Li Ximing gave his assent. Behind him, Ding Weizeng kept his head bowed and expression subdued, not daring to utter a word. After all, this was a conversation between two Violet Palace cultivators; catching even a single stray sentence was an opportunity in itself. Yet he could not help feeling inwardly astonished:
*Real Person Zhaojing has only just broken through to the Violet Palace, while Real Person Yuanxiu is in the late Violet Palace stage and an eminent cultivator in all of Jiangnan. How can he be this courteous?*
Ding Weizeng did not understand the affairs of the Violet Palace, nor did he know about divine abilities and lifespans. He only knew better than to ponder it too much and eased his mind.
Si Boxiu glanced at him and spoke: "The weakening of the Upper Evil Spirit Repository did not happen without cause. It began in Jiangnan. Some years ago, Zipei perished. Kan Xuyu was the grand consolidator of Purple Qi. Does Zhaojing know the golden... Dao name of Purple Qi?"
"I would like to hear the details," Li Ximing asked with a smile.
Yuanxiu said solemnly, "Its full name is Tianxiu Purple Qi Immortal Yuan..."
Hearing this name, Li Ximing deduced a great deal. Sure enough, he saw Si Boxiu continue:
"She attempted a breakthrough and perished overnight. The impact on the ambient aura of the Upper Evil Spirit Repository can well be imagined... Zhaojing need only look at that word 'Immortal.' Moreover, she was a master who had attained great completion. That the Upper Evil Spirit Repository did not dissipate on the spot was already only because the devastation from Chi Zhiyun's downpour was overly severe!"
The inception of the Upper Evil Spirit Repository had been the turning point when the Yuan family transitioned from prosperity to decline. The Yuan ancestor, Yuan Licheng, had failed his breakthrough to the Violet Palace, perishing in a single night and causing torrential rain across multiple commanderies. Qingchi had secretly sustained the downpour to disrupt the Xuanping Neutral Atmosphere—a shameful deed that could never see the light of day. Yet with this light remark, Yuanxiu brushed off the infamy and pinned it onto Chi Zhiyun and the Chi family.
Li Ximing took up the cue immediately: "At that time, rain and sun alternated erratically while all living beings wept in misery. My aunt also failed her breakthrough and perished because of that rain—and she was of the Xiao family..."
In truth, the Li family had investigated later and found that the rain's impact on mortals was not as vast as imagined; instead, it affected cultivators more, and it had been nowhere near "overly severe devastation." But neither of them cared about the actual truth.
Yuanxiu smiled and said, "Now that the old skinflint has died as well, leaving the State of Wu peaceful and tranquil, Jiangnan has shifted accordingly... By the look of it, this is Juxin Chongxuan. It favors Binggu, the immortal path, closed-door cultivation, and the clever forging of magical artifacts... It possesses the power to suppress spiritual sense, harm Earth, and restrain demons, while also greatly boosting Fire virtue magic power and clarifying the Twelve Qi."
The Si family's heritage was out of the ordinary. In the records left behind by Li Xuanfeng, they were traced back to the Sima family, a prominent northern clan. For ordinary people, simply recognizing the phenomenon would be impressive; even immortal sects would at best know the general description, never so many specifics.
Yet hearing the detailed traits of Juxin Chongxuan, Li Ximing felt his heart sink.
*Why did it have to be Earth virtue! What terrible fortune... Changxi's Xuanyue heritage is of Earth virtue. Now that it harms Earth and restrains demons, those three Foundation Establishment cultivators in seclusion to break through... their already slim chances have dwindled even further...*
His family intended to lend a helping hand, naturally hoping for Xuanyue to produce another Violet Palace cultivator. But as things stood, Heaven was truly not on their side!
Li Ximing did not believe Juxin Chongxuan was intentionally aimed at the Kong family. After all, this ambient aura had been set in motion by the successive deaths of Qing Tangyin of Mount Changhuai and Real Person Zipei. In front of those two, Changxi probably barely counted as an important figure, let alone someone whose death could be calculated in advance.
Li Ximing nodded and expressed his thanks, but Si Boxiu was quietly observing him. Si Boxiu said:
"Back when I was in secluded cultivation, Si Yuanli restored order to the sect. I heard that Li Xizhi lent him his full support and made tremendous contributions. I have only just emerged from seclusion and have not yet met him.
"I only heard that the Yuan clan attempted to harm him repeatedly. Is that true?"
Si Boxiu's question came abruptly. Li Ximing had not expected him to sound as though he wanted to settle scores with the Yuan clan. But Yuan Chengzhao was now the Si family's loyal hound.
Li Ximing merely chuckled and replied, "Hardly. Those were all Chi Zhiyan's schemes. The Yuan family was innocent all along, and in earlier years, they were on good terms with us."
Although Li Ximing spent his days holed up at home cultivating, in his youth he had been groomed to be the family patriarch. While he could not compare to old hands like Xiao Chuting or Si Boxiu, he was hardly going to stumble over something like this. Excuses rolled off his tongue effortlessly:
"Later on, some unpleasantness arose over marriage ties. Those beneath us are always fond of gossiping. As rumors spread in private, people naturally added or subtracted details according to their personal whims... It is only normal."
Li Ximing brushed it aside cleanly. Si Boxiu nodded in approval at his tact. The Yuan clan being on bad terms with the Li clan and acting as a buffer beneath Lake Wangyue was ideal.
Si Boxiu merely said, "The Yuan clan's ancestry holds something extraordinary that even I cannot see through clearly. Zhaojing, do not lower yourself to their level."
Li Ximing could not tell whether this was an intimidation or the truth, but either way, the Yuan clan had to be spared—a consensus was reached.
Then Yuanxiu smiled and said, "Zhaojing keeps his cards close to his chest; the younger generation is truly formidable.
"Yuanli has gone into seclusion at present and cannot meet you. However, the position of sect master remains vacant. That Dantai Jin joined Qingchi halfway through his journey and cannot command popular respect. Taking everything into account, Xizhi is the only suitable candidate."
Yuanxiu smiled faintly and said, "Why not let Xizhi assume the sect mastership... It would win the hearts of all and showcase our sect's impartiality."
"Absolutely not!"
Li Ximing had no desire for Li Xizhi to take on this sect mastership. One's actions had to match the weight of one's backing. Li Xizhi becoming sect master sounded prestigious, but once that piece of meat was swallowed, not only would the Li family be tied back to Qingchi's side, they would also have to clean up the Si family's mess. He was utterly unwilling to do it, saying in a solemn tone:
"Senior! My family has never harbored any ambition for Qingchi's seat of power! Nor is my brother cut out to be a sect master. This must never happen!"
"Zhaojing, do not be so hasty to refuse," Yuanxiu replied unhurriedly.
"Setting aside other benefits, whoever holds Qingchi's seat of power may enter this Lukui Pond. Within it stands a Moon-Bright Glazed Tree. Consuming the fruit from this tree grants the power to illuminate various arts, often adding a substantial chance of breaking through to the Violet Palace."
Stroking his beard, he continued, "You also know that my time is running out. Although my situation is not as urgent as Changxi's, my end draws closer day by day. If Xizhi is willing to take the seat of sect master, a portion of these spiritual fruits will naturally belong to the Li clan.
"As for Qingchi's Violet Palace spiritual items and spiritual implements... Zhaojing will certainly receive a share as well. When I perish, all of them can be entrusted to the Li clan."
Yuanxiu smiled warmly. "Your clan is a lineage of sword immortals. Does Zhaojing not wish to behold that spiritual sword, Daxue Juefeng? It rests right at the bottom of this pond!
"I also know that Baiyedu Immortal Dao and Changxiao Gate have had frictions with your noble clan. If Zhaojing agrees, I will intervene immediately to mediate among the three parties, and I will surely arrange everything satisfactorily."
*The Moon-Bright Glazed Tree...*
Li Ximing fell silent for a breath before cupping his hands. "Senior overestimates our courage. My clan has always been respectful toward the sovereign sect and possesses no such audacity... A breakthrough to the Violet Palace is exceedingly rare; please reserve such a treasure for Yuanli!
"How rare are Violet Palace spiritual items? And Daxue Juefeng is a spiritual sword... The Li clan dares not covet them. Furthermore... with Real Person Sui Guan above us, everything should be decided by his venerable self."
Would Si Boxiu truly be so kind? This old fox was as cunning as a demon; Li Ximing would never believe it, even if beaten to death. Chi Buzi was still outside, and Sui Guan's whereabouts were unknown. Could Si Boxiu alone really call all the shots in Qingchi?
Finding himself refused, Real Person Yuanxiu showed no anger. He poured himself a cup of tea with ease, took a sip, and said:
"So be it. I must trouble Zhaojing to watch the north on behalf of my Qingchi. If Ye Gui presses you too hard and you cannot match him, you may freely request aid from the sect. My earlier promises will all remain valid—it is merely a matter of a single word."
*If I had agreed, not only would I have had to face Sui Guan, but I might even have had to enter Luyu Heaven once. How could it be as simple as 'a single word'...*
No matter how enticingly Si Boxiu painted the picture, Li Ximing treated it as wind past his ears. Seeing that Li Ximing remained unmoved, the old man paid it no heed and turned his gaze to Ding Weizeng behind him, asking with a smile:
"And who is this with you, Zhaojing...?"
Li Ximing had been waiting for him to ask. He smiled and replied, "This is a newly recruited guest elder of our family. Unexpectedly, his Qi Sea was injured by the Mifan Three Sects. Although my Mingyang divine ability can engender all things, it is not an inheritance adept at healing, so I thought to inquire of the Real Person in passing."
Si Boxiu was an eminent cultivator of Wood virtue! His cultivation was in the late Violet Palace stage, likely the sole one of his kind in the entire State of Yue. Li Ximing was not one to put on airs; why pass up a free advantage? Since he was already here, he might as well ask Si Boxiu along the way—it was only a minor matter either way.
A damaged Qi Sea was virtually a death sentence for a family clan, but to a Violet Palace cultivator, it amounted to very little. Hearing this, Si Boxiu nodded and chuckled:
"When it comes to the path of healing, Pinshui ranks first, followed by Lushui and Jiaomu. The inheritance I cultivate, however, is the most peculiar among Wood virtue, called Zhengmu. It is the wood of the union between Jia and Yi, unyielding as stone and drawing its imagery close to Metal; it does not foster growth and engendering."
Li Ximing nodded slightly. Si Boxiu meant that his Zhengmu was an outlier within Wood virtue, and his healing abilities were roughly on par with Li Ximing's own. Li Ximing immediately realized:
*No wonder Si Yuanli's sword arts are so ethereal and lack the sensation of Wood virtue. It turns out his family's inheritance of Zhengmu is unyielding as stone, drawing imagery from Metal. The sword is a killing instrument of Metal, so it all makes sense...*
As his thoughts stirred, Si Boxiu smiled and said, "If you are so inclined, you could make a trip to the East Sea. Near Beihai stands Mount Changliu, where Daoist Nun Xiangchun cultivates Pinshui. She is benevolent and charitable, and could lend a hand."
This matter had hardly reached the point of making a special journey to seek out a Violet Palace cultivator. Li Ximing frowned slightly. Observing his expression, Si Boxiu chuckled:
"I almost forgot the bond between the Xiao and Li clans. You could also ask Xiao Chuting; he cultivates Kanshui and could give it a try as well."
Li Ximing's heart eased at that. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Si Boxiu, he finally heard Si Boxiu say softly:
"Zhaojing, since you came to pay respects to me first, I shall speak plainly with you. Hengzhu Dao has a grudge against Changxiao Gate, so they regard you with considerable favor, but Jinyu is keeping a close watch on Hengzhu...
"In past years, I had plenty of disputes with Hengzhu as well. Now that I am old, I take such things more lightly... However..."
Yuanxiu paused and added offhandedly, "Regardless of who your Li clan allies with, you must not get too close to Hengzhu, lest you invite danger."
Evidently, Li Ximing's plan to visit these three figures carried the connotation of choosing factions. Violet Palace cultivators were all shrewd; since he had chosen Si Boxiu, he could not go to Hengzhu afterward, or he would end up pleasing neither side.
*Yet Qingchi was a visit I had to make. Si Boxiu's approaching end of life makes him sensitive to begin with, and with Jiangbei fraught with hidden perils, we cannot afford to leave our flank unprotected...*
Li Ximing felt helpless inside.
*Hengzhu is at odds with Jinyu and on no better terms with Qingchi... Who would dare get close to them? What is more, Lake Wangyue sits right in front of the poisonous dragon of Jinyu and the sick tiger of Qingchi...*
"Junior understands..." Li Ximing assented solemnly and then took his leave.
Yuanxiu rose to see him off. Stepping out of Lukui Pond, Li Ximing immediately felt a refreshing clarity wash over him, the world turning bright and lucid. Making his way out of Qingchi, he said his farewells and vanished into the Great Void.
Yuanxiu saw him off all the way before returning to Mount Qingchi. Stroking his beard slowly, he thought to himself:
*Next is Xiao Chuting. I wonder if that fellow will even see him. Li Ximing speaks well enough, has abundant luck, and is far from foolish—he is merely too young.*
***
The Great Void.
Having departed Mount Qingchi, Li Ximing did not head straight for the Xiao family's grand formation. Instead, he traversed the Great Void, guided by the movement of spiritual Qi, and halted before Mount Xianyou.
A formal visit like this was unlike a private meeting; one could not simply step out from the Great Void unannounced. Just as he had entered Qingchi Sect through the mountain gates to signify friendship between the two clans, he had to observe proper protocol—if Qingchi warranted such respect, how much more so the Xiao family?
*Just what sort of figure is Hengzhu? How did he end up in such a state? I have never heard of him being particularly close to any clan, yet he somehow managed to offend so many people.*
This reminded Li Ximing of something in the past.
*Years ago, when Murong Xia traveled south, he consumed a direct-line Violet Palace cultivator of Hengzhu. At the time, I only thought that monk was arrogant, but looking back now... perhaps Hengzhu's predicament had already shown signs back then...*
The Three Sects and Seven Gates had always held themselves aloof. Only upon reaching the Violet Palace did he realize how much ostracism and factional strife existed within their ranks.
As he pondered this, a figure approached from the front of the mountain. Dressed in a long robe, he cupped his fists and said:
"Xiao Ruyu of the Xiao family greets the Real Person!"
The man appeared middle-aged, smiling broadly, with a humble and courteous demeanor that marked him as worldly and smooth. Li Ximing had heard his name before; he had shared some rapport with Li Ximing's elders.
Li Ximing waved his hand and said, "So it is Market Master Ruyu."
In his prime, Xiao Ruyu had been one of the foremost figures in the Xiao family. Later, he seemed to have committed some error and was kept out of the limelight for decades, relegated merely to guarding a market town. Without ongoing interaction, his ties to the Li clan had faded.
On his face, there was no longer any trace of the high-spirited youth who had pursued Tangjin Gate alongside Li Xuanfeng, only the deep torment etched by the vicissitudes of time. That righteous youth of yesteryear had not led an easy life; he had endured a different sort of suffering from Li Xuanfeng, his sharp edges worn smooth and round.
He merely bowed his head and said respectfully, "My clan uncle Xiao Yongling ought to have come to welcome you, but he entered seclusion years ago to attempt a breakthrough to the Violet Palace. Thus, it fell to me to receive the Real Person. I pray you forgive the slight."
*Xiao Yongling went into secluded cultivation to break through to the Violet Palace...*
Li Ximing was inwardly surprised. After pondering for a breath, he asked:
"If I remember correctly... his cultivation is of Mount Dongyu, is it not? Which school does that inheritance belong to?"
Had anyone else asked, it might have smacked of probing into their lineage's secrets, but a Violet Palace cultivator held a different status; such an inquiry was seen as benevolent concern.
Xiao Ruyu said respectfully, "To report to the Real Person: the inheritance my clan uncle cultivates is Duwei from Binggu... It has been extinct in the State of Yue for many years and was acquired by our clan's Real Person by chance."
This was the first time Li Ximing had heard of this inheritance, and he committed it to memory. Under the public eye, it was unseemly to pry too deeply. He accompanied Xiao Ruyu into the mountains.
Upon reaching the formation before the main peak, Xiao Ruyu finally spoke, saying respectfully:
"May I ask this Fellow Daoist to wait outside?"
Naturally, he was referring to Ding Weizeng. The burly man looked at Li Ximing with a hint of hesitation.
Li Ximing's heart stirred slightly, and he immediately sensed something amiss.
*Without Xiao Chuting's explicit instructions... Xiao Ruyu would never dare bar him... Just what does this mean...?*
Chapter 704