"Many thanks, Lord Mu."  

Receiving the affirmative answer, Li Ping'an felt relieved. Thinking of his parents' joy upon hearing this news, his homesickness grew even more urgent.  

"Still calling me Lord Mu?" Mu Hong chuckled, stroking his beard. "It's time to change how you address me."  

Before Li Ping'an could respond, a clear yet slightly shy voice came from behind the screen: "Father, must you be in such a hurry?"  

A slender young woman with snow-white skin gracefully emerged, wearing a light purple misty silk dress embroidered with budding magnolias that seemed to sway amidst purple mist as she walked. Her clear almond-shaped eyes, filled with curiosity and nervousness, examined the scholarly young man in blue robes below. Her long eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings while her hands unconsciously twisted the silk sash at her waist.  

This was Mu Wanqiu, the Mu family's illegitimate daughter.  

Seeing her, Li Ping'an's heart stirred slightly.  

He had come primarily for his future and family's sake, with little expectation for his marriage partner beyond good family background and virtuous character. In his view, the benefits brought by a wife's status far outweighed looks or temperament.  

Yet this young woman before him was not only exceptionally beautiful but also gentle and charming. That unintentionally revealed shyness resembled the tenderest green of spring, evoking protective instincts.  

This was undoubtedly an unexpected delight.  

Though his expression remained calm, Li Ping'an was already seventy percent satisfied inwardly.  

He cupped his hands: "Miss Mu."  

Mu Wanqiu, though bashful, responded gracefully: "Young Master Li."  

Perhaps this was the demeanor of noble young ladies - more composed and proper than any girl Li Ping'an had met in his county.  

"Wanning, dinner is being prepared. Before that, let Wanqiu show you around our Mu family residence," Mu Hong said with a smile.  

The Mu residence contained key family facilities like the Alchemy Hall, Martial Hall, and Artifact Forging Hall...  

This display was both boasting and honesty, letting Li Ping'an understand what benefits marrying into the Mu family would bring.  

Following Mu Wanqiu, Li Ping'an passed through winding corridors and crossed white jade arched bridges.  

The Mu estate was astonishingly large. Their training ground alone surpassed any martial arts school in Yunshui County in size. Gleaming weapons stood on racks while many guards sparred fiercely, their internal energy surging - most were actually Divine Execution Realm experts.  

Mu Wanqiu introduced proudly: "Our Mu family guards are all battle-hardened veterans with military merits, fully capable of protecting our family."  

Next was the three-story library containing mountains of books spanning classics, history, philosophy and even some damaged bamboo scrolls - reportedly relics from the previous dynasty recording long-lost secrets.  

The more Li Ping'an saw, the more awed he became. This was the heritage of a centuries-old noble family, utterly incomparable to so-called great clans in Yunshui County.  

As for his Li family? The difference was like mud versus clouds.  

He wondered inwardly, 'I wonder when our Li family can achieve such prestige.'  

Continuing the tour, they arrived at a secluded yet heavily guarded courtyard where Li Ping'an witnessed the Mu family's true core strength.  

Cold waves rolled through the courtyard as thick medicinal fragrance mixed with scorched smells assaulted them. At the center stood a massive alchemy furnace with raging flames. A white-haired old Taoist in gray robes sat cross-legged, eyes closed, controlling the fire intensity with hand seals.  

"That is Alchemist Sun, an extraordinary man Father befriended during his travels. His alchemy skills are divine."  

Mu Wanqiu's tone overflowed with respect as she performed junior's rites toward Alchemist Sun, not daring any negligence.  

Li Ping'an hurriedly followed suit.  

Just then, Alchemist Sun seemed to complete a stage, slowly withdrawing his energy and opening his eyes. Seeing Mu Wanqiu, he merely nodded casually in greeting, appearing quite arrogant.  

Though an illegitimate daughter, Mu Wanqiu enjoyed Mu Hong's favor, living no differently from legitimate children.  

Yet she showed no displeasure, instead asking cheerfully: "Alchemist Sun, how goes today's batch of Qi Condensing Pills?"  

"Pity. If only your family's firegrass were older, I'd have succeeded already."  

Alchemist Sun replied grumpily, but Mu Wanqiu remained unbothered, coaxing like comforting an elder: "I'll tell Father to send over our treasured spiritual herbs."  

"You're a good girl."  

Alchemist Sun laughed, then eyed the young man beside her. "So this is your father's choice for you?" Making Mu Wanqiu blush.  

He scrutinized Li Ping'an critically. "You there - rather weak constitution."  

Li Ping'an had no response. Years practicing Breath of the Tree meant he wasn't physically weak, but recent exam preparations left him somewhat drained.  

During this awkward moment, Alchemist Sun flicked a green pill that landed perfectly in Li Ping'an's palm. "This Foundation Stabilizing Pill can cleanse impurities and strengthen your foundation."  

While Li Ping'an knew little of pills, Mu Wanqiu was delighted. For martial artists, this pill could enable instant breakthrough from Postnatal to Innate Realm - creating an artificial Innate Master, showing its preciousness.  

Following Mu Wanqiu's hinted reminder, Li Ping'an expressed thanks before respectfully exiting with her.  

"An alchemist!"  

Li Ping'an couldn't help feeling shocked.  

That an alchemist could command such respect from a prefectural noble family instantly diluted his pride in passing the imperial exams.  

The path of an immortal official might glorify one's family, but it still operated within the dynasty's rules. Yet an alchemist, through specialized skills, transcended worldly concerns, treated as honored guests even by great clans.  

All pursuits are inferior, only cultivation supreme!  

If only their Li family could produce an immortal cultivator!  

...  

Days later, Li Ping'an bid farewell to the Mu family, embarking homeward.  

When the Mu-crested carriage slowly entered Peach Blossom Village, the entire village erupted. Li Rongzhou and Lady Qin had already led the whole family to await eagerly at the village entrance.  

"Mother, Father, Eldest Brother, Third Brother, Yuanyuan, I'm back."  

Li Ping'an's eyes moistened slightly. Seeing familiar family faces instantly grounded him.  

Li Rongzhou laughed heartily: "Good you're back!"  

"Ping'an!" Lady Qin's eyes reddened as she rushed forward, scrutinizing her descending son as if checking if he'd lost weight.  

At home, the family gathered as Li Ping'an recounted his prefectural experiences and the Mu family marriage arrangement in detail.  

Hearing he would marry the Mu family's daughter and be appointed Yunshui County's Assistant Magistrate, Lady Qin clasped hands joyfully, vowing temple offerings.  

Only Li Rongzhou, after initial excitement, grew solemn. He summoned Li Pingfu and Li Pingcan to a private room.  

"Ping'an, as an immortal official marrying into the Mu family, your future is bright. But certain matters you must understand."  

Seeing his father's seriousness, Li Ping'an set aside joy, responding earnestly: "Father, please speak."  

"Our Li family is no ordinary peasant household." Li Rongzhou spoke slowly, voice low yet powerful. "Your eldest brother Pingfu has reached Divine Execution Realm's peak. And I recently broke through to Divine Execution Realm too."  

"What?"  

Li Ping'an was astonished. He knew his brother's martial talent, but Father too...?  

"That's not all."  

Li Rongzhou looked at his youngest son with pride. "Your third brother Pingcan, though unassuming, likely surpasses both me and your eldest brother. Our Li family now has three Divine Execution Realm martial artists!"  

Li Pingcan smiled slightly, looking smugly at his second brother.  

Surprised? While you studied hard, we were striving too!  

"Father! Eldest Brother! Third Brother! You kept this too secret!" After initial shock, Li Ping'an complained lightheartedly.  

Li Pingfu laughed: "We feared distracting your studies. Plus, carrier pigeons risked exposure."  

Li Ping'an understood - this secrecy protected him, as sometimes ignorance was bliss.  

"I never imagined our Li family would truly have dragons among men!"  

Li Ping'an continued: "Father, the Mu family's resources are vast. Beyond marriage arrangements, I've secured many connections. Henceforth, whether precious medicines or weapons for cultivation, I can obtain them. Even... I've learned of channels to acquire basic spirit materials for household protection arrays!"  

Household protection arrays were highly favored among Great Yu Dynasty families for warding off evil and prospering households.  

Li Pingcan's heart stirred. He possessed the "Mystical Records of Blessed Lands" describing some concealment arrays. Previously lacking materials, perhaps through his brother's channels...?  

......  

The Li family's celebratory banquet lasted ten days and nights before normalcy returned.  

After marrying Mu Wanqiu, Li Ping'an would assume his official post in Yunshui County.  

After all, compared to Jiang Ling'er's common origins, this genuine noble daughter demanded greater attentiveness.  

Setting aside household matters, Li Rongzhou and Lady Qin were quite satisfied with Mu Wanqiu - her calm demeanor, showing no dissatisfaction even seeing Peach Blossom Village's "leaky rooms," kneeling respectfully on brick to serve parents-in-law tea without noble arrogance.  

Li Pingcan could tell his sister-in-law's sincerity, setting his mind at ease.  

Weeks passed.  

Deep in mountains, Li Pingcan held an old mulberry leaf, puzzled.  

"Strange. Is my cultivation insufficient to activate this token?" Nightingale circled above, equally perplexed.  

However he channeled spiritual energy, the area remained ordinary forest with no trace of mist arrays.  

Forced searching seemed futile.  

He'd tried the "Mystical Records of Blessed Lands" without success.  

Understandable - mortal-acquired arrays were more like crude geomancy techniques, incompatible with mist arrays.  

Pondering, he thought of someone - or rather, a snake.  

"White Lady!"  

When White Lady was suppressed by immortals using "Spirit-Locking Nails," those nails bore intricate array runes. Back then, his low cultivation prevented deciphering.  

Originally intending to attempt after reaching Qi Refining's second layer with Spirit Mountain's energy, that now seemed distant.  

At Qi Refining's first layer and Postnatal Master physique, perhaps he could barely try.  

More importantly, White Lady's vast knowledge might hold array secrets.  

Resolved, Li Pingcan flew toward Dragon Spring Town.  

Not festival season, the town was quieter. He easily found Dragon Spring Lake and dove in, spotting the massive circular "island" ahead.  

Reaching the island's cavern, he called: "White Lady, your humble Li Pingcan pays respects!"  

His voice echoed through the cavern.  

"Sssss..."  

A long, pleasantly surprised hiss sounded as the white snake emerged slowly from behind stone pillars.  

"It's you, little one." Recognizing Li Pingcan instantly, her eyes shone brilliantly. "You've truly embarked on the immortal path!"  

Nearby, the Mystical Tortoise poked out its head, surprised but scowling: "Hmph! Human cultivators - all no good. Why return? Having gained benefits, you should've stayed away!"  

Only then did Li Pingcan notice the tortoise, inwardly startled that his Animal Affinity failed to detect it earlier - proof of its superior concealment skills.  

Beyond humans, immortals beyond immortals!  

Growing more respectful, he said: "Previously, my skills were lacking to assist you. Today I return, willing to exhaust all efforts to remove your Spirit-Locking Nail!"  

Touched anticipation flashed in White Lady's emerald eyes. Having helped many, how few reciprocated? Often not from unwillingness but inability.  

"Good, you may try. But failing this second attempt brings severe backlash - be extremely careful."  

Taking a deep breath, Li Pingcan approached the snake's abdomen.  

The arm-thick bronze nail remained deeply embedded, its runes pulsing ominously.  

Unlike last time's brute force, he sat cross-legged, circulating "Earth God Qi Refining Art," gently enveloping the nail with earthy spiritual energy like soothing water.  

His goal wasn't to "pull" but to "unlock."  

Focusing his spiritual sense, he studied the runes' patterns - forming an endless micro-array siphoning earth energy to suppress White Lady's power.  

'This array's core is "suppression" and "sealing." But all things interact - where there's suppression, there must be channels.'  

Inspiration struck. Rather than opposing the suppression, he guided his earth energy into a nodal point, becoming part of the array to disrupt its balance from within.  

"Hum!"  

The nail's runes flared brilliantly as residual immortal will detected intrusion, erupting violently.  

"Now!"  

Eyes widening, Li Pingcan perfectly merged Druid's [Earth Shaping] with cultivator magic, controlling not mere soil but the entire island's rocky veins!  

"Rise!"  

His shout animated surrounding stone, vibrating mystically to sever key array-earth connections.  

Deprived of earth energy, the nail's runes dimmed instantly.  

"Open!"  

Seizing this fleeting chance, Li Pingcan gripped the nail, unleashing Postnatal Master physique and Qi Refining power simultaneously!  

"Crack!"  

With a crisp sound, the nail tormenting White Lady for 300 years shifted slightly!  

"Ssss!"  

White Lady trembled violently, eyes blazing with joy.  

Yet the immortal will wouldn't yield easily. A golden speck shot toward Li Pingcan!  

At this critical moment, White Lady raised her head, spitting forth a crystalline white pearl whose glow barely blocked the immortal's strike.  

Her inner core!  

"Now, little one! Pull it out!"  

Gritting teeth, Li Pingcan mustered every ounce of strength.  

"OUT!"  

With his roar, the Spirit-Locking Nail finally tore free, attempting to flee as light. White Lady's tail ensnared it swiftly before swallowing it whole to refine slowly with her energy.  

"Whew..."  

Collapsing, Li Pingcan gasped heavily - the sequence had drained him completely.  

"Thank you, little one!"  

"My honor to assist you, Lady."  

White Lady's gratitude flooded Li Pingcan's heart warmly.  

The snake gently nuzzled him with her tail as her aura surged, nearing breakthrough.  

Even the Mystical Tortoise stared dumbfounded: "Truly... broken the seal? Humans... can be grateful and capable?"  

"Little one, your aid merits heavenly reward. Name your desire - if within my power, I'll oblige."  

Delighted, Li Pingcan said respectfully: "Lady, I'm fascinated by arrays but lack guidance. Might you instruct me...?"  

"Arrays?"  

White Lady's serpentine eyes smiled. "For you difficult, but coincidentally I have an array manual... You choose well."  

A white light shot from her brow into Li Pingcan's mind.  

Instantly, massive array knowledge flooded him - from basic flag and plate crafting to heaven-earth energy guiding formations, countless marvelous patterns entrancing him.  

This manual was extraordinary!  

Overjoyed, Li Pingcan bowed deeply.  

"My deepest gratitude for your generous gift, Lady!"