Seclusion

Lake Wangyue. The sky was dim with twilight. Atop the Guanxie Terrace, the Lihuo surged furiously, its blazing light shooting into the clouds and illuminating the surrounding area. Li Ximing walked across the light, casting an eye over the terrace. The progress on [Shichuan] above was going splendidly, and Chu Minglian was carefully considering the right amount of fire to add. In a fine mood, he nodded quietly, stepped onto Mount Zhijing, and took a seat by the table. With a flicker of celestial light at his brow, he summoned the [Huayang Royal Yue]. “A Mingyang spirit artifact.” Spirit artifacts and spirit embryos were both Violet Palace weapons, but they could not be mentioned in the same breath. Not only were they incomparable in combat, but a spirit artifact was also an heirloom treasure to be passed down through generations. And upon refining the [Huayang Royal Yue], Li Ximing had discovered that it truly was somewhat extraordinary. Compared to the monotonous three wondrous effects of the [Mountain-Driving Sea-Crossing Tiger], the [Huayang Royal Yue] in his hands possessed a full five! Two of them were what Tiansang Forest had mentioned as the primary functions of the [Huayang Royal Yue]. The first was [Parting Light], proclaimed to: “Shatter the wicked and impure, chastise the disobedient; lend it not lightly to another, for when it stirs, it slays.” This [Parting Light] was also the sole offensive method of the [Huayang Royal Yue], possessing the enemy-shattering might of Mingyang. However, it descended exceedingly slowly; if it missed its mark, its power would be greatly diminished the next time, even if equal amounts of divine ability and Dharmic power were expended. According to Tiansang Forest, [Parting Light] was derived from the Mingyang divine ability 'Scarlet Severing Cluster', and its limitations likely stemmed from this origin. The second was [Radiance], which stood for illuminating the mountains and rivers and bringing clear light to the common folk. Once this spirit artifact was hung aloft, it could bestow blessings upon oneself and one's allies. Li Ximing examined it briefly; for a Violet Palace master, this wondrous effect was mediocre. Attached to the Dharmic body, it was equivalent to a slightly weaker version of [Gentu Spirit Containment], though fortunately with far fewer restrictions. 'The key lies in the fact that Gentu and Mingyang do not conflict. In other words, these two blessings can be used at the same time, making it even easier to handle Lianmin.' After all, [Gentu Spirit Containment] could not defend against the Twelve Qi or Fire Virtue; its restrictions were too severe, and he estimated he would not gain much of an advantage against immortal cultivators. Subconsciously, Li Ximing's hypothetical enemy was naturally Buddhist cultivators. Aside from these two combat effects, the remaining three were quite intriguing. Tiansang Forest had not mentioned them, as they could only be activated through the catalytic stimulation of Mingyang divine abilities. What Li Ximing valued most among them was [Royal Battle-Axe]. “'When strong, it disdains all under heaven; when weak, it courts disaster. Able to bear the weight of ten thousand chariots, sweeping away all tribulations...' That is not mere talk. The power of this [Huayang Royal Yue] is indeed influenced by Mingyang divine abilities. Right now, it can only be considered standard, but the more Mingyang divine abilities one cultivates, the greater its power becomes. Taking the Three Purples as the dividing line, anything below three divine abilities is actually weakened. Once Mingyang reaches Great Accomplishment with all five divine abilities gathered, this weapon likely will not be inferior to an ancient spirit artifact.” Li Ximing felt both envious and bitter. He had yet to attain the Three Purples, and Great Accomplishment in Mingyang was nothing short of an extravagant hope. For now, he pinned his hopes on Li Zhouwei, feeling a quiet sense of satisfaction. The remaining effects were minor: [Exhaling Flame] and [Erroneous Entrustment]. [Exhaling Flame] was clearly just a minor bonus. Once the [Huayang Royal Yue] was summoned, it could add a mouthful of Lihuo to Li Ximing's breath. It was somewhat more potent than that in the Juque Court, though the effect was not particularly pronounced. “Exhaled together with the [Three Hou Shuxuan Fire], it can be considered the icing on the cake.” Having familiarized himself this far, Li Ximing was undeniably very pleased, though [Erroneous Entrustment] left him caught between tears and laughter. 'The battle-axe of authority cannot be mistakenly entrusted; once conferred, it signifies an inability to command.' This wondrous effect, [Erroneous Entrustment], had only one function: the [Huayang Royal Yue] could not be casually lent to others. Be it a Dharma artifact or a spirit artifact, so long as the owner nodded and released their mental grip, it could be temporarily lent to someone else. Such was the case when Li Ximing used Kuiqi's [Chongyang Star-Governing Treasure Plate]; the spirit artifact's master remained Kuiqi, merely lent to Li Ximing. In this way, although Li Ximing could not use it with complete ease and had to expend more Dharmic power to activate any given wondrous effect, there was no need to transfer ownership of the spirit artifact. Not only did this prevent the complication of divine ability contamination, but it also eliminated many hidden risks. If Kuiqi had absolute need of it, he could summon the [Chongyang Star-Governing Treasure Plate] to traverse the Great Void and return to him. If Li Ximing refused to return it, the time required to refine it anew would be far longer, allowing Kuiqi to track it down through the connection. Yet the wondrous effect of the [Huayang Royal Yue] severed any possibility of casual lending. Once this item changed hands, it had to be willingly returned by the other party; otherwise, the spirit artifact would be like a stone dropped into the sea, lost forever. 'To think it possesses such an effect... No wonder Tiansang Forest insisted there was no question of lending it out...' He weighed the handy spirit artifact in his hands, thoroughly satisfied. Whether in wondrous effects or raw power, the [Huayang Royal Yue] was an entire tier above the [Mountain-Driving Sea-Crossing Tiger]. Although the Gen Tiger Escape of the [Mountain-Driving Sea-Crossing Tiger] had played a substantial role during Li Ximing's flight for his life, it was rather dispensable on ordinary days. He mused inwardly: “It is not just the difference between spirit artifacts; there is likely also the fact that I am not a Gentu cultivator myself.” As for the [Huayang Royal Yue]'s ability to be stored within celestial light, emit radiant light, and other such techniques, those were minor wondrous effects tied to divine abilities—a miscellaneous assortment that merely served as minor enhancements. He drew the spirit artifact back into the celestial light at his brow, thoroughly nurturing and refining it with his divine ability. Outside, light and shadow shifted across the sky before he finally rose and summoned Li Jiangqian up. Soon, Li Jiangqian arrived, entering the mountain with a jade box held in both hands. Bowing in salutation, he said, “Greetings, Master!” Li Ximing smiled and mentioned the matter of the [Huayang Royal Yue], causing Li Jiangqian to look up in pleasant surprise and offer congratulations again and again. Li Ximing waved his hand, saying no more, and listened as the younger man began his report. Li Jiangqian opened the long jade box, revealing the pure-black Dharma sword within. Li Ximing glanced over, and upon seeing the sword's form, his expression shifted slightly. He immediately stood up. First, he used the Immortal Mirror to ensure no one was watching, and only then did he take the Dharma sword, scrutinizing it closely. Narrowing his eyes, he said, “It truly is remarkably similar!” Li Jiangqian gave a deep nod and reported every detail from beginning to end before continuing: “During the time the Clan Lord was away... I also gave orders for people to investigate. Of the four Dharma swords, aside from [Heixi], the remaining three—[Luogui], [Fenhai], and [Chongxin]—are in the hands of Bai Yinzi, Han Li, and Song Yunbai. “The sword of Heshui is in the hands of a cultivator named Han Li. No one knows where he came from, and I have only heard his name mentioned by the Clan Lord; there is no other information about him whatsoever, so it will likely be very difficult to obtain. “The Lihuo sword, [Chongxin], is in Song Yunbai's hands. This one is the easiest to acquire. Although Song Yunbai is not in Duxian, the Song family resides within the territory of Huaihun Palace, and we have already obtained a portrait.” He retrieved a scroll from his sleeve and gently unrolled it. Sketched upon it in fine brushwork was a crimson Dharma sword, bearing slightly more patterns than [Heixi] and longer by a fraction. Not only was the color wrong, but there was also no accessory hanging from the pommel. Clearly, this [Chongxin] could already be ruled out. “Bai Yinzi's [Luogui] is of Taiyin. After this man parted ways with the Clan Lord, he once appeared in the desert. We sent people to make inquiries twice and obtained word from the Zhuang family that he went north all the way to the river. “As for his sword... according to Zhuang Cheng, the blade was concealed within its scabbard, its form unseen, but a corner of the hilt was exposed, and it was indeed gray... Unfortunately... according to him... no hanging ornament was seen.” Li Ximing's gaze sank slightly, and he said quietly, “Having no hanging ornament might simply mean he put it away. After all, the shard looks just like an ordinary mortal object; Bai Yinzi could not possibly recognize its true purpose, so he may well have tucked it into his storage bag. “This man... must be watched closely! “Since he passed through the desert, the Jinyu Sect most likely has word of him. But if he continues north, he will enter the territory of the Tangjin Gate... It would be best to ask Jinyu about the sword in his hands. Fortunately, this item is a Dharma sword, so our family naturally has a valid pretext to inquire and trade for it.” “This junior dispatched several people over, but did not dare act too conspicuously. Were this item not a sword, I fear I would not have even dared to send anyone to look...” Li Jiangqian cupped his hands and said, “As for the north, yesterday... a Foundation Establishment cultivator fell in Huaihun Palace, so the Clan Lord has evidently already made his move. A few days ago, Duxian Dao also lost another Foundation Establishment-level cultivator. Guan Gongxiao withdrew his men, and the demonic cultivators have firmly established a foothold.” He retrieved a small letter from his sleeve and whispered, “Guan Gongxiao is asking for reinforcement again, hoping our family can lend a hand.” Li Ximing gave no immediate answer. Back then, Ye Gui had schemed against the Li clan on Changxiao's behalf, secretly holding back his full strength with ulterior motives. Although Li Ximing held no fond feelings for him after narrowly escaping with his life, he had consistently instructed the family to keep Duxian Dao pacified. Ye Gui had likewise acted as if he wished to avoid an outright break. During the years Li Ximing was away, he had behaved obediently, but that did not mean he was weak. Having inherited the Douxuan lineage and possessing several spirit artifacts in hand, he was not someone to be trifled with. Still not knowing where Changxiao was, Li Ximing decided to extend a measure of goodwill toward Duxian Dao. Li Jiangqian had brought this report precisely with a similar thought in mind. Li Ximing thus said, “Reply to him and say that by my verbal instruction, he should hold fast to the mountain gate and wait for a short while.” Li Jiangqian bowed and nodded. Li Ximing raised his brows and said, “Now that the Clan Lord has reached Foundation Establishment and three years have passed, Huaihun Palace doesn't have much strength left to resist. Since he intends to journey north, he will likely set out in a year or two. Keep a close watch on the matter of the swords—I only hope the one involved isn't that spirit embryo.” Li Jiangqian acknowledged the command and said softly, “There is another matter to report to Master: Granduncle Chengzhi... passed away earlier.” Li Ximing gripped the jade cup, let out a sigh at last, and said quietly, “I know.” With Li Jiangqian's firm grasp over the Li clan, he naturally knew Li Ximing had seen Li Chengzhi. He immediately lowered his head, shifted the topic, and continued: “Fortunately... Uncle Zhouming wrapped up the Clan Lord's affairs, took the pills prepared by the family, and successfully broke through to the eighth stage of Qi Refinement. Now we plan to have him take that talisman pill to break through to the ninth stage, after which he can make an attempt at Foundation Establishment.” “Good.” Li Ximing nodded and asked, “How was the family sacrifice? You did not request a talisman, did you?” “I did not,” Li Jiangqian replied with a bow. “Now that the Violet Palace grand formation has been established, we offered incense sacrifices and obtained three talisman pills. As for talisman seeds... most of the clan's children are still not fully grown. After all, there are numerous direct-line cultivators of the Jiang and Que generations, and fertility has not been plentiful... My younger brothers are not yet married, and only Jiangzong has fathered a baby boy, not yet one year old.” Li Jiangqian presented the three pills and said with a smile, “Earlier, I thought of receiving a talisman to help the family, but was hindered by the lack of a grand formation to shield it... Now, there is no hurry. After all, this junior is only in early Foundation Establishment, and my cultivation progresses quickly. I will either receive a talisman after attempting the Violet Palace, using the talisman qi to elevate my divine ability... or at worst, seek a wisp of talisman qi in middle or late Foundation Establishment. “Therefore, it was the Old Lord who presided over the rite this time; this junior did not step onto the terrace.” Li Ximing nodded and sighed. “Indeed. People of the world often find themselves trapped in the late stages of Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment, where cultivation becomes grueling and demands immense time. Only upon reaching the Violet Palace does one realize that divine abilities are what truly resist all advancement... No matter how extraordinary the miraculous pills and wondrous medicines may be, they can only add a point or two...” Mentioning this matter, Li Jiangqian reminded him, “Now that Master has broken through to the Violet Palace, talisman pills can be taken once again... The 'Sacrificial Offering Method' states that this pill can break through bottlenecks and advance cultivation; it ought to have an effect on divine abilities as well.” Li Ximing pondered and replied, “I have considered this matter as well and was turning it over in my mind. Since you brought it up, we might as well discuss it. “Although I made a journey overseas, I did consume quite a few spirit pills and miraculous medicines, so [Audience at the Heavenly Gate] has already reached Initial Accomplishment. With two spirit pills still in hand, piling them on like this leaves me not far from Great Accomplishment... I originally thought it would take merely five or six years, so it might be better to save the talisman pills for my next divine ability.” Li Jiangqian naturally understood and bowed. “Once the Clan Lord heads north and returns to the mountains, a fierce struggle will inevitably erupt north of the river. When that time comes, in the midst of numerous great battles, there will not only be immortal path Masters, but the northern Buddhist cultivators will likely intervene as well... When that happens, things will surely not be so simple...” Li Ximing rose, clasped his hands behind his back, and said, “Indeed... My haste in searching everywhere for spirit artifacts was for this very reason. It won't just be the inland Masters—I expect Masters from both within and beyond the seas will come to see. Even if they cannot share in the Child of Destiny, people like Fei Qingya are prime spiritual medicine in their eyes. Besides, the Clan Lord is generous; be it Fei Tongcai or Bai Yinzi, after all these years, could they have failed to reap benefits? Not to mention those hoping to fish in troubled waters...” His demeanor was composed and his tone resolute as he said evenly, “Now that we have clues, anything else can be cast aside, but the shard must never be lost. We cannot gamble with this matter. I will write a letter to Ning Wan while immediately entering seclusion to take the pills, using the talisman pills to nurture my divine ability to Great Accomplishment. “No matter when the True Monarch heads north, the return is set for six years and six months. Only when his return is certain will those people make their move. There is more than enough time!” Li Jiangqian nodded. The Master kept his hands behind his back and said, “Fortunately, with the precedent of the Donghuo Grotto-Heaven, Mingyang spiritual items and spirit artifacts are plentiful in the realm—far easier to obtain than those of other lineages. Once this matter is settled, we must continue inquiring after news of spirit artifacts! “For now, just do your best to investigate Bai Yinzi!” He dismissed Li Jiangqian, wrote the letter to Ning Wan, and sealed the grand formation. Then, taking out a talisman pill, he enveloped it with his divine ability and swallowed it. Since breaking through to the Violet Palace, Li Ximing had consumed spirit pills more than once. Even the finest among them had merely caused his divine ability to stir faintly, grinding forward inch by inch like an emaciated donkey pulling a heavy millstone. Yet once the talisman pill was swallowed, the divine ability within him seemed to connect with some unseen aura and instantly surged into agitation. Rumble! The spiritual qi provided by the talisman pill was now a mere drop in the ocean to a Violet Palace master, yet it acted as though it had unblocked some vital nexus. His divine ability began circulating of its own accord. Overjoyed, Li Ximing swiftly swallowed a [Linguang Zhaoyi Pill]. The Dharmic power within his body assisted the divine ability, radiating boundless brilliant light. Characters Appearing in This Chapter: ———— Li Ximing [Early Violet Palace] [Violet Palace Alchemist] Li Jiangqian 'Book of Great Li' [Early Foundation Establishment]