The grotto-heaven.
The lunar laurel swayed gently, faint silver light reverberating beneath the tree. The biting wind cut like ice, and a jade-white terrace hovered suspended between heaven and earth.
Lu Jiangxian lightly raised his hand, and the reflection of an ancient bronze mirror projected over from the Great Void.
The mirror was no larger than a palm, edged with a dark rim. The patterns converged toward its lower end, where a jade stone bright as a star was embedded.
'The piece from the Mifan Lineage... turns out not to be a fragment of the mirror surface...'
The jade stone from the Mifan Lineage was part of the mirror's body, called the [Name-Registering Stone]. Embedded upon the mirror frame, it had originally been one with it, and was the true source of the saying: "Inscribe upon the profound talisman, register the true name!"
The imperial decree Li Ximing had heard had not appeared out of nowhere; it was because this treasure had returned, causing the Immortal Mirror's divine wonders to surge, bringing about new changes.
Although [Name-Registering Stone] sounded innocuous, its effects were exceptionally domineering. If someone opened their mind and was illuminated by the profound light, a sliver of their true spirit would be inscribed upon the Name-Registering Stone, indelible forevermore. If they possessed a talisman seed, they could use this to ascend into the realm within the mirror.
If a person had not received a talisman seed, yet their true spirit entered the Name-Registering Stone, not only would they suffer the same constraints as a talisman seed—their thoughts, life, and death no longer their own, entirely controlled by the master of the immortal artifact—they would also receive none of the talisman seed's various benefits.
And while such people could fly into the realm within the mirror, they had no choice in the matter. At a single summons from above, their souls would be wrenched away, plunging headlong into the Name-Registering Stone.
Naturally, if someone was unwilling to open their mind, so long as their physical body was obliterated before the immortal artifact, their Yang spirit exposed, or when using arts like foreign mansions or Buddhist seats to reincarnate—if their true spirit was exposed for even a fleeting instant, it would likewise be recorded by the Name-Registering Stone, leaving them no escape from this fate.
If their soul and body actually entered into the mirror, it would be throwing themselves straight into the net, their names already fixed upon the Name-Registering Stone, impossible to wash away.
'How domineering... Who can say whether this is an immortal artifact or a demonic one...'
Lu Jiangxian examined these divine wonders one by one. Reflecting on the effects of the talisman seed and the talisman pill, they truly stemmed from the same origin, leaving no room for carelessness:
'If this immortal artifact were released into the world, with talisman seeds bestowed upon trusted lieutenants and everyone else recorded upon the Name-Registering Stone one by one, couldn't it pull together wave upon wave of subordinates?'
Having thought to this point, doubt arose within him:
'If that so-called past life had this kind of power, how could he have complained that the cultivators under the Yuehua Origin Mansion were not of one mind? Why would being of one mind even matter? Once a name was recorded within and the soul drawn into the mirror, any petty schemes would be utterly futile...'
Not only that, his doubts regarding the Immortal Mirror were growing deeper:
"The inheritance of the Mifan Lineage came from the Wanling Supreme Sect of Jiangbei. Back when the Yuehua Origin Mansion still existed in the mortal realm, the Wanling Supreme Sect's lineage had already been severed... Wouldn't that mean this item had fallen into the Wanling Supreme Sect's hands long before? How could the Immortal Mirror in the hands of that supposed past life have been complete?"
The master of the Yuehua Origin Mansion had indeed possessed this Immortal Mirror, and was praised as peerless in both formations and talismans, with few rivals under heaven. Even if not an Immortal Lord, he had to have been at least at the Dao Embryo realm!
"The Immortal Mirror can also sense fragments. With his abilities, wouldn't entering and leaving the Mifan Grotto-Heaven have been child's play? He could have simply taken it... Which means that even now... things are still within the game he arranged."
Lu Jiangxian could only fall silent for a moment, examining it closely:
'This Name-Registering Stone has range limits and also relies on the talisman seeds. The range covered by divine sense goes without saying, but beyond that range, for registered mortals in the world to communicate upward or downward with the Name-Registering Stone via their souls, talisman seeds must serve as a relay to prevent detection by others. After all, only talisman seeds possess this resonant power. This isn't difficult; right now there is a surplus of talisman seeds, and it's not as if one seed can only serve one person. A brief relay during resonance is all it takes. Placing a few inside will be more than enough!'
Lu Jiangxian currently held twelve talisman seeds. Eight were with the Li clan, and the remaining four were kept in his hands. Though things were growing tight, it was still enough. Even putting one in would leave three available.
Thus, he reached out his hand. Four white spheres connected end to end, cast into the Name-Registering Stone for use, before he turned his gaze toward the Great Void.
'The Mifan Lineage... was actually preserved...'
Because the Taiyang Lineage had been ambushed by Buddhist cultivators, the Jiangbei stage Tinglan had orchestrated had collapsed into ruin. The past spectacle of the Taiyang Lineage swarming in to carve up immortal resources within the grotto-heaven was no more... To put it plainly, in former years it was a transaction with Luoxia; the descent of the grotto-heaven had been Luoxia's compensation to Taiyang. Now, they had run Luoxia's errands for nothing, suffering casualties without reaping much benefit.
Now that the True Monarchs in the Great Void had departed, Jiangbei was no longer as perilous as before. Lu Jiangxian watched this and sensed something amiss.
'Moreover, although Jinyu is subordinate to Luoxia, it harbors no small amount of disloyalty. In past years it exchanged flirtatious glances with the Taiyang Lineage, constantly cultivating goodwill, and the Taiyang Lineage was eager to keep Jinyu Sect stable. Now Jinyu has abruptly abandoned Tangjin Gate, shattering the tacit understanding with Qingchi... It seems undercurrents are still surging in Jiangbei...'
With a wave of his hand, he dispersed the phantom image. Flicking his wrist into empty air, the Name-Registering Stone flared with brilliant light, and several white talismans drifted out from within. Each seemed imbued with spirituality, hanging itself upon the branches of its own accord.
'[Jinlian], [Wumu], [Buzi]...'
When the white talisman for [Jinlian] flipped over, the reverse side revealed [Dangjiang]. Although that Mohe Jinlian had only visited once and had a portion of his soul severed, this sliver of true spirit could by no means escape; indeed, his connection to the world within the mirror was deeper than that of the others.
Although Jinlian had now repaired his physical injuries, the deficiency in his soul was difficult to heal. One could not say what spiritual medicines he had used in secret, but at least he no longer appeared to have a missing soul.
'Now there is no need for any restrictive seals. With a single thought, whether it is Wumu or Jinlian, they have truly fallen into my hands.'
Following the flow of circumstances, Lu Jiangxian opened a pavilion within the grotto-heaven for the Li family's use. His mind grew steady, and he thought to himself:
"Taking advantage of this opportunity, I shall establish the connection, and also pass down the method for acquiring techniques as well as that immortal's cave."
...
Secret Treasury Xuanqi Pavilion of Shengqing Mansion.
Clouds and mist drifted across a bright courtyard where an ancient tree stood tall and erect. A youth with pale green eyes leaned against a branch, a token hanging at his waist. He held a scroll in one hand to read while sipping leisurely from a silver flagon in the other, appearing thoroughly carefree and at ease.
Beneath the tree, two divine warriors waited to the side, holding stacks of books, standing vigil like statues. After a while, they saw the luster upon the jade table flicker faintly, emitting waves of humming vibrations.
The youth jumped as if his hair had stood on end. In an instant he leaped down from the tree, shifting twice before landing beside the table. He tossed aside the silver flagon in his hand with a clattering din and cried in ecstatic joy:
"Which fellow Daoist comes to visit!"
With Immortal Officer Liu having descended to the mortal realm and Chi Buzi falling silent once again, Dangjiang had had a miserable time these past few years. He immediately strode forward, kicked open the door, and walked out. Taking several quick paces without even bothering to shut the courtyard gate, he strode ahead and soon arrived amidst the clouds, opening his eyes to peer closely.
Standing amidst the clouds was a Daoist clad in white-and-gold robes. His features were regular, hardly strikingly handsome, and had it not been for the subtle shift of bright light between his brows, he would have appeared unremarkable.
The youth suddenly bounded forward and said with a smile:
"I am Dangjiang. Greetings, Fellow Daoist! Might I ask which immortal mansion you hail from?"
Suddenly encountering such a person, Li Ximing did not dare be negligent, hurriedly stepping up to return the greeting:
"I am... Zhaojing..."
As for which immortal mansion, Li Ximing naturally could not answer. But having just spoken this line, he suddenly remembered something, his expression abruptly changing as he thought:
'...Dangjiang...'
'Dangjiang? The immortal officer of Dangjiang Creek Water Mansion under the Immortal Lord!'
Back when Chi Buzi left the Li clan, the Li family had heard this name. Li Qinghong later met Chi Buzi again, and supposedly this Dangjiang was already dead—who knew if it was the same person...
'It couldn't be that this Dangjiang is Chi Buzi, could it...'
Back when Dangjiang was at the Li family, Li Ximing had not been present, only hearing about it secondhand. Although they now met face-to-face, Li Ximing did not dare acknowledge him, and Dangjiang had no idea who Li Ximing was, weeping tears of joy instead:
"Finally, another living voice!"
Dangjiang looked Li Ximing up and down and asked with keen interest:
"Fellow Daoist, are you... a soul?"
Li Ximing hurriedly cupped his hands and replied:
"Reporting to the immortal officer, this junior received guidance in the lower realm and ascended into the 'Heavens.' At present, I am completely bewildered and cannot make sense of it..."
"Someone from the lower realm?!"
Dangjiang's expression shifted at once. Although he was merely a collation officer, this entire region was under Shaohui's administration; something monumental must have occurred. With burning eyes, he replied:
"How rare! Why not come with me to meet Her Ladyship!"
Having said that, he clapped his hand to his forehead, realizing:
"My apologies, my apologies! I must first find you a physical vessel."
He then led Li Ximing into the courtyard. The two divine warriors came forward to greet them. Dangjiang casually grabbed one and held him by the collar, laughing:
"This warrior has only a body without a soul, and his dharma body is not weak either. He is the most suitable!"
Li Ximing looked closely, doubts rising in his heart. After all, a physical body was no ordinary matter; if he fell into a trap, the loss would be fatal!
Thus, he secretly called upon the Immortal Mirror, hoping to probe a little. Yet who knew that had he not called, nothing would have happened, but as soon as he recited the incantation, streaks of white light burst forth from his soul! The Black Pearl Talisman Seed suddenly materialized out of thin air. From head to toe, he felt as if doused with a basin of freezing water, and this talisman seed actually transformed into a physical body.
This body was identical to his own, and even the white-and-gold Daoist robe manifested from thin air, draping over him.
Standing firm in the courtyard, he felt the various divine wonders attach themselves once more to this dharma vessel. At last he had the grounded feeling of solid earth underfoot, and his Violet Palace divine abilities returned as well.
"Phew..."
He let out a breath of relief, confidence restored. Dangjiang's eyes darted, picking up on something extraordinary, and he exclaimed in admiration:
"Fellow Daoist actually possesses a Violet Palace cultivation... No wonder you carry such an imposing demeanor! Which realm in the world below do you hail from, and of which family are you?"
Li Ximing bowed slightly. Sensing an extra object in his sleeve, he focused his gaze and saw that the token from the pavilion earlier was now nestled in his cuff. He replied:
"This humble cultivator is surnamed Li, cultivating on a small lake."
The moment these words left his mouth, Dangjiang's expression changed abruptly. His eyes went round as saucers, showing a mixture of doubt and joy as he gasped:
"Do you possess any token or keepsake?!"
Li Ximing lifted his sleeve and drew out the token. The moment Dangjiang saw the character [Li] upon it, his eyes reddened, and his lips trembled as he cried:
"Truly surnamed Li... Fellow Daoist, you have made me suffer so bitterly!"
He had brooded over and grumbled about 'Immortal Officer Li' for who knew how long. Now that someone surnamed Li had finally arrived, he poured out his grievances, lamenting:
"Lord Li descended to reincarnate and undergo tribulations, leaving all the mansion's affairs for me to handle. How could I ever manage it all? These scrolls and volumes are piled high as mountains..."
"Fortunately, Lord Liu... looked after me quite a bit, giving me an assignment or two for amusement, or else I would have worked myself to death!"
Hearing just this sentence, Li Ximing felt a loud ringing in his mind:
'Reincarnation? What reincarnation could there be—could it possibly be me?'
The Li clan had long speculated about the origins of the Immortal Mirror. Now that there was even a grotto-heaven realm within it, its origins were elevated to an even higher plane. The Taiyin Moon Splendor that had gushed forth night after night in past years pointed directly to that supreme Origin Mansion!
The person Dangjiang spoke of was undoubtedly the former master of the Immortal Mirror. Hearing words like 'reincarnating to undergo tribulations,' Li Ximing almost instantly pinpointed the prime suspect:
'It is almost certainly Li Jiangqun, who was besieged and killed by the various clans back then! That pavilion and small courtyard were likely left behind by him... and the Yuehua Origin Mansion inheritance he obtained surely had everything to do with the Heavens!'
Looking at Dangjiang sighing incessantly before him, seeing how bitter and aggrieved the youth looked, Li Ximing immediately cupped his hands and replied:
"I fear the immortal officer is mistaken. My clan has enshrined an immortal artifact for generations, which granted us the fortune to pursue the Dao anew. I know of no immortal officers, and I myself am merely a petty cultivator."
The joy that had just ignited in Dangjiang vanished into thin air in an instant. He froze for a brief moment:
"It's not you..."
Logically, the person before him had no reason to lie. Dangjiang's heart sank, and he pondered inwardly:
'If it's not you... it's at least your family, some ancestor or elder! One of those people from the Heavens who goes down to play around while driving me like a beast of burden!'
Now, noticing the Mingyang radiance upon Li Ximing, he finally realized:
'Cultivating Mingyang... It seems he is similar to Chi Buzi. Chi Buzi is trapped beneath Lushui, but this man's predicament is even more awkward than Chi Buzi's...'
'First came Chi Buzi, and now there is Mingyang Zhaojing... Whose fruit position are they trying to shake this time? The exalted lords in the Heavens are truly playing a grand game of chess!'
A chill of fearful delight shivered through him at his own deduction, rendering him momentarily speechless. Just then, he saw light swirling within the clouds as a streak of brilliance galloped forward, condensing into an immortal general in the courtyard.
This immortal general wore silver-white armor and bore a sword at his waist. Dangjiang did not dare dawdle and bowed immediately. The immortal general, however, halted upon seeing Li Ximing and said with a smile:
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist!"
Li Ximing first raised his brows to look. With this single look, he found those cold, piercing eyes strikingly familiar, so much so that he was momentarily at a loss, nearly crying out in shock.
'So very alike!'
Fortunately, he now had exceptional control over his emotions and showed little outwardly, following suit to bow in return. The immortal general smiled and said:
"I am the Taiyin Suming Immortal General, Zhengao. Congratulations, Fellow Daoist! I received an order from the Taiyin Immortal Mansion stating that the immortal officer's chief token flashed, signaling a return to the position. With the [Heaven of Sun and Moon Shining Together] reopening, I have come to meet you."
Li Ximing hurriedly bowed, while Dangjiang remained kneeling without moving. Zhengao turned and led him outside, saying softly:
"The Immortal Palace has been sealed away in dust. As for affairs of the mortal realm, the Heavens have never interfered; all is adjudicated by the immortal artifact. Strictly speaking, you should not have been brought up here. It is only because the profound token of the [Shanghuan Pavilion] bears Immortal Officer Li's bequest, which you have now inherited, that this trip had to be made."
"That profound token of the Shanghuan Pavilion has already been registered in the Heavens. Once you return, you may enter and leave the Shanghuan Pavilion freely."
Hearing this, Li Ximing was instantly filled with joy. The benefits of a grotto-heaven were immense—no family could ever have too many, yet he had not dared dream of it. He offered his thanks, and before he could say more, Zhengao continued:
"The Immortal Palace has yet to reveal itself to the world; once these seven days pass, it will be locked away once more. Since you were fated to inherit this immortal token, within it lies the immortal merit your clan has accumulated over these years, which also corresponds to Xuanqi Pavilion. If you have any need for cultivation methods, you may request them from the Shanghuan Pavilion."
"Within this immortal token are three hundred and fifty-seven portions of immortal merit. Several Violet Palace-grade arts have already been exchanged for and are available to read. As for making sacrifices of demons and slaying devils, suppressing heterodox paths—all are sources of immortal merit. For people of the lower realm, this is quite a fine opportunity."
Li Ximing quietly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, listening as Zhengao continued:
"You need only be careful. Once the Heavens close, you will effectively be occupying Immortal Officer Li's position. Do not let figures at the level of True Monarch see it, lest you lose your life."
Li Ximing had experienced far too much in a single day. For a moment he did not know what to think, as if trapped in a dream, and merely replied in a low voice:
"I reverently obey the immortal command!"
Having finished speaking, Zhengao said gravely:
"It is just that affairs of the Heavens must not be disclosed. Seek diligently in the lower realm. If a day comes when you ascend to a fruit position and become a True Monarch, there shall be a chance to attain immortality and meet again."
Chapter 890