Master Yuandao finished speaking and gestured slightly toward the small vermilion ceramic bowl on the low table. His reddish pupils flickered as he spoke.
"I know Zhaojing worries about the peacock matter. There are few places in the world where one can obtain Lesser Peacock Karma, and parading it through the streets will bring no good after all. Not only is Daci Tongcai Temple determined to obtain this flame, but Buddhist cultivators of at least five of the Seven Paths of Northern Buddhism can attain the Dao through this karmic fire. Keeping it in your hands will only invite endless trouble...
"I offer Zhaojing three choices."
He shifted his teacup slightly and extended his hand.
"Although Lesser Peacock Karma is a karmic fire born of the Buddhist lands, in essence it remains inseparable from Congyu Combined Fire, yet it is unlike Greater Peacock Karma, which was personally refined by a being of great divine power. I possess some understanding of the peacock lineage and can convert it for you into a type of Combined Fire called Jinhui Chengyan. It is likewise linked to Mingyang and is one of the rare gentle flames among Combined Fires. It can be used for refining pills, but cannot craft artifacts, harmonize with Heshui, or manipulate Gengjin.
"Although the conversion steps are intricate, time-consuming, and costly, and the value of Jinhui Chengyan is far inferior to Lesser Peacock Karma, there happens to be a portion of it on the mountain that you may take first...
"This is the first choice."
Li Ximing felt a stir of interest and nodded respectfully, though doubt instantly arose in his heart:
*I fear the lineage of Mount Jiuqiu can only convert Lesser Peacock Karma into Jinhui Chengyan, but cannot reverse the process... From Master Yuandao's words, he clearly does not wish to let Lesser Peacock Karma slip away...*
While he weighed this in his mind, Master Yuandao continued:
"Second, surrender Lesser Peacock Karma to my Mount Jiuqiu lineage, and I shall produce a spiritual fire to trade with you. This fire is a true fire known as Sanhou Shuxuan Huo.
"In Near Antiquity, the heavier Great Yang and Mingyang became, the lighter Taiyin and Jueyin grew. True fires became fiercer, while Fushui grew softer, and true fires often leaned toward the crafting of artifacts. Sanhou Shuxuan Huo was an exception. The remaining seat of true fire to which it corresponds still resonates to this day, preserving the characteristics of ancient times and making it exceptionally adept at refining pills.
"It is merely inferior in combat compared to Jinhui Chengyan. No matter how gentle Jinhui Chengyan may be, it is still a Combined Fire. Sanhou Shuxuan Huo lacks the ferocity of modern true fires, making it a step weaker."
He took a sip of tea and finally said:
"Third, you may also be compensated with other spiritual objects.
"The prosperity of water and fire cannot be matched by other paths. I will not take advantage of you. Aside from Sanhou Shuxuan Huo, Mount Jiuqiu also possesses a variety of Lushui."
As Master Yuandao finished speaking, Li Ximing's heart suddenly grew conflicted:
*Without Lihuo, I wonder if Sanhou Shuxuan Huo can be converted into Lihuo... Jinhui Chengyan can refine pills and be used in combat, and it aligns with Mingyang. It is also not a bad choice.*
The spiritual fires offered by Master Yuandao were simply too enticing. Sanhou Shuxuan Huo sounded like something only such ancient lineages could produce; converting it into Lihuo would be a reckless waste of heaven's gifts. Li Ximing considered that even if he obtained this fire, he would cherish it immensely and truly be reluctant to convert it into Lihuo...
Aside from his indecision over these two flames, Li Ximing harbored an even deeper, more covert anxiety:
*This Grand Master has no kinship or ties with me, so why is he so kind? During this journey, I merely made an appearance and intervened briefly, yet I receive such generous compensation? Could this bind me to some great karma?*
Belatedly, hesitation overtook him:
*Sigh... Tempted by rich benefits before my eyes, I acted rashly. I failed to deliberate thoroughly and make exhaustive arrangements like Brother Jun. I barely broke free of one restraint, only to step into another briar patch. Fortunately, Mount Jiuqiu harbors little malice, so this can still be salvaged...*
Driven by such misgivings, Li Ximing rose from his seat, bowed, and said respectfully:
"To form a bond with Mount Jiuqiu, contribute what little strength I have, and meet the Grand Master—Zhaojing was already thoroughly content earlier. I never held any greedy ambitions, desiring only to erase the mark. Now, fearful of the peacock's tyranny and trembling without peace, I dare not accept the Grand Master's spiritual objects. I only hope for a touch of shelter to avoid their venomous beaks."
At these words, Master Houfu was slightly taken aback, while Master Yuandao raised his brows, the corners of his lips curving upward as he said:
"You are indeed cautious. Since that is so, I may as well make things clear to you... Keep it in your ears, and under no circumstances speak of it outside."
Li Ximing nodded repeatedly. The Grand Master chuckled:
"You guessed correctly. Something extraordinary was indeed taken from that Daoist repository, something of great importance to the peacocks. If a treasure of this caliber were made known, it would shake the Buddhist lands and startle the Mohe above. Pijia and Xipo would come in person to seize it."
Li Ximing's heart sank abruptly, yet seeing the other party speak so openly, he breathed a sigh of relief instead. Yuandao's slightly reddish eyes remained fixed on him as he answered:
"Yet this matter was not done privately by my Mount Jiuqiu lineage. Do you understand? Pijia's strict order commanding Abbot Yukuan to report in person to the Buddhist lands was also an arranged matter. This treasure cannot fall into the hands of the peacocks, nor can even its trace be known to them! Although the peacocks are beneath mention... their voices are exceedingly loud."
Speaking of the last sentence, Yuandao's expression darkened noticeably. Li Ximing nodded in comprehension, and Yuandao said softly:
"No matter how Yukuan reports the loss of the peacock repository to Pijia and Xipo hereafter, the two Mohe will not take genuine action. Instead, they will drag their feet and treat it with kid gloves. In fact, they would rather you never fall into the hands of the peacocks, lest they gain the slightest opportunity to learn of it.
"The ones you truly offended are merely the few peacocks in that monastery. Even if this secret were exposed overnight, it would only throw the Buddhist lands into an uproar and internal turmoil. No one would treat you as the prime culprit.
"As for the spiritual fire."
Yuandao looked at him with a smile and said softly:
"Whether it is Jinhui Chengyan or Sanhou Shuxuan Huo, neither can be separated from Mount Jiuqiu. It signifies that my Mount Jiuqiu lineage has already taken you under its wing, demonstrating to the Buddhist lands that the Immortal Dao will not sacrifice even a single Violet Palace cultivator over this matter."
Enlightenment washed over Li Ximing. He nodded repeatedly, bowed once more to Yuandao, and replied:
"Thank you, Grand Master! Junior..."
Yuandao waved his hand dismissively and said offhandedly:
"No need to thank me. Mount Jiuqiu cannot help with major crises, but we can offer a hand in peripheral trivialities. When your family truly runs into catastrophe, just do not blame my lineage for watching with folded arms."
These words came abruptly, bordering on impolite. Li Ximing was momentarily stunned, but Master Houfu before him nodded slightly and took over the conversation:
"The Grand Master has always been charitable. Having aided so many, it is inevitable for Mount Jiuqiu to encounter such situations... Zhaojing, however, is an honest and generous man with an excellent reputation in Jiangnan. His granduncle... was a capable right-hand man to True Person Yuansu."
Yuandao smiled faintly and signaled to Lingdu:
"Bring the fires."
Lingdu withdrew immediately. Yuandao then casually made small talk:
"It is a long story... In those years, Fellow Daoists Yuansu and Yuanxiu both visited Mount Jiuqiu; I could be considered of the same generation as them. Back then, the two martial brothers were constantly bickering, and they even had a massive quarrel, parting on bad terms. Afterward, there were no close interactions between them.
"Yet several days ago, Yuanxiu came to see me. When speaking of Yuansu, he lowered his brow and held his forehead, sitting as if on pins and needles. Thinking about it... there is still affection between them after all."
On the surface, Li Ximing nodded respectfully, but doubt quietly stirred in his heart:
*If that is the case... Yuanxiu, the youngest of Qingchi's Three Yuans, has little lifespan left. How much better could this Master Yuandao be? Yet looking at his appearance... his vital energy and spirit remain at their peak, his features still resemble a young man's, and his voice carries not the slightest hint of twilight years... If this is not concealed by a divine ability, his longevity-nurturing craft is truly formidable...*
He had just finished his thoughts when Lingdu approached from the side, carrying two small bowls in his hands.
One appeared to be forged from Gengjin, plated with an unknown substance that gave it a somber, dull look. The other was still a small vermilion ceramic bowl. Both were only the size of a child's fist.
Lingdu carried them before him and first opened the Gengjin bowl, revealing a speck of gray-gold light the size of a grain of rice. He introduced:
"This is Jinhui Chengyan, a Combined Fire. The mountain holds one portion of it. This fire harms vessels, so it is best contained within seamless Gengjin."
Then he produced the other, which was a bright red speck of light, likewise the size of a grain of rice. Mount Jiuqiu evidently possessed extraordinary sealing and capturing methods; no matter how ferocious the flame, once captured within this bowl, it was reduced to no more than a grain of rice.
"This is Sanhou Shuxuan Huo, a true fire. True fires smelt metal, so it is contained within a glazed ceramic magical artifact tempered and fired with Heshui."
Knowing the choice between the two was his to make, Li Ximing hesitated briefly before accepting the small vermilion ceramic bowl, saying respectfully:
"Junior obeys the Grand Master's decree, keeping this immense grace engraved in mind, never to be forgotten."
Jinhui Chengyan and Sanhou Shuxuan Huo were comparable in rarity, but in terms of value, Sanhou Shuxuan Huo was most likely a cut above. Jinhui Chengyan was slightly more potent and could likewise refine pills, with the added benefit of aligning with Mingyang; yet Li Ximing figured that with his Valley Wind Drawing Fire talisman qi, he did not lack that bit of affinity.
Furthermore, Sanhou Shuxuan Huo was a true fire, making it highly likely to conform to the transformations of the Runyang Method. Even if Li Ximing did not intend to convert such a precious flame, having an extra path was by no means a bad thing.
*Dali Baixi Light requires Lihuo to cultivate and execute; without the fire, it cannot be done. Otherwise, it would be best to convert it, master the technique, and then convert it back...*
The subtle wonders of Jinhui Chengyan and Sanhou Shuxuan Huo could never be fully summarized in a sentence or two by Yuandao and the others, and their applications varied across different circumstances. Even if something worthy of regret arose in the future, this was the best choice Li Ximing could make.
"Congratulations, Zhaojing!"
Master Houfu offered his congratulations, and Lingdu also nodded slightly, saying with a smile:
"Sanhou Shuxuan Huo is not easy to refine. Take this glazed bowl as well. Even if Zhaojing does not refine it on Mount Jiuqiu, it will be convenient to carry."
Li Ximing had long been coveting this item, wishing he could snatch up the golden bowl as well, wipe it against his clothes, and tuck it into his robe. Outwardly, he demurred politely:
"How could I accept such a thing..."
In truth, Li Ximing had no real need for it. With Valley Wind Drawing Fire in hand, any flame that fell into his grasp—even Sanhou Shuxuan Huo—could be refined in an instant. However, accepting it maintained his low profile, and getting a free item brought no harm, so why not?
He put away the bowl, thoroughly satisfied. Lingdu then said amiably:
"There is also the Fangyin Pool to pass through... This... please allow the Grand Master to inspect..."
It was unclear whether his hesitation was directed at Yuandao or Li Ximing. After all, probing another's dharma body was often a taboo matter, as one could never be certain if some hidden means might be left behind. Yet with his treasures protecting him, Li Ximing harbored no fear at all. Feigning a moment of hesitation, he extended his arm.
Yuandao glanced sideways and placed his hand lightly upon it, breaking contact almost instantly. The Grand Master's pupils shifted as he swept his gaze over Li Ximing, speaking with a hint of surprise:
"I did not detect the Douxuan lineage or the traces left by the silver flask that Lingdu mentioned, and the karmic affinity of the Peacock Child-Bestowing Plate has also been resolved by the Seven Houses Lotus Seed... Across Zhaojing's entire dharma body... aside from a few minor injuries, there is nothing else."
*That old bastard Changxiao... really was playing these deceitful tricks!* Li Ximing cursed inwardly.
Yuandao continued:
"However... since you have come, you might as well take a turn. Those minor injuries can be cured along the way, and your cultivation will advance somewhat.
"Please wait in the cave dwelling for a moment, Zhaojing. The mountain's Fangyin Pool only thaws at the hour of the Rat. When the time approaches, disciples will be dispatched in advance to guide you."
Li Ximing knew this was a dismissal. Expressing his thanks, he bowed slightly and swiftly departed. Once he had left the area, Yuandao asked:
"What do you think?"
Master Houfu pondered for a breath and replied:
"His talent is decent, and his nature is kind. Unfortunately, his background is too shallow; he has never seen truly great things, is easily moved, and is unaccustomed to refusing aloud... To achieve the Violet Palace, his mind cannot be lacking; at least among ordinary clan cultivators he is first-rate, though among Violet Palace cultivators he can only be considered mediocre. There is only one point—the Xuanyue affair fully demonstrated his stubborn, promise-keeping character. One can befriend him, and making an enemy of him carries little danger."
Yuandao chuckled. Looking even younger than Houfu, he merely said:
"Being stubborn and honoring promises is not necessarily the case. He may value affection, or he may simply have found himself unable to back down gracefully."
***
Li Ximing went to sit by the brook within the maple forest. The babbling water was pleasant to the ear. The white jade lamp base drifting downstream had already been replaced with a different spiritual material, but compared to his cultivation, this resource was too low in grade to produce much effect.
Taking the small red-glazed bowl into his hand, he caressed it for a while, musing:
*The spiritual materials of this object are not particularly high, but the craftsmanship is exquisite. It seems to utilize a unique refining method...*
With a gentle flick of his finger, several hazy red rays instantly lit up at the rim of the bowl, revealing a tiny speck of golden-red. After merely a breath, bright red flames surged frantically from the mouth of the bowl like a cluster of golden flowers blooming open, petal after petal hanging in the air, dazzling in their splendor.
The flame immediately sought to escape, splitting into two streams of bright red fire that braced against the rim of the bowl, struggling to haul half of its body out. Seizing the opportunity, Li Ximing observed it closely.
The fire was bright red overall, with an outer perimeter of blazing scarlet patterned with layers of faint red veins, while the interior leaned toward white, golden flickers leaping out from time to time.
This was another's territory, after all, and not knowing whether eyes watched from the woods or what measures the mountain's grand Violet Palace formation possessed, Li Ximing did not immediately refine Sanhou Shuxuan Huo. Instead, sensing it slightly, he extended his hand toward the blazing scarlet outer flame.
A piercing pain struck instantly. Li Ximing pulled his hand back, the tip of his finger slightly pale:
*Far more profound than the Mingyang purple flame... The power of the fire is even less comparable. True fire possesses the might to incinerate artifacts, while Mingyang is the path of generation and growth. Although this Sanhou Shuxuan Huo is not fierce, its ability to burn and harm magical artifacts and dharma bodies is worlds apart from the innate Mingyang purple flame of the divine ability...*
*My dharma body should be considered fairly good among Violet Palace cultivators who have not refined a physical divine ability, yet even it must retreat before Sanhou Shuxuan Huo...*
Resisting the urge to refine the fire and make pills, he closed his eyes and entered meditation. Soon, an immortal youth stepped forward and said respectfully:
"May it please the Master to follow me."
Li Ximing followed all the way, soon reaching the depths of the forest. Purple qi began to rise beneath their feet. Passing through a path shrouded in purple mist, he saw a small pool built of fine white stone, appearing entirely empty within.
The youth had already retreated, but standing beside the pool was another person—none other than Dantai Muming from earlier. Bowing to Li Ximing, he said respectfully:
"Greetings, Master Zhaojing.
"This is Fangyin Pool, a wondrous place of clear qi and Shaoyin nature. Its spiritual energy is pure and gentle, suitable for all paths. Within it lies a resource called Fangxi Miaolu, which is particularly effective at healing spiritual sense, advancing magic power, expelling impurities, dispelling foreign energies, preserving life, and averting lightning."
Li Ximing nodded slightly, looking toward Dantai Muming, who said:
"May it please the Master to sit quietly by the pool and channel your divine ability to cultivate."
Li Ximing had initially thought he would need to enter the pool to cultivate, and feared that any mishap might endanger his dharma body, so he was more than happy to sit beside the pool. No sooner had he closed his eyes than Dantai Muming retreated.
Cultivating for a short half-shichen, he suddenly felt a coolness between his brows, as though a drop of pure dew had fallen between them. His mind instantly cleared, bringing a sense of refreshing comfort.
A Violet Palace cultivator's Shengyang Mansion had already been thrust into the Great Void, and Li Ximing saw it with crystal clarity: this pure dew flooded in from between his brows and immediately dripped out from within Shengyang Mansion, turning into a torrential downpour that pattered against the mansion.
Li Ximing felt as if he were standing in the rain, musing inwardly:
*If one broke through to the Violet Palace here, could Fangxi Miaolu constantly fall to clear the spiritual sense? If it possesses such wondrous utility, it is truly a rare treasure.*
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than the divine ability within him surged violently. A massive amount of divine ability magic power flooded his body; white qi had already risen all around, nourishing every corner of his dharma body.
Li Ximing hastily circulated his divine ability, entering deep meditation.
Yet the white qi was vast and boundless, far exceeding the speed at which he could refine his divine ability. Ninety percent of it dissipated outside his dharma body. Watching this, Li Ximing felt a pang of regret:
*Such pure magic power... Unfortunately, refining a divine ability is far from being a simple matter of sufficient magic power... Having enough magic power is good, but how could anyone refine it so quickly?*
Just as he was lamenting, a beam of light rose from his sea of qi. The divine ability magic power blanketing his entire dharma body rushed madly toward the sea of qi, and amidst a storm of white qi, a radiant brilliance suddenly rose:
Valley Wind Drawing Fire!
Valley Wind Drawing Fire could manipulate fire and guide qi, refining true essence and magic power!
Throughout Li Ximing's cultivation career, Valley Wind Drawing Fire had not played a prominent role. While it aided his cultivation speed, it fell far short of Li Yuanjiao's terrifying Qi-Circulating Spirit Devouring. Only now did he realize its worth, as the vast magic power came surging forth.
Yet Li Ximing was still unable to refine the divine ability in time and could only prioritize circulating his talisman qi.
Were Qi-Circulating Spirit Devouring present, it might well have converted all of this into cultivation. Li Ximing could only watch helplessly as Valley Wind Drawing Fire swallowed all this magic power in one gulp, gathering it entirely into his sea of qi after refinement.
Li Ximing cast a glance over it and thought to himself:
*Not bad at all.*
Only then did he open his eyes. Before him lay the same bamboo forest, while the white stone spiritual pool beneath his feet was frozen over with a thick layer of blue ice, reflecting a glittering luster. The mist in the woods had completely vanished.
His dharma body was naturally intact with no lingering ill effects, having even made slight progress. His cultivation had also advanced considerably. Valley Wind Drawing Fire had helped to some extent, and Audience at the Heavenly Gate, combined with his original cultivation, had now crossed the threshold.
*It has saved me three years of effort.*
He flicked his sleeves, stood up, and walked out along the path. Only two cultivators were guarding the woods, and upon seeing him, they quickly bowed in greeting. Li Ximing merely asked:
"How much time has passed?"
"Reporting to the Master, we have been guarding here since the Master went into secluded cultivation. Eight months have passed."
"Has Master Houfu left the mountain?"
At Li Ximing's question, the other immediately replied:
"Reporting to the Master, Master Houfu has been lecturing on scriptures and imparting arts on the mountain these past months, once a month. He has not departed and should still be on the mountain."
*He truly knows how to build goodwill...*
In high spirits, Li Ximing headed toward the mountaintop. Sure enough, from a distance he saw Houfu and Lingdu discussing the Dao in the woods, the chessboard laid out before them. This time it appeared to be a new game, with only a few stones placed.
As long as the two were playing, Li Ximing had no fear of being dragged into a match. He walked over openly, and the two indeed looked up. Lingdu smiled:
"Congratulations, Zhaojing!"
Li Ximing politely returned the greeting and asked:
"Where is the Grand Master? I still need to thank him!"
Lingdu shook his head and replied:
"He has already gone to visit friends and will hardly return for three to five years."
Li Ximing feigned regret and exchanged a few polite pleasantries, though secretly he breathed a sigh of relief. Sitting down to the side, he glanced at Houfu and asked in a low voice:
"When does Senior Houfu plan to return to Jiangnan?"
Houfu said in surprise:
"Perhaps another few months."
Taking the opportunity, Li Ximing smiled and said:
"I happen to have a favor to ask of Senior... I took in a Foundation Establishment cultivator overseas and intend to bring her back to Jiangnan, yet I have numerous affairs overseas and cannot divide myself. I must trouble Senior to help."
For a Violet Palace cultivator, a trip to Jiangnan did not take much time. Both naturally understood why he did not return in person, and Houfu simply nodded:
"That would be Xia Shouyu, yes? She has often come to listen to my teachings over these months. Earlier, I thought she was a disciple seeking the Dao on Mount Jiuqiu. Though her cultivation is shallow, her heart for the Dao is commendable."
Li Ximing nodded, adding with a touch of regret:
"I selected her meticulously, but her background is somewhat humble... and she does not bear the surname Li. I fear that upon her return, she will lack the prestige and status to hold others in check... It is quite troublesome! I was still thinking of choosing a background for her."
He glanced toward Lingdu. The old man was astute and said leisurely:
"That is simple enough. Grant her a prestigious status far across the sea; whether it is true or false matters not. If Fellow Daoist does not mind, you can assign her the status of a relative of a Mount Jiuqiu cultivator, giving her an origin..."
Li Ximing had originally wondered if he could secure an outer disciple status, but had not expected Lingdu to refuse any karmic entanglement, wanting nothing to do with their lineage directly. He replied:
"That is indeed a fine method..."
Lingdu sighed deeply and replied:
"There happens to be a disciple on the mountain who perished attempting to break through to the Violet Palace, leaving his bloodline cut off. Acknowledge her as his granddaughter, and have her call him grandfather... Insert a few sticks of incense before his spirit tablet, and the matter will be settled."
Lingdu had pulled out a deceased person, but Li Ximing did not mind; it was merely a matter of fabricating a title. He smiled:
"Splendid! I have truly troubled Senior Lingdu!"
Before long, Dantai Muming hurriedly led Xia Shouyu up. The woman appeared uneasy; she had no standing to speak here at all. Lingdu merely cast a glance at her, and the old Master called out:
"Muming!"
Dantai Muming hastily stepped forward, and the two whispered together. It was unclear whether Dantai Muming knew the truth, but when he stepped back, his expression had completely transformed, and he said joyfully:
"So she is the granddaughter of Senior Brother Yu Dui who was stranded outside! I shall take her down at once to recognize her ancestors and return to the clan!"
Xia Shouyu reacted even faster, her eyes instantly reddening as she nodded heavily. Dantai Muming led her away, speaking warm, intimate words along the path, appearing utterly devoted and caring.
Li Ximing watched the two depart, while Lingdu sighed with deep meaning:
"Zhaojing... one cannot be lifted even by a myriad drops of sweet rain, while another rides a single gentle breeze straight into the nine heavens. It is truly difficult to say..."
***
Li Zhouming flicked his sleeves, raised his head, and laughed joyfully:
"So news from Grandfather has arrived... I have always worried about the elder; to think he also remembered me. What decrees does he have?"
Having said this, he then smiled toward Xia Shouyu:
"Only, the Master bestowed a marriage without telling me..."
Chapter 808