The waters of Baijiang Creek were extraordinarily clear. The streambed was paved with blue stones, and the underwater palace was by no means small. Prawns and fish swam back and forth, transforming into men and women—some playing celestial music, others carrying spiritual delicacies and treasures, weaving through the halls in a lively spectacle.
Though Ying Hebai was insignificant before Dingjiao, this green-necked flood dragon was nonetheless a local despot. The palace's lavish elegance lacked nothing: bright pearls studded the walls, steps were cast from solid gold, and an array of gems dazzled the eyes, displaying opulence pushed to the very limit.
'He is, after all, a monster of the first rank below the Violet Palace. Having borrowed dragon might to serve as Lord of the Three Rivers, his estate naturally wouldn't be lacking.'
Li Chengkun was well aware of reality. Ying Hebai might seem servile, but without Li Zhouwei, Li Chengkun might not have even been granted entry to this palace had he visited on his own. He put on no airs, riding the turtle all the way to the riverbed. Outside the hall, Shui Zhao manifested and bowed:
"Please, enter!"
Li Chengkun stepped forward. A tall man was waiting within the hall, dressed in an undergarment of slate-blue kesi brocade and a white-furred mantle painted with emerald seas. Scales grew upon his neck, his eyes were sharp, and his demeanor dignified. Upon seeing Li Chengkun, he smiled and said:
"So it is Daoist Chengkun. How is it that I do not see the lord?"
"My patriarch has not yet found spare time."
At Li Chengkun's reply, Ying Hebai understood immediately. Facing Li Chengkun, he naturally did not need to lower himself too far. Taking a step back, revealing white-soled turquoise boots, he said in a clear voice:
"Please."
Li Chengkun took a seat, and Ying Hebai cupped his hands at once:
"First, congratulations to Fellow Daoist on taking the Baijiang Creek territory. Spiritual energy flourishes there, and it falls squarely within my jurisdiction. Its water veins are well connected, yielding abundant harvests year after year. Whenever an out-of-the-way water vein requires diversion or adjustment, just say the word!"
"Your Majesty is too kind."
Li Chengkun naturally had no worries about water veins. He said:
"The Baijiang Creek territory has no high mountains, nor any terrestrial monsters worth mentioning. It is just that the waterways are well connected, making it all too easy for aquatic tribes to go ashore and devour mortals..."
"I have noted it."
Mindful that Ying Hebai was a monster, Li Chengkun made his meaning crystal clear. The King of Beijin River nodded readily, accepting the request without hesitation, and bowed:
"I keep all aquatic tribes of the Three Rivers under restraint against devouring humans. As for monster generals in outlying waters, I shall dispatch men to warn them all. Should any monster go ashore to eat mortals, send word to me, and I will investigate thoroughly."
It had to be said that having backing made everything simpler. A major issue against which the Three Mifan Sects had been entirely helpless—to the point of offering living blood-food to Manghuazi year after year—was settled by Li Chengkun with a single sentence.
With such a thorny matter resolved so smoothly, Li Chengkun felt considerably lighter. Seizing the opening in conversation, he asked:
"Regarding the lands of Baijiang and Baiye, does Your Majesty know of any interesting places or secret lore? For the Three Mifan Sects to choose this land to establish their sects, it could hardly be ordinary, could it?"
The founding of the Three Mifan Sects had always carried an aura of the unusual. Li Chengkun naturally had to take this chance to ask. Hearing this, Ying Hebai took on a solemn tone:
"The lands of Baijiang indeed hold profound secrets. Allow me to explain it properly to Fellow Daoist.
"First, let me share a bit of background. My aunt is a favored concubine of the Monster King of Xushui, and my elder brother also serves under him. Years ago, by relying on these connections and making myself familiar before Lord Ran Wu at the Bihai Qingtang Hidden Residence, I secured this Three Rivers post."
Having shared his background, he continued:
"When the three caves founded their sects here, doubts arose in my heart, so I made a special trip to Xushui and asked the Monster King. Only then did I learn that the root lies in the Mount Xiaoshi lineage."
"Mount Xiaoshi lineage?"
It sounded familiar to Li Chengkun, and he vaguely recalled his family had once captured someone from that lineage. He asked in return, and the King of Beijin River immediately explained:
"Precisely. Near Chengshui Marsh sits a Mount Xiaoshi, which once housed a declining lineage known as the Mifan Temple. Back when Daxu flourished, Mifan Temple was an immortal temple presided over by a Violet Palace master, having emerged preeminent among the temples subordinate to Wanling Sect after its collapse."
Only now did Li Chengkun learn the origins of Mount Xiaoshi's Three Mifan Sects. He watched as Ying Hebai spoke with solemn gravity:
"I hear this immortal temple possessed powerful ties and background. Later, their Violet Palace master fell and subsequent generations proved mediocre, yet no sect ever dared covet it openly. Instead, various factions instigated them into fracturing into rival factions that regarded each other as bitter enemies, scraping by while clinging to that single mountain.
"This continued all the way until the war between North and South. When the Buddhist monks pushed down from the north, they finally disturbed the place. How could the Mifan caves resist? They were scattered immediately, fleeing for their lives and displaced across the realm."
Stroking his beard, he said:
"I overheard the lords chatting, saying that Mifan Temple possessed a treasure—an ancient spirit artifact... concealed within the Great Void. If a descendant of Mifan Temple can gain its recognition, it will descend from the Great Void... Several Violet Palace masters have designs on it."
As soon as he said this, Li Chengkun understood the fundamental origin of the Three Mifan Sects! In truth, they had been planted by several surrounding Violet Palace powers, who used them to screen and nurture outstanding talents for induction into their own sects, all for the sake of that spirit artifact.
The schemes of Violet Palace masters were often unpredictable. While the monster king's words could not be taken entirely at face value, this background concerning Mifan Temple was nine times out of ten accurate. Li Chengkun committed it firmly to memory and replied:
"So that's how it is..."
Turning the thought over in his mind, Li Chengkun realized that his family had thoroughly offended Ye Gui. He mused inwardly:
'Who knows which True Persons are involved... But on the other side sits Fanyun Cave, which indicates the one from Chengyun Gate has had a hand in this as well. This matter is of great consequence; I must report it to the True Person!'
Li Chengkun no longer had the heart for idle chatter. After inquiring into a few surrounding details, he cut straight to the chase and asked:
"Though Miyun Cave's people have withdrawn, who knows when they might stage a comeback. Monster King, you guard the Three Rivers territory; if you receive any intelligence, please let us know... My family will surely reward you handsomely!"
Anyone with eyes knew that Miyun Cave was actually Baiyedu Immortal Dao. However, Duxian Dao was a bona fide Violet Palace force; mentioning them directly would put his host in an awkward spot, so he used Miyun Cave instead. Ying Hebai smiled:
"Naturally! They are merely a few leftover Foundation Establishment remnants. I shall have my people keep watch. If there is any word, I will send Shui Zhao to alert you at once."
Ying Hebai was no fool; how could he fail to grasp Li Chengkun's meaning?
It was important to note that Ying Hebai was also bound by strict orders from above forbidding him from interfering in mortal affairs—especially matters involving the Violet Palace. Ying Hebai could not openly take a side. But rules were rules; some things needed only to be understood tacitly between them. Li Chengkun framing it as Miyun Cave made things all the more convenient. The flood dragon agreed warmly and saw him out all the way:
"Over these next few months, I will have Shui Zhao visit several times to cultivate our connection. That way, he can easily pass word to Fellow Daoist, saving us from the trouble of delayed communications should something arise."
Li Chengkun knew that Ying Hebai would likely send gifts. When the time came, he could weigh their value before deciding whether to accept. Riding thunder out of Baijiang Creek, he hurried to pen a letter and send word home.
Returning to the hall, Ying Hebai dropped the smile from his face and furrowed his brows:
"Shui Zhao... during the war between North and South back then, didn't a thunder bead fall to the riverbed? Regrettably, that thing is far too precious; he likely wouldn't accept it... Go check the vault to see what thunder-attribute treasures we have."
Shui Zhao acknowledged and departed. Ying Hebai felt increasingly settled:
'This fellow is quite easy to deal with. The East Sea's period of water receding and thunder rising may soon come to an end, so I should take advantage of this time to secure some thunder-attribute gifts to have on hand...'
***
Mount Zhijing.
Li Zhouwei rode the daylight back to the clan. Dispersing the retinue and leaving Manghuazi in the custody of the White Ape, he did not pause for a single step, grabbing Wenhu and rushing without rest to see Li Ximing.
Arriving at the foot of the mountain, word came back from the attendants that Li Ximing was indeed up on the mountain. Li Zhouwei breathed a sigh of relief, carried the captive up the peak, hurled Wenhu onto the Mingfang Stone, and said respectfully:
"This scoundrel offended the True Person and deceived you with insolent words. Now that Mount Hongfu has been breached, I have brought him captured before you!"
Li Ximing had been waiting for him on the mountain. Hearing this, he rose with a chuckle. Although this outcome had been planned well in advance and he had intercepted the Violet Palace master ahead of time in the Great Void, the scale of the spoils still depended on Li Zhouwei's strength.
He smiled and said:
"Good, good, good. Have him taken into custody first. Let us speak properly, and we can interrogate him later."
Li Ximing felt no urge to exert control over the Li clan, and so he was pleased with Li Zhouwei to the utmost. Though Violet Palace divine abilities were fearsome, top Foundation Establishment cultivators were hardly less useful—otherwise, why would Ning Tiaoxiao have done everything in his power to promote Li Xuanfeng back then? If the Li clan lacked someone like Li Zhouwei today, how could they have advanced into Midong? Relying solely on the strength of Li Chengkun and Li Minggong, they would be fortunate just to hold Funan across the shore!
Helping up his White Qilin, he recounted everything concerning Changxi. As Li Zhouwei pondered carefully, Li Ximing said:
"I suspect Ye Gui must have some other scheme; otherwise, he wouldn't have been the first to leap out and oppose our family. That is the first matter. The second is... while Changxi is still alive and able to watch over things, I intend to visit the Cui clan to inquire about lineages."
Li Zhouwei replied:
"Matters of the Violet Palace are not incomprehensible. In particular, neither Chengyun nor Duxian behind the Three Mifan Sects possesses a destiny divine ability. As long as one is well informed, one can infer quite a bit... Changxi might not necessarily be ignorant; more likely, it touches upon interests, so if our family does not ask, he will not speak. If all else fails, we can cultivate ties with that Sumian."
What he said was almost identical to Li Ximing's own thoughts. Li Ximing replied:
"Changxi is a clan cultivator who attained the Dao in the East Sea; he was never some saint to begin with. Even on the verge of death with a body stiff as stone, he still keeps his guard up. In truth, had I been in his shoes, I might not have placed complete trust in our family either. What is more, in his eyes, if Xuanyue falls into decline, our family stands to gain the most."
Li Ximing's words were not without reason. If Xuanyue collapsed and abandoned their mountain, talent, spiritual treasures, and lineages would inevitably flow to Lake Wangyue. Li Zhouwei responded:
"As for the Cui clan... they are backed by the lineage of Dongfang You and are also supporters of Dingjiao. If the True Person inquires after information, they likely won't refuse. This trip is bound to yield great gains."
"Good!"
That was precisely what Li Ximing wanted to ask about. Hearing that it was connected to Dingjiao, he felt assured of success. After discussing some news regarding the Baijiang territory, when he heard the name 'Baijiang Dispatch Bureau', he could not help but chuckle:
"Overbearing indeed. The moment one hears it, it reeks of Mingyang despotism."
Li Zhouwei smiled openly. Li Ximing joked with him for only a couple of sentences before his expression turned somewhat troubled, and he asked:
"Do you still have avenues among the dragons? Do not forget to inquire about our elder..."
Li Zhouwei knew he was referring to Li Qinghong. He sighed inwardly, but this matter was sensitive and not something one could casually ask about. He nodded silently and agreed.
Li Ximing perceived something of his thoughts. The radiant light of the Mingyang divine ability shimmered from his sleeve as he breached the Great Void, leaving behind a word:
"I have kept the Mystic Pattern Bottle cultivating in the Purple Flame Earth Fiend Spring atop Mount Zhijing all along. If you have need of it, feel free to take it."
The Mystic Pattern Bottle could absorb fire veins, drawing upon the power of Lihuo and Mingyang to refine and nurture the daylight within, thereby enhancing its might. After Li Ximing broke through, he had left it on the mountain.
Giving this reminder, he rode the daylight through the void. Traveling within the Great Void for a time, he felt a secret delight and grew expectant of his visit to the Cui clan. After only a brief moment, Xuanyue Gate's Violet Palace grand array manifested within the Great Void: black-yellow currents settled at the bottom, while deep navy-blue radiance drifted above, actually appearing more formidable than the grand array of Xianyou Peak.
"Specialization has its strengths; Gen Earth excels at defense, so a sect's grand array is naturally more solid."
He had barely arrived before the formation when an entrance naturally opened, and Changxi's voice drifted out:
"Daoist Zhaojing, please enter."
He passed through the array, and the scene before him opened wide. In the distance, the Salt Lake gleamed dazzlingly white, with a few wisps of cloud and mist drifting by. Li Ximing turned around; inside the cave abode, bluestones rolled across the entire floor.
Upon the central dais sat a stone man with facial features complete—beard and brows like jade, standing stiff and rigid along its cheeks. Its eyes were made of stone veins, a mottled blue-black, staring blankly ahead in a rather intimidating fashion.
Li Ximing paused. A muffled rumble echoed from the stone man's belly:
"Zhaojing, wait a moment."
The stone man stood up with difficulty, scooped up a handful of sand and earth from the ground, and pressed it onto its face, molding out a face and neck. The rest of its body was merely draped in robes. Sitting down by the table, it squeezed out a smile, though the eyes remained blue-black stone, looking cold and devoid of emotion.
"My wretched state is fully exposed..."
Changxi gave a laugh. Flesh slowly grew over the two stones, finally restoring his usual appearance, looking kind and genial. Li Ximing let out a breath and asked with concern:
"How is Senior's health?"
"Less than three years."
Changxi shook his head. His condition was indeed dreadful. Exhausted, he said:
"For Zhaojing to seek me out, there must be a matter at hand. Please speak."
Li Ximing felt as though Changxi might drop dead at any moment as he spoke. Not daring to linger, he hurried to ask:
"A great battle is certain to come in a few years, and junior wishes to refine a spirit embryo... In truth, this is not merely a matter of these next few years; refining it sooner will also add to our strength."
"Oh!"
Changxi put on an expression of sudden enlightenment.
'He is asking me for the secret technique to refine a spirit embryo!'
At this point, could Changxi even utter a word of refusal? To put it bluntly, the moment Changxi died overnight, as long as Li Ximing was willing, what secret art of Xuanyue wouldn't bear the surname Li? What spiritual item would the Li clan be unable to touch?
What is more, Changxi had never placed much faith in sentiment or friendship. The Kong clan had been a commandery magnate back then, yet when the entire family scattered, not a soul cared for sentiment to look after their descendants. If the Li clan was willing to step in, Xuanyue's possessions ought to include a share for Li Ximing in the first place.
The old man coughed and promptly suppressed his inner thoughts, forcing a smile onto his aged face as he replied:
"It is my fault. When I mentioned it to Zhaojing earlier, I should have taken it out for your perusal, instead of forcing you to come knocking at my door... I am truly sorry."
He withdrew a jade slip from his sleeve and coughed:
"This is called *Guanxie Divine Ability Refined in Fire*. I obtained it from the East Sea in my earlier years, and it is completely clean. I used this refinement method myself, so rest assured, Zhaojing."
"Many thanks, Senior!"
Li Ximing took it from his hands and swept his spiritual sense across it. The jade slip was of exceptional quality, seemingly blessed by an Earth Virtue divine ability—heavy, sturdy, and comparable to a Foundation Establishment magical implement. A tiny slip contained several million words, complemented by numerous illustrations. At a glance, it clearly derived from a thoroughly orthodox and complete inheritance.
Chapter 718