Li Xizhi flew toward the Eastern Sea, riding an ocean current for a time, and soon arrived at Qingsong Island. The waters around the island boiled incessantly, subterranean veins exposed and fire veins spewing forth, producing various kinds of spiritual qi.
A large portion of the pines on Qingsong Island had already collapsed. The land had been partitioned into over a dozen sectors, each guarded by disciples of the immortal sect and adapted to various environments to harvest the spiritual qi.
He landed upon a peak. Below him sat a disciple clad in green robes, legs crossed atop the summit, seemingly having waited for a long time. Seeing him descend upon the wind, the disciple heaved a sigh of relief as if a heavy weight had been lifted, then rushed forward with a face full of urgency.
"Daoist, you are finally back! Word came from within the sect instructing you to escort a group of people to Fenkuai Island in exchange for several others. I have been searching everywhere for you!"
"Oh?"
Li Xizhi had prepared long ago. His round trip had taken barely a few months, and he would not normally miss any mission deadlines, so he was unconcerned. He simply asked, "What is the deadline? Where are the people?"
The disciple cupped his hands and answered, "There are still several months left. Now that you have returned, Daoist, I shall go and make preparations at once!"
He hurried down the mountain. Li Xizhi shook his head in slight bemusement, thinking to himself, *The quotas were clearly arranged long ago. Why the sudden change? How strange. There must be more to this than meets the eye.*
Li Xizhi waited quietly for a while. Soon, a cloud boat floated up from the island. He leapt aboard and looked around. The passengers were older Qi Refinement cultivators interspersed with a few Foundation Establishment guest elders.
"Greetings, Daoist!"
Everyone greeted him. Waving his hand casually, he wasted no time and steered the cloud boat into the sky. Only when they reached the open sea did he begin observing them attentively. To his surprise, though these people were being transferred away from such a blessed ground, hardly any resentment showed on their faces.
Feigning nonchalance, he asked, "What matter could be so urgent that it required pulling all of you away?"
The man behind him blinked in surprise, then hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Daoist, we heard that the earth veins in Fenkuai Market have shifted and might cause an earthquake. That is why Market Master Heyuan summoned us over."
Li Xizhi nodded. "So that is why. A brief trip and back... I thought he was acting cold and unfeeling by pulling you all away to stand guard. If it is only this, then it is well enough; at least you will not miss your chances for cultivation."
"Many thanks for your concern, Daoist!"
The man behind him was a Foundation Establishment guest elder. After expressing his gratitude several times, he quickly sought a topic of conversation, bringing up the earth veins. Li Xizhi responded offhandedly, yet a sentence or two was enough to grant the man quite a bit of insight.
Li Xizhi thought to himself, *It seems nine times out of ten that Ning Heyuan of the Ning family wants to see me, so he went through the trouble of putting on this entire performance. He certainly left no loose ends.*
Having grasped the truth, his interest quickly waned. The guest elder tactfully held his tongue. Day and night alternated, and before long, Fenkuai Island came into view.
Fenkuai Island was a renowned, massive island in the Near Sea, drawing low murmurs of admiration from those behind him. Li Xizhi was also visiting for the first time. Following the guidance, he dove beneath the surface and located the grand array upon the seabed.
Just as they came to a halt, a middle-aged man was seen hovering above the market. He possessed late Foundation Establishment cultivation. Seeing the cloud boat approach, he closed the distance in two strides, stopping before Li Xizhi and speaking in a deep voice:
"Is the man before me Daoist Li? I am Ning Heyuan."
Seeing him come out to greet him in person, Li Xizhi felt even more certain. He replied softly, "It is indeed Li Xizhi. Greetings, Senior!"
"You have worked hard, Daoist."
A smile instantly broke out on Ning Heyuan's face. He signaled slightly to his subordinates nearby, and soon attendants came forward to guide the boatload of cultivators down below. Ning Heyuan then extended a hand.
"Please!"
Ning Heyuan led him downward. The man's demeanor was far more composed now. The changes these short ten years had wrought upon him exceeded the decades he had spent stationed in the sea, and his presence had grown much more magnanimous.
Ning Heyuan had gradually come to understand why Yuansu had placed the Ning family in his hands when there were so many Foundation Establishment cultivators in the clan and several of his elder brothers were more capable than him. The reason was identical to why he had been exiled to the overseas waters for more than a decade—he was on the best terms with the Chi family and even held the deep trust of Sect Master Chi Zhiyun.
*Breaking through to the Violet Palace takes five or six years at shortest, and even several decades at longest. Once the Real Person perishes, who knows how long my aunt will take, let alone whether she succeeds... Until then, only with me managing the family is it safest.*
Ning Heyuan understood that his aunt's chances of breaking through were grim. Should Real Person Yuansu perish, what the Ning family needed to fear most was not retaliation from other Violet Palaces, but the Chi family, whom Yuansu had ignored for years...
Once the Ning family lost Yuansu, they would be little different from ordinary aristocratic families. They had to secure the Chi family's trust. Thus, having him—a loyal supporter of Chi Zhiyun who had been severely punished on account of his ties to the Chi family—take charge of the clan was Yuansu's wisest choice.
Ning Heyuan had only visited the Southern Border once before being driven right back to the sea. Pondering over it for a long time after returning to these waters, he had finally understood the Real Person's profound intent. He finally understood why he, already secretly chosen to lead the family, had been made to remain in this wretched place all along:
*It was all to make Chi Zhiyun feel guilty... to make him feel indebted to me... to make him feel that I stand on the same line as the Chi family!*
Ning Heyuan had followed Sect Master Chi Zhiyun since childhood. Reflecting on it carefully, he had to admit that given the sect master's temperament, Real Person Yuansu's scheme was a masterstroke.
Once the realization dawned upon him, a cold sweat broke out across his spine, yet his resentment toward staying in this damned place vanished, replaced entirely by admiration. His whole countenance had become noticeably different.
The two entered a cave dwelling and sat down. Ning Heyuan poured tea. Seeing Li Xizhi rise, unwilling to presume, he quickly pressed a hand down and said, "It was not easy for me to find an excuse to bring you here, Fellow Daoist. There is no need for such excessive courtesy between us; we may simply treat each other as peers."
Not waiting for Li Xizhi to say more, he swiftly changed the subject and said solemnly, "The reason I asked you to come this time is for the matter of Lake Wangyue!"
Li Xizhi understood and assumed a listening posture. Ning Heyuan spoke softly:
"First, Yuanwu must fall, and Yuanwu Peak's assigned territory must be relocated. We must exert our influence together within the sect. Six of the thirty-six peaks will be chosen to oversee the territories. If we can bring Lake Wangyue under Qingsui's jurisdiction, this matter will be mostly secured!
"However, relying on my Ning family alone might still be difficult. Does your noble clan have any other allies?"
Li Xizhi nodded slightly. Understanding this man's relationship with Li Xuanfeng, he whispered, "If the Ning family, the Yang family, and Li Encheng of Fuchen join forces, could they pull this off?"
Li Xizhi had considered this matter as well. The earliest plan had also included the Yuan family, but unexpected misfortunes had struck: the Yuan family was currently in utter chaos, and his master had vanished without a trace. Not knowing how things would ultimately turn out, they could only leave them out for now.
"Li Encheng!"
Ning Heyuan lowered his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and suddenly showed a look of sudden realization. He murmured, "You certainly kept quiet about that! However, this matter is not simple. Li Encheng previously offended someone; asking him to step in might backfire instead."
Li Xizhi nodded, feeling a lingering dread. Ning Heyuan continued:
"In truth, this matter is not difficult. As for Chi Zhiyun... my brother-in-law has already made preparations. We will resolve it. The Chi family has no objections, and Real Person Yuanxiu is busy extending his own lifespan, leaving him little energy to meddle in so many affairs. It is just that... afterward, you will need to meet Chi Zhiyun once."
A trace of hesitation surfaced on his face, and he sighed. "All of this is for after we succeed... roughly seven or eight years from now."
Ning Heyuan discussed the finer details with him for nearly an hour, then said with great gravity, "You must understand, Fellow Daoist, that all of this is predicated on my aunt's breakthrough proceeding without any bad news. If she fails her breakthrough, variables will become endless, and both of our families will find things exceedingly difficult."
Li Xizhi nodded, indicating his understanding. Ning Heyuan took his hand and walked him to the cave entrance, whispering, "Our two families are now tied to the same rope. My brother-in-law has done so much; do not let him down."
Li Xizhi did not fully grasp the weight behind the words "done so much," but merely nodded in response and soon took his leave.
Ning Heyuan saw him off all the way, then turned back, feeling a tinge of worry as he muttered, "One step at a time..."
***
Upon Mount Qingdu.
Li Xuanxuan and Liu Changdie had been busy setting up the array for a long time. Several array platforms had been constructed and carved with intricate patterns, into which spiritual water was being refined bit by bit.
None of this required Li Xuanxuan's personal labor, of course; Liu Changdie directed several array masters from the clan to carry out the work. Being able to participate in the construction of such a grand array and receive Liu Changdie's guidance was something these men could only dream of; they would have gladly paid out of their own pockets to do the work.
Li Xuanxuan waited for a while and noticed that the vegetation on the mountain appeared somewhat listless. Realizing that the weather over the past few days had grown warmer by the day while the rainfall had gradually tapered off, a hint of curiosity arose in his heart.
Just as he was about to ask, he saw the dark clouds on the horizon swept completely clear in an instant, as if struck by a violent gale. Dazzling dawn light rose from the sky's edge, and an endless expanse of golden-red swiftly spread across the heavens.
*Whoosh... whoosh...*
The howling of wind slowly rose between heaven and earth, drawing from afar. A wave of warmth swept in, setting the trees rustling. Not only Liu Changdie, but even the array masters of lower cultivation sensed that something was amiss and blankly raised their heads to gaze northward.
The warm wind rushed against his face, leaving Li Xuanxuan stunned. Liu Changdie also choked back his words. The two exchanged a glance and looked up together at the scenery in the sky.
"This is..."
The dark clouds that had hung overhead for years finally dispersed. A pair of deep crimson wings spanned the horizon, ascending into the sky alongside the morning glow, dyeing heaven and earth a vivid scarlet.
A colossal feathered beast was approaching from the north. Its size was staggering; gazing up from the mountain into the sky, one saw colors that blotted out the sun, its wings stretching into the far distance until they vanished into the undulating sea of clouds.
The beast's underbelly cloaked more than half of Lake Wangyue, yet it did not obstruct the morning glow. Red light flowed, illuminating the entirety of Lake Wangyue like a deep red gem gleaming between heaven and earth.
The feathered beast possessed vivid colors of scarlet and gold. Its flight feathers were long, trailing eight streamers through the air with intricate patterns resembling eight iron chains that extended deep into the north.
Liu Changdie's voice turned dry. Not daring to look directly at the radiance in the sky, he whispered, "Senior! This is Hong Fire, the opposite of Lushui... I wonder what manner of divine beast it could be..."
The feathered beast flew with incredible speed, soaring across the vault of heaven. The rainwater was swept clean, vanishing in an instant, followed by a scorching sun that shone golden and bright upon the damp soil.
This sunlight was entirely different from that of ordinary days. It was as though flames hung downward, producing sizzling sounds as they struck the trees and soil. The world became a single expanse of golden yellow; the blazing sun was blinding, resembling liquid gold flowing everywhere. The white ground was so dazzling it nearly prevented people from opening their eyes, and a wave of heat rolled over them, soaking them in sweat.
Li Xuanxuan barely managed to lift his head, feeling the ground beneath his feet radiate heat from the inside out under the illumination of this light. Rainwater continuously evaporated upward, sending mist billowing in all directions.
*The Xiuyue Sect's... counterattack has arrived!*
Moisture and steam drifted across all of Mount Qingdu and Lake Wangyue, ethereal and swirling like an immortal realm on earth. Looking around amidst the white vapor, Li Xuanxuan muttered, "What rank of spirit beast is this?"
Liu Changdie squinted at the receding red light, seemingly calculating something, and answered, "It is either a Golden Core mount, some ancient demon, or a great demon king... invited by Xiuyue! Since it wields Hong Fire, it must be some luan bird of illustrious background that accepted Xiuyue's favor and flew from north to south wielding its divine ability."
Li Xuanxuan shook his sleeves, using his magic power to dispel the dampness on his cuffs. Vaguely, he heard cheers rising from the town. The commoners below, seeing the clouds disperse and the rain clear, thought the years of rain had finally ended. Yet he smiled bitterly:
"I am afraid this might not be a blessing!"
Li Xuanxuan scooped up a handful of mountain soil, feeling it warm to the touch, and muttered, "I wonder how long this will last. If it exceeds three days, it will not just be crops failing to grow! Even the forests will cease to thrive, withering away completely."
Liu Changdie looked at the old man and said in a low voice, "There is no helping it... A clash between two great sects is a sight seen once in a hundred years."
He sighed and walked down the mountain, still pondering in his heart:
*Hong Fire can quell dampness, dispel rain, and transform cold into heat, but with what will they resolve the wailing of a million souls? Compared to the Qingchi Sect, Xiuyue's methods are still far too feeble.*
***
In the central hall of the Li residence.
The glazed tiles atop the hall glowed a vivid red. A white ape was prostrated on the ground, bowing toward the departing feathered beast. Beside it stood a young boy, his white-and-gold robe shimmering in the light.
He stared intently at the receding feathered beast, seemingly stirred. At his feet, several thin-winged cicadas that had fluttered down crawled about—some overturned on their backs, struggling and spinning in puddles, others crawling up his trouser leg.
Li Zhouwei took no notice. The white ape soon rose, picked up several cicadas from the ground, and popped them into its mouth. In a childish voice, Li Zhouwei said:
"What a big bird."
As he looked down, a figure walked up the steps clad in sumptuous robes, followed by a retinue of attendants. The woman waved the attendants away and stepped slowly inside, looking at the child with a complicated expression.
Li Zhouwei nodded to her, bowed slightly, and said, "Mother."
This person was none other than Li Chengliao's wife, Lady Hu. She had carried Li Zhouwei for eleven months before giving birth, suffering terribly during the pregnancy. Meeting those dark golden eyes, a subtle dread arose in her heart.
This child had never shown her any affection, and his birth had nearly taken her life. Yet as her maternal instinct welled up, it was still enough to overcome that fear. She gently asked after his well-being, and after Li Zhouwei answered, she said:
"In a few days, your father will select a weapon for you. Have you thought about what you would like?"
Li Zhouwei tilted his head slightly and said softly, "I have no particular preference. Whatever Father teaches, I shall practice."
Chapter 489