"Chen Yang..."
Li Suining lowered his eyes and cupped his hands, his expression quite calm. Hearing his words, Chen Yang broke into a smile and nodded.
"The young master speaks very truly... This bond cannot be erased. In the past, whenever any figure of note arrived on the isle, this subordinate would pay a visit in person... Having been in secluded cultivation, I neglected the young master. Please do not take offense."
Li Suining's words were pleasingly spoken, and Chen Yang could not help but smile. The term "Qingdu blood descendants" had originally been quietly championed by Chen Yang and his peers. It referred to the several families that had first intermarried with the main household and remained close through generations, whose ancestors were all governed by the Qingdu clan administration. The most typical among them were the Chen, Liu, Tian, and Ren families.
Drawing such a line was, firstly, to cultivate a sense of closer integration with the main family, and secondly, to target the newly risen prominent forces—such as the Ding clan's Funan faction, the West Shore He clan faction, even the Nanzhang lineage, and the An clan's Huayu faction... These factions either boasted numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators, controlled the lifeblood of artifact crafting, or commanded vast numbers of cultivators, each possessing their own strength.
The words "Qingdu blood descendants" drew a line of distinction before these rising factions. It had always been championed by the Four Families of Lijing, while the other cultivators remained silent. With Li Suining speaking such words, how could Chen Yang not be pleased? The gaze he directed toward him was brimming with smiles.
Li Suining understood this very well in his heart. In his past life, when Nan Tanchen argued with Chen Jinguang, Chen Jinguang had said, *"We are Qingdu blood descendants—how could we be driven by the likes of you remnant survivors!"* Those words had made Nan Tanchen's face turn pale, ruthlessly puncturing his painstaking claim of being a descendant of the Tian clan. From then on, resentment took root in his heart, and the disputes among the factions grew increasingly severe.
Although that had not happened yet in this life, Li Suining knew Chen Yang's sweet spot. With this bit of flattery, Chen Yang nodded repeatedly, his face full of upright dignity, and said solemnly:
"If you face any difficulties in the future, do not hesitate to come to me!"
Li Suining did not believe him in the slightest, yet smiled and said:
"Guest Elder Chen speaks too kindly."
This Guest Elder Chen—the future General Chen—actually had quite a decent outcome. When King Wei sought gold, the two princes fell in the north, and all news of them was lost for a time. Only later, when Li Zhouming rallied his forces and reached the Southern Border, did he hear a thing or two.
Scarcely one in ten of King Wei's former subordinates survived. This General Chen gathered the remnants and surrendered to the Court of Zhao, earning considerable favor. Because the blood of the Wei Li ran through his veins, with Mingyang absent from his paternal lineage, and because he cultivated Kanshui, he was accepted.
*Jueyin is close to Kanshui, and with Mingyang's fall, he defected to Zhao. Back then... he could be considered a useful figure.*
This Guest Elder Chen was skilled in maneuvering and smooth with everyone. He became a petty official under Zhixuan Pavilion. Though not an especially grand figure, he maintained close ties with the Damu Dharma Realm through his tactful diplomacy. Afterwards, little news came of him, and until the day Li Suining died, he never heard of him again.
*Chen Yang... after all, has half of our Li clan's bloodline. Entering the Court of Zhao... he naturally had a favorable standing.*
After all, those were events from after the Li clan's decline. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; Li Suining did not hold a grudge, yet from his past-life experience he knew this man possessed extraordinary finesse.
*He is, after all, one of the few outstanding figures of the Lijing lineage. Back then, he was heavily relied upon, accomplished notable deeds, and his talent was first-rate across the lake today. His words can reach King Wei's ear... If I can draw close to him... it will be of great help to the future situation.*
Thus, he kept his smile:
"A few days ago, when Senior had not yet emerged from seclusion, I caught sight of the atmospheric signs to the south. The river thundered, drawing everyone's eyes. Senior Jinguang's peak array groundwork is truly profound!"
"Hahahaha!"
Chen Jinguang had broken through to Foundation Establishment, and Chen Yang himself had taken an elixir to advance to late Foundation Establishment. The Chen clan's power and influence had risen another step—an immense blessing to begin with. Chen Yang nodded and laughed heartily, patting Li Suining's shoulder, and said with a serious tone:
"The Zhenren has returned. I must go report and offer my gratitude, so I will not chat long. In your spare time from studying formations, if you feel inclined, you are more than welcome to visit me on the isle. Jinguang and the others... have all heard of your great name!"
After exchanging pleasantries, they were considered acquainted. Chen Yang walked out of the pavilion. The moment he stepped outside, the smile on his face gradually faded. A young man walked over to meet him from the corridor, lowering his eyes:
"Father!"
Chen Yang gave a wordless nod, his eyes narrowing slightly.
*He is indeed a capable fellow... I hear his formation dao is exceptional. In the future, he will likely be someone like Li Quewan, capable of ascending the mountain. The signs have already begun to show; it would do well to win him over...*
Pausing briefly in the corridor, his gaze casually brushed past the golden warship in the sky. In his eyes flickered a faint, restless ambition:
*Changxiao's destruction fully proves their might. Amid these shifts, the room on the mountain... is already enough for the likes of us to attain a divine ability...*
*Opportunity... where does our opportunity lie?*
The golden warship swept across the sky, and the figures of Chen Yang and his son vanished from sight. Li Suining withdrew his gaze and stepped down the stairs tier by tier.
The billowing air currents set his robes fluttering. Numerous streaks of light were descending one by one onto the isle. The golden warship came to a steady halt, its built-in grand array glowing brightly as it slowly opened.
As Li Suining watched with appreciation, he saw an honest-looking middle-aged man hurrying toward him. Arriving before him with an intensely excited expression, the man called out:
"Suining!"
Li Suining instinctively looked up. Li Zhoufang had already grabbed his hand, pulling him forward, whispering somewhat conspiratorially:
"Come!"
This elder's hand was very warm, his face flushed with excitement. He led him all the way to the front of the warship, presented his token, entered through a small side door, and only then let him stand firm, smiling:
"Look!"
Gleams of pure white light reflected in their eyes. As far as the eye could see were virtually endless white jade boxes, stacked layer upon layer, arranged in neat, orderly rows, filling the entire hold!
Li Suining was struck speechless for a moment. He slowly looked around. Wagon after wagon of spiritual resources was speeding out from the golden warship's belly hold, forming long continuous dragons in the air from end to end. The storage holds on both sides opened with a resounding rumble, and vast mounds of spiritual rice poured down like a golden waterfall before their stunned gazes, rapidly piling up in the jade basins.
In the midst of this waterfall of spiritual rice, the two appeared as tiny as specks of white light, frozen in utter astonishment inside the vessel.
A look of pride welled up on Li Zhoufang's face, and he could hardly contain himself:
"There are still more in the secret vaults of the Changxiao mountain gate! The family has already collected them; this is only the first shipment brought back!"
Li Suining swept his gaze over the sight, gradually regaining his composure from the shock, and listened as the man said:
"Changxiao's accumulated reserves will probably not be exhausted even after six generations!"
Li Zhoufang was not exaggerating in the least. Li Suining possessed even greater breadth of knowledge than he did; if this proved true, these provisions would suffice for all the Li bloodline descendants to live luxuriously for a hundred years! Even during the later days of warring across north and south, rarely had there been an occasion where an entire sect was wiped out intact and claimed wholly for their own!
Li Suining had anticipated something of this sort, and quickly digested his shock into joy. Turning to look at this elder, he saw him pick up two scattered jade boxes from the ground, gently open them, and admire the spiritual resources inside, sighing:
"Look... at this quality..."
Li Suining inspected them alongside him, wondering whether the man intended to take a few portions in advance or point out some rare spiritual item to him... But the middle-aged man turned around, took his hand, his eyes suddenly reddening, and said hoarsely:
"Suining... From now on, whether in the East Mansion or the West Mansion, our kinsmen by the lake will never have to live through hard days again!"
...
Inner Array.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was somewhat dim. Li Ximing tucked his sleeves together, standing in the center. Beside him, Li Jiangqian bowed slightly, attending at his side. After waiting for a moment, they saw the golden-eyed youth descend upon a beam of light.
Li Jiangqian hastily knelt and bowed, saying respectfully:
"Greetings, Father! Congratulations, Father, on crushing our bitter enemies in the south, annihilating their divine abilities, and returning in glorious victory!"
Li Zhouwei landed in the hall, and his presence instantly caused the hall to light up. His golden eyes shifted slightly, turning to Li Jiangqian:
"Rise!"
Li Jiangqian respectfully acknowledged the command and straightened slightly. His gaze darted with extreme swiftness across the Huayang Royal Battleaxe hanging inverted at his father's waist. Neither his expression nor his eyes betrayed the slightest change; he merely bent his back even lower.
The light in the hall brightened and then dimmed. The gold in his golden eyes was identical to the deep gold upon the royal battleaxe, seemingly devoid of the slightest impurity, staring respectfully at the ground.
Li Zhouwei took his seat and asked:
"How is your cultivation progressing?"
Li Jiangqian glanced up at him slightly and answered:
"Your child has already mastered 'Chonghuo' and 'Tianxing.' For the third, I am beginning to work on 'Shehuo' from among the Lihuo secret arts."
"'Tianxing'..."
Li Zhouwei pinched his fingers to calculate, slightly surprised:
"'Tianxing' went much faster. Was there an amplification?"
Li Jiangqian nodded calmly and replied:
"'Tianxing' is closely tied to the *Tianli Rize Sutra*. It received a degree of amplification, and your child possesses a modest cultivation base, so I managed to master it by good fortune!"
A look of mild regret appeared on his face as he added:
"Your child felt somewhat pleased upon mastering this technique, but I never expected that once I began cultivating the third, 'Shehuo,' the difficulty would rise several tiers... I fear it will no longer be a matter of two or three years. And finally, there is 'Zhengyan,' whose difficulty surpasses all the other arts."
Li Ximing showed praise in his expression and comforted him:
"This matter must never be rushed, yet it is essential to practice. Not everyone is like your father. If you can master these two secret arts within ten to fifteen years, it would already be considered a blessing of immense fortune..."
"Understood!"
Li Jiangqian bowed. Li Ximing then took a jade box from his sleeve, opened it for him to see, revealing a round, golden stone inside, and smiled:
"There is no need to worry about spiritual materials. Your father has already found your portion of Lihuo spiritual material. Though its specific name cannot be identified, it is without doubt a Lihuo spiritual material!"
Li Jiangqian was overjoyed. Stepping forward, he dropped to his knees and said solemnly:
"Jiangqian has no way to repay the profound kindness of the two elders!"
Li Ximing looked at him with a smile, raising his brows:
"Do you wish to keep it now?"
After all, this was an authentic Violet Palace spiritual material. Even with Li Zhouwei having just emerged from the grotto-heaven, the Li family possessed no more than five in total. Watching it, Li Jiangqian felt his blood surge, and he bowed:
"I only ask that Elder keep it on my behalf. Junior will enter secluded cultivation at once!"
The temptation of a Violet Palace divine ability was enough to drive one to risk life and limb, let alone having such a Lihuo Violet Palace spiritual material placed directly before him. Even someone as deep and reserved as he could not contain his excitement. Offering a deep bow, he hurriedly retreated from the hall.
Li Zhouwei watched the entire time, lost in thought. Li Ximing coughed, lifted his brows, and asked:
"You truly slew him?"
"Slew him."
A gleam of astonishment flashed in Li Ximing's eyes, and he asked:
"How was the harvest?"
Li Zhouwei smiled slightly, lifted his left hand, joined two fingers together, and held them upright before him. At his fingertips, a flickering speck of dark flame emerged.
This dark flame seemed somewhat ethereal, grayish on the outside and black within. As the flame rose, the atmosphere in the hall shifted accordingly; sounds of armored horses and iron weapons echoed, and heat waves surged forth.
"This is..."
Li Ximing's pupils shook slightly, and he asked in wonder:
"The *Jiazi Soul-Refining Halberd Weapon Art*?!"
Realizing in hindsight, he slapped the table and said:
"By slaughtering Chengyan, this art has gained boundless benefit!"
Li Zhouwei looked at the dark flame at his fingertips with a smile and answered:
"Indeed! This art is Great Liang's *Suiqi* technique, as well as the most primordial ancient demonic dao method. It refines weapons with life-souls to forge a Dharma Body. Previously, I never had an opportunity to destroy a sect and wipe out a lineage. Although the family tried their utmost to create conditions for me, it barely met the standard for reluctantly using this art.
"After all my careful planning, this affair with Changxiao Gate finally granted the *Jiazi Soul-Refining Halberd Weapon Art* its greatest boost. Having taken the first steps across the threshold, its dark soul has grown, laying the foundation for the *Black Soul Mara Dharma Body*!"
Li Ximing listened intently as Li Zhouwei continued:
"The so-called destruction of sects and lineages enhances the maximum might of the Black Soul Mara Dharma Body. However, this Dharma Body still requires my nourishment and cultivation to maintain the dark soul. One either slaughters countless lives and sustains it with a sea of blood, or uses the vast spiritual resources left behind from destroying sects and lineages to cultivate it... These two paths are distinct, yielding different wonders."
Li Ximing clicked his tongue and asked:
"You mean the resources from Changxiao Gate?"
Li Zhouwei shook his head:
"Now that the Dharma Body has just gained its foundation, its needs are small. I will not touch those items. Only that immense quantity of spiritual rice is difficult to preserve; I took some to satisfy the Dharma Body's hunger and restore a measure of its wonders... There will be plenty of chances for great battles in the future."
His expression turned serious, and he sighed with regret:
"It is just a pity that Chengyan was truly inadequate. 'Mingzhang Riyue' requires an evenly matched opponent. Even if he died by my hand, it was not as beneficial as taking wounds against Shilou Yingge... After the great battles against Helian Wujiang and Shilou Yingge, my cultivation was not far from Helian Wujiang's level. Yet Chengyan was good-for-nothing. What a pity!"
Li Ximing's expression turned slightly odd, and he nodded silently.
*...In truth... Chengyan had cultivated for many years. From the sound of his methods with the Tome of Subduing Ming Mountain... his cultivation was likely higher than mine...*
As he pondered silently, Li Zhouwei shifted the topic. With a flick of his sleeve, several jade boxes wrapped in heavenly light landed on the table. The chromatic radiance dispersed, revealing the various spiritual items. Li Ximing glanced over them and smiled:
"Changxiao still left quite a few things behind."
Li Zhouwei raised his head, returned the *Chonghuo Dual-Illumination Instrument*, which was as round as a golden core, and answered:
"The Crane Embracing Stone is left for Elder to handle. The family happens to lack elixirs that can bring the dead back to life and grow flesh on white bone. Please refine this Three-Branched Jiuxin Leaf, Granduncle, to prepare for unexpected needs."
"Very well!"
Li Ximing agreed, taking the two dark-patterned scrolls and several jade slips from his hands, as Li Zhouwei continued:
"The *Mountain-Sacrificing Stone-Splitting Art* is of little use, and the *Tome of Subduing Ming Mountain* is even more demanding. The *Cold Light Decree-Manifestation Formula* can be given to Jiangchun. The remaining Violet Palace scriptures are of little value to our family, but at least they can be legitimately traded or stored in the treasury. As for this scroll, it requires 'Kujin' to unlock, so Senior Liu will have to handle it."
His gaze fell upon that precious vase:
"As for this Lingzun Xihua... please consume it yourself, Granduncle!"
"Hm?"
Li Ximing was slightly taken aback. His family possessed the *Six Harmonies Precious Vase Treatise*, so he knew how this spiritual resource was used. Although consuming it could aid in cultivating spells, it seemed rather extravagant. He wondered:
"This..."
Li Zhouwei shook his head and answered:
"I know Granduncle is considering the Six Harmonies Precious Vase. That vase is indeed a fine treasure, but our family does not cultivate Shangyi, nor do Mingyang and Shangyi harmonize well... Why spend so much time and effort refining a precious vase? Biting off more than one can chew helps no one; the spiritual treasures in Granduncle's and my hands are enough to study for a hundred years!
"The use of spiritual resources does not lie in extravagance or frugality, but in suitability. Consuming this spiritual essence to cultivate spells and elevate Granduncle's techniques is instead the better way to handle it!"
Li Ximing pondered for a moment and slowly nodded, answering:
"What you say is true... My Dali Baixi Light can barely channel Jinxi, and there will be no major breakthrough in the short term, so it shouldn't be used there. First is Treading Flames Stride, and second is Diqi Light—both could make use of it.
"As for the Wutu spirit artifact...
"I will ask Kuang Yu and the others... to search for a Wutu Zhenren across the four seas. The Mountain-Sacrificing Stone-Splitting Art, the Tome of Subduing Ming Mountain, plus the Hundred-Ridge Darkstone Umbrella are entirely enough to establish a lineage. Someone will certainly be tempted."
Having settled this matter, Li Zhouwei slowly turned around and said in a low voice:
"Changxiao Gate held exclusive sway over a commandery for centuries, and all their resources have been claimed by our family alone. Granduncle, guess... how much is there?"
Li Ximing paused slightly and smiled:
"Looking only at Foundation Establishment... there should be over a hundred precious medicines and magical artifacts at least, right?"
The golden-eyed youth shook his head and answered:
"The golden warship's return brought back merely ten to twenty percent. It will take ten days to half a month to transport it all. The artifacts obtained are enough to arm ten Mount Yutings, and the resources gathered, even if spent so lavishly as to be discarded upon use, would suffice for our entire clan to live extravagantly for a hundred years!"
Li Zhouwei smiled:
"And there is also a Shangyi formation disc!"
This was the greatest harvest from crushing Changxiao in the south. Li Ximing naturally could not forget it, and nodded with a smile:
"Zhenren with established mountain gates will not use it, but we can look for Zhenren founding lineages in the outer seas. They lack resources, but have ample time to modify the formation bit by bit. If all else fails, we can place it with Senior Liu first and let him handle both the resale and repairs together—two families sharing one meal!"
Speaking of this, Li Zhouwei's expression turned solemn, and he asked:
"Is there any news from Qunyi?"
Li Ximing restrained his smile and said gravely:
"News from the West Sea arrived first. Shengbaidao made a move... Something happened to Fuxun and Qingyan. Senior Liu also received the news... But he has always been cautious, suspecting someone is trying to lure him out, so he guarded Qunyi without budging, only having Demon King Fuxun temporarily withdraw to the East Sea."
Li Zhouwei paced two steps and exchanged a glance with Li Ximing. Li Ximing shook his head:
"The timing is too coincidental..."
Li Zhouwei nodded decisively, while Li Ximing wondered:
"Shengbaidao has no shallow ties with Zhixuan Pavilion. After all, both were once connected to Shaoyang... Could this be an arrangement from the north?"
Li Zhouwei shook his head slightly, pinched the bridge of his nose, and answered:
"Unlikely. Wei Xuanyin would not go to such lengths—and what would he gain from it?"
He stopped abruptly and pondered:
"I need to go meet that Dragon Crown Prince."
Even though Changxiao had been destroyed, neither of them felt relaxed. Together, they fell silent, rose, and stepped into the Heaven of Sun and Moon in Mutual Splendor. Li Zhouwei stood in the pavilion, gazing thoughtfully at the sight of the sun and moon shining together. Li Ximing looked at him for a few moments, then suddenly spoke:
"During the days you went to Changxiao, I was still pondering your words..."
Li Zhouwei's expression was somewhat complex as he heard Li Ximing raise his brows and say:
"In truth, from the moment you came into this world, the family should have understood. Meat pies never fall from the sky; everything has a purpose. You are right: that Lord did not send you on this journey for nothing. So-called reincarnation has always been an illusion."
The two looked at each other, and Li Ximing said placidly:
"Our Wei Li heritage, and my cultivating Mingyang, were both preparations for you. For a small family to rise in a hundred years requires backing—and you are our family's backing. Without you, the lake would have been overturned long ago, and the clash between north and south would not have stopped at the lake's shores time and time again.
"Now, you can only fight."
Li Ximing paused, his expression gradually turning tranquil:
"Our family has no way out except to fight. Whatever the price... be it myself or Lake Wangyue, perhaps it can be traded for a dawn of light. Let us give it a try."
Li Zhouwei turned his head, his golden eyes deep and dark, and replied:
"Thank you, Granduncle."
Li Ximing smiled, then said seriously:
"However... one matter must be put on the agenda."
Seeing Li Zhouwei raise his brows, Li Ximing said with utmost gravity:
"Lineage.
"Of the Mingyang dao, 'Audience at the Heavenly Gate' and 'Sovereign Treading Danger' are already accomplished. There remain 'Emperor Observing the Origin,' 'Crimson Broken Arrowhead,' and 'Clear Illumination Heart.'
"The day your 'Sovereign Treading Danger' reaches perfection should be very soon. Whether it is 'Emperor Observing the Origin' or 'Crimson Broken Arrowhead,' gathering qi takes three to five years each. Though calculating by time you have more than enough, preparations must still be set in motion."
Li Ximing paused briefly and answered:
"I have looked in the pavilion. Both 'Emperor Observing the Origin' and 'Crimson Broken Arrowhead' are present. Minghuang, in your view, which one should be taken up first?"
"Very well."
His words sent the golden-eyed youth into deep thought. Pacing two steps in the hall, he walked into the pavilion alongside him. The jade-like stone platform still glowed with radiance, an ink-black wooden slip resting upon it.
Li Zhouwei gently stroked it, and silver characters surfaced one by one. He murmured:
"For 'Emperor Observing the Origin,' there is the *Emperor's Scripture of Ming Mountain's Surging Waves*. It is undoubtedly an ancient method of supreme grade, highly likely a technique that circulated out of the Wei imperial palace back then.
"As for 'Crimson Broken Arrowhead,' there are two: first, the *Emperor's Scripture of Ten Thousand Chariots Slaying Light*, and second, the *Method Scripture of the Crimson Distant Guard General*..."
Straightening his posture slightly, he shook his head:
"All three are dimmed into darkness and must be sought slowly. For now, we can only pursue one...
"'Crimson Broken Arrowhead' is an offensive method, using the weight of ten thousand chariots to sweep away all tribulations. 'Emperor Observing the Origin,' on the other hand, is an orthodox divine ability of imperial rule and solemn edicts, commanding ministers as sovereign. Both offer no small assistance."
Li Zhouwei said in a low voice:
"Truly speaking, the orthodox imperial mandate of 'Emperor Observing the Origin' may not necessarily be more aggressive, but its assistance to Mingyang is certainly greater. Otherwise, the Wei court would not have specifically locked this art inside the palace and used the 'Everbright Steps' as a substitute to circulate..."
Changing his tone, he continued:
"Yet judging by cultivation progression, Mingyang is a lineage of ascending step by step, with clearly demarcated tiers. The Mingyang sovereign treads danger until the realm of realizing repentance. 'Crimson Broken Arrowhead' is clearly suited for the third divine ability, while such a resplendent orthodox power as 'Emperor Observing the Origin' is better suited for the fourth or fifth divine ability."
He carefully scrutinized the silver script, while Li Ximing showed a look of concern, answering:
"I only worry about one thing. Both 'Crimson Broken Arrowhead' and 'Emperor Observing the Origin' are lineages long severed. 'Crimson Broken Arrowhead' is somewhat better, being present among the eastern fires as well. 'Emperor Observing the Origin' was an esoteric secret of the state of Wei, so it will inevitably draw attention... 'Crimson Broken Arrowhead' is preferable."
Li Zhouwei nodded, raising his hand, the gold in his eyes turning deep and rich:
"The *Emperor's Scripture of Ten Thousand Chariots Slaying Light*."
Chapter 1011