Li Zhouwei awoke from his meditation. The magic power within his body surged like a mighty river, his breathing steady, his cultivation rounded and smooth, his Immortal Foundation gleaming with pristine clarity.
'With the aid of the Baidu Blood, I truly suffered no major harm this time. Still, drawing upon one's essence-blood is no light matter. Even after ingesting such a spiritual treasure, it merely offset the loss and slightly stabilized my cultivation.'
This was also thanks to Dongfang Heyun measuring the dosage with exact precision. Mingyang held the virtue of prospering progeny; generous though the dragonkind were, they prized dragon lineage above all else and were naturally frugal when it came to Mingyang spiritual treasures.
"Huuu..."
He exhaled a stream of white vapor and opened his eyes. Beside him, clouds and mist still billowed ethereally, as if he were suspended amidst a boundless sea of clouds. Not a trace of the crystal palace remained. The Dragon King of Beihai had already departed, leaving only the white-robed youth standing quietly by his side.
He did not know how long he had been cultivating, yet Dongfang Heyun's gaze seemed never to have left him. Seeing Li Zhouwei come around, the youth smiled considerately and said, "One hundred and twenty-eight days have passed. By the orthodox Li-Wei calendar, which reckons the Zi month as the start of the year, today is the seventh month, when the Fire Star sinks. But by the orthodox Liu-Chu calendar observed in the State of Yue, it is the twenty-second day of the sixth month."
Li Zhouwei knew that Yue followed the Liu-Chu calendar, which differed from the reckoning of the Li clan's Wei Dynasty. Yet Dongfang Heyun spoke so naturally—as though he had lived in the State of Wei and routinely converted the dates—that Li Zhouwei felt a faint tremor in his heart:
'Just how many years has this person lived! Dragon Lord Beijia is a son of a chi dragon. If he was truly the very first breath exhaled by Dragon Lord Beijia, wouldn't his lifespan be nearly as long as the Dragon Lord's own?!'
Full of emotion, he bowed first and said, "Thank you, Senior, for watching over me. To think nearly four months have already elapsed... Truly, Senior is widely knowledgeable to even know the Wei calendar."
Dongfang Heyun did not take up the praise. Gesturing for him to rise, the clouds and mist across the entire palace shifted, gathering beneath their feet as a speck of pitch-black appeared. Only then did the youth speak:
"It is merely a habit. Fellow Daoist, after you."
Dongfang Heyun addressed everyone as "Fellow Daoist." Stepping into the Great Void, Li Zhouwei saw an ardent glow of coalescing water within the void—presumably the great array of the dragonkind. As Dongfang Heyun shuttled through the Great Void, he answered:
"The matter concerning Liehai originated as a favor from Real Person Zipei.
"Back during the struggle between North and South, Anhuai Heaven had to be opened to release several natures of True Qi, which also revealed the status of the True Qi Dao Fruit... The exalted one upon that fruit is likely no longer present. This outcome was exceedingly advantageous to our dragonkind, so Real Person Zipei took the opportunity to strike a trade with us... As for his motive..."
Dongfang Heyun shook his head with a faint, enigmatic smile and replied, "It remains unknown to this day."
Li Zhouwei's heart sank. Though the Li clan was not entirely detached from Ziyan, their connection was only casual, and he had no personal friendship with Zipei himself. Pondering for a breath, he asked, "Where is Senior taking me...?"
"Hoh."
Dongfang Heyun smiled faintly and answered, "Having just left the grotto-heaven, we are naturally heading toward Beihai. If you have a place to stay, I can escort you along the way.
"For now, there is no need to worry about Changxiao. So long as you do not blunder into one of Changxiao Gate's overseas stations, he has no mind to make trouble for you. As for returning to the mainland... that remains somewhat unsafe."
Li Zhouwei understood his meaning. Overseas, no matter what, was the domain of the dragonkind; neither open attacks nor hidden arrows would be directed at him. But once back on the mainland, the dragonkind had no power to intervene. Although Changxiao would not dare kill him, the man's destiny divine ability was formidable, and he would inevitably possess other means.
Having said this, Dongfang Heyun nodded slightly and added, "It is only that Real Person of your clan who will have to work a bit harder."
Li Zhouwei then replied, "In that case, I must trouble Senior to drop me off at a nearby market. I still have magical artifacts on hand that must be disposed of cleanly; otherwise, traveling upon the sea will not be safe after all."
What Li Zhouwei truly wanted most was to trade with the dragonkind. After all, they possessed first-rate treasures and had no fear of holding goods from Changxiao Gate. But previously, there had been no opportunity, and Dongfang Heyun likely lacked the authority to make such a decision anyway. Li Zhouwei had asked intentionally, merely wishing to see how he would respond.
"Easy enough!"
Sure enough, Dongfang Heyun said no more. Raising his brows, he peered out from the Great Void and replied, "In Beihai, there is the Mount Changliu market. To the east, there is an island seemingly called Tai'e Island, a small island where the Qingchi Sect conducts trade in the Hetian Sea. To the west lies Mount Xiashan; although it has a market, it is best avoided. Further south is the Zhulu Sea."
Li Zhouwei nodded in understanding, feeling a slight twinge of regret. He had originally wanted to travel east to take a look at Liehai, the easternmost sea. Thus he said, "Then I will trouble Senior to take me to Tai'e Island."
"Very well... Tai'e Island... that is also a newly changed name."
When Dongfang Heyun said "newly changed," who knew how long ago that really was. The youth nodded, and after traversing the Great Void for only a brief while, the two of them broke through the void and returned to the mundane world. Li Zhouwei felt lightness beneath his feet and rode the wind aloft. The white-robed young man beside him had already vanished, leaving behind only a melodic voice:
"It is an immortal sect's domain after all, so it is inappropriate for me to draw near. This place is less than a hundred li from Tai'e Island; you may fly there on your own."
Li Zhouwei descended on his light, bowed to the empty air, and let out a long breath, relaxing considerably.
'I've finally gotten through that!'
Although the dragons held little malice, here was a peak Violet Palace expert and there a Violet Palace spirit demon—each holding immense authority and belonging to the dragonkind revered across the world. Being around such demons was uncomfortable after all.
'I also learned news of Changxiao in passing, so I need not dread him excessively... I can act with far greater ease.'
Though the entanglements between Mount Luoxia and the dragonkind were troublesome, thankfully they were not things for a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to worry about. Li Zhouwei never fretted over such matters, and his mood brightened instantly. Looking up into the distance, he was astonished to see the sea waters dyed purplish-red, spreading across the vista.
The sea here was actually a reddish-purple, faintly laced with bluish-purple, completely devoid of the azure blue typical of the Hetian Sea. At least as far as his vision stretched, the expanse was a weave of purple and blue. He immediately took to the air on his light, admiring the sight with a touch of curiosity.
After flying just a dozen-odd li, he spotted an itinerant cultivator riding the wind, lingering over the surface of the sea. Li Zhouwei happened to need someone to ask for directions. With a light wave of his hand, a ray of celestial light flashed, and he manifested not far from the cultivator.
Li Zhouwei's speed was already beyond what ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators could match, and with the light-shifting traversal method of his Yuane Soft Armor, the rogue cultivator naturally had no time to react. Seeing a late Foundation Establishment cultivator suddenly materialize nearby, cold sweat instantly broke out over him. Observing further that the newcomer's bearing and magical artifacts were far beyond ordinary cultivators, he hurriedly bowed:
"This humble cultivator greets the Daoist master!"
Li Zhouwei had no intention of making things difficult for him, merely inquiring, "In which direction does Tai'e Island lie? And why are the sea waters here purplish-red?"
The cultivator hastily replied, "Reporting to the Daoist master, Tai'e Island is seventy-odd li to the southeast. This place is the Slain Purple Reefs, one of the few areas around Tai'e Island where resources can be gathered... It originally yielded spirit sand, but over the years passing cultivators mined it empty, leaving only the cinnabar veins beneath the seabed. The seawater also holds cinnabar, so from a distance, it appears purplish-red."
He smiled ingratiatingly and continued, "Both the name and the place have a history. Back in the day, Senior Li, known as Jingeng Gangxian, was stationed here. A water ape invaded with great bluster—rumored to be a great demon not far from the Violet Palace realm—only to be shot dead on this very spot by that senior with three arrows. Its body transformed into a hundred li of cinnabar, giving rise to this cluster of small reefs... I heard it was because that demon had some... some 'quan'-something..."
Hearing this, Li Zhouwei raised a brow. A faint smile touched the corners of his lips, and this rogue cultivator suddenly looked much more pleasant to his eyes. Accelerating his light to fly southeast alongside him, he said, "To think there was such an origin! What you speak of is the Quandan... Who gave the Slain Purple Reefs its name? And who currently oversees Tai'e Island?"
The rogue cultivator was skilled at flattering. Immediately putting on an expression of sudden realization, he nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes... Quandan! My lord's knowledge is vast indeed. The Slain Purple Reefs wasn't originally called that; it was called the Slain Ape Reefs... But the lord island master guarding the island is surnamed Yuan, which sounded rather unseemly... so they substituted the animal with the color..."
Li Zhouwei's flying speed was extraordinarily swift. In just a few words, an ochre-yellow island appeared far ahead. As they descended closer, the rogue cultivator respectfully said, "Please give your orders, my lord... This humble one is Xiahou Damo, reasonably familiar with this island. To serve you is this humble cultivator's good fortune..."
In the East Sea, encountering a solitary, unaccompanied Foundation Establishment cultivator of seemingly exalted status was practically a serendipitous opportunity. The rogue cultivator sought to seize it. Li Zhouwei merely nodded and said, "Lead me to a place that deals in magical artifacts."
Hearing that the island's garrison cultivator was surnamed Yuan and belonged to the Qingchi Sect, he knew it must be someone from the Mushroom Forest Yuan clan. Had this been a few decades earlier, Li Zhouwei wouldn't have needed a guide and would have gone to pay a visit. Now that the two clans had parted ways, Li Zhouwei could not be bothered with him and merely let Xiahou Damo lead the way.
After traversing only two streets, they arrived at the most opulent area on the island, where a four-story pavilion stood tall. The moment Xiahou Damo stepped inside, attendants approached with sour expressions; but as soon as Li Zhouwei stepped in behind him, radiant smiles broke out all around, addressing him as "my lord" with every breath.
Li Zhouwei wasted no time, heading straight to the top floor. A blue-robed Foundation Establishment cultivator came forward to welcome him. His discernment was far sharper than Xiahou Damo's, and he said courteously, "May I ask which faction's direct descendant has graced us with his presence...?"
Taking a seat, Li Zhouwei answered, "Pinnacle Foundation Establishment magical artifacts, taken from slaying direct lineages. Take them if you can. An elder of my family also cultivates in Qingchi, so there is no need to patronize me."
He raised his brows to glance at the man, his golden eyes scanning the other's face twice. Suddenly finding him somewhat familiar, he asked, "Where are you from?"
The man's complexion had already changed. Quietly instructing an attendant to fetch someone, he answered respectfully, "Junior hails from Jiangbei. My surname is Zhou, and my name is Baiyun."
Hearing "Jiangbei" and the name "Baiyun," Li Zhouwei immediately recalled a certain saber cultivator. Comparing the facial features, he raised an eyebrow: "Gongsun Baiyun... I met your elder brother. His saber technique was passable."
At these words, Zhou Baiyun broke into a cold sweat. Fortunately, Li Zhouwei had no interest in settling scores with him. He drew several jade boxes from his sleeve, laying them out one by one, and said, "Two golden-thorn magical artifacts from Tangjin Gate, both decent items. A Fushui green gourd, a pinnacle item among Foundation Establishment artifacts, worthy of being passed down as an heirloom. A wooden staff, standard in power, but capable of nourishing the body and aiding healing."
He then took out an ordinary cloth storage bag, placed it upon the table, and said, "The contents within are likewise of no small value and even easier to liquidate."
Zhou Baiyun bowed and asked, "May I ask... what Senior requires in exchange?"
Ordinary people naturally would not trade such items for spirit stones—there was simply no need, nor could artifacts of this grade be bought with spirit stones. Yet for Li Zhouwei, and indeed for the present Li clan, items that did not reach the Violet Palace grade were largely of little significance. This made things difficult.
After brief consideration, Li Zhouwei replied, "I require a superb defensive shield, a flying shuttle, or artifacts of comparable grade..."
He paused, finally asking the question he cared about most: "Are there any Violet Palace-grade resources or items here?"
The question left Zhou Baiyun at a total loss. He was merely a guest elder on this island; how could he have such authority? Just as his face was flushed with awkwardness, footsteps echoed from the stairs, followed by hearty laughter:
"I wonder which fellow daoist has graced our Tai'e Island with their presence!"
Relieved as if granted an amnesty, Zhou Baiyun hurriedly stepped aside and said respectfully, "Island Master!"
Li Zhouwei knew it was the man surnamed Yuan. His expression showed little fluctuation. He was not domineering by nature and ordinarily would have risen to show courtesy, but the present relationship between their two families was truly awkward, even fraught with grudges. He could only lower his gaze and remain silent.
An old man ascended the stairs. He looked quite elderly, though his features were reasonably kindly, with a full head of white hair and a cane in hand. Seeing the youth remain seated without moving, he felt a flicker of displeasure.
If an ordinary cultivator dared put on such airs, Yuan Hu'e would have cursed them out long ago. Yet the youth before him possessed profound cultivation while being exceedingly young. Fearing that Li Zhouwei was a direct descendant of some prominent Violet Palace background, he did not dare let his expression sour too much.
His Tai'e Island was small after all. Even under the name of Qingchi, it was easily looked down upon. Moreover, direct descendants of Violet Palace lineages all knew Qingchi's Violet Palace position was in precarious jeopardy. Spotting the jade boxes arrayed upon the table, he formed a conjecture and said in a half-soft, half-firm tone:
"I am Yuan Hu'e of the Mushroom Forest Yuan clan, humbly serving as Island Master of Tai'e Island and Peak Master of Qingchi's Lian Peak, stationed at Tai'e by order of Qingchi...
"Might I know which eminent figure Fellow Daoist is? There is no need to worry that Qingchi cannot afford an exchange. The spiritual traces of the Slain Purple Reefs remain, and Tiangexia awes the South Sea and the Ten-Thousand-Li Stone Embankment; transporting goods here would take little time..."
Seeing that the other man did not recognize him, Li Zhouwei understood that the old man had likely been stationed here for many years, never personally witnessing the mainland's events and rarely visiting it. He remarked casually, "I could hardly compare to Senior's illustrious name."
Smiling, he replied, "Junior hails from a small lake on the mainland. My surname is Li, given name Zhouwei."
The pavilion fell dead silent in an instant. Zhou Baiyun wore a bewildered expression, seemingly still trying to match the location of this "small lake on the mainland," but Yuan Hu'e's expression froze stiff on his face. His pupils dilated violently, his gaze belatedly locking onto the youth's golden eyes.
His mind roared, going completely blank. A chill ran through his hands and feet, followed immediately by an overwhelming wave of complicated, terrifying dread:
'Li Zhouwei... the peerless prodigy of the Li clan, the Li family's White Lin!'
'The one who intercepted the river to assassinate Tangjin Gate Master Situ Mo, fought one against six, and endured the spirit artifact Yongjing Xuanhuan to forcefully slaughter the Violet Palace direct descendant and peak Foundation Establishment cultivator Yu Nanzi—the "White Lin" Li Zhouwei!'
'Why on earth has this fiend come here?! Does he not fear Changxiao?!'
Chapter 817