No hesitation—action was taken immediately.  

First, the entire formation was carefully dismantled.  

Li Pingcan did not rush to set up the formation. Instead, following the Formation Spirit’s guidance, he re-refined and purified every piece of spirit material, removing impurities to increase their affinity with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.  

Only then did he begin the actual formation setup.  

Spiritual energy flowed through his fingertips as his brush danced like a dragon and serpent, tracing the formation patterns with fluid, seamless movements. Every turn and connection perfectly aligned with the principles of the formation, causing the spiritual energy to resonate in harmony.  

What used to take several hours was now completed within the time of burning a single incense stick, transforming the formation entirely.  

When he planted the final formation flag in its designated spot, countless faint golden lines flickered across the ground of the Li family mansion before vanishing into thin air.  

“Activate!”  

At his low shout, a force far deeper and more profound than before instantly enveloped the entire estate.  

Li Pingcan released his divine sense and was astonished to discover that, in his perception, the Li family mansion had truly “disappeared.”  

No, more precisely, it had turned into the most ordinary civilian residence, without a trace of spiritual energy fluctuations, as if completely fused with the surrounding environment.  

“This is the true art of hidden profound concealment! Deceiving the heavens and crossing the seas, flawless and watertight!”  

The sense of security was absolutely reassuring!  

Moreover, this concealment formation could be continuously improved and upgraded, incorporating precious top-tier materials, even reaching the level of “deceiving the Golden Core.”  

“With the concealment formation done, it’s time to rebuild the Spirit Gathering Formation.”  

Li Pingcan immediately set about upgrading the Spirit Gathering Formation without pause.  

Though still limited by the thin spiritual energy in Peach Blossom Village, the efficiency of gathering spiritual energy had increased severalfold.  

The mulberry spirit sapling, nurtured by the enhanced formation, happily stretched its branches and leaves, shimmering with a bright glow.  

Li Pingcan’s mood was extremely pleasant. He planned to rest for a moment before taking the golden eagle to Spirit Mountain to renovate the “cave dwelling” formation for spirit gathering and concealment.  

“It’s also time to take Little Gold to see the real sky.”  

The golden eagle, Little Gold, quietly stood on the Mulberry Spirit Tree, preening its newly grown, brilliantly golden feathers, casting a huge black shadow on the ground.  

After months of care, it had long since restored its majestic form, its eyes no longer dead but filled with deep reliance and closeness toward Li Pingcan.  

“Little Gold, want to fly around outside?” Li Pingcan asked.  

Little Gold tilted its head and affectionately rubbed its beak against Li Pingcan’s hand.  

...........  

In the new house.  

Xie Yuan had arranged her hair in the style of a married woman, her expression gentle as she brewed tea for Li Pingcan. This new residence was adjacent to the courtyard where Li Pingcan used to live. It covered a wide area and even had a koi pond, with winding paths leading to secluded spots.  

The former courtyard was converted into a study where Li Pingcan occasionally stayed.  

“Yuan Yuan, you’ve worked hard.” Li Pingfu wore a look of guilt. Because of Xie Yuan’s situation, he had been somewhat absent-minded lately. After all, Xie Yuan’s psychological issues were quite serious.  

“Supporting my husband is my duty.”  

Xie Yuan was very content with her current life. The Li family was thriving, and as a new wife of the family, both sister-in-law Jiang Ling’er and second sister-in-law Mu Wanqiu treated her kindly. The Li couple regarded her as their own daughter, never speaking harshly.  

There were no messy power struggles; every day she could enjoy watching flowers and feeding fish—a comfortable life, peaceful and serene.  

Xie Yuan understood clearly that as an orphan, if not for the Li family’s care from childhood, she would never have such a peaceful life now. Therefore, she was grateful, not competitive or demanding.  

“I want to enter seclusion for a few days.”  

Li Pingcan smiled, “If there’s anything you need to handle, you can tell me now.”  

“Seclusion?”  

Xie Yuan was slightly stunned but nodded.  

She was already used to her husband’s busy schedule. He dealt with important matters, so she could never blame him for slowing down.  

“There is one thing I need to trouble Tianjun with.”  

Xie Yuan’s expression turned somewhat sorrowful. “I want to bring my grandfather’s, grandmother’s, and mother’s ashes here to worship.”  

The wilderness was desolate, dust rolling everywhere, covered with yellow sand.  

Now that she was grown, she wanted to contribute her small part by establishing a shrine for the Xie family to honor her relatives.  

Li Pingcan naturally agreed. This was her filial piety, and he planned to entrust the Weiyuan Escort Agency to handle it.  

.............  

Little Gold was a bit hesitant.  

It weakly flapped its wings twice, gazing at the vast world outside. A flicker of retreat appeared in its eyes as its body instinctively shifted backward.  

The shadows of the past still clung to it like nightmares.  

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here with you.”  

Li Pingcan sensed Little Gold’s fear and gently stroked its head. “The outside world is wonderful. You are the king of the sky; you shouldn’t be trapped in this tiny courtyard.”  

With constant reassurance, the fear in Little Gold’s eyes gradually faded. The moment its claws stepped beyond the mansion and touched the outside ground, its feathers trembled slightly.  

Li Pingcan didn’t rush it, quietly accompanying it by its side.  

Little Gold tentatively flapped its wings, and an air current lifted its body slightly off the ground.  

“Caw!”  

It let out a cry filled with some determination, then suddenly flapped its wings fiercely!  

“Whoosh!”  

A fierce wind surged as Little Gold’s massive body shot skyward!  

The moment it flew out of the courtyard wall, seeing the rapidly receding fields and villages beneath, its body stiffened noticeably, and panic flashed in its eyes.  

“Little Gold, don’t be afraid.”  

Li Pingcan’s consciousness flowed through their bond like a warm stream, soothing the golden eagle’s restless heart.  

The long-lost feeling of weightlessness, the howling wind by its ears, and the low-altitude airflow made the flight feel like a rebirth.  

Flying higher and higher, it pierced through the clouds, basking under golden sunlight, enjoying the touch of wind flowing over its wings, overlooking the vast earth below.  

“Caw!”  

A clear and high-pitched eagle cry rang through the sky.  

From now on, it was free from its cage, reborn anew!  

............  

One man and one eagle sped toward Spirit Mountain.  

Seeing Li Pingcan transformed into the nightingale form, Little Gold’s face showed a human-like expression of curiosity.  

“I can transform into a flying bird, water beast, or walking beast,” Li Pingcan explained. “I can also become a golden eagle.”  

Then, he changed midair into a golden eagle far more robust and majestic than Little Gold, proudly soaring the sky.  

“Caw! That’s amazing!”  

A sense of admiration streamed from the contract into Li Pingcan’s consciousness as Little Gold’s eyes sparkled, nearly glowing.  

“Heh, it’s just a little trick, but you have to keep it secret.” Li Pingcan warned.  

As his animal companion, Little Gold could never betray him; the only risk was being tricked by others, so he needed to strengthen this aspect of teaching.  

At present, besides himself, Little Gold wouldn’t even approach Xie Yuan. To outsiders, it seemed like a “reclusive patient.”  

Spirit Mountain was right ahead.  

Passing through the mist formation, the two birds finally arrived at Listening Wind Cliff.  

On Listening Wind Cliff, clouds and mist swirled. The mountain breeze gently brought the scent of grass and trees mixed with rich spiritual energy.  

Little Gold comfortably ruffled its feathers. The spiritual energy here was far purer and more pleasant than in Peach Blossom Village.  

“This will be our secret base from now on.”  

Little Gold chirped happily.  

Li Pingcan began a new round of “infrastructure mania.”  

First, he completely dismantled the “crude” Spirit Gathering Formation he had previously set up on Listening Wind Cliff.  

“Tsk, tsk, it’s truly unbearable to look at.”  

He shook his head as he worked. Now that he had orthodox inheritance and a broader perspective, looking at his old work was an insult to the art of formation arrays.  

Then, he took out all the best materials he had saved. He drew the formation diagram, laid the formation foundation, placed the formation eye... setting up a truly perfect, deluxe version of the Spirit Gathering Formation!  

“The Five Elements revolve, heaven and earth return to origin, spiritual energy converges into veins, begin!”  

“Boom!”  

A muffled sound, as if from deep within the earth, resounded. Centered on the formation, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within several miles seemed to be invisibly pulled, transforming into visible streams of light flowing like converging rivers toward Listening Wind Cliff.  

The moss on the cliff wall grew visibly fast. Several ordinary wildflowers bloomed with vibrant colors within just a few breaths.  

Standing at the formation’s center, Li Pingcan felt the pure and mighty spiritual energy washing over his body, every pore seemingly breathing joyfully.  

“The richness of this spiritual energy rivals that of a true first-tier lower-grade spiritual vein!”  

He could hardly believe his senses!  

A natural spiritual vein was a treasure created by heaven and earth, a rare ground sought after fiercely by sects and families.  

Yet now, he had artificially created a similar blessed place with his own power.  

Although only the lowest grade of spiritual vein, its value was beyond any spirit stone measurement!  

“This is the wonder of formation arrays.”  

Choosing formations was truly worthwhile. If it were talismans or pills, such miraculous creation would be impossible, nor would it be good for hiding oneself.  

Li Pingcan once again thanked himself for his choice in the Dragon Palace.  

..........  

The drastic change in spiritual energy first alerted the “natives” of Spirit Mountain.  

“What’s going on? Why is the spiritual energy running crazy toward Listening Wind Cliff?”  

Spirit Bear, Bear Second, was scratching his belly comfortably when suddenly he sat upright, confusion filling his large copper-colored eyes.  

“What an overbearing way of gathering spiritual energy!”  

The splendid Tiger Elder suddenly opened his beast eyes, golden pupils flashing sharp light. He gazed toward Listening Wind Cliff, feeling the nearly tangible vortex of spiritual energy, filled with astonishment.  

In an instant, Ape Third, Crane Fourth, Deer Fifth, and others were also alerted. Five figures converged toward Listening Wind Cliff.  

When they arrived at the cliff’s top, panting, the scene before them made them all gasp.  

The once tranquil Listening Wind Cliff had transformed into a fairyland.  

Thick spiritual energy slowly flowed between the cliffs. A passing colorful butterfly inhaled the overflowing spiritual energy and drunkenly fell into the flower bushes.  

“Is this... the handiwork of Venerable Nightingale?”  

Crane Fourth stretched her elegant neck long, her tone full of disbelief. Such an earth-shaking method was unheard of.  

“Who else could it be?”  

Tiger Elder said solemnly, his tone filled with deep reverence.  

Most spirit beasts did not understand human cultivators’ formations, but the Venerable Nightingale’s formations were becoming more and more powerful, likely beyond their imagination.  

At that moment, a clear eagle cry pierced the sky. Little Gold dived from the clouds and landed steadily on Listening Wind Cliff.  

The five spirits’ gaze was instantly drawn to the majestic golden eagle.  

“What a strong bloodline aura!”  

Tiger Elder’s body trembled, feeling a pressure from the depths of bloodline power wash over him.  

As king of the mountain, ordinary treasure beasts bowed before him, but in front of this golden eagle, he felt his blood qi circulation slow.  

“This is...”  

Bear Second stammered, pointing at the golden eagle, “This is an Innate Spirit Beast! And its bloodline rank is extremely high. It’s probably a descendant of a different species!”  

These words shocked Ape Third and Crane Fourth beyond measure.  

Innate Spirit Beasts were one in ten thousand. Those with such strong bloodlines had limitless potential, even possibly breaking through bloodline limitations to glimpse legendary higher realms.  

Their eyes toward Li Pingcan shifted from initial awe to complete reverence.  

Not only was his personal strength unfathomable, but his formation arts were profound. Now, having tamed such a partner with infinite potential, the Venerable Nightingale’s background was likely far more mysterious than they imagined.  

“Venerable Nightingale, who is this young friend?” Tiger Elder asked respectfully and tentatively.  

“It’s called Little Gold, my companion.” Li Pingcan in nightingale form perched atop Little Gold’s head. He had long noticed the five spirits’ presence; they were not hiding, and this was to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.  

Upon hearing this, the five spirits immediately retracted their aura and showed friendly gazes toward Little Gold.  

However, Little Gold puffed up, feathers bristling, eyes sharp and vigilant, clearly wary of strangers.  

Even with Li Pingcan’s soothing, it maintained this guarded attitude.  

“This kid is shy.”  

Li Pingcan explained helplessly, inwardly sighing.  

Little Gold’s psychological trauma was far worse than expected. To make it fully open its heart and integrate into the spirit beast circle would likely take a long time.  

Seeing this, the five spirits did not disturb further and instead marveled at Li Pingcan’s formation once again.  

“Venerable Nightingale, your formations are becoming increasingly marvelous. Could you... upgrade mine as well?”  

Tiger Elder rubbed his paws sheepishly and asked.  

“Happy to help.”  

Li Pingcan gladly agreed. They were neighbors after all, and distant relatives were no match for close neighbors. There would be many opportunities for mutual aid in the future.  

.............  

Meanwhile, in Yunshui County, the back hall of the county government.  

Li Pingfu frowned deeply, studying the dossier in his hands.  

Since taking the position and with the old county committee uninterested in managing affairs, he had gradually begun cleaning up the county’s long-standing corrupt patrol camp.  

He enforced strict rewards and punishments, wiped out gangs in the county, and targeted scoundrels who abused their power to oppress the people. He promoted talented brothers like Xie Xiaodao regardless of relations, bringing new vigor to the patrol camp.  

Of course, he avoided confrontation with the county magistrate Liang’s appointed officials by “gifting” them and stepping back.  

The common people applauded his efforts, but these moves thoroughly angered entrenched old forces in the county.  

“First Wang Zhao fell, then the Zhou family was wiped out, but countless small clans keep rising, colluding with gangs, trying to control both black and white, with their hands in everything.”  

The dynasty flows like water, but the “aristocratic families” are ironclad. Even in a small county, this was evident.  

............  

In a secret residence in Yunshui County, dimly lit.  

Several men with gloomy expressions sat around a table. The leader was a distant relative of the former Zhou family named Zhou Tong.  

After the Zhou family’s downfall, he still maintained a sizable gang force in the county through hidden wealth and connections from earlier years, becoming the gang leader.  

“This Li Pingfu is just a muddy country bumpkin. He dares to climb on our heads and defecate just because of a little brute strength!”  

A broad-faced man slammed his wine cup heavily on the table, cursing fiercely.  

“Boss Wang is right!” another man agreed, “With what he’s done, eight out of ten of our spots can’t keep running. The brothers have no food to eat!”  

Zhou Tong coldly swept the crowd with his gaze and said sinisterly, “Just cursing is useless. Li Pingfu is an Innate expert now, with his immortal official younger brother and Jiang family backing him. If he openly comes at us, who can match him?”  

The crowd immediately fell silent, their faces filled with resentment and unwillingness.  

“Then... do we just let it go?”  

“Of course not!” Zhou Tong’s eyes flashed with cruelty, “If we can’t do it openly, we do it in secret!”  

He lowered his voice, a strange smile on his face. “Li Pingfu has no parents, no wife, no friends? We’ll kidnap them all. Won’t be long before Li Pingfu surrenders!”  

As soon as Zhou Tong said this, the noisy room instantly turned deathly silent except for heavy breathing.  

All eyes focused on Zhou Tong’s face.  

“Kidnap?”  

Boss Wang was stunned for a moment, hesitation showing on his rugged face. “Master Zhou, this is a death sentence. Li Ping’an is an immortal official, Li Pingfu is County Captain Zuo Wu. If we touch their families and the officials investigate...”  

“Hah! What’s there to fear? It’s a do-or-die fight! If they won’t let us live, we’ll kill them!”  

Zhou Tong sneered contemptuously, “Li Ping’an and Li Pingfu are just clerks, not real officials. We act cleanly with no evidence. Who would know it was us? Besides, Li Pingfu is tough as iron. How many nails can he crush? No matter how strong, he’s human and has weaknesses!”  

He suddenly turned around, eyes filled with ferocity as he scanned the crowd. “His parents are in Peach Blossom Village, a pair of old half-buried corpses. The brothers are all Divine Execution Realm experts. Capturing them won’t be harder than crushing two ants!”  

These words instantly ignited the wicked thoughts in everyone’s hearts.  

“Right! Why didn’t I think of that!”  

A sharp-faced man shouted excitedly, “Isn’t Li Pingfu protecting those peasants? Let’s grab his parents. If he doesn’t obey, we’ll torture them one by one! I want to see if this great hero will save his parents or those peasants!”  

“Heh heh heh, and that Miss Jiang too...” a man let out a lecherous laugh.  

“Ha ha!”  

The suppressed atmosphere broke as the whole room erupted with laughter.  

They seemed to already see Li Pingfu kneeling and begging bitterly, this new County Captain’s dignity ruined, being toyed with like a dog.  

The thrill of crushing the strong beneath their feet made every man’s blood boil.  

Zhou Tong looked at their reactions with satisfaction. This was exactly the effect he wanted. He raised his cup high, his voice hoarse and excited:  

“Brothers! Fortune favors the bold!”  

“To it!”  

“Master Zhou is right! Let’s do it!”  

Everyone raised their cups, hesitation replaced by twisted excitement.  

Zhou Tong said grimly, “It’s decided! Split into two teams. One scouts Peach Blossom Village, remember: only investigate, don’t alert anyone! The other watches his brothers closely!”  

“Got it!”  

Cups clinked, wine splashed, reflecting twisted, sinister smiles.