"Foundation Establishment Pill!"  

Li Pingcan's heart raced with excitement. The pill felt warm and smooth in his hand, its surface etched with faint, shimmering patterns. As he brought it closer, instead of the expected medicinal aroma, he detected a refreshing scent reminiscent of new life in early spring—as if holding a tender sprout rather than a pill.  

With this pill, his path would be further enhanced!  

Having just reached the first layer of Qi Refinement with an unstable foundation, he had been worrying about solidifying his cultivation path. And now, this Foundation Establishment Pill had descended like a gift from heaven.  

The Dragon Palace's rewards were truly extraordinary. Compared to pills that directly boosted cultivation, this spiritual pill that improved one's foundation and tempered the body was far more precious. The firmer the foundation, the further one could tread the path of cultivation.  

Even a towering structure needs a foundation spanning hundreds of feet.  

"Little Carp, let me see! What treasure is it?"  

The Green Jiao slithered over, its golden serpent eyes brimming with curiosity and envy. Having just broken through to the second level of the first rank, it was in a state of giddy excitement, its massive serpent head nearly pressing against the pill.  

"It doesn't smell fragrant. Will it even taste good? How about I help you test it?"  

"Test my foot!" Li Pingcan shot it an exasperated glance. "This is a Foundation Establishment Pill, meant to stabilize one's cultivation foundation—not a snack for you!"  

He explained the pill's effects, leaving the Green Jiao astonished. "Your cultivation speed is already freakishly fast—you're practically not even a fish! With this pill, won't you be like a fish in water?"  

"Likewise. Your meat-based leveling speed isn't very serpent-like either." Unbeknownst to the Green Jiao, Li Pingcan also envied its dragon-blooded luck.  

"When do you plan to take this pill? Do you need me to guard you?"  

"No time like the present."  

Was there any cultivation site more secure and hidden than the Dragon Palace?  

At this thought, he recalled the "contraband" back home—his Refining Qi Technique and the Mysterious Record of the Blessed Heaven Spirit. He decided to store them in the Dragon Palace, treating it as a massive vault.  

That could wait for later.  

Li Pingcan opened his fish mouth and swallowed the Foundation Establishment Pill in one gulp.  

As the pill entered his stomach, the expected explosion of spiritual energy and searing meridians never came.  

Instead, an incredibly gentle warmth slowly radiated from his dantian, like a spring rain in March—soft, silent, and nourishing. Wherever this warmth passed, his meridians seemed to be massaged, widened, and reinforced by invisible hands.  

The minor blockages left behind from forcibly absorbing the Fire Spirit Mushroom and the demon crab's flesh silently dissolved under this warmth.  

He was like an unpolished jade, and the pill's potency was the most skilled artisan, meticulously carving and refining him without rush or negligence.  

Comfortable and refreshing—it felt as if every corner of his body had been cleansed, reborn and returned to purity.  

Even more astonishing was the newfound clarity and sharpness of his spiritual sense. Previously, sensing the world had been like viewing it through frosted glass—colors distinguishable but ultimately blurred, like the moon in a mirror or flowers in water.  

Now, that frost had been wiped clean. The world seemed washed by rain—crystalline and luminous.  

"So this is how it is. A solidified foundation also strengthens spiritual sense."  

Just as physical enhancement improves endurance and strength, these aspects are interconnected.  

Zhou Junzhi's mind settled. The more potent the pill, the milder and steadier its effects—like hearing thunder in silence.  

Comfortable. Liberated.  

Pill consumption truly was exhilarating!  

Filled with soaring confidence, Li Pingcan gazed at the Dragon Palace. "I challenge the third floor!"  

"Good brother, such ambition!" The Green Jiao cheered excitedly, more thrilled than if it were attempting the challenge itself. "Crush it!"  

[Human Li Pingcan has entered the Dragon Palace's third floor: Hundred Battles Hall trial.]  

[Trial requirement: Hold out against a *Water Dragon Guard* for the duration of one incense stick.]  

The scenery shifted once more. No longer an illusory test of willpower, he now stood in an endless white jade training ground.  

At its center, seawater coalesced, gradually forming a humanoid figure entirely composed of azure currents.  

This "Water Dragon Guard" wore armor of flowing water and wielded an icy torrent spear. Its features were indistinct, save for two bottomless vortex-like eyes devoid of emotion.  

"This isn't an illusion!" Li Pingcan's expression turned grave. "Or perhaps an incredibly lifelike combat illusion!"  

Regardless, from a sensory perspective, this was a real battle!  

He didn't dare delay and struck first. His elemental control had advanced leaps and bounds. With a thought, [Water Manipulation] and [Earth Shaping] merged—the jade floor instantly transformed into a muddy swamp, while water arrows materialized from all directions, shooting toward the Water Dragon Guard.  

Yet, the guard merely planted its spear calmly.  

"Whoosh—"  

An intangible ripple spread out. Li Pingcan's proud Swamp Creation evaporated instantly into dried mud. The water arrows, upon nearing the guard, dissolved into its body as if summoned, making its form even more solid.  

"Damn, water spell immunity?" Li Pingcan was stunned.  

The Water Dragon Guard moved abruptly.  

Its motions weren't fast but carried a peculiar rhythm, as if harmonizing with the training ground's moisture. With a flick of its spear, it didn't thrust directly—instead, the weapon morphed into a roaring water dragon, claws bared as it pounced.  

Li Pingcan knew this move—it was the [Water Manipulation]'s Shape Solidification trait. But his water spears were like mudfish compared to this lifelike, dragon-souled technique—a world of difference!  

"Brute force won't work. I need strategy!"  

Li Pingcan retreated hastily, dodging the dragon's pursuit while channeling spiritual energy to summon Thorn Whip vines, attempting to hinder the guard's advance.  

Yet, the thorns snapped in an instant.  

As the water dragon closed in, he pushed his Postnatal Realm physique to the limit, becoming a blur as he circled behind the guard. Just as he gathered strength in his tail to strike its back—  

The Water Dragon Guard reversed its spear, the tip carrying terrifying penetrative force aimed straight at Li Pingcan's face.  

[Trial failed.]  

A cold voice echoed. His vision blurred as he was ejected from the training ground.  

"Hey, Little Carp, why’d you come out so fast?"  

The Green Jiao looked baffled. "Was that thing so ugly it scared you out?"  

"The gap was too vast!"  

Li Pingcan shook his head.  

He had once prided himself on his dual cultivation of martial and magical arts, believing himself invincible. But facing the Water Dragon Guard was like a mayfly glimpsing the sky—its movements were textbook precision, efficiency, and lethality.  

In contrast, he was sluggish, redundant—like waving a knife before Guan Yu.  

He had brute strength and a mishmash of skills but lacked a true combat system and refined spell control.  

Like a nouveau riche flailing gold bars as weapons against a martial grandmaster who utilized every ounce of force with surgical precision.  

"Seems passing the third floor remains a distant goal."  

Yet instead of fear, his expression burned with excitement.  

A free combat instructor! Even if he couldn't clear the third floor, simply learning from this battle experience was invaluable!  

.........  

Returning home, Li Pingcan sat cross-legged, palms upturned, circulating the [Wang God Refining Qi Technique].  

After consuming the Foundation Establishment Pill, reborn with widened and tempered meridians, his cultivation speed should have skyrocketed.  

Yet progress remained sluggish.  

"This... this efficiency is too low!"  

Li Pingcan opened his eyes, frustration evident.  

He focused on his breathing, but the ambient spiritual energy was pitifully thin—like rice water diluted a thousandfold. The energy he absorbed was negligible.  

It felt like being given a vat capable of holding rivers and lakes, yet the only tool to draw water was a broken ladle riddled with holes.  

"Even the cleverest housewife can't cook without rice!"  

He sighed deeply. "Without a spiritual vein or treasure land, relying solely on this meager energy, even with my talent, reaching the second layer of Qi Refinement might take ages."  

He missed that hidden Spirit Mountain even more—even if it wasn't a first-grade spiritual vein, it was a hundred times better than here.  

"Once I fully absorb the demon crab's flesh, I'll search for that mountain."  

Suddenly, a crisp voice called from outside: "Third Young Master! Third Young Master! The master summons you—great news!"  

Good news?  

Calculating the dates, realization dawned, and joy sparked in Li Pingcan's eyes.  

"Father! Did Second Brother pass?!" He strode swiftly into the hall, urgency in his voice.  

Li Rongzhou handed him a letter, beaming. "Not just passed—he topped the list!"  

Li Pingcan took the letter, scanning it rapidly. Sent by Second Brother from Songling Prefecture, it detailed how mortals seeking merit in this dynasty had to take the spring examinations. After ranking on the golden roll, they would meet the prefecture's celestial officials.  

And Second Brother wrote that he had caught a celestial official's eye—soon to be appointed as an official, becoming a celestial clerk!  

The flamboyant handwriting practically leaped off the page, radiating Second Brother's exhilaration.  

"Second Brother is amazing!"  

And not just any celestial clerk!  

Triple Honors—a prefecture-wide auspicious sign.  

From now on, the Li family would rise from mere farmers to an official household, their social status transformed. Whether traveling the martial world or managing businesses, invoking a celestial clerk's name would command respect.  

Beneath his composed expression, Li Rongzhou couldn't conceal his excitement. "Such joyous news must be shared with our ancestors!"  

Who could have imagined, during their days of fleeing famine, that such glory would come?  

Lady Qin wept tears of joy, clutching Jiang Ling'er and Xie Yuan's hands. "Quick, prepare! We must host a banquet—celebrate properly!"  

She recalled Li Ping'an's stubborn determination to study after failing the spiritual root test. To rank first, he must have suffered immensely—her heart ached and swelled with pride.  

Even Li Pingfu wore a genuine smile, sincerely happy for his younger brother.  

Watching this heartwarming scene, Li Pingcan grinned brightly.  

Second Brother's induction into the imperial system meant he would enjoy destiny's favor and receive court updates firsthand—immensely beneficial for the family's future direction.  

Having connections in court smoothed all paths!  

With insight into the court's stance, many missteps could be avoided.  

Half a day earlier...  

Outside Songling Prefecture's noble academy, crowds surged, clamor reaching the skies.  

Beneath the red wall posting the golden roll, examinees and servants jostled—some households rejoiced, others grieved.  

Those finding no names on the list beat their chests, wailing behind sleeves. Others wept joyfully, incoherently shouting, "I passed!"  

Amid this chaos, two figures stood apart.  

Li Ping'an, in a blue robe, stood straight as a pine, hands behind his back, his expression as calm as ever.  

His companion, Zhou Junzhi, teased, "Weining, aren't you going to check if you're the top scorer?"  

"No rush."  

Li Ping'an shot him a glance, though the slight upturn of his lips betrayed his nerves and anticipation.  

Suddenly, louder exclamations erupted. Servants pushed through, shouting, "The top scorer is Li Ping'an, Li Weining of Yunshui County!"  

"Haha! I knew it!"  

Zhou Junzhi slapped his thigh, happier than if he'd passed himself, grabbing Li Ping'an's arm. "Weining! Did you hear? Top scorer! Triple Honors!"  

Li Ping'an took a deep breath, suppressing his elation. Calmly straightening his sleeves, he sniffed, "Expected. No need for fuss."  

No sooner had he spoken than a tide of people engulfed him.  

"Top Scorer Li, congratulations! My master, the prefectural judge, invites you for tea!"  

"Young Master Li! My lady admires your talent—here is her betrothal card!"  

"Over here! The Wang family, prefecture's wealthiest, offers riches and a grand wedding if you consent!"  

This was the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty's unique tradition—snatching a son-in-law beneath the roll.  

To established families, a promising young celestial clerk was worth more than gold. Securing one as a son-in-law meant prestige and a vital investment.  

Moreover, talent bred talent—the "Literary Star's" descendants would be cleverer, improving bloodlines through marriage.  

Li Ping'an found himself besieged by eager matchmakers. Frowning, he noticed a steady-eyed butler parting the crowd with a bow. "Young Master Li, my master requests your presence."  

Four muscular guards flanked the butler—experts at a glance.  

Such pomp indicated no ordinary wealthy family.  

"Your master is?"  

"The Mu family of Songling Prefecture."  

The butler spoke simply, yet his tone radiated absolute confidence.  

The Mu family!  

The clamor quieted. Envy and jealousy filled the onlookers' gazes. The Mu family, a centuries-old noble house, had produced court officials and immortal masters—Songling's true titan.  

After brief consideration, Li Ping'an nodded. "Lead the way."  

.........  

The Mu estate's winding corridors, pavilions, and towers dwarfed Yunshui County's so-called great families in opulence.  

In the reception hall, Li Ping'an met the family head, Mu Hong.  

Past fifty, Mu Hong wore brocade robes, his scholarly face sharp-eyed—clearly a martial expert.  

He didn't inquire about Li Ping'an's background or test his skills, merely chatting over tea like any elder.  

"I heard you rose from farming through hard study—commendable." Mu Hong sipped tea.  

"My family's diligence enabled my success." Li Ping'an knew this casual talk was the real test.  

"Well said." Mu Hong's eyes gleamed approvingly. "I also heard you have two brothers—close-knit. But once you rise high, will you remember these humble roots?"  

The air seemed to freeze.  

The question cut deep—probing his character and ambition.  

Yet Li Ping'an smiled brightly. "Master Mu mistakes me. My achievements stem from my family's sweat and blood. A tree grows tall, but its roots remain in earth. Without them, I'd be rootless duckweed—scattered by the faintest breeze. How could I rise? If I advance, I will uplift my family until every Li soars like a dragon!"  

His voice rang firm, brimming with familial devotion.  

Behind a screen, bright eyes watched this spirited youth through gauze.  

Mu Wanqiu, Mu Hong's illegitimate daughter, had grown up observing subtleties in the luxurious but politically charged household. She'd seen countless pretenders.  

But this youth's clear, steadfast gaze and genuine pride when speaking of family couldn't be faked.  

"He's... different."  

Her heart rippled like a pebble-dropped pond, delicate blush coloring her cheeks.  

"What a phrase—'every Li soaring like dragons'!"  

Mu Hong clapped, laughing. "Weining, I have a daughter, Wanqiu, seventeen—fair-faced and gentle. Would you join the Mu family as a son-in-law?"  

Li Ping'an's heart jolted. He'd anticipated the Mu's intentions but not this directness.  

"I'm honored." He paused, then countered, "Master Mu, I have a request. I wish to serve in Yunshui County—would that be feasible?"  

He couldn't abandon his family—Yunshui was close to Peach Blossom Village.  

Mu Hong blinked, then understood, growing even more assured.  

A loyal man was better than an ungrateful wolf. Today's investments wouldn't be wasted.  

Besides, familial attachment meant leverage—easier to control.  

"The Yunshui County clerk position? Simple!"  

Mu Hong agreed immediately.  

Yunshui was a major county. With Li Ping'an young, some grassroots experience would aid future promotions, solidifying Mu influence.  

Noble houses thrived through generations of marriages and talent recruitment—anchoring their power like sea-calming needles.