Back then, when Chu Yi caused havoc in Donghuo Grotto-Heaven, it plummeted from the Great Void. Countless spiritual objects and magical artifacts fell into the mountains, causing the spiritual nature of the entire Mount Dongli to surge. Floating auras of diverse colors nurtured an untold number of cultivators.
Among the Three Sects and Seven Gates of Jiangnan, the fortunate ones made a killing, while the less favored still managed to get a sip of the broth. The two who presided over the affair, Real Persons Qiushui and Yuansu, gained treasures beyond reckoning...
Now, if this grotto-heaven were to fall, the magic sword that the Li family was determined to obtain lay right before their eyes; it could by no means be lost. If such an enormous upheaval truly came to pass, they might well have to cross the river to seize it.
'It will be no easy feat...'
If Real Person Tinglan delayed her return, who in Jiangbei would allow the Three Sects and Seven Gates to come and go as they pleased without her presiding over the situation? Even if Real Person Tinglan did return, she could hardly compare to Qiushui and Yuansu back then. Both of them hailed from the era of Li Jiangqun, and Qiushui had a Golden Core supporting her. In those days, the lineage of the Great Sun could march in one after another, demarcating boundaries and ransacking the grotto-heaven!
His brow knitted with growing worry.
Even if Real Person Tinglan could replicate the past deeds of Yuansu and Qiushui, the likelihood of the sword falling directly into the Li family's hands was exceedingly low. Still, there would at least be a possibility of trading for it later. Yet if Tinglan lost control over Jiangbei, who knew into whose hands the grotto-heaven would fall, or how it would be settled? It would be shrouded in complete obscurity.
Li Jiangqian gathered several jade slips, instructing someone to make rubbings and send them to the clan. Li Quewan reminded him:
"Neither Real Person Tinglan nor Real Person Qiuhu is present. Since Li Quantao has sent an inquiry, we must give him a reply. He harbors only goodwill toward our family, so we should... do our utmost to help him."
Li Jiangqian glanced at Li Minggong beside him. Seeing her nod in agreement, he said:
"That is true. After all, we have shared many years of friendship. Let us answer him like this: tell him to let the people pass, inform him that the Real Person has disappeared, and warn him that unrest is likely brewing in Jiangbei. Urge him to be prudent in word and deed, and to proceed with the utmost caution."
Li Jiangqian naturally would not disclose too much. Before the other two could respond, he asked doubtfully:
"Did Li Quantao mention that child of his?"
"He did not," Li Quewan replied. "Ever since that one entered Jiangbei, it has been like casting a stone into the ocean; he hasn't stirred up the slightest ripple. Nor has he sent back any letters. We only know that his life jade remains intact."
Listening to her, Li Jiangqian finished writing the letter and replied:
"Then it is even less advisable to say more. Let it be... Assure him that, backed by Qingchi's renowned prestige, the forces in Jiangbei will not dare do anything to his child. Tell him to put his heart at ease."
Having waited beside them this entire time, Li Minggong finally spoke up:
"I did hear of one matter. The retired emperor of Northern Shanyue, that fellow named Di Liyoujie, came to the lake recently to pay his respects. He said he is preparing to make an attempt at Foundation Establishment and hopes to receive the favor of the lake."
"Di Liyoujie?"
Li Jiangqian furrowed his brow, finding the name somewhat familiar. He answered:
"I remember him. He sat on the throne of Northern Shanyue for so many years; he has finally endured until this stage. His junior, Di Liguang, is still serving at Uncle Zhouluo's side and can be considered a loyal servant. What technique does he practice?"
"'Gengjin.'"
Li Minggong responded with a faint smile:
"He did make preparations with his cultivation method. Though it is rather crude and unsightly, our clan has compatible techniques that can replace it, showing that he did put some thought into it. I plan to take him to the clan to take a look, exchange his method, and dispatch him into seclusion..."
Li Jiangqian agreed, giving his assent. Li Minggong then added in a quiet voice:
"Also, I heard that the Thirty-Two Mansions Purple Broad Spirit Needles within the clan are nearing completion, so I came to ask you about it."
"I know."
Li Jiangqian shook his head. He had been supervising this matter all along and knew it better than anyone:
"It is indeed almost finished. The enormous toll this Purple Mansion formation has taken on our stockpiles is unprecedented in a century. It practically hollowed out all our relevant spiritual materials, even driving up the market price for such materials across all of Northern Yue by half a percent. In the later stages, we even subsidized it with a great deal of spiritual rice to compensate Ziyan Gate."
The Li family's system differed from that of other clans, making their spiritual rice output rank among the top among the various Purple Mansion forces in the State of Yue. Yet when spiritual rice grew too abundant, its value declined; Ziyan Gate had evidently done them a favor by accepting it.
"The next step requires a Purple Mansion cultivator to lay down the formation. But Real Person Tinglan has gone missing... Even if she weren't missing, with her yet to return, we wouldn't dare allow another clan's Purple Mansion cultivator to set up the formation alone. I reckon we will have to wait a couple of years."
Li Minggong nodded and replied:
"There is no urgency for this formation. What matters is that once the business is concluded, we should see off the people from Ziyan Gate first... Right now, both north and south are in turmoil. The incident with Daoist Cao has set a precedent; if others come to the lake to recruit disciples, having too many around will only bring trouble."
With those words, Li Minggong drifted away. Only then did Li Jiangqian sigh:
"Over the years, Aunt has cultivated fine flames. Having fought her way through the struggle between north and south, she has grown increasingly formidable."
Though Li Minggong was not as exceptionally outstanding as Li Cheng, her cultivation had deepened steadily as the years passed, giving her the qualifications to serve as a peak master among the Three Sects and Seven Gates. Li Quewan murmured in agreement, then reminded him:
"Jiangliang is growing older. Perhaps we could have him return to take a look at Qingdu and Mount Yuting. It is also time for him to walk around and test his mettle."
Li Jiangqian nodded thoughtfully, though he did not rush to issue an order. After sending her off, he paced around the grand hall and gazed toward the north, where heavy rain poured unceasingly under dense, dark clouds.
'If the Guiming Dark Plaque was truly orchestrated by Real Person Tinglan... which faction does not want the lineage of the Great Sun to benefit?'
He stepped forward quickly, only to notice that beneath the heavy clouds, a streak of light was approaching from the distance. It landed on the islet. Soon, footsteps approached, and Chen Yang, clad in black armor, stopped before him and bowed:
"Patriarch, news has come from Qingchi in the south. An elder of Hengzhu Dao has broken through to the Purple Mansion and attained his divine ability, taking the Daoist title 'Nanzun.'"
"Hengzhu Dao?"
Li Jiangqian was slightly startled, a trace of regret in his voice as he asked:
"From which generation is he?"
Chen Yang hesitated briefly before answering:
"It is said that this Real Person spent nearly thirty years breaking through, but his seniority is remarkably high, close to that of Real Person Hengxing. His secular name is Bi Chengjuan."
"Bi Chengjuan... I have never heard of him."
Li Jiangqian nodded silently. It was indeed a name he had never heard. He could only sigh:
"I know not whether it is the potency of their blessed land or some ingenious method they possess, but Hengzhu Dao truly has great fortune. With another Purple Mansion cultivator added to their ranks, they are poised to become the foremost orthodoxy in the State of Yue!
"It is just a pity that this sect's temperament is eccentric... incompatible with the rest... and they hold a bitter feud with Jinyu. One wonders whether this is a blessing or a curse!"
He pondered for a moment, then replied:
"In terms of reason and propriety, we must dispatch someone to offer congratulations. In your reply to Qingchi, mention that the Real Person has not manifested her divine abilities for a long time, and ask if they can contact her, so they might offer Dantai Jin some warning."
***
Mount Xiaoshi.
The mountain ridges of Mount Xiaoshi undulated with sparse, desolate vegetation. Under the rare downpour, it appeared even more bleak. Pale-yellow rainwater cascaded along the ravines, washing away what little sand and soil remained.
The torrential slurry poured downward, following tributary channels eastward until it swiftly merged into the broken riverbed of the Ancient Huai River and emptied into Baijiang Stream.
Amidst this torrential deluge, the phantasmal colors of several divine abilities hovered within the dark clouds. Standing in the heavy night sky was a brown-robed man with light-gray eyes, his hands clasped behind his back as he trod upon a divine ability akin to dark light, his gaze scanning the mountain below.
Mount Xiaoshi had once been the mountain gate of the Mifan Sect and the origin of the current Mifan lineage. Though it had once been occupied by Buddhist cultivators, the broken walls and ruined ramparts scattered across the peaks still carried an ancient aura, appearing all the more forlorn in the pouring rain.
With just a single glance, he pressed his hands together before his chest and breathed out an ochre-yellow radiance that rippled outward. He focused on operating his divine ability, seemingly searching and deducing something.
To his flank stood a woman in crimson robes, her countenance rather youthful. She stood a pace behind him, her head slightly lowered in great deference. She asked softly:
"Master Kuiqi... have you found anything?"
This woman was naturally Real Person Zhugong. Originating from overseas, she cultivated Earth virtue and had even been termed a demonic cultivator in her early years. Naturally, she was exceedingly respectful before this cultivator of the Great Sun orthodoxy.
The brown-robed man had a resolute face. Keeping his gaze fixed on the mountain, he shook his head and said:
"It cannot be discerned clearly; wait a moment. In any case, the Northern Buddhists cannot escape involvement... and there is likely more than one faction."
Real Person Zhugong immediately felt the impending trouble, a look of dread surfacing on her face. She evidently knew of the matter concerning the Prayer to the Dark Heavenly Listener. She said in a hushed tone:
"What should we do then? If it truly is those from Pijia, how could two early Purple Mansion cultivators withstand them? If something goes wrong, the repercussions will shake heaven and earth..."
"Just him?"
Real Person Kuiqi was plainly much calmer than she was. He even furrowed his brows with slight annoyance. Plainly, he did not hold much fondness for Zhugong in his heart either; he was only being polite for Tinglan's sake. Furthermore, given the critical juncture, he was still willing to speak with an even temper:
"It is not merely Pijia. Pijia alone could never accomplish this. Back then, when Senior Zipei seized the metal nature, she snatched it right from the hands of a crowd of monks, offending that veteran Mohe, Zhelu. That one already possesses the might of the late Purple Mansion stage!
"I was not present back then, nor do I know which other factions were involved... If they strike in concert, that will be the real trouble."
Hearing this, Real Person Zhugong grew even more uneasy, her heart sinking immediately:
'Though this Kuiqi maintains a civil facade, deep down he still possesses the haughty temper of the Great Sun lineage, harboring no goodwill toward me. Growing close to him will bring no good end!'
She remained vigilant in her heart, though fortunately her resolve to rescue Tinglan did not waver. At this moment, she had no choice but to follow this man. Lowering her brows and composing herself, she watched as Kuiqi spoke in a deep voice:
"No need to worry excessively. Now that we have arrived here, they cannot hide for long. At most, Tinglan and Ning Wan will suffer minor injuries. Those Buddhist cultivators harbor their own ulterior motives; they cannot afford to openly break with my Great Sun lineage... Moreover, the two of them possess countless treasures on their persons; nothing grave will happen to them."
Hearing this, Zhugong let out a deep breath of relief. Kuiqi soon released the brilliance in his hands, as if dispelling some form of concealment, and began calculating with his fingers.
Yet at that very moment, the torrential rain abruptly ceased. Infinite iridescent light erupted in the sky, transforming into a colossal screen of light descending from above, pressing downward with overwhelming majesty. Real Person Kuiqi reacted with incredible swiftness. The deduction in his hand dispersed instantly as a bronze sword flew from his sleeve.
This bronze sword possessed an iron-blue hue and was adorned with a golden tassel. Agile as a swallow, it soared into the sky, temporarily holding off the iridescent beam:
*Rumble!*
Between heaven and earth, dark light collided with brilliant iridescence, shedding multifaceted radiance that instantly dispersed the surrounding dark clouds. Kuiqi's voice turned icy:
"Which Mohe is present here?"
A rainbow reminiscent of a blessed land surfaced in the sky. Within it sat a solemn, majestic golden body, encircled by a black serpent. Atop its neck sat an elongated, horse-like head, its two large, round eyes gleaming with pitch-black light. Opening its wide maw, it laughed:
"Fellow Daoist Kuiqi! Your fame precedes you!"
This Mohe was hideous beyond measure. Though he could strike terror into the hearts of common folk, in the eyes of cultivators of equal cultivation, he was merely grotesque. Real Person Kuiqi glared at him, an expression of disgust emerging on his face as his demeanor grew even colder. He spoke:
"So it is Mohe Daixi. Instead of staying in that wretched place of yours, what, do you intend to make a move to block me?!"
Seeing his expression, Mohe Daixi maintained a broad smile and answered:
"Your fame precedes you, and I thought to exchange a few pointers. I wonder whether Fellow Daoist's Dahe Kui Bronze Sword is superior, or if my Kongxi Demon-Subduing Bowl holds the upper hand?"
The moment his voice fell, a large, smooth purple bowl emerged, banded with a purplish-black rim, from which blazing karmic fire surged outward.
"Daixi!"
Kuiqi was well-traveled and knowledgeable, whereas Zhugong had spent many years in the East Sea and was unfamiliar with these Buddhist cultivators. Only now, upon seeing this signature magical artifact, did she recognize the figure before them, finally piecing together the cause and effect:
'So it is another enemy made by Real Person Zipei! Back then on the river, she deliberately prevented them from claiming their designated lifespan, stubbornly protecting that Li Xuanfeng, causing them to lose several Masters and suffer great humiliation. This Mohe has harbored resentment ever since...
'In her twilight years, that Great Real Person acted far too overbearing, making far too many enemies... Now that she has passed away into transcendence, retribution has arrived!'
A chill ran through her heart. Yet she saw Kuiqi sneer and draw his sword, bringing forth a swath of dark brilliance. Divine abilities flickered midair as he barked:
"A crudely cobbled-together precious artifact like yours dares compare itself to the spiritual artifacts of my Xiukui? Then let us test it!"
The Xiukui lineage was bizarre and multifaceted, and he was equipped with an array of spiritual artifacts; why would he fear this newly ascended Mohe before him? He even reckoned he had a chance to wound Daixi before continuing his search for Tinglan.
Yet while he was unafraid, Real Person Zhugong felt her scalp prickle with dread, torn between staying or fleeing. But before she could ponder further, numerous figures began to materialize on both flanks amidst swirling white mist. Enormous golden bodies with three heads and six arms, a multitude of faces, and echoing Sanskrit chants surfaced one after another.
They were indeed the various Lianmin of Mohe Daixi!
These Lianmin were not as immense as the golden body in the sky, but their expressions differed vastly as they steadily emerged from the Great Void, one after another.
"One, two... four, five..."
Five Lianmin!
Mohe Daixi was a newly ascended Mohe; the five Lianmin under his command likely comprised his entire foundation! Even if there were more, it could not be by much. For him to deploy his entire nest showed the depth of his hatred!
And the combined might of five Lianmin was enough to put her life in mortal peril!
Standing frozen in place, Zhugong gazed at the five Lianmin emerging around them. Showing none of Kuiqi's imposing bravado, she looked utterly discomfited, waves of chill welling up in her heart.
'We are finished!'
Chapter 856