Senior Brother

Jiutian Pavilion. Wind rose and clouds stirred within the pavilion. Bells hanging beside the racks chimed crisply amid the clamor of roughhousing. First came the metallic ring of swords, followed by surges of azure clouds intertwining and colliding to the whistling of the wind. In the center of this loft sat a man in silver robes draped in a red cloak. His hands formed seals over his sea of qi as he quietly regulated his breathing. Hearing the wind rise, he lifted his handsome, round face and asked, "What is all that commotion?" From outside the door came a shout, "The martial brothers are horsing around outside!" Quan Yuduan chuckled and hopped down from his seat. Pushing the door open, he laughed as he said, "The Master went to the East Sea for closed-door cultivation, and look at them—roughhousing already! Early in the morning, disturbing honest cultivation!" The moment the doors swung open, he saw a black-robed cultivator sitting on the steps before the hall. Hearing the noise, the man turned his head, shook out his robes, and stood up, saying with a touch of helplessness, "Lately, one has been in the north and the other in the south, not to mention their occasional trips to the East Sea. They haven't seen each other in quite some time... Whether they've improved or slacked off, they always have to spar to find out." "True enough!" Quan Yuduan laughed heartily. Walking out into the courtyard, he bounded up the steps in two strides and said, "Uncle Wushao, it's rare to see you! How has Zhouluo been doing these past couple of years?" Li Wushao crossed his arms, offering a rare smile. "Just cultivating, nothing more. Yunqing wanted a handy spell, and I needed to work on footwork techniques, so it made sense to pay a visit to Jiutian Pavilion... There's a rich collection here, after all. Your master accumulated plenty of merit credits, and with his status as a guest elder of Qingchi, we might as well make use of them." Following Li Xizhi all these years had brought Li Wushao countless benefits. Whether fine spiritual materials or spiritual pills casually tossed his way, they were fortunes an ordinary demon might not amass in one or two centuries. Quietly and without fanfare, he had built a solid foundation and reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. On top of that, the Taiyin Moon Splendor from earlier years, combined with numerous spiritual resources, had been converted through the *Liuyan Destiny-Matching Extraordinary Method* into the wonders of the Qingxuan path to nourish and temper him repeatedly, rendering his bloodline increasingly pure. It had not been obvious in his early days, but as his cultivation neared consummation, its formidable power had become ever more pronounced. However, he rarely fought, having silently protected Li Xizhi's junior kin for all these years. While Quan Yuduan could tell his magic power was profound, he could not gauge his true strength, silently pondering: *Though Uncle Wushao came from ordinary stock, looking at him now, I doubt even an ordinary Qingchi Sect disciple could beat him...* For a demon beast, this was already immense praise. To possess no noble heritage yet stand shoulder-to-shoulder with disciples of an immortal sect—such creatures were scarce enough to count on one's fingers in Jiangnan. Looking into the courtyard now, Zhao Junwei, clutching a frosty blade, was locked in an exhilarating battle with their youngest junior brother, Si Xunhui. Sword light and spells intertwined, casting flickering shadows across the yard. Though Quan Yuduan was the Eldest Senior Brother, his temperament fell short of Zhao Junwei's, and his background could not hold a candle to Little Junior Brother Si Xunhui's. Seeing the two's swordsmanship and cultivation now, he felt a twinge of shame and silently lowered his head. While Zhao Junwei's character and perseverance were most recognized by Li Xizhi, Si Xunhui was no slacker in temperament either and just as diligent. Backed by the immense resources of a prominent clan, he naturally held an advantage Zhao Junwei could not match. After sparring for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Zhao Junwei yielded with a sigh, "Little Junior Brother's spells... truly live up to Master's renowned name!" Si Xunhui promptly stayed his hand and shook his head. "I cannot be compared to Master! When he was at my stage of cultivation... he was already fighting on the river. The world did not yet know of his brilliance... That is the true path of keeping a low profile to safeguard one's fortune." The martial brothers sat in the hall and chatted warmly. Zhao Junwei chose to speak of matters in the East Sea, saying, "On my way back from the Reef Sea, I heard about an extraordinary event. People from Chijiao Island and Tinglei Island got into a massive brawl nearby over some treasure... It caused such a stir that dragonkind had to intervene and mediate. No one knows who ended up with the treasure... but an important direct descendant of Tinglei Island seems to have died in that battle. In any case, all pretenses have been shed between them." Neither faction was good, so the other two took it as pure entertainment and welcomed the news. Quan Yuduan, however, signaled for them to look over and said solemnly, "I, on the other hand, have some news to share." The two looked at him together, and Quan Yuduan lowered his voice, "Do you remember the Peak Master of Qingsui Peak?" "Of course!" While the name was less familiar to Si Xunhui, Quan Yuduan and Zhao Junwei could never forget Yuan Chengzhao. How could they forget a martial uncle who had repeatedly tried to harm their master? Quan Yuduan gave a cold scoff and answered, "We only saw that he had gone quiet these past few years, secluding himself day after day, not even stirring when the Yuan family fell into utter chaos... Yet just a few days ago, Qin Xian seems to have received some wind of it. He sent people to adjust the formations, only to discover that no one had entered or left that cave estate for years... Even the cultivation resources delivered to him had gone untouched." "Oh?" The two showed slight changes in expression. Quan Yuduan sneered, "Fearing something had happened to him, Qin Xian ordered the cave estate doors urgently unsealed, only to find it completely empty!" "It seems he quietly locked his cave estate and slipped away to wander to the ends of the earth who knows how long ago!" There was much to say about this. With Si Boxiu dead, Yuan Chengzhao naturally had reason to be terrified... Even though Li Xizhi had said their past grudges were settled, Yuan Chengzhao had offended an immortal clan; how could he ever sleep peacefully? Listening to this, Li Wushao wore a mocking smile and silently turned around, thinking to himself: *With Qin Xian and his lot watching, the Si family still wants to save face and couldn't easily slaughter the donkey once it finished turning the millstone. Instead, they gave him an early chance to leave. As for what becomes of him... Si Tongyi lacks that kind of resolve; he likely just cast him out to fend for himself!* Li Wushao turned back, preparing to pick out a footwork technique. Unexpectedly, the hushed murmurs of the martial brothers drifted over on the breeze, washing past his ears. "Senior Brothers, have you heard... there seems to be movement on Lukui Pool!" Those words struck a chord in Li Wushao's heart. The foot that had been stepping over the threshold froze in midair. Hesitating for a fraction of an instant, he stepped inside and halted before the rows of shelves. Yet he did not shut the door. The voices of the martial brothers still drifted softly to his ears: "Eldest Senior Brother is always well-informed... Having resided overseas for so long, I know nothing of the inside details... What kind of movement was it?" Then came a clear voice deliberately lowered—it was their youngest junior brother, Si Xunhui, seated to the side: "I heard from the elders of my clan... that it seems a Great Real Person has returned." Like a clap of thunder, this voice nearly made Li Wushao lose his composure: *A Great Real Person?!* *An elder... What elder does the Si family even have left now?* "Real Person Sui Guan!" Quan Yuduan's astonished cry coincided almost exactly with Li Wushao's thought. That name visibly sent a chill through everyone present. This Real Person Sui Guan had emerged from the grotto-heaven and was rumored to possess an inhuman demeanor. Let alone the people of today, even the Chi family back then had regarded him with suspicion and dread! The loft fell into an uncanny silence. The three martial brothers sat clustered around the table. Zhao Junwei sighed, refilling tea for his two brothers. With a complex expression, Quan Yuduan remarked, "It's him..." Turning his face slightly, he appeared somewhat oppressed as he answered, "I only heard... that Real Person Qiuhu summoned Lin Wuning and Qin Xian... Neither showed anything unusual when they came out... It was only rumored that they're mobilizing personnel, scaling back several market towns, and increasing the tribute demands, but I haven't heard anything beyond that... Little Junior Brother's sources truly are impressive." Not only were the two of them feeling weighed down, but Si Xunhui's expression was hardly any better! Qingchi was indeed in an eventful, turbulent era and desperately needed Violet Mansions. Having a Great Real Person as backing was naturally a boon, but Sui Guan was no ordinary man! Not only did he share profound ties with True Monarch Lushui, but he was also ageless, possessing consummate divine abilities! Let alone Ning Wan now... even if Si Boxiu were resurrected, he would have no choice but to behave obediently before him. Yet Ning Wan had uttered not a word and given no directives whatsoever. The underlying implications sent shivers down the spine upon closer thought... Seeing both men rendered speechless, Si Xunhui spoke in a low tone, "According to the past rules of Qingchi, every Violet Mansion cultivator who attains the Dao in the Qingchi Sect must make a journey to Luyu Heaven..." He hesitated for a long while before finally sighing, "And suspended within this Luyu Heaven is an object called the Lutai Heart-Awakening Sword. Whenever a Violet Mansion enters the grotto-heaven, this sword hangs over their Shengyang Mansion and leaves a sword brand within it." "This thing is unfathomably profound. Whether it is that Lord's divine ability or some manner of dharma treasure remains a matter of debate to this day..." He continued, "However... my family's ancestors still regarded it as a dharma treasure. In contemporary terms, it would be a Golden Core dharma treasure, but in ancient records, it was referred to as a 'Station'. Since it originates from the Lushui path, it is known as the 'Lushui Station'." His Si family was handed down from antiquity and knew far more than the other two. As he spoke with a solemn countenance, both listeners were captivated. Si Xunhui said in all earnestness, "As for what this brand actually does, outsiders have no way of knowing. It is only rumored that it can protect the soul and prevent others from scouring it. Over all these years in Qingchi, whether Chi Wei or Sanyuan, every one of them entered it..." Quan Yuduan remained silent for a moment before murmuring, "I had only heard of the Golden Bridge Lock! I never imagined there was a Heart-Awakening Sword." Si Xunhui let out a quiet sigh. Having discussed this much, he felt he had talked too much and grew uneasy inside. He quickly chimed in, "Indeed, how could anyone guess? The one within Luyu Heaven is a heaven-sent genius and widely envied, not without good reason." He promptly dropped the subject and turned to ask Quan Yuduan, "Scaling back the market towns and raising the tribute... what kind of arrangement is that?" Quan Yuduan shook his head slightly and answered, "I only know of the part I oversee. According to the orders from above, over the next six months, the expenses and manpower used to maintain the markets, harvest spiritual resources, and preserve stability in the commanderies will be cut in half, and they might even be slashed further down the line..." "Over these years, the sect has suffered blow after blow, and our population was already sparse. Judging by the directives from above, the requirements for recruiting disciples have been raised again... Not only will they fail to fill the peaks, but we might end up with even fewer people!" Si Xunhui took mental note of this. His gaze naturally bypassed Quan Yuduan, looking past the open loft doors where numerous jade talismans chimed in the wind, before he lowered his head and sipped his tea. …… North Shore. Lingering snow fluttered down, mingling with the moonlight as it fell upon the steps. High upon Hanyun Peak, the main hall was brightly illuminated. A man clad in fine-scale armor sat upright in the seat of honor, slowly opening his eyes. Li Zhouwei had been cultivating on the North Shore for a time, focusing primarily on the *Xuanhong Technique*. Originally, this technique could be cultivated much faster within the realm where the sun and moon shone together, but the Great Real Person of Mount Luoxia had only just departed. Unlike ordinary people, his situation was far from safe right now, and upheavals continued in the north. He chose not to shave off that little bit of time and simply cultivated right here. Now, having completed his practice of the spell, he parted his lips slightly. A stream of white qi surged from his breath, transforming into various shapes in midair before swiftly scattering under the rush of chill air, leaving not a trace behind. *Though the Xuanhong Technique is difficult, it is not impossible to make progress in. Now that I have refined this breath of white qi, I have reached the entry level!* With a shift of his spiritual sense, he elevated it into the Great Void. Closing his eyes in mystic contemplation, he saw streams of pure qi, white as snow, swirling around the Shengyang Mansion like stars surrounding the moon, cradling the mansion. This was the Guanghong Pure Qi produced by the *Xuanhong Technique*, capable of healing the physical body. At present, he had formed only one measure of it. With his current level of attainment, he could gather at most three measures, with each measure taking roughly a year to accumulate. The prerequisite for gathering Guanghong Pure Qi was having an immaculate, unblemished body—meaning free of injuries. It did not require his constant attention like normal cultivation; once the spell was mastered, the qi would naturally be elevated and gathered on its own. The rate of accumulation depended on one's cultivation: Pure Qi was naturally the fastest, followed by the Twelve Qi. Mingyang was not particularly fast, but it was sufficient. Li Zhouwei silently estimated that while three measures would be serviceable for an ordinary cultivator, for someone like him it was trivial, only enough to patch up minor wounds. *In any case, it requires no manual effort to gather; once mastered, it can simply be left alone. Every day earlier it is completed is another day spent gathering. The sooner this technique deepens, the greater its utility will be.* Stepping out of the hall, he saw a robust, white-haired elder approach from the side, bow respectfully, and say in a raspy voice, "Subordinate has returned from the northern foothills with a reply. The masters of Mount Dali have entered seclusion. Though I met several demon generals, when the Lord will emerge remains unknown. According to Fellow Daoist Lu, it will likely not be a matter of a day or two." The last time the Great Real Person from Mount Luoxia appeared at Lijing Town, a white-robed man with four ears had stepped forward. At the time, Li Zhouwei had deduced that the man was likely that fox of even greater divine ability from Mount Dali. Although the northern foothills had always been the territory of the fox clan, and a Mount Luoxia Great Real Person showing up there warranted an inspection out of reason and propriety, combined with the Demon King Qingyu Qian's earlier words, there was ultimately some part of it done on Li Zhouwei's account... Li Zhouwei naturally had to express his gratitude. *Yet having friendly ties is one thing; the fox clan would never let this matter stick to themselves! For me to visit immediately after the Mount Luoxia Great Real Person's departure was bound to be sensitive!* Thus, he had dispatched the White Ape on an errand, sounding them out under the guise of visiting friends. Sure enough, the other party had entered seclusion early to avoid meetings, which made things clear to him. "I understand..." Unsurprised, Li Zhouwei dismissed the White Ape. Stepping into the Great Void, he pondered silently as he drew a jade slip from his sleeve: The *Jianghe Daling Scripture*! This item was unsealed now. It was indeed a Violet Mansion cultivation method of the Vast Sea path, rated as high as the fifth rank—doubtless the prized ancestral heritage of the Chen clan of the State of Ning! It came with various movement arts and spells, all exceedingly profound, though sadly incompatible with his elemental alignment. *Real Person Xiao's cultivation of the Kan Water path is known to all, and my family has always shared longstanding ties with the Xiao family. A copy of this should still be given to him, but it is inconvenient for me to go personally. Granduncle has interacted with him several times; striking while the iron is hot and having Granduncle make the trip to deliver it to him would be best.* Yet no sooner had he stepped into the Great Void than his expression shifted abruptly. The mortal realm shook violently with tremors of earth and mountain, prompting him to step back out onto the lake, his golden eyes snapping toward the southeast. There, across the southeastern sky, rolled waves of turbulent qi. Thunder roared amid eerie wails like weeping ghosts and howling wolves. Purple rain poured from the heavens as spiritual qi surged vigorously, churning the ambient spiritual flows into chaos. *Someone failed their breakthrough to the Violet Mansion!* With just a single glance, Li Zhouwei knew this person's foundation had been exceptionally profound. They had likely reached the very final step, only to fail to cross that crucial threshold and ultimately perish. Amid the showering rain, an anomalous peak of white misty surges soared into the sky. Visible from afar, it shattered the heavy rainclouds one by one to tower among the clouds. Dawn was breaking, draping itself over this mountain in the clouds and illuminating it in brilliant gold. *What a vast expanse of purple rain and white peak! Half the State of Yue must be able to see it!* Yet before he could finish marveling, within the hazy purple rain, an enormous, pitch-black mass abruptly appeared, floating steadily upward bit by bit! Upon this colossal entity, pavilions, terraces, and towers stood intact; pines and cypresses stood tall, still blanketed in snow; winding paths twisted through, and feather-robed cultivators could still be seen wheeling about, making it appear bustling with life. From far away came panicked cries: "A mountain?! What a massive mountain!" A towering peak was taking advantage of the phenomenon to soar into the sky! *Boom!* Only now did Li Zhouwei realize the source of the earlier earth-shaking tremors: *Someone is seizing the opportunity to move a mountain!* Looking from afar, countless cultivators took flight like ants from the ground, lifting their heads in stunned disbelief at the unprecedentedly enormous peak suspended in the sky. Meanwhile, the white qi amidst the clouds seemed to have spotted something irresistibly enticing. Streaming down from the heavens, it clung to the mountain, lifting and holding up the entire peak! By now, the wind and rain had ceased, though specks of earth could still be seen falling faintly in the distance. The mountain lingered in the sky for a brief moment, then, borne aloft by the white qi, drifted away, vanishing into the layered banks of mist and cloud. Watching the mountain rise into the firmament, Li Zhouwei's pupils dilated slightly, and a name slowly surfaced in his mind: "Xianyou Peak!"