Beholding Guan

Qingchi Peak. The night was deep, enveloped in swirling clouds and mist, while chilly breezes blew softly. The dark green shadows of pines and cypresses swayed upon the stone steps. A man clad in brownish-yellow robes hurried forward, making his way all the way to the summit, where a fairy in fluttering white robes stood embracing a sword. "Greetings, Master!" Although the man's cultivation was high, his foundation appeared somewhat unsteady, as though he had only recently broken through. Lifting the hem of his robes, he stepped forward and bowed. Ning Wan turned her face slightly and murmured, "Wuning, you have arrived." This person was none other than Lin Wuning, who currently occupied an exalted position and was at the height of his power within Qingchi! Although Lin Wuning came from a prominent background—both of his parents had been Foundation Establishment cultivators, making him the son of a peak master—in the Qingchi of the past, he had hardly counted among the top tier. His parents had both originated as rogue cultivators, ranking outside even the top ten beneath the Four Great Surnames. He himself could scarcely be considered any great talent either, having merely cultivated on Yuehu Peak. Yet who could have foreseen that when the wind battered the forest, within just a few years, batch after batch of cultivators in the Qingchi Sect would perish, one after another falling? Of the Four Great Surnames, some were dead and others in hiding. Lin Wuning, riding the coattails of Ning Wan's rise and possessing an unblemished background, had unexpectedly ended up in charge of a magnificent immortal sect despite being such a mediocre figure! Lin Wuning bowed once more, then rose and stood respectfully at her side. Ning Wan kept her gaze fixed on the billowing clouds below, shifting amidst the shades of night. When a gale swept past, it could only lightly flutter the strands of her hair. Back when Chi Wei broke through, beginning at dusk and concluding at dawn, it had been a cold, moonlit night just like this, except that standing beside her then had been Chi Zhiyun. She waited for a long time before asking, "Is there news?" Lin Wuning replied in a low voice, "The investigation is clear. That person is named Yang Zhuo, a figure who appeared out of nowhere. He has always acted as a chivalrous rogue in Simin and is said to possess extraordinary strength. This time, unable to stomach the formation-guarding cultivator bullying commoners, he struck the man dead and left." Ning Wan remained silent for a long time before answering, "Another named Yang." Having said this, she tapped the spiritual sword in her hand with a touch of irritation, then asked, "What lineage does he cultivate?" Lin Wuning lowered his head slightly. "Suspected to be one of the Twelve Qi—a lineage such as Purple Qi, True Qi, or Pure Qi." Ning Wan exhaled and continued, "Regarding Ziyan Gate's affairs in the East Sea... there has been another change. It is already the second tremor of the earth veins. Changxiao Gate has sealed its mountain, yet Hengzhu Dao has made no sound at all. There must be an upheaval... Send someone to Ziyan to inquire about matters of assistance." "Understood..." Lin Wuning looked up again and whispered, "Earlier, word arrived from Chijiao Island, expressing the hope that Master could make a trip... Real Person Tianwan... hopes to meet with Master." Tianwan's divine ability was formidable; she was a grand true master of the Cold Qi path and a senior of hers. To make such an inquiry was already showing her immense face. Yet this Fairy of Autumn Lake looked troubled, answering reluctantly: "Just reply to her that I sustained injuries in the north that have yet to heal. Once my wounds recover, I will surely visit the island in person." The Ning family had no major enmity with Chijiao Island. In truth, the only peak in Qingchi that bore a blood feud with Chijiao Island was Yuanwu Peak, which now existed in name only—not only did it lack a Violet Palace, but even its lineage transmission had been severed... Yet an unprovoked show of kindness rarely harbored good intentions. Ning Wan's vigilance grew even sharper: *Either it concerns Li Quantao, or they are plotting to forcibly open the mountain gates of Xueji. In any case, it is trouble... In such turbulent times, delay as long as possible...* As she fell into prolonged silence, a figure came up from the foot of the mountain draped in a black robe. Holding a jade box in both hands, he quietly approached, knelt upon the ground, and said respectfully, "Reporting to Real Person, the items have been retrieved." When he raised his head, the cold moonlight revealed sharp features tinged with a faint sinister cast—it was none other than Li Yuanqin, who had long vanished from sight. Raising the jade box with both hands, he reported respectfully, "Following clues and searching for key figures, I tracked the trail all the way to Chi Xuxiao, the last head of the Chi family, and located the posthumous letters left by his confidants from those years. Only then was I able to recover the items." "Based on inferences from the clues and the fragmentary words in the letters, I have gradually pieced together what happened..." Ning Wan naturally acknowledged Li Yuanqin's methods and nodded, gesturing for him to continue. "From his youth, this person bore a reputation for intellect. Back when Qingchi was in total turmoil and everyone was waiting for Si Yuanli to return, he actually snuck silently into the main hall. Using his father Chi Zhiyan's secret seal and a passage beneath the hall, he entered that secret chamber at the very first opportunity. "It was precisely he who took away the *Mingning Moon-Beholding Incantation* and the *Taiyin Breathing and Qi Refining Formula*, as well as the *Glazed Mind Art Book*... Coming out of the secret chamber, he crossed the mountain all the way down, stored the items in a jade box capable of concealing its aura, buried it right into the mountain rock, and only then returned to his courtyard." At this point, Lin Wuning silently closed his eyes as the face of that young sect master from back then surfaced in his mind. He uttered not a word, merely lowering his head even further. Ning Wan's expression grew somber. "I knew of him. It seems Chi Zhiyan must have mentioned it to him in secret, yet the child's decisiveness was truly beyond the ordinary!" Li Yuanqin said in a low voice, "He made arrangements early on, but unfortunately he was closely watched on all sides afterward and never dared to touch that box. Chi Fupo never imagined that a mere child could pull off such a feat; he only thought that whatever was left in the secret chamber wasn't precious enough, or perhaps Chi Zhiyun had hidden it away, so suspicion never fell upon the boy..." At this point, he paused, as if finding it almost incredible, and whispered, "It is said that while he feared his younger uncle would usurp his position, he was even more terrified that the jade box would be lost to history. Yet knowing that handing over the box would seal his death, he secretly instructed the dormant confidants left behind by his father: if one day he were harmed by his younger uncle, they were to dig up this jade box and present it to that very uncle, ensuring these things still remained in the hands of the Chi family." "Oh?" Ning Wan furrowed her brows. Li Yuanqin continued, "Later came the Reef Sea Incident. When word returned, the main hall was surrounded, the peaks were locked down, and flight and magic were banned. Qin Xian held a long halberd, hesitating three times before entering the hall. Seeing him, the boy cried out, 'Is it my younger uncle who harms me?!' The shout rattled the doors and windows, extinguishing every candle. Qin Xian pierced his chest with the halberd, ending his life on the spot." When the Si family carried out such deeds, they had naturally dragged the Ning family along. Lin Wuning had been present at the time and remembered it clearly; he could not help shutting his eyes tight. Li Yuanqin continued, "Thinking about it now, he truly believed Chi Fupo was out to harm him, so he had secretly signaled his confidants... But perhaps it was precisely those words that left the confidant bewildered. In the end, it was passed into the hands of the surviving Chi family members. After all these years, the flaw was finally exposed, and we managed to retrieve it." Ning Wan gazed quietly at the jade box before her, a trace of bewilderment appearing in her eyes. "He was only a twelve-year-old child back then... Possessing such cunning, and at twelve already reaching the second layer of Qi Refinement. Had these two generations of the Chi clan not been severed, their brilliance today would surely have been unprecedented and unrepeatable." She hesitated, her soft, lovely eyes showing a few hints of unease and regret. Recalling how Ning Heyuan had acted so arrogant and conceited during his duel with Li Qinghong at the Li residence, she had once scolded him. Little did she expect that Ning Heyuan would eventually fall, and that the progression of all things would turn out even more wretched than she had imagined. Lost in thought as memories of recent years rushed through her mind, she could only sigh lamentingly, "Countless are the world's talents, yet so often they fall just as they begin to rise!" Neither man spoke. Having received her reply, Lin Wuning quickly withdrew. Ning Wan took the jade box and inspected it closely. Inside indeed lay three small, pale green jade slips—none larger than a fist—and a two-finger-wide piece of white jade stone. Sweeping it with her spiritual sense, her awareness sank inside. *The Mingning Moon-Beholding Incantation and the Glazed Mind Art Book...* These two were supreme arts, yet unfortunately they were restricted; only those of the Three Yins path could cultivate them. Not to mention the manifold rare treasures consumed in their practice, and the exceedingly high natural talent required. Ning Wan felt a quiet twinge of regret, yet still stored them away with joy, finally shifting her gaze onto the piece of jade stone. *The legendary Taiyin Breathing and Qi Refining Formula.* Ning Wan was not unfamiliar with this name. Real Person Yuan Su knew far more, and had passed down a great deal to her. She had heard that this art was a top-tier Qi refining method of the Taiyin path; cultivating it all the way to Foundation Establishment would bring about "Rite Facing the Shadow." *Rumor has it that this art is even more profound than the Xiuyue lineage's Form Traversing the Paths. Once the divine ability is achieved, while the true body remains in seclusion within the cave dwelling, it can instantly manifest an Avatar of Divided Bearing to walk the mortal world. Unlike the phantom body of Form Traversing the Paths, which has a fixed cultivation base and free spiritual sense, Li Jiangqun's Avatar of Divided Bearing was a lunar-glass body that cultivated entirely from scratch... Though restricted in spiritual sense and cultivation speed, it was extraordinarily formidable!* Ning Wan gazed quietly at the *Taiyin Breathing and Qi Refining Formula* in her hand, feeling boundless envy and sighing inwardly: "What a pity that no one can use this thing. Not only is it unreadable and uncopyable to anyone who isn't a wielder of great divine abilities, but even if obtained, it cannot be cultivated. Rumor has it that it must be founded upon the Six Wheels of Taiyin, achieved by consuming both Taiyin Moon Splendor and Qingyin Mother Medicine while cultivating a special cultivation method... Who knows what manner of karmic blessing would be needed to cultivate it..." Ning Wan stood in the wind for a while. Truly powerless to do anything with this jade stone, she returned it to the box, finally letting her slightly puzzled gaze fall upon the last jade slip. *The Qili Formula.* She slowly closed her eyes and read it with care. Turning her hand, she made her way into her cave dwelling, looking somewhat hesitant. The aura of Lushui rushed toward her face, yet she bypassed this spot, following the direction faced by the highest central throne of Qingchi all the way deep into the cavern, where she found a deep pool tucked away in a corner. Though it was a deep pool, the water was exceptionally clear and bright, sitting directly beneath a stone cliff. Turning around from here, one could see the Lukui Pool, the six sapphire jade thrones above it, and their six reflections in the water—in particular, that tall master seat directly overlooked the deep pool. Ning Wan gave it a deep, intent look, then lightly formed a hand seal. Patterns instantly lit up upon the stone wall inside the cave dwelling, extending like silver-white vines growing across the rock, spreading out freely and casting down a sheet of silver radiance that illuminated the clear pool even more brightly. After a quarter of an hour, a reflection slowly emerged from the pitch-black pool waters—brilliant, dazzling silver-white. White branches bearing slender leaves spread continuously, casting a clear, gentle moonlight that shone upon the woman's face. Glistening silver upon the branches hung a gentle, warm bead of white light, resembling a miniature moon. Ning Wan reached out her slender hand, palm upturned as if supporting something, without any perceptible movement. Then the reflection in the pool gradually dimmed, and a glint of shining silver materialized out of thin air, falling abruptly into her hand, supported and floating unstably within her Cold Qi divine ability. *The Moon-Bright Glazed Tree! The Violet Palace spirit root has borne fruit!* With a complicated expression, she stared quietly at the priceless fruit in her palm—a treasure that even Violet Palace masters would fiercely contest—at a loss for words for a moment. From Ning Wan's perspective, such a fruit was of immense help to perfecting her current divine ability, and if she preserved it until nurturing her next divine ability, it would also possess the miraculous effect of aiding its completion... That the Chi family had produced Violet Palace masters in succession over so many years and attained divine abilities with such ease had not been without cause! The Moon-Bright Glazed Tree was one of those reasons! Back then, Chi Zhiyun, when entering seclusion to break through, had likewise consumed this item; had the two youths not opened the gates to kill him, he too would likely have had his divine ability within reach! The demonic reputation of Qingchi was nothing new; at least since the generation of Chi Rui, Qingchi's methods had hardly been aboveboard. The Three Yuans had each been ruthless in their methods, and overbearing acts were common in their early years. Influenced by their words and deeds, Ning Wan was by no means pedantic or squeamish, nor were her methods necessarily gentle; so long as it was beneficial, she was not one to be overly constrained by qualms. Yet it just so happened that the Moon-Bright Glazed Tree was rumored to have been planted from the flesh, bones, and blood of Li Jiangqun's dharma body. Li Jiangqun was a bosom friend of her senior, Real Person Yuan Su, and back then, Yuan Su had explicitly stood on Li Jiangqun's side. As Yuan Su's sole inheritor, Ning Wan knew even more: *I heard the clan elders mention that in his early years, the Master's actions were even more extreme than those of Yuanwu and Yuanxiu. Yuanxiu was actually the one among the three who adhered closest to the righteous path; only after spending much time with Li Jiangqun did the Master's temperament and conduct gradually improve...* Yet facing such a spiritual treasure, how could Ning Wan accept it lightly? She could only take out a jade box from her robes, carefully store it away, and sigh inwardly, turning her head with her gaze lowered. Yet that very turn, that single lowering of her eyes, caused a chill to surge straight from her heart to her brows, nearly making her burst into action on the spot! Turning around from this vantage, one could look upon that extraordinarily majestic, imposing throne at the highest point. Upon that throne—which had forever been vacant, forever cold—at some unknown moment, there now sat a man clad in green robes. The man reclined half-slanted against the seat. Slender and tall, he appeared exceptionally languid. His countenance bore an air of demonic malice; in particular, the outer corners of his eyes were narrow and long, reminiscent of a serpent or flood dragon. His blue-black hair was held by a hairpin resembling green jade, revealing an elegant, sleek profile. He wore the green robes of a Qingchi Sect Violet Palace master, and at his waist hung the golden tassel symbolizing status, swaying gently in the wind. His expression was full of interest as he pressed his lips into a smile. His eyes were a hue of blue-purple, lazily and casually staring down at the lingering silver radiance on the wall below that had yet to fade. *When did he enter?! How long has he been here?! Why did I not detect a single thing?! Even when my spiritual sense swept past, why did it register as completely empty?!* Ning Wan's mind went blank for an instant before a name finally surfaced, syllable by syllable: *Sui Guan.* It felt like an instant, yet also as though an eternity had passed. Ning Wan parted her bloodless lips, terrified and shaken to the core, and spoke in a pale, feeble voice, "Junior greets Senior Sui Guan." Having spoken, she finally lowered her head and bowed quietly, composing her expression as her gaze fell low and weightlessly upon the Lukui Pool before her. The azure surface of the Lukui Pool remained serene, reflecting the immortal throne above glowing with the blue-black patterns of Lushui—completely devoid of anyone. *The Lukui Pool cannot reflect him.* Her voice was like a kite with a severed string, wavering feebly in the air. The man seated above, however, continued to gaze at the wall. After pausing for several breaths, he finally turned his gaze toward her casually, looking down from on high as he spoke: "Oh? Si Boxiu is dead too."