Li Jiangqian walked toward the riverbank while looking up to observe the sky. The clear qi produced by Tian Zhongqing's death had vanished without a trace. The sun blazed fiercely, casting a blinding brilliance across the lake that left one breathless.
"The summers grow drier with each passing year."
He descended on treaded flames. Below, the houses of Lijing Town had already hung up white mourning silk. The several branches of the Tian family were prestigious clans of Lijing; though they had relocated to Shanyue in their early years, suffered a decline in power, and were subsequently caught up in the strife between the north and south, Tian Zhongqing had fortunately returned safe and sound back then. Even if the younger generation showed little promise, the family still commanded some lingering prestige and goodwill. Because Li Jiangqian had delayed for a while, a good number of people had already gathered at the riverbank.
Although Chen Yang had departed, the Chen family—a major clan standing shoulder to shoulder with the An family—boasted plenty of prominent figures to hold the stage. Furthermore, Chen Donghe had arrived in person today. Li Jiangqian scanned the crowd and found that aside from Li Chenghuai and a few others currently in seclusion, more than half of the figures holding real power on the lake were present.
He was hardly surprised. That the prominent families on the lake were inextricably intertwined was no secret; the Li clan itself had intermarried with these outside surnames for many years, blending into a unified whole. Seeing that Ding Weizeng, Qu Bushi, Miaoshui, and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Jiangbei faction had not come, Li Jiangqian nodded slightly in silent approval.
Tian Ling, the master of the Tian family, was dressed in white, waiting by the riverbank. He was an exceptional case: his father, Tian Rong, had been stabbed to death by a maidservant, and he had grown up alone at Qingdu. He had successively served at Mount Yuting and around the lake, but with his modest cultivation, he was never considered a pivotal figure. Having been on duty on the eastern bank, he had rushed back in haste. Walking forward to welcome him, he bowed scrupulously.
"Greetings, Clan Head."
Li Jiangqian spoke a couple of comforting words and landed by the river. He cast his gaze over the dense, overlapping reed marshes, exchanged pleasantries, and showed his face just enough to pay his respects.
Stepping back from the front, he went to find Li Xuanxuan. The old man wore a deeply worried look. Seeing him at once, he asked:
"Qian'er, are you returning to the islet? Take me back with you so I can fetch an item or two."
Li Jiangqian was indeed burdened with numerous affairs and still needed to cultivate; he had little time to waste here. He nodded, supported the old man's arm, and steered a flight of flames toward the lake, asking as they went:
"What is the Venerable Elder fetching that requires you to go in person?"
Li Xuanxuan sighed.
"The Tian family's juniors truly lack ability. Still, we should help where help is due... I have saved some spiritual items and will bring them over... If I see any promising ones, I'll slip a few into their hands."
Li Jiangqian nodded thoughtfully and replied:
"Leave it to this junior."
Before Li Xuanxuan could reply, Li Jiangqian channeled his eye technique, glanced aside, and paused in slight surprise.
"Eh?"
Standing amid the clouds by the lakeshore was a man and a woman. Though the woman was ordinary in appearance, she carried an exceptional air. She cradled a treasure sword that radiated an icy chill, a faint smile gracing her lips.
Beside her stood an extremely handsome young man who appeared twenty-eight or twenty-nine years of age. A jade belt hung at his waist, his upper body was clad in dark green, and black boots adorned his feet. Suspended at his side was a short talisman sword.
Li Jiangqian stepped forward with a smile and first bowed to the woman.
"Greetings, Aunt Xinghan."
Li Xinghan returned his greeting and hurriedly came forward to pay her respects to Li Xuanxuan. The young man followed suit in mild surprise, bowing as well. After a brief flurry of pleasantries, Li Jiangqian turned to the man, feigning unfamiliarity as he asked:
"And this is..."
"I am Zhuang Pingye of the Guyan Zhuang family."
Zhuang Pingye offered a smiling reply. Taking a closer look, Li Jiangqian realized that he was indeed the renowned inheritor of the talisman sword from Guyan. He praised:
"Daoist brother possesses a truly handsome countenance."
Zhuang Pingye was exceptionally handsome—a lavish, dashing, and elegant sort of good looks. His forehead and temples were broad and open, his lips red and teeth white, his chin smoothly rounded. It was a noble grace so striking that one could hardly look away, yet it stopped short of true dignified grandeur. He was more dazzling than Li Xizhi, yet less enduringly appealing, and entirely distinct from Li Xijun's cold, aloof elegance.
His looks and presence were first-rate, and having received countless compliments in his life, he politely bowed to Li Jiangqian and answered:
"Greetings, Clan Head!"
His voice was pleasant to the ear, inspiring an instinctive sense of trust. At a single glance, Zhuang Pingye truly seemed an impeccable prospective husband. Li Xuanxuan watched with a smile, nodding slightly.
As Li Jiangqian nodded, Zhuang Pingye immediately added:
"I heard that Xinghan is fond of sword techniques. I recently acquired a rather distinctive manual in the Great Desert and brought it along to study with her."
Li Jiangqian glanced over and saw Li Xinghan nod gently. After speaking a few polite words and offering some flattery to Zhuang Pingye, the young man smiled warmly and returned the courtesies in kind. Not wishing to disturb them further, Li Jiangqian took his leave.
*With such appearance and bearing, he hardly does Aunt a disservice, nor is he a fool... Though he is several years older, his prospects for Foundation Establishment are quite promising...*
As Li Jiangqian steered the wind back, he formed an impression of the man. Li Xuanxuan said:
"Seeing that Xinghan doesn't dislike him, and that he has refined manners and a generous hand... matters of the heart often rise and fall like overturned cups and spilled tea. Inquire thoroughly as soon as possible—how many brothers does he have? His father is a high-level cultivator, but what of his mother's clan? Does he possess any vices? If it must be ended, end it early, lest it brings harm to everyone."
Li Jiangqian replied prudently:
"Venerable Elder, I have already inquired thoroughly. He is Zhuang Cheng's legitimate son and the youngest. His birth mother passed away early and came from a minor clan; his father's second wife bore no children. Consequently, Zhuang Cheng keeps seven concubines... but very few legitimate sons. Zhuang Pingye is deeply doted upon, surrounded by many maids and songstresses, though he has no offspring."
Li Jiangqian said only enough to convey the point, but his meaning was crystal clear. Li Xuanxuan frowned, yet knowing that his own family's youth were prone to such dalliances, he hesitated to criticize. As the two descended toward the islet and reached Qingdu, the old man sighed:
"It seems unavoidable... Let us wait and see."
With that, he stepped down. Li Jiangqian returned alone on fire, taking his seat in the islet's great hall. A guard came to report that Xia Shouyu was waiting outside.
She had been handpicked by Li Ximing and was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, so Li Jiangqian treated her with great respect, immediately inviting her in. Xia Shouyu was escorted into the hall, bowed, and said:
"Greetings, Clan Head... I came looking for Young Master Zhouming over the past few days, but he was gone early this morning. I heard the attendants say he went for a spring outing by the lake, yet there was no sign of him. With this oppressive weather, I came to ask..."
*A spring outing under a blazing sun... Where else could he go... Off to his romantic pursuits.*
Li Zhouming had been exceptionally well-behaved of late—so much so that Li Xuanxuan nearly believed the boy had turned over a new leaf. But a fox could not hide its tail forever; his heart had grown restless, and he had slipped off to meet some woman. Feeling embarrassed, Li Jiangqian smiled and said:
"Uncle indeed has a habit of going on outings, often galloping off alone on horseback, leaving the servants unable to track him down."
Xia Shouyu observed him briefly and understood much in her heart. Yet before the marriage was solemnized, an astute woman like her would never stoop to making a fuss. She smiled and said:
"I understand then; I merely brought it up in passing. As the wedding date approaches, I came to consult the Clan Head regarding the arrangements."
Her expression turned solemn.
"Originally, elders from my family were meant to come, but considering the Real Person's situation... he instructed early on that nothing must be exposed. We feared that if my family's cultivators came, they might reveal our tracks along the way. Yet making decisions alone felt ill-considered, so I specifically came to consult the Clan Head..."
Li Jiangqian pondered for a moment, observing her expression and weighing his thoughts.
Xia Shouyu's marriage had been personally arranged by Li Ximing. Her origins remained unknown, but Li Jiangqian had no right to question it, and she handled every affair with meticulous care, leaving no fault to be found.
By saying this, she made inviting her elders appear redundant. Whether she was retreating in order to advance or genuinely seeking counsel, Li Jiangqian could only say under Li Ximing's name:
"Senior has considered the matter prudently. We shall proceed with the marriage according to propriety. With the Real Person present, it matters not when we meet with your sect..."
He set down the letter in his hand and smiled.
"However, Senior practices the rare lineage of Hong Fire, where every matter requires great care. If there is any location on the lake suitable for Senior's cultivation, you need only name it. After all, belonging to such an immortal sect's lineage while temporarily unable to contact your sect, you may also write down any spiritual items required to cultivate high-tier arts.
"The clan's juniors are also exceedingly curious about Hong Fire and hope to seek your guidance."
Xia Shouyu felt a surge of solemnity, yet smiled on the surface.
"Spiritual items are unnecessary; I brought plenty when I left home. As for guidance... I would not presume to instruct an immortal clan. But if the juniors come, I shall certainly not neglect their education."
Li Jiangqian was about to respond when footsteps echoed before the hall. Cui Jueyin appeared at the doorway with an anxious expression. He came forward with a bow, and Li Jiangqian swallowed the rest of his words as Cui Jueyin whispered into his ear:
"Clan Head... people from the Jinyu Sect have arrived. It is the person closest to Master Qiushui, Zhang Duanyan of the Jinyu Sect... She is waiting outside the islet."
*Qiushui? Zhang Duanyan!*
If one were to name the people throughout Jiangnan whom one must never provoke today, one was Master Yuanxiu, the sole survivor of the Three Yuans, and the other was this Master Qiushui. Both had reached the stage where they could attempt to break through to Golden Core; even other Violet Palace Real Persons held them in great dread.
Furthermore, Master Qiushui was a Great Real Person of the Complete Elixir quality and hailed from the Jinyu Zhang family, holding status a cut above Yuanxiu. Zhang Duanyan's authority in the Jinyu Sect was hardly lesser than that of the Sect Master himself!
Li Jiangqian's pupils dilated slightly. He stood abruptly and walked briskly down the platform, offering a slight apology to Xia Shouyu:
"An esteemed guest has arrived at our door. I must go out to receive them; please forgive the slight, Senior."
Xia Shouyu cared nothing for slights and breathed a sigh of relief. As Li Jiangqian disappeared from the hall in a few strides, she hurriedly retreated toward her own cave dwelling.
Li Jiangqian had no leisure to ponder other matters. Filled with unease, he exited the hall and took to the wind. Sure enough, standing in the small pavilion by the islet was a woman.
She wore golden robes, was tall in stature, and had the lower half of her face veiled in gold gauze. Her exposed eyes were calm, her skin fair, and her hands rested behind her back. Beside her stood an old man with half-closed eyes, hunched and stooped.
The woman stood in the pavilion, gazing smilingly at the distant lake scenery as if in appreciation. Yet her ramrod posture and the faint hesitation in her movements revealed that her heart was far from calm.
Li Jiangqian hastily landed his flames outside the pavilion, walked in, and bowed.
"Greetings, envoy of the immortal sect."
Zhang Duanyan turned around, returned the bow, and examined him for a moment.
"You are Li Jiangqian... Let us speak inside."
Li Jiangqian and Cui Jueyin led the two inward, passing through the grand array and proceeding directly into the hall. Taking in the surroundings, Zhang Duanyan nodded.
"The Li clan's governance of the lake is truly meritorious, surpassing the Jiang family of the past."
Li Jiangqian cupped his hands.
"The Jiang family were descendants of Yuanfu; we cannot compare. We have merely basked in the blessings of our Real Person to enjoy a bit of prosperity in recent years..."
Zhang Duanyan offered a faint smile. Facing the envoy of the Jinyu Sect, Li Jiangqian did not lead them to the main hall, but rather toward the rear hall.
The main hall held only a single primary seat, which inevitably distinguished host from guest. Zhang Duanyan was not of the Violet Palace, yet she was the mouthpiece of one, and possessed an illustrious lineage. With his own Real Person absent, placing her in the seat of honor would seem overly obsequious, while taking it himself would be excessively arrogant. Thus, he led her to the rear hall, where they sat by a low table, and Cui Jueyin served tea.
Li Jiangqian said respectfully:
"The arrival of the immortal sect's envoy graces our humble dwelling with brilliance. May I ask what guidance you bring..."
"There are indeed some arrangements. Has there been any news of your Real Person in recent years? In this matter, it would be best if he were present to preside."
Zhang Duanyan nodded gently, returning a smile to his courteous words, and asked about Li Ximing's whereabouts. Li Jiangqian answered:
"The Real Person is traveling overseas; we have had no news of his return. If the immortal envoy wishes for me to convey a message to his venerable self, I fear that will not be possible."
Zhang Duanyan sighed very softly and replied:
"The Clan Head misunderstands. A few days ago, an envoy from the north arrived at the Jinyu mountain gate bearing an immortal decree. After discussions and negotiations with our Jinyu Sect, a momentous matter was settled, and I was dispatched south to convey the orders to the various sects."
*An envoy from the north?*
The Zhang family had never shown pleasant faces to Buddhist cultivators. For someone to be referred to by Zhang Duanyan as an envoy from the north while making her own sect appear faintly inferior in standing, the origin of this party was blindingly clear.
*Mount Luoxia!*
Just as realization dawned upon Li Jiangqian, Zhang Duanyan finished speaking and stood up from her seat. The veil on her face vanished, revealing bright eyes, white teeth, and a graceful, lovely countenance. She said in a low voice:
"Properly speaking, the decree should be received within a celestial terrace dharma realm. Fortunately, it has already been received once at Jinyu; this conveyance is one tier lower in immortal rank. Even so, it cannot be proclaimed within a hall. Without the open sky above, this hall would surely collapse; without feet touching the bare earth, the masonry and plinths would crumble to dust..."
Li Jiangqian simply invited her to take a step outside. Just behind the rear hall lay an open courtyard. Judging it sufficiently spacious, Zhang Duanyan finally said:
"Please kneel in homage first, everyone."
The old man who accompanied her had already prostrated on the ground, his expression respectful to the point of utter dread. Li Jiangqian and Cui Jueyin knelt down as well. Zhang Duanyan's expression turned solemn; she stepped back half a pace, bowed, raised both hands above her head, and spoke reverently:
"Penetrating the Mystery in purple radiance, Wuguang beholding the dawn clouds, of the singular Dao of Metal, we humbly beseech."
No tremor shook the Great Void, nor did any dharma light flare. Her hands trembled slightly, and a brown-bordered, white-ground immortal decree unexpectedly appeared, resting flat in her hands like an ordinary mortal scroll.
Li Jiangqian's heart shuddered, yet he dared not ask anything. He heard all sounds of birds and sparrows in the garden abruptly vanish; the wind ceased, and the brilliant light atop the sky dimmed.
Zhang Duanyan wore a solemn expression. In those previously calm eyes, only grave solemnity remained. Her voice fell deep and low:
"On the twenty-second day of the seventh month of the twenty-second year of Shenxuan, Wuguang shall receive the sacrificial offering. The Immortal Carriage shall graciously descend, arriving at the Three Creeks of Jiangbei to gaze down upon the mortal realm, disseminating virtue and bestowing beneficence, proceeding thence to Qilu, to return in six years and six months. Wherever it traverses, all clans and families must burn incense and perform rites, closing their doors without disturbance. Where the Immortal Carriage treads upon its passing, reverent deference is paramount; let no karma be engendered."
Zhang Duanyan merely spoke the words; the immortal decree remained unopened. Perhaps the Li family lacked the qualifications, or perhaps opening it would trigger something terrifying, for the scroll lay flat in her hands the entire time.
Yet her voice echoed through the surroundings. Total silence reigned. Li Jiangqian slowly lowered his head, a roar like thunder crashing through his mind.
*The Immortal Carriage of Mount Luoxia will descend upon Jiangbei to gaze upon the mortal realm...*
Who else could the Immortal Carriage of Mount Luoxia refer to? Naturally, a True Monarch! To gaze down upon the mortal realm... while the phrasing sounded lofty and carried an aloof grandeur, it simply meant a True Monarch was reincarnating into the mortal world!
*Proceeding thence to Qilu, to return in six years and six months...*
This True Monarch would forge a path all the way from Jiangbei to the lands of Qilu, returning to Mount Luoxia after six years and six months, reenacting what Chu Yi had done in the past!
As for the command that reverent deference was paramount and no karma should be engendered, rather than a warning, it was more like a merciful reminder. When a True Monarch sought to regain his fruit of cultivation and witness the suffering of the world, any aristocratic clan or immortal sect standing in his path would vanish like smoke and dust.
*Back then, Chu Yi rose abruptly and wiped out the clans of Yufu Commandery. Our family had no inkling of the truth, possessing only faint guesses. Now that we have attained the Violet Palace, we finally possess the standing to hear Mount Luoxia's decrees...*
While Li Jiangqian still had the composure to reflect, Cui Jueyin beside him was frozen in place, rigid as a statue, his legs trembling slightly. As a core descendant of the overseas Cui clan who had suffered countless torments, his terror of True Monarchs far exceeded that of Li Jiangqian—and perhaps even Zhang Duanyan.
Zhang Duanyan wore a dignified expression, a boundless aura of reverence and awe welling in her eyes as if her mind had been seized, or as if it were her genuine self. Only her hands gripping the scroll turned faintly white.
She was a Foundation Establishment cultivator; such grip strength was enough to crush masonry to powder, yet the immortal decree naturally showed not the slightest crease. Li Jiangqian kept his eyes firmly fixed on the ground, saying respectfully:
"This humble cultivator obeys the decree!"
The immortal decree in Zhang Duanyan's hands vanished abruptly, as though it had never existed. The woman took a natural step forward to help Li Jiangqian up, her voice sounding faintly hoarse as she said:
"Clan Head, please rise quickly."
Li Jiangqian rose with her aid, a heavy breath lodged in his chest. Beside him, Cui Jueyin was drenched in cold sweat, his eyes lowered to mere slits, his gaze pinned to the floor as if unable to lift it.
The four returned inside in silence. Zhang Duanyan took her seat without uttering a word.
The Li clan did not know which stop this was on Zhang Duanyan's journey since leaving the Jinyu Sect, but judging by geography, it was likely the first or second... She evidently had little prior experience proclaiming an immortal decree. Not only were the Li family members shaken, but her face was also faintly pale, giving her the appearance of someone struggling for breath.
Li Jiangqian swiftly composed his emotions, poured tea for her, and said:
"We have truly troubled the immortal envoy to make this journey to remind our clan... On behalf of the Li family, Jiangqian offers our gratitude!"
Zhang Duanyan paused briefly before taking a sip of tea. A trace of fatigue surfaced in her eyes, yet she rallied her spirits and maintained proper decorum, replying:
"The Clan Head speaks too heavily; it is merely within my duty..."
Li Jiangqian pondered briefly and asked:
"Only, our family does not know when the seventh month of the twenty-second year of Shenxuan corresponds to?"
Zhang Duanyan said in a low voice:
"Shenxuan is the northern lineage's method of reckoning years by spiritual atmosphere. It falls in the sixth month two years from now."
Li Jiangqian sighed softly, engraving this time firmly in his memory. Zhang Duanyan spoke again, her expression turning grave:
"Since the Immortal Carriage will be in Jiangbei, your noble clan's grievances with the Baiyedu Immortal Dao must be set aside for now. If you still pursue these squabbles under such circumstances, I fear that in the end..."
She hesitated, and Li Jiangqian quickly nodded, answering:
"The envoy may rest assured. Our family knows propriety and will certainly not commit such folly. The affairs of a True Monarch are never something we can tamper with; we will not deliberately provoke the Duxian Dao... yet we cannot speak for their side."
"Rest assured."
Zhang Duanyan shook her head.
"The Duxian Dao will never touch it, nor will they use this to scheme any harm... They will not even entertain the thought. This matter is entirely beyond the control of the Violet Palace. Once such an intention arises, destruction will invariably fall upon both sides, not to mention offending the north—which would be tearing open the heavens themselves."
Li Jiangqian relaxed at that. Zhang Duanyan then continued:
"In about two days, the immortal decree for the Duxian Dao will also be fully proclaimed... Please discuss matters thoroughly with the Duxian Dao. While you still have over two years, withdraw the personnel that need withdrawing, swiftly promote the clans that should be elevated, and hand over the territories properly so you won't be forced to sever your own tails when the time comes.
"As for burning incense and performing rites, it is best to carry them out thoroughly. After all, no one knows what may unfold. It would be best to construct a high altar and perform all the ceremonies in full."
"This junior accepts the command!"
Zhang Duanyan let out a soft breath. After long contemplation, she spoke as if having made up her mind:
"Master Qiushui met Senior Xuanfeng in the past; they shared a bond of destiny, and she held high regard for him. My grandfather also shared deep ties with your noble clan. Thus, I offer a word of reminder here... Your noble clan would do best to remain quiet. Do not harbor any thoughts of making contact with him, for that path leads to irrecoverable doom."
Hearing this, Li Jiangqian felt a faint doubt rise in his heart:
*Where does this come from? It was already stated earlier. Our clan is not unaware of what happened with Chu Yi; why would we be mad enough to seek out a True Monarch...*
Aloud, he replied immediately:
"Such a thing is entirely out of the question... Our family would never seek our own suffering..."
Zhang Duanyan nodded gently, looked toward Cui Jueyin, and spoke in a far less polite tone this time:
"And you."
Cui Jueyin was still soaked in sweat even now. Hearing the question, he inhaled deeply and bowed.
"I swear upon the Chongzhou Cui clan that I shall never disobey the immortal decree!"
Zhang Duanyan took a sip of tea, finally letting the matter pass, and said gently:
"Once this matter is concluded, Master Yuanxiu and our Master Qiushui will successively seek to prove the Golden Core. It is rare for a Real Person of our Zhang family to attain the Dao in the outside world, so invitations will certainly be sent to your noble clan. If your Real Person returns from his travels and remains with the clan, he is most welcome to attend the ceremony."
Unlike the Chi family, the Zhang family were genuine descendants of the Taiyuan True Monarch and an immortal lineage of the Golden Core. The grotto-heaven of the Jinyu Sect was vastly different from Delushui; many core descendants likely cultivated within. Even when a Real Person of the Zhang family reached the end of their lifespan and perished, they did so within that grotto-heaven, returning their post-mortem spiritual energy to it rather than benefiting outsiders. Zhang Tianyuan, who had not appeared for many years, had most likely met such a fate.
Zhang Duanyan dressed it up nicely by calling it a rare event for a Real Person to attain the Dao in the outside world, but in truth, apart from the Golden Virtue lineage, the Zhang family's Violet Palace cultivators over the years lacked the ability to cultivate five divine abilities to perfection. Now, all their hopes rested on Qiushui.
Coming from a Golden Core immortal lineage, her words showed considerable respect. Li Jiangqian hastily returned the courtesy, answering:
"The Great Real Person stands at the pinnacle of Complete Elixir beneath heaven, her cultivation and arts shaking heaven and earth. She will surely attain the fruit of cultivation! Our clan can only prepare congratulatory gifts to await the moment when heaven and earth rejoice together!"
Chapter 823