"On the twenty-first day of mid-spring, Master Yuanxiu of the Qingsong Taiyang lineage attempted to prove his Dao at Shitang in the South Sea. Heavenly thunder roared and terrifying waves surged skyward. Failing to attain the Dao, the winds and clouds churned, evil anomalies emerged, and he was subsequently bound and slain by the Nether Office."
"Three days later, the wind ceased and the rain abated, and the spiritual aura of the South Sea changed as a result."
Li Jiangqian held the letter in his hands, feeling somewhat shaken. He read it over twice more, still finding it hard to believe.
"This is far too sudden... There were no decrees, nor were any invitations sent to observe the ceremony, yet he abruptly made his breakthrough attempt in the South Sea... I wonder how he compares to the previous Violet Palace cultivators in attainments."
Still holding the letter, his mind settled slightly:
*It's hard to say. Perhaps word was already spreading at the Violet Palace level, and humble cultivators like us were simply kept in the dark. It is said Master Yuanxiu cultivated 'Upright Wood'; for a good while, the South Sea had enjoyed an abundance of fertile produce.*
Turning the brief letter over, he saw written on the back:
"Autumn Lake Fairy has broken through to the Violet Palace, attaining the 'Cold Qi' divine ability."
This brief sentence was more than enough. Ning Wan cultivated a different technique from Yuanxiu. Master Yuanxiu's path of Upright Wood had few surviving legacies in the world and bore little resemblance to the wood virtue in common perception, so few people knew what his divine abilities were. But Ning Wan had already been famous back when she was in the Qi Cultivation realm, and Cold Qi was a very common lineage in Jiangnan. Amid swirling heavy snow, even rumors trickling out from Qingchi spoke of this Autumn Lake Fairy's divine ability.
"Qingchi is changing masters once again."
The Si family had few members to begin with, so their hold over Qingchi had never been strong. Now that Yuanxiu was dead and Si Yuanli was in secluded cultivation, Dantai Jin and Si Tongyi would inevitably have to defer to Ning Wan.
Beside him, Li Xuanxuan understood immediately upon hearing this. Stroking his beard with a smile, he reminded him:
"Send the congratulatory gifts over at once."
This was significantly good news for the Li family. In high spirits, Li Jiangqian summoned his attendants and instructed:
"I recall there is still a portion of Pine-Dotting Frost in the treasury. Though it is only a Foundation Establishment spiritual item, it suits the Master well. There is also..."
He pondered for a moment. Most of the Li family's present reserves were with Li Ximing, so there was genuinely little that seemed presentable. Yet congratulatory gifts could never brook delay—not only was the value of the gift considered, but promptness was an equally vital show of sincerity. Thus, he said:
"Back then, Father brought back a basket of Lian pearls, which were exceedingly precious. We originally intended to refine them into a set of magical artifacts, but there were as many as sixteen of them. Matched sets of artifacts are inherently difficult to refine, so they have gone unused all this time. Why not... use them as the congratulatory gift?"
Hearing this, Li Xuanxuan felt a pang of heartache. There was a reason this basket of Lian pearls had never been refined into artifacts: they were sixteen Foundation Establishment spiritual items with their qi interlinked. Thrifty by nature, the old man found them far too valuable, and hesitated:
"This gift is truly too heavy—it is practically on the level of a gift delivered personally by a Violet Palace cultivator. Breaking up the set of spirit pearls to send would be a pity as well. Better to think of some other way..."
Li Jiangqian nodded. In truth, he would have preferred that she owe his family a greater favor; he secretly kept Li Xuanfeng's relic, Shenbai, in mind—that item was likely worthy of being a spirit artifact embryo, the only question being whether one could lift it...
Yet since Li Xuanxuan had spoken, he naturally complied. Li Xuanxuan then continued:
"Then have a copy of the *Cold Pine Dew Snow Formula* transcribed and sent to the Master. In addition, explain to her that our family's Master is cultivating abroad and remains unaware of domestic affairs, so he cannot pay a visit in person, but he will certainly make up for it in the future."
Li Jiangqian added:
"Why not have Peak Steward Chengpan lead the delegation, accompanied by Official Cui, to demonstrate our family's esteem?"
Li Xuanxuan nodded slightly and said:
"Call over that heedless rascal Zhouming and Cheng as well!"
Li Cheng was one of the few Qi Cultivation elders of the Eldest Branch, the blood uncle of the Li Zhoufang brothers. Back then, he had made things difficult for Li Zhouluo and was cast out to manage affairs in Milin, but as soon as tensions flared with Duxian, he was recalled immediately.
After all, among the Li family's Xi generation, there was only one Violet Palace cultivator, Li Ximing. As for the subsequent Cheng and Ming generations, Li Chenghuai had his heart set on going to the South Sea; Li Xuanxuan saw clearly that the boy yearned to seek the Dao and could not be kept here. That left only Li Cheng and Li Minggong. Li Xuanxuan had called him here deliberately so that Li Jiangqian would make greater use of him.
All three happened to be on the isle today. Upon receiving the summons, they quickly came up.
Li Cheng had a stern expression and was dressed neatly, while Li Zhouming in his red robes was the complete opposite, trailing behind with a carefree swagger. Bringing up the rear was Li Chengpan, his head bowed.
As soon as Li Jiangqian explained the matter, Li Cheng was instantly overjoyed and replied:
"This is truly wonderful news! Leave it to me on behalf of the family!"
Back then, to save Li Chengpan, Li Cheng had repeatedly made things hard for Li Zhouluo. The man's heart was tied to his kinsmen, and he always felt the isle was too harsh, which was why he had never been entrusted with important duties.
Yet he was also the one who cared most about the clan's reputation. Whatever grumblings he had in private, if anyone outside dared speak ill of the Li clan, Li Cheng would fly into a rage and come to blows without hesitation. His abilities were not lacking either, so entrusting this task to him was quite appropriate.
*After all... there aren't many left at home who can hold down the fort.*
Li Xuanxuan sighed inwardly, yet spoke in a solemn tone:
"Zhouming, take Shouyu and go along with Cheng. Listen closely to your elders."
Li Zhouming was the direct grandson of a Violet Palace Master, which was sufficient to show respect. The young man in red nodded repeatedly, wearing a cheeky grin as he replied:
"How could you say that, Old Master... In all these years, when have I ever been disobedient? It has always been whatever you say goes!"
Back then, Li Zhouming had put Li Cheng and the others in an awkward spot, so Li Xuanxuan feared there might be friction between them. He hoped frequent contact would bring them closer together. Fortunately, the lad felt no embarrassment at all, beaming from ear to ear as though nothing had ever happened, tossing around "Uncle" this and "Lord" that.
Li Cheng naturally would not deny him face. Though Li Ximing—the Master who had elevated the Li clan to an immortal family and ascended to the Violet Palace—rarely showed himself, his prestige among the kinsmen across the lake went without saying. Even if Li Ximing were struck by a whim to erect a palace or pavilion purely for his amusement, Li Cheng would be the first to dig the foundation. He bowed solemnly and said:
"Greetings, Young Master... After you, Young Master!"
Once the three had withdrawn, Li Jiangqian could not help but nod in sighing admiration:
"Old Master's painstaking care truly commands my deepest respect."
Li Xuanxuan stroked his beard and shook his head:
"It is merely a difference in perspective. You look toward the interests of the lake, whereas I only wish to mend the rifts between the branches. If there is discord within, any gain the clan achieves is ultimately hollow."
Li Xuanxuan hesitated for a moment, just about to inquire about matters to the north, when purple qi drifted across the lake, accompanied by floating clouds flanking both sides. A maid in purple came forward to knock upon the palace doors, announcing:
"To the lords of the Wangyue Immortal Clan: Master Tinglan of the Taixu Purple Qi Dongmiao Gate has arrived for a visit."
Li Jiangqian started slightly, understanding that this time Master Tinglan, a Violet Palace cultivator, was visiting in her capacity representing Ziyan Gate. He immediately stepped down from the side stairs, bowed, and said:
"Greetings to the immortal envoy of the Taixu Purple Qi lineage. Our humble clan awaits the Master."
Thereupon, purple qi coalesced before the hall, and the female Master clad in autumn-yellow robes stepped out from the Great Void, the two faint yellow markings at the corners of her eyes shimmering faintly. Li Jiangqian respectfully invited her inside.
She was, after all, a Violet Palace Master. Li Jiangqian led her straight to the primary seat. The palace doors swung shut of their own accord. Tinglan first nodded toward Li Xuanxuan, exchanging pleasantries—inquiring after the old man's health and longevity, and asking whether all was well with the clan...
As Li Xuanxuan was Li Ximing's grandfather, she accorded him full respect before speaking:
"I have already met with Fellow Daoist Ximing in the east. My return this time is for two matters."
She inclined her delicate head and said:
"First, the spirit pills Fellow Daoist Ximing promised me have been refined. Ziyan is not a lineage that breaks its word, and our affairs overseas are largely settled. Once our people transfer over, we will construct the formation for your esteemed clan."
Li Jiangqian did not know what precious pills the two Masters had refined, but it had to be an affair of supreme importance to warrant repaying with a grand formation. Cupping his hands, he said:
"Our thanks to the Master!"
Tinglan seemed to be in fine spirits. Smiling faintly, she continued:
"As for the other matter... it concerns Jiangbei. Master Qiushui of Jinyu Sect was originally supposed to seek Senior Yuanxiu for guidance, but Senior declined on account of his impending breakthrough, and then sought the Dao with his very life, passing away into transcendence."
"We all belong to the Qingsong Taiyang path. To ensure Jiangnan does not suffer excessive turmoil and to respectfully see the True Monarch off on his journey north, we must keep a close eye on matters in Jiangbei."
Li Jiangqian could only nod respectfully and bow:
"Many thanks, Master!"
Tinglan's meaning was clear: the lineages across Jiangnan did not wish to be dragged into the fray. The various Taiyang lineages had pushed Tinglan forward to handle Jiangbei's affairs, and she chose to stay with the Li family because she tacitly considered the Li clan part of that sphere.
*I don't know whether this is a blessing or a curse...*
Li Jiangqian understood to some extent that the cultivators of these Taiyang lineages held themselves in high esteem. For hundreds of years, they had never budged from Jiangnan, their standing as solid as Mount Tai, and they looked down with deep disdain upon the East Sea and rogue cultivators. Only because his family held the name of Mingyang and had risen as an orthodox path recognized through the Yuan Mansion back then did these cultivators show a few pleasant smiles. But as for them truly accepting his family into their fold, Li Jiangqian did not believe it for a moment.
*Then this matter is likely just some goodwill from Tinglan herself.*
The various lineages of Jiangnan hoped the True Monarch's actions would not disrupt the Taiyang lineages, but boundaries could be drawn in various ways; it did not strictly have to be bounded by the Great River. By choosing Lake Wangyue, Tinglan subtly intended to protect his family.
He waited a few breaths, yet Tinglan did not ask about Jiangbei. Feeling slightly puzzled, he wondered if he should broach the subject himself, when the sound of falling snow drifted from outside.
*Whoosh...*
From the Great Void outside the hall stepped a woman in white. Clad in a white gown with a slender white sash tied around her slender waist, her features were gentle and soft, yet her gaze was chilly and sharp. The moment she stepped before the hall, the temperature inside plunged noticeably.
Autumn Lake Fairy Ning Wan!
Only now did Li Jiangqian realize:
*So she was waiting for this Master! Qingchi has no choice but to step in and handle it as well...*
Yet he swiftly suppressed all his stray thoughts, first bowing to the Master outside the hall before remaining in place with his head lowered in deference.
Tinglan rose to greet her with great courtesy, though a trace of surprise touched her brows as she asked:
"Who could be so blind as to provoke my younger sister into such anger...?"
The age difference between Tinglan and Ning Wan was truly not large; Tinglan was likely only twenty or so years older than her. Since both of their sects belonged to the Taiyang lineages, addressing her as "sister" was entirely fitting. Ning Wan replied:
"Senior is far too polite; just call me Wan'er... It's nothing worth being angry over. Having cultivated 'Attuning to Clear Whispers', seeing the people in my sect simply made me feel rather uncomfortable..."
Tinglan understood immediately and shook her head in consolation:
"Indeed. 'Attuning to Clear Whispers' is a destiny divine ability after all, capable of hearing the voices of people's hearts... It inevitably invites extra trouble."
Ning Wan nodded kindly to Li Jiangqian. With Violet Palace cultivators present, it was clearly inappropriate to converse with him casually, so she merely took a seat slightly to the side and remarked quietly:
"When our senior was alive, he often had eccentric moods. Back then, I could not understand it. Now that I have attained a destiny divine ability myself, I realize that his temperament was already exceptionally mild. Occasionally catching a stray thought truly breeds disappointment."
"It is not that I deliberately pry into people's hearts. When these mortals come before me, 'Attuning to Clear Whispers' does not activate proactively, but the moment they harbor malicious thoughts, the divine ability hears them clearly to alert me... This is merely the divine ability protecting its master, just like when someone else's spell arrives before you and your arts activate on their own to shield you..."
"Yet those words were truly... Coming out of Qingchi Sect, I nearly harbored thoughts of slaughter."
Her complexion was rather unsightly, her originally gentle face draped in coldness. She had clearly heard quite an earful within the sect, which frightened Li Jiangqian into standing rigid, his eyes fixed on his nose and his nose on his heart.
Tinglan said with a complicated expression:
"Qingchi was purged once by Senior Yuanxiu, so it is already considered decent. If you were in a place as corrupt as the East Sea, it would be even more unbearable. That senior... also possesses 'Attuning to Clear Whispers'."
Not wishing to dwell on her divine ability, Ning Wan did not answer her, but asked instead:
"Senior Yuanxiu... Did you go to observe the ceremony, Master?"
"Naturally, I went. Coming from the east, I almost failed to make it in time."
Tinglan let out a long sigh and replied:
"Master Zimu of my Ziyan lineage also went to observe. I happened to meet him. He watched for a long time, only shook his head, and spoke a single verse."
How could Ning Wan pass up such a wonderful opportunity to hear something profound? Her eyes shone slightly, and she immediately asked:
"What did the Grand Master mean?"
Tinglan nodded and replied:
"'An old falcon sinks down, on what branch can it rely? Mount Shi is easily shaken, but Upright Wood is hard to move.'"
Ning Wan turned these sixteen characters over in her mind again and again, but could only glean the surface meaning of "Upright Wood is hard to move." Glancing at Tinglan, she replied:
"The Grand Master's cultivation has already plumbed the depths of heaven and man. Worthy of one who cultivates the innate nature of Heavenly Purple Qi, his grasp of metaphysical discourse is far beyond our reach."
She paused slightly and murmured:
"I saw Master Chi."
At this point, there was only one Master Chi Ning Wan could be referring to: the missing Grand Master, Chi Buzi. Tinglan pondered for a moment and replied:
"Quite the seeker of the Dao, indifferent by nature. A pity."
Ning Wan had her own guesses and did not press her on why it was a pity. Tinglan nodded with a smile, an indistinct purple glow seeming to rest in her hand, as she replied:
"Meeting here at the Li clan today reflects a shared intention between us. Regarding matters in Jiangbei..."
She finally turned her gaze toward Li Jiangqian, asking genially:
"How much information does the Li clan have?"
Li Jiangqian dared not let his mind stray in the slightest, keeping his thoughts strictly focused on matters in Jiangbei. He said respectfully:
"Reporting to the two Masters: Jiangbei is currently plagued by unrest everywhere. Most sects have pulled back their forces and tightly shut their mountain gates. Foremost among them is Xuanmiao Abbey; Xuanmiao Abbey possessed few commanderies and counties to begin with, and now they have sealed their formations and recalled disciples from all quarters, seemingly intending to seal their mountain entirely."
"The northern sects have drawn northward, while the southern sects have contracted. Sixty percent of the heartland across Jiangbei has been left vacant... In quite a few territories, demonic and demonic-beast cultivators have already risen, wreaking havoc across the land!"
Chapter 834