Chapter Twenty-Nine: Never the Same Again

Li Qi did not return home for lunch that day, as the old patriarch had invited him to dine together. Such treatment was undoubtedly something many of the Li clan’s younger generation would not even dare to imagine. However, Li Qi did not feel particularly flattered. Having turned his search for wisdom and strength inward, he viewed himself as his own most precious treasure and the most valuable asset, and thus he remained unswayed by such external considerations.

The dining room was antique and elegant, open and airy. The dishes on the table were all medicinal meals—not only exquisite and rich in color, aroma, and taste, but also served in generous portions. After all, those eating here were individuals of immense vitality; it was impossible for their appetites to be small. Li Qi ate quickly, but a closer look would reveal that he was not wolfing down his food. Instead, he chewed slowly and thoroughly, breaking the food down into fine pieces before swallowing. Only in this way could he reduce the burden on his digestive system and allow his body to absorb more nutrients. Seeing Li Qi’s manner of eating, Li Changqing nodded silently to himself; details determine success or failure.

Only the two of them were at the table. As they ate, the old man introduced each dish. Li Qi did not have a deep understanding of medicinal cuisine, but he knew that this field encompassed everything; every master of medicinal cooking was a true physician with a profound grasp of pharmaceutical properties.

Halfway through the meal, Li Changqing began to touch upon more practical matters. "Li Qi, you know the situation within the clan. I observe that your spirit is pure and refined, so you must surely understand the logic of things. If you were overlooked in the past, it was merely because we prioritize the capable and let the less capable step aside; it was never a matter of targeting anyone specifically."

"Old Patriarch, you worry too much," Li Qi replied. "If I did not understand the nature of things, I would never have been able to cultivate this sword technique. Your 'Eighteen Tiger-Slaying Blades' is already an unconventional path; if I lacked insight and believed that the world should always revolve around my own desires, I doubt I would have reached my current state—I would likely be on the verge of suffering a deviation in my practice. Furthermore, you have governed the family well, and the clansmen have largely benefited from the family's grace; it is simply that many are never satisfied."

Having lived two lifetimes—though neither had been long—Li Qi had embarked on the path of cultivation and awakened his wisdom. He was no ordinary sixteen-year-old; he knew how to distinguish between grace and enmity.

"That you can think this way proves you have a clear mind," Li Changqing nodded. "According to the clan's rules, the talent you have displayed is enough to warrant the highest level of cultivation support. From now on, everything you need for your practice—food, clothing, housing, and transportation—will be covered by the clan. In addition, there will be a dedicated team responsible for your diet, and they will plan your meals in real-time based on your physical state."

"The path of cultivation, while centered on the heart and spirit, relies on the body as its foundation. Training is important, but eating is equally so."

Li Qi knew that this was the same level of treatment enjoyed by Li Tianxing, which could be considered the absolute peak. Li Tianxing received this not merely because he was Li Changqing’s great-grandson, but because his own abilities were formidable. After all, Li Changqing had many great-grandsons. Providing such treatment to even one or two people was a heavy burden for the Li Group. While the group’s assets were vast, the clan was also large, and the monthly cost of maintaining a professional team for top-tier support ran into the millions, totaling tens of millions annually. The group’s billions in assets did not mean vast cash flow, as much of it was tied up in fixed assets, whereas this was a pure cash expenditure.

"Old Patriarch, the professional nutrition team is unnecessary," Li Qi said, waving his hand in refusal. "As you may have noticed, I have been gifted with a unique constitution. Since my potential awakened, my spiritual perception has been sharp and precise. My ability to control and sense my own body far exceeds that of an ordinary person. I know what nutrients my body needs better than any scientific instrument can measure."

Li Qi turned down the team, but he did not refuse the food itself. He was well aware of the family's situation; he simply hadn't expected to suddenly "cheat" so effectively. Without the appearance of the Life Chart, which allowed him to reverse his six roots and condense the tiger form prematurely, he never would have received this level of cultivation. Take Li Youan, for example: he had placed first in the clan’s military trials last year, yet he only received a share of medicinal supplements. Now that he had the family’s backing, it would save him time and energy, sparing him the trouble of worrying about his nutrition.

"Very well. That you can grasp your own physical state is a great thing; accurate data can truly never compare to your own intuition, though most people cannot achieve this," Li Changqing nodded. "I will assign someone to handle your daily needs; if you have any requirements, just tell them."

As for anything more—such as involvement in family enterprises—Li Changqing would not be the one to offer that. That would have to come from Li Tianxing. He would not allow Li Qi to involve himself in the family business, as that would easily create a situation of rivalry between the two. Even though Li Qi had shown great promise, Li Changqing would not open that door. Since he had already identified his successor, he had to be unwavering in his trust.

Li Qi, his mind clear, understood Li Changqing’s intentions perfectly. This was a good thing. He was currently focused on the Dao, seeking to transcend the mundane and become a sage; he had no interest in the family business. As for the benefits he was receiving now, if he succeeded in his path, he would naturally protect the family even without lifting a finger. If he attained true enlightenment, the Li family’s assets could expand tenfold. If he became a sage, it would be a case of "the poultry and dogs ascending to heaven," and even the family’s deceased ancestors would be granted titles by the imperial court. Thus, Li Qi felt no psychological burden whatsoever. Investing in him was, quite literally, a zero-risk, high-reward venture.

Meanwhile, Li Tianxing had naturally received the news early on. Even though he was far away, visiting a major partner of the group, he had learned the full story within five minutes of Li Qi’s test. At the time, he had been occupied with an important negotiation, but once free after lunch, he began to ponder the implications of this event and how he would handle it moving forward.