28: Chapter 28 Family Shadows

Li Zhenchuan, the Second Elder of the Family.

He is of the same generation as Li Zhenshan, Li Changsheng's father Li Zhenyue, and the Third Elder, Li Zhenhai; they all belong to the 'Zhen' generation.

In his early years, he was also a Family Genius, reaching the Houtian Ninth Level by his thirties.

However, he was severely injured during an expedition, damaging his Foundation, which caused his cultivation to stagnate and his personality to become reclusive.

Because he was rigorous in his conduct and skilled in managing administrative affairs and training the younger generation, he was later elected as the Second Elder.

He was in charge of the Family's internal affairs, the daily instruction of the younger generation, and the distribution of some resources.

"It's not just Li Changhu."

Li Qingsong flipped to another page.

"Here, the estimated quantity of medicinal herbs needed for Changsheng's first improved prescription almost perfectly matches the actual pharmacy records. And the person capable of knowing in advance what herbs Changsheng needed, and estimating the approximate consumption..."

"...would only be the Second Elder, who is responsible for internal affairs and resource allocation."

Li Zhenshan chimed in, his expression grim.

"Also, when Wang Lie came to provoke us for the first time, the timing was so precise—it was exactly when Changsheng had just recovered, Li Changhu had just healed, and the Family's defenses were slightly relaxed."

The two looked at each other, their eyes heavy with concern.

"This evidence confirms that the Second Elder had leaked information to the Wang Family."

Li Qingsong said in a low voice.

"But I don't understand, this time when the Wang Family colluded with the Blood Fiend Sect to launch a full-scale attack, why did the Second Elder... take no action?"

By all logic, if the Second Elder really were the mole and had deep collusion with the Wang Family and the Blood Fiend Sect, during the chaotic moment when the Withered Bone Elder attacked and the Zhao Family defected, he should have cooperated from within.

For example, by sabotaging the Formation, opening the treasury, or creating chaos at key locations.

Even with the help of Li Changsheng and that Qinglan Sword Sect Disciple, the Li Family would have suffered heavy losses or even faced total defeat.

But in fact, that night, the Second Elder remained in the inner courtyard, commanding the ordinary clansmen, women, and children to take cover.

He even personally led men to guard the passage to the Family's core secret treasury and repelled two black-robed Blood Fiend Sect members who tried to fish in troubled waters.

"This is also what I find most baffling."

Li Zhenshan stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the heavy night outside.

"If he did it for profit, could the benefits promised by the Wang Family compare to those of the Blood Fiend Sect?"

"If he did it out of hatred, I ask myself, I have not mistreated him all these years."

Li Qingsong was silent for a moment, then said.

"Zhenshan, do you remember who Zhenchuan was trying to save when he was severely injured back then?"

Li Zhenshan's body stiffened slightly.

That was over twenty years ago.

Li Zhenchuan, Li Zhenshan, and their father, the former Family Head.

During an exploration of the deeper regions of the black iron mine, they encountered a rare 'geothermal eruption' and an attack by 'rock beasts'.

Li Zhenchuan, in order to cover the retreat of his injured father and Li Zhenshan, who was the Young Lord at the time, voluntarily stayed behind to cover the rear, unfortunately suffering severe injuries and damage to his Meridians.

Although he was treated with all their might and his cultivation was preserved, he lost the hope of ever advancing further forever.

And their father's old injuries flared up during that incident, and he passed away shortly after.

"You mean..."

Li Zhenshan turned around.

"I am only speculating."

Li Qingsong weighed his words carefully.

"After Zhenchuan was severely injured, although he received the position of Elder, have you ever noticed when the rumors in the Family, 'If it weren't for his recklessness back then, the old Family Head might not have had his old injuries flare up,' began to circulate quietly?"

"And who was it that, while Zhenchuan was recovering, quickly took over the most lucrative peripheral businesses he was originally in charge of?"

Li Zhenshan's pupils shrank.

"Was it... Zhenyue?"

At that time, Li Changsheng's father, Li Zhenyue, was in his prime, and his talent for Cultivation was higher.

He had grand ambitions and was vaguely competing with the current Family Head for supremacy.

Meanwhile, Li Zhenchuan was severely injured and dejected, and Li Zhenshan was overwhelmed after just taking over as Family Head.

"Zhenyue is already dead; there is no proof."

Li Qingsong shook his head.

"But I remember that after Zhenchuan recovered from his injuries, his personality changed drastically."

"He became much more distant from you... and from the Family."

"He voluntarily asked to be in charge of the boring internal administrative affairs and the training of the younger generation, no longer concerning himself with Family decisions or external operations."

Li Zhenshan walked back to his seat and sat down heavily.

"You are saying that the Second Elder might have harbored resentment because of this?"

"Thinking that the Family owed him, or..."

"Thinking that I failed to protect him, and failed to clear his name when the rumors started?"

"Resentment may be part of it."

Li Qingsong said.

"But if it were only because of resentment, colluding with foreign enemies, and even going so far as to bring in the Demonic Path... that price is too high."

"I am more inclined to believe that he might have initially just been taken advantage of by the Wang Family, who used certain leverage or benefits to tempt him into providing some inconsequential information."

"But as the Wang Family's appetite grew larger and larger, involving the Blood Fiend Sect, things spiraled out of his control."

"So this time, he was afraid?"

"Or perhaps... he realized the truth?"

Li Zhenshan pondered.

"Knowing that once the Blood Fiend Sect gained power, Qinghe Town would be plunged into misery, the Li Family would be destroyed, and he would also become a Puppet or even a sacrifice for the Demonic Path, so he chose to stop?"

"And even secretly make amends?"

"It is possible."

Li Qingsong nodded.

"But it could also be... that he is waiting for a greater scheme."

"A greater scheme?"

"Changsheng."

Li Qingsong spat out the two words, his eyes becoming sharp.

"Have you noticed that all the leaked information, while accurate, all revolved around the times when Changsheng had 'problems' or displayed 'abnormalities'?"

"When Changsheng suffered Qi Deviation, he provided information on Changsheng's recovery and his prescription needs."

"When Changsheng defeated Wang Lie, he provided detailed intelligence on Li Changhu."

"After Changsheng returned from the mine and went into seclusion, the Wang Family immediately knew the news of his 'severe injury'..."

Li Zhenshan gasped.

"He is testing Changsheng?"

"Or rather, is he using the hands of the Wang Family, and even the Blood Fiend Sect, to test Changsheng's background and limits?"

"And then, in this crisis of annihilation, he witnessed with his own eyes Changsheng's true strength and potential, as well as..."

"...the attention that the Qinglan Sword Sect Disciple paid to Changsheng."

Li Qingsong said slowly.

"If his goal was Changsheng, or the secret on Changsheng, from the very beginning, then his current inaction, or even showing goodwill, makes sense."

"He is re-evaluating, waiting for a more suitable opportunity, or..."

"...preparing a more secure method."

The study fell into a long, dead silence.

The candle flame 'popped,' sending out a spark.

"We do not have concrete evidence right now."

Li Zhenshan finally spoke, his voice weary.

"These are just speculations."

"The Second Elder, after all, has performed meritorious service for the Family and has shed blood."

"And if he really chose the Family at the final moment..."

"Therefore, we cannot act rashly."

Li Qingsong said.

"But we also cannot let our guard down."

"Zhenshan, I suggest we remain calm for the time being."

"Internally, we will gradually adjust the matters under the Second Elder's jurisdiction."

"We will strip core resources and secrets, especially matters related to Changsheng and the Immortal Sect, from his hands and have them directly controlled by you, me, and Changsheng."

"Externally, we will strengthen our guard, especially against any potentially remaining Blood Fiend Sect covert lines."

"As for Changsheng..."

Li Zhenshan hesitated.

"Do not tell him everything for now."

Li Qingsong said decisively.

"Changsheng has a resilient Heart-Nature, but he is young after all."

"This matter involves the grievances of the older generation, and there is no solid proof."

"Telling him might instead alert the enemy or affect his state of mind for Cultivation."

"We just need to keep an eye on him in secret."

"If the Second Elder has truly turned over a new leaf, the Family will not treat him unfairly."

"If he has other schemes..."

A flash of cold light flickered in the First Elder's eyes.