Jia-Yi Form Pairing

‘Underground... white light...’ He pondered a moment and mused inwardly: ‘Chengyun Gate built an underground palace. I hear its deepest reaches lead straight beneath Mount Xiaoshi. Perhaps it has something to do with the Mifan Dao lineage... The Mifan and Mífán branches both stem from the Douxuan lineage... ancestral branches of the same stock.’ As Master of the Jiutian Pavilion, Li Xizhi possessed vast and profound knowledge nowadays. Although he could not access Qingchi's most central Daoist treasures, his extensive reading of countless ancient texts over more than a decade had provided him with a substantial foundation. ‘Earlier, we deduced that the Immortal Mirror was an immortal artifact belonging to the Yuehua Origin Mansion. How has it gotten tangled up with Douxuan now? Since the Yuehua Origin Mansion shares its origin with the Taiyang lineage, it cannot possibly be on the same path as Douxuan. Otherwise, something is amiss...’ Li Xizhi pondered for a moment, sheathed his sword, and strode out of the pavilion. Passing out of his residence and stepping across the stone stairs, he arrived at another mansion. Li Xizhi's cave dwelling had two layers of warding restrictions inside and out. He did not need attendants; on the contrary, he was wary of anyone prying into his magical arts. Thus, not a single servant was placed in the cave dwelling. Only upon entering the outer mansion did human figures appear. Walking through several courtyards, a woman in palace attire came up to greet him. "So early this time... Did something happen?" Li Xizhi replied, "I had a breakthrough earlier. It's good news." The breakthrough Li Xizhi mentioned was naturally the Five Colors Deep Vast Sword Art. This was a sword art emphasizing both swordsmanship and spellcraft. Blessed with the talisman qi [Caiche Yunqu], Li Xizhi could improve his magical arts during secluded cultivation, and it was equally effective on this Five Colors Deep Vast Sword Art. It was originally an exceptionally difficult sword art, yet Li Xizhi only needed to focus on sword technique when cultivating it. Not only was the difficulty drastically reduced, but there was even a subtle trend where it conversely elevated his mastery of the sword Dao, reviving progress in a sword Dao that had stagnated for years. Yang Xiao'er had been his wife for so many years, so Li Xizhi naturally understood her thoughts. Comforting her with a word, he held out one hand palm up and smiled: "Look." Then, a spot of bright, warm white flowing light floated up from his palm, leaping into yellow and white hues that intertwined and roamed like a sudden rainbow in the sky just after rain clearing. The colors mingled before re-condensing into a warm white light that settled downward. Yang Xiao'er did not sense the slightest sharpness from it. Stunned at first, she then said with pleasant surprise: "Sword origin?" Li Xizhi smiled and nodded, murmuring softly: "Years ago, when the heavenly palaces descended and we contested over the Xiaoyuan Glazed Pagoda on Luhuo Island, the dragonkind did not intervene, yet there were plenty of South Sea cultivators. Though spells are potent, they are easily targeted by specialized dharma artifacts. Now that I hold sword origin in my grasp, whatever comes to pass hereafter will be much more convenient." Yang Xiao'er responded with a smile, but then her expression grew solemn. Turning back, she shut the doors on both sides. The defensive array activated, and taking a talisman from her bosom, she stuck it to the door leaves, dark luster flowing across it. Only after ensuring no one was near did she step forward and whisper: "I inquired with my family. The spiritual atmosphere has shifted precipitously. Demonic cultivators have been dispersed, livelihood thrives, small clans and sects are springing up like bamboo shoots after rain, and the entire Shitang has linked together as one... The islands are covered almost entirely in Caican Wood... My family took notice of this." The spiritual atmosphere of the South Sea's Shitang had always been Traversing Danger and Consolidating Karma, a pure Tu Earth spiritual atmosphere that favored demonic cultivators and Tu Earth, balancing the Twelve Qi yet conspicuously sparing thunder. Over the years, the rampancy of demonic cultivators was inseparable from this atmosphere. In recent years, this atmosphere had grown increasingly unstable, already reaching its time of decline. When a spiritual atmosphere arose, it could sustain cultivators and nurture spiritual items; when it waned, it instead required cultivators' offerings and the symbolism of spiritual items to barely maintain it. Li Xizhi's pacification of the demonic cultivators in Shitang had severed the lingering vitality sustaining the atmosphere, causing it to collapse abruptly. This had forced the island master of Tinglei Island to disregard Qingchi's pressure and personally strike against Li Xizhi, which culminated in Master Yuanxiu suppressing Tinglei Island's Violet Palace cultivator in the Great Void with a single talisman... The matters behind this were tangled and complex, yet to the outside world, it was merely passed off as the master of Tinglei Island paying a visit to challenge him and losing by a narrow margin. Even disciples of immortal sects could only vaguely perceive it as a conflict of interest between Shitang's Beidan and Tinglei Island, at most framing it as a clash between the righteous and demonic paths. Only a handful of people like Li Xizhi knew that Violet Palace masters had exchanged blows in the Great Void. Yet Yuanxiu thrusting Li Xizhi into the limelight like this immediately made Yang Xiao'er uneasy. Seeking the true purpose behind suppressing demonic cultivators and changing the spiritual atmosphere, she had returned to her sect several times to inquire for news from her clan. Hearing her mention Caican Wood, Li Xizhi nodded gently and replied: "Back then, when I surveyed Shitang, the Caican Wood that the Lingu family had planted across the islands had already spread everywhere. I knew then that uprooting the demonic cultivators was merely a matter of letting nature take its course. Caican Wood flourishes with dense foliage that does not wither through the four seasons; in the climate of the South Sea, it functions like an evergreen ivy. Now that these small sects and clans have arisen... they are indeed breeding the Lingu family's Wuzuo bugs..." "Though the Lingu family withdrew from here, most of the lifeblood remains in the hands of Qingchi—or rather, the Lingu family. Otherwise, why would they relinquish it so easily? But as this spiritual atmosphere continues to shift, I'm afraid trouble is brewing." Yang Xiao'er looked grave, whispering: "That is merely on the surface... there is another intention. According to my brother's research, Caican Wood is pillar timber, classified in ancient times as Jia Wood. Wuzuo bugs are also of Wood aspect, representing burgeoning vitality and the nurturing of offspring, classified as Yi Wood. The union of the two forms the pairing of Jia and Yi... You pacified Shitang yet are not the head of Qingchi, serving as a pillar; Shitang flourishing with small sects and clans also nurtures offspring, which likewise forms the union of Jia and Yi... There are far too many such symbolic alignments. Tracing back through the Lingu family's governance of Shitang, almost all of it fits." "According to the elders in my family, it will take at least six months to a year for Shitang's spiritual atmosphere to complete its transformation... There is a seventy percent chance it turns into [Jia-Yi Form Pairing], shifting toward favoring Wood virtue..." Hearing this, Li Xizhi understood everything. Exhaling deeply, he replied: "The union of Jia and Yi takes its imagery from Metal. [Jia-Yi Form Pairing] is likely advantageous to Zhengmu. Master Yuanxiu's cooperation with the Lingu family has not been a matter of just a year or two; I was merely tying up loose ends... He intends to attempt the Golden Core in the South Sea... But he only possesses four divine abilities. Has he cultivated a fifth?" Yang Xiao'er cast her eyes down and said: "He probably could not find a fifth orthodox lineage, but his lifespan stands before him. Even for a Wood cultivator, he does not have much time left. Now he must attempt it whether he wants to or not. Do you remember Anhuaitian? I heard that the Daoist treasury of Anhuaitian was incinerated by Master Yuanxiu. Perhaps back then he had already found a substitute for the fifth divine ability and burned the rest out of reluctance to let others know. Now, forced by circumstance, he must make a desperate gamble." Li Xizhi rubbed between his brows and murmured: "That makes sense. I've heard that among the Three Yuans of Qingchi, Senior Yuansu had the highest talent, though his lineage was lacking. Senior Si also far surpassed Yuanwu. Now, attempting the Golden Core, even if he dies he wishes to make a sensational mark. But if he dies, I will be the one roasted over the fire." Yang Xiao'er nodded silently. Chi Wei had wiped out several generations of prodigies, and Chi Buzi had disappeared. If Yuanxiu died, Qingchi could be said to possess not a single divine ability master. While it was still of the Taiyang lineage and none dared transgress against it, its overseas interests could not be preserved... Although Li Xizhi had a younger brother in the Violet Palace and was an important figure in Qingchi, meaning Tinglei Island dared not harm him, the Shitang he had governed for so many years would likely vanish into thin air. What made her even more anxious was Dantai Jin's attitude. She whispered: "Dantai Jin is acting sect master now. If something happens to Master Yuanxiu and he doesn't reassign you back, that would truly be trouble... The Mount Jiuqiu lineage behind him is no simple matter either; he does not fear ordinary Violet Palace masters at all!" "Not necessarily," Li Xizhi shook his head and answered. "He wouldn't leave me in this place. There are plenty of places far more important than the South Sea. Even if Shitang had to be ceded to demonic cultivators, sending the Lingu family would be more appropriate. I am a stabilizing anchor now; Dantai Jin needs me... My only fear is the Miao family colluding with Changxiao and the others. That would be troublesome." Yang Xiao'er bowed her head slightly. As the couple conversed, the dark glow on the door leaves suddenly trembled. Yang Xiao'er fell silent at once. After a few breaths, a knock sounded at the door: "Knock, knock... Reporting to Milord, Lord Quan has returned to Beidan and requests an audience to report on matters!" Li Xizhi's heart stirred. He nodded slightly to his wife, calming her anxious mood, then pushed open the door and stepped out, saying warmly: "Have him bring them up." Soon, Quan Yuduan strode into the mansion. Behind him followed a young man clad in black, glancing about with slight unease. Behind him was Si Xunhui with a sword strapped to his back, while Li Wushao followed at the rear with a somber expression. "Greetings, Master / Grandfather / Lord!" Li Xizhi scanned the group first, finding no trace of Li Chenghuai. He fell silent for a moment, revealing neither joy nor anger, and first smiled and nodded at Li Zhouluo, saying: "Be seated!" Once everyone took their seats, Li Xizhi raised his brows and asked: "What was Chenghuai's reply?" Quan Yuduan presented a letter with both hands and replied: "Young Master did not give a verbal reply, but wrote a letter for me to bring back to Milord." Li Xizhi took it gently, simply pressing the letter against the table. Smiling at Li Zhouluo, he said: "Luo'er, traveling all this way covered in dust must have been exhausting. A residence has already been prepared for you. Go rest and recover first." Li Zhouluo had no objections and quickly nodded. Li Wushao led him away. Li Xizhi was most concerned about the Immortal Mirror fragment. Logically speaking, he had only just seen the vision, so there was no reason Si Xunhui and the others should have emerged so quickly. Frowning, he asked: "Xunhui, how did things go with the Mifan lineage?" Si Xunhui smiled bitterly and shook his head, replying: "Reporting to Master, we entered the underground palace and reached the deepest section. There was an underground altar where gathered waters poured in reverse, containing a realm within... But upon stepping inside, it was utter darkness, filled with water, fire, and thunder lashing at us. Those Foundation Establishment cultivators ventured deep inside, while we could only struggle on the periphery, gathering a couple of tasteless, useless spiritual items before we had no choice but to withdraw." Li Xizhi immediately understood. Nodding, he said: "It seems Foundation Establishment cultivation is required at the very least... For now, you lack the affinity for it. It wasn't easy for you either, holding on for several years. These years of water drenching, fire scorching, and thunder strikes will also benefit you greatly. Focus on cultivating for now..." Si Xunhui bowed, presented a jade slip, and said respectfully: "Regarding the various obstacles within, your disciple took the time to record them throughout the journey, documenting everything inside. This is to test the waters for the sect; perhaps it can help other disciples." Li Xizhi laughed and shook his head. Currently, the one advancing fastest in the Mifan lineage was Si Xunhui himself; how could disciples of other families advance as quickly as a young master of the Si family? The item held little significance, so he merely waved his hand to dismiss him. Quan Yuduan also withdrew with him. Only then did Li Xizhi pick up the letter in his hand and unseal it. After staring blankly at it for a while, he folded it up and let out a long sigh: "Ai..." Yang Xiao'er emerged from the hall again. Li Xizhi ground some ink and murmured softly: "The boy seems willing to leave as well, though he still has some knots in his heart. I will write to persuade him. Taking advantage of the opportunity these next few years, I will have him stay by my side, and once Zhouluo's marriage is completed, send him back... When the South Sea turns tempestuous, he might not enjoy such good treatment as today!" ... Lake Wangyue. Morning light was just breaking, washing over thousands of households. Order reigned upon the isle, and the flagstones within the great hall shone with a golden sheen. Dressed in crimson robes, Li Jiangqian paced inside the hall. The Merit Concealing Dao Stipend method had been implemented for several months, leaving the family with a flood of details and regulations to amend. To make matters worse, the sacrificial rites happened to coincide with this period. Time was too tight, and being cautious by nature, he ultimately chose not to risk hunting a Foundation Establishment monster. Thinking it over carefully, he felt it wasn't a pity. Having just broken through to Foundation Establishment, receiving a talisman now would merely stabilize his cultivation and push him to the threshold of the mid Foundation Establishment stage. It would be far better to wait five to ten years—ideally receiving the talisman during the mid or late Foundation Establishment stage when cultivation required painstaking, grinding effort. ‘If not for the fact that reaching the Violet Palace takes far too long and carries no certainty, it would be even better to condense a divine ability before receiving a talisman! After all, Foundation Establishment has shortcuts for raising one's cultivation, but condensing a divine ability in the Violet Palace does not... Even if there were, it would take a tremendous price just to gain a mere five or ten percent boost... If the wondrous effect of talisman qi boosting cultivation could also be used during the Violet Palace stage, what it saves would be far more than just three to five years of effort!’ Although there was no Foundation Establishment monster to sacrifice, the trivial affairs were still shockingly numerous. With the two matters piling up together, he had been run off his feet over these past few months... Naturally, as someone who received a talisman, he had also sensed the anomaly a few days earlier. After the initial joy, only a vague sense of worry lingered in his heart. ‘I hear cultivators from several sects have returned, and Si Xunhui also returned with a harvest, having already taken Uncle Zhouluo to the South Sea. Yet Wang Quwan hasn't sent the slightest word even now.’ Li Jiangqian didn't have much affection for him, but this man was currently the family's sole Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Mifan lineage. If he perished in the underground palace, who knew when they would ever obtain that precious sword! After careful consideration, it just so happened that Miaoshui had finished nursing her injuries and emerged from seclusion with her cultivation substantially improved, relieving some of the family's shortage of Foundation Establishment manpower. Thus, he dispatched Miaoshui toward Chengshui Marsh to provide support. After all, before surrendering, this Daoist nun had operated in Jiangbei and was well acquainted with the stakes and interests everywhere, making her unlikely to invite trouble. As he was pondering, Cui Jueyin came up into the hall, bowed, and reported: "Patriarch..." Li Jiangqian had summoned him. Courteously asking him to rise, Li Jiangqian smiled and said: "Over the past few days, I caught wind of a matter. Several cultivator households in the family's West Residence have either hired guest elders, enlisted clan members, or even personally stepped in to instruct their younger generation in Daoist theories." Cui Jueyin replied: "Your subordinate has also heard of this. This matter... is hard to fault..." "No matter," Li Jiangqian replied. "Still, we cannot allow them to monopolize it. Please assemble several guest elders to establish an academy in Milin as well, offering free instruction in classical learning to mortal clansmen... Once the first few batches pass the examinations, these personnel can be replaced."