Arriving on this territory, Minghui acted as if he were the master of the place. Waving his hand with a smile, he said, "No need to trouble him. Let him see to his own affairs; we are merely borrowing his hall for a moment!"
The disciple did not dare say more and withdrew at his wave. Minghui then lowered his head, drew out a set of tea implements from a casket beneath the jade table, and channeled water and fire to brew the tea. He smiled as he spoke:
"It has truly been exhausting for you, Fellow Daoist. Day after day, pulled along by the Taiyang lineage to run their errands... without even the leisure for quiet cultivation. It seems traveling freely as a roaming wanderer makes for far more pleasant days.
"Taiyang is so domineering... As long as any Violet Palace emerges who shares even the slightest tie with them, they want to recruit them all, every single one. Chen Yin was one; Kuang Yu back then was another. In all these years, only Xiao Chuting managed to extract himself unscathed. Even Tu Longjian... only escaped after carving off his own flesh to feed their fill."
Li Ximing had not expected the monk to speak with such pointed undertones, launching straight into a critique of the Taiyang lineage. He cast an extra glance at him, waited for his cup to be filled, and said softly, "We received their shelter in our earlier days. It is merely a defensive alliance."
"Shelter..."
Minghui smiled without answering, holding back harsher words. Inwardly, he mused:
*When this grand figure plays his pieces, there is no telling which faction he truly belongs to. Since he is of the Mingyang Wei-Li, he is bound to be at odds with Luoxia. But could his ties with the Taiyang lineage truly be any better?*
He took a sip of tea, feeling a touch apprehensive. Just then, a Real Person clad in a shallow-collared white soft armor and a white-feathered black-patterned robe hurried in from outside the hall. Li Ximing turned and clasped his hands. Real Person Changyun returned the courtesy and took a seat in the hall, saying, "Zhaojing, it has been too long."
Only then did he look toward Minghui. Seeing his attire, he could not help but frown. "You have grown fond of this skin in recent years. Seeing you like this, anyone who didn't know better would take you for some Daoist Real Person!"
Minghui had long since disguised himself as a Daoist, now presenting an image of transcendent poise. He chuckled. "I learned the Wondrous Art of Spiritual Transformation from my master, so I must practice it after all."
As the two chatted, Li Ximing noticed Changyun's hurried demeanor and flickering divine abilities. He even appeared somewhat languid. Although there were no visible wounds on his dharma body and his expression remained calm, the disorder in his divine abilities could not be hidden.
*This Real Person Changyun is also wounded... It seems he has not had an easy time of late either...*
Among the various lineages in Jiangbei, the northernmost was Chengyun Gate. By rights, his pressure should not have been great. After all, Changyun's amity with Lotus Temple was common knowledge. The nearby Mount Xiuyue had closed its gates, and the Jingbo Gao clan had no intention of marching south... As long as Mount Tangdao was not lost, virtually no one could threaten him.
Yet his state was clearly uneasy, perhaps having suffered from some Buddhist calculation while vying for the Wang clan. But seeing Li Ximing, he remained courteous. Minghui, seated between the two, was not surprised either. He merely remarked, "Ah... best have someone look at it."
Changyun himself did not seem worried. Waving his hand, he sighed. "Zhaojing has had enough trouble of late. Once the north moved, it brought misery to those of us bordering Jiangbei. Chengyun Gate is the fruit of my own painstaking efforts and cannot be abandoned. Otherwise, I would have followed Ye Gui's example and left.
"I heard from Minghui that he still seeks that kasaya, and merely invited me to serve as a witness."
Li Ximing was not Su Mian; he possessed no healing divine abilities. Unless the other party disclosed the nature of the injury so he could concoct pills, there was little he could do. He was in no rush at the moment, and after a brief pause, he voiced the matter he had contemplated for a long time:
"Gathering dust in my hands serves this kasaya no purpose. The north is vast; if it can be traded for some spiritual resources, that would naturally be marvelous."
Minghui pressed his palms together and smiled. "Naturally. My master is advanced in years and has met many figures of the immortal path. He has also studied the Path of Violet Palace and Golden Core, and among the Seven Aspects, his mastery of wondrous arts ranks near the very top. If Fellow Daoist has any needs in this regard, feel free to speak."
What Li Ximing lacked least were cultivation methods and spell techniques, so why would he ask for those? However, though the Luminous Glaze Kasaya was fine, it fell far short of items like Zhelu's Threefold Retribution Lotus of Mortal Descent. Trading it for a full Violet Palace spiritual object was naturally out of the question. Nursing a sliver of hope, Li Ximing tentatively asked:
"If there were a Violet Palace-grade spirit flame... that would naturally be best."
At these words, Changyun shook his head slightly. Minghui took in his expression, hesitated for a moment, and answered, "Violet Palace spirit flames are exceedingly rare and much favored by us Buddhist cultivators. They are often collected by our brethren, consecrated into the Buddhist lands, and refined into arts or precious artifacts. Even if a few remain outside, they are held by the Mohe, making them exceedingly difficult to obtain."
Changyun paused slightly, then added, "In truth, whether spiritual objects or spirit flames, once they fall into the hands of a Lianmin, all must be handed upward. They can never be kept privately. Only lesser spiritual resources can occasionally have scraps retained in hand."
*Tsk...*
Li Ximing nodded, preparing to change the subject, when Minghui gently rotated his teacup and murmured, "It is not entirely impossible... I know a few avenues. Only... a single Luminous Glaze Kasaya will not suffice."
Hearing this, Li Ximing nodded at once and answered, "That is no problem. If Fellow Daoist can find a lead and there is an opportunity to trade, my Lake Wangyue will never be stingy."
Minghui replied, "If you could offer a treasure on the level of the Kongxi Demon-Subduing Bowl, I would be confident in securing it for you. And if it could match the Threefold Retribution Lotus of Mortal Descent, I would even have to compensate you with extra goods..."
"Very well!"
Though pleased, Li Ximing did not entirely trust him. He did not bring out the Luminous Glaze Kasaya ahead of time, settling the matter only in words, which left Minghui looking somewhat reluctant.
Changyun watched from the side for a long while, seemingly deliberating, before saying, "Regarding Wang Quwan... Zhaojing was nowhere to be found at that time. A crowd vied for her, and fortunately she fell into my hands rather than being seized by the north. I only feel I have wronged you, Zhaojing."
"What does that matter!"
Li Ximing displayed an easygoing, magnanimous demeanor, laughing. "Everyone thought I would go to the Wang clan. Fearing northern schemes, I took the contrary path and went to Bai Yinzi instead. There is no talk of offense here. I must congratulate Fellow Daoist on a double blessing."
Changyun offered a smile, though there was little warmth behind it. Deep in contemplation, he clasped his hands. "I have long known Fellow Daoist to be broad-minded. When time permits, I will certainly visit your lake. As you can see, I still have injuries, and we should discuss medicinal pills."
With the conversation reaching this point, even though Minghui shared a good relationship with him, it was no longer appropriate for the monk to listen. Minghui gave a salute, smiled at Li Ximing, and took his leave.
Changyun saw him out of the pavilion, then returned to the table. His expression grew markedly solemn as he whispered, "Though I have sustained some injuries, due to my lineage, I possess few pill formulas. I hope Fellow Daoist can use your own judgment to concoct some pills to repair my depletion and heal my divine abilities."
Li Ximing nodded gently. This was no difficult task; he could refine it using the Xuanque Heart Medicine. It hardly even counted as a transaction, merely a favor. The other party's meaning was clear: his own divine abilities likely could not refine pills, which was why he sought Li Ximing's aid.
He then said solemnly, "No matter. Mutual aid is only right. I have time in the coming days, and I will tailor the refinement accordingly... May I ask Fellow Daoist's lineage..."
Changyun whispered, "'Geng Metal.'"
Li Ximing smiled and nodded, while Changyun felt a quiet relief settle in his chest.
*Minghui provided a fine pretext. Although pills bestowed by the sect are unavoidable, they would inevitably draw suspicion from discerning eyes. Having Li Ximing here covers much of the trail... Even if I consume something superior once or twice and heal quickly, it will not arouse suspicion.*
***
Qinling Temple.
Qinling Temple lay very close to the border between the north and the south. Today, it was not under the jurisdiction of any Buddhist land, referring to itself merely as the Qinling lineage. Relying on the shelter of Wrath and an inheritance of colored light, it had cleverly attained the Lianmin realm, possessing somewhat the flavor of a miniature Buddhist land in its heyday.
Now fallen into decline, the temple was small, bleak, and desolate. Although the newly ascended Lianmin Liaokong had rebuilt a corner, most of it remained the ruins left from past years, completely deserted save for the clamor of roosting birds.
*Tap, tap...*
A man strolled into the courtyard. He wore ordinary attire of raven-black and charcoal, a Daoist cap upon his head, and at his waist hung a small gourd and six small short swords. His long face and phoenix eyes carried an innate elegance and poise that drew sighs of admiration.
Yet his actions were like those of a mortal. He gently righted a chipped stone table in the courtyard, pulled up the stone stools, and softly brushed away the windblown sand. Only then did he draw a stone flagon and two small cups from his sleeve.
The flagon had a plain exterior, but spiritual brilliance was concealed within. As it was set upon the table, the murmur of water echoed softly.
The night deepened. Distant mountain ranges lay dormant under the heavy moonlight, as though hidden within dark mist. After the middle-aged man waited for a time, the sound of footsteps arose. The crumbling stone steps gave off a faint crunch of gravel.
A tall, lean sword cultivator entered from outside. His robes were patterned in black and white, his beard and hair neatly combed. At his waist hung a gourd identical to the one worn by the middle-aged man.
This was none other than the Great Real Person of Great Xiukui Abbey—Louxing.
In the deep chill of autumn, fallen leaves drifted down. The sword cultivator took a seat by the table without a word. The middle-aged man did not speak either, silently raising the flagon to pour the wine.
"Not having seen you for so many years, Fellow Daoist's sword dao has grown ever more profound."
Louxing did not answer. Beneath his full, sharp brow bones, his eyes gleamed brightly. He said faintly, "Seeing Fellow Daoist Xue in this state, you have perfected your life and nature. This is no longer your first lifetime, is it?"
The man before him was precisely Great Real Person Xue Yang of Mount Luoxia. His divine abilities were consummate, yet like deep, still waters, nothing leaked outward. Hearing the other's words, he drained his cup, narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly, and rose to his feet.
"Indeed. Over two hundred years ago, when my five arts reached completion, I perfected my life and nature to devote myself to wondrous arts. I originally held the opportunity to vie for the remaining seat of the Rainbow Glow...
"Yet upon paying respects to my master and undergoing his assessment, my cultivation proved too shallow in the end, perhaps unworthy of the seat. He instructed me to wash away my divine abilities and reincarnate. It took many years to recover myself, but having reforged the five arts, I traveled the familiar path to reach my current standing."
Louxing listened quietly, his gaze fixed on him, and said indifferently, "The upper sect is ever considerate of its own... I faintly recall that when I was the Daozi of Xiukui, my master shared some jesting remarks, flowing on and on. Regrettably, dull-witted as I am, I remember only the final lines."
Xue Yang did not answer, merely pouring wine into his own cup with a placid expression. Louxing stood up, a smile touching his face as he downed his wine, speaking bluntly:
"He said that when ancient texts wrote, *'Treasured aspects lie wasted, fat enriching fertile loam; Geng Yuan yet dares to steal the merit of Gold,'* it was already cause for endless lament. Yet I see that it no longer applies today. Later generations should write: *'Xuanqu permits no green sheep to cross, yet forces monarchs to revere martial cultivators.'*"
Hearing this, Xue Yang set down his cup, took a step forward, and shook his head. "That is entirely unnecessary!"
The atmosphere between the two tightened abruptly. The Great Real Person of Mount Luoxia knitted his brows tightly, staring at Real Person Louxing. The sword cultivator opposite gave no ground, meeting his gaze squarely as he said coldly:
"The multitudes under heaven, from north to south, are treated like meat upon the butcher's block! Flattering, prostrating upon the bare earth, dragons and simurghs driven into hiding, all aspects submitting to commands, none daring to disobey! As mighty as Emperor Wei, dying like a herdsman among the furrows; as noble as the King of Liang, drowned upon the waters of the Jiang and Huai! As for Qi and Zhao, they were reduced to mere playthings and concubines for others! Is this still not enough?!
"The illustrious immortal progeny of Tianwu abruptly annihilated! The blazing majesty of Zhongxia handed over to barbarians! Hetian and Yinzhou lie far beyond reach, so a single mountain settles the ocean's depths, while the North Sea's azure cliffs stretch long, encircled by five gates kept under siege...
"In this world... is there still any place you people dare not touch?!"
Louxing's expression was icy, glaring back at the Great Real Person before him, his voice low and gritted through clenched teeth: "Is it still not enough? Just how far must it go to be enough?!"
"You..."
Xue Yang looked at him quietly, seemingly unmoved by his outburst. Resting one hand upon the jade cup, he murmured, "The backbone of Jiangnan was exhausted with Li Jiangqun's generation. Once you, Louxing, are gone as well, will there remain a single person in Jiangnan worthy of being called an inheritor of Taiyang? You believe my Luoxia shows no mercy, but at times... you people are simply too obstinate. The shifts of the world are the choice of the world's people. As for the changing of fruit positions and the race to attain proof, that is merely an inevitability of the immortal path. How can there be any ground to condemn it?"
"There is no need to speak of Li Jiangqun!"
Louxing snapped his sleeves and turned his back on him, his voice cold. "Though he and I walked different paths, he was a true gentleman. Yet now matters have become clear. As for the remaining Zimu, I wonder whether he simply avoids mortal dust, or whether he is kept to make you appear merciful."
Xue Yang finally let out a sigh. The six short swords at his waist swayed slightly as he said, "Remaining untouched by mortal dust is the true immortal path."
The black-and-white robes upon Real Person Louxing stirred without wind, and the gourd at his waist hummed. From empty air, a sword slowly coalesced into his grip.
The sword shone silvery white, completely free of any external luster, as though newly forged. Measuring two feet, nine inches, and three-tenths, its short hilt rested in the sword immortal's grasp. Amid all its plain hues, only a single dot of vermilion stood out, perfectly centered upon the spine of the blade.
Wild winds began to howl, sweeping up gravel and stones amid the rustling chill of autumn. The six short swords at Xue Yang's waist vanished simultaneously, and six majestic pillars of colored light surged into the sky, gathering behind him. Each stretched three feet in length, their hilts aligned and their pointed tips turned outward, hovering behind him like an unfolded screen.
The Great Real Person of Mount Luoxia finally spoke with a touch of melancholy in his tone: "Back then, we shared wine and joyous conversation. Never did I imagine you would die by my hand."
The sword immortal before him seemed to hear nothing. Unfastening the gourd from his waist, he set it lightly upon the stone table. A crisp chime rang out, like emerald jade beads colliding, pure and melodious.
Before the ring faded, the six pillars of colored light erupted skyward, completely scattering the howling autumn wind, piercing straight into the clouds and vanishing into the pitch-black night, leaving six vibrant trails of tail-flames dancing across the heavens.
In the night sky, they resembled six color-feathered dragons, churning the clouds and mists into roiling billows. Thunder began to rumble, and in the blink of an eye, the six colossal forces gathered immense momentum, plummeting downward from the heights of heaven.
Xue Yang hovered in the night sky, layers of colored light rippling behind his head. His eyes shone as bright as stars, profound as a deity's. Parting his vermilion lips, a deep, resonant rumble of authority rippled through heaven and earth:
"I will certainly not underestimate you!"
On the ground, Louxing raised his head. Dark clouds tumbled overhead, where six colored blades converged upon him. Watching the colors expand in his pupils, his hand remained firmly pressed against the sword hilt.
*Clang!*
A surge of white light welled up violently from the ground, rippling outward. Whether bluestone or broken arrays, every last crumbling wall and ruined pillar shattered, dissolving into an endless gale of gray dust that swept in all directions. The Great Void resonated in kind, ringing out with a piercing, deafening clash.
Chapter 899