The Li family was no longer the destitute farming household that had fled famine years ago. With County Captain Li Pingfu and Chief Clerk Li Ping'an—one excelling in martial affairs, the other in civil administration—the family's influence in Yunshui County had reached its zenith.

As descendants of an immortal official lineage, the spiritual root assessment for their child couldn't be conducted as casually as commoners would. Magistrate Wen Yuzhi specially dispatched a Qi Refinement first-layer immortal master named Wang Xianshi, who brought the official spirit-testing artifact "Mirror of Immortal Reflection" to personally oversee the ceremony at their residence. This was both an honor and a demonstration of status.

"This child mustn't appear too exceptional," Li Pingcan thought anxiously on the eve of the test, watching his son chase butterflies in the courtyard. He knew better than anyone how his son's soul, nourished by the Druid training site, and his affinity with natural elements far surpassed ordinary children. If the test revealed some celestial-grade or mutated spiritual root, complications would surely follow. 

"The tallest tree catches the wind," as the saying goes. Though the Li family now held considerable power, they were still provincial frogs at the bottom of the Great Yu Dynasty's well—their foundations remained shallow. 

"I must suppress his results," Li Pingcan resolved, immersing his consciousness into the Emerald Dream. From an unopened white jade lotus bud, he carefully plucked a single seed—a manifestation of the training site's essence whose primary function was "obscuring heavenly secrets and returning to original simplicity."

That night, Li Pingcan stealthily approached his sleeping son's bedside and silently fused the lotus seed into Li Mengze's forehead. "Son, this is for your own good," he whispered. "We seek only the middle path—steady, stable, low-profile growth. That's our true strength."

The next morning, when Wang Xianshi descended gracefully on his crane into the Li family courtyard, Li Yuan was already waiting respectfully at the gate with Yunshui County's representatives. 

"Honored Immortal Master, your presence illuminates our humble abode!" Li Mengze greeted with a broad smile, bowing deeply with perfect courtesy.

Wang Xianshi, a seventy-year-old in official Taoist robes, maintained the aloof demeanor typical of cultivators but showed Li Yuan more politeness than usual given the family's rising status. A slight nod: "No need for formalities. By the magistrate's order, I've come to test the young master's immortal potential—merely fulfilling my duty."

"Please, honored master, we've prepared tea," Li Yuan said gracefully, gesturing toward the main hall.

Inside, the aroma of fine tea wafted through the air. Lady Qin and the other women had withdrawn, leaving only the Li men to host. 

"Master Immortal, are there any special preparations for the test?" Li Yuan couldn't hide his nervousness.

"None needed," Wang Xianshi sipped his tea. "Simply place his hand upon the Mirror of Immortal Reflection and clear his mind. If he has potential, it will show; if not, no force can change fate." Despite his words, his gaze subtly swept over the Li family members, inwardly marveling at their evident prosperity—the father's steadiness, the eldest son's martial prowess, the second son's strategic mind, and even the rarely seen third son exuded an inscrutable calm.

Just then, Xie Yuan led five-year-old Li Mengze by hand from the inner chambers. The rosy-cheeked boy's grape-like eyes sparkled with innocent curiosity as he studied the unfamiliar "Immortal Uncle" without a trace of shyness.

"This is your son?" Wang Xianshi's eyes showed approval. 

"My unworthy child Mengze," Li Pingcan stood, gently pushing his son forward. "Mengze, greet Master Wang properly."

"Greetings, Immortal Uncle." The boy bowed flawlessly.

"Good, good child." Wang Xianshi produced a palm-sized ancient mirror with jade-like luster. "Place your hand here."

When Li Mengze's small palm touched the mirror's surface, the hall became so quiet one could hear a pin drop. Li Yuan's grip tightened on his chair armrest while Lady Qin behind the screen nearly choked on her pounding heart.

One breath... Two... Three...

The mirror remained lifeless. 

An awkward tension filled the room as Li Yuan's smile stiffened. Wang Xianshi sighed inwardly—it seemed the Li family's luck had run dry.

Then—"Hummm!"

The ancient mirror suddenly vibrated with a clear chime as pure emerald light blossomed from its depths, growing steadily brighter until it dominated the mirror's surface!

"Wood Spiritual Root—Upper Grade!" Wang Xianshi shot to his feet, voice trembling with shock.

The courtyard erupted in jubilation. 

"Heaven blesses the Li family! Three outstanding generations, and now this prodigy!"

"Did they bury their ancestors on a dragon vein? Such fortune!"

Envy, admiration, awe—complex emotions swirled through Peach Blossom Village.

"Your family will soar to new heights," Wang Xianshi congratulated, unable to mask his own envy—his spiritual root was merely lower-grade. For a commoner, upper-grade spiritual roots often invited jealousy, but the Li family's wealth and connection to the powerful Mu clan ensured the boy's safety.

Before the news could spread beyond the village, unexpected guests arrived. 

A plain blue-curtained carriage stopped at the Li family's side gate, disgorging an elegant middle-aged man in green robes—a representative from the reclusive Su family of Cloud Spirit Mountain, who never interacted with mortals. Their unprecedented visit spoke volumes.

Meanwhile, an ornate carriage bearing the Mu clan's prefectural insignia parked directly before the Li residence. Out stepped none other than Mu Hong, the Mu family patriarch himself—hale and hearty, laughing heartily as he clasped Li Yuan's hands: 

"Dear son-in-law! I've missed Nian and Nianjun terribly and came uninvited—don't blame this old man's impulsiveness!" 

Though his sharp eyes betrayed his true purpose—stealing glances at Li Mengze with poorly concealed satisfaction. His perfectly timed "visit" came despite never previously setting foot in Peach Blossom Village or meeting his in-laws.

Mu Hong's arrival was like a boulder dropped into still waters, sending ripples through the community. The personal appearance of a prefectural clan head wasn't just an honor—it was tacit endorsement.

After three rounds of drinks and five courses of dishes, Magistrate Wen Yuzhi arrived belatedly with congratulations, greeting Mu Hong with the deference of a junior.

"Magistrate Wen, though this child shows promise, his future still requires the dynasty's nurturing," Mu Hong hinted meaningfully.

The shrewd magistrate immediately caught his drift: "Elder Mu, rest assured. Chief Clerk Li is our county's pillar, making young Mengze our local prodigy. I've already written to the prefecture securing him a spot at Pine Ridge Academy—direct admission under imperial immortal masters' tutelage. His future is limitless!"

Pine Ridge Academy! The Great Yu Dynasty's exclusive institution for cultivating future immortal officials, accessible only to geniuses or scions of powerful families. The Lis were overjoyed.

Yet Xie Yuan clutched her son's hand tightly, showing no delight. She cared not for glory, only her child's safety—who knew whether becoming an immortal would bring fortune or calamity?

Noticing her worry, Li Pingcan squeezed her hand reassuringly: "Don't fear. I'm here."

Her brow smoothed as she murmured assent.

Then a serene voice floated from the doorway: 

"The imperial court offers splendid worldly prospects, but for true immortal cultivation, it's ultimately inferior."

All turned to see a white-haired elder in Seven Stars Sect robes enter with transcendent grace. His gaze swept the room before settling approvingly on Li Mengze.

"This child's bone structure is extraordinary—destined for our path." Addressing the family, he declared: "I am an outer sect elder of Seven Stars Sect. Today I break precedent to accept him as my personal disciple. Our sect provides all necessary techniques, pills, and artifacts—I guarantee Foundation Establishment within a century!"

A century to Foundation Establishment! Compared to the vague "limitless future" promised by the academy, this offer was concrete and tempting. Two weighty olive branches—one representing imperial power and status, the other longevity and strength—now lay before the Li family.

...

Late that night, in the Li family's secret chamber, candlelight stretched the shadows of four men along the walls.

"Well? Speak your minds," Li Rongzhou broke the silence, turning to his youngest son. "Can'er, as Mengze's father, you first."

After contemplation, Li Pingcan said: "I want him to choose the dynasty."

"The dynasty?" Li Rongzhou frowned. "Are you certain? The sect promises Foundation Establishment in a century—what greater opportunity exists? The imperial court is treacherous—your second brother's struggles there are no secret. Heavenly favor comes with constraints. What's granted today may be reclaimed tomorrow. With our first immortal seedling, why not let him pursue pure cultivation?"

As a grandfather, he simply wished his grandson longevity and freedom.

Li Ping'an nodded yet offered a different view: "Father's concerns are valid, but everything has tradeoffs. Though bound by laws, the court operates by rules. Here in Yunshui County, with his uncles' protection and our connections, none would dare harm Mengze." His expression darkened. "Remember Cousin Li Fang's daughter Li Qian? She died mysteriously after being taken by sect recruiters. Sect life follows the strong—more cutthroat than court politics. Though we're no longer powerless like Li Fang's family, we must still guard against Seven Stars Sect's methods."

Li Pingcan added: "Precisely because the court has rules, we must join and shape them, not be constrained. Sects appear free but follow survival of the fittest—far more dangerous. At the academy, with our support and the Mu clan's backing, Mengze can grow safely." 

Crucially, with his Druid training site, Li Pingcan could accept the dynasty's benefits while rejecting its control—keeping the candy but spitting out the poison.

The pros and cons laid bare, Li Pingfu finally conceded: "No objections. My brothers argue well—at least the court has 'rules.'"

Li Rongzhou sighed deeply: "So be it. Since you've considered everything, proceed as you've decided."

Thus in the candlelit chamber, Li Mengze's enrollment at Pine Ridge Academy was settled.

When news that Seven Stars Sect immortals had sought Li Mengze reached Li Yuan's ears, his teacup trembled violently, spilling scalding liquid unnoticed on his hand.

How many years had passed? Ten? Twelve? He only remembered his younger sister Li Qian promising to return with longevity pills before the immortals took her away—never to be heard from again. 

This long-buried grief now flared like rekindled embers.

"Pingfu!" Li Yuan's red-rimmed eyes betrayed his agitation. "I heard... Seven Stars Sect immortals came?"

Seeing his friend's desperate hope, Li Pingfu sighed inwardly before nodding calmly.

"Did you... ask about my little sister Li Qian?" Li Yuan's voice grew strained. "Is she... well?"

Silence.

"Yuanzi," Li Pingfu averted his gaze, voice heavy. "Stop searching."

All color drained from Li Yuan's face—he understood.

"Who killed her?" Li Yuan's head snapped up.

"Yuanzi!" Li Pingfu's sharp rebuke cut off his delusions. "This ends here. Remember—immortals and mortals are worlds apart."

Worlds apart! The words struck like ice water. They were mere ants—would immortals care about crushing one?

Overwhelmed by helplessness, Li Yuan buried his face in his knees, shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs. Finally rising unsteadily, he bowed deeply to Li Pingfu, voice hoarse: "I understand."

His desolate departure painted a picture of utter solitude.

From a nearby corridor, Li Pingcan witnessed everything with a heavy heart. The chasm between immortals and mortals was unbridgeable. Mortal emotions weighed less than goose down to cultivators. This powerlessness only strengthened his resolve to grow stronger.

...

At their Peach Blossom Village home, the Mulberry Spirit Tree now stood tall, radiating vitality.

"Ze'er, know why I chose the academy over keeping you home?" Li Pingcan asked gently, though his eyes probed deeply.

The boy's jade-like face tilted upward, his Insight into Good and Evil eyes displaying uncanny maturity. "Because home is too small for my future."

Astonished and pleased by his seven-year-old's wisdom, Li Pingcan ruffled his hair. "What else hides in that little head?" Growing serious, he continued: "You're right, but incomplete. Your immortal potential runs deeper than you know."

He didn't reveal Li Mengze's true earth-grade spiritual root—exceptionally rare in the Great Yu Dynasty. If upper-grade roots like Li Qian's invited murder, earth-grade exposure would doom their fledgling family.

To teach discretion, he shared their buried history: "Ze'er, know your Uncle Li Yuan had a younger sister named Li Qian?"

At the boy's headshake, Li Pingcan recounted how Li Qian's upper-grade spiritual root led to her murder and identity theft by sect members. His calm narration couldn't mask the warning beneath.

After hearing the story, Li Mengze neither cried nor feared, but stated with unsettling composure: 

"Father, I understand. Aunt Qian's mistake wasn't her spiritual root, but her family's inability to protect it. 'Treasures invite thieves'—weakness is the original sin."

Li Pingcan's last worries dissolved—his son's temperament matched his talents. "Good. At the academy, conceal your gifts. The middle path endures. Never neglect Breath of the Tree and Five Spirit Play training. Strong foundations let you cast spells faster and withstand spiritual energy better."

"Yes, Father." The boy nodded solemnly before his bright eyes twinkled mischievously. "But Father... you know so much about immortal techniques... are you... an immortal too?"

Li Pingcan merely smiled, tapping his son's forehead without reply.