In Luoyue Town, the bustling sounds of merchants and townspeople filled the streets as another round of commotion erupted.
"Ma Cuihua, you're going too far!" Li Taicheng exclaimed, pulling the reins of his horse-drawn carriage to a sharp stop. A plump girl had suddenly appeared in his path, nearly scaring him out of his wits. He sighed in frustration upon recognizing her.
"Second brother Li, I like you! Just give me a chance!" Ma Cuihua pleaded, her face flushed with determination. She was three years older than Li Taicheng and had once hoped to marry his older brother, Li Taixing. However, after hearing that Li Taixing had left to pursue immortality, she shifted her sights onto Li Taicheng.
"Get lost! I'm too young for marriage!" Li Taicheng retorted angrily, wanting nothing more than to escape her advances.
"You're fourteen! That's plenty old. We can start as friends!" Ma Cuihua responded, batting her eyes. Her flirtatious demeanor made Li Taicheng's skin crawl.
"I don't care! Even if I wanted to marry, it wouldn't be you! Leave me alone!" he snapped, quickly climbing back onto the carriage to escape her relentless pursuit.
For months, Ma Cuihua had been pursuing Li Taicheng at her father's urging. The wealthiest man in Luoyue Town, Ma Cuihua's father had set his sights on securing the Li family's rising reputation. Though the Li family was not as wealthy, their prospects were growing, and he believed that a union between the families would benefit them both.
Unfortunately for Li Taicheng, his rejection of Ma Cuihua had not made his life easier. Her advances drove away other potential suitors, leaving him stuck between a rock and a hard place. As he finally managed to ride away, Ma Cuihua shouted after him in frustration, "You just don't like me because I'm fat! Fine! I'll change! Just wait until you see the new me!"
The townspeople, amused by the spectacle but too afraid of offending the powerful Ma family, stifled their laughter. Meanwhile, Li Taixing, dressed like a wandering knight and wearing a bamboo hat, observed the entire scene from the crowd.
"Haha, poor brother," Li Taixing chuckled softly before making his way towards the family home.
Inside the Li family house, Li Taimei was busy sorting through the accounts. Since Li Taixing had left for the Xuantian Sect, she and her younger brother had taken over managing the family business. Li Taicheng handled the external dealings, while Li Taimei took care of the bookkeeping.
When Li Taixing arrived at the entrance, he quietly pushed the door open, not wanting to cause a scene. His mother was in the yard, feeding the chickens, while his father lounged on a chair, enjoying the cool breeze.
"Taihang!" his mother exclaimed, dropping the basin she had been using to feed the chickens. The startled chickens clucked and scattered about the yard.
"My son is back!" she cried joyfully, rushing over to embrace him.
"Mom, Dad, I've returned," Li Taixing smiled warmly.
"Taihang, why are you back? Aren't you supposed to be training in the mountains?" Father Li asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "We tried to visit you, but they wouldn't let us in."
Mother Li, meanwhile, was beaming as she cupped her son's face. "Good! You haven't lost weight, and you look even healthier! That's my boy!"
"I'm on a mission, so I came down from the mountain to visit. I'll be heading back soon," Li Taixing explained before producing a ring from his storage bag. "I've brought some game and bone-strengthening pills for you both. The game will make you stronger, and the pills will help maintain your health. Just be careful not to take too much at once."
His parents' faces lit up with pride as they examined the gifts. "You didn't have to bring us anything!" Mother Li scolded lightly, though her smile betrayed her happiness.
"Taihang, the Sect assessment is coming up, isn't it? Make sure you stay focused and don't get too relaxed. You need to be prepared!" Father Li reminded him sternly.
"Yes, Dad, I'll be careful," Li Taixing replied, nodding.
"Old woman, go call your siblings," Father Li instructed.
However, Li Taixing shook his head. "No need, Dad. I just saw Taicheng in town. He's out delivering goods, even this late."
"That's right," Father Li said with a sigh. "He's delivering a set of furniture to Lijia Village. He insisted on going personally to explore new markets and see if he can expand our business."
Li Taixing grinned. "He's really dedicated."
"Of course! After you left, your brother has been working tirelessly to grow the family business. And your sister has been right there beside him, managing the finances." Father Li spoke with pride, reflecting on how much his children had accomplished.
At their age, both he and his wife had still been living modest lives, but their children had surpassed them. One son was an immortal cultivator, the other a successful businessman, and their daughter a skilled accountant. The two elders now had little to do except enjoy the fruits of their labor, and their family had become the envy of the entire town.