While Li Ximing was deep in thought, the black-robed Daoist stepped forward from the side. This time, resting on the jade platter was a round, ink-black stone cylinder no larger than a palm. Its center was hollowed out, gleaming with bright, dazzling brilliance.
This was the principal recompense from Great Xiukui Abbey for taking Fei Qingya.
Kuiqi nodded and said, "Earlier on, I obtained this myself in the South Sea. It was originally a spirit stone called Xiang Baiyangshou, but it sustained some damage during the struggle for it. A corner chipped away, and its essence began to rapidly bleed out...
"After I brought it back, seeing it deteriorate by the day, I asked someone to refine it and balanced it with various spiritual materials. In the end, we obtained a pool of spiritual essence. This is one portion of it. It can be considered a spiritual resource carrying much of that spirit stone's efficacy. Apart from conventional Mingyang divine abilities, it is one of the rare Mingyang spiritual materials suitable for inscribing talismans. Among Mingyang spiritual materials, the only thing with even better efficacy than this... is likely the Mingfang Heaven Stone."
He paused slightly and deliberately reminded him, "When Zhaojing returns to refine your spirit embryo, you will naturally need Mingyang resources as well. You might as well make use of this on the way."
Li Ximing was naturally not one to be picky. Seeing that the quantity was indeed substantial, he nodded repeatedly and put it away with a flip of his hand. The three exchanged insights on the mysteries of the Dao for a time. Once their pot of drink was finished, they prepared to depart.
Li Ximing called Cui Jueyin forward. The man bowed to the four Real Persons and took his place behind Li Ximing. As the one of highest standing present, Ling Mei spoke in a hoarse voice:
"Qiuhu has just emerged from peril, and Zhaojing has only just returned. Both ought to hold down their respective regions, and I cannot remain away from Sword Sect for long either... If there is any news in the future, everyone can simply gather at Mount Huyi once more."
Kuiqi bowed with a smile. After seeing the three off and watching their figures fade into the boundless white snow, he finally let out a sigh of relief. Turning toward the black-robed Daoist, his voice dropped low:
"Black qi billowed from Xuanzhi Cave. Though it was suppressed by Buding Mountain... it could be seen from each grotto. Has there been any reaction?"
The Daoist answered in a low voice, "None so far... However, news arrived today that the Lingu clan came to inquire about Lingu Lanying and Lingu Rao..."
Kuiqi sighed, feeling some regret as he said, "Back then, I told Lingu Rao that the following decades were not suitable for making a breakthrough. He insisted on going his own way, so nothing could be done... Just return his mortal remains to the Lingu clan.
"Now it all depends on Lingu Lanying. One may look down upon the Northern Buddhists as individuals, but one must not underestimate their strength. If she can succeed, we will have yet another trump card..."
"Understood!"
The black-robed Daoist, Huiyu, lowered his gaze and said, "Lingu Lanying's bloodline is very close, and she closely resembles that lady from back then. That is why the Great Real Person dotes on her... After all, he bestowed a spiritual ingredient upon her back then. I also heard that the Great Real Person once held her hand, teaching her the wonders of various spirit tools. And that painting he made during the North-South conflict... which he kept continuously nurtured all this time, was also given to her."
"I know."
Kuiqi appeared somewhat melancholy. Pacing two steps in the snow, he sighed, "Master is a sentimental man. Otherwise, he would not have looked after them for hundreds of years, raising the Lingu clan to where they are today, to the point that, worried his lifespan was running out, he still thought of raising a Violet Palace cultivator for them...
"Back then, Lingu Rao's entry into the grotto-heaven was a certain death sentence, yet Master intervened to save him. As it turned out, that one was 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 Yue mountain bloodline. His excessive favoritism was plain to see. The two exchanged glances in silence, keeping the rest of their thoughts unspoken:
*The Lin clan has produced quite a few Violet Palace cultivators, yet they rarely have a chance to meet him. On the other hand, one cultivator after another from the Lingu clan has been supported, and at long last they are about to push forth a Violet Palace cultivator. But will this Violet Palace belong to Qingchi or to Great Xiukui Abbey?*
The lineages of the Great Sun shared the same roots. Great Xiukui Abbey was brimming with talent, right at the peak of its prosperity. Kuiqi had an upright conscience and did not care much whether this Violet Palace cultivator ended up in Qingchi; it might even be a good thing. Yet seeing Louxing's intentions, this Great Real Person who had comprehended sword intent... would probably bestow a fair number of spirit tools upon the Lingu clan...
To Great Xiukui Abbey, that would be a grievous loss! With Kuiqi's conservative and stubborn disposition, it was all the harder to sit by and watch such a thing happen!
Kuiqi not only had to worry over Louxing's lifespan, secretly searching for all manner of life-extending items, but also had to deal with this Great Real Person who grew more willful and prone to following his own desires the older he got. What rankled most was that none of these grievances could be voiced aloud to outsiders, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.
If Kuiqi were truly ruthless, Lingu Lanying would never succeed in breaking through once Louxing passed away. Yet out of respect for his master and his own pride, he buried all his thoughts within, letting out only a sigh:
*It is common for the elderly to play favorites... It is just... just that Lingu Lanying... holds no affection for Mount Huyi. When she is given those spirit tools, she will be even more guarded against us and will certainly stay in Qingchi... Even if Ning Wan is willing, how could the Lingu clan or she ever give up the rich spoils of Simin and Qingchi, surrender their independence, and come here to bow and scrape...*
* * *
Li Ximing and Ning Wan traveled northward together, with Cui Jueyin following quietly behind. Crossing the borders of Qingchi, this foremost beauty of Qingchi, having formed her divine ability, looked breathtakingly radiant with every glance. She sighed softly:
"The spiritual atmosphere along the riverbank feels rather peculiar... I only hope nothing has happened to the Great Real Person."
Li Ximing had heard of this Great Real Person Louxing many times, and even Yuandao had shown concern back then. He naturally offered words of comfort:
"If something truly happened to the Great Real Person and time were running out, Zhelu would not dare provoke him. It is precisely because the Great Real Person is fine, racing against time to cultivate his divine ability and unable to afford injury, that Zhelu dared to come..."
There was reason to these words. A Great Real Person on the verge of falling was the most terrifying of all. When Li Ximing had listened to Yuandao's tone back then, there had not been much urgency. That was undeniably the most credible information. Ning Wan nodded and smiled:
"Senior Kuiqi is warmhearted and quite meticulous. Even though your mastery of talisman crafting is not deep, Zhaojing, the spiritual essence of Xiang Baiyangshou can be used to forge your spirit embryo. Whether you find a Real Person who specializes in tool refinement or temper it yourself, it will come in handy."
As she said this, her expression shifted slightly, and 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 Sun lineage. Kuiqi had treated him with such warmth and had even shared everything he knew about Mingyang spirit tools, clearly aiming to bolster Li Ximing's strength as much as possible in a short span of time.
The spirit embryo at hand was another such instance. Great Xiukui Abbey might lack Mingyang Violet Palace spiritual materials, but with what was left of Donghuo Grotto-Heaven, they certainly had plenty of Mingyang Violet Palace resources. Why had he singled out the essence of Xiang Baiyangshou? Was it truly meant for drawing talismans?
If it were for talismans, would Great Xiukui Abbey not be adept at it? They would surely treasure what they excelled at; why yield it to Li Ximing instead?
It was precisely because the essence of Xiang Baiyangshou was best suited for elevating a spirit embryo! The sooner Li Ximing's spirit embryo was forged, the sooner his strength would increase. That was an effect that could be achieved in the short term. In contrast, giving him spiritual materials to aid his cultivation would take at least ten or twenty years to show any meaningful results.
Li Ximing signaled his understanding. Though he was not skilled in tool refinement, with the *Guanxie Divine Ability Fire Forging* in hand, incorporating the essence of Xiang Baiyangshou would not require running off to Jinyu or Hengzhu, saving immense trouble. He smiled and said:
"I hear the Ning clan has a guest elder named Chu Minglian, who also cultivates Li Fire. I have constructed an altar to forge my spirit embryo. When I am away normally, I will also need a master skilled in artifact forging to watch over it."
Ning Wan caught on immediately and said softly, "I will send him over."
Li Ximing expressed his thanks. Rare it was since stepping into the Violet Palace to encounter so many good turns, keeping a constant smile on his face. Crossing the wilderness, Ning Wan and he exchanged jade talismans so they could alert and assist each other at any time, before she departed toward the Salt Lake.
Riding the heavenly light, Li Ximing flew back toward the lake with Cui Jueyin. Below them, the waters were still steeped in joy and praise. Cultivators chatted in small groups, while neighboring minor clans sent emissaries to offer compliments, their eyes full of envy and awe.
People gathered in clusters, and for a time escaping rays flickered across the lake. Li Ximing traversed the Great Void without a sound, alighting beside the high array platform, where he finally had the chance to examine the array disc before him.
*Broad Valley Purple Demeanor Spirit Light.*
Raising his hand lightly, strands and wisps of purple-yellow radiance descended from the sky, mostly no larger than willow leaves, spiraling and converging in his palm. Behind him, Cui Jueyin felt a suffocating pressure wash over him, as though a mere beam of that willow-leaf-sized light could reduce him to ashes.
*Its power is quite decent, carrying a tenacious, entangling quality that flows without end. While it cannot rival the lethal radiance of Mingyang, it still surpasses the vast majority of spell lights. If a Compassionate One were caught off guard and took a hit from this, they would certainly be injured. As for dealing with a Violet Palace... it can only serve to restrain, not to kill.*
*Unfortunately, it is a Violet Palace-level grand array after all. A host of Foundation Establishment cultivators can use the array to hold off other Violet Palace cultivators in my absence, but without the ability to traverse the Great Void, they naturally cannot use this profound light to harm others... It is even a question whether Foundation Establishment cultivators can control this marvel properly.*
The gulf between Violet Palace and Foundation Establishment was like a chasm, difficult to bridge. Li Ximing casually dispersed the light, turned aside, and said:
"Have the Foundation Establishment cultivators on the lake come see me at the Guanxie Terrace."
With that, he dissolved into heavenly light and vanished.
The Guanxie Terrace stood beneath Chengqing Gate, consisting of one main terrace and twelve secondary pavilions. It served as the foundation for the *Guanxie Divine Ability Fire Forging*. Originally a massive undertaking, it had already been completed over recent years, guarded by heavy forces and fortified by arrays, with no one ever having set foot upon it.
Traversing the Great Void, Li Ximing appeared atop the main terrace of the Guanxie Terrace. It was dawn, the chilly wind blowing in gusts as black and red banners on the twelve surrounding pavilions fluttered. In the center of the main terrace stood a heavenly altar. As he strolled upward, he could gaze out at the pavilions upon the distant lake.
*Guanxie Terrace... The name is fitting enough.*
In merely this brief moment, Li Jiangqian and the others had already hurried over, bowing on the terrace with jubilant expressions, chorusing together:
"Greetings, Real Person!"
Li Ximing looked around and counted their numbers. The first to catch his eye was Ding Weizeng, kneeling excitedly at the front. He nodded, then saw Li Quewan, Xia Shouyu, and the others, feeling a wave of emotion.
*We actually have this many Foundation Establishment cultivators under our banner now.*
However, regarding the spirit embryo, forging it a day earlier meant it could be put to use a day sooner. Li Ximing wasted no words and immediately began making arrangements.
The *Guanxie Divine Ability Fire Forging* required twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators, corresponding to the twelve secondary pavilions, divided into staggered groups of six to take turns refining it... Of course, if manpower were plentiful, one could build twenty-four secondary pavilions for even faster refinement.
He immediately began calling names:
"'Jade True' Li Wen and An Siwei; 'True Qi' White Ape; 'Mingyang' Cui Jueyin; 'True Fire' Li Minggong; 'Hengzhu' Ding Weizeng; 'Horn Wood' Sun Bai; 'Hong Fire' Xia Shouyu."
Glancing across them, setting aside the two direct lineage members with talisman seeds who did not need to spend their time here, there were already eight cultivators whose arts did not conflict with Mingyang and would even benefit it. After a moment's consideration, Li Ximing asked:
"How are those two Foundation Establishment cultivators from back then, Wen Yi and Wen Shan, doing now?"
Wen Yi and Wen Shan were East Sea demonic cultivators captured by the Li clan years ago. Li Ximing had suppressed them with his divine ability, locking them away on the western shore to temper magical tools daily with their magic power. Many years had passed since then. Li Jiangqian answered respectfully:
"The two brothers were already exceedingly grateful to have escaped with their lives. Over the years, they have stayed well-behaved and relatively diligent."
"Then transfer them over for now..."
Those two cultivated Suomo Ridge, which was not the best fit, but fortunately they could make up the numbers, bringing the total to ten. Of the remaining two, Qu Bushi was tasked with gathering intelligence in the north, so after weighing his options, Li Ximing could only settle on 'Cold Qi' Fei Qingyi and 'Harmonious Water' Miaoshui.
Although these two were not ideal and their efficacy would not match the others, they would at least round out the twelve. Furthermore, the secret technique warned that aside from the Jueyin variants, Kan Water was also unsuitable for Mingyang, which meant Chen Yang could not be used.
Having received their orders, the Foundation Establishment cultivators settled onto their respective pavilions. Reaching into his sleeve, Li Ximing drew out the Shichuan ruler.
In truth, the Li clan held several treasures. The first was the Jianyang Ring of unknown grade, but because that item had once resonated with the Immortal Mirror, the Li clan had never dared bring it out again, keeping it buried at the bottom of a chest.
The second was the ancient magical device, the Mystic Pattern Bottle, which could adapt and transform according to different lineages. It was extraordinarily marvelous, yet whether it could be forged into a spirit embryo was another question. After all, manifesting different wonders through different magic powers was hardly characteristic of Mingyang. If it were forged but could not be properly nurtured, it would be a laughingstock. Moreover, Li Zhouwei had taken it for his own use, so it was not at home.
Weighing his options, the safest choice, Shichuan, was already an exceptional candidate.
Under his Mingyang divine ability, Shichuan had long been refined. Now releasing a gentle heavenly light, it settled quietly upon the central heavenly altar. Li Ximing flicked his finger.
*Rumble!*
Red and white flashed as bright golden flames mingled with churning Mingyang purple fire, forming a sphere of light upon the altar that blazed so fiercely that Shichuan shone with resplendent brilliance. The twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators channeled their arts simultaneously, and twelve energy channels lit up across the main terrace, stabilizing the flames.
Once the terrace was activated, six of them could wait to rotate in, preventing their forces from being stretched too thin. Using the heavenly light divine ability at his brow to measure the required quantities and timing of Li Fire baleful qi for the next three days, Li Ximing inscribed the details onto a jade slip, handed it down to Li Minggong, and gave instructions:
"I leave this Guanxie Terrace in your care. Among all these people, you cultivate True Fire and have some understanding of artifact forging, so you can gauge the right moments. For replenishing the Li Fire and baleful qi, you will oversee things first."
Once Chu Minglian of the Ning clan arrived, Li Ximing could practically leave it entirely in his hands:
*Although Minggong cultivates True Fire and can attempt artifact forging, her talent is not high. Chu Minglian has shared a bond with our clan for so many years; coming here this time, he might even be able to connect with our lineage...*
Having arranged the matter of the spirit embryo, he rode the light and led Li Jiangqian and the other down toward Mount Zhijing.
Within days, the Li clan had erected a grand array and commenced refining a spirit embryo, displaying a completely refreshed atmosphere. Li Jiangqian hesitated, looking as if he had something to say, but had been delayed by this succession of developments. He bowed first:
"Reporting to the Real Person... This Guanxie Terrace consumes an immense amount of manpower, virtually drawing away all the Foundation Establishment cultivators on the lake... How many years will this refinement take?"
A spirit embryo was not as troublesome or exacting as a spirit tool; after all, once forged, it required constant nurturing to maintain its Violet Palace rank. Li Ximing estimated that even a Violet Palace cultivator without an aligned lineage would take a few decades to finish it, and though of lower quality, it would still be a spirit embryo. Meanwhile, the *Guanxie Divine Ability Fire Forging* was an ancient method; using twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators, it should shorten the time to under eight years.
More importantly, there was the essence of Xiang Baiyangshou given by Kuiqi. Though not yet used, the fact that Kuiqi had specifically mentioned it meant it would likely be of great benefit to the spirit embryo.
As for Li Fire and baleful qi, Mount Zhijing had no shortage of them, supplemented further by a Violet Palace cultivator's True Fire. Li Ximing simply replied:
"Just wait a while; it will take only a few years at most. Retrieve the clan's Mingyang resources for inspection and finish the refinement as soon as possible."
Li Jiangqian assented, while Li Quewan spoke softly:
"Reporting to the Real Person, the boundaries of the sixteen pillars on the islet have been clearly demarcated. With the earth veins shifting, the former spirit fields and spiritual mechanisms have changed completely, rendering the old grotto-dwellings and palace halls unusable. We are currently remeasuring the spirit veins and earth veins to design the palace compounds."
Li Ximing nodded. Li Jiangqian 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 was very pleased to hear this, replying:
"Now that the Suiyuan Pill holds no secrets from our clan and the bloodline of the direct line is steadily improving, their chances of Foundation Establishment are very high. But we must still exercise restraint. In Foundation Establishment, quality matters over quantity. Supporting them is an enormous expenditure. Whether in spiritual mechanisms or resources, every step forward requires vast amounts... especially for those with poor aptitude...
"Our clan holds sixteen estates and two mountains. Mount Zhijing can barely support my cultivation, and even though Mount Milin is vast, combined 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 more worries in his heart. The rapid expansion of the Li clan's strength was not entirely a good thing, as factions and branches were multiplying below. Thus, he said softly:
"Let us wait until those few emerge from seclusion... before discussing it further."
Flicking his sleeve, he asked, "How are things along the riverbank?"
Li Jiangqian answered respectfully, "The shifts have been extraordinarily drastic... First, south of the river, Real Person Zhugong has disappeared, his soul lamp dimming. Muquan Gate was nothing more than a makeshift outfit to begin with, and with this happening all of a sudden, not only are those below arguing among themselves, but even the direct descendants have fallen into conflict. They are almost paralyzed, and the tension among the factions is thick. I hear they are on the verge of coming to blows."
Li Jiangqian had never held high hopes for Muquan Gate. Sure enough, with Real Person Zhugong gone, those below were practically ready to draw their blades against one another.
"As for Duxian Dao... the commanderies and cities under its rule are gripped by panic, spun around in circles by an unknown group. Guan Gongxiao sends letters almost every other day. Now, hearing that our clan has raised a Violet Palace grand array, he has guessed a few things and sent several letters in a row pleading for our clan's assistance."
Li Ximing gave a noncommittal nod and said, "Continue."
"And that Huaihun Palace... its situation is even worse... Earlier, news came that Daoist Heishu had been slain, which was normal enough. But the news I received early this morning says that Daoist Bai... was murdered! Even that legendary Mifan token has vanished without a trace! Although the protectors under his command moved immediately to seal off the news, that sect leaks like a sieve, and in no time everyone far and wide knew of it!
"Daoist Bai died ahead of his time!"
"Indeed... It is said that before his death... his soul was shattered and scattered. It seemed all the magic power and vitality throughout his body were completely drained away, without manifesting the slightest anomaly. Were it not for his fluttering robes and dropped magical tools... the members of Huaihun Palace would have thought he had quietly departed..."
Li Ximing was taken aback, his brow furrowing. "Sigh... Ziyan Gate's stage has been smashed to pieces after all..."
With that, Li Ximing's heart grew uneasy. Ning Wan differed from Tinglan not only in temperament, but also in circumstances. Were he in Ning Wan's shoes, aside from maintaining the situation without crossing the river, he would hardly possess the capability to meddle further.
*As for the True Monarch... who knows what level of cultivation he has reached now... Now that the palace master of Huaihun Palace is dead, who knows upon whom this karma will fall...*
"Has Wang Quwan... sent any news back?"
Li Ximing asked. Li Jiangqian shook his head in silence. Seeing Li Ximing deep in contemplation now that matters had been arranged, Li Jiangqian hurried to add:
"Reporting to the Real Person, there is actually one piece of good news... Earlier on, word came of Father's whereabouts—he had appeared at a market of Ziyan Gate. At that time, we only knew he was safe and sound and residing in the East Sea, which allowed us to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Now, word of your return has reached Zongquan Island, and a reply has come from Zongquan. Father was originally in secluded cultivation in the Zongquan area practicing a secret technique, keeping it confidential. Now that he has emerged from seclusion and heard of your return, he sent a verbal message 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 light up.
"News of him at last!"
Li Zhouwei had not elaborated in the letter, but how could Li Ximing fail to understand what it meant? There was no need for Li Zhouwei to reveal his whereabouts to the family unless he wished to meet Li Ximing before entering seclusion!
The Li clan was not what it used to be. Back then, Xiao Yuansi had to labor bitterly to concoct pills, but now Li Ximing could fully provide Li Zhouwei with all the resources needed to advance his immortal foundation into Ascending Sun! Furthermore, the experience Li Zhouwei had gained from cultivating the secret technique was also an invaluable asset.
Moreover, as the core pillars of the Li clan, they had been out of contact for so many years; they urgently needed to meet.
*I should have suspected it long ago! To him, the East Sea is naturally the safest place, not to mention that Zongquan Island is the territory of that Dragon Son Dingjiao, and our clan has its own island there. It couldn't be better.*
He pondered carefully, feeling a slight concern that Changxiao might intercept him halfway. Though the current Li Ximing was no longer the fledgling Violet Palace cultivator of the past who knew nothing of combat, a man like Changxiao would certainly not underestimate him.
*If I simply use the Immortal Mirror to scout ahead, no matter how immense Changxiao's divine abilities are or how precisely he calculates, he can forget about ambushing me on the way!*
Without hesitation, Li Ximing produced another jade talisman, placed it into Li Jiangqian's hand, and said in a heavy voice:
"I ought to have met with the clansmen to celebrate the completion of this Violet Palace array, but this matter is urgent. I will make a trip to the East Sea immediately. Traversing the Great Void is swift; I will be back before long. If anything happens, just crush this jade talisman to notify me!"
Chapter 898