A gentle breeze blew across the island under a fierce, scorching sun that bleached the reefs pale. A man in white stood for a time amid the clouds by the shore, quiet and utterly calm.
An Siwei was getting on in years. Ever since his father An Zheyan died, he had been the most senior elder of the An clan. When the Path of Great Desires marched south, An Xuanxin, along with many of the An clan's direct line and loyal retainers, had been completely wiped out. While this was not a crippling blow to the Li clan, to An Siwei it was a bolt from the blue!
The blow had fallen upon him with crushing weight. The letter An Xuantong sent from across the lake was a long scroll. An Siwei had wept as he read, covering the letter and sighing in grief, taking three attempts just to finish reading it. In the end, he had not even known how to reply.
*To think such a catastrophe could befall us!*
Fear filled his heart. He understood clearly that while the An clan's standing still appeared secure, An Xuantong had no sons. In the next century, the An clan would surely have no one left to serve. With the conflict between north and south growing increasingly fierce, if their luck turned sour and An Xuantong fell as well, the An clan would become the next Tian clan!
A cultivator's appearance was tied to their lifespan, but even more so to their spirit. Once that spirit was exhausted, this fiercely loyal Guest Elder An suddenly aged decades, now looking like a frail old man. Standing blankly by the shore, a yearning actually rose in his heart:
*Though I am old and useless, I do not begrudge my life. Could I beg the Old Master to send me to the riverside… if only to preserve Xuantong's life…*
He had discussed this thought with the boy in private, but An Xuantong had vehemently opposed it, swearing to avenge the blood debt of his brother—the exact spitting image of An Siwei in his own youth. Yet An Siwei was a man who had lived through it all, and he knew in his heart that this grudge could never be avenged, not in a hundred generations, not in a thousand.
This left him in a daze, and his thoughts unexpectedly drifted to his father:
*When my younger brother died, did Father ever plan as I am doing? Surely not. In his heart, he had only one son—only Jingming. Just as he cried out before his death, the rest of us were merely the extra children he sired in obedience to a last will.*
All the burdens of the clan and his family weighed heavily upon his chest, leaving him standing there in a stupor, at a complete loss for what to do.
He waited by the shore for a while, when suddenly the ocean waves churned, as though some pitch-black mass were drifting beneath the surface. He instantly shook off his thoughts and grew vigilant, clutching a talisman in his palm.
*What sort of monster is this… to dare come to our Lulai Island?*
With a Purple Mansion cultivator guarding Lulai Island, there was no need to fear any raid, and the Li clan shared close ties with the dragon race. An Siwei merely suspected some reckless monster had blundered in. Yet as ripples of spray scattered, a white figure leaped out from the water.
It was a man dressed in a cyan kesi jacket with a brocade cloak draped over his shoulders. Faint, fine jade-green scales covered his neck, and his cultivation was extraordinarily profound, radiating a suffocating pressure.
Behind him, the water shimmered as sea beasts from the ocean floor bore a jade-green palanquin hall to the surface. Adorned with gold and inlaid with jade, it boasted a seven-storied pavilion and six great halls, embellished with pearls, kingfisher feathers, and tassels—resembling a high terrace rising from the depths. An Siwei gasped in terror and dropped to his knees at once.
Who else in the seas could possess such grandeur… if not the dragon race! Having spent many years in the East Sea, he naturally knew how domineering the dragons were!
Yet the expression on the man's face was exceedingly polite. Taking a step forward, he bowed respectfully across the formation and said, "Are you of the Li clan? Please inform the master of the house that the Monster King of Xushui has come to call."
Startled, An Siwei hastily summoned a subordinate and gave detailed instructions to enter the formation and report to Liu Changdie. He himself waited humbly at the side, casting a fearful glance before asking with utmost caution, "Might you… might you be Lord Ying in person?"
The brocade-clad youth lowered his brow, showing a touch of gratitude as he nodded. "It is indeed this humble monster… an old acquaintance from the banks of the Great River."
An Siwei felt somewhat reassured and hurried to say, "Does Your Lordship remember Floating Cloud Cave? When the King of Wei campaigned in the north, this humble one served under his banner…"
*He is already the King of Wei…*
The title "King of Wei" required no explanation from An Siwei; anything touching upon "Wei" was already crystal clear to Ying Hebai. His heart surged with burning heat, leaving him overwhelmed with emotion:
*He saved my entire clan—how could I ever repay such kindness!*
Back then, when the situation in the realm underwent a drastic shift, Ying Hebai had not dared linger and hastily retreated. Though he had preserved his life, abandoning his post before orders arrived from the sea was, after all, a dereliction of duty. Having incurred the wrath of his direct superior, his days had been far from easy.
Ever since returning from inland, his clan's fortunes had taken a sharp turn for the worse. When the Monster King of Xushui attended the divine ability banquet hosted by the Dragon King of the Reef Sea, Ying Hebai's aunt had acted recklessly, displeasing the Monster King of Baitao during the feast. Though shielded by the Monster King of Xushui, she had fallen from favor ever since, and the missions assigned to Ying Hebai had grown increasingly perilous. His clan had suffered a sudden decline, facing the imminent threat of extermination.
Fortunately, this King of Wei had put in a word before the Dragon King of Beihai. With his superior's superior personally speaking up, even the Monster King of Baitao had come forward to apologize, greatly boosting Xushui's prestige…
*With a single word, he saved my clan's lives and honor!*
Perhaps in earlier years Ying Hebai had treated him with deference only because of Dingjiao, but now he was genuinely, thoroughly awed:
*Even the Dragon King of Beihai likely shows some respect to the King of Wei's wishes, let alone the Monster King of Xushui. Promoting me today to serve as the vanguard for the king was meant both as a gesture to the Li clan… and as a display of the Monster King of Xushui's loyalty to Beihai…*
He composed his expression and waited quietly. Within a few breaths, a man stepped out across the void, brilliant silver light radiating from his divine ability as he bent in a bow, hurrying to say, "This unaffiliated cultivator Yuanbian greets the Great King!"
Hearing only that dragons had arrived, Liu Changdie had understood most of it in his heart. Pressed for time, Li Ximing had not even had a moment to see him, rushing off with Li Quewan—undoubtedly hurrying to smooth over ties with the dragon race so he could return inland in time… This stirred a faint sigh in Liu Changdie's heart:
*The Wei-Li position is difficult after all; he doesn't dare linger anywhere…*
Only then did a man clad in jet-black armor descend from the pavilion. A helmet concealed his face, and a longbow was strapped across his back. He strode inside, his voice heavy and commanding:
"I am Lu Xu, here on orders. Forgive the intrusion."
"Think nothing of it…"
Liu Changdie merely guided him inward. The two did not enter the immortal's cave, instead taking seats in a courtyard on the island. The monster king's expression was calm as he remarked casually, "I have long heard of your renowned name."
Hearing those words, Liu Changdie realized the visitor had not come solely on account of Fuxun. Alertness stirred within him, though he replied, "I never imagined my meager reputation would reach Your Reverence's ears!"
The Monster King of Xushui raised his tea and replied directly, "I am a crude fellow unaccustomed to the ways of your human race, nor will I beat around the bush with you. I speak only of what is at hand. A Great Master named Changxiao originally intended to kill you, but the Thunder Maiden of Xuanchi from our house intervened to save you. Had it not been for that, your life would have ended long ago."
The suspicions in Liu Changdie's heart were suddenly confirmed. Hurriedly rising from his seat, he bowed in deep gratitude, feigning profound overwhelmed thanks: "Yuanbian had felt an inkling long ago… My sincerest gratitude to that noble lord…"
Lu Xu offered him little warmth, his face remaining impassive as he continued, "To be sure, this was due to heavenly cycles—Qunyi lies beneath the gaze of Lady Xuanü, who would not care to watch one favored by Sitian perish—yet it was also because this Thunder Maiden of Xuanchi shared some karma with you…"
Liu Changdie was stunned and asked in bewilderment, "This Xuanü…"
Lu Xu, however, seemed bitten by his words. His previously calm expression changed abruptly, and he hissed in warning, "Is 'Xuanü' a name you can utter so lightly? In all the world, the only 'Xuanü' is that Daughter of Xuanpin, whom you cultivators call the True Monarch of Wondrous Dao and Transforming Life, the Lady of the Nine Heavens Xuanpin…"
Only then did Liu Changdie realize the Xuanü spoken of was Lady Pinshui. Cultivators indeed referred to Her as 'Lady' far more often. Cold sweat broke out across his skin. Furthermore, having his deepest secret exposed by the phrase 'favored by Sitian,' he was overcome with panic. He quickly slapped his own cheeks several times, offering profuse apologies while masking his turmoil with a question:
"Might I ask about this… Thunder Maiden…"
*Favored by Sitian… Lady Pinshui… Could the One of Sitian have shared an acquaintance with Lady Pinshui? But has this Lady not long ceased to appear in the world…*
Myriad thoughts swirled through his mind as he repeatedly begged for pardon. Only then did the Monster King of Xushui's expression soften slightly, and he continued, "When Her Ladyship was in human form, her mortal name was Li Qinghong."
Liu Changdie finally had his eyes opened. All his past doubts seemed answered at once, and an ache of sorrow tightened his chest, leaving him unsure how to respond. Lu Xu watched him quietly:
"Guard this place well and cease running about. If one day you wander into the inland realm or across the seas and someone takes your life, we will not bother to intervene…"
His expression was unfathomable, seemingly gauging whether the man had taken his warning to heart. Liu Changdie let out sigh after sigh, nearly weeping:
*It was a favor from the Li clan after all… In that case, guarding this place makes me a guest elder of the Li clan once again… To think the karma of this world could be so wondrous!*
The Monster King of Xushui then instructed, "Bring that beast up!"
Liu Changdie quickly excused himself. After a brief wait, the white-robed, red-eyed youth hurried into the hall, prostrating himself immediately: "Greetings, My Lord!"
As he bowed, beyond the sight of the other three, faint yellow hues flowed. The multiple eyes on the back of Fuxun's head opened once more, their bleached pupils staring blankly up at the sky.
The Monster King of Xushui noticed nothing of this. Looking at him with a hint of novelty, he praised inwardly:
*To think it is an auspicious beast—how rare! Once the Mingyang affair concludes, perhaps the Dragon King might find use for him…*
*Still, he ought to be kept well hidden for now… lest the various kings lay eyes on him. If they start squabbling over him, it would spoil great matters instead.*
Putting on an air of authority, he asked, "Since the King of Wei entrusted you to us, you naturally can be put to use. Where would you like to be stationed?"
The eyes at the back of Fuxun's head darted about, and his lips muttered faintly as if in conference, whispering:
*Dongfang Weixi… and Zhongli Bailu… must not see us…*
*Be it Qunyi… or the World Navel… here… assume the posture of gathering the pin; They will find it hard to look.*
Tears already streamed down Fuxun's face as he answered, "I have no one to rely on, only this brother. I only hope to be stationed closer to Master Yuanbian…"
Lu Xu had anticipated his thoughts, concerned only that roaming about might draw the notice of other dragon kings. He smiled and said, "Between these reefs and the World Navel lies Danping Reef. I can dispatch you to guard it, but you are not to abandon your post without cause. If you delay the Lord's business, there will be no mercy for you!"
Overjoyed, Fuxun nodded repeatedly. The Monster King of Xushui helped him up, then turned to Ying Hebai and ordered:
"From now on, I assign you to patrol the seas here. Bring all your kinfolk over. Should there be any instructions from the King of Wei, go directly to the palace to seek the Dragon King of Jiaohai!"
His own territorial waters were not here; he was currently placing Ying Hebai under Dongfang Dingjiao, the Dragon King of Jiaohai, who was close to the King of Wei. The Monster King of Xushui was by no means an easy master to serve, so Ying Hebai nodded and bowed in gratitude again and again, delirious with joy and close to tears. He escorted the colossal palanquin hall on its way, then rode the wind back, seeking out An Siwei in particular.
The scales on the monster's neck opened and closed, and his face was covered in tears that gleamed like crystal, clattering against his armor. Kneeling on the deserted beach, he wept and said, "Please inform the King of Wei that this immense grace is beyond all thanks. Even if one day he desires to eat my heart and lungs or take my very life, Hebai will gladly consent!"
***
The Southern Border.
Dense clouds blanketed the sky as a cyan-purple banner fluttered in the gale, amidst rolling gusts of wind. At the foot of the mountain, swarms of barbarians like ants could be faintly seen, tethered by chains of ropes like cattle and sheep.
Atop the peak, a gold-eyed man stood with hands clasped behind his back, his cloak billowing. The purple markings at his brow glowed faintly, as if breathing, and his golden eyes brimmed with contemplation.
*So this is a divine ability.*
He raised his hand. A cluster of shimmering cyan flames ignited at his fingertips, disturbing the Great Void with undulating ripples. As the fire of True Qi subtly shifted, it even carried a faint hint of Measureless Water-Fire.
The flame pierced all the way down into his sea of qi, illuminating every corner within like a shower of sweet dew falling upon his immortal foundation, steadily nourishing Yetianmen and linking it faintly with the Great Void in preparation for the future Purple Mansion.
Li Jiangxia pondered quietly:
*Jiangliang spoke of sitting atop a golden lotus throne, but I see it otherwise… At most, it amounts to nothing more than a sattva. The might of this Holding Mystery correlates with worldly power and station. It seems whether from the blessing of his founding peerage or the enhancement of being head of all officials… he sits a notch above me.*
Yet none of this mattered. What Li Jiangxia truly valued was the enhancement of his own divine ability. Shifts in worldly power depended on mortal whims; how could that ever compare to the freedom granted by one's own divine ability?
*My cultivation in Mingyang is far smoother than his in Lihuo. With this enhancement from Holding Mystery, I reckon… in ten years, I can make an attempt at the divine ability…*
As he was pondering, An Xuantong had already hurried up the mountain. He too was clad in full armor, imposing and martial. Though the shadow of his brother's demise had not yet lifted from his brow, he seemed to glimpse the hope of vengeance in the miracle of Li Jiangxia's sudden surge in divine ability, appearing ambitious as he bowed:
"The cultivators of the regional state have all been bound, and their forces have been rounded up by our men… May I ask Your Lordship… how they should be handled…"
A thoughtful look appeared on Li Jiangxia's face.
Once this territory was subdued, it would certainly serve as a cultivator's fief in the future. Before departing, Li Jiangliang had mentioned that, judging by Yang Zhuo's habits, this place was nine times out of ten destined to become his own fief. Li Jiangxia narrowed his eyes slightly, as if recalling something:
*Layers of mountains and wicked rites, bound and brought to Wei.*
He took a step, murmuring, "This is the seventh state. Cultivators in the realm are few at present; bind all these shamans and send them to the capital for the Sovereign to deal with… As for the people and troops…"
The gold-eyed youth's expression turned somber as he answered:
"Before I departed… the Sovereign gave an order: The light of Tianwu shines not upon the barbarian breeds. Those of Baekje, Jiaozhi, and Pyu are base chattel, prone to provocation and blind to grace. Their tribes shall be eradicated, replaced by civilized descendants."
Before and after ascending the imperial throne, Yang Zhuo had abstained from wanton slaughter, treating his subjects with consistent benevolence. Yet there were evident boundaries to who counted as his people, and these words carried a chilling edge. Li Jiangxia lowered his gaze toward the troops and captives swarming like ants at the foot of the mountain:
"With the imperial decree before us, it brooks no defiance or alteration. Pass down my command: all barbarian tribes shall have their faces branded and be driven as slaves to build the great palace for the Emperor. The women shall be taken back to the realm to serve as maidservants."
The Li clan had always cherished the common people, treating even the Shanyue under their rule with leniency. An Xuantong was visibly uncomfortable with such orders, yet faced with an immortal command, he could only withdraw in apprehension. Li Jiangxia appeared utterly unaffected. After standing quietly for a while, he heard hurried footsteps approaching as someone rushed up the mountain, falling to his knees and crying out in urgency:
"Urgent report, General… The Grand General has reached the wilderness and is about to attack Sanjiang!"
Chapter 1054