The Li family of five now shared another secret to protect together.  

Li Pingcan had indeed pondered whether a mortal lifespan of three hundred years was too exaggerated and might attract unwanted attention.  

But it was impossible to abandon such benefits just because of potential risks.  

"At worst, we can retreat deep into the mountains to live in seclusion. And with three hundred years, surely I'll encounter some immortal opportunities?"  

Come on, he was a Druid—nature's favored child!  

With accelerated spiritual herbs as daily meals, he could accumulate cultivation resources and build his own immortal practice grounds!  

Thinking this, his worries dissipated like the wind.  

…………  

"Dad, when can we go fishing again?" Li Pingcan asked eagerly.  

Pork in this world always carried a gamey smell, no matter how well prepared. Beef was forbidden, mutton too expensive, and chicken grew tiresome after a while.  

But fish was different—wild spotted silver carp tasted incredible, with firm yet tender flesh that wasn't greasy. Whether stewed or steamed, it lacked any muddy flavor.  

Paired with "delicious mushrooms," each bite brought layered umami that never got old.  

Of course, Mother's excellent cooking skills helped too.  

"Craving fish? Let's go right now."  

Li Rongzhou gathered his handmade fishing rod, net, and bait before walking ten li with his youngest son to a gourd-shaped river bend.  

Under clear skies and gentle breezes, they chose a shaded spot. Li Pingcan sat on a small stool, watching sunlight dance on the water while grinding his skill proficiency.  

Li Rongzhou used alcohol-soaked corn kernels as chum before casting two lines. "Want to try?" he asked his son.  

Li Pingcan shook his head—he only wanted to eat fish, not catch them. Standing motionless like a wooden stake seemed boring.  

Li Rongzhou laughed heartily. "You'll understand fishing's charm when you're older."  

Carefree, he reclined on the grass, hands behind his head, watching clouds drift like the flowing river.  

Soon enough—  

"Hey, got a bite!"  

Li Rongzhou sprang up, testing the line before lifting his hook.  

A palm-sized crucian carp emerged.  

"Good omen." Satisfied, he recast.  

Li Pingcan found it strange.  

Quick bites meant abundant fish—why were there no other anglers?  

After another incense stick's worth of time, splashing water and churning waves signaled a large silver carp struggling before finally being landed after an exhausting fight.  

The spectacle thrilled Li Pingcan so much he forgot about skill grinding, eyes glued to the action.  

Unable to resist, he blurted, "Dad, let me try!"  

"Told you it was fun!"  

Li Rongzhou chuckled before warning, "If it's big, let go immediately—don't get pulled in."  

"Got it!"  

……  

"Yes!"  

Li Pingcan proved lucky, quickly catching several yellow catfish until his cheeks flushed with excitement.  

Once he even hooked one without bait, making Li Rongzhou exclaim, "Miraculous!"  

'That's Druid power—the fish come willingly!' Li Pingcan preened.  

Then his float bobbed violently as unseen currents stirred beneath calm waters.  

The rod bent unnaturally, its resistance unlike before.  

Alert, Li Pingcan activated [Animal Affinity], sensing savage hostility.  

Hiss!  

This fish meant business!  

"Dad! Big one!"  

Not wanting to waste this rare catch after half a shichen, he held firm—what angler would surrender?  

Yet caution prevailed as [Thorn Whip] prepared to strike.  

"Splash!"  

As if sensing danger, the predator thrashed to escape.  

"No way I'm letting you go!"  

Just as Li Pingcan pulled, Li Rongzhou's thunderous shout came: "Can'er, release it!"  

"Snap!"  

Trusting instinctively, Li Pingcan let go—  

WHOOSH!  

A six-foot black monstrosity erupted skyward!  

The fishing pole whipped into the river with violent cracks, white spray exploding from the beast's raw power that could drown a grown man.  

No wonder no one fished here—only his daring father would attempt it!  

Before Li Pingcan could recover, the fish attacked!  

Its metallic fangs gleamed coldly as it lunged.  

"Thorn Whip!"  

"Dad!"  

Two "skills" activated simultaneously—entanglement and calling reinforcements!  

Though the barbed vines struggled against slippery scales, they bought precious seconds.  

"Scram!"  

Li Rongzhou's full-powered punch smashed the beast's eye, sending it crashing back.  

The predator hadn't expected its prey to have protection!  

Now it circled menacingly, its dark silhouette haunting the waters.  

"What fish is this?" Li Pingcan asked after retreating ashore.  

Being nature-attuned yet targeted as prey wasn't pleasant.  

Neither planned to spare the other—this was mutual hunting!  

But weak power made even curses seem cute—affinity meant nothing without strength.  

"A salamander carp."  

Shielding his son, Li Rongzhou pointed at the shadow. "Extremely vengeful—it'll keep attacking if we return."  

"Then strike first?" Li Pingcan hated passivity.  

But underwater, most skills like [Spores] or [Dance of the Wind] failed. Even [Thorn Whip] weakened against its armor-like scales and slime.  

Yet fish remained fish—counters existed.  

He awaited his father's decision—if denied, he'd avoid this river until strong enough to sacrifice this beast to heaven!  

Who said only salamander carp held grudges? Li Pingcan never forgot either!  

"It must be eliminated." Li Rongzhou hated losing this prime spot. After consideration, he said, "Hard to fight in water. But we can exploit its grudge—lure it ashore with traps for easier hunting."  

"Even if dragged in, my [Breath of the Tree] lets me hold breath underwater. In direct combat, I overpower it—low risk."  

His eyes gleamed. "This fish is rare Blood Qi medicine—extremely valuable at half a tael per jin. This one's worth twenty-five taels!"  

Twenty-five taels!  

Li Pingcan recalculated—five fives made twenty-five!  

Gazing back, the dark shadow now shimmered like silver treasure!