returned with injuries, and they were significant.
Casting a glance at Uncle Qin, Liu Yumei said lightly, “A Li, it’s time to eat.”
“Mm.” Uncle Qin picked up his chopsticks again, “Xiao Yuan won’t disappoint you.”
“Times have changed, and I've long let go,” she added, taking a sip of sweet pear soup after wiping her mouth again.
Some words are enough to be spoken; deceiving others doesn’t mean one can deceive oneself.
The ancestral legacy of the Qin and Liu families rested upon her shoulders.
To say she didn’t wish to see the splendor of the past would be false.
Yet, time had taught her tolerance and patience; she wouldn’t impose the same pressure on the youth that she once had on Qin Li.
On the contrary, she was more worried whether the youth would rush ahead too quickly, and that she would have to hold him back from moving too hastily, lest he falter.
After the meal, they enjoyed some leisure time, very much like the New Year, with everyone putting aside their tasks and gathering at home.
In the courtyard, Uncle Qin was critiquing Runsheng's physique.
“Runsheng, you have too much dead weight, and the stagnant energy in your body is too heavy.”
Having too much dead weight referred to relying solely on brute strength, while the stagnant energy was a trait of Runsheng’s body.
Li Sanjiang had once said that when Elder Shan picked up Runsheng, he realized the boy had been living off scraps of meat.
Therefore, there were many nuances regarding how Elder Shan had found Runsheng by the river, given that Elder Shan was a recovering corpse collector.
What was he really doing by the river?
Nevertheless, Elder Shan truly raised Runsheng as his own grandchild.
He didn’t wish to talk about the past anymore.
Deep down, he hoped Runsheng could live a normal life and not feel like an outcast.
Uncle Qin's comments made Runsheng feel somewhat ashamed.
Nervously, he looked towards the floor-to-ceiling window, where he saw the youth sitting shoulder to shoulder with Ah Li, playing chess.
Runsheng was well aware of how much the youth expected of him.
Perhaps having seen Uncle Qin's strength, the youth always hoped to become like Uncle Qin or even surpass him one day.
But now, it seemed he lacked that talent.
While playing chess, he was allowed to be distracted, after all, it was merely three boards of blind chess.
Thus, Li Zhuyuan heard Uncle Qin's words, but he felt no concern.
If Runsheng truly lacked talent, Uncle Qin would likely be too disinterested to reprimand him.
The more he belittled him, the more it represented a higher true regard in his heart, believing that an excellent seed should be granted better development.
Uncle Qin began to adjust the details of Runsheng's muscle empowerment step by step and taught him a tailored breathing method.
This showcased the importance of individuals within the inheritance system.
The person is the key to the transmission link; written records can only play a supplementary role.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Aunt Liu was guiding Yin Meng in making pastries.
Aunt Liu was very patient in her teaching, and the kitchen was filled with soft, quiet voices, with Yin Meng learning earnestly.
Once the first batch of pastries came out, Li Zhuyuan discerned a sharp smell, making him wonder if someone had lit a mosquito repellent.
Soon after, sounds of brushing teeth came from the bathroom on the first floor.
It was likely Aunt Liu; even for insect repellent, she needed to taste it herself.
Being a teacher is not an easy job.
Yin Meng stood at the kitchen door, hunching her shoulders and clenching her hands, resembling a child who had done something wrong.
This was quite normal; anyone would feel nervous if they nearly set something alight on their first day of cooking lessons.
Li Zhuyuan, Runsheng, and Tan Wenbin had long understood Yin Meng's cooking abilities; the more complicated the dish, the higher the chances it could turn toxic under her hands.
It was hardly surprising; she had kept to just boiled noodles with plain water and sometimes added soy sauce as her meal while alone in the coffin shop.
Whenever she stewed pig trotters, she wouldn't even pluck the hair but would merely boil it into oblivion.
As a genuine person from Sichuan, she shouldn't be relegated to just plain tastes at home.
However, Aunt Liu was much more loving than Uncle Qin.
“Meng Meng, you indeed have a talent for poison.”
High-end toxins only require simple ingredients.
That’s something others cannot easily learn; after all, if Yin Changsheng were indeed the legendary Emperor of Fengdu, then they really had someone from the underworld.
Fengdu… Fengdu…
Brother Liang had told her that if she was to visit Fengdu again, she should go soon.
The last time in Fengdu had only been a fleeting visit, but next time, Li Zhuyuan planned to explore its true secrets.
Just the image of Yin Fukai being carried away by the four ghosts after his death was enough to pique his curiosity.
Perhaps he could have a coffin custom-made large enough to lie in with Yin Meng, and then set up an illusion beforehand to fake his death.
Who knows? He might reach the afterlife of the Yin family.
Maybe, there, he could meet the Emperor of Fengdu.
But the question was, getting in was easy; how could he ensure he would make it out alive?
Tan Wenbin and Liu Yumei chatted together, surprising Liu Yumei, for she found discussing with this child quite enjoyable, causing her to unconsciously speak more.
Though Tan Wenbin had previously lived with Li Sanjiang, they hadn’t interacted much.
This was due to Liu Yumei looking down on him, and Tan Wenbin himself was always busy with school and practice, leaving no extra time.
Now, Liu Yumei began to understand why Li Sanjiang liked this boy so much.
Humans are just like that.
Once accustomed to high-quality things, they may seek something more grounded.
Having a child like Xiaoyuan around makes Zhuozhuang more appraised in contrast.
As the clock struck eleven, suddenly, the clear sky became overcast with dark clouds as a summer thunderstorm arrived quite suddenly—a common occurrence.
Tan Wenbin smacked his thigh. “Tsk, tsk, Old Granny, look, it seems the heavens are giving us face today.”
Liu Yumei stole a glance at Tan Wenbin but merely smiled without responding.
At that moment, Li Zhuyuan strode over and said to Liu Yumei, “Grandma, the ancestors of both families have signaled a good time for us.”
Liu Yumei pointed to Li Zhuyuan saying to Tan Wenbin, “Did you hear that? This is exactly what our new Dragon King should say.”
Tan Wenbin offered a wry smile. “Old Granny, isn’t this putting me in a tough spot? If I had Xiaoyuan’s brains….”
For a moment, he could hardly comprehend what he’d be like if he had Xiaoyuan’s mind.
Liu Yumei reached out and tapped Tan Wenbin lightly on the forehead. “What’s so hard about it? A small sailboat naturally must bow and scrape wherever it goes, but when the dragon king is on your boat, all you have to remember is one thing.”
“Old Granny, please teach me.”
“Just pretend you’re dead.”
With that, Liu Yumei turned and waved at Ah Li, who had come in with Xiaoyuan. “Come, it’s time for us to prepare for the main event.”
No guests, no lanterns, no banquets, not even a room large enough for the ceremony; one-third of the space was filled with ancestral tablets while two chairs were arranged at the lower end, and a mat placed between them.
In front of the mat, there were three lamps arranged.
One lamp had a deep python eye opened, the second with a golden dragon lifting its head, and the third with a phoenix perching on a tree.
They corresponded to initiation, journey, and return.
Only the Dragon King's family could afford such confidence to display the three lamps.
Other families may not be able to afford it but feared they couldn’t bear the weight.
Similarly, the disciples of other families may call their ventures "wandering" but not "journey."
The heavens have eyes and the rivers come to life; for those who boast openly, they would face immense pressure.
Today, Li Zhuyuan only needed to light the first lamp, signifying his initiation.
The second lamp would be lit at the time of his journey.
Once the second lamp was lit, it would indicate the beginning of his journey, and his fate would begin to shift; some things will be arranged to come towards him, even if he avoids seeking them.
When Aunt Liu introduced matters to him, it sounded strangely familiar.
Li Zhuyuan had even asked whether the family would be implicated when he embarked on his journey.
Aunt Liu responded that if he would represent the family name during his journey, then the family would inevitably be involved.
Regardless of the family, when disciples embark on their journey, they would first support their case; after all, a well-off family can bear such burdens.
But once sent forth, the following path must indeed be walked by the individual alone.
Firstly, whether he can truly transform from a chrysalis into a dragon depends on himself; secondly, the further he goes, the larger the entanglements, no matter how big the family business, they cannot support him indefinitely.
In simple terms, embarking on this journey is a gamble for the individual and the family behind him; at its essence, it’s a small bet against a big one.
If one puts everything at stake, it becomes meaningless.
As Aunt Liu mentioned “big families,” Li Zhuyuan instinctively glanced at the many tablets on the offering table.
If it weren’t for Runsheng, Wenbin, and Yin Meng joining today, a proper “family meal” could be eaten with just a wooden stool.
This was indeed… a big family.
However, with Uncle Qin and Aunt Liu along with Liu Yumei, he would still have support at the beginning of his journey, but when it comes to the later stages, his relationship with Liu Yumei would likely revert to how it had been in Great Grandfather's house.
They could share meals and live together, but not interfere with normal worldly matters.
As for the third lamp, representing the phoenix on the tree, it need not be lit by those who succeeded on their journeys; only those who withdrew need to light it; Uncle Qin had done so once.
Doing this implied forfeiting that opportunity.
Liu Yumei, dressed in a splendid green gown, sat on one side, while Ah Li, also adorned in red, sat on her right.
In today’s event, Liu Yumei represented the Liu family, while Ah Li, being a Qin, represented the Qin family; despite the gap in seniority, they still had to sit side by side as representatives for their ancestors.
Uncle Qin and Aunt Liu stood on either side, in their respective red and green martial attire.
Aunt Liu, while she ought to carry the Liu surname, had changed it to appear as a three-generation family while living with Li Sanjiang.
From the lights featuring dragons and phoenixes and their gowns, one could tell how grand such a family must have been in ancient times.
The sturdy cargo gang and the flowing court; through countless times of turmoil, the cargo gang has always been there.
Moreover, families like theirs often paid attention to luck and fengshui—hidden from the public eye—which allowed them to pass down through the shadows for a long time.
Li Zhuyuan stood before the mat.
Behind him, Yin Meng, Runsheng, and Tan Wenbin all held incense.
Space was limited, so they could only stand closely against the wall.
Liu Yumei spoke, “The conditions are modest; I apologize for any inconvenience.”
Li Zhuyuan responded, “The water doesn’t have to be deep; as long as there’s a dragon, it’s divine.”
Liu Yumei smiled and nodded.
She had the means for a grand affair at her old mansion in Jinling, yet she purposefully chose this confined space; the smaller the place, the more warmth it would reflect.
“Boom!”
The outside thunder grew louder, and lightning began to flicker.
Liu Yumei couldn’t help but glance out the window; the weather was quite lovely today.
The offering table was adorned with merely a few exquisite wooden tablets; were they all observing from outside?
Looking at Aunt Liu, Liu Yumei instructed, “Prepare to bow.”
Li Zhuyuan first bowed to Liu Yumei, who immediately got up to return the gesture.
Next, Li Zhuyuan proceeded to bow to Ah Li, but Uncle Qin stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Ah Li as her substitute.
Yet Ah Li stood up on her own.
Uncle Qin could only step back.
Ah Li returned the bow to Li Zhuyuan.
She knew many customs, but she simply didn’t desire to perform them for she was human.
Aunt Liu couldn’t help but smile inwardly, but in such a serious occasion filled with thunder, she had to suppress a smile.
She recalled how, back in Ding’s family in Shancheng, the elder had asked Xiaoyuan to act on behalf of Ah Li and sit on her behalf.
The old lady had only recently softened her tongue, but her actions had always been sincere.
Today, witnessing the two children bowing to each other, she could only hope for another round next.
Life indeed held considerable expectations.
From the moment Li Zhuyuan walked to Ah Li, holding her hand, she cherished this scene whenever the two children were together.
Every morning, before preparing breakfast, she would lean against the kitchen door, admiring the two children sitting on the terrace reading and playing chess, feeling sweetness before heading to the stove.
After the proper bows, it was now time to select the inheritance.
Liu Yumei had firmly decided to let the two children share the burden, but the necessary procedures still needed to be followed—they had to make one selection before she guided them to another.
Outside, the thunder rumbled, and Liu Yumei shot a glance: Why the haste?
Clearing her throat, Liu Yumei asked, “Li Zhuyuan, with the Qin and Liu families preceding, which door do you choose to enter?”
Li Zhuyuan looked at Ah Li and asked, “Is Ah Li entering the Qin family?”
Liu Yumei shook her head. “Our Ah Li has not yet joined the family.”
Having not yet entered, she was already ensnared by that group.
If she truly joined, they’d probably pursue her even more fiercely.
It was precisely for this reason that Liu Yumei had never held an initiation ceremony for Ah Li.
“Will Ah Li join in the future?”
“Once Ah Li recovers, she certainly will.”
“Which family will Ah Li join?”
“Whichever one you choose, Ah Li will surely join the other.”
As both a Liu family lady and a Qin family matron, she had to be equitable.
Li Zhuyuan could select one and then add another, allowing Ah Li to subsequently join the family he didn’t, ensuring not to draw criticism from either side.
“Li Zhuyuan, have you made your choice?”
“I’ve chosen; I’ll join both the Qin and Liu families.”
Liu Yumei faltered for a moment.
She hadn't expected the boy to be so astute, and she had even prepared to negotiate with him when bringing up the second option.
But upon reflecting on his previous statement, she quickly understood his intention.
In that instant, Liu Yumei nearly burst into laughter.
This little rascal was determined to have Ah Li as his junior sister!
What did he take the inheritance of the Qin and Liu families for—some toy to amuse a little girl?
Fortunately, the girl being teased was her own granddaughter; otherwise, Liu Yumei wouldn’t hesitate to stand up and scold anyone, no matter how brilliant.
Yet being so poked at her soft spot, it was aggravating, and she felt it was the perfect moment for laughter but refrained, knowing it’d be quite improper.
“Boom! Boom! Boom!”
The thunder raged, and in this family area, every electric TV, washing machine, and lightbulb that was plugged in was likely damaged.
With a loud “snap,” the breaker wasn’t sure if it had been hit or had tripped.
Each home was enveloped in darkness under the ominous clouds of noon.
Only here, having previously lit candles, remained mostly unaffected.
Liu Yumei rolled her eyes at the window: What a commotion! An old bunch, all they do is create chaos!
At this point, Liu Yumei flicked her fingers, and the Liu family token flew into Li Zhuyuan’s hands.
When Liu Yumei reached for the Qin family token beside Ah Li, she noticed Ah Li mimicking her earlier action, gently flicking the Qin family token towards Li Zhuyuan as well.
Li Zhuyuan stacked the two tokens together and knelt on the mat, placing the tokens on the dragon head of the first lamp.
The tokens ignited spontaneously, with flames cascading down like liquid mercury.
As the python lamp blazed, its eyes opened, locking gazes with the youth.
In this mysterious moment, Li Zhuyuan, well-versed in fate and fortune, sensed something within his destiny shifting at this very instance.
As the tokens burned down, Li Zhuyuan straightened up and bowed to the ancestral tablets on the offering table.
With every bow, thundering echoes resonated outside, as though in response.
This sight left Runsheng, Wenbin, and Yin Meng—who stood glued to the wall—wide-eyed.
They could see Xiaoyuan wasn’t consciously waiting for the thunderclap but was bowing steadily with his own pace.
Even considering the possibility of Xiaoyuan deliberately timing his bows to sync with the thunder, when has there ever been a rhythm where the same thunder struck nine times in a row?
The ceremony concluded.
The thunder ceased.
Liu Yumei spoke, “Bow to the Dragon King!”
Li Zhuyuan turned around, facing Runsheng, Wenbin, and Yin Meng.
The four knelt before each other, bowing three times.
Since Liu Yumei claimed she didn’t care about the formalities anymore, Li Zhuyuan genuinely followed the brotherly bowing ceremony.
Ending the bow to the Dragon King marked the beginning of Runsheng and the others’ identities as registered disciples of the Qin and Liu families.
Such familial gatherings like the one in Ding’s family, were passed down through this method long ago.
Li Zhuyuan turned once more, facing Liu Yumei, ready for the final guidance as the initiation ceremony reached its climax.
Liu Yumei said, “Li Zhuyuan, upon joining the Qin and Liu families, always strive forward, upholding the family honor; and in the future, as you embark…”
At this moment, the golden dragon on the second lamp suddenly lifted its head, its mouth opening, expelling flames.
The golden dragon raised its head, and the journey commenced!
Liu Yumei’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Uncle Qin and Aunt Liu looked equally stunned, for there had been no lamp lit, yet the wick ignited spontaneously.
Li Zhuyuan was surprised as well, but gazing at the burning light, he felt a sense of relief.
So he had indeed begun his journey long ago.
But at what exact moment had it started?
Runsheng and the others were equally curious, as Xiaoyuan had never lit a lamp.
In the entire place, only Ah Li’s expression remained unchanged, for the boy had shared all secrets with her.
Liu Yumei wore an incredibly grave expression.
She had intended to wait until the boy had fully grown before preparing more thoroughly for the ceremony, but now that the lamp was lit, the wooden boat had been sent adrift.
Unless they extinguished this flame and re-lit it, doing so would signal defeat, marking the failure of their journey.
Liu Yumei's hands trembled on the armrests of her chair, as if the solid wood was crumbling under her grip like mere foam.
Aunt Liu looked at Li Zhuyuan with evident concern; how difficult must this journey be for someone his age?
Uncle Qin's eyes displayed not only worry but also memories and hopes, and at a deeper level, a sense of release.
Having failed his journey for the Qin family, he hoped that someone could achieve success next.
Li Zhuyuan, however, adjusted his mindset faster, pointing at the lamp where the golden dragon had lifted its head with a calm look:
“That's great; I won’t have to bother searching anymore.”
Now that it stood like this.
Liu Yumei looked at the youth: “Xiao Yuan?”
Li Zhuyuan nodded.
Liu Yumei slowly stood up, stating:
“With utmost sincerity, I announce to the rivers and lakes: ‘From this day forth, both the Qin and Liu families will send their disciples on a journey!’”
(End of Chapter)