Guanxie

While Li Ximing was deep in thought, the black-robed Daoist approached from the side. This time, the jade tray held a round, ink-dark stone cylinder no larger than a palm. Its center was hollowed out, revealing a radiant, shimmering brilliance. This was the primary compensation from the Great Xiukui Abbey for taking Fei Qingya. Kuiqi nodded and said, "I obtained this myself from the South Sea some time ago. It was originally a spirit stone called Xiangbai Yangshou. However, during the struggle to claim it, it suffered damage, and a corner broke off, causing its essence to leak away rapidly..." "When I brought it back, its condition worsened day by day, so I asked someone to smelt and refine it, using numerous spiritual items to temper and harmonize the process. In the end, we obtained a pool of spiritual essence. This is one portion of it. It can be considered a spiritual resource, retaining many of the stone's original properties. Beyond standard Radiant Yang divine abilities, it is one of the rare Radiant Yang spiritual materials capable of drawing talismans. Among Radiant Yang spiritual materials with effects superior to this... there is likely only the Mingfang Celestial Stone." He paused slightly and specifically reminded him, "When Zhaojing returns to refine your spirit embryo, you will naturally need Radiant Yang resources. You might as well make use of this." Li Ximing was naturally not one to be picky. Seeing that the quantity was quite substantial, he nodded repeatedly, turned his hand, and put it away. The three conversed on the mysteries of the Dao for a time, and once their pot of wine was finished, they prepared to take their leave. Li Ximing summoned Cui Jueyin forward. The man bowed to the four True Persons and took his place behind Li Ximing. As the one of highest standing present, Lingmei spoke in his raspy voice: "Qiu Lake has only just escaped danger, and Zhaojing has only just returned. Both of you must oversee your domains, and my Sword Sect cannot remain unattended for long either... When there is any news in the future, everyone can simply gather again at Huyi." Kuiqi bowed with a smile. After seeing the three off and watching them vanish into the boundless white snow, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Turning to the black-robed Daoist, his voice dropped low: "Black qi billows from Xuanzhi Cave. Although it is suppressed by Buding Mountain... it is visible from the various caves. Has there been any reaction?" The Daoist replied in a low voice, "There has been none... However, news arrived today that the Lingu clan came to inquire about Lingu Lanying and Lingu Rao..." Kuiqi sighed, tinged with regret. "Back then, I told Lingu Rao that the coming decades were unsuited for a breakthrough. He insisted on his own course, and there was nothing to be done about it... Simply send his earthly remains back to the Lingu clan." "Now, it all depends on Lingu Lanying. One may hold the individuals of Northern Shakya in contempt, but one must not underestimate the forces of Northern Shakya. If she succeeds, we will have another trump card in hand..." "Understood!" The black-robed Daoist, Huiyu, lowered his gaze and said, "Lingu Lanying's bloodline is very close, resembling that lady from back then, which is why the Great True Person is so fond of her... After all, he bestowed a spiritual item upon her back then. I also heard that the Great True Person personally held her hand, teaching her the wondrous uses of various spirit artifacts. Furthermore, that painting the Great True Person made during the conflict between the North and South... which has been nurtured all this time, was also given to her." "I know." Kuiqi looked somewhat melancholic. Pacing two steps in the snow, he sighed, "Master is an affectionate man. Otherwise, he would not have looked after the Lingu clan for hundreds of years, raising them to their current heights—to the point where, worrying his own lifespan is running short, he still thinks of fostering a Violet Palace for the Lingu clan..." "Back then, Lingu Rao's entry into the grotto-heaven was certain death, yet Master intervened to save him. In the end, he proved useless, leaving only Lingu Lanying." As the foremost figure of Great Xiukui Abbey, Louxing had traveled thousands of li to the grotto-heaven back then solely to rescue a minor Foundation Establishment cultivator of Shanyue bloodline. His favoritism was clear for all to see. The two looked at each other in silence, keeping the rest of their thoughts unspoken: *The Lin clan has produced many Violet Palaces, yet they have few opportunities to meet him. On the other hand, the Lingu clan has been fostered cultivator after cultivator, and finally they are on the verge of producing a Violet Palace. But will this Violet Palace belong to Qingchi, or to Great Xiukui Abbey?* The lineages of Great Yang were intimately connected, and the Great Xiukui Abbey was brimming with talent, currently in its prime. With an upright conscience, Kuiqi did not overly mind if this Violet Palace ended up in Qingchi; perhaps it might even be a good thing. Yet looking at Louxing's intentions, that Great True Person who had comprehended sword intent... would probably bestow a considerable number of spirit artifacts upon the Lingu clan as well... That would be a severe blow to Great Xiukui Abbey! A man of Kuiqi's conservative and stubborn nature could hardly sit by and watch such a thing happen! Kuiqi had to worry not only about Louxing's lifespan, secretly searching for all manner of life-extending items, but also had to deal with this increasingly willful elder who followed his heart's impulses as he aged. Yet none of these grievances could ever be spoken to outsiders, leaving a deeply bitter taste in his mouth. If Kuiqi were truly ruthless, then once Louxing died, it would be impossible for Lingu Lanying to break through successfully. But out of respect for his master and his own pride, he buried every notion in his heart, letting out only a sigh: *It is common for the elderly to play favorites... It is just... just that... Lingu Lanying has no affection for Huyi. Once she receives those spirit artifacts, she will be even more guarded against us, and she will certainly remain in Qingchi... Even if Ning Wan were willing, why would the Lingu clan or she ever forfeit the rich spoils of Simin and Qingchi, giving up their autonomy to come over and bow their heads here...* * * * Li Ximing and Ning Wan traveled north together, with Cui Jueyin following quietly behind. Crossing into Qingchi territory, this foremost beauty of Qingchi—having achieved her divine ability—looked breathtakingly magnificent with every glance and turn of her head. She sighed: "The spiritual atmosphere of Lin'an seems rather peculiar... I only hope nothing has happened to the Great True Person." Li Ximing had heard of Great True Person Louxing many times, and even Yuandao had shown concern for him back then. Naturally, he consoled her: "If something had happened to the Great True Person and time were running out, Zhelu would not dare provoke him. It is precisely because the Great True Person is fine and pressed for time to cultivate a divine ability, unable to risk injury, that Zhelu dared to come..." These words were reasonable. A Great True Person on the verge of falling was the most terrifying of all. When Li Ximing recalled Yuandao's tone at the time, there had not been much urgency, making this undoubtedly the most credible assessment. Ning Wan nodded and smiled: "Senior Kuiqi is warm and enthusiastic, and in truth, very attentive. Although you do not delve deeply into talisman craft, Zhaojing, the spiritual essence of Xiangbai Yangshou can be used to temper a spirit embryo. Whether you seek out a True Person skilled in artifact crafting or forge it yourself, it will prove useful." Here, her expression stirred slightly as she added, "After all, the sooner it is refined, the better." The moment Ning Wan said this, Li Ximing understood her meaning. At present, he stood firmly on the side of the Great Yang lineage. Kuiqi had been exceedingly hospitable throughout, even sharing knowledge of Radiant Yang spirit artifacts without reservation, clearly aiming to elevate Li Ximing's strength as quickly as possible. This spirit embryo was one such element. Great Xiukui Abbey might not possess Radiant Yang Violet Palace spiritual materials, but from the legacy of the Donghuo Grotto-heaven, their Radiant Yang Violet Palace resources were surely plentiful. Why had he chosen the spiritual essence of Xiangbai Yangshou in particular? Was it for drawing talismans? If it were for drawing talismans, would Great Xiukui Abbey not be skilled in it? One naturally treasured what one excelled at—why give it to Li Ximing instead? It was precisely because the spiritual essence of Xiangbai Yangshou was better suited for enhancing a spirit embryo! The sooner Li Ximing's spirit embryo was completed, the sooner his strength would grow. This was an effect that could be achieved in the short term, unlike resources that aided cultivation, which took at least ten or twenty years to show results. Li Ximing signaled his understanding. Although he was not versed in artifact crafting, with *Guanxie Divine Ability Fire Refining* in hand, incorporating the spiritual essence of Xiangbai Yangshou would not require troublesome trips to Jinyu or Hengzhu, making things far easier. He smiled: "I hear the Ning clan has a guest elder named Chu Minglian who also cultivates Li Fire. I have constructed an altar platform to refine the spirit embryo. When I am away, I will also need a master skilled in artifact crafting to oversee it." Ning Wan caught on at once and replied gently, "I shall send him over." Li Ximing expressed his thanks. It had been rare since his ascension to the Violet Palace to encounter so many good fortunes, keeping a smile on his face throughout. Crossing the wilderness, Ning Wan and he exchanged jade talismans so they could alert and assist each other at any moment, and she departed toward Salt Lake. Riding the celestial light, Li Ximing led Cui Jueyin back, flying over the lake. Down below, the cultivators were still immersed in joy and marvel. Groups whispered among themselves, and nearby lesser clans had sent representatives to offer flatteries, their eyes filled with envy and wonder. Clustered in groups of three to five, streaks of flying light crisscrossed the lake in all directions. Li Ximing traversed the Great Void without a sound, descending beside the array platform high above, only then finding the opportunity to examine the array disc before him. *Broad Valley Violet Decorum Spiritual Light.* He raised his hand gently, and threads of violet-gold light drifted down from the sky, mostly no larger than willow leaves. They swirled and converged in his hand. Behind him, Cui Jueyin felt a suffocating pressure wash over him, feeling as though a single brush from that willow-leaf-sized glow would reduce him to ashes. *Its might is formidable, carrying an entangling, imprisoning, and inexhaustible quality. Although it cannot match the lethal potency of Radiant Yang light, it surpasses the vast majority of spell lights. If Lianmin were caught unprepared, he would suffer injury as well. As for dealing with a Violet Palace... it can only serve to restrain and delay; one cannot expect it to kill.* *A pity. It is a Violet Palace grade grand array after all. A group of Foundation Establishment cultivators can rely on it to fend off other Violet Palaces while I am away, but lacking the ability to traverse the Great Void, they naturally cannot use this profound light to harm others... In fact, whether Foundation Establishment cultivators can properly control its wonders remains a question.* The chasm between Violet Palace and Foundation Establishment was like a celestial moat, difficult to bridge. Li Ximing casually dispersed the light, turned, and said: "Have the Foundation Establishment cultivators on the lake come to the Guanxie Terrace to see me." With that, he dissolved into celestial light and vanished. The Guanxie Terrace stood below Chengqing Gate, consisting of one main terrace and twelve auxiliary towers. It formed the foundation for *Guanxie Divine Ability Fire Refining*. Originally a project of immense expense, it had been completed years ago, heavily guarded and reinforced by formations, with no one ever permitted to climb it. Traversing the Great Void, Li Ximing emerged at the apex of the Guanxie Terrace's main terrace. Dawn was just breaking, with chill winds blowing in gusts. The black-and-red banners atop the surrounding twelve auxiliary towers fluttered in the breeze. At the center of the main terrace was an altar to heaven; strolling upward, he could gaze upon the pavilions over the distant lake. *The Guanxie Terrace... The name is fitting enough.* In just those few moments, Li Jiangqian and the others had already rushed over, bowing on the terrace with joyful expressions as they called out in unison: "Greetings, True Person!" Li Ximing looked around and counted the numbers. At the very front, he saw Ding Weizeng kneeling excitedly, and gave a nod. He then noticed Li Quewan, Xia Shouyu, and the others, feeling a touch of emotion. *I now have so many Foundation Establishment cultivators under my command.* However, regarding the spirit embryo, the sooner it was refined, the sooner it could be put to use. Without superfluous words, Li Ximing immediately began organizing matters. *Guanxie Divine Ability Fire Refining* required twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators corresponding to the twelve auxiliary towers, divided into alternating groups of six to take turns refining... Of course, if personnel were sufficient, one could also construct twenty-four auxiliary towers for even faster refinement. He immediately called out their names: "'Yuzhen' Li Wen, An Siwei; 'Zhenqi' White Ape; 'Radiant Yang' Cui Jueyin; 'True Fire' Li Minggong; 'Hengzhu' Ding Weizeng; 'Jiao Wood' Sun Bai; 'Hong Fire' Xia Shouyu." Scanning them, aside from two direct descendants with talisman seeds who did not need to spend their time here, there were already eight cultivators whose arts did not conflict with Radiant Yang and were even beneficial. After a brief consideration, Li Ximing asked: "How are the two Foundation Establishment cultivators from back then, Wen Yi and Wen Shan, doing these days?" Wen Yi and Wen Shan were demonic cultivators from the East Sea captured by the Li family years ago. Li Ximing had suppressed them with his divine ability, locking them on the west bank to refine artifacts with their Dharmic power day after day. Many years had passed since then. Hearing this, Li Jiangqian replied respectfully: "Those brothers were already overjoyed to have escaped with their lives. Over the years, they have kept to their duties and remained quite diligent." "Then transfer them over for now..." Those two cultivated Suomoling, which was not particularly fitting, but they would do to make up the numbers, bringing the count to ten. As for the remaining two, Qu Bushi had to gather intelligence on matters to the north. After pondering, Li Ximing could only select Fei Qingyi of 'Cold Qi' and Miaoshui of 'Heshui.' Although these two were not well suited and their effects would not be as good as the others, they at least completed the twelve. However, the secret art cautioned that aside from categories like 'Jueyin,' 'Kan Water' was also unsuitable for Radiant Yang, so Chen Yang could not be utilized. Having received their orders, the Foundation Establishment cultivators took their positions on their respective towers. Li Ximing reached into his sleeve and drew out Shichuan. In truth, the Li clan possessed a few other treasures. First was the Jianyang Ring of unknown grade, but it had once resonated with the Immortal Mirror, so the Li family had never dared bring it out again, keeping it buried at the bottom of a chest. Second was that ancient magical artifact, the Mystic Pattern Bottle, which could transform according to different lineages and was exceedingly wondrous. Yet whether it could be refined into a spirit embryo was uncertain; after all, producing different wonders through different Dharmic powers hardly resembled Radiant Yang. If it were refined and could not be nurtured, it would become a laughingstock. Moreover, Li Zhouwei had taken it for his own use, so it was not at home. After weighing his options, Shichuan was by far the safest and finest choice. Under his Radiant Yang divine ability, Shichuan had long been refined. Now, it released a gentle celestial light, settling quietly at the center of the terrace. Li Ximing flicked his finger. *Boom!* Flashing red and white, bright golden flames intermingled with boiling Radiant Yang violet fire, transforming into a spherical orb of light on the terrace. It blazed around Shichuan, causing it to glow with radiant splendor. The twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators circulated their arts simultaneously, and twelve energy pathways lit up across the main terrace, stabilizing the flames. With the towers activated, six of them could rest and rotate, keeping the strain on manpower manageable. Li Ximing first used the celestial light divine ability between his brows to measure and calculate the dosage and timing of Li Fire and baleful qi for the next three days. Handing the jade slip to Li Minggong, who had flown down, he gave a few instructions and ordered: "I leave this Guanxie Terrace to your care. After all, among so many, you cultivate True Fire, understand artifact crafting to some degree, and can grasp the timing. For now, oversee the replenishment of Li Fire and baleful qi." Once Chu Minglian from the Ning clan arrived, Li Ximing would be able to step back entirely: *Although Minggong cultivates True Fire and can attempt artifact crafting, her aptitude is not exceptional. Chu Minglian has shared ties with our family for so many years; this time, she might even gain some insights from his lineage...* Having settled the matter of the spirit embryo, he rode the light and brought Li Jiangqian and the other toward Mount Zhijing. Within just a few days, the Li family had erected an array and begun refining a spirit embryo, presenting a completely refreshed atmosphere. Li Jiangqian hesitated, appearing to have something to say, but had been delayed by the succession of events. He first bowed and said: "Reporting to the True Person... this Guanxie Terrace demands immense manpower, virtually depleting the lake's Foundation Establishment cultivators... I wonder how many years this refinement will take..." A spirit embryo was not as troublesome or exacting as a spirit artifact; after all, once refined, it required constant nurturing to maintain its Violet Palace standing. Li Ximing estimated that even for a Violet Palace cultivator without a related lineage, keeping it close for several decades would suffice to refine one. Even if its quality was slightly inferior, it would still be a spirit embryo. Meanwhile, *Guanxie Divine Ability Fire Refining* was an ancient technique utilizing twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators, which should shorten the time to under eight years. More importantly, there was the spiritual essence of Xiangbai Yangshou given by Kuiqi. Though not yet utilized, the fact that Kuiqi had specifically mentioned it suggested it would be of immense benefit to the spirit embryo. As for Li Fire and baleful qi, Mount Zhijing lacked neither, complemented further by the empowerment of a Violet Palace True Fire. Li Ximing merely replied: "A short wait will suffice; it will not take more than a few years at most. Retrieve the family's Radiant Yang resources for inspection so we may finish the refinement as early as possible." Li Jiangqian assented. Li Quewan then spoke softly: "Reporting to the True Person, the boundaries of the sixteen pillars on the isle have been demarcated. With the earth veins altered, the previous spirit fields and spiritual mechanisms are entirely different; the cave dwellings and palaces can no longer be used. We are currently remeasuring the spirit veins and earth veins to design new palace complexes." Li Ximing nodded. Li Jiangqian then reported the cultivation progress of several clan members, mentioning that Li Xinghan, Li Zhouda, and his two younger brothers, Li Jianglong and Li Jiangxia, were all in secluded cultivation seeking breakthroughs. Li Ximing listened with great satisfaction and replied: "The Suiyuan Pill holds no secrets from our family now, and our direct bloodline's aptitude is improving, making the chances of Foundation Establishment quite high. Even so, we must exercise restraint. In Foundation Establishment, quality matters more than quantity. Maintaining them is a massive expense; whether in spiritual mechanisms or resources, every step forward requires an immense amount... especially for those with poorer aptitude..." "Our family holds sixteen residences and two mountains. Mount Zhijing barely suffices for my cultivation, and even though Dense Forest Mountain is vast, together they can comfortably support thirty Foundation Establishment cultivators at most. Once the number of direct-line Foundation Establishment cultivators is sufficient, the bestowal of Suiyuan Pills must be carefully screened." In truth, Li Ximing harbored even greater concerns in his heart. The rapid expansion of the Li family's strength was not necessarily a good thing, and the factions and branches below were multiplying. He thus said softly: "Wait until they emerge from seclusion... then we shall discuss it further." Flicking his sleeves, he asked, "How are things along the riverbank?" Li Jiangqian answered respectfully, "The shifts have been extraordinarily drastic... First, on the south bank, True Person Zhugong went missing and his soul lamp grew dim. The Muquan Gate was a hastily assembled rabble to begin with, and with such an incident, not only are those below arguing endlessly, but conflicts have erupted even among the direct line. It is virtually paralyzed, and the tension among the factions is thick with the scent of gunpowder; I hear they are on the verge of coming to blows." Li Jiangqian had never thought highly of the Muquan Gate. Sure enough, with True Person Zhugong gone, those below were nearly at one another's throats. "As for Duxian Dao... the commanderies and cities under its rule are gripped by panic, led in circles by an unknown group. Guan Gongxiao sends letters almost every few days. Hearing that our family has erected a Violet Palace grand array, he has guessed a few things and written several letters in succession pleading for our help." Li Ximing nodded noncommittally. "Continue." "And that Huaihun Hall... its situation is even worse... Some time ago, news came that Daoist Black Rat was killed, which was ordinary enough. But the news I received this morning says that Daoist Bai... has been murdered! Even that legendary Mifan Token has vanished without a trace... Although his protectors sealed off the news immediately, that organization leaks like a sieve, and within moments, everyone knew!" "Daoist Bai died prematurely!" "Indeed... It is said that before his death... his soul was shattered, and all his Dharmic power and blood qi seemed to have been entirely consumed, leaving behind not the slightest celestial anomaly. Were it not for his fluttering clothes and fallen magical artifacts... the people of Huaihun Hall would have thought he had departed without a sound..." Li Ximing froze, his brows knitting. "Ah... Ziyan Gate's stage has truly been smashed to pieces..." With this, Li Ximing's heart began to hang in suspense. Ning Wan differed from Tinglan not only in personality but also in circumstance. If he were Ning Wan, aside from maintaining the situation without crossing the river, he would hardly have the ability to intervene further. *As for the True Monarch... who knows what level of cultivation he has reached now... With the hall master of Huaihun Hall dead, who knows upon whose head this karmic consequence will fall...* "Has Wang Quwan... sent any word back?" Li Ximing asked. Li Jiangqian shook his head silently. Seeing Li Ximing deep in thought, having settled all affairs, Li Jiangqian hurriedly added: "Reporting to the True Person, there is another piece of good news... Earlier, we heard word of Father's whereabouts—he had appeared in the market of Ziyan Gate. At the time, we only knew he was safe and sound in the East Sea, which brought relief." "Now that the news of your return has reached Zongquan Island, a reply arrived from Zongquan. It turns out Father was in secluded cultivation practicing a secret art in the Zongquan area, keeping it strictly confidential. Having emerged from seclusion and heard of your return, he sent word home... He is preparing... to enter secluded cultivation to break through to the Violet Palace!" Li Jiangqian's words finally caused Li Ximing's eyes to brighten. "At last, there is news of him!" Li Zhouwei had not mentioned much in the letter, but how could Li Ximing fail to grasp his meaning? Li Zhouwei had no need to reveal his whereabouts to the family, so his reason was naturally to see Li Ximing before entering seclusion! The Li family was no longer what it once was. Back then, Xiao Yuansi had to labor painstakingly to concoct pills, but now, Li Ximing could fully provide all the resources Li Zhouwei needed to propel his immortal foundation into Ascending Yang! Furthermore, the experience Li Zhouwei had gained from cultivating his secret art was an exceedingly precious asset. Moreover, as the core pillars of the Li family, separated for so many years, they urgently needed to meet. *I should have suspected it long ago! For him, the East Sea is naturally the safest place. Furthermore, Zongquan Island is the domain of Dragon Prince Dingjiao, and our family has its own island there, making it ideal.* Reflecting carefully, he felt a slight concern that Changxiao might intercept him halfway. Though the current Li Ximing was no longer the newcomer to the Violet Palace who was inept at combat, a man like Changxiao would certainly not underestimate him. *Using only the Immortal Mirror to scout, no matter how great Changxiao's divine abilities or how precise his calculations, he can forget about ambushing me on the road!* Without hesitation, Li Ximing drew out another jade talisman, placed it in Li Jiangqian's hand, and said in a heavy voice: "I should have met with the clansmen to celebrate the establishment of this Violet Palace array, but this matter is urgent. I shall leave for the East Sea immediately. Traversing the Great Void is swift; I will go and return quickly. If anything arises, simply crush the jade talisman to alert me!"