Back then, when Li Ximing settled the grand array with Tinglan, he had proposed modifying the original array disc of Xuanyue. This was naturally the result of Tinglan's alterations. Changxi's grand array belonged to the path of Gen Earth, excelling in defense; it naturally would not have produced such a radiant aura.
Ning Wan perhaps noticed that the traces of these modifications did not entirely match the style of the original Gen Earth patterns on the array disc, gaining a faint realization. Yet she could hardly say much, replying instead:
"There is a master token refined by Tinglan within the array. Zhaojing, you need only summon it with your divine ability, and it will come forth."
Li Ximing naturally understood. Raising his hand lightly, a momentary vein-like golden radiance emerged in the sky, and a token with yellow patterns against a purple ground fell into his hand, roughly eight inches long.
He was fairly satisfied with the array. Taking out a jade talisman, he inscribed it with his divine ability to communicate with the formation while musing to himself:
'Changxi came from a humble background as well, rising from nothing with merely some unique proficiencies to accumulate a bit of wealth. The most valuable thing in all of Xuanyue was the mountains he moved year after year... Xuanyue's array disc was never anything remarkable to begin with, much less comparable to those of the Sun dao lineage... In its current state, it can be considered passable.'
After all, when Ye Gui assaulted their doors in the past, Xuanyue Gate's grand array had shown not the slightest reaction, let alone radiating any spirit light.
Li Ximing was in a fine mood. Only then did he see Kuiqi leisurely scanning the surroundings from midair with a slight nod. Unlike Ling Mei and Ning Wan, this Real Person of Great Xiukui Abbey spoke more directly, offering few empty congratulations. Instead, he said softly:
"Zhaojing, if you ever have another grand array to construct in the future, you may come to Huyi to find me."
At this moment, the Purple Gen Broad Valley Pillars across the islet emitted a faint brilliance. Though there appeared to be no barrier in the sky, cultivators surrounding them found it difficult to take even a single step. Having finished carving the jade talisman and granting access to the outer boundary of the grand array, Li Ximing summoned Li Jiangqian over and handed it to him.
"I leave matters on the lake to you for now. To prevent internal sabotage, these Purple Gen Broad Valley Pillars are protected by the power of the Violet Palace grand array, making them difficult to approach. First demarcate the surrounding grounds; I shall return shortly."
Though Lake Central Islet lay in ruins, such administrative matters could simply be left to Li Jiangqian and Li Quewan without much instruction. Not wanting to keep the Real Persons waiting any longer, Li Ximing made a welcoming gesture of invitation, and the four traversed into the Great Void, flying toward the territory of Great Xiukui Abbey.
A Violet Palace divine ability traversed the Great Void with astonishing speed, even though the spirit mechanism of Jiangnan was vigorous and the Great Void treacherous here. When they landed amidst the temple halls atop Mount Huyi, several Foundation Establishment disciples were sweeping snow upon the long stone stairway, the mountains cloaked in boundless white.
The snow in the mountains swirled noticeably fiercer upon sensing Ning Wan. Li Ximing glanced down at the long stone steps along the mountainside: Cui Jueyin was still waiting at the foot of the temple stairs. The man stood respectfully amidst the boundless white snow, likely unmoved for several days, reduced to a thumb-sized black speck between drifts of snow.
"Zhaojing!"
Ning Wan called out softly as Li Ximing took a seat and accepted a cup of tea. Kuiqi's sharp eyes had clearly caught the scene, and he shook his head with a laugh:
"After so many years, the Cui family remains the same... Pity that after crossing the sea several times, their courage has slowly withered away, so Violet Palace cultivators are seldom seen in Chongzhou anymore... After all, they all pursue Mingyang, such an open and upright path. Harboring guilt and fear toward Mingyang—how could they ever attain it? They might as well cultivate something else..."
Li Ximing sighed inwardly, unsure how to reply. Kuiqi had likely spoken out of mere wistfulness, but Ling Mei saw Li Ximing's awkwardness. Reversing the Daxue Juefeng in his hands, he presented it to Ning Wan, saying:
"To have had the fortune of wielding such a spirit sword, I must thank Qiuhu."
Though Ning Wan had not feared Ling Mei keeping the sword, holding it in her own hands brought a measure of reassurance. She voiced her thanks and received it. Kuiqi whispered a few instructions to dismiss the attendants before turning solemn:
"Matters in Jiangbei are of paramount urgency now. Tinglan is injured, Ziyan Blessed Land cannot move for the time being, and Zhu Gong has vanished without a trace. For affairs along the river, I fear we must rely on Qiuhu to keep watch.
"After all, Ruqingting is a destiny divine ability. We can only depend on you now."
Ning Wan seemed to have anticipated this long ago and said gently:
"I do not shy away from shouldering this task. It is merely that not much time has passed since I achieved my divine ability, so it is difficult for me to sway the tides on the other side. If the north plots anything, I will hardly be able to withstand it on my own."
"Those monks refuse to give up their wicked ambitions!"
Kuiqi sighed, finally showing a trace of displeasure as he answered:
"Zhelu will not dare to stir up trouble for the time being. Be more cautious on your own and do not venture too far across; those bald donkeys will have no way against you. With Zhaojing stationed here on the riverbank, he can reinforce you at any moment."
At this point, he deliberately turned his head and spoke:
"Zhaojing need not overextend yourself. Having finally returned to the inland seas, you must be all the more wary of others' schemes. There is no need to touch the affairs of the esteemed lord; simply keep an eye on the movements of the northern Buddhists.
"After all, Zhaojing's Yetianmen is exceptionally useful. If anything happens, we will rush to aid swiftly, so long as you do not stray too far from Jiangnan."
"Understood!"
Li Ximing was naturally unwilling to meddle, agreeing crisply. Ling Mei took a sip of tea with a composed expression and said softly:
"In the South Sea bordering Qingchi, there is also Dakonghai Temple. Although Real Person Zhu Sheng and that Snow Ridge Pine-Listening Civet managed to deal with them, Qiuhu cannot be in two places at once. If Zhaojing has the capacity, do lend a hand so that nothing goes awry."
Ning Wan said gently:
"If you could... that would be for the best. I have already lent a wisp of my divine ability over."
Li Ximing looked up with slight confusion, and Ling Mei said in a low voice:
"Dakonghai Temple seized the South Sea before Qiuhu could arrive to save it. It was two Real Persons from the Southern Border, acting out of their friendship with Real Person Yuan Xiu, who intervened. One cultivates Yuzhen, wielding transformations as vivid as reality; the other is a demon cultivating Cold Qi, who fended off Baoqing. Sensing something amiss, that Mohe promptly withdrew.
"Having taken the South Sea, the Abbot of Konghai Temple was satisfied. Yet Baoqing shares karmic bonds and personal grudges with the Three Yuans, so he will certainly come to retaliate..."
Ling Mei seemed somewhat wistful and added:
"Though that demon beast spoke with harsh words, such karmic destiny cannot be severed..."
The sword cultivator's expression was complicated as he said softly:
"You have only seen Yuan Wu in his decrepit old age. Back then, he too was arrogant to the extreme. As the eldest senior brother among the Three Yuans, clad in iron wings and silver robes, holding the Quanguang Treasure Pagoda, and wearing black brocade boots embroidered in gold, he stepped squarely on the man's face before thousands of cultivators at Shitang... forcing him to admit that Buddhism was inferior to the Immortals...
"Yuan Su and Yuan Xiu were already deeply at odds back then, to the point of turning against each other. Yet Baoqing tactlessly blundered right into them. Yuan Xiu even laughed, dropping the quip, 'One talisman is enough,' and smashed Baoqing to death with his golden talisman. Had the Abbot of Konghai Temple not come in person to rescue him with Yuan Su present, Baoqing would not even have had the chance to reincarnate."
Beside them, though Kuiqi frowned, he could only sigh:
"Though I disliked Yuan Wu, that act truly vented some spleen. My master, Great Real Person Louxing, praised him for it at the time... Only arrogant souls share such kindred temperaments, which was why Yuan Wu fell in with Situ Tang."
Li Ximing possessed few memories of Yuan Wu, remembering only Yu Muxian beneath him. Back then, he and the Tang family had exerted immense pressure upon the Li clan. Little did he imagine that this man had been so wildly arrogant in his youth. He sighed:
"Year in and year out, how many proud prodigies come and go."
Kuiqi tilted his head slightly and saw a woman emerge from the snow nearby, cradling a black treasure box in her hands.
Taking it casually, Kuiqi placed it before Li Ximing and smiled:
"This is the Linguang Zhaoyi Pill, an item from Donghuo Grotto-Heaven and a spirit pill once consumed by Mingyang Violet Palace cultivators. My ancestor inspected it: this pill can repair the dharma body, enveloping front and back in radiance. Whether for comprehension, healing, or cultivation, it is exceedingly useful.
"However, this pill focuses on gentle nourishment, excelling in enduring constancy. It is unsuitable for use during battle; Zhaojing should take note of that."
Li Ximing nodded repeatedly. Currently not lacking pills for combat, he was naturally overjoyed. Receiving the box gently, he opened it to find three golden spirit pills, each patterned with white, qilin-like markings. Though many years had passed, good preservation methods kept them brimming with spirit energy, in exquisite condition.
"Donghuo's alchemy methods were truly remarkable... possessing a rare, singular magnificence..."
Li Ximing remarked with feeling. Seeing Kuiqi produce the pills, Ning Wan paused slightly and said softly:
"Speaking of which... I heard from my family's forebears that back then... there was also a spirit flower within Donghuo Grotto-Heaven, praised as: 'blooming and withering year after year on its own, its fallen petals turning into armored bugs.' At the time, Real Person Qiushui obtained it, and it now resides in Jinyu. There was also a Luminance Qilin Refining Method... which must correspond to this Linguang Zhaoyi Pill."
Hearing this, Li Ximing's heart stirred with longing. Donghuo Grotto-Heaven had yielded so many Mingyang treasures, every single one extraordinary, yet his family had not shared in the spoils. Unable to hold back, he asked:
"Donghuo Grotto-Heaven held quite a few Mingyang spirit artifacts. Do you happen to know how they were divided back then, and where each of them ended up? Since my breakthrough, I still lack a handy spirit artifact, so I ought to exchange for one or two."
Kuiqi seemed to have anticipated his question and said softly:
"Regarding Donghuo back then, I was watching over our companions in the Great Void and did not enter the fray personally, so I gained little. The main beneficiaries were Jinyu and Qingchi, while Changhuai, Ziyan, Chunyi, and the Chen clan all received something. Xuanyue and Chijiao controlled several sea inlets and shared in the scraps..."
Most of these names were no surprise, yet the presence of Chunyi Dao and the Chen clan stirred some doubt in Li Ximing. Ning Wan was more knowledgeable about the matter and added:
"The Three Sects and Seven Gates all sent disciples in to claim a share, but they mostly took inconsequential items. What mattered was what remained of the main peak after the esteemed lord claimed his share, along with several important side peaks.
"They obtained three spirit artifacts and two spirit embryos. The spirit artifacts were divided among Changhuai, Qingchi, and Jinyu, while one spirit embryo went to Chunyi and the other to Ziyan..."
'In Qingchi's hands?'
Back then, Yuan Xiu was in seclusion, and Qingchi sent Real Person Yuan Su, which meant the item had fallen into the hands of the Ning family! Li Ximing's eyes lit up, though he wondered inwardly:
'Tinglan has one as well? She never mentioned it.'
What Qingchi held was a complete spirit artifact, whereas the spirit embryo in Ziyan's possession still required nurturing, naturally falling short by a step. While a spirit embryo refined by the Cui family would surely be vastly superior to anything Li Ximing could tinker with blindly, would not a finished spirit artifact be even better? He hastily asked:
"That spirit artifact..."
Ning Wan shook her head with slight awkwardness, answering:
"My family's forebear obtained that Mingyang spirit artifact, but it was awkward to wield and incompatible with my Cold Qi, so he traded it to King Rajah Nanshun of Songzhou... in exchange for my current protective treasure."
Spirit artifacts inherently carried secrets. Although Ning Wan did not specify further, having inherited Yuan Su's legacy, she possessed abundant treasures. She paused, then said:
"Sister Tinglan's spirit embryo is fine, but it does not belong to the Mingyang path. Ziyan had the right to choose first, so she naturally picked what suited her better, leaving the Mingyang one to Chunyi Dao."
Li Ximing felt no regret. Knowing his demise drew near, Yuan Su had certainly planned everything out and would not have left a spirit artifact idling for him. Since it came down to trading either way, knowing its whereabouts made things simple. He muttered:
"Then it is one of the three: Jinyu, Songzhou, or Chunyi..."
Jinyu Sect possessed treasures in abundance, but Li Ximing doubted he had anything capable of swaying them. The items held by Songzhou and Chunyi would be easier to negotiate for. He inquired:
"This King Rajah Nanshun... what kind of figure is he? What dao lineage does he cultivate?"
At Li Ximing's question, Ling Mei stroked his beard and answered first:
"I know him. A mid Violet Palace figure, the Supreme King of Songzhou. In recent years, his faction has expanded aggressively, becoming a thorn in the side of Tinglei Island. Were it not that he cultivates the path of Shamanic Talismans while the Miao family cultivates Lightning, giving them a slight elemental advantage, Tinglei Island would have already been pushed to destruction. You may consider approaching from this angle.
"As for Chunyi Dao... Chunyi considers itself the orthodox lineage of Taiyin and observes strict rules. Mingyang items are ill-suited for them, and a spirit embryo is less valuable than a completed spirit artifact. In my view, it might even be easier to acquire."
The connections of the Sun dao lineage were naturally beyond what a lone household like Li Ximing's could match. With introductions from Kuiqi and the others, it might prove far easier to obtain. Li Ximing nodded repeatedly and replied:
"I shall have to trouble you when the time comes."
He paused, then added politely:
"That being the case, if no spirit embryo is available, do you fellow daoists happen to have any ancient Mingyang magical artifacts I could study..."
Li Ximing had already laid his plans. Having obtained Refining Balconies and Terraces in Fire from Changxi and finished building the high terrace on the shore, regardless of how the spirit artifact or embryo turned out, refining one himself could never go wrong—which meant he had to carefully consider the base for the spirit embryo. An ancient magical artifact would unquestionably be best.
This took them slightly by surprise. After all, cultivators of the Sun dao lineage had ancient magical artifacts to pick from as early as Foundation Establishment, carrying them all the way to Violet Palace and using them along the journey. Just like Li Zhouwei: once he broke through to Violet Palace, he could begin refining the Dasheng Halberd into a spirit embryo...
Yet no sooner had his words fallen than all three nodded almost in unison. Kuiqi raised his brows and called out with a smile:
"Huiyu, bring forth the ancient Mingyang magical artifacts from the vault!"
The black-robed Daoist wiping a magical sword on the uppermost stone steps immediately rose and bowed. Kuiqi nodded and said:
"Ancient magical artifacts have been kept in storage since those days. My sect likely holds more than most, three in total. Pick whichever you fancy, Zhaojing... no need to be polite!"
Since he spoke so promptly, Ning Wan and Ling Mei had no choice but to let it be. Yet ancient magical artifacts were unlike modern ones; their numbers were strictly limited, and not even Violet Palace masters gave them away casually. Surprised, Li Ximing shook his head:
"There is no reason for me to accept Xiukui's treasures for nothing..."
Kuiqi let out a hearty laugh and rose to his feet with a look of delight:
"With all our fellow daoists present today, I shall speak plainly. I will never treat you unfairly, Fellow Daoist. Not only will you choose one, but I shall also gift you a spirit essence—resources for Mingyang..."
A gleam flashed in his eyes as he turned solemn:
"Our Xiukui... wants Fei Qingya."
With those words spoken, Li Ximing finally realized what was going on. Through their connection with the True Monarch, the Li clan had brought back Fei Qingya. Though she was currently a nuisance, once the True Monarch departed, she might well become a precious asset. Xiukui was clearly tempted!
While Li Ximing came to a sudden understanding, Ling Mei showed no surprise either. Ning Wan, having achieved Violet Palace not long ago, knew little of such deeper intricacies and listened with thoughtful contemplation. Kuiqi laughed:
"We assumed that if she did not cultivate Cold Qi, she would cultivate Purple Qi. Who would have thought that while you two were stranded in the north, an accidental turn of events led her to cultivate Kan Water... With Xiao Chuting in the North Sea, this fine sprout... is truly fated to belong to my Xiukui!"
Great Xiukui Abbey oversaw numerous branch abbeys that cultivated not only Xiukui, but also Kan Water and Shamanic Talismans. Li Ximing immediately began calculating in his mind.
If Fei Qingya was not killed, keeping her in the clan was highly inconvenient. Though she was currently very fond of the Li clan, she bore the surname Fei and possessed the potential to reach Violet Palace. Furthermore, the Fei family was burdened with trouble involving the Sima family; once her cultivation rose, there was no telling how much trouble would be dragged in.
Even more importantly, the impression Xu Xiao had left was far too deep, leaving Li Ximing ever wary. Their clan's Talisman Seed and the magical mirror were monumental secrets; if an outsider Violet Palace cultivator arose, not only would too many things be impossible to conceal, but should the Fei family develop independent ambitions, they could waver between friend and foe, or even break away entirely.
As for marriage alliance, Li Ximing had considered it as well. But she was the esteemed lord's woman; if she were married into the Li clan, it would be cuckolding the True Monarch—a feat that might well make them the first in history to do so...
Sending her to the Sun dao lineage, on the other hand, would forge good ties with a future Real Person. His only fear was that if she achieved great cultivation while residing at Xiukui, whenever the Fei family came begging for help, backed by the Sun dao lineage, any ensuing turmoil would be all the more fatal. Li Ximing had lingering worries, but with Kuiqi speaking so directly, he could only sigh:
"It is not that I refuse... I merely fear her earthly heart remains unsevered, and that she will be unable to focus on cultivation after entering the mountains, squandering your noble sect's resources in vain."
Kuiqi caught the underlying meaning and laughed:
"Rest assured on that front, Zhaojing. Our lineage requires shedding one's hair upon entering the abbey, clarifying the heart to attest the Dao, and taking a clear oath never to let kin obstruct the Path... As for the Fei family... the rolling mountains of our Linhai Commandery are not without room for a single clan. When the time comes, they can be relocated to Linhai and, following precedent, placed within the dense forests to establish an abbey of their own."
Clearly, though the principal Real Persons of Great Xiukui Abbey were surnamed Lin and their domains were entrenched with clans, the abbeys scattered throughout the land were not mere decoration. Li Ximing nodded and measured his words:
"That is well... It is only that she hails from Lake Wangyue after all, and my clan would customarily deliver some cultivation resources each year. I wonder if your abbey has rules against receiving them."
For the Li clan, this was a way to maintain goodwill, yet it was also a test of how much Xiukui Abbey truly valued Fei Qingya. Kuiqi raised an eyebrow and replied briskly:
"No matter!"
Gauging that the Lin clan had pillars of their own and that Fei Qingya was merely icing on the cake, Li Ximing relaxed considerably. Beside them, the black-robed Daoist had already stepped forward carrying a jade tray.
Upon it lay three treasures: a ring with shimmering heavenly light playing across it, an elegantly slender spear, and a ruler made of cyan jade.
Presenting the three ancient magical artifacts before them, the black-robed Daoist bowed respectfully. First pointing to the ring, which gleamed with gold and jade and bore three points of bright light, he said deferentially:
"This is the Waijiang Ring, an ancient magical artifact the Great Real Person obtained from the northern Buddhists in his early years, dating to roughly the early Liang. It can dissipate mana and transform into light to escape. The three points of bright light upon the ring can transform into three rays of heavenly light to ward off enemies."
The ring offered both offense and defense and was extraordinarily opulent—evidently an auxiliary artifact carried by imperial nobility of the Wei dynasty back in the day. The Daoist then picked up the spear and said respectfully:
"This is the Heaven-Measuring Bright Spear, obtained from Donghuo Grotto-Heaven. Its exact age cannot be discerned, but it is at least earlier than Liang and later than Emperor Gong. It can transform the spear into light to pierce and wound enemies with formidable might, though it demands skill in weapon arts."
The remaining jade ruler was just over a foot long, carved with patterns of mountains and rivers, gentle and lustrous. He said:
"This one is Shichuan, also an object from Donghuo. Its era is even earlier, likely predating Emperor Gong of Wei. It can summon mountains and rivers to cloak a domain, bolstering oneself within it, allowing one to tread upon heavenly light, and perceiving the enemy's movements."
Li Ximing swept his gaze over them. Fitting for the collection of Great Xiukui Abbey, none of the three was ordinary. The Daoist had only described them briefly, but each held deeper mysteries. Cultivating Mingyang himself, a single glance was enough for him to grasp seven or eight tenths of their secrets.
'That ring is likely the most valuable, possessing comprehensive utility and great benefit for Foundation Establishment. But having already attained divine abilities, even if refined into a spirit embryo, many of its functions are things I can already perform myself... It does not particularly stand out.
'The spear is an offensive weapon, but it is tied to martial craft rather than mystic spells. It would be fine if it were practicing spells, but with spears and swords, I have had no fondness for them ever since I first touched one as a boy. To take them up now at Violet Palace... while my divine ability grants clarity and I might not lag behind ordinary cultivators, it would appear laughable at the Violet Palace level...'
"This ruler is balanced and grand, though its mystic qualities slightly overlap with Yetianmen..."
Examining them all with the critical eye of a Violet Palace master, he was naturally discerning. Hearing Ning Wan's murmurs of praise, he knew Qingchi's stores could hardly surpass these. Thus, he picked up Shichuan.
Kuiqi took a sip of tea and explained casually:
"The specifications of this Shichuan are exceptionally high. It was likely a plaything of an imperial scion eligible to contend for the heir apparent, which is why it possesses ample finesse but lacks divine might. Once supplemented into a spirit embryo, it will be quite serviceable.
"It measures one foot two inches long, eight-tenths of an inch thick, and one and two-tenths inches wide. The material is Guanchuan cyan jade, an exceptional stone now extinct. The base is carved with Yang Zenith, the head with Upper Luminary, adorned with depictions of mountains and rivers without inscribing divine spirits—just one step shy of the specifications of a Crown Prince of Wei."
He clearly had a profound understanding of the artifacts in his sect's vault. Looking at Shichuan with a hint of reluctance, he sighed wistfully:
"Back when I was punished to guard the vault, Shichuan sat on the third dais to the left. I often wondered back then whether he ever took that final step... The master of such an elegant magical artifact ought to have brought the State of Wei a good era of peace."
Li Ximing nodded. No wonder this magical ruler felt unexpectedly heavy in his grip. With material superior to the other two, its upper limit was higher, making it all the more qualified to serve as a spirit embryo. That neatly made up for what it lacked in raw divine might. Delighted in heart, he smiled:
"Thank you for granting me this, Fellow Daoist!"
Kuiqi waved his hand with a smile and turned to instruct:
"Go fetch the spirit essence."
The black-robed Daoist withdrew at once. Caressing the warm, smooth feel of Shichuan, Li Ximing grew fonder of it the more he looked. The style of the Wei and Li had only ever been two kinds: either domineering and fierce, or serene and grand. Shichuan was clearly the latter, making it hard for him to put down.
'This shall be my first Violet Palace spirit embryo!'
Chapter 897