Jiangbei, Funan.
The hills of the Funan region were not tall; across all of Jiangbei there were only three great mountains, the closest being Mount Tangdao of the Tangjin Gate. By the time one reached this area, the terrain flattened out, and its highest point, Funan Main Peak, was barely over a hundred zhang tall.
Funan Main Peak was a name given by the Li family. Ever since the Lis withdrew from Funan and took away the Mianyun Qixiao Grand Formation, the mountain had stood vacant. The rogue cultivators and demonic cultivators who flooded in afterward kept silent one by one, quietly holing up in cave dwellings across the mountain.
First, none dared give the mountain a name for fear of displeasing the Li clan, and they all claimed merely to be "harvesting qi upon the mountain." Second, there were simply too many rogue cultivators hiding in the area, each occupying their own small hilltop, so no one was in a position to say much.
A few months ago, a group of demonic and rogue cultivators had even gathered to offer tribute to the Li clan as "remuneration for harvesting qi," only to be politely turned down by the Lis. The cultivators had "returned in deep regret," yet after only a few months, calling upon friends and companions, the number of cultivators in this land had multiplied several times over.
Jiangbei was simply too fertile. Even the lowest grade of spirit field here would have been cordoned off and claimed as a prize overseas. When one could live in the inland territories waiting for spiritual materials to sprout from the soil and reap without sowing, who would want to rush about overseas?
Not to mention the thrilling rumor that set hearts pounding.
The Li clan had always treated Funan as a buffer, never fostering a mortal population there but using it as a territory for harvesting spiritual resources. Over the years, commoners were few. But as these demonic and rogue cultivators arrived on the wind, descendants of cultivators multiplied considerably. Small sects and minor Daoist cloisters sprang up, gradually taking on the embryonic form of the Eastern Shore wilderness.
It had appeared serene and peaceful, but a radiant display in the sky shattered this tranquility.
"Hahahahaha!"
Intense black and white light intertwined, soaring straight into the heavens. An old cultivator clad entirely in black robes threw back his head and laughed wildly, hovering unruly in midair. Rings of ghostly radiance drifted around him, highlighting his eerie, demonic aura.
The light was so brilliant that it could be seen clearly across nearly the entire Baijiang Creek territory. Cultivators took to the wind one after another, looking up with envy or astonishment.
"I am Daoist Bai! Today I have obtained the Guiming Xuan Token and gained the recognition of the Mifan lineage, succeeding the lineage to revive the ancient sect!"
Simultaneously, dark clouds and lightning crowded the sky, rumbling theatrically. The crowd of cultivators stared at him agape, exchanging bewildered glances.
"Is that rumor actually true?! How could he be so utterly fearless!"
"To obtain such a treasure and dare appear in public so brazenly... Does he really think the Duxian Mimen and the Wangyue immortal clan are just decorations?!"
The ground below erupted into an uproar as whispers and arguments broke out. The old man in black Daoist robes held his head high with pride, plumes of black clouds swirling behind his head. Just then, a young man emerged from the clouds to the east. He had high brows and deep-set eyes, holding a Daoist tome in hand, looking every bit like an important figure from the direct line of an immortal sect. His expression was cold, though he forced a thin smile:
"I am Guan Gongxiao, here on behalf of Baiye's Duxian Dao to offer congratulations to Fellow Daoist! The Mifan lineage re-emerging in this world is truly a great blessing for all Jiangbei cultivators!"
He tilted his head slightly and ordered:
"Come, present our congratulations on behalf of our immortal sect!"
As his words fell, a cultivator beside him stepped forward carrying a jade platter and presented it to Daoist Bai. The onlookers below caught their collective breath. The sudden tension in Daoist Bai's expression melted away, replaced by an outpouring of boundless joy:
'I gambled right!'
He chuckled smugly, accepting it without hesitation. Wiping the greed from his face, he cupped his hands:
"Greetings, Sect Master! It was not my intention to act so arrogant, but rebuilding the mountain gate with this token required going through this rite. If I have caused offense, I beg your forbearance!"
Guan Gongxiao gave a slight nod, displaying the full poise of a great sect, and replied:
"So that is how it is!"
Daoist Bai did not know what that "so that is how it is" was meant to acknowledge, only feeling an overwhelming rush of exhilaration through his mind. Holding his head high, he saw the clouds to the south part as well. Amid billowing Lihuo flames, another young man revealed himself.
This youth actually possessed noble golden eyes. Draped in an outer robe embroidered with Lihuo patterns, he stepped upon raging Lihuo flames. The distance between his brows and eyes was narrow, his eyes long and slender; he did not look like someone to be trifled with.
'It is a golden-eyed direct descendant of the Li clan!'
The Wangyue immortal clan's reputation was renowned across Jiangbei. Li Zhouwei's forceful slaying of the Tangjin Gate master and dashing departure after shattering a spirit implement were especially widely circulated across both riverbanks, so onlookers quickly recognized him. Yet they saw this golden-eyed noble scion say indifferently:
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist! My Wangyue presents the Funan territory as a congratulatory gift... Protector Qu!"
An old man approached carrying another jade platter. The cultivators below were instantly filled with envy:
'What tremendous luck this Daoist Bai has!'
Amid the swirling black and white currents, Daoist Bai truly had some of the bearing of a demonic titan. He returned Li Jiangqian's courtesy without saying much, merely stuffing the contents of the jade platter into his sleeve.
Li Jiangqian appraised him, noticing that the expression on the old man's face could hardly be suppressed. Estimating that the token exerted no small influence, he clicked his tongue in his heart:
'I wonder if this is the True Monarch's influence or an adept's doing... This expression, these movements, this picture of carried-away hubris—he could practically play an actor on stage.'
Nearby, Guan Gongxiao sneered and countered:
"Clan Head, you are quite generous indeed. Does Funan even count as your family's territory anymore? It was originally their property, yet you have the cheek to present it as a gift to congratulate him!"
Li Jiangqian cast a fierce glare at him, returning the coldness in kind:
"Oh? Master Guan might not excel in battle, but you are certainly skilled at healing. You took a strike from my father's halberd a few years ago, yet here you are, strutting about so soon."
Guan Gongxiao clearly struggled to save face. He let out a cold snort, clutching the Daoist tome in one hand as fierce gusts whipped up around him, while keeping his other hand tucked behind his back, not even forming a hand seal.
'Guan is being far too perfunctory...'
Li Jiangqian showed full poise, staring at him coldly. Qu Bushi grumbled inwardly, unable to watch the pretense any longer, and stepped forward with a face full of fury, drawing out his wooden staff magical implement as if ready to clash at any second.
The enmity between the two factions was nothing new; otherwise, those in Funan and Midong would not be living such comfortable lives today. This was well within the watching cultivators' expectations. They looked up as if watching a spectacle, but Daoist Bai smiled:
"I must ask both masters to give me some face... Today is a joyous day for my lineage..."
With these words, the bristling, drawn-sword tension between the two sides instantly dissolved. Daoist Bai had not expected his words to be so effective. Inwardly, delight and gratification surged once more. Raising his head, he cupped his hands to Guan Gongxiao:
"In the future, I must ask the Sect Master to take good care of us!"
None of the cultivators below lacked discernment, and they instantly understood:
'This old man favors Duxian Dao...'
In all fairness, Daoist Bai's choice was not wrong. He was of demonic cultivator origin and had resorted to every underhanded method imaginable. The Li clan was famous for being righteous; how could they feel as familiar as Duxian Dao, who also hailed from overseas?
Having seized the Li clan's territory, he had already offended them once. If he allied with the Li family, he would be criticized and scrutinized whenever he used blood qi, creating embarrassment. Who knew if the Li family harbored thoughts of slaying demons to defend the Dao?
By contrast, Duxian Dao was bound to support Daoist Bai as he occupied the Li clan's buffer... It was a very sound choice.
The crowd of cultivators immediately looked toward Li Jiangqian. Having his face swept in public, the Li Clan Head indeed wore an icy expression, one that chilled the onlookers.
In truth, Li Jiangqian was overjoyed. Looking at his rival Guan Gongxiao, though the man nodded with a smile, every fiber of his being was likely screaming in rejection... itching to slap Daoist Bai across the face.
'What kind of person is Daoist Bai? Nothing more than a stumbling block on the True Monarch's path. Yet here he is trying to get chummy; when the time comes, even the immense Duxian Dao might be tripped up alongside him...'
Joy bubbled in his heart, but his face remained icy. Seizing the opportunity to swiftly sever any hopes, he turned mercilessly, threw back his sleeves, and strode off into the air!
Seeing him turn on his heel and leave without a backward glance, Guan Gongxiao cried out inwardly. But he was quick on his feet and immediately said with an anxious look:
"That Li fellow has left, and our two houses are still in a standoff over the river. Fellow Daoist, please settle your affairs first; I must return to stand guard."
How could Daoist Bai stop him? Naturally, he let him go, and even presumptuously escorted him for a stretch—an escort that left Guan Gongxiao's hair standing on end and his spine running cold, muttering in his heart:
'How would I dare cede Midong to him after this? I'm afraid the more I give, the closer we become, and then he'll come running to my door for rescue...'
He flew faster and faster, fleeing in disarray. Daoist Bai returned, looking down at the cultivators below with a cold sneer, and spoke leisurely:
"Fellow cultivators of Funan, since I, Daoist Bai, have received the Mifan lineage in this place, I shall naturally establish our lineage and spread our heritage. Tell me... is there anyone here unwilling to establish this lineage alongside me?!"
With that, he held the token high in his hand. Rays of radiance shone down, and not a single soul dared move. Even Daoist Huang, who had always been at odds with him, went pale and stayed frozen in place.
Who knew what divine powers this token possessed?
Daoist Bai laughed uproariously, feeling that by taking in so many formidable cultivators all at once, his strength could almost rival that of a declining immortal sect. He mused smugly:
'Those orthodox sects are so bound by sectarian prejudice, year after year recommending only those close to them. How could they compare to my all-embracing inclusivity?'
He then rode the wind downward, where fawning sycophants promptly stepped forward to ask:
"Sect Master, our lineage ought to have a title."
Daoist Bai stroked his beard smugly. In his heart, he found "Mifan" unpleasant to the ear and was unwilling to adopt it, so he said aloud:
"The inheritance has not yet been fully assembled, so it is unfitting to claim the name Mifan. I cultivate the Huaiyin Ghost, and by gathering the strength of all cultivators, how about we call it the Huaihun Palace?"
How could the cultivators dare object? They voiced meek compliance and dispersed, awaiting Daoist Bai's summons one by one.
...
Lake Wangyue.
Li Jiangqian rode the wind all the way back across the lake and landed in the hall. Only after the doors were firmly shut did a smile break across his face. Rolling up the scrolls on the table, he looked at Li Xuanxuan's puzzled expression and chuckled:
"Just a raving madman with some petty cleverness that hardly even qualifies as wit, yet he scared Guan Gongxiao until his heart ran cold... Guan can't think two steps ahead either, even though he was the one who drew this fellow in..."
He casually explained the situation to Li Xuanxuan. The old man merely stroked his beard:
"No wonder Ming'er enjoys watching plays. The mundane world is a theater after all; once you take the stage, it's just drama layered upon drama."
Although the old man was stern with Li Zhouming, referring to him either as a shameless rascal or a vile beast, in his heart he doted on him. A slip of the tongue had brought out "Ming'er." Li Jiangqian smiled and shook his head. Soon, Qu Bushi stepped forward to report on affairs from the north.
"Huaihun Palace? Overseas figures after all—they can't even name things properly."
Li Jiangqian sneered:
"It sounds sinister to boot. A cave at most would be his limit... Is a power on the level of a palace something he has the right to establish?"
In the present world, immortal palaces were few. There was Lady Beiyao's Beiming Palace, which was not a faction but merely her abode. The closest one was Shengbai Palace on the Great Xiyuan, known to the outside world today as Shengbai Dao.
'Shengbai Dao is purportedly the lineage of Demon Lord Shaoyang, transmitted by the archfiend Xi Yan, and has produced two Purple Palaces in succession—no small feat. What kind of trash is Daoist Bai to dare call his faction a palace...'
Though customs were not strictly regulated in this age, there were certainly precedents and standards. Across several centuries of records, when had any house south or north of the river ever styled itself a palace? It was merely the boldness born of ignorance...
Now Li Xuanxuan shook his head helplessly and sighed:
"He has truly lost all sense of proportion, fancying himself another Master Changyun... No matter what, he's merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator. I fear before the True Monarch even arrives, he'll have ruined himself with his own antics."
Li Jiangqian shook his head and answered:
"Not quite that soon. He'll manage to stir up trouble for a few years at least. After all, he counts as someone favored by fortune."
With Daoist Bai holding the front, they could easily sit back and watch developments in Jiangbei. Li Jiangqian had someone escort Li Xuanxuan out, then summoned an attendant and instructed:
"Master Ning is in Jiangbei, so those sent to Qingchi must have made the trip in vain. The adept cultivates Ruqingting; send an urgent summons to recall them, lest they offend his immortal presence."
Having dispatched messengers, he began scheming in his heart:
'Li Quantao is friendly with our family and is now getting involved in northern affairs. The two adepts will surely preserve his life. If he happens to secure this Hongxue lineage, though Master Ning will benefit most, Li Quantao's gains won't be small either.'
After all, the Hongxue Sect belonged to the Wei Li, and its lineage was formidable in its own right. It collapsed overnight only because Master Guanxue perished; what remained of its Daoist collections was bound to be substantial...
'Li Quantao doesn't look like someone who could achieve the Purple Palace realm, but upon obtaining such treasures, anyone would be tempted to attempt the breakthrough. Once he dies, there will be no need to protect the Hongxue descendants, and the Daoist collection will inevitably fall to Qingchi. If our Master can intervene, he can look out for the Wei Li on one hand, and perhaps take a share of the spoils on the other.'
...
The East Sea.
The waters around Zongquan Island were calm and serene, a few fishing boats drifting on the sea. A brilliant golden luminescence approached from afar, churning surging waves across the surface.
Having emerged from Liehai, Li Zhouwei went first to the Reef Sea to see the Deng family.
Deng Yuzhi was pleasantly surprised and fondled the magical implement Li Zhouwei offered with sheer delight, trading his Baiyin Fan for it. He even refused the Tangjin Gate cultivation resources originally promised, insisting the two implements were of comparable value today and there was no need for such fuss.
Then, brimming with joy, he brought out his child—a youth named Deng Buyan, whose disposition was very lively. Father and son escorted Li Zhouwei out to sea, cordially inviting him to visit again the following year.
Li Zhouwei could only sigh at how rare such warmth was. Following the water veins downward, he stopped at two markets without finding anything worthwhile, then flew straight toward the Zhulu Sea to head for Zongquan.
Riding the heavenly radiance, he approached and soon came to a halt near the island. Sizing it up, he felt Zongquan Island was somewhat larger than he remembered. Suspicious, he did not immediately descend.
However, the cultivators on the island all knew him, and soon a white-haired elder rode the wind out to meet him—none other than Zong Yan.
Zong Yan had been the master of Zongquan Island back then, bowing and scraping under the Hui clan to scrape by. Later, after welcoming Li Yuanjiao, he had assisted in governing the island from the sidelines. It was here that Li Zhouwei had broken through to Foundation Establishment, so the elder was naturally familiar with him. He came to the front of the formation to greet him, but did not proactively open the ward.
This was a rule of the Li family, meant to guard against demonic cultivators who shapeshifted to gain entry. Li Zhouwei deactivated the formation seal and entered, and the elder bowed respectfully:
"My lord..."
Li Zhouwei waved a hand. Zong Yan was a diyangzi and had no children of his own. He had kept an adopted son, who was beaten to death by demonic cultivators while venturing out the year before last; since then, he adopted no more. He lived alone, yet maintained a cheerful mindset.
After all, he no longer had to fear being eaten.
Li Zhouwei glanced at him, shelved his earlier question for the moment, and asked:
"Senior, how old are you now?"
Zong Yan understood what he was asking, merely sighing:
"I reckon I have another twenty or thirty years left in me..."
Diyangzi spat out by the Haoyang Spring on Shiqi Island could not seek an immortal foundation. Zong Yan had been stalled at the late stage of Qi Refining for many years, merely waiting for death. Li Zhouwei took note of this, then asked:
"Why do I see... Zongquan looks larger than before?"
Zong Yan answered:
"Reporting to my lord, a few years ago... the northern earth veins suffered violent tremors with billowing smoke, causing shifts across many surrounding islands. Zongquan lies along the same earth vein; not only did the island expand, but our formation was also affected, becoming much weaker."
Only then did Li Zhouwei understand. Pinching his fingers to calculate the direction, he remarked:
"No wonder. Ziyan's market lies just to the north; it turns out they share the same earth vein."
Zong Yan nodded repeatedly:
"Indeed! A few years ago, when Mistress Queyi entered the Ziyan Gate, she visited Zongquan as well to ask if the island lacked anything... She is stationed on duty at the nearby market, usually quite busy."
"Queyi..."
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Li Zhouwei naturally remembered the name. After a brief recollection, he remembered her: a delicate, gentle girl who was very endearing. A rare smile touched his face as he said:
"So she earned Ziyan's favor. Just as well, I have some idle items on hand; I'll pay a visit to the market."
Leaving some low-grade, surplus spiritual items at Zongquan, he rode his light northwestward. After flying for a while, a vast expanse of purple entered his view, and a large island emerged before him.
It was precisely the Xinyu Reefs of the Ziyan Gate.
This place could originally only be called a large island, but after the shift in earth veins, it had become a cluster of reefs. People bustled about, and quite a few minor powers had taken up residence. Li Zhouwei observed it for a moment, smiled faintly, and melted into light to slip inside unseen.
Near the market, atop a purplish-black reef stood a woman in violet robes. Her face was pleasantly round and endearing. Her hands formed an incantation seal shaped like a small pot, drawing in shimmering light from the sea surface with undivided attention.
A few breaths later, a streak of colorful light swished into her palm like a lively little fish, swirling once across her hand before she carefully collected it into a jade bottle. Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice sounded beside her:
"What are you doing?"
The round-faced woman hastily turned her head, only to see a tall, imposing man standing beside her. He wore gold-and-white flexible armor traced with dark, profound patterns. Though a faint smile touched his face, his eyes held a chilling sternness, exuding awe without anger. In his hand he held a halberd, hovering weightlessly above the sea.
"Uncle?!"
Li Queyi's eyes went wide with disbelief, the jade bottle nearly slipping from her fingers. Joy instantly rushed across her face as she beamed:
"My lord, you are safe and sound! That is truly wonderful!"
Only then did she recover herself, not waiting for Li Zhouwei to ask again before answering respectfully:
"I am gathering the Purple Qi of the Azure Sky to fulfill a sect mission, nothing more."
"Oh?"
Li Zhouwei nodded slightly. From his mere presence, Li Queyi felt waves of warmth radiating over. Having been alone out here for so many years, she had never felt so secure; even the magical wind beneath her feet felt far sturdier. She smiled:
"Uncle, what brings you..."
Li Zhouwei did not answer immediately. Casting a glance at the jade bottle in her hand, he asked:
"Ziyan doesn't have you cultivate within the sect, but sent you to harvest qi instead? How many hours does this take you each day?"
Li Queyi hurriedly replied:
"It was this junior's own wish to gain experience... Normally it only takes half a shichen a day. This month, the senior martial sister on duty with me went into seclusion, so I am gathering on her behalf, which takes a full shichen."
Li Zhouwei seemed rather dissatisfied with this answer. Looking thoughtful, he relaxed his hand, and the long halberd instantly dissipated. Raising his brows, he asked:
"Do you call this gaining experience?... Where are your senior brother and master? Has the family arranged anyone to watch over you?"
Li Queyi hesitated slightly before replying:
"Master and senior brother are both at the sect. I felt the peak was somewhat oppressive, so I came out to the sea. Although there are chores at hand, it is quite peaceful."
"Peaceful?"
Li Zhouwei immediately sensed something amiss. Seeing the way Li Queyi hung her head, he wondered who in the family was overseeing this matter and whether anyone had made proper arrangements with relevant figures. He questioned her with a couple of queries, to which Li Queyi replied:
"Earlier on, it was Uncle Zhouluo..."
Li Zhouwei understood at once. He said gently:
"Come, lead me to see whoever is in charge. I will handle it for you."
Hearing just those words, Li Queyi's eyes reddened slightly. She led him inside, quietly confiding in him along the way.
Ziyan's buildings were brand new, evidently freshly constructed. The patterns on the ground emitted a faint glow. The cultivators on either side greeted Li Queyi with friendly nods, indicating good relations, but upon seeing Li Zhouwei, whispers broke out among them—many had clearly recognized him.
Soon, a middle-aged man descended from above. His eyes shone with piercing vitality, and at his waist hung two talismans, one gold and one white. Looking at Li Zhouwei with a mixture of shock and reverence, he bowed in salutation:
"Wen Wu of Muzuo Peak greets... my lord!"
This address of "my lord" gave immense face, clearly treating him as a future Purple Palace adept. Meeting him for the first time, Li Zhouwei found that although the man's appearance was plain, his bearing was quite distinguished. He responded warmly:
"So it is Fellow Daoist Wen. I am Li Zhouwei of Wangyue."
No further introduction was necessary; Wen Wu had his suspicion confirmed and hurried to usher him up. Escorting Li Queyi along, Li Zhouwei smiled and said:
"I have been away from the lake for many years, and only recently learned that a direct scion of my house earned Ziyan's favor. I came here to see her and happened upon her harvesting qi... After waiting for quite a while, I accompanied her to pay a visit to your immortal sect."
"So that is how it was."
Though the words were polite, Wen Wu felt his scalp tingle with unease. Hesitating, he looked at Li Queyi and said amiably:
"Queyi has always been hardworking and obedient. To have a disciple like her is the good fortune of Ziqi Peak."
Li Queyi looked at Li Zhouwei's back, seeing the elder nod:
"Ziqi Peak... I recall now. It was Lingyanzi."
Their exchange paused. Guided by Wen Wu, Li Zhouwei took a seat inside the hall. Violet-robed disciples immediately came forward from both sides to pour tea. Li Zhouwei did not drink, but instead remarked:
"Ziqi Peak is impoverished... and not very peaceful, is it?"
Wen Wu understood his meaning clearly. Yet having been dispatched overseas on short notice, he had not even known beforehand that Li Queyi had left the sect early. He could only let out a long sigh and explain:
"As for this matter... I must indeed explain it properly to Fellow Daoist."
Chapter 864